Chapter 23
Invasion - A Regretful Thought
"Damn it!" Kurosaki cursed aloud."I can't believe that bastard got away so easily while we were aiding him unintentionally."
Sawatari, who was running next to him gritted his teeth."How dare he played us like his pawns?! No way I'm letting this go unchecked!"
Gongenzaka sighed."Regardless, we cannot let him go on his way. We must stop him!"
Karmio, Atsuke and Mani all snickered at them all."You fools." Karmio began."There's no way to get out of here. He must have locked the elevator or something."
"That's ridiculous." Shinji chimed into the conversation."Besides, he looked as if it was in a hurry so why would he even bother to waste time to lock us in?"
"That's right." Gongenzaka nodded in agreement."Not to mention that Cody is the only one of us who is not here, so we should trust he's on his way."
Atsuke waved his hand dismissively."I really doubt that."
"That's right!" Mini snickered."Besides, there's no way someone will think twice before coming down he-"
Just then, the elevator began descending down, halting everyone's movements.
"Someone's coming? Did Cody...?" Kurosaki frowned, barely raising his voice.
"No way...did he..." Shinji bit his lip before a rough hand rested on his shoulder. There, stood Tokumatsu.
"No need to lose hope just yet. That elevator is not from the Duel Palace. It's from the slums."
Karmio and his goons were starting in awe, feasting their eyes as the elevator door opened.
"Yuya!" Gongenzaka cried out as he rushed to his friend, engulfing him in a hug."I, the man Gongenzaka, am glad to see you're okay!"
"W-we don't have time, Gongenzaka!" Yuya managed to push his friend off of him, panic on his face."One of them is here!"
Damon placed a hand on his hip."We know. He just escaped not too long ago."
Yuya shook his head with disdain."No. One of them followed me here. It's just a matter of time before he-"
However, just before Yuya could articulate another word, the elevator began moving once more. Everyone could do nothing but stared at the elevator door as it began ascending towards the surface. Not a single sound was produced from the duelists. The 3 brothers were shaking in their boots while Shinji, Damon, and Tony stood close to each other. Gongenzaka could feel a cold sweat going down the back of his neck as Sawatari's teeth were gritting.
The elevator door opened up, revealing a dark silhouette coming out of it.
"That's Genesider," Chojiro stated.
"Yeah. One of the people who is wrecking havoc outside" Shinji scoffed.
Sawatari grinned, stepping ahead of everyone else."Worry not, I'll take him on."
However, Shinji and his allies stepped up with him as well."Sorry, but if this guy is one of the FIVE people who are attacking our City, then there's no way you'll be able to take him alone."
Before he could express his complaints, Gongenzaka and Tokumatsu joined in as well."We'll fight together!"
"Stop it! All of you!" A voice roared. To their surprise, Kurosaki had his fists clenched, staring directly into the eyes of the man wearing the bat mask."I'll take him on. Everyone, get out of here and do what you have to do."
"That's crazy talk!" Yuya cried out in shock."Do you really want to do this by yourself?"
"Sakaki is right for once!" Sawatari and Yuya both surrounded Kurosaki."We could just take him on at the same time! No risks will be taken!"
"There's no time." He replied without taking his eyes off of his opponent."Besides, you both have very important things to do." He turned to Sawatari."Didn't you say you were going to find Maria and protect her? And you, Yuya, you haven't stopped crying about finding Yuzu Hiragi." He then shifted his gaze to everyone else."The rest of you, Synchro, have to go outside and protect your City with your life. It's what represents each and every single one of you."
Atsuke, Karmio and Mini ran past Genesider, the latter not even batting an eye for them. Shinji, Damon and Tony followed suit.
Tokumatsu turned to Yuya."He's made his decision. We must respect it and honor it."
Gongenzaka then placed a hand on Yuya's shoulder."I'm afraid he's correct. We must take advantage that he's decided to let us go."
Sawatari let out a cry out frustration."Dammit! Let's go, Sakaki! He'll catch up to us, you'll see!"
Yuya gave Kurosaki one last look before nodding."Yeah! Let's go, everyone! We'll leave this to you, Kurosaki."
The rest of the duelists ran past Genesider and went inside the elevator, the door closing soon after. A moment of silent went by before Kurosaki decided to speak the first word."What are you waiting for? Take off that ugly mask already and face me...Makoto!"
Genesider then took his mask off and tossed it aside. A few strands of white hair fell down to the bridge of his nose. Crimson eyes scanned Kurosaki from head to toe.
"You do not seem to regret your decision. How utterly foolish, to challenge the Dark Lord on your lonesome. You must have a death wish."
Kurosaki spat at the floor."What did they do to you...Makoto? You were never this way! Just why are you doing all of this? Why join them?!"
Makoto shook hummed for a few seconds."Someone with a feeble mind such as yours wouldn't understand just how big this is. Tell me, where Yuzu Hiragi and Serena are."
"What about Ruri?!" Kurosaki snapped."You think she would want to see you like this?! Is that what this is about?! You just gave up into despair and lost your head?! You think whatever they're offering you is worth killing people?!"
"Lady Ruri is in a far better place than this, Shun." Makoto kept his cool-headed composture."I assume you're the last one remaining?"
Shun shot him a confused look."Last one? What do you mean?"
Makoto raised his fingers."As you are probably aware, Yuto is no longer here. Kaito, Sayaka, and the others have also been taken care of."
"No way...so even Kaito lost against you people?" He spat each word in disbelief."But you also didn't mention either Tariko or Naho. So that means they're really on your side of things as well."
