And here we are with Chapter 37. Ladies and gentlemen, it pleases me to inform you that the next chapter after this will be the last in the Synchro Arc, which means we will be going to the Xyz Arc soon after. And with me on Christmas Vacation it should be coming sometime this week. I hope that you all are excited.
Now, let's get to it.
Chapter 37: The Birth of Yuya
Yuya's Mind
"Mom…is it really you?" Yuya asked as he looked at Ray.
Ray walked over to Yuya and she pulled Yuya into her arms and stroked his hair. "I'm sorry for all the bad things that have happened to you. Zarc and I never wanted this to happen, but we wanted you to have a future."
"Mom…" Yuya couldn't hold it in anymore. He started bawling as he hugged Ray back. Even though he has been through so many life-threatening situations that forced him to be mature, in the end, Yuya was still just a kid.
"I'm here for you. Always." Ray held Yuya closer. "My champion."
Yuzu vs Yusho
Yuya had stopped panicking and was now taking calm and relaxing breathes. "He's calm…" Jonouchi was surprised how fast Yuya calmed down.
"Did you four do something?" Shun asked Ruri, Rin and Serena.
"No, this is new." Ruri admitted as she looked at her bracelet.
Yusho had a ticked off look. "So that's where you were. This will cause a setback to our plans." Yusho turned and walked away.
"Where are you going?!" Yuzu asked.
"We know the outcome already. No point in continuing this pointless Duel." Yusho said.
"You know what. I agree with what everyone back home says about you! You're nothing but a coward!" Yuzu insulted making Yusho stop.
"What did you say, brat?" Yusho glared at Yuzu.
"You're a coward! A loser dog! A hundredth rate…no a thousandth rate Duelist!" Yuzu insulted. "If you want to prove me wrong that finish the Duel that you've started! I end my turn!" Yuzu finished.
"Fine, I'll finish the Duel. But know this, I will not be merciful." Yusho declared.
Yuya's Mind
Yuya had finally calmed down before letting go of Ray and wiping his tears. "Mom…there's…there's so much I need to ask you. The United World, Dad, Yusho, Eve, G.O.D. I…I don't know where to start."
"Well, Yuya. It's very long and complicated. But don't worry, I will tell you everything. Just…not all at once. You have other things to worry about." Ray said.
"Right…I still need to stop Roget and the Ark Cradle and then there's Heartland, Academia and Leo Akaba…uh, I mean…wait, do I have to call him grandpa? And wait, does that make Reiji my uncle?" Yuya scratched his head.
"You don't have to worry about that. And I think it's best that my father doesn't know about you. He doesn't even know that Zarc and I are married." Ray giggled at her son's confusing expression.
"Why not?" Yuya asked.
"Well, the thing is back in the United World, despite its advanced technology, our way of living was sort of old-fashioned. At least for my family." Ray revealed.
"What do you mean?" Yuya asked.
"My father was well respected and well known in developing the Real Solid Vision system. That made him pretty famous and well, people wanted to be part of that fame. So, they would try any means to be a part of it, whether it's through a partnership or…arranged marriages."
United World – Banquet
A fourteen-year-old Ray and Leo were attending a banquet that was full of major corporations and wealthy families in order to promote the latest update to the Real Solid Vision System.
Of course, Leo was being swamped with people asking to be a part of the Real Solid Vision project and Ray was off to the side with many boys wanting to get closer to her. Ray, of course, was really uncomfortable.
"Ray, come here!" Leo called out.
"Yes, Father!" Ray was glad to finally get away from the group of boys and be with her father.
"Ray, I would like you to meet Yuji Sakaki and his son, Yusho Sakaki." Leo introduced Yusho and his father. "Yuji is the current president of the Sakaki Incorporated, one of the companies that specializes in Duel Monsters."
"Pleasure to meet you, Ray." Yuji greeted.
"Yes." Ray bowed in respect.
"Our company is holding a training camp. How would you like to participate? Most of the champions have been previous participants of this camp." Yuji offered.
"It would be a good idea, Ray. You always did say that you wanted to be a Professional Duelist. Plus, it would be a good chance to make new friends." Leo said.
"I personally would like you to come to the camp. Especially since we're gonna be…" Yusho spoke.
"Yusho!" Yuji silenced him. "Please, excuse us." Yuji dragged Yusho away.
"What's he talking about Dad?" Ray asked.
"Well…the truth is…" Leo looked nervous.
Akaba Residence
"AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE?!" Ray exclaimed in front of her startling father. "But, Father, I thought we agreed not to do this."
"I know, Ray…but, the Sakaki Family has agreed to expand the use of the Real Solid Vision System into the Duel Monsters Game. Just imagine a new style of Dueling."
"You're picking the promotion of your work over your own daughter's happiness?!" Ray shouted.
"Th-That's not what I—" Leo tried to explain.
"I hate you!" Ray ran out of the room.
"Ray! Wait!" Leo called out but Ray was gone.
Yuya's Mind
"Did he change his mind later?" Yuya asked.
"Nope, I even challenged him to a Duel, but he saw through everything." Ray answered. "A little advice if you do face him, you need to think at least a hundred moves ahead. Not only can he predict what moves you'll make, he'll force you to make moves that work in his advantage.
