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.

32. Chapter 32

Chapter 31
Double Trouble

"Gongenzaka, I think it's inside that museum over there!" Sawatari called out to his comrade.

"Agreed."Gongenzaka ran faster and went inside the museum, however, Sawatari did not follow him inside."Sawatari!"

A sword was in front of Sawatari and left him paralyzed in fear. His attacker smirked at him, combing his red hair back."It's been a while, huh? Sawatari-dono."

"Tariko." Sawatari took a step back.

"Well, seems we got our party going, huh?" Tatsuyo spoke from above. He was standing on top of a model of the Earth and landed on the floor. The inside of the lobby of the Museum was spacious enough and had the planetarium scatter in the ceiling."Well, Tariko, have fun! I'll have this mind for myself!"

"Sure thing." Tariko nodded to his friend."Let's go outside, Sawatari-dono. If you want to get to the bomb, you'll have to get through me."

"Gongenzaka, be careful with that one!" Sawatari was guided by Tariko to another section of the museum."I'll keep this one occupied!"

"Sawatari... Very well! I, the man Gongenzaka, will finish things on my side and come aid you as soon as I can!"

"That's assuming you'll be able to keep up with me, big guy." Tatsuyo put his hands on his hips."I guess I'll humor you for a bit. But do keep in mind though, that you have under one hour before this whole city goes kaboom!" He cackled at his own joke, activating his Duel Disk.

"How twisted," Gongenzaka muttered, activating his Duel Disk too.

"Duel!"

Gongenzaka vs. Tatsuyo LP: 4000

"I'll start us off, shall we? I don't often get to have a duel with new people, you see. Everything is so boring here. Same people, same defeats, honestly. This is a good way for me to try new things, get it? Look! I summon Naturia Guardian in ATK mode!"

Naturia Guardian Level 4, Earth, Plant, ATK: 1600, DEF: 400

"Now, I use the Spell Card, Naturia Duo! I can Special Summon a "Naturia" monster from my Deck to the field! Look at Naturia Cherries!"

Naturia Cherries Level 1, Earth, Plant, Tuner, ATK: 200, DEF: 200

"Now, I tune the Level 4 Naturia Guardian to the Level 1 Naturia Cherries!" Tatsuyo grinned at his monsters began going under the Synchro Process."I'm not really one for chants, so I'd like to skip them whenever I can. I Synchro Summon Naturia Beast!"

Naturia Beast Level 5, Earth, Beast, Synchro, ATK: 2200, DEF: 1700

"Hahaha! And now, you won't be able to use any Spell Cards at all! I've just blocked one of your limbs and I'll soon go for the last one! I set a card down and my turns ends there!"

"You've locked me from Spell Cards, you say?" Gongenzaka huffed, a small smile appearing on his face."If you think that will hindrance me, you're in for a rude awakening! It is my turn! I draw! From my hand, I Summon Superheavy Samurai Magnet in ATK mode!"

Superheavy Samurai Magnet Level 4, Earth, Machine, ATK: 900, DEF: 1900

"If this monster is Normal or Special Summoned on the field, I can Special Summon a "Superheavy Samurai" monster from my hand! Come, Superheavy Samurai LIttle Iron!"

Superheavy Samurai Little Iron Level 3, Earth, Machine, Tuner, ATK: 200, DEF: 1000

"A Tuner monster" Tatsuyo smiled at that."Fantastic. I get to duel another Synchro user! Too bad you're not a native, otherwise this would be far more enjoyable."

Gongenzaka ignored his remark and continued."I tune the Level 4 Superheavy Samurai Magnet to the Level 3 Superheavy Samurai Little Iron!" Magnet turned into four stars as Little Iron turned into three rings, surrounding them."Fast like the wind! Quiet like the forest! The ninja-to finish them! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 7! Superheavy Samurai Sealth Ninja!"

Superheavy Samurai Sealth Ninja Level 7, Earth, Machine, Synchro, ATK: 1200, DEF: 2800

"Defense position? That's quite the barrier you got there." Tatsuyo sarcastically praised."But what can it do other than just protect you for a bit?"

"Fool." Gongenzaka shook his head."You seriously underestimate me if you think I summoned this monster just to protect me! Superheavy Samurais can attack while in DEF mode! Now, I activate Sealth Ninja's effect! If I control no Spells or Traps in my Graveyard, I can halve this card's ATKs and attack you directly! Battle! Superheavy Samurai Sealth Ninja will attack the player directly!"

Stealth Ninja used its staff to hit Tatsuyo in the stomach, sending him crashing on the ground.,

Tatsuyo LP: 2600

"I end my turn with that!" Gongenzaka announced, crossing his hands.

Tatsuyo chuckled all the way as he sat up."So, effects that activate when you have no traps or spells? And you not setting any set downs further proves it. Man, I totally chose the wrong opponent for this. This is a bad match up."

"Maybe so, but this is a duel that must be done. I am here not only to duel you and prevent you from doing something insane but also to help you." Gongenzaka extended his hand."Reconsider your actions and look inside yourself. We already know that you guys are being manipulated in the shadows. This isn't you!"

"And who says that? To be honest, I feel freer than I ever had!" Tatsuyo spread his hands dramatically."I finally have control over my own life and my own actions! I feel so refreshed I could literally cry!"

"What are you talking about?" Gongenzaka took a wary step back. This one was not sane.

"You see, like my two comrades, I was not born or rose up to greatness. I was born in the slums of the Synchro Dimension, with little to no hope of a future. It was a pain in the ass, but my parents made it all better with our botanist shop. Of course, all good things come to an end and our family business went to hell. Funny, it was one of my comrades that did so. That's why after I'm done with you, I'll personally go after him and prevent for his escape. That way he'll have no choice but to die as the bombs go off! Isn't that a good plan?"