"Perceptive as always. Bravo." Makoto clapped his hands with a stoic expression.
"Still, it doesn't make any sense! Why would you be doing all of this? What caused you three to change into monsters?! Answer me! Where is Ruri?!" He demanded, but his screams were ignored.
"I suppose I will just have to get MY answers from you by force." Makoto activated his Duel Disk."Once you're defeated and carded, the last remaining members of the resistance in Heartland will be no more!"
Kurosaki, reluctantly, activated his Duel Disk."Then I'll have no choice but to knock some sense into you like before!"
"Duel!" Both XYZ duelists yelled.
Mochida vs. Kurosaki LP: 4000
"I'll start this off! My turn! From my hand, I summon Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius!"
Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius Level 4, Dark, Winged Beast, ATK: 1300, DEF: 1600
"I activate Vanishing Lanius' effect! I can Special Summon a "Raidraptor" monster from my hand! Come forth, Raidraptor - Napalm Dragonius!"
Raidraptor - Napalm Dragonius Level 4, Dark, Winged Beast, ATK: 1000, DEF: 1000
"Next, Dragonius' effect allows me to inflict 600 damage to my opponent!" Napalm Dragonius fired a fireball next to Makoto.
Mochida LP: 3400
"I then use the Level 4 Napalm Dragonius and the Level 4 Vanishing Lanius to build the Overlay Network!" Both of Kurosaki's monsters turned into green energy and entered a black portal as he chanted.
"Avian hunter of the afterlife! Seek the truth with your dark eyes and grasp glory with your sharp talons! XYZ Summon! Take flight, Rank 4! Raidraptor - Force Strix!"
A mechanical owl appeared on Shun's field.
Raidraptor - Force Strix Rank 4, Dark, Winged Beast, XYZ, ATK: 100, DEF: 2000 OU: 2
"By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can activate Force Strix's Special Effect which allows me to search for a level 4 "Raidraptor" monster from my Deck to my hand! I set a card face-down and end my turn."
"It would seem like you believe that your chances to triumph in this duel will increase by playing your defensive strategy. I expected nothing less from you." He said with a satisfied smile.
"Enough of this! Dammit, Makoto! Come to your senses already!" Kurosaki growled in frustration."What have they done to you and Ruri?! Answer me!"
Makoto slowly opened his crimson eyes, all emotion from his face fading."I believe it's my turn. I draw! When I control no monster, I can Special Summon Steelswarm Cell in DEF mode!"
A small bug with the shape of a beetle appeared flying around Makoto.
Steelswarm Cell Level 1, Dark, Fiend, ATK: 0, DEF: 0
"Next up, I will call for its faithful companion! When I control a "lswarm" monster on my field, I can Special Summon Evilswarm Toxin in ATK mode!"
A black spider with giant legs appeared on the field, its eyes moving everywhere.
Evilswarm Toxin Level 1, Dark, Fiend, ATK: 0, DEF: 200
"What the hell? I've never seen those monsters in your Deck before!" Kurosaki gasped upon the realization.
Makoto snickered before continuing."I will use the Level 1 Toxin and the Level 1 Cell in order to construct the Overlay Network!" Both of Makoto's monsters turned into black light, entering a black portal underneath."The embodiment of the plague that threatens to end all life! Come, and spread your toxic virus to the hope of light! XYZ Summon! Be born, Rank 1! Evilswarm Black Eye!"
A mannequin-like fiend appeared on the field. Its head was simply composed of a black eye with purple pupils as two tentacles came out of its back.
Evilswarm Black Eye Rank 1, Dark, Fiend, XYZ, ATK: 0, DEF: 0
"I thought your Deck was sinister already..." Kurosaki breathed, feasting his eyes on the malevolent being."But this is just insane! Why would you have a monster like that?"
Makoto shook his head."You still fail to understand, Shun, that this battle carries a heavy burden. Our lives are at stake. Time for questioning has no meaning in a battle engulfed in darkness."
"You're not making any sense!" Kurosaki snapped back at his former friend."I know you cared deeply about Yuto, especially Ruri! So why?! Why the hell did you join Academia?! The ones responsible for the destruction of our home?!"
Makoto began chuckling sinisterly."Do you really wish to know? I suppose there's no harm in telling you when the destruction of this Dimension is at hand." Before Kurosaki could press on, he continued."Do you know how it feels to feel powerless...unable to protect the people that are precious to you? Of course, you do. But you were unable to take major action because you were afraid of going a step forward. The power of Chaos was a blessing to my very soul. Thanks to that, I am able to face the demons that hunted me that very same day when I was separated from Lady Ruri!"
"Then we should not be fighting!" Kurosaki countered."Use those emotions to fight alongside us! We have to save Ruri and put an end to Academia?"
"Now, why would I do that? Academia has a just cause, though the means are quite messy. Even though they've ravaged our home, a greater place is bound to be opened up to us!"
"What the hell are you talking about?!"
"A Utopia! That's why we are in need of Yuzu Hiragi and Serena! With them, we will finally be able to make a new world! A world where the darkness will never take over the light!"
Kurosaki clenched his fists but said nothing. He wasn't angry, but sad. Sad to see his chuunibyou friend turned to this. He sounded like him, but at the same time, he didn't. The Makoto he knew was humble, honest and righteous. Not some sicko who wanted to see a new world after the destruction of their own.
"I will now play my Continuous Spell, Epidemy of Chaos!" He shouted."As long as this card is in play, you will not be able to Special Summon from your Extra Deck more than one monster per turn. However, let any of my monsters be destroyed by battle or card effect, and this card will be sent to my graveyard."
