Yu-GI-OH! Arc-V: Another Hero

by Harvoc Phantom

Hiraki and Serena are childhood friends and have deflected from Academia after learning its true goals. However, Hiraki has presumably been taken away by them after losing a duel. To save him, the Lancers have to make their way to the Fusion Dimension but this will be no easy task due to the Unifiers of Chaos standing in their way, pursuing the 2 remaining Dimensional girls.

26. Chapter 26

Chapter 25
Invasion - Fragments Reunited

Evan jumped from house to house in efforts to escape from Yugo to no avail. The boy was showing no signs of letting him go and pursued him wherever turn he took.

"This is bothersome. I managed to get away from Daisuke only to be followed by Yugo, huh?" Evan sighed with a smile."However, I am able to keep ourselves safe like this by getting away from the danger as much as possible." Evan jumped down an alleyway and landed in front of the person he least expected.

"Yuri-kun?!" He gasped, startling the other boy. Evan was quick to change his eyes back to crimson.

Yuri frowned after regaining his composure."Evan, it's quite rude when people go around scaring others, you know?"

"Nevermind that! What brings you here? I thought I'd never see you again." The luckster asked.

Yuri smirked, folding his arms."The Professor allowed me to come along to have some fun along with a certain someone. However, he said that I am coming at my own risk, due to my defeat against Yuke. He's free to card me if he so pleases.

"I see." Evan nodded."Don't worry about Yuke. As long as you're lending a helping hand, I'm sure he'll leave you alone."

"That aside..." Yuri moved on."...I know the location of Serena. According to the Obelisk Force's report, she should be under a subway.

"So you're planning to go there? As expected of you, you waste no time to move into action." Evan gave a gentle smile."Anyways, I am busy myself. However..."

"You!" A voice boomed through the area."You effeminate bastard!"

Yuri gave Yugo a disinterested look then turned back to Evan."Don't tell me he's chasing you?"

Evan chuckled and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly."Yeah..."

"Well, I am in the mood to play cat and mouse, so I'll be taking him off your shoulders." Yuri offered with a wink.

Evan's jaw dropped."Seriously? You would do that for me, Yuri-kun?"

"Of course!" Yuri beamed, high-fiving his friend."For old time's sake."

Yugo had enough of listening to the conversation so he revved his engine and accelerated towards the Fusioners.

Yuri pushed Evan away as he used the momentum to jump against a wall and back to the rooftop."Thank you, Yuri-kun! I'll treat you to something after all of this is over!"

"Sure thing!" Yuri yelled, stepping aside from Yugo's path."You're dealing with me now, Fusion!"

"Damn it! It's not Fusion! It's Yugo, you bastard!" Yugo rotated back and chased after his Fusion Counterpart.

---

Somewhere in the city, inside of a two-floored house, the Lancers along with Kurono were resting up, sitting on the furniture in the living room.

"I know this might sound messed up, but it's rather fortunate that people are outside rioting. That way, we can use this house as a safe zone." Kurono was putting bandages on Sawatari's wounds.

"I agree. We must hurry up and catch up with the others." Kurosaki was looking outside of the window.

Kurono perked his head up in concern."You okay? After our meeting with that guy..."

"He's from the same dimension as I, along with two others. Academia seems to have brainwashed and turned them into their soldiers."

Kurono went back to treating Sawatari's wounds."So you're forced to battle your friends? I suppose I share the feeling." A long pause followed before any of them continued to talk."Do you think the other Lancers are okay?"

"I don't know for certain. It's plausible to believe that the Unifiers of Chaos are dueling them. Not to mention no one has responded to any of my messages."

Kurono's gaze softened after hearing the statement."I'm sorry. I wish I could have come with my squadron, but we only had enough energy to send one of us."

"Don't be." Kurosaki closed his eyes."What we should do right now is try to find Akaba Reiji and try to assemble the Lancers."

"But what will you do about your friends?" Kurono addressed the elephant in the room.

"I'm...not sure..." He admitted."I really don't know...but what I know is that there's a way to bring them back. There has to!"

Sawatari groaned in pain, opening an eye slightly."I hear you guys...there's no way we can...just give this war up...can we?"

Kurono and Kurosaki looked at each other and nodded."We won't!"

---

"Serena!" Yuya cried out to the indigo-haired girl. He was currently dueling Barett while Reira was fending off the Obelisk Force. However, neither of them were in the conditions to prevent Red to close in on Serena.

"No!" Reira pleaded to no avail.

"Battle!" A total of 3 "Frightfur" Fusion Monsters attacked the Obelisk Force, prompting them to teleport back to Academia. There, Sora was leaning against a wall covered in bruises and what appeared to be a burnt mark on his left arm.

"That's..." Serena tried to make up the silhouette in the dark.

Sora jumped sluggishly to the ground, almost falling face-first."Looks like I made it in time."

"Sora! You came!" Yuya exclaimed in happiness before inspecting the candy lover."You're wounded! What happened to you?!"

Sora shrugged."I had an encounter with one of the Unifiers of Chaos, Ace."

"You fought against the Unifiers of Chaos..." Serena breathed, trying her best to sit up."But I thought...you were here to take me to Academia..."

Sora tilted his head."That was back when the Professor ordered me to take you. I'm your ally!" He declared proudly.

Everyone felt relieved after his declaration, feeling all hope coming back.

