Chapter 32
Battle For Heartland
Yuya and Yuto stood in front of the Heartland Tower. The tower was almost crumbled and broken into pieces. The grumble was everywhere but they found a spacious area inw hich they could duel. Their opponent, Edo Phoenix stood from afar, a hand on his hip. Next to him was Ace, one of the unifiers of chaos and an opponent they had not faced since the Ritual Dimension.
"Yuya, this is a crucial duel. We have to win this or the city will be finished, even if the other bombs are disarmed." Yuto told his Standard Counterpart.
"I know." Yuya nodded solemnly."So many lives are depending on us. And everyone that's not here. Yuzu, Serena, Hiraki, and others. If we win...no...once we win, we will free your home from chaos."
"Something seems to be bothering you, Edo." Ace fixed the collar of his shirt while addressing his ally.
"That's Yuya Sakaki...Yusho Sakaki's son..." Edo clenched his fists."I dueled him not so long ago with Yuto and ended up having to resort to a draw. But this time, I won't hesitate and I will get this done."
"I know. I also have a bone to pick with that ugly idiot over there." He pointed at Yuto."I beat him once and I couldn't card him cause' of his dick sucker group of friends. But now, it's different. If they so happen to run away, the bombs will go off and Heartland Tower will collapse, creating a domino effect."
"Well then. Should I be honored that you decided to step in with me?" Edo asked sarcastically.
Ace scoffed, looking away indignantly."Don't push it."
"Alright. Let's do this!" Edo yelled, alerting the duelists to get in position and activated their Duel Disks.
"Duel!" They all shouted.
Edo vs. Ace vs. Yuya vs. Yuto LP: 4000
"I'm taking the first move! From my hand, I activate Vision HERO Faris' effect! I can discard a "HERO" card from my hand to Special Summon him! Come, Vision HERO Faris!"
A warrior clad in pink metallic armor with giant claws appeared on the field.
Vision HERO Faris Level 5, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1600, DEF: 1800
"Now I'll use his second effect! When he's Special or Normal Summoned, I can place a "Vision HERO" monster from my Deck to my Spell and Trap Card zone! I'll place Minimum Ray!"
"I set a card face-down and end my turn!"
"Then it's my move! I draw" Yuto went ahead."I summon The Phantom Knights of Fragile Armor!"
A knight with blue flames appeared on Yuto's field
The Phantom Knights of Fragile Armor Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1000, DEF: 2000
"I set three face-downs and conclude my turn!" Yuto finished.
Edo took a step forward."My turn! I draw! I Normal Summon Destiny HERO Drilldark!
An orange monster with drills instead of hands appeared on the field.
"I activate his Special Effect! When he's Normal or Special Summoned, I can Special Summon a "Destiny HERO" monster from my hand whose ATKs is lower than his own! Come, Destiny Hero Diamond Dude!"
Destiny Hero Diamond Dude Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1400, DEF: 1600
"Diamond Dude's effect! I can draw a card from my Deck, and if it's a Spell Card, I can activate it the next turn!" Edo drew his card and smirked."I drew Destiny Draw! Now, I sent to the graveyard and use it next turn to draw two cards! I set two cards and end my turn."
"My turn! I draw!" Yuya drew his card and examined it.' We have to finish this duel quickly, but we also have to get control of chaos to disappear. But Edo doesn't have crimson eyes as Ace does. In that case...' Yuya took two cards from his hand and showed them."I, with the Scale 1 Stargazer Magician and the Scale 8 Timegazer Magician, set the Pendulum Scale!"
Two pillars of light appeared behind Yuya."Now I can Special Summon monsters from Level 2 to 7! Swing, Pendulum of my Soul! Pendulum Summon! Come, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! And Performapal Dag Daggerman!"
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon Level 7, Dark, Dragon, Pendulum, SC: 4, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000
Performapal Dag Daggerman Level 5, Earth, Warrior, SC: 2, ATK: 2000, DEF: 600
"There it is. His dragon." Ace grinned in satisfaction upon seeing the hetero chromic dragon on the field."Which means we're missing one more guest to get this party started." His gaze fell on Yuto."I figured you out already, wimp. Those set cards you have will help you call out your dragon."
Yuya clicked his tongue."I activate Dag Daggerman's effect! I can send a "Performapal" monster from my hand to the graveyard and draw one card!" Yuya observed his new card and smile."I set a card face-down and end my turn."
"So it begins!" Ace grinned, raising his hands."My fucking turn! I draw! I summon Vision HERO Vyon!"
Vision HERO Vyon Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1000, DEF: 1200
"Vyon's effect! When he's Normal or Special Summoned, I can send a "HERO" monster from my Deck to my graveyard! Now, I activate my Continous Trap Card, Illusion! I can use this card as long as I have a "Vision Hero" on my field! I can target a monster you control and halve its ATKs! I target Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon ATK: 1250
"Battle! Go, Faris!"
"Hold on a second! I activate the trap, Phantom Knight's Sword! I can target a monster on the field and increase their ATKs by 800! The one I choose is Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon ATK: 1250+800= 2050
Odd-Eyes whipped Faris with its tail, sending it flying against the ground and destroying it.
Ace LP: 3550
"Dumbass! You're right where I wanted you! From the Graveyard, I activate two effects from my Graveyard! Vision HERO Increase and Vision HERO Multiply Guy! When I take damage and they're in my Graveyard, I can set them on my Spell and Trap Card Zones!"
"Now, I activate the Spell Card, Vision Fusion! I see both Multiply Guy and Increase from my Spell and Trap Zones to Fusion Summon!" Both monsters appeared momentarily on the field before entering a multicolored vortex."Born from the sense of wicked justice, with a vision sharper than anything that has ever existed! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 8! Vision HERO Adoration!"
Vision HERO Adoration Level 8, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2100
"I set a card face-down and end my turn! Edo, I hope you know what to do when your turn comes." He glared at Edo who simply nodded.
