Chapter 29
Broken Wings
Yusho's mind was full of thoughts, even though he was supposed to be "relaxing". His worries laid mainly in the security of his students, and how to effectively prevent from being taken away. To prevent the children from being turned into weapons and used to fight their own peers.
"If only I had been more careful..." He lamented, lowering his head."...then maybe they'd be fine. Or maybe there was no other way around. The Unifiers of Chaos have probably armed their forces and are even stronger than before..."
"Sensei." A voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked up, his hat no longer blocking his vision and saw an all too familiar girl standing next to his student, Asuka.
Yusho's eyes widened at the familiar pink hair and sat up."Are you Yuzu?"
Yuzu ran up to the man in tears, kneeling beside him and crying on his arm."Mr. Sakaki! Everyone's been so worried! Yuya, Yoko, my father...Hiraki...Oh god...Hiraki..."
Yusho smiled warmly, rubbing her head gently."I suppose they would be. I'm sorry I worried you."
"It's been horrible! And I don't know what to do or where the others are!" Yuzu was panicking and beginning to hyperventilate.
Yusho placed a hand on her shoulder."Yuzu, it's okay. I need you to relax. Breath in and out slowly to catch your breath."
She did as she was told and took a moment before talking."What are you doing here?"
"Before we get to that, you mentioned Hiraki, Yuya's friend. Was he also brought here with you?" Yusho asked. He had known Hiraki as well and was rather attached to the boy. He saw him as Yuya's own brother when they got together to play.
"He was captured and manipulated by Academia!" She cried out, her voice slowly breaking down to a sob.
"Manipulated? What exactly do you mean?" Yusho was mad, but first, he wanted to clarify the circumstances.
"They turned him into someone else. They brainwashed him and experimented on him to the point where he refers to himself as an entirely different entity. He goes by the name Yuke...and is the leader of a group called the Unifiers of Chaos..."
Yusho nearly jumped out of his seat and looked at Asuka, both perplexed about the situation."Impossible..." He felt himself tearing up, but shook his head."Are you certain?"
Yuzu sniffed, tears still streaming down her face."He said so himself..."
Asuka made her way to the other two, folding her arms under her chest."We are familiar with them."
"I'm afraid so. The Unifiers of Chaos were responsible for kidnapping students before." Yusho sighed."They saved a couple of students from sharing their fate. When I got to the scene, they were gone."
Asuke nodded, her face full of sadness."We looked everywhere but we never found them again."
Yuzu remembered something that was mentioned during the confrontation back in Synchro and how it was discovered that the Unifiers of Chaos were all brainwashed and taken from other dimensions."By any chances...are their names Wendy and Ace?"
"How did you...?" Yusho murmured under his breath.
Yuzu closed her eyes in thought."Before coming here, me and the group I was with encountered the Unifiers of Chaos in the Synchro Dimension. A mad man by the name of Roget had hired them but they disposed of him without a second thought. Thanks to everyone's accounts, we learned that the Unifiers of Chaos are all brainwashed and fight against their will. Among them, I saw..."
Yusho felt his heart sunk into his stomach."My goodness..."
Asuka covered her mouth but could not prevent herself from crying."Oh, God...Wendy...Ace..."
"What about a boy named Evan?" Yusho pressed on.
Yuzu shook her head."They did mention him, but he was not with them. Mr. Sakaki, what exactly is going on? What is your connection with them?"
"I'm afraid I was their teacher before they were kidnapped. Like the kids here, they escaped from Academia once they realized that Academia was harming other people. Wendy was a kind, hyperactive girl that liked to make new friends whenever she could. Ace was a proud duelist and enjoyed teaching other students in how to improve. And Evan was a quiet young man with a heart of gold that got to bring the best out of others. To think they'd been transformed and joined that group...If what you're saying is true, then I assume the names Naho, Tariko, and Makoto ring a name as well?" Yuzu nodded, prompting the man to continue."I thought so..."
"But why do you know about all of them?" Yuzu asked.
Yusho took a look at both girls and faced forward."I will explain all of my events to you, Yuzu."
Yuto found himself dashing as fast as he could around his destroyed city. There was no time to reminisce about the past due to an explosion going off nearby.
"It has to be Yuya and the others...but who would they be dueling? Academia? Or perhaps the Unifiers of Chaos already caught up to us..." Yuto shook his head, trying to block his negative thoughts."It doesn't matter! I must get to them!"
Upon closer inspection, he saw Kaito and Yuya, dueling. Yuya had Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon while Kaito had his Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon. However, what confused Yuto more was the fact that Yuya even had that monster.'I thought he couldn't use it anymore since he gave me back Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon. Could he have found another way?'
"Hey, isn't that Yuto?" Sawatari looked over to the XYZ duelist."About time he got here!"
Kaito faced the new come as well."Yuto? You are here...?"
"He's not the only one! They're all with me!" Kurosaki exclaimed from across the battlefield. He was accompanied by two youths and Kurono.