"Oh? Does that mean you betrayed the Professor?" Spoke a condescending voice. There, at the end of a doorway, stood Yuri.

"You have the same face as me!" Yuya gasped in shock."Then he's my Fusion counterpart..."

Barett and Yuri exchanged nods before the latter jumped in the air, landing smoothly next to a broken train."To betray the Professor while wearing an Academia uniform...Do you think that would ever be forgiven?" He paused, shifting his gaze to Serena."I'm saying this to you also, by the way. Are you listening?" He moved on without giving her a chance to speak."Anyway, that means you're full-fledged criminals in Academia's eyes, then. The both of you committed treason against the Professor, so it's my job to apprehend you."

More Obelisk Force showed up where Yuri came from, one of them summoning a monster that threatened the 3 of them.

"Just capturing you wouldn't be any fun. I didn't come here to just get you and get out, no no no. Let's play a little game." Yuri suggested.

"Play a game...?" Serena voiced her confusion.

"Yeah, I was thinking I'd like to duel you. Oh wait, you can't!" Yuri mocked her."It looks like you can't even stand!"

"And who said you would be dueling her...? Much less, take part in this operation...Yuri, Barett..."

As in cue, Yuri immediately froze up, not daring to look to his right as a sound of footsteps could be heard. Everyone in the subway remained quiet, listening intently to the steps. Even Barett and Yuya had paused their duel to see the newcomer.

"I believe you know what this means?" Yuke came out of the shadows, flashing his casual bored expression."No matter. The fact is the matter is, that none of you are important to Academia, except Serena."

Sora was the first one to break the silence."So that's the leader of the Unifiers of Chaos...Just looking at him sends chills down my spine."

"He found out...? Curses!" Barett cursed under his breath, seemingly worried.

Yuya squinted his eyes to look at his features."So that's my Ritual counterpart..."

"He's also the one who is responsible for attacking the Ritual Dimension." Yuto pointed out."Still, though, you'd think someone who destroys an entire world would look more..."

"Threatening?" Yuya tried to finish the sentence.

"For lack of a better word." Yuto agreed."However, that aura he gives off is fitting to his power. Even I'm shaking."

Yuke turned to one of the windows, raising a brow."It would appear as if you've been expecting someone, Yuri."

All of a sudden, Yugo burst through the window, yelling."I found you, you smug bastard!" Stopping on his tracks, he pressed a button on his helmet, removing his visor."This time you won't get away. Duel me!"

"You really are persistent..." Yuri deadpanned.

"Your job is to deal with him, Yuri. You had better not disappoint me again. Now, get to it." Yuke commanded."As for you, Obelisk Force, you aren't needed, for the time being, so just stay on standby waiting for further instructions."

"Yes, sir!" They all said in unison.

"Barett, take care of Yuya Sakaki. Since the both of you stuck your noses in places they don't belong, you will have to serve a purpose."

Barett looked hesitant for a moment before complying."As you wish, Yuke-sama."

Ancient Gear Houndog bit on Sora's arm, preventing him from providing aid.

"Stop! Don't go near Serena!" Yuya shouted, trying to break free from his bounds.

"Pay attention!" Barett growled."Your opponent is me!"

Yuke was now a few feet away from Serena, but noticed Reira standing in his way."Stop! Don't come any closer!"

"Hmph." Yuke snorted as he moved to pass Reira at an incredible speed that managed to leave the young boy in a daze.

"You..." Serena wheezed. Yuke picked her in bridal style, surprising her."What are you doing?!"

Yuke reached for his breast pocket for a needle and proceeded to inject Serena with it."Fear not. This is an antidote for that bothersome gas that the security of this dimension has. I want to duel you at your best. But it has gotten quite crowded here, so let us go outside."

"Wait! Where are you taking Serena?!" Yugo demanded an answer but was stopped by Yuri.

"You're dueling me, Fusion!" Yuri smiled gleefully.

"IT'S YUGO!"

As Yuke leaped over to the broken window to the streets, Serena began to feel her energy coming back to her. Once they were outside, Yuke helped her stand on her feet and walked away to the opposite side.

"I believe that should suffice." He drawled."Now, I believe a duel is at hand."

Serena clenched her hands into a fist and examined herself from head to toe."You're right. I'm back at 100%! I don't know why you did that, but you're going to regret it after I defeat you! I don't care if you're the strongest duelist in Academia, I will win!"

Both of them activated their Duel Disks.

"Duel!"

Serena vs. Yuke LP: 4000

"I shall start. From my hand, I summon Spectral Deva - Mobius in ATK position!"

A scarecrow appeared on the field laughing mischievously. It was wearing a black and white robe and also had a gargoyle-like face.

Spectral Deva - Mobius Level 4 Light, Fiend, ATK: 1300, DEF: 1000

"That monster is horrendous..." Serena muttered to herself in disgust.

"Mobius' effect activates. When it's the only card on my field, I can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower "Spectral Deva" monster from my Deck. Come, Spectral Deva- Jubiko."

A small cat-like figure appeared on the field. It was completely covered in a black substance except for its red eyes.

Spectral Deva - Jubiko Level 2 Light, Beast, ATK: 1000, DEF: 100

"When Jubiko is Special Summoned to the field via an effect, I can search for a Ritual Spell Card from my Deck and add it to my hand."

'Is he about to summon his Ritual dragon...?' Serena couldn't help but wonder.'Why is he even doing this?'