East Path – Reiji and Tsukikage vs Leo Akaba
Leo LP: 4000, Hand: 2
Field: Scale 1 Spirit Reactor, Scale 10 Spirit Reactor, Spirit Tech Force – Pendulum Governor (ATK: 2800, LV: 7, PS: 4), 1 set card.
Reiji LP: 3200, Hand: 1
Field: Scale 6 DD Magical Savant Thomas, DDD Gale King – Alexander (ATK: 2500, LV: 7), DDD Stone King Darius (ATK: 1900, RNK: 3, OVU: 1)
Tsukikage LP: 3200, Hand: 0
Field: Scale 1 Twilight Ninja Jogen, Scale 10 Twilight Ninja Kagen, Twilight Ninja Shingetsu (ATK: 1500, LV: 4) Twilight Ninja Shogun Getsuga (ATK: 2000, LV: 8), 1 set card.
"It seems I have destroyed your formation so easily, Reiji. Such a shame. All that work for nothing." Leo said.
"Don't count me out yet. You may have Pendulum and access to the other Summon Methods again, but I can still fight. I still have more Fusion, Synchro and Xyz Monsters ready to be called out." Reiji declared.
"Those won't do you any good." Leo revealed. "As long as Pendulum Governor is on the field, my opponent can only attack with Pendulum Monsters, and even then, only Pendulum Monsters that are outside my current scale are allowed to do so."
"In other words, we can only attack with Level 10 or higher Pendulum Monsters." Tsukikage summarized. "Forgive me, Reiji, it was my scale that created this situation."
"Don't blame yourself, Tsukikage. Our options may be limited, but it's still proof that we have a chance to turn this Duel into our favor. My turn! Draw!" Reiji drew his card.
"We can't attack your monsters, but we can still destroy it with Magic and Trap Cards! I activate the Magic Card: Black Hole! This card destroys all monsters on the field!" A large hole started to suck in all the monsters.
"I activate Spirit Reactor's Pendulum Effect! When there is an Earth, Fire, Wind or Water monster on the field, once per turn, my monsters cannot be destroyed in battle or card effects!" Leo revealed. Spirit Reactor protected Pendulum Governor while Reiji's and Tsukikage's monsters were destroyed.
"It seems the only way to defeat that monster is to use Light or Dark Attribute Pendulum Monsters." Tsukikage said.
"In that case, I activate the Magic Card: Treasure Cards of the Kings! By banishing all DDD monsters in my Graveyard, I can draw two cards for each one! I banish Temujin, Alexander and Darius, so I draw six cards!" Reiji replenished his hand.
"Using the Scale 1 DDD Knowledge King Tomb Conquistador and the already set Scale 6 DD Magical Savant Thomas, I set the Pendulum Scale!" Reiji set his scale. "With this, I can simultaneously summon monsters from Levels 2 to 5!"
"Pendulum Summon! Revive from the Extra Deck, DD Brownie (ATK: 0, LV: 3, PS: 2)! And from my hand, DD Pandora (ATK: 1700, LV: 5)" Reiji's summoned his two monsters. "When DD Brownie is Pendulum Summoned from the Extra Deck, I can release this card and another DD monster on my field to activate its Monster Effect! I release DD Brownie and DD Pandora!" Reiji sent them to the Graveyard.
"This allows me to Special Summon DDD Knowledge King Tomb Conquistador (ATK: 3000, LV: 10, PS: 1) from my Pendulum Zone!" Reiji summoned Conquistador.
"Alright, Tomb Conquistador is Level 10! It's not within the Pendulum Scale so it can attack!" Reira smiled.
"Even so, I will only take a mere 200 points of damage." Leo pointed out.
"I activate Tomb Conquistador's effect! I send a Contract card from my hand to the Graveyard to increase its Attack Points by 1000!" Reiji shouted.
Tomb Conquistador (ATK: 3000→4000)
"Battle! Tomb Conquistador, attack Pendulum Governor! The End of Empire!" Tomb Conquistador unleashed a purple lightning strike.
"I activate my Trap—" Leo was gonna play his trap.
"Useless! When Tomb Conquistador attacks, my opponent cannot activate Magic or Trap cards until the end of the Damage Step!" Reiji revealed.
"What?!" Leo gasped.
"You already used your Pendulum Effect to protect your monster, now it's destroyed!" Tomb Conquistador destroyed Pendulum Governor and Leo took damage.
Leo LP: 4000→2800
"I set one card and end my turn!" Reiji finished. "At this moment, Tomb Conquistador's effect ends and his Attack Points return to normal.
Tomb Conquistador (ATK: 4000→3000)
Leo LP: 2800, Hand: 2
Reiji LP: 3200, Hand: 2
Tsukikage LP: 3200, Hand: 0
"This all but proves that you are fake." Reiji fixed his glasses. "The real Leo Akaba is arrogant, but not even he would let his guard down even after he dominates the field. This will lead to your downfall."
"You may have been able to damage me, but I'm not done yet." Leo grunted.
"I won't let you get another turn!" Tsukikage declared. "My turn! Draw!" Tsukikage drew his card.
"I activate Dimension Highway's effect! I pay 1000 Life Points to open the Ritual Gate!" The Ritual Gate opened for Tsukikage.