Gongenzaka grinned, raising a thumb up."Kyle! You're alright!"
"Shun?" Kaito narrowed his eyes."Both of you are here..."
"And we heard everything that happened while we were gone." Kurosaki went to the point."I know that you fought the Unifiers of Chaos after they carded your family. I'm sorry. Had we been here, this could have not happened."
"It's useless talking in hypotheticals, Shun. You of all people should know that." Kaito turned off his Duel Disk, ending the duel before him and Yuya could go on.
Yuya ran up to Gongenzaka and Sawatari and was joined by Kurono as well."You guys alright? I appeared on the other side of town and got in a fight with the Chaotics."
Sawatari tilted his head, confused."Chaotics?"
"What? Saying Unifiers of Chaos takes too much wording. I dubbed them Chaotics thanks to a few people from here who talked to me about their experience. It's been hell. Just like in my dimension."
"But now we know more than we did back then. We're connecting the pieces together." Gongenzaka chimed in."However, we are missing the mystery behind Yuke."
Yuya nodded."That's right. He's Hiraki and the timeline makes sense. But what doesn't make sense is the way he's portrayed by you and then by oth-"
"Bullshit!" Kaito's voice boomed through the streets."You really expect me to believe such nonsense?!"
"He's right, Shun." The boy with orange hair said."You didn't see it, but they carded Kaito's brother and father in a heartbeat. They showed no mercy nor remorse."
This time, Yuto walked up."I understand, however, we were there. We faced them. They are being manipulated by someone else and they cannot help it. By contrast, they are nothing like the other Academia members who are not obligated to do this and still do it."
"Are you saying we should..." The girl with glasses began.
"...help them?" Said the other boy."That's ridiculous! Why should we even bother?"
"I know it sounds insane." Kurosaki closed his eyes, hesitating to speak."But...I doubt that Makoto, Naho, and Tariko would be willing to do be part of this massacre. Do you not believe in them?!"
Kaito, Sayaka, and Allen found themselves lost at words. Everyone was quiet, letting Kurosaki's words sink in.
"You're saying...they are part of the Unifiers of Chaos...?" Sayaka's eyes widened slowly, covering her mouth.
Allen bit his lower lip, looking at the ground."So is that what happened to them...?"
"That's right." Yuto nodded grimly."Originally, we thought they were carded the day they disappeared. But what we saw a while ago was no mistake. We saw them lined up with the Unifiers of Chaos."
Kaito gave his back to them, looking at the sky."Makoto...Naho...Tariko..." He clenched his fists."Even so, the bastards that attack constantly this dimension are still out there What, does every one of them have the liberty to card people and not be responsible for their actions?!":
"Kaito, you must understand! None of them signed up for it. They were brainwashed!" Yuto tried to reason.
"And how would you know that?!" Kaito snapped back at him."You don't know them, so how can you say for certain they didn't do this willingly?!"
Kurosaki shot a glare at Kaito."Because we met their friends. Not long ago, a man named Jack Atlas from the Synchro Dimension told us his best friend was among them."
"Even if that is true, we are under no obligation to try and "purify" them! I'll get our friends back, but the rest of them..." An image of Junpei appeared in his head."...will go to hell."
"That's..." Yuya tried to talk but was stopped by Yuto.
"I am willing to believe them, Kaito. They are human beings with emotions like us. They are being manipulated."
Kaito scowled."What's with you? Since when did you start believing in what Academia tells you?"
"Kaito, was it?" Kurono called out."I understand your position. My homeworld was ravaged. But not because of the Unifiers of Chaos that we know, but by the copycats that were formed and praised the cause of our downfall, Yu. We've been living in constant war for all these years and lost hope in ever seeing our world prosper again. I hated them so much. I resented them and wanted to watch them burn myself. Above all, I want to end Yu's life myself for all the suffering he's caused. But when I learned the truth, it hit me. It turns out Yuke, the leader of the Unifiers of Chaos, is a friend of mine from the Fusion Dimension called Hiraki. I wasn't around him for long, but I knew I could trust my life with that kid. But he was brainwashed...not, that's not the word. He was modified and turned into a killing machine with no emotions. I don't know if he's the same Yu as the one who destroyed my homeland, but I know the person behind the mask. I want to help that kid and see him smile once again. I owe him that much. Actually, we all want everyone to smile, even if their smiles are hidden behind wicked ones."
Kurono walked up to Kaito and stretched his hand out."I know it's hard. I know you probably don't want to do this and you're in pain after losing your family. But we can get them back, I promise. But I also want to help the Chaotics so they can be free of their pain. Do you know what it must feel like to card people and you can't help it?"
Kaito studied his face for a few seconds and closed his eyes in thought. Slowly, his gaze went up and locked eyes with the Ritual user."I hear your feelings loud and clear. However, how can you expect us to simply change their mind?"
"That's what we need to figure out." Shun folded his arms."We know they're being brainwashed, but we have no idea what causes it anyway."