"What a warped thought." Gongenzaka had a somber expression on his face."I pity you."

"Huh?" Tatsuyo cocked an eyebrow, clearly irritated by his answer."Don't think that you're better than me. As I said, all I have to do is defeat you here. And I'll start now! My turn, I draw! Damn, I really got nothing good to throw at him. All my current cards involve activating their effects if he uses a trap or spell." He let out a chuckle."This doesn't look good. I'll have to end this duel as fast as I can. I Normal Summon Naturia Butterfly!"

Naturia Butterfly Level 3, Earth, Plant, ATK:1200, DEF: 700

"I end my turn with that."

"Very well! My turn! Draw! Once more, I activate Sealth Ninja's effect! By halving its DEFs, I can attack you directly!" Gongenzaka commanded his monster for an attack.

"I activate my Butterfly's effect!" Tatsuyo gave a sardonic smile."Once per turn, when my opponent declares an attack, I can send the card on top of my deck to the Graveyard to negate it!"

A shield protected Tatsuyo and sent Gongenzaka's monster back."In that case, I'll go with this! When I control no Spells or Trap Cards on my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Superheavy Samurai Big Waraji in DEF mode!"

Superheavy Samurai Big Waraji Level 5, Earth, Machine, ATK: 800, DEF: 1800

"Furthermore, I Normal Summon Superheavy Samurai Drum in ATK mode!"

Superheavy Samurai Drum Level 1, Earth, Machine, Tuner, ATK: 300, DEF: 300

"It's time! I tune the Level 5 Superheavy Samurai Big Waraji with the Level 1 Superheavy Samurai Drum!" Gongenzaka began chanting as Big Waraji turned into five stars and was being surrounded by one ring."Raise your voice, godly demon! Come before us onto this battlefield! Synchro Summon! Come down, Level 6! Superheavy Samurai Ogre Shutendoji!"

Superheavy Samurai Ogre Shutendoji Level 6, Earth, Machine, Synchro, ATK: 500, DEF: 2500

"A little too late to Special Summon a monster, no?" Tatsuyo casually said.

Gongenzaka shook his head, allowing a smirk to appear on his face."Not so. When Ogre Shutendoji is Synchro Summoned and I have no Spells or Traps in my Graveyard, I can destroy all set cards you control!"

A furious wind washed over Tatsuyo's face-down card, destroying it."No way!"

"I end my turn!" Gongenzaka folded his arms."Next turn, I'll do something about that butterfly you have."

"If you ever get the chance, you oversized gorilla! It's my move! Draw! I summon Naturia Stinkbug!"

Naturia Stinkbug Level 3, Earth, Insect, Tuner, ATK: 200, DEF: 500

"Moving on with the show, I tune the Level 3 Butterfly with the Level 3 Stinkbug!" Tatsuyo began chanting as his monster went under the Synchro Summoning process."Guardians of the Forest, Spirits of the Earth, Harmonize and become an even greater force! Synchro Summon! Grow, Level 6! Naturia Barkion!"

Naturia Barkion Level 6, Earth, Dragon, Synchro, ATK: DEF: 2500, DEF: 1800

"Now I play the Spell Card, Polymerization! I fuse Both of my Synchro Naturia monsters to Fusion Summon Naturia Giastrio!"

Naturia Giastrio Level 10, Earth, Rock, Fusion, ATK: 3200, DEF: 2100

"From my hand, I activate the Spell Card, Naturia Action! I can only use this Spell Card when a Fusion "Naturia" monster is on the field. It if was Fusion Summoned using Synchro Monster, I can draw cards equal to the Synchro Materials! So, I'll draw four cards from my Deck!"

"He refreshed his hand so easily." Gongenzaka bit his lower lip."I suppose he is more skilled than I gave him credit for."

"Now, I activate the Spell Card, Naturia Recycle Factory! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a "Naturia" monster from my Graveyard to the field as long as their Level is 4 or below! Come, Naturia Cherries!"

Naturia Cherries Level 1, Earth, Plant, Tuner, ATK: 200, DEF: 200

"Battle! I attack Stealth Ninja with Giastrio! Claw of Mother Earth!" Giastrio towered over Stealth Ninja and began munching on its body as though it were simple scrap, destroying it.

"However, since my monster is in DEF, I won't take damage!"

"Ah fuck! Come on!" Tatsuyo stomped like a mad child."How am I this badly outmatched?!" Tatsuyo began hyperventilating."I'M NOT WEAK! I WON'T BE BEATEN BY A LANCER! FUCK THIS! I activate the Spell Card, Naturia Back Calling! I can reduce a monster Level by the Level of another monster I control! Naturia Cherries is a Level 1, so Giastrio becomes a Level 9! Furthermore, I will gamble everything on this draw! I activate the Spell Card, Choose the one! By sending my entire hand to the graveyard, I can draw two cards from my Deck!" He drew his cards, sending a dark shockwave to Gongenzaka as he did."I activate the Spell Card, Chaotic Fusion! I fuse Giastrio and Cherries!"

A purple thunder broke through the ceiling, striking Tatsuyo as he laughed maniacally."He's lost it!"

"Forgotten entity lost in the darkness, from the depths of chaos and devastation, emerge with the powers of a god! Chaos! Death! Destruction! Grant us the power of divinity and help us create the world into our new home Our Utopia! Chaos Fusion Summon! Be born from the very core of this earth, Level 10! CHAOS Naturia Yari!"

CHAOS Naturia Yari Level 10, Earth, Rock, Fusion, ATK: 3330, DEF: 2900

"Thanks to its effect! I can Special Summon two monsters from my Graveyard, one being a Tuner!"