"Tsk!" Kurosaki clicked his tongue.'Leave it to Makoto to be able to stop my XYZ Rank-Ups. At this point, I won't even be able to go pass Force Strix.'
"Now, by detaching an Overlay Unit, I can discard a monster card from my hand in order to increase Black Eye's ATKs to that monster's! I send my Steelswarm Longhorn to the graveyard! Therefore, Black Eye will gain 3000 ATks!"
Evilswarm Black Eye ATK: 3000
"Battle, Black Eye will slay Force Strix! Ignite Flash! Black Eye twisted its head around, its eye beginning to shine in purple as it fired a black stream of energy towards Force Strix.
"I didn't want to use this but I have no choice! I activate my Trap Card! Raidraptor - Readiness! All monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle this turn!"
"Very crafty!" Praised Makoto."However, when Black Eye attacks, it deals you with damage equal to one of your monsters' ATKs and gains that exact amount!"
Kurosaki LP: 3900
Evilswarm Black Eye ATK: 3100
"I set two cards down and conclude my turn for the time being. However, you aren't going to move on if you don't get rid of my monster."
Kurosaki huffed in stress."When did I say I wasn't going to do so? You might have locked me from summoning multiple monsters, however, that doesn't mean it won't be enough with just one! My turn! I draw! I detach an Overlay Unit to use Force Strix's effect and add a Level 4 "Raidraptor monster from my Deck to my hand!
"How futile. I activate my Quick-Play Spell, Infestation Dome!" A black dome surrounded Force Strix, causing it to shriek in pain.
"What's happening?!" Kurosaki asked in confusion.
"For the remainder of this turn, every XYZ monster you control has its abilities negated and cannot attack."
'Again!' Kurosaki exclaimed internally.'It's as if he's just trying to avoid getting attacked while also building up his forces...he's reading me like a book and I can't read him at all!'
"Go on. I hope you understand that each individual action that you take will determine the outcome of this duel."
"You don't have to tell me twice! I activate the Quick-Play Rank-Up Spell, Rank-Up-Magic Revolution Force! I can target an XYZ "Raidraptor" monster I control and Special Summon from my Extra Deck a "Raidraptor" monster that's one rank higher using this monster as material!"
Force Strix turned into yellow energy and entered a black portal as Kurosaki chanted.
"The unseen bold falcon! Reveal your wings' unknown power here and now! XYZ Summon! Come forth, Rank 5! Raidraptor - Stranger Falcon!"
A weird looking falcon with two projectiles on its back and yellow wings appeared on the field.
Raidraptor - Stranger Falcon Rank 5, Dark, Winged Beast, XYZ, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2000, OU: 1
"However, your monster holds no candle against my mighty fiend," Makoto smirked.
Kurosaki closed his eyes and nodded."That much is correct. That's why I'll just set two cards and end my turn."
Makoto crossed his arms and scowled.'He must be planning something. Those cards are probably rank-ups that will rank-up his monster at least once. However...' He grabbed a card from his deck, drawing it."My turn, I draw! I activate Black Eye's second effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can target a card you control and send it to the graveyard!"
Kurosaki didn't seem bothered. On the contrary, a condescending smirk formed on his lips."Okay. Which one will you target, then?"
"The one on the left. That's what the dark eye is commanding me to do!" He laughed awkwardly, a bit unsure. The card opened up, revealing itself before destruction.
"That was a Rank-Up that would have allowed me to summon a monster that's a Rank higher than Stranger Falcon if you managed to destroyed it," Kurosaki stated with a blank expression.
"That's one down! Battle! Black Eye, eradicate his falcon! Ignite Flash!" Once again, Black Eye twisted its head around, its eye beginning to shine in purple as it fired a black stream of energy towards Stranger Falcon.
"At this moment, I banish Raidraptor - Readiness from my graveyard to nullify all damage I take for the rest of this turn!"
Stranger Falcon shrieked before being disintegrated by the powerful attack, causing Kurosaki to cover his face from the explosion.
"Black Eye's effect is also nullified...curses..." Makoto cursed under his breath.
"It's not over yet!" Kurosaki suddenly interjected."When Stranger Falcon is destroyed by battle or card effect, I can Special Summon an XYZ "Raidraptor" monster from the graveyard with it as its XYZ material! Come back, Force Strix!"
Raidraptor - Force Strix Rank 4, Dark, Winged Beast, XYZ, ATK: 100, DEF: 2000 OU: 1
"At this moment, I activate my Trap Card, Provisional Rank-Up!" Kurosaki declared as he outstretched his arm.
"What?! Preposterous!" Makoto yelled.
"When a "Raidraptor" XYZ monster is Special Summoned to the field, I can immediately XYZ Summon a "Raidraptor" monster that has twice the level of my current monster with it as its material!"
Force Strix turned into purple energy as the trap card itself did so as well.
"Dauntless falcon, ignite the flames of wrath and become an earth-scorching light! Rank-Up: XYZ Change! Take flight, Rank 8! Raidraptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon!"
Raidraptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon Rank 8, Dark, Winged Beast, XYZ, ATK: 3000, DEF: 2000 OU: 2
"It can't be...!" Makoto gasped in surprise."...even if I had even conceived the thought of destroying your other card, you would have summoned a new monster regardless."
Kurosaki smirked."That's not all. If Satellite Cannon Falcon is XYZ Summoned using a "Raidraptor" monster as material, I can destroy all Spells and Traps you control!"
Satellite Cannon fired a couple of tests shots at Makoto's set cards, destroying them.