Yuto took a step forward."Then here I come! I draw! I activate my Trap Card, The Phantom Knights of Shade Bringandine! I can Special Summon it on the field and treat it as a Level 4 Dark monster! Then I use Fragile Armor and Bringandine to Overlay!"
Both monsters entered a black vortex on the ground as Yuto chanted."Formed from pitch-black darkness, to fight those foolish enough to oppose its treacherous fangs! XYZ Summon! Descend, Rank 4! Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon!"
Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon Rank 4, Dark, Dragon, XYZ, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000, OU: 2
Both Dark Rebellion and Odd-Eyes looked at each other before gazing at their enemies, screeching.
"At this moment, by detaching one Overlay Unit, I can activate Dark Rebellion's Effect! I can target a Level 5 or Higher monster and take half of its ATKs and give them to Dark Rebellion! Treason Discharge!" Dark Rebellion spread its wings, letting out purple lightning that covered Adoration.
Vision HERO Adoration ATK: 2800/2=1400
Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon ATK: 2500+1400= 3900
"Once more!" Yuto pressed forward."I detach the final Overlay Unit to use its effect! Treason Discharge!"
Vision HERO Adoration ATK: 1400/2= 700
Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon ATK: 3900+700=4400
"I won't fall for the same trick twice, Yuto! I activate my Trap Card, Vision Clarity! Your monster loses half of its ATKs and mine gains that same amount!"
Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon ATK: 4400=2200
Vision HERO Adoration ATK: 700+2200=2900
"No way!" Yuya gasped in shook."He outplayed Yuto with seemingly no effort!"
"Tch. For some reason, I didn't expect that would work." Yuto admitted."But I've got something else! I activate my two remaining trap cards! The Phantom Knights of Shadow Veil! Dark Rebellion will gain 300 ATKs for each trap!"
Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon ATK: 2200+300+300=2800
"That's too bad. You're still short 100 ATKs." Ace snickered at him condescendingly.
"Maybe. But I'm merely preparing for an upcoming event, is all. I set a card and end my turn! At this moment, our monster's ATKs return to normal!"
Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon ATK: 2500
Vision Hero Adoration ATK: 2800
"Then here I come! My turn! I draw! At this moment, I can activate Destiny Draw from my Graveyard to draw two extra cards from my Deck! I now activate the Spell Card, Polymerization! I fuse Diamond Guy with Drilldark! Hero of the world of darkness! Hero of the dream world! Now become one and reign over the utopia's twilight! Fusion Summon! Come on! Destiny HERO Dystopia Guy!"
Destiny HERO Dystopia Guy Level 8, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2400
The dragons howled at the two heroes, who took a stance.
"When Dystopia is Fusion Summoned, I can inflict you damage equal to the ATKs of one of its materials! I'll inflict Sakaki damage equal to Drilldark's ATKs!"
Lightning covered Yuya as he cried out in pain, dropping to his knees.
Yuya LP: 2400
"The cast is all here." Ace observed with an amused expression."Edo, I don't care if you finish them off now."
"I activate the Spell Card, Destiny Booster! I can target a "Destiny HERO" monster I control and give it an extra 200 ATKs!"
Destiny HERO Dystopia ATK: 3000
"I activate Dystopia's second effect! When his ATKs change, I can target a card on the field and destroy it!" He pointed at Dark Rebellion."I'll destroy your dragon, Yuto!"
"Not so fast!" Yuto interjected."I activate my set Quick-Play Spell, The Phantom Knights' Rank-Up-Magic Launch! I can target an XYZ monster on my field with no XYZ materials and use it to Summon a monster that's one rank higher!" Dark Rebellion entered a black vortex as Yuto began chanting."From the depth of purgatory, sing the song of rebellion to the restless souls! Let it echo for all eternity and appear! Rank-Up! XYZ Change! Come forth, Rank 5! Dark Requiem XYZ Dragon!"
Dark Requiem XYZ Dragon Rank 5, Dark, Dragon, XYZ, ATK: 3000, DEF: 2500, OU: 2
"His dragon has evolved!" Edo observed in awe."Damn him!"
Ace scoffed at the dragon, seeming unfazed."About time they start making this interesting. It's too bad that it won't be enough for us. Edo, call off your attack for now. We don't know what that dragon can do just yet."
"I figured as much." Edo composed himself."I caught a glimpse during our last encounter. He can reduce an opponent's ATKs to zero and add it to his own. I suggest you try to finish it during your turn. I end my turn."
"Nice save, Yuto." Yuya praised his XYZ counterpart."My turn! Draw! It's too bad we're not using Action Cards during this duel."
Yuto nodded, acknowledging his idea."Agreed. But they are now somewhat familiar with that type of dueling. They could easily use our dueling against us."
"Yeah. I activate the Spell Card, Spiral Flame Strike! If Odd-Eyes is on my field, I can destroy a card either of you control! I choose..." He glanced around Edo and Ace.' Which one should I choose? On one hand, Edo's monster effect is the most worrisome out of the two of them, since he could find a way to increase his ATks and destroy one of our cards. But on the other hand, Ace hasn't revealed his "CHAOS" monster and could need Adoration to summon it. If that happens, we're in big trouble."
"Yuya!" Yuto's voice snapped him from his thoughts."I've got Edo! You take care of Ace!"
"Right!" Yuya nodded before pointing at the Vision HERO."I target Adoration! Spiral Burst Cannon!" A beam of energy was coming rapidly from the sky.
"Shit!" Ace cursed, shielding his eyes from the intense light.
"I activate my Trap Card, HERO Callout!" Edo rose a hand as his card opened up."When a monster on the field would be destroyed by a card effect, it is not destroyed!"
"I won't let you!" Yuto chimed in, crying out to Edo."By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can activate Dark Requiem's effect! When a card effect is activated, I can destroy negate it and destroy it!"