Tsukikage LP: 3200→2200
"I can add one Ritual Magic and Ritual Monster from my deck to my hand. "Next, I activate the Ritual Magic: Ninjutsu Art of Lightning!" An altar appeared in the middle of the room. "This allows me to Ritual Summon a Twilight Ninja Ritual Monster! I release the Level 4 Twilight Ninja Shingetsu and the Level 8 Twilight Ninja Shogun Getsuga!"
"Shinobi blessed with the nature of lightning, arise from your slumber and wipe out the enemies of darkness! Ritual Summon! Descend! Level 12! Twilight Ninja Sage, Raiju (ATK: 3800, LV: 12)!" Tsukikage summoned a Ritual Ninja dressed is gold armor with a spear of lightning.
"Amazing. He Ritual Summoned a Level 12 Ritual Monster." Asuka was amazed.
"Twilight Ninja Sage Raiju's effect activates! Once per turn, by banishing a Twilight Ninja Monster in my Graveyard, I can destroy all Magic and Trap Cards on my opponent's field!" Raiju raised his spear and lightning shot out of it and destroyed the rest of Leo's cards.
"It's over! Battle! Twilight Ninja Sage Raiju! Direct Attack! Chidori!" Raiju gathered lightning in its spear and charged towards Leo Akaba. "At this moment, I activate Twilight Ninja Kagen's Pendulum Effect! Once per turn, when a Ninja monster attacks, I can make that monster gain 500 Attack Points!"
Twilight Ninja Sage Raiju (ATK: 3800→4300)
"If this attack goes through…" Asuka smiled.
"Big Brother and Tsukikage wins!" Reira finished.
"Don't underestimate me! From my hand, I activate the effect of Spirit Crystal – Phoenix Core! By discarding this card from my hand to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Pendulum Monster from my Extra Deck with its effects negated! Revive! Pendulum Governor (DEF: 2500, LV: 7, PS: 4)!" Leo brought back his Pendulum Monster. Raiju then struck Pendulum Governor.
"The monster Special Summoned by Phoenix Core's effect, cannot be destroyed on the turn it is summoned!" Leo said.
"I activate Twilight Ninja Jogen's Pendulum Effect! Once per turn, when a Ninja monster I control battles a monster in Defense Position, it deals piercing damage!" Tsukikage added and Leo was hit by lightning.
Leo LP: 2200→400
"We are close to victory." Tsukikage thought as he looked at the last card in his hand. "At the end of the Battle Phase, Kagen's Pendulum Effect ends and Raiju's Attack Points return to normal. I set one card and end my turn!"
Twilight Ninja Sage Raiju (ATK: 4300→3800)
Leo LP: 400, Hand: 1
Reiji LP: 3200, Hand: 2
Tsukikage LP: 2200, Hand: 0
"They were so close." Reira got upset.
"Don't worry, they have control of the situation." Asuka assured Reira.
"I…won't lose…" Leo grunted.
"You can't beat us. You're nothing but a poor imitation of him." Reiji said. "You can't win against the two of us."
"Shut up! I will beat you…for Roget! My turn! Draw!" Leo drew his card. "I summon Spirit Crystal – Salamander Core (ATK: 0, LV: 2, PS: 3)! Next, I activate the Magic Card: Fusion! I fuse Pendulum Governor with Salamander Core!" Both monsters entered the spiraling vortex.
"Here it comes, Reiji." Tsukikage prepared himself.
"I know." Reiji nodded.
"Mechanical soldiers in which spirits dwell. Obtain a new power and return as an invincible army! Fusion Summon! Assemble! Level 12! Master Spirit Tech Force - Pendulum Ruler (ATK: 3500, LV: 12, PS: 1)!" Leo brought out a Fusion-Pendulum Monster.
"A Fusion-Pendulum Monster!" Asuka exclaimed.
"Pendulum Ruler cannot be destroyed by card effects, also monsters on my opponent's field whose Level is lower or equal to this card other than Pendulum Monsters cannot attack and their effects are negated!" Leo revealed.
"Which means I can't use Raiju's effect to negate his attack." Tsukikage thought.
"Then, I reveal my Trap Card: Absolute Authority! This card has two effects. You may have prevented me from using the first one, but I can still use the second one! When I have a Spirit monster on my field, I can take control of one Pendulum Monster on my opponent's field! I take control of Tomb Conquistador!"
"What?!" Reiji gasped as his monster went to Leo's field.
"Battle! Tomb Conquistador, attack Reiji! And as you know, when Tomb Conquistador attacks, you cannot activate Magic or Trap Cards! The End of Empire!" Leo made Reiji's monster attack him and Reiji was knocked off his feet.
Reiji LP: 3200→200
"Reiji!" Tsukikage called out.
"When the monster I took control deals battle damage, Absolute Authority's additional effect destroys all non-Pendulum Monsters on the field and the controller takes damage equal to half of the destroyed monster's Attack Points!" Raiju was destroyed and Tsukikage was blown back.
Tsukikage LP: 2200→300
"Now to end this! Pendulum Ruler! Direct Attack Reiji!" Pendulum Ruler unleashed its attack on Reiji.
"I activate my Trap Card: Barrier Ninjutsu – Technique of Comrades! This card can only be activated when I have two cards in my Pendulum Zone! By destroying my cards, all Battle Damage will be inflicted to me!" Tsukikage revealed.