Naturia Guardian Level 4, Earth, Plant, ATK: 1600, DEF: 400

Naturia Stinkbug Level 3, Earth, Insect, Tuner, ATK: 200, DEF: 500

"Lastly, I will tune these monsters together to Synchro Summon Naturia Landoise!"

Naturia Landoise Level 7, Earth, Rock, Synchro, ATK: 2350, DEF: 1600

Tatsuyo panted like a tired beast, a craze expression on his face."With that, I end my turn!"

"I suppose I have to defeat you now before you do yourself anymore harm." Gongenzaka lowered his head in pity for the boy."My turn! I draw! I'll show you my Steadfast Dueling! By sending Superheavy Samurai Nagashi-O to the Graveyard, I can add a "Superheavy Samurai" monster from my Deck to my hand! The card I'll add and summon is another copy of Superheavy Samurai Little Iron!

Superheavy Samurai Little Iron Level 3, Earth, Machine, Tuner, ATK: 200, DEF: 1000

"I tune the Level 6 Ogre Shutendoji with the Level 3 Little Iron!" Gongenzaka chanted, Ogre becoming six stars and being surrounded by three stars that were Little Iron.

Superheavy Samurai Beast Kyubi Level 9, Earth, Machine, Synchro, ATK: 1900, DEF: 2500

The museum was getting crowded with so many huge monsters occupying it, so Tatsuyo backed away until he touched the wall."Further-"

"That's enough." Tatsuyo suddenly spoke again. He took a seat in the ground, sighing."I give up."

"W-what?!" Gongenzaka was baffled at the statement.

"I obviously can't do anything to counter you. And besides, fighting losing battles isn't my style. I should have known before, my Deck is built to fight for death. It was made for my love of plants. I am a botanist after all." He rose his head, his eyes slowly turning to a green color."I'm sorry."

Tatsuyo: Forfeit

Winner: Gongenzaka

Gongenzaka walked up to Tatsuyo, sitting down with his legs crossed."I do not understand. What made you change your mind?"

"Watching you duel. I can tell you have a great deal of honor and honestly, you brought me back to my senses when you spoke to me. You remind me of my dad. He was always about being humble and true to yourself. Yet, that was the first thing I declined. When our business was bought out, my father wanted to start back from scratch but I ran and ran away. I guess I thought I could find something, to this day I don't know. But I eventually found her...Seiko."

"Seiko." Gongenzaka parroted the name."That's the person who is manipulating you, isn't she?"

"Right on the spot. I tried fighting her off but what am I going to do? My Deck was made for fun and due to my love of the botanist world, not to be fighting freaking dimensional wars. I don't know why she even recruited me if I'm this useless. But ever since then, nothing has been the same."

"But it is not too late to make up for that." Gongenzaka stood up and offered him his hand."Please, lend us your strength. We could truly use your help to stop the other Unifiers of Chaos."

Tatsuyo blinked for a few seconds."Are you a fool? Certainly, you must have some sort of ill feeling towards me."

"Why would I? From where I'm standing, you are the true fool for not expecting someone to want to help you. Our goal is to end this war and bring peace back to all of the dimensions. Helping your lot is just part of the idea as well."

Tatsuyo took his hand in a firm grip, smiling at the bigger boy."Thank you, Noburo Gongenzaka." He suddenly fell back on his back and noticed that his legs were beginning to disintegrate.

"What's happening?!" Gongenzaka asked in concern, kneeling next to the boy.

"So, this is what happened to Tokomaru." He said bitterly."What a sick game." He immediately fetched for his pocket and tossed a key in the air."That's the key for the bomb. It's located on the backside of the museum, where the fossils are displayed."Go deactivate it and hurry over to your friend! Tariko is even stronger than I was, but then again, that's not saying a lot...is it...?" He let those words drift away in the air as his body had fully disappeared.

Gongenzaka took a moment of silence in order to honor the fallen duelist and with determination, headed for the bomb.

---

Tariko vs. Sawatari LP: 4000 each

Sawatari and Tariko were dueling in the artifacts exhibition of the museum on the second floor. The room was spacious enough for them to duel.

"I'll start!" Sawatari declared, taking the first move."With the scale 2 Abyss Actor - Trumpeter and the Scale 9 Abyss Actor - Cupid Lover, I set the Pendulum Scale!"

A fiend with a trumpet and a small baby with a bow and arrow went up in the air behind Sawatari in pillars of light.

"Now, I can simultaneously Pendulum Summon monsters from level 3 to Level 8! Pendulum Summon! Come to the stage! Abyss Actor - Pretty Heroine and Abyss Actor - Wild Hope!"

Abyss Actor - Pretty Heroine Level 4, Dark, Fiend, Pendulum, SC: 2, ATK: 1500, DEF: 1000

Abyss Actor - Wild Hope Level 4, Dark, Fiend, Pendulum, SC: 2, ATK: 1600, DEF: 1200

"Now, I activate the Continous Spell Card, Assembly Line!" A mini stage appeared and Sawatari's monsters got on top of it."Once per turn, I can search an "Abyss Actor" Spell or Trap card from my Deck and set it on the field! And "Abyss Actor" monsters present right now on the field gain 200 ATK per card."

Abyss Actor - Pretty Heroine ATK: 1700

Abyss Actor - Wild Hope ATK: 1800

"I end my turn! That was the beginning act and I promise you it'll get even better!"

"As you say." Tariko smirked at him."My move! I draw! I Summon Noble Knight Brothers!"

A group of three knights appeared on the field.