"I activate the Ritual Spell Deva Epidemic! I can Ritual Summon using monsters I control on my field whose level is equal to or higher than the monster I want to Summon."

Jubiko and Mobius began floating towards the center of a hole on the ground as Yuke began chanting.

"Galant warrior who controls the law of order and life, become a piece of the puzzle for the ultimate goal! Ritual Summon! Appear, Level 6! Vice Gamma!"

A monster wearing a heavy, purple colored armor with blue, pulsating lines running across it, and a purple, bat-like cape appeared on the field. The monster's helmet resembled that of a knight and was wielding a double-edged sword.

Spectrum Deva - Vice Gamma Level 6, Light, Warrior, Ritual, ATK: 2400, DEF: 1700

"When Vice Gamma is Ritual Summoned on the field, I can draw cards from my Deck equal to the number of tributes used to summon him. I draw 2 cards. Now, with the Scale 3 Spectral Deva - Scorch Lock and the Scale 9 Spectral Deva - Volcanous, set the Pendulum Scale."

Serena bit her lower lip."You had a trick like that up your sleeve..."

Two pillars of light appeared behind Yuke as his monsters began floating up.

"Now, I can simultaneously summon monsters from Level 4 to 8. Swing, Pendulum of light and mark the path to a new generation. Pendulum Summon! Spectral Deva - Syn Jack and Spectral Deva - Skyrocker!

Syn Jack was a humanoid with black skeletal wings, a scythe, and a horn sticking out from the middle of its head. Skyrocker was a black phoenix clad in blue armor.

Spectral Deva - Syn Jack Level 5, Light, Fiend, ATK: 2400, DEF: 0

Spectral Deva - Skyrocker Level 6, Light, Winged-Beast, ATK: 1900, DEF: 1000

"At this moment, I activate Scorch Lock's Pendulum Effect. Once per turn when I control at least 1 "Spectral Deva" monster, I can set a Spell Card from my Deck to the field and activate it. I activate the Continous Spell, Spectral Balance. When there are at least 2 monsters with different levels on my field, the monster with the lowest level will have the same levels as the monster with the highest. Syn Jack's Level becomes 6.

Spectral Deva - Syn Jack Level 6

"Now, using both of these Level 6 monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" Yuke announced as his monsters entered a black portal."Mechanical being that lurks in the darkness of the darkest light, spread your wings and show the sign of a new era of chaos. XYZ Summon! Come, Rank 6! Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega!"

A large purple mechanical dragon with a long, curved tail and gleaming metal horns appeared on the field. Its frame sported four outward-facing spikes. Its wings are slanted, square-like, and closed each housing individual cannons.

Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega Rank 6, Light, Machine, XYZ, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2000 OU: 2

"From Ritual...to Pendulum and XYZ..." Serena grumbled, feeling a cold sweat dripping down her forehead."But if he's the strongest duelist, he should be able to use all the Summoning Methods. He's just toying with me...!"

"I end my turn. Now, do try to entertain me." He said with a bored tone.

Serena scoffed."As you wish! My turn! I draw! I activate The Spell Card, Polymerization! I fuse Moonlight Jaguar Lina and Moonlight Mermaid!"

A humanoid girl appeared momentarily on the field along with a young woman with blue skin and a tail. The former had two fangs sticking from her mouth and feral eyes.

"Instincts of a wildcat combined with the knowledge and skills of an underwater being! Fusion Summon! Come, Level 7! Moonlight Cheetah Dancer!"

A woman with yellow skin appeared on the field. She had purple eyes and short brown hair. She was wearing a black dress and had paws with sharp claws.

Moonlight Cheetah Dancer Level 7, Dark, Beast-Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2600, DEF: 1700

"When Cheetah Dancer is Fusion Summoned, the ATK of all your monsters are halved!"

Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega ATK: 1000

Spectrum Deva - Vice Gamma ATK: 1200

"Battle! Cheetah Dancer can attack all monsters whose attacks were halved by her effect!" Cheetah Dancer's claws grew in size as she began to jump over to the Vices.

"I detach an Overlay Unit from Vice Omega in order to activate its effect. I can destroy a card you control and give my monster a boost in 500 ATK."

"Please! A monster that was Fusion Summoned using Jaguar Lina as a material cannot be destroyed by card effects."

Serena smirked and looked at her opponent in hopes of catching a glimpse of fear, only to find a stoic expression."Vice Gamma's effect activates at this moment! When a monster declares an attack and I control monsters whose ATKs are lower than the attacking monster, Vice Gamma is switched into DEF and its ATKs are reduced to zero. Also, its ATKs are added to Omega until the end phase."

Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega ATK: 2200

"Not only that, but I also activate Volcanous' Pendulum Effect. By sacrificing a card from my Field or Hand, all monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle for the rest of the turn."

Serena was baffled at the quick defense Yuke had assembled for himself, but forged on."However, you'll still take damage!"

Cheetah Dancer began spinning in circles as she went through Vice Omega and eventually passed by Yuke, cutting a strand of his hair.

Yuke LP: 3600

'He's strong. Too strong. I now see he lives up to his name. Now, what should I do? If I set a card, he'll use it to activate his monster's effect and destroy it in order to gain ATKs. But if I leave Cheetah Dancer unprotected, then...' Serena took a moment, scanning through her hand."Alright! I set 2 cards and end my turn! Since it's the end of my turn, your monster's ATks return to what they were before."

Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega ATK: 1000

"My move. I draw. I detach one of Omega's Overlay Units to activate its effect to target one of your set cards and destroy it."

Serena grinned at him."I knew you were gonna do that! I activate my Trap Card, Effect Limiter! When a monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck activates its effect, I can negate its effects and it loses 400 ATK per card you control! Since you control 4 cards, your monster loses 1600 ATKs!"

Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega ATK: 0

"So, you went ahead and made my monster completely useless, did you not? In reality, both of my monsters aren't fitted to fight under these circumstances. However..." Yuke narrowed his eyes, causing Serena to flinch slightly."I activate Scorch Lock's Pendulum Effect. Once per turn when I control at least 1 "Spectral Deva" monster, I can set a Spell Card from my Deck to the field and activate it. I activate the Spell Card, Vermillion Dawn! I can add a Level 8 or higher monster from my Deck to my hand! Next up, I sacrifice both of my Vices in order to Tribute Summon! Come forth, Level 10! Spectrum Deva - Vice Delta!"

A large, brown raptor-like bird, but it has a hole in its chest, filled with swirling crimson energy, and its exposed skull looks like the skull of several birds fused together appeared on the field.

Spectrum Deva - Vice Delta Level 10, Scale 3, Light, Winged-Beast, Pendulum, ATK: 3100, DEF: 1800

"It's...huge..." Serena observed in awe as the monster began flapping its wings and fly over the field.

"When this card is Tribute Summoned, I can Special Summon as many "Spectrum" monsters from my graveyard!"

Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega Rank 6, Light, Machine, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2000 OU: 0

Spectrum Deva - Vice Gamma Level 6, Light, Warrior, Ritual, ATK: 2400, DEF: 1700

"Battle. Delta will attack your Cheetah Dancer. Dive of Sorrow!" The raptor began descending at an incredible speed towards Cheetah Dancer.

"Hold on a second, I activate my set card, Moonlight Mirror! An attacking monster is destroyed!" Serena quickly moved.

Yuke sighed."Sorry to tell you this, but my monster is unaffected by card effects." He drawled.

Delta flew above Cheetah Dancer's head, ripping her head off her body and swallowing it. The turbulence caused by the monster was so strong that even the people dueling inside the subway could feel it.

Serena LP: 3500

Serena gasped, witnessing her monster falling down with her head chopped off. She covered her mouth, stopping the sick urges of vomiting at the sight.

"Fortunately for you, monsters Special Summoned by Vermillion's effect cannot attack directly. I end my turn."

Serena could only stare down at the boy that looked so much like Yuya and Yugo, yet he couldn't be more different than them. 'What can I do...he's got me cornered like this already! I knew he'd be stronger than anyone I've ever even known of...maybe even the Professor but still, this is insane!'

"What's wrong? Have you finally conceded defeat? Will you surrender this duel and turn yourself in peacefully?" Yuke asked."You know you cannot defeat me."

Serena's eyes shot open.'Give up...? But if I give up...I might never see Hiraki again...' She clenched her hand against her chest."Not a chance! I have someone precious to me that I must find! My turn, I draw! I activate Fusion Recovery! I can recover a Polymerization and a Fusion Material from my Graveyard! I return Jaguar Lina to my hand!

"I see. So you're fighting for someone else? That is the source of your power." Yuke folded his arms."However, you will never defeat me."

"We'll see about that! I activate the Spell Card Double Fusion! I can perform two fusions Summons by the cost of 500 LP!"

Serena LP: 3000

"Now, I fuse Moonlight White Rabbit and Purple Butterfly!" Serena began chanting as her monsters entered a multicolored vortex."First off, Moonlight Cat Dancer!"

Moonlight Cat Dancer Level 7, Dark, Beast-Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2400, DEF: 2000

"Next, I fuse Cat Dancer with Moonlight Jaguar Lina! Monster with the ferocity of a feline, with the incredible speed of a cheetah, mark the line for a new beast! Fusion Summon! Come, Level 8! Moonlight Panther Dancer!"

Moonlight Panther Dancer Level 8, Dark, Beast-Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2800, 2500

"Furthermore, by banishing Moonlight Mermaid from the game, I can Special Summon a "Moonlight" monster from my graveyard to the field! I summon Moonlight Purple Butterfly!"

Moonlight Purple Butterfly Level 4, Dark, Beast-Warrior, ATK: 1000, DEF: 1000

"You summoned that weak monster when you could have summoned Cheetah Dancer back. That means..."

"I activate Purple Butterfly's effect!" Serena finished for him."I can tribute her and make Panther Dancer stronger with 1000 ATKs!"

Moonlight Panther Dancer ATK: 3800

"Battle! Panther Dancer has the ability to attack all monsters you control twice each! However, they are not destroyed during the first attack! First, I'll destroy that bothersome Vice Gamma of yours!"

"So you believe. But I'll be getting rid of my own monster first. I use Volcanous' Pendulum Effect. By sacrificing a card on the field..." Vice Omega began shinning in a bright light."...all monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle for the rest of the turn."

"Not so fast! From the graveyard, I activate Moonlight Mirror second effect! When an opponent activates a card effect, I can banish this trap card along with a Fusion Monster in my graveyard to destroy all Spell and Trap Cards you control!"