"Tsukikage!" Reiji shouted as Pendulum Ruler's attack changed to Tsukikage and he was blown back.
Tsukikage LP: 300→0
"Tch…at least I got one defeated." Leo said.
"I'm not done yet…" Tsukikage grunted. "I activate my other Trap Card: Will of the Shinobi. This card allows me to Special Summon two Ninja monsters from my Graveyard to my opponent's field. I Special Summon Shingetsu (ATK: 1500, LV: 4) and Getsuga (ATK: 2000, LV: 8) to Reiji's field."
"I leave the rest to you, Reiji. I know you can win." Tsukikage passed out.
"Tsukikage!" Reira cried out.
"This will show you not to underestimate me." Leo said. He saw Reiji's blank face. "I like the look on your face, the heartless expression of a fallen comrade. Guess you really are my son. You only look out for yourself."
"I'm not that person anymore…" Reiji said with a cold dark tone that made the whole room cold. "I made mistakes that made me lose the trust of Duelists that have the potential to end Leo Akaba's war. But I'm not gonna hold back my emotions anymore. I will unleash my rage!" Reiji slammed his hand into the ground and the ground glowed blue.
"Wh-What is this?!"
Standard Dimension – Ishtar Home
The very last of the Egyptian God Cards glowed and it disappeared.
East Path
"My turn! Draw!" Reiji drew a card from the ground. "With the already set Scale 6 DD Magical Savant Thomas, I set the Scale 8 DD Magical Savant Albert in the Pendulum Scale! Now I can simultaneously summon Level 7 monsters! Pendulum Summon! Appear from my hand! DD Magical Savant Newton (ATK: 0, LV: 7, PS: 10)!"
"Next, I release Newton, Twilight Ninja Shingetsu and Getsuga! God of Egypt, resonate with my anger and crush all those that bring distortion to the world! Appear! The Egyptian God! The Giant Divine Soldier of Obelisk (ATK: 4000, LV: 10)!" Obelisk appeared.
"The last of the Egyptian Gods…" Asuka was shocked. "I heard that Osiris chose Yuya and Ra chose Sawatari, does that mean, Obelisk chose Reiji?"
"Battle! Obelisk, attack Pendulum Ruler!" Reiji shouted.
"But Pendulum Ruler cannot be attack by other monster—" Leo tried to argue.
"This is not a monster! It's a god!" Reiji shouted. "Go! Obelisk! God Hand Crusher!" Obelisk reared its fist and then thrust forward and instantly destroyed Pendulum Ruler and sending the fake Leo Akaba flying. The shockwave from the attack was so strong that it destroyed the cage that Reira and Asuka were in.
Leo LP: 200→0
Winner: Reiji and Tsukikage.
Reiji panted as he was still angry before biting his lip to calm himself down. "Big Brother?" Reira approached Reiji.
"I'm okay, Reira." Reira went to the fake Leo and grabbed the key from him. "Come on, we have to join the others." Reiji went to Tsukikage and picked him up.
"Right." Asuka agreed and the group left the room.
Yuya's Mind
"So, you went to the camp, what was it like?" Yuya asked.
"It was okay at first, but with Yusho running the camp, he showed his true colors. He would insult those that tried hard which made some of them quit Dueling all together. He even tried to do it on me. Just thinking about what he says still makes me angry to this day."
"What did he say?" Yuya asked.
"You should just stick with being a housewife and taking care of our ten boys once we get married." Ray growled. "He was the worst and no one had the courage to tell him off. And nothing I said got through his thick skull because I couldn't win. It was frustrating…
"Mom…" Yuya felt bad that his mother didn't have a good childhood either.
"But then…one day, everything changed." Ray smiled.
United World – Duel Monsters Camp
"Now, who wants the honor to face me today?!" Yusho asked the other campers.
"Uh, I left my deck in my room."
"I have a stomachache."
"I think my allergies are coming up."
Most of the campers came up with excuses not to get humiliated by Yusho. "How about you, Ray?" Yusho asked. "You're always raring to go against me."
"I'm not in a mood, Yusho." Ray crossed her arms and huffed.
"Oh, don't be like that. We're gonna be together for the rest of lives." Yusho put his arm around her.
"I'm not marrying you." Ray spat.
"Oh please, I'm the best Duelist in the world. There's no one who could beat me." Yusho boasted.
"Uh, sir. Excuse me." One of the counselors came up to Yusho.
"Can't you see I'm busy." Yusho groaned.
"Yes sir, but a new camper has just enrolled into the campus and he says he wants to Duel the best Duelist here." The counselor said.
"Oh boy, time to give another naïve kid a reality check. What's his name?" Yusho asked.
"Um…Zarc Ryuga." The counselor said.
"Sounds stupid. Let's get this over with." Yusho said.
Duel Field
All the campers gathered around the field to see the Duel, even though they knew what the outcome would be.
"I feel bad for the kid."
"Yeah, Yusho-senpai doesn't hold back against anybody."
"I hope he doesn't give up on his dream."
Ray watched from the sidelines as Yusho yawned as he waited for Zarc to come.
"This way, Zarc." The counselor said.
Ray turned and she saw the silver haired teen with light green highlights. "That guy looks pretty weak." Ray narrowed her eyes.