Noble Knight Brothers Level 4, Light, Warrior, ATK: 1200, DEF: 2400

"When this card is Summoned, I can Special Summon to "Noble Knight" monsters from my hand! Come, Noble Knight Drystan! Noble Knight Peredur!"

Noble Knight Drystan Level 4, Light, Warrior, ATK: 1800, DEF: 800

Noble Knight Peredur Level 4, Light, Warrior, ATK: 1900, DEF: 300

"Now I equip Drystan with the mighty sword, Noble Arms - Excaliburn to activate his effect! I can target a card on your field and destroy it! I'll target the monster with the trumpet!"

"Not so fast! I activate Cupid Lover's Pendulum Effect! Once per turn, when an "Abyss Actor" monster is about to be destroyed by a card effect, I can negate it!"

"Not bad. I did not expect any less of a display from you, Sawatari-dono." Tariko praised with a toothy grin."But I'm only warming up! I attack Pretty Heroine with Drystan!"

"I activate the second effect of the Continous Spell Card, Assembly Line! I can lower the ATKs of a monster I control in half and give its ATKs to another until the end phase! I'll give Wild Hope's ATKs to Pretty Heroine!"

Abyss Actor - Wild Hope ATK: 1800-900=900

Abyss Actor - Pretty Heroine ATK: 1700+900=2600

Pretty Heroine grabbed Drystan's sword and stole it from him and impaled him in the chest, destroying him.

Tariko LP: 3200

"Still got a second attack though! Go, Peredur! Attack Wild Hope!" Peredur used his dagger to cut through Wild Hope, sending wind towards Sawatari's way.

Sawatari LP: 3100

"Wild Hope's effect activates at this moment!" Sawatari spoke through the cloud of smoke."When he's destroyed, I can add an "Abyss Actor" card from my Deck to my hand!"

"I can't do anything else do to Heroine being stronger than the brothers, so I'll set a card and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw! Once more, I Pendulum Summon! Come, Wild Hope! Abyss Actor - Evil Heel!]

Abyss Actor - Evil Heel Level 8, Dark, Fiend, Pendulum, SC: 1, ATK: 3000, DEF: 2000

"Now I use the Continous Spell once more, Assembly Line! I set another card from my Deck to the field!" Sawatari watched as another card appeared on his field."Next, I activate Spell Card that I had set before, Abyss Script - Fire Dragon's Liar! By targetting Evil Heel, if he manages to destroy one of your monsters by battle, you have to banish three cards from your Extra Deck! Battle! Go, Evil Heel! Attack Peredur!"

"I activate the Trap Card, Noble Intervention! I switch all monsters I control to DEF mode and they cannot be destroyed by battle until the end phase!" Tariko countered with his own set card.

"That won't prevent me from attacking! I activate Trumpeteer's Pendulum Effect! When my monsters attack monsters in DEF mode, I can deal piercing damage to you!"

"Shit!" Tariko bit his lower lip."Then I will use Noble Intervention's second effect in the Graveyard! I can banish it and target monsters you control on the field up to the number of monsters I control and switch their battle positions!"

"So he was prepared for that too." Sawatari spat on the ground."As before, this will really difficult. But I wouldn't have it any other way!"

"A noble spirit you have there, but it's going to take more than that to defeat me!" He boasted with confidence, a smirk gracing his lips.

Sawatari returned the smirk."I know. After all, you are the person who defeated me! I end my turn!"

"You better hurry then. The bombs are about to go off in less than forty minutes. It's my move! I draw! It's time to move up the game, Sawatari! I summon Lady of Lake in ATK mode!"

Lady of Lake Level 1, Light, Aqua, Tuner, ATK: 200, DEF: 1800

"That's a Tuner monster..." Sawatari called back to when he witnessed Tariko used that monster against Crow in the Friendship Cup.

"I tune the Level 4 Brothers with the Level 1 Lady of Lake!" Tariko announced as his monsters began going through the Synchro Summoning process."Fair maiden of the Holy Sword, give your blessing to the knight of treachery and reveal his true power! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 5! Ignoble Knight Of High Laundsallyn!"

Ignoble Knight Of High Laundsallyn Level 5, Dark, Warrior, Synchro, ATK: 2100, DEF: 900

"Marvelous, isn't it? I picked up a few tricks from my old pals in Synchro. Unfortunately, due to my short stay in the place, I wasn't able to learn much. Not like there was anything worth learning anyways."

"I've wondered about that too." Sawatari addressed him, his arms folded."From what me and my comrades have seen, only a few duelists have demonstrated the ability, even though they all wield the power of Fusion, including you."

"To be honest, I was just curious to see the power of Synchro." Tariko simply shrugged."The Synchro guys are always boasting about how stronger their cards are than use so I decided to test it out for myself. I have to say, it's not bad, but it doesn't come close to the XYZ. And the Fusion is merely just there to manifest our chaotic power. But you already knew that."

Sawatari felt a drop of sweat going down the back of his neck. He sure remembers the intensity of Tariko's CHAOS monster and how powerful it could be.

"Ignoble Knight's effect!" Tariko grasped his hands together."When he's Synchro Summoned, I can equip him with a "Noble Arms" Spell from my Deck! I'll use Noble Arms of Destiny!"

Launsallyn grabbed the sword from the rock and pulled it out in a swift motion.

"I activate the Spell Card, Noble Draw! I can target a monster on my field that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck and draw cards equal to the number of materials used to summon it! I draw two cards! Next, the Spell, Graceful Charity! I draw three cards and discard two!"

"He's got four cards in his hand now," Shingo observed.

"And for the final touch, I equip my monster with the Equip Spell, Noble Arms - Arfuedutyr! Thanks to its effect, once per turn, I can target a set card you control and a monster you control. That monster loses 500 ATKs and if it does, your set card is destroyed! I target Evil Heel for its effect!"