Both of Yuke's Pendulum Monsters banished into thin air upon the effect.

"However, Gamma's effect still activates! By reducing its ATK to zero, I can switch it to DEF mode and give its ATKs to a monster."

Spectrum Deva - Vice Delta ATK: 3100 + 2400= 5500

'Dammit!' Serena inwardly cursed."The attack resumes! First, Panther Dancer will attack Vice Omega!"

Panther Dancer used her claws to shred her way through Vice Omega.

Yuke LP: 2400

Panther Dancer turned around and ran past the remaining pieces of Vice Omega, leaving only its exoskeleton that was now nothing but scrap.

Yuke LP: 1200

"At this moment, Panther Dancer's second ability activates! When she destroys a monster by battle, her attack goes up by 200 until the end phase!"

Moonlight Panther Dancer ATK: 4000

"Now she will attack your Vice Gamma! Go, Panther Dancer!"

Vice Gamma rose its sword in an attempt to defend itself, however, Panther Dancer swiftly cut through his sword, including its torso.

Moonlight Panther Dancer ATK: 4200

"Damn...Panther Dancer is still no match for his monster!" Serena bit her lower lip in worry."I end my turn! At this moment, Moonlight Panter Dancer loses the ATK gained by her own effect."

Moonlight Panther Dancer ATK: 3800

"So does the ATK gained by Vice Gamma." Yuke pointed out.

Spectrum Deva - Vice Delta ATK: 3100

"To think you didn't only destroy my Pendulum Scales, but also destroyed two of my Vices. I must say, that was quite impressive. However, your strategies are way too linear and simple."

"What?!" Serena growled in anger at his statement.

"The need to have a boss monster on your field seems to be a must in your Deck. However, if you remove them from the formula, you are left with nothing. Way too simple of a dueling style."

"Heh. Seems to be enough so far. I still have the LP advantage, after all." Serena stated with a smirk on her face.

"So you do. My turn. I draw!" He stopped dead in his tracks, noticing the card he was holding was none other than his ace monster; Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon. His card began shining in white as if commanding to be summoned.

Yuke looked at his left hand, noticing a small dark aura surrounding his body. Due to how considerably dark the area was due to nighttime, he noticed a glow emanating from somewhere on his head. A crimson glow with a green tint."It appears I will have to stop that duel as soon as ...want to come out?"

Serena looked down at her bracelet that was now glowing."What is happening...? His eyes are glowing like my bracelet. But his eyes...they're crimson, but they're also glowing in green as well.

"I activate the Ritual Spell, Nova Invocation and offered Vice Delta in order to Ritual Summon!

A large crater opened on the ground, letting out blue smoke as Vermillion was consumed by it and entered the crater.

"Luminous dragon surrounded by the righteous dark light! With the horns of a devil and the power of a deity, descend from the realm of perfection who dare to disobey your will! Ritual Summon! Appear, the dark dragon whom shines in the light! Level 8! Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon!"

A blue dragon with black spikes covering its arms and shoulders along with hardened rumpled skin, horns pointing in both directions above its head, colossal dark blue colored wings, long spiky tail, blades on each side of its elbows and numerous dark-colored gems around its body came out of the crater, letting a thunderous roar.

Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon Level 8, Light, Dragon, Ritual, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2000

Harvoc Nova screeched loudly, resonating with the cries of the dragons who were current dueling inside. Serena turned back to the subway, which was where all the other dragons were with their owners."What's happening?!"

Yuke's eyes starting glowing more intensely like flames but retained the green tint coming from them."The...the dimensions...!"

Serena shifted her gaze back to her opponent. He still had his calm and collected posture, however, his eyes were now glowing in a deep shade of green and red."What...are you?"

"The dimensions are backward! Soon, you will all suffer the pain of the new coming! Tremble now, that the awakening of a new power is within arm's reach!" Yuke grabbed his head as if he was in pain.

Serena's jaw dropped slowly as words attempted to go out but wouldn't. She covered her mouth, feeling her vision becoming blurry as tears rolled down her cheeks. 'I'd heard that before...could it be...?'

"I-I set a card face-down and end my turn."Yuke was panting slightly, the pain beginning to subside though his eyes were still glowing."I underestimated the influence of that power on my body. The four of them must be resonating as well. I have to stop that at all costs."

Serena quickly reached for her pocket and took out a recent picture of herself and Hiraki."Tell me, do you know this person?!" She demanded.

Yuke's eyes narrowed."I believe I do not. However, Akaba Leo mentioned to me that I was connected to this person some way or another. I never thought much of it, because of how foolish the girl can be, so I sim-"

"Hiraki..." Was all she could mutter out.

"Pardon?" Yuke seemed rather confused.

"You're...Hiraki...aren't you?" Serena croaked as if she were a young child caught eating sweets past dinner."You...must be...right?"

Yuke's scowl deepened."I believe you're mistaken. I am merely a spawn of the Ritual Dimension and adopted by Academia. I will bring a world of void and emptiness."

"Hiraki...what did they do to you...?" Serena's whispered.

Yuke scoffed, annoyed that the girl still held to the idea that he wasn't who he claimed he was."Foolish girl. I do not look like your companion, do I? Look closer. Do I remind you of someone you knew? And if so, how come you realized it just now?"

"Because those words that you said right now...only Hiraki has said them before. There was one time where some strange power engulfed him and made him act just like the way you did right now...and besides, you didn't finish me off...why?"