"Alright, now that the rookie is here, let's begin!" Yusho announced.
Zarc looked around with a confused look. "Hey, old man! Where's my opponent?" Everyone gasped as Yusho gets really pissed when people call him old. But to Ray, this made her giggle a bit.
"Who are you calling old?! I'm your opponent! The great Yusho Sakaki!" Yusho introduced himself.
"Yusho Sakaki…Yusho Sakaki…" Zarc scratched his head. "Oh, now I know you." Yusho smiled with pride. "You're that doofus that always makes a fool out of himself with cheesy magic tricks and wins by pure luck."
This made Ray snort and laugh out loud and soon enough the entire camp started laughing as well. "You brat! That's it, it's time I show you the strength of a Pro!" Yusho activated his Duel Disk.
Yuya took out his deck from his pocket and he smiled. "Alright, guys. Let's show him how we do things back home." Zarc inserted his Duel Disk. "Don't be surprised when I beat you Senpai!"
"Duel!" Yusho and Zarc declared.
Everyone still expected a one-sided Duel, but after a couple more turns, both Yusho and Zarc were evenly matched. Eventually, Yusho had his ace Entermate Sky Magician and Zarc had Odd-Eyes Dragon on his field.
"Damn it. I end my turn." Yusho finished.
Odd-Eyes roared. "I hear ya, Odd-Eyes. This guy really does like to make himself look like an idiot. But hey, everyone has their style." Zarc responded. This made Odd-Eyes grunt.
"Would you quit talking to your dragon, it's stupid." Yusho said.
"Huh? What's stupid about connecting with your cards?" Zarc asked.
"Cards are just cards, nothing more nothing less. They're nothing but tools for us to win." Yusho said.
This made Odd-Eyes growl. "Wow, for a Champion you're a novice when it comes to Duel Monsters." Zarc said.
"What did you say?" Yusho growled.
"Odd-Eyes is more than just a card. He's a friend that I can always depend on. I mean, everyone has a card that they treasure more than anything. Let me show you the bond between me and Odd-Eyes!" Zarc smiled and Odd-Eyes roared in agreement.
The two continued back and forth before Odd-Eyes successfully destroyed Sky Magician. "N-No way…my ace…" Yusho was shocked.
"I win, Senpai! Go, Odd-Eyes! Spiral Flame!" Odd-Eyes attacked Yusho and he was blown away.
Winner: Zarc
Everyone was shocked that Yusho, the World Champion, lost to a new camper. Suddenly, cheers erupted all over the camp and everyone ran to Zarc.
"That was so cool!"
"Your dragon was amazing!"
"Hey, how did you do it?"
"Can I do that with my cards?"
"It's nothing special, just trust your cards and your cards will answer you back. Ain't that right, partner?" Zarc asked Odd-Eyes and the dragon grunted as Zarc petted him.
"Let's hear it for Zarc!"
"Zarc! Zarc! Zarc!" All the campers chanted for Zarc.
Yusho grunted as he got up. "I can't believe I lost to this punk?" Yusho growled. "Whatever, I'm still the Champion." Yusho was gonna walk off until he noticed that Ray was looking at Zarc with admiration. "What the hell?!"
Yuya's Mind
"In just one Duel, Zarc changed my view on him." Ray gushed. "He was strong, but still gentle and he was willing to help others without expecting anything in return."
"Wow, I didn't think you thought of Dad like that before. I thought it was love at first sight from what I've seen." Yuya recalled his earlier looking at his parent's relationship.
"Well, I still didn't know him that well back then. So, I was still a bit wary." Ray admitted.
"So, how did you and Dad fall in love?" Yuya asked.
"Well…it was like this." Ray explained.
United World – Duel Monsters Camp
Ray yawned as she headed back to her room. "Man, today was such a drag." Ray turned around the corner and she saw Yusho outside her room.
"What do you want now, Yusho? It's late." Ray asked tiredly.
"I saw you." Yusho said angrily. "What are you doing looking at that loser? I'm your husband so you only look at me!"
"Well, I'm sorry. I'm just tired of the same boring show." Ray apologized sarcastically. "And you're not my husband!"
"We will be married no matter what! And now I need you to make me feel better." Yusho demanded.
"Fine. Here are some comforting words for you. Quit your whining and get over yourself!" Ray shouted and pushed Yusho aside and went into her room and locked the door.
"You little!" Yusho used a master key to open Ray's door and forced himself in there.
"Get ou—" Ray screamed before Yusho covered her mouth. Yusho closed the door and then threw Ray on her bed.
"Stop it! Get off me!" Ray slapped Yusho and kicked him off her. Ray tried to get off the bed but Yusho tackled her down and restrained her.
"It's time I put you in your place!" Yusho reached for Ray's shirt.
Just then the door opened. "Get away from her!" Zarc tackled Yusho off of Ray and on to the floor.
"Why you little!" Yusho grabbed Zarc and punched him right in the face.
"Someone!" Ray opened the door and screamed out loud.
"What's wrong?!" A couple of security officers came to the scene.
"Help Zarc!" Ray begged and the officers went in and restrained Yusho and took him away.
"This isn't over!" Yusho shouted before he and the officers were out of sight.
Ray went to Zarc who sat up and groaned. "Are you okay?" Ray asked.