Ace grinned after those words, showcasing a cocky expression on his face."Dumbass! You fell right into our trap! I activate my Trap Card, Chain of Eon!" A big chain wrapped around Dark Requiem's neck and pulled him over to Ace's side. The spiral burst of energy engulfed the dragon as it screeched in pain before exploding.
"What just happened?!" Yuto covered his face from the dust.
"We knew your dragon had a negating effect that could work on card effects." Edo began explaining."Since Yuya immediately went to try to destroy Adoration, it was just a waiting game."
"You see, my trap card has a pretty good effect. When my opponent activates a monster effect, I can take control of that monster. Also, if one of my monsters would be destroyed by battle or card effect, the controlled monster is the one who dies."
"Blast! I don't have much of a choice for now. I end my turn!"
"It's my move, Sakaki! My turn! I draw! Adoration's effect activates! I target Vyon and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Your monster loses ATKs equal to Vyon!"
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon ATK: 1500
"Nowhere to run now! Battle! Adoration will attack...Yuto directly!"
"You're attacking Yuto?!" Yuya gasped in horror. Yuto had no cards on his field and was completely exposed.
"That's right. But there are other reasons why." He gave out a sardonic smile."Go, Adoration! Sphere of the Observer!" Adoration created a purple ball with his hands, striking a pose before firing to Yuto's field.
"At this moment, I activate the effects of The Phantom Knights of Shadow Veil! I can Special Summon two of them from my Graveyard when my opponent declares a direct attack on me!
"A wasted effort. Vyon, attack one of his monsters too!" Both Vision entities destroyed Yuto's last line of defense."Now, you have no monster on your field to set up an XYZ summoning and your strongest monster are in the graveyard. Truly, only Sakaki can save you from this. I end my turn!"
"You might think that, but I'll show you otherwise! My turn! Draw! From my hand, I summon The Phantom Knights of Torn Shield!"
The Phantom Knights of Torn Shield Level 2, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1200, DEF: 0
A broken shield appeared on the field surrounded by blue flames.
"Torn Shield has an effect that if it's the only card I control on the field, I can Special Summon a Trap Card from my Deck that is treated at the same level as its own! The Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace!"
The Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace Level 2, Dark, Trap Card, Warrior, ATK: 600, DEF: 0
"This fucker just summoned a fucking trap without setting it first!" Ace was astonished by the current events.
"You said my strongest monsters are in the graveyard?!" Yuto rose his hand as his monsters turned into purple lights and entered a black vortex."Then you haven't seen the best of my Deck! I Overlay Torn Shield with Lost Vambrace! Ten thousand soldiers entombed forever in darkness! Pierce with the cursed spear of rebellion! Descend now! Rank 2, The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin!"
The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin Rank 2, Dark, Warrior, XYZ, OU: 2, ATK: 1600, DEF: 0
"Cursed Javelin's effect! I detach an Overlay Unit, target a monster you control and reduce its ATKs to zero and have its effects negated! I target Dystopia!"
Destiny HERO Dystopia ATK: 0
"Okay? So, what's the big idea? You thinking of attacking or something?" Ace tapped his foot impatiently.
"Ace! What the hell?!" Edo looked at him in bewilderment."We're completely exposed now!"
"Battle!" Yuto continued."Cursed Javelin will attack Dystopia!" The skeletal monster threw his spear at Dystopia, piercing through him and sent Edo crashing against the ground.
Edo LP: 2400
"Big mistake going for Dystopia, you know. Now all I have to do is draw that card to evolve my monster." Ace snickered.
"Probably, but what are the odds of that?" Yuto simply shrugged, showcasing a slight smile."Besides, as it stands Yuya is the one who is going to take you down."
"Yuto..." Yuya breathed.
"I set a card and end my turn!" Yuto concluded his turn.
"Then I'm coming now! My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card, Pot of Greed!" Edo declared, drawing two cards from his Deck."I draw two cards from my deck! I summon Destiny HERO Dread Doom Lord!]
Destiny HERO Doom Lord Level 3, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 600, DEF: 800
"Not preventing your monster from destroying one of ours like that again will be a big mistake on our part, so I'll take care of it swiftly! Battle! Go, Doom Lord! Attack Cursed of Javelin!"
"What?!" Yuto gasped at the unexpected move."You're attacking my monster with such low attack...don't tell me-"
"At this moment, I activate Doom Lord's effect! During battle phase, I can banish a monster on your field until your second standby-phase. But I cannot attack with this monster for the rest of the turn!" Doom Lord touched Yuto's monster and vanished into thin air, leaving no trace.
"I've set the field on your favor, unlike you, Ace." Edo narrowed his eyes at his ally."I set two cards and end my turn!"
"Yuya, it's up to you now!" Yuto called out to his Standard Counterpart."Defeat Adoration and prevent him from calling out his Chaos monster!"
"I know!" Yuya shouted with determination."My turn! I draw! I activate the Ritual Spell, Odd-Eyes Advent! I tribute Odd-Eyes Pendulum to Ritual Summon!"
Both Fusion duelists took a step back."H-he can Ritual Summon?!" Edo exclaimed loudly, worry evident on his face.
"Of course, he already uses the other summoning methods, just like Yuke. But what would go up against Adoration?" Ace taunted.
Yuya smirked at them, sending chills up their spine."The Pendulum lost in turmoil and self-doubt, swing forward and lead the generation of an era of hope! Ritual Summon! Blue dragon with dichromatic eyes! Come, Level 7! Odd-Eyes Gravity Dragon!"
Odd-Eyes Gravity Dragon Level 7, Dark, Dragon, Ritual, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2500
"At this moment, Odd-Eyes' effect activates! When it's Special Summoned, all set cards on your field are returned!" Yuya pointed at them dramatically."And you cannot activate card effects in response to this!"