"Do you think they might have a trigger word?" Sawatari asked."I mean, I once read that people were hypnotized and could be brought back to their senses by saying a specific word."
"Highly unlikely. I doubt they were put under a simply hypnosis." Gongenzaka stated.
"So then, we're back to square one?" Allen sighed, rubbing his hair.
Kaito took a step away and began walking away."Kaito! Where are you going?" Sayaka called out to him."Aren't you coming back?"
"Yeah! I mean, aren't you coming back to the Resi-" Allen casually asked before being cut off.
"No. I already severed my ties with you all." Kaito explained coldly."Even though we have a common enemy and know their secret, we still have no means of stopping them. Not to mention, if what you're saying is true, the countless Academia members that have control of their actions. I will hunt them all."
With that, Kaito dashed away from the others, leaving them in shock.
"Should we follow him?" Sawatari sounded unsure.
Kurosaki shook his head."No. At least it brings me comfort to know he's agreed to this."
"Yeah." Yuto looked up at the gray sky, hope filling his eyes."We can do this."
Meanwhile, in another side of Heartland, Junpei and Tatsuyo sat idly on top of some rubble on the ground.
"You know, I've been thinking. The Lancers are in this Dimension, as we saw."Tatsuyo began, slowly as if to make his points clear."And apparently Tokomaru has been taken out and we don't know where he might be. For all we know, he's dead. Knowing these facts, do you think it's a good idea for only us two to be guarding this dimension":
Junpei shot him a glare, startling the boy."You're an idiot to the bitter sense. Do you honestly believe we're not sufficient for this? Tokomaru lost because he was a big muscle head with no brain. On the other hand, I, a sophisticated genius, is leading you."
"I know you're great and all, but Kaito is probably going to side with them as well the Resistance. Knowing the poor capability of the soldiers that we have, we won't be able to outlast them all."
This seemed to strike a nerve on Junpei, who bit his thumb in frustration."I suppose you do have a point. That Yuzu girl is probably not here, so that means this Dimension is useless at this point, isn't that right?"
Tatsuyo stretched, laying down."What do you mean by that?"
"You'll see. Let's get going. We're running out of time to end them before these dogs get out of hand."
"Sure thing. Come to think of it, you've never really talked about your past, have you?"
Junpei folded his arms."What about it? It's not like my previous life was any good. I was a Top in the Synchro Dimension and had anything I could ever desire. Later, I was scouted by Seiko and eventually joined you, simpletons. What about you?"
"Well, nothing really exciting. I wasn't too poor or too rich. I was you could say I was middle class. I used to work at my parent's store in the garden section. A simple life, as you would say, and honestly, quite boring. I was so bored that eventually, I started liking being a botanist."
"Ha! I guess you and I are more alike than we thought. We joined up due to our lack of excitement in our lives. We're quite selfish, eh?"
Tatsuyo rolled his eyes with a meek smile."I suppose you could also call it a common interest. Besides, we're not alike at all. Unlike you, I wasn't a spoiled brat." His tone turned dark, catching his partner off guard.
"What did you just say, mongrel?" Junpei scowled."Don't think I'll let that slide because we're partners!"
Tatsuyo grinned, jumping back from a fuming Junpei."Sorry, but you really are driving me downhill. There's no reason for us to keep cooperating if all you do is complain and be a spoiled brat. Unlike you, I got to where I am based on skills alone and my hard work. Yet..." He clenched his fists."...people who work hard and put major effort aren't always gratifying. You were born on your throne and always knew of success. I bet you never even had to try in your life."
"Damn you..." Junpei gritted his teeth as he felt his blood boil in rage."How dare you talk to me that way!"
"Also...you were the one who bought out our store, weren't you? Just to turn it into a warehouse."
Junpei arched his brow in confusion until he remembered."Oh yeah, I remember now. My father wanted to store his liquor somewhere where the simpletons would be able to buy it from."
"I see. Thanks to you, my family went to ruin and we had to survive based on handouts and begging. Although I really don't care about that. My parents ended up giving up and fell into a deep depression, while I, stood up and faced the world! Thanks to Seiko I got the chance of being rewarded for my efforts! I will shine brighter than anyone this world has seen!"
"You're insane." Junpei spat venomously."I guess it's true what they say, the poor tend to dream bigger than the rich."
"And that, my friend, is where you're wrong. I'll prove that by defeating you and taking out the Lancers myself." Tatsuyo activated his Duel Disk, allowing himself to smirk.
Junpei spat at the ground, doing the same."I guess it's about time to show you that you Commons is the lowest of species."
"Hang on one second!" Ace jumped in between them."What the fuck do you think you're doing?!"
Junpei gave Ace a dumbfounded expression."What in the heavens are you doing here, Fusion Mongrel?"
"Apparently preventing for you dumbasses to kill each other off. The enemy is right here and you're both eating shit? Come on! Now, get a move on, and stop wasting precious time!"