Abyss Actor - Evil Heel ATK: 2500

"Still, your monster is still weaker than Evil Heel!" Sawatari pointed out.

"Maybe, or maybe not. It's up to you to find out, no? I set two cards and end my turn!"

"My turn!" Sawatari drew his card and looked at his current hand.'I have to find a way to get rid of his chaotic monster before he brings it out. But for now, I have those Equip Spells he's leisurely sending to his graveyard.' He shook his head."Battle! Evil Heel will attack your Ignoble Knight!"

Evil Heel jumped above Laundsallyn and fell on him.

Tariko LP: 2800

"Due to Noble Arms Destiny, Laundsallyn cannot be destroyed once for battle or card effect!"

"So I will activate the Quick-Play Spell, Abyss Script - Improvised Act! When a monster I control battles and inflicts damage to an opponent, that monster can attack once more! Get him! Evil Heel!"

Evil Heel opened its stomach mouth and devoured the knight instantly.

Tariko LP: 2400

"Pretty Heroine will attack Peredur! And thanks to Trumpeteer's Pendulum Effec-"

"Trap Card, go! Submission of the Holy Knights. I can only activate this card by banishing 4 "Noble Knights" from my Graveyard, including one from the Extra Deck! I can target up to five cards on your field and banish them! I target your three monsters plus that bothersome continuous Spell and the Trumpeter!"

The Phantom of the noble knights appeared and swung their blades at the same time, sending a current of wind so strong that it destroyed all of Sawatari's monsters on his field with the exception of his Pendulum Scale, Cupid Lovers.

"I...end my turn..." Sawatari bit his lower lip.

"My turn I draw! Sawatari-dono, this will really hurt! I summon Merlin from my hand!"

Merlin Level 3, Dark, Spellcaster, ATK: 1400, DEF: 500

"I activate Merlin's ability! I can Tribute him to Special Summon a "Noble Knight" monster from my Deck to my field! Come, Noble Knight Gawayn!"

Noble Knight Gawayn Level 4, Light, Warrior, ATK: 1900, DEF: 500

"Battle! Gawayn, attack him directly!" Tariko ordered and his monster obeyed, tackling Sawatari and sending him crashing against the wall.

Sawatari LP: 1200

"I end my turn!"

Sawatari got back on his feet, groaning in pain."That really hurt. And my LP is already so low as they are."

"Sawatari!" A loud voice boomed from the hallway. Gongenzaka stepped into the area and scanned around."Sawatari!"

"Gongenzaka!" Shingo beamed at the bigger boy, happy to see him okay."Did you do it?!"

Gongenzaka smiled, pulling the key Tatsuyo had given him."Already disarmed!"

Tariko spat at the ground, displeased at the result."He really defeated Tatsuyo? That asshole went ahead, telling me how important it was for us to win and just loses like that? Such a shame."

"It wasn't shaming at all!" Gongenzaka roared with fury."He was an honorable duelist to the very end! He realized his mistakes and recall who he was! He remembered his roots and what made him human! And now it's your turn!"

"Me?" Tariko rose a brow in confusion.

"Yes, you!" Gongenzaka pointed at him accusingly."You're just like Tariko; a person who fell on the claws of evil! But if he was saved, you can be saved too!"

"You're an honorable duelist, aren't you?" Sawatari added."You've changed me and my perspective when we first dueled. You showed me respect and are willing to accept any fair fight! You care about your friends too, don't you?!" He continued pleading."Yuto, Sayaka, Allen, Kaito, Makoto, and Naho!"

Tariko frowned, a flash of regret showing in his eyes and Gongenzaka could swear his eyes shifted to pink momentarily."I do. But I must carry on with this task. As a swordsman, I must see this to the very end!"

"So, he has to be taken down after all." Gongenzaka somberly observed."Sawatari, do you want me to aid you?"

"Not in a million years." Sawatari shook his head."I have to do this myself. He wanted a fair duel and that's what I'm going to give him! My turn! I draw! I set the Scale 1, Abyss Actor - Enchanter Witch!"

A small girl wearing a witch hand and holding a wand appeared behind Sawatari and went up to the column of light.

"Come! Pendulum Summon! Abyss Actor - Big Star! Abyss Actor - Jupiter Dancer!"

Big Star appeared on the field along with a small humanoid that resembled a young man wearing a tuxedo with a rose in his mouth.

Abyss Actor - Jupiter Dancer Level 6, Dark, Fiend, Pendulum, SC: 8, ATK: 2100, DEF: 1200

Big Star Level 7, Dark, Fiend, Pendulum, SC: 3, ATK: 2500, DEF: 1800

"I activate Jupiter Dancer's effect! When he's Pendulum Summoned, I can Special Summon his assistant! Come, Abyss Actor - Mango Ballerina!"

Abyss Actor - Mango Ballerina Level 3, Dark, Fiend, Pendulum, SC: 2, ATK: 1200, DEF: 1900

"I activate Mango Ballerina's effect! When she's Special Summoned by Jupiter Dancer's effect, I can add one specific card from my Deck to my hand! The card I add is Abyss Script - Dancing all Night! I activate it! I can only activate this card when Mango Ballerina and Jupiter Dancer are on the field! Ladies and gentlemen!"

Lights on the museum fell on Sawatari, emphasizing him greatly."It's time I show you the ultimate dance that will go down in history! With this Spell Card, you can Special Summon two monsters from your Deck to your hand, ignoring their conditions!"

"What?! He's letting Special Summon monster?!" Tariko gasped in bafflement."In that case, come! Noble Knight Medraut and Borz!"