"You've got to be fucking kidding me!" Ace cursed after they received their set cards back to their hands."Still, though, our monsters are equally strong! Even if you go for Edo's monster and defeat him, I will be one step closer to drawing that card and ending this duel!"
"If you really think that, you're in for a surprise! From my hand, I activate the Spell Performapal Dramatic Theater! Monsters I control gain 200 ATKs per each monster with a different type on my field! There are a warrior monster and dragon type! Meaning my monsters gain 400 ATKs!"
Odd-Eyes Gravity Dragon ATK: 3200
Performapal Dag Daggerman ATK: 2400
"Let's battle! Odd-Eyes Gravity Dragon will attack Destiny HERO Adoration! Spiral Burst of Absolution!" Odd-Eyes charged up a powerful blast and fired it at Adoration, disintegrating the hero slowly.
Ace LP: 3150
"Now, Daggerman will attack Vyon!" Yuya commanded his monster, which threw daggers against Vyon until one of them landed in the middle of his school.
Ace LP: 1750
Ace picked himself up from the floor, a scowl on his face."That bastard got the better of me! I was not expecting such a strong Ritual Monster from him. He already took out Adoration and I have no cards on my field."
"Ace, you're going to have to draw that card," Edo spoke from next to him.
He rose his ends to meet Edo's gaze and nodded."You're right. Only that card can turn the situation right now. And for fuck's sake, I will draw it damn it!"
"A card? What could they be talking about?' Yuya whispered to his comrade who simply shrugged.
"I haven't gotten a clue." Yuto admitted."Perhaps this card they're referring to will be the game changer they need. We have to be careful."
Yuya nodded, his attention going back to his hand."You're right. I set a card face-down and end my turn!"
"Then it's my move, Sakaki!" Ace shouted, clearly irritated."My turn! I draw!" His eyes widened at the card. It's here. You, idiots, are out of luck because it's time to move into the endgame of this duel! I activate the Spell Card, Sight and Vision! We pay half of our LP and Special two monsters from our respective graveyards!"
"What?" Yuya was confused at the sudden move."But why would he do that when it benefits us, his enemies?"
"This must be a trap. Stay sharp, Yuya." Yuto said, frowning.
"I revive Vision HERO Adoration and Vyon!" Ace declared as he was being struck by lightning.
Ace LP: 875
"Then I bring back Dystopia and Drill Dark!" Edo winced as he felt his body being struck by lightning as his monsters reappeared on the field.
Edo LP: 1200
"Since we have no choice, let us play along with this tactic of theirs." Yuto nodded solemnly."I revive Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon and Dark Requiem XYZ Dragon!
Yuto LP: 2000
"Yuya, you're the only one with no monsters in your graveyard...yet." Ace mused with a smirk on his face."It's close enough to a good endgame, considering you already have two monsters on your game. Regardless, it's time to change that! From my hand! I activate Vision HERO Adjacent's effect! I can Special Summon it from my hand when my opponent special summons monsters! And I can draw a card for each monster that was Special Summoned!"
"What?!" Both Yu boys gasped in shock.
Ace drew a total of six fresh cards from his Deck, smiling deviously."And now I activate the Spell Card, Chaotic Fusion! I fuse Vision HERO Adoration and Adjacent!" His monsters entered a blood-colored vortex as he began chanting."Fallen hero that has come from the depths of hell to avenge a soul! Ruined by the cursed world of wishes, come about to cut the sinners for their acts! CHAOS Fusion Summon! Descend, Level 10! Vision HERO Tsukuyomi!"
A robotic being appeared on the field, two wings behind its back. It had a robotic body that was completely white except for its legs, arms, and head, which were crimson. Its eyes were black, almost as if its head was black and was only covered by a crimson helmet, which gave him the appearance of a demon. And to top it all, it had a blood-colored sword with a black handle in its right hand."
CHAOS Vision HERO Tsukuyomi Level 10, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 3000, DEF: 2800
"Damn it! We couldn't prevent him from summoning his monster!" Yuto gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Tsukuyomi's effect activates! I can target two monsters on the field from either side of our fields and have one of them half its ATKs and give it to the other hand! I target Dark Requiem XYZ Dragon and have half of its ATKs be given to Dystopia!
Dark Requiem XYZ Dragon ATK: 1500
Destiny HERO Dystopia ATK: 4300
"At this moment, I activate Dystopia's effect! If its ATKs are changed during either of our turns, I can target a card on my opponent's field and destroy it! I choose Odd-Eyes Gravity Dragon!"
Dystopia opened his palm and created a black hole, absorbing Odd-Eyes.
Destiny HERO Dystopia ATK: 2800
"That's not all! I'm wiping down your field as well! Thanks to Chaotic Fusion, I can add a "Fusion Card" from my Graveyard except itself and Special Summon two monsters from my Graveyard! I'll add Vision Fusion and SPecial Summon Vision HERO Faris and Vyon!"
Vision HERO Vyon Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1000, DEF: 1200
Vision HERO Faris Level 5, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1600, DEF: 1800
"Now I activate Vision Fusion from my hand and fuse Vyon and Faris!" Both monsters entered a multicolored-vortex as Ace chanted once more."Hero that has been corrupted by the desires of the fallen! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 7! Vision HERO Revolver Specter!"
A hero clad in armored and wearing a cowboy outfit appeared, holding two revolvers in each of his hands.
Vision HERO Revolver Specter Level 7, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2200, DEF: 1000
"Revolver Specter's effect! When its Fusion Summoned it gains a "Bullet Counter" per monsters from the Extra Deck on the field! There are currently Five monsters from the Extra Deck on our fields! So that'll make five counters!
Vision HERO Revolver Specter Bullet Counter: 5
"Specter Bullet gains 100 ATKs per Counter! Since there's five, that will be 500 ATKs!" Ace continued.