Yuke blinked, finding himself perplexed."Why, you ask?" His mouth open, but he didn't talk."I do not know. I could have finished you off so many times during this duel, but something inside me kept limiting my actions."

'That's it! Hiraki must be in him now, much like how Yuya says Yuto is inside of him! Then, I'll have to do is win this duel and maybe...' Serena grabbed the top of her Deck and rose her gaze, locking eyes with Yuke with a determined expression, her tears still present."I swear I'll make you remember, Hiraki! My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card, Pot of Greed, which allows me to draw 2 cards!"

Yuke kept glancing at the subway, impatient to end the duel to stop his counterparts from losing control even more.

"I activate..." Serena removed the Polymerization she had in her hand and replaced it for the one with a framed picture of Hiraki and her."...Polymerization!"

Again, Yuke's eyes widened."What is this...? I feel as if a surge of emotions is trying to eat up my very soul..."

Serena was crying her eyes out, still holding the card in her hand."Hiraki, you must remember! The day before we came to the Ritual Dimension, we took this photo! I will Panther Dancer along with Blue Cat and Crimson Fox from my hand!"

All three of Serena's monsters were absorbed by a multicolored vortex as she began to chant."Elegant beast dancing in the moonlit wilderness! The beast colored in crimson blood! And the blue cat with cunningness! Swarm in a vortex of the moon's gravity and revive with a new power! Fusion Summon! Come forth, the king of beasts dancing atop the summit of the moonlight wilderness! Moonlight Leo Dancer!"

Moonlight Leo Dancer Level 10, Dark, Beast-Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 3500, DEF: 3000

"Battle! Leo Dancer will attack Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon!"

Leo Dancer jumped over Harvoc Nova, raising her sword above her head.

"I activate my Trap Card, Nova's Creation! When Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon is targetted for an attack, I can add the attacking monster's ATKs to my dragon until the end of the battle, then I can draw a card!"

Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon ATK: 2800 + 3500 = 6300

"An...attack of 6300...?" Serena felt her heart beginning to beat faster.

"Harvoc Nova will counterattack!" Yuke stopped, his arm extended and his gaze upon Serena.

"Please...Hiraki..." Serena begged, distraught.

Yuke narrowed his eyes before commanding his monster."...Light of Extinction!" Harvoc Nova howled as it stretched both its legs and arms. The dark gems began to shine in a light-blue light as a whitish aura surrounded it. With a loud roar, Harvoc Nova fired the energy from the gems, its aura powering them up as they went towards Leo Dancer.

Leo Dancer was eradicated entirely, thus allowing the attack to proceed to Serena.

"I can't lose here...!" Serena made a run back to the subway, however, the attack landed behind her and sent her flying through the broken window and crashing against the abandoned train.

Serena LP: 0

Winner: Yuke!

Sora was startled by the sudden explosion as well as Reira."Serena!" Both boys cried out but were unable to reach her.

Yuya's berserk mode was interrupted, as he himself turned to see Serena on the ground covered in bruises and wounds."S-Sere...na?"

Yuke jumped inside the subway, landing in front of Serena. Both of them stood looking at each other for a few seconds that seemed like hours.

"Stop it!" Reira cried out.

"Get away from her, right now!" Sora ordered to no avail.

Barett looked down on Serena with a concerned expression."Serena-sama...!"

"It's over." Yuke spoke first."With you, we will have only Yuzu Hiragi left to be captured."

"Yuzu?" Sora sounded surprised."You mean Yuzu is still...?"

"Alive..." Serena softly finished the sentence."Hiraki...what happened to you...? Why are you doing all of this?"

Everyone with the exception of Yugo, Yuto, and Yuri, gasped upon hearing the name of their lost comrade.

"Hiraki...?" Yuya was trying with all his might to control the dark power.

"What are you talking about Serena?" Sora inquired."He doesn't look like Hiraki at all but Yuya."

"I know it's him!" Serena yelled, her voice breaking down."I can feel it...it's him!"

"How is that possible?" Barett was perplexed."His appearance is completely different from Hiraki. If what Serena-sama is saying is true then...but how...?"

Yuke began typing on his Duel Disk, activating his teleportation program."Enough of this nonsense. It's time for you to be sent back to the Professor like you were meant to." All Yuke had to do was press one button, which would teleport the bracelet girl to Academia, but his finger wouldn't move.

Serena closed her eyes, letting out a small chuckle."I'm sorry...Hiraki. In the end...I wasn't strong enough to save you...even if you were right in front of me this whole time..."

"Don't do it!" Sora yelled as he tried to break free.

"STOP!" Reira covered his ears in fear.

"HIRAKI!" Yuya's eyes began glowing more intensely, losing the remaining control that he had.

Yuke narrowed his eyes, finishing the final command for the teleportation, engulfing Serena in a blue light before disappearing. He walked over where Serena was, picking up the card she was holding. It was a picture of her and Hiraki before they went out with the Lancers to stop the Dimensional War. They looked very happy.

"It's over..." He grumbled under his breath, flinching upon his vision becoming blurry. Concern for this, he wiped his eyes and noticed that they were wet and some liquid was coming down his cheeks."Are these...tears? Am I crying? But why?" He wiped away his tears, put the card in his pocket and turned to his remaining target; the Dimensional dragons.