"I activate Satellite's effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can reduce the attack of one of your monsters by 800 for each "Raidraptor" monster in my graveyard! I currently have 4, so your monster loses 3200 ATKs!"
Evilswarm Black Eye ATK: 0
"I believe I've rid of those bothersome tactics you were using on me." Kurosaki said with confidence."I won't fall for any more of your tricks!"
Makoto began laughing loudly."I underestimated you! That was a mere test to see if you were skillful enough to find a way around my Spell Card and turn the tables on me!" He composed himself, crossing his arms."The real battle begins now, my friend. We've barely taken any major casualties, so it is fair to say that we are done warming up. I activate the Spell Card, Pot of Greed, which allows me to draw 2 cards from my Deck. I set a card face-down and end my turn."
'Good, I've gotten rid of all of his defenses. All that remains is that set card of his. It must be something to hide behind in case I destroy his monster, though he probably doesn't have any use for it now with no overlays and not too many cards to use its effect. However, there's a possibility that there's something else that he's planning...but why...why him...of all people...?!'
-Flashback-
"So, when were you planning on telling me you and Yuto were crushing on my little sister?" Kurosaki, Makoto, and Kaito were sitting at a cafe, enjoy a nice cup of coffee after their classes.
Makoto almost choked on his iced coffee as Kaito gave him a few slaps on his back."WHAT?!"
"So, that's why you keep avoiding Yuto." Kaito concluded with a laugh."Does this mean that you are planning to have a final battle with each other to see who wins Ruri over?"
Makoto shook his head frantically."Of course not! I, the Lord of Darkness, has no intention of stealing Lady Ruri's heart!"
"But that would explain how you refer to her as "Lady" or "Princess"." Kaito continued as the gears in his head kept grinding."And how Yuto is always spending time with her."
Kurosaki crossed his arms, eying his goth friend carefully."You both have another thing coming if you think you'll win my blessing just by beating each other in a duel."
Makoto could feel the immense threating pressure his friend was giving out."N-no! You got it all wrong, Shun! I-"
"..but, you will have to go through me if you are planning to do that." A small smile formed on his lips."I'm glad Ruri has friends such as the two of you. She's happy. So, therefore, I won't stop you from winning her heart. She deserves that."
"R-really...?" Makoto breathed before realizing what he just said."I mean, yes! Of course, she does! And so much more!"
Kaito rubbed the back of his head awkwardly."Seriously, I never thought you could be so cheery, Makoto."
The boys shared a laugh together, resuming their relaxing time.
-Flashback ends-
'It's just so hard to imagine what would drive someone as caring as Makoto to be like this. Academia must have done something to him and I will save him! Once I do that, we can both work together to save Ruri as well!' Kurosaki gritted his teeth."My turn! Draw! When I control another "Raidraptor" monster on the field, I can Special Summon Raidraptor - Fuzzy Lanius!"
A purple metallic bird appeared on the field.
Raidraptor - Fuzzy Lanius Level 4, Dark, Winged Beast, ATK: 500, DEF: 1500
"Next up, I will also activate the Continuous Spell, Raidraptor - Nest! When I control 2 or more "Raidraptor" monster on my field, I can add 1 "Raidraptor" monster from my Deck or graveyard to my hand! I will add Raidraptor - Mimicry Lanius and summon it!"
Raidraptor - Mimicry Lanius Level 4, Dark, Winged Beast, ATK: 1100, DEF: 1900
"I will use the Level 4 Fuzzy Lanius and the Level 4 Mimicry Lanius to build the Overlay Network! Come forth, Raidraptor - Force Strix!"
Raidraptor - Force Strix Rank 4, Dark, Winged Beast, XYZ, ATK: 100, DEF: 2000 OU: 2
"Moving on, I will detach an Overlay Unit from Force Strix to add a Level 4 "Raidraptor" monster from my Deck to my hand! And now, I banish Mimicry Lanius, the monster I sent to the graveyard as an Overlay Unit, to add a "Raidraptor" card from my Deck to my hand!"
"That's quite the search you just did." Makoto snarled."Did you even get anything good?!"
"You're about to find out! Battle! Ascend to the heavens, Satellite Cannon Falcon! Attack Black Eye! Eternal Avenge!"
Satellite Cannon Falcon began to ascend towards the sky, eventually ending up in space where its cannons began reading up and the Raidraptor symbol appeared behind it.
"I activate my Quick-Play Spell, Rank-Up-Magic Infestation Revolution! I target a monster I control and XYZ Summon a monster that's 2 ranks higher! I target Evilswarm Black Eye and Overlay!"
Black Eye submerged itself into a pool of black liquid as Makoto chanted.
"Forbidden monster that resides in the darkness of the soul, come forth and bring over the power of infestation! Rank-Up: XYZ Change! Hold the power of an epidemy, Rank 3! Evilswarm Laidlych!"
A dragon-humanoid monster came out of the portal, extending its purple wings and a tail.
Evilswarm Laidlych Rank 3, Dark, Dragon, XYZ, ATK: 1000, DEF: 2000 OU: 1
"Infestation Revolution also permits me to steal one of your monster's Overlay Units and give them to Laidlych!"
Evilswarm Laidlych Rank 3, Dark, Dragon, XYZ, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2000 OU: 2
Raidraptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon Rank 8, Dark, Winged Beast, XYZ, ATK: 3000, DEF: 2000 OU: 0
The attack was getting closer and both duelists were getting restless."AND NOW! Laidlych's ATKs increase by 500 per Overlay Unit!"