Vision HERO Revolver Specter ATK: 2700
"From my hand, I activate the Spell Card, Further Vision! Battle! Revolver Specter attacks Dag Daggerman! Deadshot!" Revolver began shooting rapid fire at Daggerman, leaving him full of holes before exploding.
Yuya LP: 2100
"I activate Revolver Specter's effect! When it destroys a monster by battle, the owner of that monster receives 300 points of damage per counter!"
"What?!" Yuya took a step back."That means I'll take-" He screamed out in pain as he was shot by Revolver Specter, forcing him to his knees.
Yuya LP: 900
"Yuya! Are you alright?!" Yuto rushed over to help the tomato-head boy but was stopped by a whistle.
"You're not going anywhere, Yuto! I still have another attack coming for you, asshole! Go, Tsukuyomi! Attack Dark Rebellion Requiem Dragon! Blade of Retribution!" Tsukuyomi flew over Requiem Dragon and made a clean cut above its head, decapitating it and sending Yuto crashing against the floor.
Yuto LP: 500
"I activate my Trap Card, XYZ Backup! When a monster is destroyed in battle and I control an XYZ Summon, the destroyed monster becomes an Overlay Unit!"
Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon OU: 1
"I feel it...Yes! This feels so fucking good!" His eyes began glowing intensely."The power of chaos! I set three cards and end my turn! At this moment, Revolver Specter loses a counter, therefore its ATKs are reduced by 100!"
Vision HERO Tsukuyomi ATK: 2600
Yuto groaned in pain, doing his best to stay on his feet."I have to find a way to destroy both his monsters."
"But Yuto, we also have to stop Edo's monster. If it increases in ATKs, they'll destroy another card."
"Then I'll have to destroy them all during my turn! It's my move! Draw! Just one more standby before Cursed of Javelin returns to my field! From my hand, I summon The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves!"
The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves Level 3, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1000, DEF: 500
"Next, when there's a Phantom Knights monster on my field, I can Special Summon The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots from my hand! Appear!"
The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots Level 3, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 200, DEF: 1200
"Interesting." Edo observed with interest."It seems he's still able to XYZ summon further."
"Wit the Level 3 Silent Boots and Ragged Gloves I overlay!" Both monsters turned into energy and entered a black portal underneath them."Souls of warriors fallen on the battlefield, revive now and become the light to rend the darkness! XYZ Summon! Appear, Rank 3! The Phantom Knights of Break Sword!"
The Phantom Knights of Break Sword Rank 3, Dark, Warrior, XYZ, ATK: 2000, DEF: 1000
"At this moment, I activate Ragged Gloves' effect!" Yuto rose his hand in the air."If it was used for an XYZ Summon, that monster gains 1000 ATKs until the end of this turn!"
The Phantom Knights of Break Sword ATK: 3000
"Now, I activate Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon's effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can target a Level 5 or Higher monster and reduce its ATKs by half and give them add them to its own! I target your Tsukuyomi and give half of its ATKs to Dark Rebellion! Treason Discharge!"
Vision HERO Tsukuyomi ATK: 1500
Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon ATK: 2500+1500= 4000
"Battle! Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon! Attack Vision HERO Tsukuyomi! Revolt of Lightning Disobey!" Dark Rebellion began flying towards the corrupted hero, but Ace was not fazed at all.
"Trap Card, open! Hallucination! I can activate this card when my opponent targets one of my monsters for battle! I can change the target to another "Vision HERO" monster! Now you have to attack Revolver Specter!" Dark Rebellion changed course over to its next target.
"Still, the difference in ATKs is clear! You'll lose the duel as soon as the attack connects!" Yuto pointed out.
"I don't think so, you libtard! My second Trap Card, Confusion! I can only activate this card when I control a face-up "Vision HERO" monster on my field! During battle, I can make a monster you control lose 700 ATKs per "Vision HERO" monster in my field that was Summoned from the Extra Deck! Since I control to two, your monster loses 1400 ATKs!"
Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon ATK: 4000 - 1400 = 2600
Revolver Specter quickly drew his weapons and shot a bullet straight to Dark Rebellion's head, destroying it instantly.
Yuto LP: 400
"Not yet!" Yuto wheezed out from the previous attack."Break Sword attacks..." He scanned his opponents for a brief second. In one hand, Edo's Dystopia can destroy one of our cards if its ATKs are changed. But since he has no way to increase them for now, I should make it my second priority. Then there's Tsukuyomi and Revolver Specter. Tsukuyomi's effect can be avoided and stalled, but Revolver Specter's effect activates when it destroys a monster. If it destroys one of our monsters again during his Battle Phase, we're toast. So..." He pointed at Revolver Specter."I attack Revolver Specter!"
Break Sword galloped towards Revolver Specter and cut his body into pieces, causing an explosion.
Ace ATK: 475
"Nice one, Yuto!" Yuya cheered."We just have to take down their current monsters and we can win!"
"No." Yuto shook his head."Yuya, at this point, you're the only one who can finish this duel during your Duel. And I'll make sure that happens with the card I have in my hand. I set two cards and end my turn!"
"Yuto...you mean I have to call the power of that dragon, right?" Yuya asked, earning a nod."I won't fail!"
"Damn..." Ace bit his lower lip."He destroyed Revolver Specter after all of that. To think they still have this much will to fight..."
"Ace, keep it together!" Edo called out to him."We can still win this duel. They can't possibly defeat us!"
"I know that, goddamit!" He hissed back."Listen, what you need to do is get us out of this situation! Kill them off already, Edo!"
Edo grimaced at Ace's desperation and continued."My turn! Draw! From my hand, I activate Polymerization once more! I fuse Destiny HERO Dystopia with Dark Drill!" Both monsters entered a multicolored vortex as Edo began chanting."Hero from the world of darkness! Hero from the drill world! Now become one and reign over the utopia's twilight! Fusion Summon! Come on! Destiny HERO Dusktopia!