Noble Knight Medraut Level 4, Light, Warrior, ATK: 1700, DEF: 1000

Noble Knight Borz Level 4, Light, Warrior, ATK: 1700, DEF: 900

"Perfect! Now, when those monsters are Special Summoned, their ATKs are reduced by 300 ATKs per card on your field! Also, they have their effects negated!"

"I have four cards on my field...that means...!" Tariko's eyes slowly widened as he completed the sentence."All of them will lose 1200 ATKs!"

Noble Knight Medraut ATK: 500

Noble Knight Borz ATK: 500

Noble Knight Gawayn ATK: 700

"Furthermore, Big Star's effect activates!" Sawatari continued with his move." I can add an "Abyss Script" card from my Deck to my hand! I activate the Spell Card, Abyss Script - Rise of the Abyss King! I can target face-up cards on the field up to the number of "Abyss Actor" monsters I control and destroy them!" A smoke like a monster with horns appeared on the field, smashing the nights into nothing."Also, when the monsters Special Summoned by Abyss Script - Dancing all Night are destroyed, the opponent takes 400 points of damage per each!

Tariko was struck with electricity, burning every fiber of his body.

Tariko LP: 1600

"Battle! Go, Ballerina! Attack the player directly! Dive Soul!" Ballerina jumped gracefully in the air and landed a kick on Tariko's torso, knocking him to the ground.

Tariko LP: 400

"Go, Jupiter Dancer! Bombshell of the Underworld!"

"Trap Card, open! Baptist Shameful Path! When my LP is reduced lower than 1000, I can end the Battle Phase and Special Summon "Noble Knight" monsters from my Graveyard to the field up to the number of monsters you control! So all the monsters you've just destroyed come back!"

Noble Knight Medraut Level 4, Light, Warrior, ATK: 1700, DEF: 1000

Noble Knight Borz Level 4, Light, Warrior, ATK: 1700, DEF: 900

Noble Knight Gawayn Level 4, Light, Warrior, ATK: 1900, DEF: 500

"Outstanding..." Gongenzaka couldn't believe his eyes."He just recovered the monsters that he just lost in the blink of an eye!"

"Still, his LPs are just about to drop to zero. I set a card and end my turn."

"My turn then! I activate the Spell Card, Pot of Greed! I can draw two cards from my Deck!" His pupils dilated once he saw the card he drew."So, it appears it really is time to finish things here. I activate the Spell Card, Level Up! My monsters increase their level by one! Now...I use the Level 5 Borz and the Level 5 Medraut to Overlay!"

Sacred king that rules over the land of the warriors, raise your sword and cut through the sky itself! XYZ Summon! Cry out for glory, Rank 5! Sacred Noble Knight of King Artorigus!"

A knight with silver armor, a red cape, and two swords appeared on the field.

Sacred Noble Knight of King Artorigus Rank 5, Light, Warrior, XYZ, ATK: 2200, DEF: 2200, OU: 2

"So, he finally revealed his XYZ..." Sawatari muttered to himself.' Now things are going to get real.'

"It's too bad we have to end things, but I can no longer take any risks with you. After I'm through with you, your friend is next! I activate the Spell Card, Chaotic Fusion! I fuse Artorigus and Gawayn to form the ultimate knight!"

A blood-colored vortex appeared behind his monsters as they were absorbed by it."Almight knight with the sword that cuts through worlds, bring supreme rule over the lands of your people! CHAOS Fusion Summon! Descend from your throne, King of Kings! Level 9, CHAOS Sacred Noble Knight, Gilgamesh!"

A knight clad in golden armor with a long red cape appeared on the field. He had long golden air with emerald color ayes. He was holding a ruby sword and behind his back was a silver shield.

Chaos Sacred Noble Knight, Gilgamesh Level 9, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2000

"When Gilgamesh is successfully Fusion Summoned, I can add a "Chaos Noble Arms" Equip Card from my Deck to my hand! I then activate his effect, which allows me to get up to two Noble Arms Equip Cards from my Deck to my hand!"

Sawatari bit his lower lip, knowing full well that the move that defeated him before was coming.

"I activate the Spell Card, Chaos Noble Arms - Nunibosu! Thanks to Nunibosu's effect, I can banish all of my "Noble Arms" Spell cards from my hand, field or graveyard! and give Gilgamesh 1000 ATK per each card banished! Noble Arms of Destiny, Arfeudutyr, Excaliburn, and the ones in my hand, Caliburn and Gallatin! That's 5000 ATKs!"

Chaos Sacred Noble Knight, Gilgamesh ATK: 7000

"And that's not all, Chaotic Fusion also allows me to Special Summon two monsters from my Graveyard with the same level and XYZ Summon! Come, Artorigus!"

Artorigus, King of the Noble Knights Rank 4, Light, Warrior, XYZ, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2000

"Since more than four Equip Spells were used for Ninibosu, I can attack four times! Kill him, Gilgamesh! King's Judgement!" Gilgamesh rose his sword as this one began shining a deeper shade of black. Gilgamesh swung his sword down, creating a massive slash that was coming at a rapid speed towards Big Star and the dancers. The attack was so powerful that it was cutting through the ground itself.

"Sawatari!" Gongenzaka cried out before being sent flying against the wall due to the impact of the attack."SAWATARIIIII!"

"I'm okay! Stop yelling, jeez!" Sawatari's muffled voice came from the explosion as a shield expended and dissipated the smoke.

"Impossible! How are you alive?!" Tariko yelled in awe."That attack should have destroyed you!"

"I activate my Trap Card! Late to the Scene! I can activate this Trap Card when my opponent increases a monster's ATKs! Then, that monster loses half of its ATKs and will remain so as long as this card is in the field!"