Tatsuyo sighed, jumping on top of a wrecked truck."Sheez, can't even have some fun without the mighty Ace taking an interest. Oh, and this isn't over, Junpei. I'll get back at you later. Bye-bye."
Junpei and Ace watched as Tatsuyo parkoured his way out of their sight."What the hell is with him? He's acting stranger than usual."
"I haven't got a clue. He suddenly snapped at me for no reason and started saying something about shining like a star. Honestly, this dog has become too comfortable for his own good. Now he's out there thinking he's a sort of big shot."
"And what will you do?" Ace asked.
Junpei shrugged."I suppose I'll go ahead and prepare a plan to take down the Lancers. I am assuming the "Fusion Master Race" is thinking of something similar?"
Ace scowled at his remark but played it off."I do have a plan. However, there's someone else getting ahead of me in that regard, so I'm relaxing for now." Ace turned around and began walking away."Try not to get yourself killed like Tokomaru."
Rolling his eyes, Junpei spat at the floor."Don't compare me to that gorilla, you mongrel."
Evan smiled upon listening to the faint words and proceeded walking ahead. Just then, he received a call from his Duel Disk and stopped on his tracks."Evan..." He grimaced at the name."He betrays the team and then is back like nothing happened. And we also don't get any explanations. Although he did respond when Yuke called us to report Tokomaru's defeat. But ever since then, I have yet to see him in person." Carefully, pressed the accept button and watched as the transmission showed him a dim lit room. On the right side, he saw a silhouette sitting on a chair, hands behind his head."Evan?"
"It's been a while since we've talked, hasn't it, Ace?" Evan's voice droned, a chuckle followed after."I was beginning to think you were starting to avoid me. Are you?"
Ace spat on the floor, not taking the comment lightly."Don't be ridiculous, asshole. Just because I'm not with you for a few days doesn't mean shit. You think this is some kind of possessive relationship or something?"
Evan got closer to the camera and Ace was shocked to see that...he looked rather normal. With the exception of his right eye being pitch black with the exception of a white sclera."What the...hell happened to...your eye?"
"Oh, this?" He touched his eye, nonchalantly."Nothing, really. It makes me look more intimidating, don't you think?
"Quit that shit! Why did you do it? And what did Seiko do to you? You're acting more strange than usual, you freak." Ace fumed, hoping that he would intimidate Evan.
Evan chuckled darkly, his eyes reverting back to normal slowly. Once his eyes were crimson again, he rested his head on his arm."I was just reminded of how important our goal is. Seiko opened up my eyes and made me realize that I was just throwing a temper tantrum. As silly as it might be, I now realize that what I did was foolish. Trying to escape the path of chaos for the sake of Rin, even if she's so much happy here."
"Y-you're different..." Ace muttered, cold sweat dripping down the back of his neck."I don't know what your deal is, but get to the damn point already."
A long and dreadful pause followed after before Evan spoke again."I just wanted to check up on you, is all. I heard you're on a mission at XYZ right now. I wish I could join you, but I have other affairs to attend to. You understand, don't you?"
"Yeah, whatever you say." Ace hung up the call immediately, taking a deep breath."Damn. I don't know what's going on, but I sure as hell don't like it. I better be careful from now on." He looked back at where he came from."Don't want to end up like these weirdos."
A bright light greeted a familiar white-haired boy's eyes. Kyle grunted in discomfort as he got back up on his feet.
"So much for a safe trip...how long was I out for?" He rubbed his tired eyes, examining the area. "An island? How did I get here? Was my Duel Disk unable to adjust to Academia's technology? In that case, where are Yugo and Cody? They should be here with me." He stretched his sour limbs, realizing the pressure on his muscles after laying down on the hard ground."I'm not back at home, and we just came from Synchro. Kurosaki mentioned how his homeland was destroyed but certainly didn't look like this. Which means...this is the Fusion Dimension."
"There he is! Capture the trespasser at once!" Kyle looked up ahead and watched as multiple people wearing red and yellow jackets were closing in fast.
"That uniform looks like the one Serena had. There's no mistaking it. This is the Fusion Dimension!" Kyle breathed in and out slowly, noticing how his body was no longer contracting due to the Formula XV, however, he felt fully energized more than ever."I must have adapted to the drug. I don't have any time to waste then!"
Kyle let out a feral growl, sprinting at an incredible speed to the crowd of Academia Duelists and going straight to them, delivering punches, kicks, and blocking from all angels. Academia sent more of their students to fend off the invader, but they were no match to Kyle's upgraded power. Given their advantage in numbers, some students landed a few hits on him and was beginning to affect him. Once he went through the crowd, he ran the rest of the way evading the incoming dueling soldiers with aerobics.