A warrior clad in golden armor began descending from the sky, illuminating the dark world momentarily with its power. Everyone stood amazed, even Ace, and could only gape at the divine-looking monster.
Destiny HERO Dusktopia Level 10, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 3000, DEF: 3000
"Battle! Dusktopia! Attack Sakaki directly! The son of Yusho Sakaki!" Edo cried out in fury. Dusktopia began emanating more light than before as he got closer to Yuya.
"Trap Card, activate! Performapal Backup! When my opponent declares an attack with a monster from the Extra Deck and I control no monsters, I can Special Summon a monster from the Graveyard in ATK mode! Come back, Odd-Eyes Gravity Dragon!"
Odd-Eyes Gravity Dragon Level 7, Dark, Dragon, Ritual, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2500
"It doesn't matter! Dusktopia is still stronger!" Dusktopia easily manhandled Odd-Eyes with a barrage of punches all over its body.
Yuya LP: 700
"We've missed again! Sly motherfuckers!" Ace stomped on the floor furiously."Just drop dead already!"
"To think their willpower was this strong." He looked at his hand, particularly one card.'I might not have a choice and have to use this card after all.' He grimaced, focusing back on his opponents."I activate my Spell Card, D - Claw! I tribute Doom Lord in order to draw a card from my Deck! I end my turn!"
"Then it's up to me to finish this!" Yuya rose his head."My turn! I draw! It's here, Yuto!" Yuya smiled from ear to ear, holding a card."I activate the Spell Card, Monster Reborn! I revive Dark-Rebellion XYZ Dragon!"
Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon Rank 4, Dark, Dragon, XYZ, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000
"Swing again! Pendulum of my Soul! Come, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon Level 7, Dark, Dragon, Pendulum, SC: 4, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000
"Now I activate my Quick-Play Spell! The Phantom Knights of Retraction! I target any XYZ Monster on the field and make it the same Level as another monster on the field as well! I target Dark Rebellion to have Odd-Eyes' Level 7!"
Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon Level 7
"He made Dark Rebellion have the same Level as Odd-Eyes?" Ace frowned at the dragons."Just what is he plotting with that?"
Edo's eyes widened slowly, a cold sweat going down the back of his neck."They're going to XYZ Summon!"
"What?!" Ace finally pieced it together."It can't be!"
"Before that, I activate my second Quick-Play Spell, The Phantom Knights of Coverage! I target as many monsters on the field my opponent controls and reduce their Level x2 for each one of them! Since you two control a monster each, your monster's Level go down by 4!" Yuto pressed on.
CHAOS Vision HERO Tsukuyomi Level 6
Destiny HERO Dusktopia Level 6
"I Overlay my Level 7 Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon!" Both dragons entered a black portal while the became dark energy and Yuya chanted."Dragon of dual-colored eyes, eradicate all enemies who oppose you with your scale of wrath! XYZ Summon! Come forth, Rank 7! Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon!"
Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon Rank 7, Dark, Dragon, XYZ, Pendulum, SC: 4, ATK: 3000, DEF: 2500
The three powerful monsters unleashed their auras, clashing against one another.
"When Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon is XYZ Summoned with an XYZ monster that was treated as a Level 7, I can destroy as many Level 7 or Lower monsters on the field and deal you damage equal to their ATKs!"
Rebellion Dragon unleashed powerful lightning from its body, quickly destroying Dusktopia, Doom Lord and Tsukuyomi
"Don't mess with me!" Ace growled, eyes glowing with hate."I activate my Trap Card, Resurrection of the Heroes! When any number of "HERO" monsters whose Levels were 5 or higher are destroyed by card effects, they are Special Summon back to their respective field! Also, for the remainder of the turn, effect damage turns to zero!"
Once more, Dusktopia and Tsukuyomi reigned over the field, outnumbering Rebellion Dragon.
"A good effort, but your monster did all of that for nothing!" Edo smirked at Yuya specifically."So much for the last effort attack."
Ace gave a sardonic grin, something that Edo thought was very uncharacteristic of him."Not to mention your retarded dragon has the same ATKs as all of our monsters! There's nothing more you can do, Sakaki! Wither already!"
"Are you sure about that?" Yuto's voice interrupted."I activate the Continuous Trap Card, Phantom Knights' Sword! I target a face-up monster on the field and it gains 800 ATKs!"
Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon ATK: 3800
"GO, YUYA!" Yuto cheered on."Finish this!"
"By using an Overlay Unit, I can attack as many times as the number of monsters it destroyed by its effect! Since it destroyed three, I can attack three times! Go, Rebellion Dragon!" Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon spread its massive wings as the blade on its chin began shining. The dragon flew close to the ground, destroying anything in its path."I attack Destiny HERO Dusktopia!"
"Dusktopia's effect! Once per turn, I can select a monster and it cannot be destroyed by battle! Also, I won't be tak-
"From the graveyard, I activate the effect of The Phantom Knights of Torn Shield!" Yuto interjected."When a monster activates an effect that would prevent destruction, I can negate said effect!"
"No way!" Edo watched as Dusktopia was ran over by the dragon."My trap Card, D - Health Pack! During the remainder of this turn, battle damage is halved!" He managed to scream before he was sent crashing against the ground after Rebellion also destroyed Doom Lord.
Edo LP: 800
"Now, the final attack! I attack CHAOS Vision HERO Tsukuyomi! Rebellious Strike Wrath Disobey!" Ace watched in awe as Rebellion Dragon crashed against Tsukuyomi and flew past them and crashed against the huge tower of Heartland and flew up with it until they ran out of space and the hero exploded in pieces behind Rebellion Dragon flew back down.
Ace LP: 25
Ace was facing up, his eyes wide open as he stared at the sky. Edo groaned in pain, barely sitting up as his body was covered in wounds.