Evilswarm Laidlych ATK: 3000
Laidlych quickly charged up a lightning ball from its core and fired it towards Satellite's attack, colliding with it. The attacks were evenly matched and eventually canceled each other with a huge flash of light.
On another place, Yuya's attention was directed towards the pillar of light that came from where he left Kurosaki to deal with Makoto."Kurosaki!"
The blast was so bright that everyone in the City could see it from afar.
Maria was tossed against a building, knocking the air out of her. She was covered in wounds and bruises, having just lost her duel against Tariko.
Tariko dusted off his hands, proud of his victory. "That was a nice duel, Maria-chan. But now it's time for you to be carded! Say goodb-"
His words were interrupted by a huge pillar of light coming from the distance, blinding his eyes momentarily."Hue! Looks like everyone is going wild and are enjoying themselves to the fullest! I'll join the fun as well." He pressed a button on his Duel Disk and a purple light began shinning.
Maria stared in fear, backing up against the wall.'Kurono...Kyle...Serena...Sawatari-kun...I'm sorry...'
However, the attack never came. She dared open her eyes only to find Sawatari struggling to pin Tariko on the floor."Sawatari-kun!"
Sawatari somehow managed to get on top of Tariko and kept his arms in place."No time for talk, Maria-chan! Get out of here! I'll take care of things here!"
"That's crazy! Let me help y-Kyaaa!" She attempted to stand but lost her footing, landing face first on the ground.
"Maria-chan!" Sawatari's attention changed to Maria, but that was enough for Tariko to managed to break from his grasp and grab his face hard.
"Don't lose sight of your enemy, you idiot!" Tariko grabbed a hold of Sawatari's face, pressing his fingers onto his skin and forcing him to let him go.
"Sawatari!" A manly voice called after him. Gongenzaka was running towards his direction by himself, a concerned look on his face.
"Forget about me!" Sawatari grumbled as he tackled Tariko but the latter managed to stay on his feet, both locking hands."Take Maria with you! She'll be a lot safer!"
"But what about Yuzu?!" Gongenzaka asked.
"Sakaki and Cody are probably looking for her right now! No way in hell those two would leave her all alone, right, Maria-chan?" Sawatari smirked.
Maria's eyes began tearing up."Y-y-yes! We were cornered by him and I told Yuzu to run! I...I have faith in everyone! I know that there's no way they'll let something like this stop them! You guys are all strong!"
Gongenza frowned as he put Maria over his shoulders."Maria...you really are a Lancer to heart!"
Sawatari chuckled, more than happy to hear Maria's words."After all of this is over...how about I invite you over to Standard and treat ya to something! My father is the Mayor so...I'll make sure it's something really special! I promise you!"
Maria blushed deeply, astonished that not only Sawatari had saved her life and is not risking his own to let her escape, but also because he's willing to invite her to his dimension."I...I will! But I won't forgive you if you don't win this duel, you got it?! T-this will be my first date so...! I really want it to be you!"
A fire ignited inside of Shingo's heart. The fire of passion and hope."YOU GOT IT!" He began pushing Tariko back as hard as he could."GO! GONGENZAKAAAA!"
Gongenzaka nodded solemnly."To think Sawatari is fighting for someone other than himself...I can't believe I get to live for such moment..." He then turned the other way and began running away with Maria. 'You're truly a great man inside...aren't you?'
Tariko cackled, headbutting Sawatari and injuring both of them."You...you really think you're being a hero? Please! If I don't kill them, the riot that's happening will! Everyone here is bound to die anyway, right?! What's the difference in me taking their heads?!"
"Like that's going to happen! I'll show you the great power of Neo Sawatari!" Sawatari activated his Duel Disk as did Tariko.
"Sure! I was getting bored of stupid duels anyways!" He gave a toothy grin.
"Duel!"
Meanwhile, Kurosaki was flying on top of his Satellite Cannon Falcon as he was being pursued by Makoto who was on top of his monster. Both duelists landed on top of two different buildings that were annexed to each other in the middle of the city.
Kurosaki eyed the environment and did not like what he saw."Everything is in chaos...at this rate, we won't be able to stop this before the dimension goes to hell..."
"Isn't it beautiful? All we did was ignite the city a little bit and the peasants were foolish enough to follow up and rebel against their superiors. This world is coming to an end."
"I set a card face-down and end my turn." Kurosaki ignored his remarks."You're a lot stronger than before. To think you'd be able to block my monster's attack and get a draw out of it in such a short moment..."
"Even if the attack hit me, I would not have lost. My turn! Draw! I activate the Spell Card, Card of Sanctity! It allows us to draw until we have six cards in our hands!"
"What's the meaning of this?!" Kurosaki asked as he drew his cards hesitantly.
"I am merely accelerating our duel and kicking it a few notches, as Yuto would say. Besides, with our hands as empty as they are, a small increase in draw power wouldn't hurt the soul, would it?" He smiled wickedly."I detach one of Laidlych's Overlay Units! For the rest of this turn, my monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects! Battle!"
Evilswarm Laidlych ATK: 2500
Laidlych began flying towards Satellite Cannon, displaying its claws as they grew bigger and bigger until they looked like tongs.
"But wait! Satellite Cannon Falcon has more ATKs than your monster!" Kurosaki pointed out in shook. It wasn't long before his monster was torn to pieces by Laidlych.
Both of them groaned in pain, forcing them to their knees.
Mochida LP: 2900
Kurosaki LP: 2400
"W-what was that?!" Kurosaki inquired as he maintained his footing.