"We will become one!" They all cried out.

Yuke noticed that the sky had warped into some sort of vortex surrounded by four different colors.

"We will..." He found himself repeating, shaking his head."It all ends here!" Yuke placed a card inside of his Duel Disk."This card will forced all duels to combine into a single battle royale."

"Alert! Battle Royal Initiated!"

Barett vs. Yuya vs. Yugo vs. Yuri vs. Yuke.

"Intrusion Penalty: 2000!"

"It's my turn, I draw!" Yuke drew his sixth card.

Barett looked over to him with a dumbfounded expression."What is he intending to do?"

"By sending a Spell Card from my graveyard, I can Special Summon Spectral Deva - Demifiend in ATK mode!"

A humanoid with purple skin, green marking across its body and a small dagger appeared on the field.

Spectral Deva - Demifiend Level 5, Light, Fiend, ATK: 2100, DEF: 2000

"From the graveyard, I activate the Spell Card, Spark Duster, which I just discarded. When it's sent to the graveyard by a card effect and my opponent controls monster summoned from the Extra Deck, I can destroy all Spell and Trap Cards from the field!"

A strong wind destroyed every player's set cards, including Barett's Trap Cards.

"Next, by reducing a monster's ATKs on my field to zero, I can Special Summon Spectral Deva - Angelo!"

A white monster with a golden wing and a wing in the shaped of a purple shield appeared on the field. A small halo appearing on its head.

Spectral Deva - Angelo Level 5, Light, Spellcaster, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2000

"Now, with the Level 5 Angelo and Level 5 Demifiend, I Overlay! Monster that awaits in the darkest corners of the light, showcase your immense trajectory and accuracy! XYZ Summon! Come forth, Rank 5! Spectral Deva - Dudbuster!"

A mechanical jetpack appeared on the field. It had at least 5 cannons on top of its frame and a pair of mechanical wings that had lasers.

Spectral Deva - Dudbuster Rank 5, Light, Machine, XYZ, ATK: 2300, DEF: 1000

"On top of that, I activate the Ritual Spell, Nova Invocation! By sending a level 8 monster or higher, I can Ritual Summon! Luminous dragon surrounded by the righteous dark light! With the horns of a devil and the power of a deity, descend from the realm of perfection who dare to disobey your will! Ritual Summon! Appear, the dark dragon whom shines in the light! Level 8! Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon!"

Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon Level 8, Light, Dragon, Ritual, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2000

As soon as Harvoc Nova appeared on the field, all dragons began roaring in sync.

"We waited...for so long!" Yuya began.

"And now..." Yugo continued.

"We are united..." Yuri said next.

Yuke felt sick to his stomach."We will become one...Tch! I activate Dudbuster's effect! I can target a monster I control and equip it with it!"

"Wait just a second!" Yugo roared, his eyes shining."I activate Clear Wing's effect! When a monster's effect targets a level 5 or higher monster, the effect is negated and the monster is destroyed!"

"I detach one of Dudbuster's Overlay Units to activate its effect! When a monster activates a destruction effect, I can negate it!"

Dudbuster placed itself behind Harvoc Nova, attaching its mechanical limbs around its back. Its wings were overlaped by the new machanical ones.

"A monster equipped with this card gains ATKs equal to Dudbuster's." Yuke explained.

Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon ATK: 2800 + 2300 = 5100

"Amazing..." Red breathed.

"That's Yuke-sama for you." Green nodded solemnly.

"Battle! From the graveyard, I activate Spectral Deva - Omen Sarp's effect! A monster Ritual Summoned with it can attack all monsters on the field! I'm targetting all monsters EVERYONE here controls!"

Harvoc Nova placed its arms on the floor and began charging up a ball of energy from its mouth while the cannons and lasers on its back began charging up as well.

"What?! He's taking us all out?!" Yellow yelled in fear.

"Yuke-sama! Have mercy!" Red shouted after him.

Sora let go of his lollipop and stopped struggling. All he could do was watch.

Barett gritted his teeth in helpless."Curses! He'll annihilate us all!"

The Yu boys continued their rambling of becoming one, clueless about the danger in front of them.

Harvoc Nova released its potent blast, powering it up even more with the weapons on its back, creating a gigantic golden beam.

"Eradicate them! Chaotic Oblivion!" Yuke's voice distorted, resembling one of a monster.

Every single monster disintegrated it after the contact, sending their owners flying against the walls of the subway. The attack tilted up, destroying part of the roof and flew high in the sky, tinting the City momentarily in gold as if it were daytime.

"Duel Terminated!"

Yuke was now wheezing for lack of oxygen. He could feel the dark power slowly decreasing and his sanity returning. The Obelisk Force along with Barett and Yuri teleported back to Academia. All that remained was an unconscious Sora and Yugo. Yuya, however, was standing in place.

"Y-Yuke..." He croaked, his eyes glowing as intense as ever."Y-you are..."

Yuke felt his power coming back to him, so he dashed over Yuya in an instant and stabbed his chest with his hand. However, no blood came out, as only his hand had gone inside him without breaking through his skin and bones.

Yuya let out a feral scream in pain that soon turned double. Yuke stabbed Yuya with his other hand as their bodies began glowing in white. With a powerful scream, Yuke pulled away, a silhouette coming out of Yuya. The silhouette gained color, revealing the figure of Yuto knocked out on the floor. Yuya's screamed died down, his energy leaving his body and eventually leaving him out cold.