Chaos Sacred Noble Knight, Gilgamesh ATK: 3500

"But that doesn't explain how you survived!" Tariko noticed that only Big Star was still standing."Why...is Big Star..."

"I activated Enchanter Witch's Pendulum Effect...when I take battle Damage...I can tribute any number of "Abyss Actor" cards on my field to reduce the number of battles my opponent can do...since I destroyed Jupiter Dancer...Mango Ballerina...and the Pendulum Scale, Cupid Lover..."

"That means you've reduced the battle three times...meaning that Gilgamesh only managed to attack you once..."

Sawatari LP: 200

"But why is...Big Star-"

"Because...I activated the Quick-Play Spell, Abyss Script - Diamond Barrier...for the rest of this turn, an "Abyss Actor" monster I control cannot be destroyed by battle or card effect..."

"Tsk! He outsmarted me! But how?! He shouldn't have been able to plan this far ahead from merely just a duel!" Tariko looked at his Trap Card in his hand."But then again, there's no much you can do at this point in the game. I set a card and end my turn! At this point, Gilgamesh's ATKs go back to 7000!"

Chaos Sacred Noble Knight, Gilgamesh ATK: 7000

"Sawatari, if you're going to end this duel, it has to end now!" Gongenzaka's gaze fell on Sawatari, reflecting his trust in him.

"I know! It's my turn! I draw!" Sawatari's draw turned into a rainbow shockwave, silencing both Gongenzaka and Tariko."It's here! I activate the effect of a monster in my hand! Abyss Actor - Magnifico Star!"

A fiend similar to Big Star appeared on the field, bowing. The difference was mainly in the hair as it was long and extravagant, dyed in orange while it was blue skin.

Abyss Actor - Magnifico Star Level 8, Dark, Fiend, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000

"Magnifico Star's effect activates! I can search the Equip Spell, "Abyss Script - Dynasty Blade!" and equip it to Magnifico Star!"

A spiral gold sword appeared and Magnifico grabbed it, shining brightly in a golden light.

"Battle! Let's finish this once and for all!" Sawatari ran to a nearby shelf where they had swords displaying and grabbed one.

"I agree!" He unsheathed his sword and pointed at his Trap Card."The Trap Card, Last Noble Battle, activates!" He ran up to Sawatari and both of them clashed with their swords."This card is just like the other one! Our monsters will have their ATKs equal to the strongest one!"

Abyss Actor - Magnifico Star ATK: 7000

"And then!" He grumbled out as he and Sawatari were trying to push each other with their swords."We will draw a card and if it's a monster with higher ATKs than the other, those ATKs are added to our respective monsters!" Sawatari led out a powerful battle cry and thrust in a swift motion, sending Tariko stumbling back."What?!"

"Magnifico Star! Attack Chaos Gilgamesh! Dynasty Barrage!" Magnifico began rushing over to Gilgamesh.

"Counterattack, Gilgamesh!" Gilgamesh began going to intersect Magnifico with his chaotic weapon.

"I won't lose!" Both duelists yelled to each other as they drew their cards and their monsters clashed and in the blink of an eye, it was over. Magnifico and Gilgamesh were giving each other's backs and the duelists had their cards in their hands. Tariko had Gwenhwyfar, Queen of the Noble Knights in his hand with 200 ATKs and Sawatari had Abyss Actor - Sassy Rookie with 1700 ATK.

Abyss Actor - Magnifico Star ATK: 7000+1700= 8700

Chaos Sacred Noble Knight, Gilgamesh ATK: 7000+200= 7200

Gilgamesh exploded into pieces causing a shockwave that sent Tariko crashing down against a pillar and going through it.

Tariko LP: 0

Winner: Sawatari!

Tariko groaned in pain, holding his dislocated shoulder. He rose his head and met Sawatari's eyes as he came to him after the duel was over."You won..."

"Your eyes...they're pink..." Sawatari said begrudgingly."So...you were already yourself when-"

"I broke through the brainwashing when you spoke to me before." He said nostalgically."Of course, I miss my friends and don't want my dimension destroyed. I want what's best for Naho-san...even Makoto. I live the life of a swordsman so I kept pretending to be under the spell of chaos so we could have a powerful duel...I enjoyed every second of it."

"But I didn't win because I was the better player." Sawatari gave him a sad smile."I hate admitting it, but I was so lucky when I drew that monster. If I didn't, I would have lost undoubtedly."

"Don't deprive yourself of your credit, Sawatari-dono." He waved his comment off."You managed to stop Gilgamesh from his one turn kill. Once you did that, the duel was pretty much decided. I guess that's our biggest weakness...the Unifiers of Chaos. Our CHAOS monsters depend heavily in a one turn kill, you see...that's when we're most vulnerable because we put everything on the table."

"I see." Gongenzaka rubbed his chin thoughtfully."So if we manage to overcome the CHAOS monsters, that will make our victory one step closer."

Tariko shrieked as he saw his legs beginning to disintegrate. He quickly removed his sword sheath and tossed it to Sawatari."Looks like I'm done for now. Keep that sword for me safe. You've earned it."

"What about you? Where are you..."

"Don't know. But at least...I went out with an amazing duel...that's all I can ask for." Tariko closed his eyes remembering the thrill of battle."Please...just rescue Makoto and Naho from doing any more bad things. And above all...rescue Ruri...she would scold me if I didn't put in some...effort..." His words died down as his body disintegrated."...sorry...Yusho-sensei..."

"Tariko..." Sawatari bit his lower lip, feeling impotent at not being able to have done more to help his honorable foe.