"Don't worry, I've been in worst fights." Zarc winced as he held his black eye. "Oh yeah, that's a shiner."
Camp Infirmary
Ray finished putting a medical pad on Zarc's eye. "I'm sorry. Because of me you got hurt." Ray apologized.
"It wasn't your fault, that Yusho is a coward." Zarc said. "Besides, I can't stand by and let something bad happen. That's just not who I am."
"Well, it was really brave what you did. Not a lot of people have the guts to go against Yusho." Ray said.
"What is his deal anyway?" Zarc questioned. "Why is he acting so high and mighty?"
"Yusho is the World Champion of Duel Monsters." Ray explained. "So, of course, the fame and fortune got to him. Not only that, his family is one of the largest companies that specializes in Duel Monsters. Because of that, he expects everyone to obey his every command."
"I see…okay!" Zarc shouted. "I've decided, I'm gonna be the World Champion! I'll show everyone my Dueling and defeat Yusho on the grand stage!"
"Huh?" Ray was shocked. "But the Pro Leagues are super tough to get in. You have to win multiple tournaments and get a letter of recommendation from one of the major companies."
"A challenge huh? That makes me fired up!" Zarc said.
"Are you not listening to me?" Ray asked.
"I heard ya, but that's not gonna stop me. It's my dream to be the World Champion. Even if it takes me years, and even if the chances of winning are 0%, I'm gonna run straight forward to be the best Duelist in the world with my partner!" Zarc smiled as he took out Odd-Eyes from his deck.
"You…" Ray sighed in disbelief before smiling. "You're crazy…but maybe that's what's needed to take Yusho down a peg. Go for it, Zarc. I'll be cheering for you."
"You heard that Odd-Eyes? I knew I was right to pick her." Zarc spoke to his dragon.
"Pick me for what?" Ray asked.
"Oh, uh…" Zarc blushed a bit and scratched his cheek. "Well, pick you as my best friend."
Ray gasped a little when Zarc said that. She always had a hard time making friends because people that tried to be friends with her only wanted to get close to her to get to her father, but Zarc…he just wanted to be friends with her and nothing more. She smiled warmly at Zarc and he smiled back.
Yuya's Mind
"For the first time in my life, I had one true friend." Ray said. "Ever since then, Zarc and I would always hang out, whether it was Dueling or studying for school, we were always there for each other."
"Even though I wanted to be a Pro Duelist, I wanted to wait until I finished school just in case it didn't work out. But your father never hesitated to go after his dreams. He was a true Duel Monsters idiot." Ray explained.
"Yeah, I saw all that. Dad proposed to you before graduating and him entering his first Pro League and then becoming a champion." Yuya recalled the moments he saw before.
"Then, I guess it's time you see the best day of our lives." The scene around them changed.
Yuzu vs Raider
Yuzu LP: 1400, Hand: 0
Field: Scale 4 Wolfsbane the Melodious Diva, Scale 9 Alto the Melodious Songstress, Melodious Floral Muse – Bloom Diva (ATK: 1000, LV: 6), Melodious Flower Dragon (ATK: 2500, LV: 7, PS: 4), 2 set cards.
Yusho LP: 2100, Hand: 0
Field Odd-Eyes Light Phoenix (DEF: 1000, LV: 5, PS: 3)
"My turn! Draw!" Yusho drew his card. "I activate the Magic Card: Treasure Card of the Heavens! This card allows us both to draw until we have six cards in our hands!" Both Yusho and Yuzu drew six cards.
"From my hand, I activate the Magic Card: Resurrection of the Dead! Revive! Entermate Sky Magician (ATK: 2500, LV: 7)!" Yusho brought back his ace monster.
"Next, I activate the Continuous Magic: Magician's Right Hand! Once per turn, when my opponent activates a Magic Card while I control a Spellcaster-type monster on my field, I can negate that activation and destroy! Also, due to Sky Magician's effect, when a Continuous Magic is activated, it gains 300 Attack Points!
Entermate Sky Magician (ATK: 2500→2800)
"Next, I summon Entermate Sky Pupil (ATK: 800, LV: 3)!" Yusho summoned a kid with big rings.
"Battle! Sky Pupil, attack Bloom Diva!" Sky Pupil jumped towards Bloom Diva.
"Why is he attacking when Bloom Diva is stronger?" Rua questioned.
"Sky Pupil's effect! When this monster attacks when I control Sky Magician, this card's Attack Points is doubled!" Yusho revealed.
Sky Pupil (ATK: 800→1600)
"You're Bloom Diva's effect only works on Special Summoned monsters!" Yusho said as Sky Pupil went to kick Bloom Diva.
"I activate my Trap Card: Musical Mayhem! This card inflicts 800 points of damage for every Melodious monster on my field!" Yuzu played her Trap Card. "I have two, therefore you take 1600 points of damage!"
"Useless! Sky Magician's effect! Once per turn, I can return one Continuous Magic Card on my field to my hand and activate another Continuous Magic! I return Magician's Right Hand to my hand to the activate the Continuous Magic: Magician's Left Hand! With this card, once per turn, when my opponent activates a Trap Card while I control a Spellcaster-type monster, that card's activation is negated and destroyed!" Yuzu's trap was destroyed.
"And then, with another Continuous Magic activated, Sky Magician gains 300 Attack Points!" Yuzu added.