"I...I didn't finish it..." Yuya fell exhausted on one knee.
"Still...we've destroyed their strongest monsters and now they don't have nothing on their fields. And even if it's the same for me, you still have Dark Rebellion. All we have to do seal the deal..."
"Yuya!" New voices called from behind them. Kurono, Kaito, Allen, and Sayaka rushed to their side, but they were not alone. The Tyler sisters were with them as well."We did it, Yuya!" Kurono shouted over."We've deactivated the bombs! But not the way you're thinking it."
Grace took this opportunity to take over."We...we can't keep doing this. Duels are more than just proving one's strength. THey are what unite people and give them a good time. Over the past few months, I've been losing you...Ace! This isn't you! You've always dueled for what you believe was right and care for people! Even if you were distant!"
"That right." Gloria put a supportive hand on her sister's shoulder."That is why we gave the duel up. We are no longer working for the Professor."
Edo blinked, thinking that this was a dream.'They...they switched sides...but why? Duels for fun...?'
"Yuya!" Gongenzaka and Sawatari arrived next. Then Kaito along with the rest of the resistance."We've deactivated the bombs!"
"Now, all you guys gotta is beat them!" Sawatari placed his palms around his mouth.
"Edo." Yuya snapped Edo from his thoughts."My dad is not a coward. He taught me everything I know about dueling for fun and the entertainment style. He must have tried to help you! He would never abandon someone in need!"
Edo recalled back when Yusho defeated him and offered him a helping hand."I..."
"It's not too late!" Yuto persisted as well."You're not a Unifier of Chaos, aren't you? And you care about Ace, I can tell. Are you really okay with him being manipulated?"
"He's right, Edo!" Grace pleaded."You and him are like brothers! You know this is not who he is!"
Gloria took a step forward as well."Edo. This has to stop. We've caused enough pain to have the luxury to continue. It's time for us to make amends for what we did."
"The Unifiers of Chaos are all in this against their will." Kaito informed him."Junpei showed me his heart before he vanished. I can say for certain that he was a good person in the end."
Edo lowered his head, his hair covering his eyes."Kobatsu...I'm sorry...I've been blind for so long that I let Ace get absorbed by the darkness. I've been obsessed over nothing but a stupid desire for revenge." Edo began walking over to their side, standing in front of Yuya."Your dad was the first person who tried to help me. But I was too self-centered to have noticed. But now I see the truth and I won't ignore it any longer."
Yuya nodded with a smile."I'm glad you found a new resolve, Edo." Their attention went to a sulking Ace. He had his head down and his mouth opens slightly."Let us help you, Ace!"
Ace slowly observed his hand, shaking uncontrollably."What...have I...done?" He remembered the figure of a young adult. He had messy purple hair, earrings, a bandana on his forehead and was wearing obelisk blue uniform.
"You and Edo are fantastic duelists for your age." He heard the voice in his memories speak."Heroes of justice. That's what we are. And as long as we continue fighting for a just cause, we will never falter!"
"Ko...bat...su..." A tear escaped from his right eye, which had turned golden. Edo had walked up to him and stretched his hand."Edo...?"
"Come...Ace." Edo gave him a sincere smile."Our suffering is over."
Ace slowly began reaching for Edo's hand without breaking eye contact."You are...wrong!" He pushed Edo back and took stammering steps backward."I...I have not lost yet! I will not admit defeat against you fucking worms! Sakaki, end your turn! I know I can reverse the situation and beat the shit out of the three of you! Just watch!"
Yuya frowned at the broken boy, turning his gaze away."I end my turn!"
"Then it's my turn!" He placed a hand on his Deck."I dr-" He felt a strange sensation hit him like a hurricane. This...power...what is this...' His vision turned monochrome and could only see the dark energy coming from the top of his Deck."I...I feel it...I DRAW!" His draw created a shockwave that pushed everyone back. His eyes went from crimson to white while his scleras turned black. His skin turned pale and his hair turned completely black."Hahahaha! I've been reborn! This...this is the power of Chaos!"
"Ace! What happened to you?!" Edo called out, covering his face from the debris flying towards him.
"Ace-kun..." Grace muttered to herself.
"I'm killing every single one of you along with this fucking city! From my hand, I activate the Spell Card, Chaotic Evolution!" Tsukuyomi was absorbed by a pitched black vortex as he began to chant."Demonic hero that fights for the dark justice across the land! With the light of the corrupted and cursed, bring about a new era of justice! CHAOTIC Fusion Summon! Descend, Level 11! CHAOTIC Vision HERO Extroyer!"
A being clad in dark armor with white lines across its body appeared on the field. Its mask had the shape of a triangle stretched to the back and hid its face with the exception of its red eyes. It was wielding a black scythe.
CHAOTIC Vision HERO Extroyer Level 11, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 3500, DEF: 3000
"I've never seen a monster like that..." Allen observed in awe.
"Not to mention Ace himself." Kaito commented."On my end, my opponent did not summon a monster like that nor did he change his appearance."
Gongenzaka rubbed his chin in thought."Perhaps there's more to that card than we think."
"Even so, they should be careful with what he's got now." Kaito folded his arms."Not only did his appearance change, but that monster of his...I sense greater malice coming from it than the one he had before."
"Extroyer's effect!" Ace sneered, his hand up in the air."Once per turn, I can target any number of monsters my opponent controls and target another on my field to give them the combined ATKs of those monsters! Since only Rebellion Dragon is on the field, I'll make its 3800 ATKs Extroyer's! Chaotic Absorption!"
Extroyer manifested two phantom wings behind its back and spread them apart and began to absorb energy from Rebellion Dragon, making the wings shine like a prism.
CHAOTIC Vision HERO Extroyer ATK: 3500+3800= 7300
"An ATK of 7300?!" Yuya took a step back.