"I knew it. So you were indeed inside him all along." Yuke muttered as he looked at Yuto."This unification is indeed a problem. Consider this a favor from me."

He made his way to the exit, walking up the stairs and entered the cold night. He took out the picture once again, inspecting it closer.

"Indeed, they look very happy." Glancing at the sky, he could feel a strange emotion bubbling inside of him."Now, all that is left is to secure Yuzu Hiragi and our mission will be complete."

---

New Cards

Spectral Balance

Continuous Spell

When there are at least 2 monsters with different levels on your field, the monster with the lowest level will have the same levels as the monster with the highest.

Vermillion Dawn

Spell Card

Add a Level 8 or higher monster from your Deck to your hand.

Spark Duster

Spell Card

When this card is sent to the graveyard by a card effect and your opponent controls monster summoned from the Extra Deck, you can destroy all Spell and Trap Cards from the field.

Effect Limiter

Trap Card

When a monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck activates its effect, you can negate its effects and it loses 400 ATK per card your opponent controls.

Moonlight Mirror

Trap Card

When an opponent's monster attacks, destroy it. If this card is in the graveyard and an opponent activates a card effect, you can banish this trap card along with a Fusion Monster in your graveyard to destroy all Spell and Trap Cards your opponent controls.

Nova's Creation

Trap Card

When Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon is targetted for an attack, you can add the attacking monster's ATKs to Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon until the end of the battle, then draw a card.

Spectral Deva - Mobius

Light/Fairy/Effect

ATK: 1300, DEF: 1000, LV: 4

Monster Effect: WHen this card is the only card on your field, you can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower "Spectral Deva" monster from your Deck to the field.

Spectral Deva - Jubiko

Light/Beast/Effect

ATK: 1000, DEF: 100, LV: 2

Monster Effect: When this card is Special Summoned on the field by an effect, you can search a Ritual Spell Card and add it to your hand.

Spectral Deva - Scorch Lock

Light/Pyro/Effect/Pendulum

ATK: 1500, DEF: 1200, LV: 3, SC: 3

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, if you control at least 1 "Spectral Deva" monster, you can set a Spell Card from my Deck to the field and activate it.

Monster Effect: When this card battles a monster summoned from the Extra Deck, the attacking monster is switched to DEF mode.

Spectral Deva - Volcanous

Light/Warrior/Pendulum

ATK: 1000, DEF: 400, LV: 4, SC: 9

Pendulum Effect: By sacrificing a card from your Field or Hand, all monsters you control cannot be destroyed by battle for the rest of the turn.

Monster Effect: If this card is Special Summoned to the field, you can perform a Fusion Summon with another monster ignoring its Summoning conditions.

Spectral Deva - Skyrocker

Light/Fiend/Effect

ATK: 1900, DEF: 1000, LV: 6

Monster Effect: If this card is destroyed by battle or card effect, you can target a monster you control and equip this card to that monster. At the end of the turn this card is destroyed, destroy the equipped monster and your opponent takes damage equal to the ATK of this card.

Moonlight Jaguar Lina

Dark/Beast-Warrior/Effect

ATK: 1300, DEF: 200, LV: 4

Monster Effect: A monster that was Fusion Summoned using Jaguar Lina as a material cannot be destroyed by card effects.

Moonlight Mermaid

Dark/Beast-Warrior/Effect

ATK: 1700, DEF: 1200, LV: 4

Monster Effect: By banishing this card from the game, you can Special Summon a "Moonlight" monster from my graveyard to the field.

Spectral Deva - Syn Jack

Light/Fiend/Effect

ATK: 2400, DEF: 0, LV: 5

Monster Effect: Once per turn, the ATK of all monsters your opponent controls are reduced by 300.

Spectral Deva - Demifiend

Light/Fiend/Effect

ATK: 2100, DEF: 2000

Monster Effect: You can Special Summon this card from your hand by sending a Spell Card from your hand to the graveyard.

Spectral Deva - Angelo Level

Light/Spellcaster/Effect

ATK: 2000, DEF: 2000, LV: 5

Monster Effect: You can Special Summon this card from your hand to the field by reducing the ATK of a monster you control to 0.

Spectrum Deva - Vice Gamma

Light/Warrior/Effect/Ritual

ATK: 2400, DEF: 1700, LV: 6

Monster Effect: When this card is Ritual Summoned, you can draw cards equal to the number of tributes used to summon this card. When a monster declares an attack and you control monsters whose ATKs are lower than the attacking monster, Vice Gamma is switched into DEF and its ATKs are reduced to zero. Also, its ATKs are added to a "Spectrum" monster you control.

Spectrum Deva - Vice Delta

Light/Winged-Beast/Effect/Pendulum

ATK: 3100, DEF: 1800

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, you can target a "Spectral Deva" monster you control. That target can attack twice per turn.

Monster Effect: When this card is Tribute Summon, Special Summon as many "Spectrum" monsters from your graveyard to the field, however, those monsters cannot attack directly

Moonlight Cheetah Dancer

Dark/Beast-Warrior/Effect/Fusion

ATK: 2600, DEF: 1700, LV: 7

Monster Effect: When this card is Fusion Summoned, the ATK of the monsters your opponent controls are halved. If this effect is activated, this can attack all monsters whose attacks were halved by its effect.