"That was Laidlych's special effect...By detaching an Overlay Unit, my monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects. Also, if it battles a monster the turn this effect was activated, your monster is destroyed and you take damage equal to half of that monster's..."
"But you still take damage." Kurosaki concluded."That one nasty effect that puts the user on a huge risk of taking serious damage. Why take such a risk?!"
"There's no greater pain than to not carry out Chaos, Shun. Besides, what is losing a few LP compared to defeating you?
Kurosaki smirked at his statement."We'll see about that! I activate my Quick-Play Spell, Rank-Up-Magic Doom Double Force! I can activate this card after a "Raidraptor" XYZ monster was destroyed by battle! I can Special Summon that monster and use it as XYZ Material to summon a monster that's two ranks higher!"
"Falcon of ultimate creation, fly the victorious heights with the wills of your countless comrades! Come forth, Rank 10! Raidraptor - Ultimate Falcon!"
A golden ball began shining, ascending above the black portal. From the light, a pair of giant wings appeared as a metallic bird shrieked, making its presence known."
Raidraptor - Ultimate Falcon Rank 10, Dark, Winged Beast, XYZ, ATK :3500, DEF: 2000 OU: 1
"You bastard! Don't think that by calling your strongest beast anything will change! I set 3 cards face-down and end my turn!"
"Not so fast! At this moment, Ultimate Falcon's effect activates! At the end of the turn, your monsters lose 1000 ATK!"
Evilswarm Laidlych ATK: 1500
"I believe it's my turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card, Rank-Up-Magic Soul Shave Force! By paying half my LP, I can Special Summon a "Raidraptor" XYZ monster and use it as Material in order to summon a "Raidraptor" XYZ monster that's 2 ranks Higher! I Special Summon Raidraptor - Force Strix and Overlay!"
Force Strix appeared momentarily on the field before entering a black portal as Shun chanted."Prideful falcon, spread your wings dyed in the blood of heroes! Advance through the path of revolution! Rank-Up: XYZ Change! Come, Rank 6! Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon!"
Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon Rank 6, Dark, Winged Beast, XYZ, ATK: 2000, DEF: 3000
Kurosaki LP: 1200
"I'm far from over!" Kurosaki yelled, prompting Makoto to gasp."Next up, I summon another Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius! And with its effect, I Special Summon Raidraptor - Booster Strix!"
Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius Level 4, Dark, Winged Beast, ATK: 1300, DEF: 1600
Raidraptor - Booster Strix Level 4, Dark, Winged Beast, ATK: 100, DEF: 1700
"Now, I activate Raidraptor - Nest and add Raidraptor - Singing Lanius from my Deck to my hand and Special Summon it due to its effect!"
Raidraptor - Singing Lanius Level 4, Dark, Winged Beast, ATK: 100, DEF: 1800
"I will use all of my Level 4 monsters in order to build the Overlay Network!"
Vanishing, Booster, and Singing entered the black XYZ portal as Kurosaki chanted.
"Obscured falcon, from adversity, raise your sharpened claws! Spread your wings of rebellion! XYZ Summon! Come forth, Rank 4! Raidraptor - Rise Falcon!"
Raidraptor - Rise Falcon Rank 4, Dark, Winged Beast, ATK: 100, DEF: 2000 OU: 3
"By detaching an Overlay Unit, Rise Falcon gains the combined ATK of all Special Summoned monsters you control!"
Raidraptor - Rise Falcon ATK: 1600
"Now, I will be using Revolution Falcon's effect!" Kurosaki declared.
"No good!" Makoto gritted his teeth."I activate my monster's effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit, it won't be destroyed by battle or card effects! And when you attack, your monster will be utterly destroyed! But I won't take any chances and activate two of my traps! The first one, Infestation Terminus! I will banish my monster in order to target two cards you control and banish them until the end of the turn! Since your Ultimate Falcon is unaffected, I will target Rise Falcon and Revolution Falcon!"
Both falcons cried out before banishing along with Laidlych ."My second trap, Infestation Noctur! When I control no monsters on my field, I can pay 500 LP and Special Summon a Level 4 "lswarm" monster from my Deck in DEF! Come, Evilswarm O'Latern!"
Mochida LP: 2400
A golem surrounded by blue flames appeared on Makoto's field.
Evilswarm O'Latern Level 4, Dark, Pyro, ATK: 1650, DEF: 1250
'That just now...that was Makoto's survival instincts in motion...he did all of that to ensure that he wouldn't lose against my most powerful falcons...Then..." Kurosaki's scowl turned to a grin."...Makoto is still Makoto...I just have to find a way to wake him up from whatever trance he's in...'
"I activate a Spell Card, Raidraptor - Iron Heart! I can equip this card to Ultimate Falcon and it gains 500 ATK!
Raidraptor - Ultimate Falcon ATK: 4000
"I also activate the Spell Card, Mystical Space Typhoon! I can destroy a Spell or Trap on the field! I target my Equip Spell!"
Raidraptor - Ultimate Falcon ATK: 3500
"But why would you destroy your own card? You could have easily destroyed my remaining set card!"
"I activate Raidraptor - Iron Heart's second effect! During the turn it was sent to the graveyard, I can target up to two XYZ monsters on my graveyard, Special Summon one of them, and the other will be its Material! I Special Summon Satellite Falcon and Stranger Falcon will be its material!"
Raidraptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon Rank 8, Dark, Winged Beast, XYZ, ATK: 3000, DEF: 2000 OU: 1
"Battle! Bring the flames of rebellion, my falcons!" Kurosaki commanded both of his monsters to attack simultaneously.
"My last trap card, Order of the Rebel! For the remainder of this turn, all damage I take is cut in half!"