Sky Magician (ATK: 2800→3100)
Sky Pupil destroyed Bloom Diva and Yuzu grunted as she took damage.
Yuzu LP: 1400→800
"But at this moment, I activate Alto's Pendulum Effect! When a Melodious Fusion Monster is destroyed, I can Special Summon one of its Fusion Materials from the Graveyard! I Special Summon Prodigy Mozart (ATK: 2600, LV: 8)!" Yuzu brought back her original ace.
"Sky Magician, attack Melodious Flower Dragon!" Sky Magician flew to Melodious Flower Dragon and destroyed her, knocking Yuzu off her feet.
Yuzu LP: 800→200
"Yuzu!" Gongenzaka cried out.
"I set one card and end my turn!" Yusho finished. "Face it, you're too weak to defeat me! I never lose! Give up!"
Yuya's Mind – Duel Colosseum
Yuya and Ray were in one of the waiting rooms where Zarc was taking a deep breath. "It's finally time, guys. The moment we all have been waiting for." Zarc said. Odd-Eyes, Dark Rebellion, Clear Wing and Starve Venom appeared.
"Let's do this, Zarc!" Odd-Eyes said.
"Time to knock that guy off his throne." Dark Rebellion agreed.
"I can't wait to beat that magician up." Clear Wing declared.
"Get in line, I called first dibs." Starve Venom argued.
Zarc chuckled at his dragon's antics when the door opened to reveal Ray. "Hey, honey. It's almost time."
"Right." Zarc smiled. "I'm definitely gonna win for the two of you." Zarc put his hand on Ray's stomach. "Make sure to cheer for me."
Both Zarc and Ray headed to the stage when Ray suddenly gasped and held her stomach. "Ray? What's wrong?" Zarc ran to her.
"Zarc…I think…I think he wants to cheer you in person." Ray revealed.
"N-Now? Like right now?!" Zarc's eyes widened. "Uh, okay. Let's go to the hospital!"
"Zarc, you're Duel." Ray said.
"But I can't leave you." Zarc said.
"We'll take care of her." Zarc's grandma and grandpa walked up to them. "You just focus on your Duel." Zarc's Grandpa said.
"Grandma. Grandpa." Zarc said.
"Do it, Zarc." Ray winced. "Remember, win for us."
Zarc looked at Ray and then his grandparents who both nodded and then got a determined look on his face. "Listen, I'll head over as soon as I'm done." Zarc kissed Ray and then ran towards the stage.
"Come on, dear, let's get you going." Zarc's grandma said as she and grandpa walked Ray the other direction.
"You were very impatient." Ray smiled at her son.
"S-Sorry. You probably had a tough time." Yuya apologized.
"Of course, I did. This is why women are stronger than men." Ray said.
The scenes changed back and forth between Zarc's Duel with Yusho and Ray going into labor and screaming in pain.
Eventually it got to the point where Zarc was very low on Life Points and on his knee. "Face it, you can't beat me! It was just pure luck that you beat me the first time!" Yusho declared. "Give up!"
Meanwhile, Ray had finished given birth, but the doctors quickly took Yuya away, confusing her. "Wh-What's going on?" Ray gasped.
"Ray, remember, you're a few weeks early." Zarc's grandma explained.
"Is Yuya…is Yuya gonna be okay?" Ray asked.
"All we can do is hope." Zarc's grandpa answered.
"What about Zarc?" Ray asked.
"It's not looking good." Zarc's grandpa admitted.
Zarc panted as his dragons appeared behind him. "Zarc, we can feel it. Your son…your son is fighting just to see you and Ray." Odd-Eyes spoke.
"Man, I'm pathetic. My son is fighting for his life while I'm here thinking of giving up." Zarc chuckled at himself. "Well, if my son isn't giving up, then as his father, I have no excuse complaining!"
Yuzu vs Yusho
"Damn it…he's strong…" Yuzu groaned. "If this keeps up…Yuya…"
"Hey…don't tell me you're giving up?" Yuzu heard a voice.
"Huh? Who are you?" Yuzu asked.
"I'm just like you. I want to protect Yuya." The voice answered. "You love him, don't you?"
"Yes…I do." Yuzu admitted.
"Then use that love. Use it to obtain a new power. A power that lets you walk with Yuya instead of behind him." The voice said.
Yuzu grunted as she sat back up and got to her feet. "You should give up." Yuzu said.
"Huh?" Yusho perked up.
"You should give up…on me giving up!" Yuzu declared. Yusho's eyes widened. Those words, they were the same as…
United World – Duel Colosseum
"You should give up…on me giving up!" Zarc smiled at Yusho. "Let's go, Odd-Eyes!" Zarc roared along with Odd-Eyes as both of them were encased with light that shook the entire colosseum.
Yuzu vs Yusho
"My turn! Draw!" Yuzu drew her card.
I activate my Trap Card: Melodious Flower Armor!" Yuzu played her set card and her body glowed as she was encased in armor that resembled Melodious Flower Dragon.
"This armor is treated as a Fairy-type Level 4 Pendulum Monster!" Yuzu revealed.
"I activate my Continuous Trap: Sky Illusion! When Sky Magician is on the field, my Spellcaster-type monsters cannot be destroyed in battle or by card effects! Also, my opponent can only attack Sky Magician!"