"I'm not stopping now! I have to save Serena! She's waiting for me!" He yelled to himself in hopes that his motivation would energize him to complete his goal. Once inside the gates, he went into hiding, avoiding more troops that were being dispatched outside."They must have found me when my Duel Disk teleported me here. Damn, so much for the element of surprise. They do see to be unaware of locating me. However, there's that..." an image of Yuke flashed between his eyes, almost taking all hope of succeeding he had."I can't think that about now..." He shook his head, slapping his cheeks. With determination, he set off to find Serena. Little did he know he was obviously not familiarized with Academia's layout, so he spent hours and hours searching quietly in Academia's maze-like corridors.
"Keep looking for him! Until then, keep the classrooms in lockdown!" He heard someone yelled out to a small group of people.
'So that's why the halls are empty. The students that are not chasing me are hidden in the classrooms." He chuckled bitterly, continuing on his quest."Funny, to the people that are oblivious to all of this, I must seem like a psychopath that invaded their school. But the truth can be a cruel one."
"I agree." A chilling voice spoke from behind him. Kyle jumped back, nearly tripping over his feet."Ah, I've startled you. My apologies, but I wasn't expecting for my luck to lead me to you. I was simply going to the cafeteria."
Kyle gulped down, recognizing the crimson eyes and the dark-grey hair the individual had."You're Evan..."
"I'm glad you remember me because I remember you too, Kyle Asayi." Evan clapped his hands together."You certainly look a bit different. Last time I saw you at least half of your hair wasn't white."
"Cut the crap!" Kyle activated his Duel Disk, taking a threatening step."You're going to tell me exactly where Serena is!"
Evan rose his hands defensively, his smile never fading."Calm down. I was going to tell you where she is. Truth be told, I lied when I told you I was going for a snack. The fact is, Seiko sent me after you when they sounded the alarm. However, I don't see why I should neglect you from seeing her. Follow me." Evan walked pass Kyle, who reluctantly followed along.
"I don't get it. What reason would you have for helping me?" He questioned in clear distrust to the crimson-eyed luckster.
Evan shrugged his shoulders, taking a right turn."It pains me to see when two people are neglected for their love. You love her, don't you?" He was answered by Kyle's flustered face."What a cure reaction~! You see, I understand the feeling so I wouldn't want someone else to feel the same way. You'll end up feeling...empty..."
Kyle listened to his rambling as they took a right turn and stopped in the middle of an iron door."Is this it?"
"Yes. This door leads to our special aquarium. Serena should be inside." He opened the door, revealing a vast dim-lit space with glass covering almost the entire room. Inside the glass were a staggering amount of ocean creatures, such as fish, jellyfish, etc. However, his sight landed on an indigo hair girl.
"Serena!" Kyle rushed over to her, unaware that Evan closed the door behind him."You're alright!"
Serena turned around and gasp, noticing the albino coming her way."Is that you...Kyle?"
Kyle stopped a few inches from her. His glee was evident with that happy grin on his face."Yeah. It's a long story. The hair, I mean."
She stretched her hand to touch his hair, gently stroking it."I'm sorry you went through so much for me. I...I've been so scared...I thought you guys would not make it here and was beginning to lose hope."
"S-Serena...?" Kyle cringed at her touch on his chess."That's...too close..."
She ignored his comment and came closer to him, burying her face on his chest, sobbing. Kyle was baffled. His mind was all over the place but did the one thing he could muster to do. Hug her.
"I'm sorry for neglecting you...Kyle...my white knight." She spoke softly while her smile slowly turned to an ear to ear grin.
A fast set of steps were heard from his right. Kyle saw a shadow rapidly jumping in the air and coming straight at him. He tried to push himself away, but Serena had a firm grip on his body. With no other way, he blocked the incoming kick with his forearm. He grabbed the feet of his attacker and threw it away, focusing on getting Serena away from him after a struggle.
"What's going on?! Serena!" Kyle called out to her but was met with a punch to the gut by a green haired girl who had a face identical to Serena.
Rin smiled wickedly at him, cracking her knuckles."What a softy. I thought you were going to be tougher than this."
Serena stood a few meters behind Kyle, eying him like a predator to its prey."Kyle, what's wrong? I thought you were going to save me. You made it all the way here by yourself. And for what? Fight, you coward!" Both bracelets girls went straight for Kyle and punched him from all sides. However, Kyle was fast enough to block their punches that were continuing to change in trajectory while the spun in circles. The struggle continued for a few seconds before the girls ended their attack with a right hook and a left hook respectively, both being block by each of Kyle's arms.
"No choice!" Kyle grabbed their arms and spun in circles, throwing them away.
Serena and Rin skidded on the ground before stopping."Not bad." They activated their Duel Disks as Kyle."However, this is just getting started."
"I don't know what they did to you, but I'll save you! Both of you!"
"Duel!"
Kyle vs. Serena and Rin LP: 4000 each.
"This will be a Battle Royal duel where each player is incapable of attacking during their first turn and effect damage will affect the opponent the person dealing it chooses." Kyle read from his Duel Disk."However, if I can't win this duel, there's no way in hell I can beat Yuke."