Satellite Cannon Falcon fired a few missiles against O'Latern, destroying him while Ultimate Falcon charged up a black ball, throwing it at Makoto, sending him back to the edge of the roof. Makoto threatened to fall before bending his back forward.
Mochida LP: 900
"With that, I end my turn. At this moment, our banished monsters return to the field once more." Kurosaki concluded, his two falcons coming back to his side and flying next to their companions.
Raidraptor - Rise Falcon Rank 4, Dark, Winged Beast, XYZ, ATK: 100, DEF: 2000 OU: 0
Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon Rank 6, Dark, Winged Beast, XYZ, ATK: 2000, DEF: 3000 OU: 0
Evilswarm Laidlych Rank 3, Dark, Dragon, XYZ, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2000 OU: 0
"Thanks to Ultimate Falcon's effect, all of your monsters will lose 1000 ATK."
Evilswarm Laidlych ATK: 1000
"Makoto...have you come to your senses..." He asked with hesitation."We don't have to keep going with this! Please! Ruri would never want to see us like this, killing each other!"
"So what..." Makoto's voice was low but potent."...Do you really believe I care anymore...? I was given a task...to spread Chaos in this dimension and capture those who look like Lady Ruri! THE DARK LORD WILL NOT FALL NOW! MY TURN, I DRAW!" Makoto drew his card hard, a slash of black energy coming out of it."It's here...! I activate the Spell Card, Rank-Up-Magic Evil Unification! I can target an XYZ monster I control and Special Summon a monster that's a rank higher than its own!"
"Dark dragon who embodies the sentiment of destruction! Reveal your blackened wings and roar through the dark skies of this cursed city! Rank-Up: XYZ Change! Eradicate them, Rank 4! Evilswarm Ouroboros!"
Evilswarm Ouroboros Rank 4, Dark, Dragon, XYZ, ATK: 2750, DEF: 1950, OU: 1
A dragon with humanoid form appeared on the field, shrieking with its 3 heads as its wings expanded in size.
"Makoto's ace monster!" Kurosaki breathed in surprise. He truly wasn't expecting from Makoto to Special Summon it like that.
"I detach an Overlay Unit to activate its effect! I can target a card you control and send it back to your hand! I will get rid of that bothersome Revolution Falcon of yours!"
Kurosaki could only watch in horror as his monster let out one last cry in pain before vanishing into thin air.
"However, your monster has no more Overlay Unit and its attack is nowhere near Ultimate Falcon's!" He argued.
"So it seems." He smiled devilishly."I Summon Evilswarm Castor in ATK mode!"
A knight with a red cape appeared on the field, unsheathing its sword.
Evilswarm Castor Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1750, DEF: 550
"This is my trump card! The Spell Card, Chaotic Fusion!" Makoto raised his hand in the sky, a purple lightning flashing in the sky and revealed his card.
"F-Fusion...?!" Kurosaki took a step back.
"I will fuse Ouroboros with Castor in order to give birth to the dark dragon who resonates with chaos!"
Ouroboros and Castor were absorbed by a blood-colored vortex as Makoto began chanting.
"Chaotic beast that brings forth the flames of oblivion, reduce your foes to nothing but aches and infest this world with your black flames! CHAOS Fusion Summon! Descend, bring your dark grace, Level 7! CHAOS Evilswarm Belphegor!"
Red eyes shined from the mist of darkness before it vanished. A giant centipede-like creature appeared on the field. Its skin was purple and had black torns on it. Its head resembled that of a dragon and had two wings coming out of the middle of its body.
"What in the hell is that monstrosity?!" Kurosaki yelled in awe.
CHAOS Evilswarm Belphegor Level 7, Dark, Dragon, Fusion, ATK: 150, DEF: 50
"At this moment, Chaotic Fusion's second effect activates! I can Special Summon two monsters with the same level from my graveyard! Castor and O'Latern, come!"
Evilswarm Castor Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1750, DEF: 550
Evilswarm O'Latern Level 4, Dark, Pyro, ATK: 1650, DEF: 1250
"Next, I will take these monsters and Overlay! Dragon of ice, corrupted by the war that plagues the land, take flight in your new glorious form, and cast all who stand before you asunder! XYZ Summon! Evilswarm Ophion!
Evilswarm Ophion Rank 4, Dark, Dragon, XYZ, ATK: 2550, DEF: 1650 OU: 2
"By detaching an Overlay Unit, Ophion's effect allows me to add 1 "Infestation" Spell or Trap card from my Deck to my hand! I add and activate the Quick-Play Spell, Infestation Pandemic! For the remainder of this turn, all "lswarm" monster I control are unaffected by Spell or Trap Cards!"
"I activate Belphegor's effect! I can Special Summon as many XYZ monsters in my graveyard with their effects negated! The first one, Evilswarm Black Eye! The second one, Laidlych! The final one, Ouroboros!
Evilswarm Black Eye Rank 1, Dark, Fiend, XYZ, ATK: 0, DEF: 0
Evilswarm Laidlych Rank 3, Dark, Dragon, XYZ, ATK: 1000, DEF: 2000
Evilswarm Ouroboros Rank 4, Dark, Dragon, XYZ, ATK: 2750, DEF: 1950
"Fortunately for you, none of these monsters can attack. However, they're merely just a source of power! Void O' Black!" Belphegor's mouth opened even more and moved at a speed even Shun had trouble seeing. Belphegor devoured every monster on Makoto's field and moved about like a giant slug hunting for its preys.
"Wh-what...did you do?!" Kurosaki's eyes widened.