"That won't stop me! The conditions have been set, when I have Melodious Flower Dragon in my Extra Deck, by releasing two Fairy-type monsters on my field, I can Pendulum Summon this card regardless of the scale!"
"What?! Pendulum Summon regardless of the scale!" Yusho gasped.
"Armor that contains the power of flowers, encase my body in order to shine light and bloom the earth! Overscale Pendulum! Come forth! Level 10! Supreme Queen Armor – Cherry Blossom (ATK: 3800, LV: 10, PS: 0)!" Yuzu's armor began to transform into the colors of a cherry blossom flower.
"Yuzu has armor too?!" Serena was in shock.
"Amazing." Ruri was amazed.
"Battle! I attack Sky Magician!" Yuzu charged towards Sky Magician.
"I don't know what you're planning but…I activate Entermate Odd-Eyes Light Phoenix's effect! By releasing this card one Entermate monsters on my field gains 1000 Attack Points!"
Sky Magician (ATK: 3100→4100)
"At this moment, I activate Cherry Blossom's effect! By discarding Pendulum Monsters in my hand to the Graveyard, one monster on my opponent's field losses 1000 Attack Points for each one!" Yuzu showed four cards. "I discard four of my Pendulum Monsters!" Yuzu then shot out Cherry Blossoms that formed a tornado around Sky Magician and made him weaker.
Sky Magician (ATK: 4100→100)
"Impossible!" Yusho gasped.
"Take this! Springtime Lotus!" Yuzu charged right through Sky Magician and headed for Yusho. This made Yusho's eyes widen as when Yuzu charged at him, it looked like Zarc coming at him.
"This is for Yuya!" Yuzu appeared in front of Yusho and whacked him super hard with her paper fan.
Yusho LP: 2100→0
Winner: Yuzu Hiiragi
United World – Duel Colosseum
Zarc gave Yusho an uppercut that knocked him out cold and ending the Duel.
Winner: Zarc Ryuga
"It's over! We have a new champion! And his name is Zarc Ryuga!" The announcer made it official and the whole audience cheered. "This is an amazing moment! We have just witnessed…hey, where is he going?" Everyone saw Zarc quickly running out of the arena.
United World – Hospital
Zarc ran through the hallways of the hospital before spotting his grandparents. "Grandma! Grandpa! What happened?! Is everything okay?" Zarc asked.
"We had a little scare…but he pulled through." Zarc's grandpa explained.
"Now, go see your son." Zarc's grandma pushed him to Ray's room.
Zarc looked at the door before taking a deep breath and he opened the door. He saw Ray smiling and holding the Odd-Eyes plushie in front of tiny hands trying to reach for it.
"Here, your father got this for you." Ray cooed. Zarc then heard the sound of a baby's laugh. Ray then noticed Zarc and she smiled at him before looking down. "Yuya, do you want to see your father?"
Zarc walked to Ray's bedside and Ray held out Yuya. Zarc took Yuya in his arms and Yuya giggled as he saw Zarc and gave him a big smile. Zarc smiled back and tickled his son. "Good job, Champ. You got to finally see us."
Zarc then sat next to Ray and hugged her tight. "Thank you, Ray."
"Thank you, Zarc." Ray smiled at hugged him back.
Both Zarc and Ray looked at the very happy Yuya. "Thank you, Yuya. Our champion." They both said.
Yuya's Mind
The scene went back to normal. "Wow. I guess I do have something to thank Yusho for. If it wasn't for his actions, you and Dad would never have gotten together."
"I'm sure we would've found each other eventually. But you're right, thanks to Yusho, I was able to be happy with my family." Ray smiled. "Oh, it looks like the Duel is over. Yuzu won. And it seems Reiji is joining us."
"That means there's just one more obstacle left." Yuya said. "Mom, I'm sorry. I got to go. I need to save Neo Domino."
"Don't worry, I'll be here. Always." Ray went to her son and kissed his forehead. "Go get them, Champ."
"See ya." Yuya disappeared.
Ray smiled at the spot where Yuya disappeared when she heard someone approaching her. "He's growing up."
"Yeah." Walking next to her was Odd-Eyes Yuya. "And he'll keep growing, together with his friends."
"You know, if Yusho is here then that means." Ray said.
"Yeah, Eve and Genesis are around as well." Odd-Eyes Yuya nodded. "We both have to be ready when they do appear."
"So, when are you gonna reveal your true form?" Ray asked.
"I failed him, Ray. I failed you. I failed everyone." Odd-Eyes Yuya said.
"It wasn't your fault." Ray pointed out. "Yuya wouldn't blame you."
"But I caused it all to happen. Even though it was Genesis' Plan, even though Yusho gave me that card, I was the trigger that destroyed our home." Odd-Eyes Yuya changed into Zarc.
And done. Man, a lot happened in this chapter, but I hope that you all enjoyed it.
Tell me what you think of this chapter in the reviews and if you have questions, you can PM me and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Thanks for reading and I will see you next time.
Preview: With all three keys, the Guardians are finally able to enter Roget's room and face off with him for real. With only one hour left until the Ark Cradle fires on Neo Domino, Yuya and Jack take on Roget together. However, Roget has one more trick up his sleeve.
Next Time: Become the Path the Light Shines Upon!