"Defeat Yuke?" Serena repeated almost in a mockery tone."Then this will be where you'll have your final duel! It's my turn! I draw! I summon Moonlight Emerald Bird in ATK mode!"
Moonlight Emerald Bird Level 4, Dark, Beast-Warrior, ATK: 1200, DEF: 1000
"I activate Emerald's effect! If she's Normal Summoned on the field, I can send a card from my hand to the Graveyard and draw a card from my Deck! Next, I activate the Spell Card, Moonlight Arts! I can target a monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon another copy from my Deck! Arise, Moonlight Kuro Huntress!"
A dark humanoid cat holding a spear appeared on the field.
Moonlight Kuro Huntress Level 2, Dark, Beast-Warrior, ATK: 800, DEF: 100
"When Kuro Huntress is Special Summoned to the field, I can immediately set a card from my Deck to my field!" A set card appeared on Serena's field before it vanished."I set another card face-down and end my turn." Serena nodded to Rin, who returned the gesture.
"Unfortunately for you, it's my turn!" Rin declared, drawing a card."Draw! When there are no monsters on my field, I can Special Summon Wind Witch - Kiara Bell!"
A girl with yellow hair wearing a white bodysuit appeared on the field, holding a wooden staff.
Wind Witch - Kiara Bell Level 3, Wind, Spellcaster, Tuner, ATK: 1400, DEF: 600
"When Kiara Bell is Special Summoned, I can deal you 200 points of damage!" Kiara Bell flew over to Kyle, smacking him with his staff."Hopefully, that will help you get your senses in the game. Moving on, I Normal Summon Wind Witch - Lubica Bell on the field!"
From a small tornado, a witch wearing a long white robe appeared on the field, holding a book.
Wind Witch - Lubica Bell Level 2, Wind, Spellcaster, ATK: 400, DEF: 400
"I think you need a bit more of a shakedown. I activate Lubica's effect! Once per turn, I can double the levels of a monster I control! I'll double Kiara's Levels to make them 6!"
Wind Witch - Kiara Bell Level 6
"Now, I tune the Level 6 Kiara Bell with the Level 2 Lubica Bell!" Rin declared as Kiara turned into 6 stars while Lubica turned into 2 rings, surrounding them."Coldhearted being that is born from the blizzard of hell! Synchro Summon! Level 8! Wind Witch - Whiteout Bell!"
A female monster clad in white armor, blades on her arms appeared on the field, writing what it appeared to be a large bell attached to its bottom half.
Wind Witch - Whiteout Bell Level 8, Wind, Spellcaster, Synchro, ATK: 2900, DEF: 2300
"Hell is just beginning! I activate Whiteout's effect! When she's Synchro Summoned to the field, you take damage equal to that of one of her Summoning Materials! I choose Kiara Bell!"
Whiteout breathed out cold air that turned into stalagmites that shot to Kyle. He evaded the first few but was impaled on the shoulder by one that came on his blind side.
Kyle LP: 2600
"I set a card face-down and end my turn!" Rin's empty eyes gazed upon Kyle who was bleeding from the wound.
"Damn...not off to a great start..." He pulled the stalagmite away, groaning in pain as he felt blood coming out of the fresh wound."They're out for blood. This could be bad if I don't end this as soon as possible. My turn, draw! I activate the Spell Card, Nekro Advancement! When my LP are lower than my opponent's, I can add to my hand a Ritual Monster and Spell Card from my Deck to my hand!" Kyle added a total of 2 cards to his hand."Then, I activate the Ritual Spell, Nekroz Mirror! I can Ritual Summon a monster whose levels are equal or more than the monsters I tribute! I'll be tributing Shurit, Strategist of the Nekroz, and thanks to his effect, he can be used to Ritual Summon a monster of any level!"
A mirror appeared on the field and absorbed Shurit. On the other side, the mirror began shining as a new monster was coming out.
"Light of hope that's created in the blade of despair! Change destiny with your staggering power! Ritual Summon! Come, Level 7! Nekroz of Tyrlord!"
A warrior clad in dark armor with black wings appeared on the field, wielding a long scythe.
Nekroz of Tyrlord Level 7, Water, Warrior, Ritual, ATK: 2600, DEF: 2200
"Idiot. I activate Whiteoute's effect! When a monster is Special Summoned, I can destroy it and give its ATKs to Whiteout!"
"Not so fast!" Kyle roared with fury."At this moment, Tyrlord's Special Effect activates! When an opponent's effect is activated, I can negate it and switch it to defense mode!"
Rin clicked her tongue in frustration and turned to face Serena who gave her a nod."I activate my Quick-Play Spell, Moonlight Fusion! I can Fusion Summon a "Moonlight" monster from my Extra Deck in my opponent's turn! I fuse Emerald Bird with Kuro Huntress!"
Emerald Bird and Kuro huntress were absorbed by a multicolored vortex as Serena chanted.