"Merely finishing up the preparations. You see, Belphegor feeds on his comrades and gains ATK and DEF equal to the combination of those monsters sacrificed!"
Evilswarm Belphegor ATK: 6450, DEF: 5650
"Belphegor can attack up to the number of monsters it devoured! Battle! Belphegor, with the flames of oblivion, incinerate the rebellion that stands in front of you! Seraph Zero!"
Belphegor's centipede-like body began twitching as small flames began igniting across its body and going up to the mouth in which combined to form a blue flame. Once it was charged, Belphegor let out all of its power in form of a flamethrower towards all of the Raidraptors. The heat was so intense, the metallic falcons couldn't do anything but melt away and explode around Kurosaki as the latter lost his footing once the building below him began collapsing.
Kurosaki just watched as he began falling down.'Ruri...'
'If anything happens to me, I want you to take care of my sister just in case anything happens to me.'
'Do not say such nonsense! You do not need to remain me of such an obvious task!'
Kurosaki closed his eyes, a smile forming on his face.'But now...he's lost in darkness...and I'm not strong enough to save him...!'
Kurosaki LP: 0
Winner: Mochida Makoto!
Makoto observed as the body of his former disappeared under the rubble that was falling down and the flames that hadn't extinguished even though the duel was over.
Somewhere far away, Gongenzaka and Maria stood silently in the middle of a street, observing the building collapsing and the flames spreading over others.
"That's where Kurosaki was dueling..." Gongenzaka's expression turned to a grim one.
Maria's eyes began tearing up."D-do you think...he lost...?"
Gongenzaka knew full he those flames were not a product of any of Kurosaki's monsters."Let us keep going. We have to locate the others and regroup before anything else goes wrong."
"I-I agree..." She whispered.'Please...everyone...be safe...'
The building had finally collapsed entirely, leaving a cloud of dust covering part a small fragment of the City. A hooded figure stood at the doorway of a house, watching the scene. Once he decided he'd had enough, he went back inside the living room.
"Had a nice nap?" Spoke the young man at the person who was under the blanket.
"You could say that..." Croaked the man as he stood up, removing the blankets away. There, Shun Kurosaki laid down, covered in bruises."It's about time you got here..."
The figure chuckled, removing his hood and revealing his spiky black hair and a pair of goggles on top of his head.
"...Kurono."
New cards:
Rank-Up-Magic Infestation Revolution
Spell Card
Target 1 "lswarm" Xyz Monster you control; Special Summon from your Extra Deck, 1 "lswarm" monster that is 2 Ranks higher than that target, by using that target as the Xyz Material. (This Special Summon is treated as an Xyz Summon. Xyz Materials attached to that target also become Xyz Materials on the Summoned monster.) If possible, target an XYZ monster your opponent controls. Take over one of its Overlay Units and add it to your monster's.
Rank-Up-Magic Evil Unification
Quick-Play Spell
Target 1 face-up Xyz Monster you control; Special Summon from your Extra Deck, 1 "lswarm" monster that is 1 Rank higher than that target, by using that target as the Xyz Material. (This Special Summon is treated as an Xyz Summon. Xyz Materials attached to that target also become Xyz Materials on the Summoned monster.)
Epidemy of Chaos
Continous Spell
As long as you control a monster on the field, this card will remain active. Your opponent can only Special Summon from the Extra Deck once per turn.
Provisional Rank-Up
Trap Card
When a "Raidraptor" XYZ monster is Special Summoned to the field, immediately XYZ Summon a "Raidraptor" monster that has twice the level of your current monster with it as its material.
Infestation Horror
Trap Card
Target a "lswarm" monster you control along with 2 other monsters your opponent controls. Banish them until the end phase.
Evilswarm Black Eye
ATK: 0, DEF: 0, Rank: 1
Dark/Fiend/XYZ/Effect
2 or more Level 2 "lswarm" monsters.
Monster Effect: Once per turn, you can detach an Overlay Unit and discard a "lswarm" monster from your hand. This card gains ATK equal to that monster you discarded. Also, by detaching an Overlay unit, you can target a card your opponent controls and destroy it.
Evilswarm Laidlych
ATK: 1000, DEF: 2000, Rank: 3
Dark/Dragon/XYZ/Effect
2 or more Level 3 "lswarm" monsters.
Monster Effect: If summoned by a Rank-Up "lswarm" Spell, this card gains 500 ATK per Overlay Unit. You can detach an Overlay Unit and make every monster you control immune to Spell or Trap cards. Also, those monsters cannot be destroyed by battle.
CHAOS Evilswarm Belphegor
ATK: 150, DEF: 50, LV: 7
Dark/Dragon/Fusion/Effect
Monster Effect: Can only be Fusion Summoned with "Chaotic Fusion". When this card is Fusion Summoned, you can Special Summon as many XYZ "lswarm" monsters in your graveyard with their effects negated and banish them. This card against ATK and DEF equals to the combined force of all monsters banished by this effect. This card can attack equal to the number of monsters banished by its effect.
Kurono is back in action and saved Kurosaki from a terrible demise at the hands of his former friend, Makoto Mochida. There's still a few duels left until the Synchro Arc is done. I'm going to try to include 2 duels per chapter so it goes at a good pace. If you guys haven't figured it out, Kurosaki couldn't use any of his effects at the end of the duel due to two of his monsters having no Overlay Units due to Makoto's Trap card when he banished Satellite and Revolution Falcon. By the way, if you see I fucked up anywhere, just let me know and I'll fix it before I start the next chapter. Expect at least 2 more before summer ends.