"You did good Sawatari." Gongenzaka put a supporting hand on his shoulder."I have to admit, but you've surpassed my expectations. Before you were self-centered and a reckless duelist but now, you've grown and become someone to be proud of. I apologize for misjudging you."

"Don't sweat it. I know I wasn't the best person back then but I've been trying to change. Tariko was part of my reason to change...and Maria...Hey, Gongenzaka...what do you think will happen to him?"

"I'm not sure. But at least they won't be forced to do any more destruction against their will." Gongenzaka looked up at the ceiling."Besides, he said he would meet us sometime in the future. I'm sure we will cross paths with them."

"Right. Anyways, let's go and help the others!" Both of them nodded to each other and rushed out of the museum.

---

New Cards:

Assembly Line

Spell Card

Once per turn, you can search an "Abyss Actor" Spell or Trap card from your Deck and set it on the field. Also, all the current "Abyss Actors" on the field gain 200 ATKs

Noble Draw

Spell Card

You can target a monster on your field that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck and draw cards equal to the number of materials used to summon it.

Abyss Script - Improvised Act

Quick-Play Spell

When a monster you control battles and inflicts damage to an opponent, that monster can attack once more

Abyss Script - Dancing all Night

Spell Card

You can only activate this card when "Abyss Actor - Mango Ballerina" and "Abyss Actor - Jupiter Dancer" are on the field. Your opponent can Special Summon two monsters from his Deck regarding their summoning conditions. When those monsters are Special Summoned, their ATKs are reduced by 300 ATKs per card on your opponent's field! Also, they have their effects negated. When monsters Special Summoned by the effect of this card are destroyed, your opponent takes 400 points of damage per each.

Abyss Script - Diamond Barrier

Quick-Play Spell

You can target an "Abyss Actor" monster you control. That monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects.

Abyss Script - Dynasty Blade

Equip Spell

You can only equip this card to "Abyss Actor - Magnifico Star". If a monster equipped to this card battles an opponent's monster, during damage step, you can inflict damage to your opponent equal to their monster's ATKs.

Noble Intervention

Trap Card

Switch all monsters I control to DEF mode and they cannot be destroyed by battle until the end phase. You can banish this card and target monsters your opponent controls on the field up to the number of monsters you control and switch their battle positions

Submission of the Holy Knights.

Trap Card

You can only activate this card by banishing 4 "Noble Knights" from your Graveyard, including one from the Extra Deck. Then you can target up to five cards on your opponent's field and banish them.

Baptist Shameful Path! When my LP is reduced lower than 1000, I can end the Battle Phase and Special Summon "Noble Knight" monsters from my Graveyard to the field up to the number of monsters you control

Trap Card

When your LP are reduced lower than 1000, you can end the Battle Phase and Special Summon "Noble Knight" monsters from your Graveyard to the field up to the number of monsters your opponent controls.

Late to the Scene

Trap Card

You can activate this Trap Card when your opponent increases a monster's ATKs. Then, that monster loses half of its ATKs and will remain so as long as this card is in the field.

Last Noble Battle

Trap Card

Set the attack of two battling monsters equal to the strongest monster. Then each player draws a card and if it's a monster card, add that cards ATKsm to your monsters.

Abyss Actor - Jupiter Dancer

Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect

ATK: 2100, DEF: 1200, LV: 6, SC:8

Pendulum Effect: If an opponent targets a card on your field, you can tribute this Pendulum Scale and negate it.

Monster Effect: If this card is Pendulum Summoned, you can Special Summon "Abyss Actor - Mango Ballerina" from your Deck.

Abyss Actor - Mango Ballerina

Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: You can shuffle one card from your hand and draw a card.

Monster Effect: When this card Special Summoned by Jupiter Dancer's effect, you can add Abyss Script - Dancing all Night from your deck to your hand

Abyss Actor - Trumpeter

Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect

ATK: 200, DEF: 1500, LV: 3, SC: 2

Pendulum Effect: When your monsters attack monsters in DEF mode, you can deal piercing damage to your opponent

Monster Effect: If this monster is sent to the Graveyard by a card effect, you can banish it and Special Summon a Level 4 or lowe "Abyss Actor" monster from your Deck to your graveyard.

Abyss Actor - Cupid Lover

Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect

ATK: 2300, DEF: 1000, LV: 5, SC: 9

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, when an "Abyss Actor" monster is about to be destroyed by a card effect, you can negate it

Monster Effect: If an opponent declares an attack on this card, switch it to DEF mode.

Abyss Actor - Enchanter Witch

Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect

ATK: 900, DEF: 900, LV: 3, SC: 1

Pendulum Effect: When you take Battle Damage, you can tribute any number of "Abyss Actor" cards on your field to reduce the number of battles your opponent can do.

Abyss Actor - Magnifico Star

Dark/Fiend/Effect

ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000, LV: 8

Monster Effect: This monster can only be Special Summon by tributing "Abyss Actor - Big Star". When this card is Special Summoned, you can add an "Abyss Actor - Dynasty Blade" equip spell from your Deck to your hand. If this monster is sent to the Graveyard, banish an "Abyss Actor" monster and your opponent takes damages equal to half of its ATKs.

Thanks for tuning in for another chapter. We are now approaching the final battle on XYZ and this will determine the future of the city. I had Tatsuyo just give up on his duel because honestly, the guy is running a Naturia deck and fighting on wars and raids. Junpei and Tokomaru were the muscle while Tatsuyo just stayed in the back chilling. Anyways, I put a lot emphasizes on Tariko's and Sawatari's duel. I wanted Sawatari to become a better person and be a dependable ally, and his duels with Tariko were the perfect chances I came up with. F in chat for my Synchro boys as they have been defeated as well as one of the XYZ guys. Never we will forget about them.