"Huntress that attacks in the shadows of the dark night, together with the brilliance of a crystal being! Fusion Summon! Level 7! Moonlight Cheetah Dancer!"
Moonlight Cheetah Dancer Level 7, Dark, Beast-Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2600, DEF: 1700
"Cheetah Dancer's effect is activated! When she's Fusion Summoned, I can halve the ATKs of all monsters you control!"
Nekroz of Tyrlord ATK: 1300
"So that's what she was planning." Kyle smiled in nervousness."I'll have to do something else to at least get rid of Rin's monster since it's the most troublesome. How about this? From my hand, I activate Nekroz of Exilum's effect! I can send it to the graveyard and equip it to a monster I control! I'll equip it to Tyrlord! Now, Battle!"
Rin scoffed in a mocking manner."You really have gone insane. What can you do with a weak monster like that?
"I attack Whiteout with Nekroz of Tyrlord! Last Crusade!" Tyrlord and Whiteout rose their blades respectively, but Tyrlord moved out of the way and instead cut Whiteout's arm off and flew over to Rin, slashing the ground near her. Whiteout let out a hollow scream before vanishing in thin air.
Rin LP: 3000
Rin picked herself from the floor, baffled at what just had happened."Why? Why did was my monster destroyed and why did I take damage?"
"It's simple. Exilum can be equipped to a monster for one turn and with it, it allows my monster to destroy an opponent's monster in battle, even if their ATKs or DEF are higher. And you take the damage I would have taken instead. I set a card face-down. It's your move...Serena."
"Bastard..." Rin growled under her breath."Serena, he's more crafty than we thought."
Serena's emotionless face remained still."I know. He's trying his hardest to save me, after all."
"Snap out of it Serena!" Kyle tried to persuade her."Hiraki is here! We're in Academia! Now that I've found you, we can go look for him and save him!" He stopped, noticing his bitter his voice was getting.
"Save Hiraki? Please, you don't want to save him." Serena's words cut like a knife, not sparing a detail."You're jealous of him. Do you think I've never noticed? Trying to save him? All you were doing was swallowing your pride to earn my attention. You never once cared about Hiraki. You are greedy, just like the people you stood up against for all these years in your dimension. How hypocritical."
Kyle felt his heart clenched at those words. Was it true, he wondered. This was clearly not the Serena he knew, but regardless she knew more."Y-you're w-wrong! I-I-I-"
"My turn! I draw! I believe your time of selfishness has come to an end. There's no reason to hold back any longer. I activate the Spell Card, Parasite Discharge to Special summon Parasite Fusioner in ATK mode!"
A red bug appeared on the field, floating next to Serena.
Parasite Fusioner Level 1, Dark, Insect, ATK: 0, DEF: 0
"What in the world... is that abomination?" Kyle squinted his eyes and rubbed them, but he was not being deceived."Why do you have that in your Deck?"
"That would be the Doktor's creation, you dirty dog." A cocky voice spoke from behind Serena. A girl with orange hair came out of the shadows, her crimson eyes full of malice.
"You...who are you?" Kyle could only ask in disbelief at the girl sharing a similar face to the other two.
"I'm Wendy. And don't mind me, I'm just watching the duel." She looked at her nails expectingly."But I hope you realize how much hopeless this is for you. To a fellow Ritual Duelist, I hope you come to your senses and surrender quietly."
"You're from the Ritual Dimension! But why are you here...and how? I've never seen you in my life before."
"Enough! This is still a duel!" Serena barked, snapping the boy from his thoughts."I activate Parasite Fusioner's effect! When it's Special Summoned, I can use it as a substitute for Fusion Material and Fusion Summon!
Parasite Fusioner and Cheetah Dancer were absorbed by a multicolored vortex as Serena began chanting.
"Savage beast that lurks in the moonlight! The light that runs from your ferocious blades will cower in defeat! Fusion Summon! Level 10! Moonlight Panthera Dancer!"
A female warrior wearing clothing that looked similar to a panther appeared on the field. She had long black hair, white skin, and two blades in each hand.
Moonlight Panthera Dancer Level 10, Dark, Beast-Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 3000, DEF: 2000
Wendy let out a cackle in amusement, clapping her hands."Marvelous! I think everything is ready, Professor!"
With a flickering like, the scene of the aquatic beats disappeared as if it were a hologram. In its place were what Kyle would assume were higher-ups and scientists. In a small throne, a man sat accompanied by a girl with blonde hair and pink bangs falling on either side of her face. She was wearing a purple jacket, a purple skirt that reached up to her knees and purple boots.
"What is this?" Kyle looked around to meet the various eyes looking at him. His gaze, however, felt on the man sitting on the throne."You're...the Professor, aren't you?!"
"That is correct, Kyle Asayi." The man responded, resting his head on his right palm."I am surprised you managed to get her unexpectantly. However, we've been keeping a close eye on you this whole time."
Evan appeared walking next to two scientists, one which had wides eyes and was staring down at Serena's monster with glee."Ah! Excellent! My parasites are working perfectly!"
"Parasites? Is that how you're controlling them?!" Kyle demanded at the crazed man."And where is Hiraki?! Where are you keeping him?!"
The Professor's expression hardened at that, slowly changing into a confused one as he rubbed his chin in thought."Ah, now I remember. Hiraki Sotari...I'm afraid he's no longer in this world."
Kyle's eyes widened in a dangerous way, making it seem as if his eyeballs would come out of his sockets."Y-y-you mean..."
The girl standing next to the Professor laughed at his reaction, hands on her hips."It's more appropriate to say that he's become of more use than he was before. Right, Serena?"
Kyle shifted his gaze over to his crush in an attempt to see a reaction, however, all he got was a cold stare from here."What does he mean by that?"
"I activate Panthera Dancer's effect! When she's Special Summon, I can reduce your monster's ATKs to zero!"
Nekroz of Tyrlord ATK: 0
"Battle! When Panthera Dancer battles a monster that was Special Summon from the Extra Deck, her ATKs double!"
Moonlight Panthera Dancer ATK: 6000
"I activate my Trap Card, Emergency Route! I can target a Ritual "Nekroz" monster I control and send it back to my Deck! Then, I can Special Summon another Ritual "Nekroz" monster from my Deck disregarding its summoning conditions! Additionally, that monster won't be destroyed by battle or card effects for the remaining of this turn! Appear, Nekroz of Clausolas!"
Nekroz of Clausolas Level 3, Warrior, Ritual, ATK: 1200, DEF: 2300
"I activate Clausolas' effect! I can reduce the ATKs of a monster from the Extra Deck to 0!"
"I activate my Trap Card, Moonlight Illusion! When an opponent targets a monster I control for an effect, I can negate it, and destroy that monster!"
"What?!" Kyle cried out as he watched Clausolas being destroyed and Panthera heading his way. Swinging her swords in an X motion, sending Kyle flying far against the far wall of the room, cracking it.
Kyle LP: 0
Winner: Serena and Rin!
"Well, that was quick." Seiko spoke words as if they were poison, disgusted at the display of Kyle."Well, so much for that."
Serena walked up to Kyle, her eyes slowly turning crimson."Excellent. They have crimson eyes! Now they're not only under the control of the parasites, but they're under the influence of chaos! From now on, the four girls will be known as the Paladins of Chaos!"
Kyle gasped for air desperately feeling his life slowly slipping away."S-Serena...I...I know I was selfish...I was jealous of Hiraki, for having such a wonderful girl like you on his side...When he disappeared, I felt glad...but guilty of thinking so. I wanted you to be happy and at the same time...n-n-not feel like a selfish bastard...I love you...but I am not suited to you...Hiraki...Hi-Hira-raki...!" He felt something inside of his head make its way to his brain like a bug."W-w-what...is going on?!"
"HAHAHAH!" The Doktor cackled maniacally."It seems you'll soon become one of our allies, Kyle Asayi! A parasite snuck into your body during the duel, and now it's inside of your head as we speak! Carding you would be a waste, so making you part of our arsenal will suffice!"
Kyle let out a feral scream grabbing his head firmly. Serena and Rin stood watching him squirm in agony, their crimson eyes idly present. After a few seconds that seemed hours, Kyle stopped squirming around, and let his limbs fall on the floor. He sat up, watching at nothing in particular with dead eyes that lack any type of life.
"Now, Kyle Asayi. You will work for us." The Professor declared, earning a round of applause from the scientists.
Seiko smirked down at the now possessed Kyle, turning her attention to the Professor."It'll be dangerous if we don't secure the place a bit, Professor. If he got here so easily, who says the others won't do so as well?"
"I am afraid you're correct, Seiko. How many Unifiers of Chaos are present at this moment?" He inquired, sparing her a glance.
"Naho and Makoto are investigating the city for Yuzu Hiragi. Yuke, Tariko, Wendy, and Evan are on standby, though who knows where Yuke is. The others are in XYZ. Aside from them, we have Lumi, Daisuke, and Irina, Yuri, and Barett. Please, do not worry Professor. Academia is very well secured. The Lancers will never reach this place."
The Professor glanced around his subordinates, his scowl easing up but still present."Very well. It's only a matter of time..." his voice dropped to a whisper."...before you are revived...Ray."
Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. It took me a while to figure out how Kyle could be used in this story after this duel because I was intending for him to lose. So, I came up with the idea of him being controlled by the parasites. Wonder what Kurono will say xd. The war is closing in and Academia is confident that the Lancers will never get to their premises. Next chapter, the final fight between the Resistance and the Unifiers of Chaos in Heartland will begin. On another note, I've started a new fanfiction of Owari No Seraph, or more commonly known as Seraph of the End. It's two chapters in, so feel free to check it out!
Hope you guys have a wonderful day and please don't forget to review and comment. See ya.