"However, even if he destroys Rebellion Dragon, Yuto and I will remain in the duel and take him down!" Edo reassured Yuya but was stopped by a cackle."What?"
"Extroyer's second effect! I can set its ATKs back to 3500 and in exchange, my opponents take damage equal to the lost ATK!"
Everyone watching gasped."He'll kill them all!" Sayaka covered her eyes in fear.
"We're done for..." Yuto stared at the demonic-like monster as it began shining more and more."Everyone, get away from here! The bombs are going to explode!"
"I won't let that happen!" Edo surprised everyone, raising his last card."When my opponent activates an effect that deals effect damage, I can discard Destiny HERO Surfire to deal you the same damage as the one we would take!"
"But that means..." Kurono began.
"They'll all lose the duel!" Sawatari concluded."Everyone down!"
A monster with its body made of blue flames went up and crashed against Extroyer and exploded before it could finish its explosion.
"No! No! Nooooooooooo!" Ace screamed as the blast consumed the duelists and sent the spectators flying.
Ace LP: 0
Yuya LP: 0
Yuto LP: 0
Edo LP: 0
Tied!
Yuya grumbled in pain, holding his left arm, standing up. Edo and Yuto supported each other, giving a respectful nod.
"Yuya! Yuto!" Gongenzaka rushed over to their side along with Sawatari and helped Yuya and Yuto up. Edo took a threatening step but was helped by Kurono and Kaito.
"Why would you...?" Edo blinked in surprise.
Kaito shook his head."I might not be able to forgive what you did...not yet at least...but you saved a bunch of people just now."
"You saved Yuya and Yuto along with us. Had Extroyer's effect resolve..." Kurono supplied."Regardless, you said it yourself. You guys can make amends for what happened here."
Grace looked distraught over at the other side of the giant crater. Ace was nowhere to be found."Ace-kun..."
"He must have teleported back to Academia." Sawatari suggested."Unlike him, the others went back to normal once we defeated them and even took time before they vanished. Ace, on the other hand, did not properly lose and also..."
"He's evolved now." Kaito stated with a grim."It might be harder to bring him back now. But you're not going to let him down, are you?"
"No." Edo said with determination."I have to save him from his darkness. Him and the other Unifiers of Chaos. I want to help you guys and save my friend. Now that I know what it's like to duel for fun and not just for yourself and power, I want to show them as well!" He took a card...or half of it from his pocket."This is Smile World. I assume you are familiar with it, Yuya."
"That's...Smile World!" Yuya gaped at the so familiar card."But why do-"
"I might not completely understand what your dad meant about communicating with people through a duel. Or maybe how a duel can be fun. So I'm hoping you can teach me that. Will you accept my challenge?"
"Of course." Yuya nodded happily."Let's give everyone a fun match!"
Kaito sighed in exasperation as both duelists took their positions. Kurono walked up to stand by his side, an amused smile on his face."You know, maybe this duel won't be a waste of time after all. I mean, we just went through a life-death duel that could have ended everyone's lives. We deserve a little break. By the way, how is Kurosaki."
"He's stable, but with our current medical facility, he won't wake up any time soon. I was hoping we could ask them to let us borrow theirs. And you are right." Kaito allowed himself a smile."But now that we've cleared this dimension from the Unifiers of Chaos, and with Edo's resignation of commander in chief, all we have ahead of us is..."
"The Fusion Dimension." Kurono clenched his fists."We are in the end game."
Yuke sat down sitting on top of a building in the City of the Fusion Dimension, focused on his Duel Disk. A sound echoed momentarily and the image of the Unifiers of Chaos popped out respectively in the screen.
"Ah, Yuke, you've summoned us." Evan drawled with a smile on his face."How fortunate. I was eager to hear your voice again. How was your research in the Standard Dimension."
"Not as I had expected." He shook his head."I was forced to duel numerous times by Yuya Sakaki's peers after they confused me with him. A girl in particular, a fortune teller, caught my interest. Her name was Mieru but other than that, I didn't find any traces of Yuzu Hiragi. Not even at her own house."
"I see." He placed a thinking thumb under his chin."Unfortunately, I have no updates on my end."
"Neither have I, but I suspect we are close," Naho reassured the group.
"It seems we are missing more people." Makoto pointed out, his voice firm.
"I was getting to that." Yuke answered."It appears Junpei and Tatsuyo have been defeated by the Lancers." He watched as Naho opened her mouth but decided to cut her off."Tariko was also with them for some reason. He was also defeated by them."
"So we've lost the Synchro Team and one of the XYZ users." Wendy spat to wherever she was standing on."Damn Lancers! But wait, what about Ace?"
"Ace is currently receiving medical treatment." Yuke answered the question."He was heavily wounded in his Duel in XYZ. Also, I have attempted communicating with the XYZ dimension and they are not answering. I suspect they have betrayed Academia."
"The Lancers are getting ahead of us. That is a problem." Makoto huffed over the line."However, this means an opportunity arises."
"Yes." Naho's eyes began glowing dangerously."It means that the only place where Yuzu Hiragi could be...is here."
"Then make haste and search for her." Yuka commanded the others."I have some business to attend to with the Professor, so I'll be retreating for a bit."
Naho gave him a light chuckle."It is quite alright, Yuke. You best rest and conserve as much energy as possible. We wouldn't want our leader to be exhausted by the time we face them again. Dennis and I have a plan. Worry not, I am keeping him close by. Soon enough, we will lure Yuzu Hiragi out of her hiding."
After those words, they all began leaving the call with the exception of Makoto, who offered a few moments of silence for their fallen comrades. Once again, Yuke was alone. And when he was alone, he would think about her. The girl that claimed his heart and memories."I wonder..."
With that, I declare the end of the XYZ Dimension and we are now going to the endgame, as Kurono said. Now everyone is running against the clock and are coming closer to their goals. With Yuzu in the line, the Unifiers of Chaos begin their final war against the Lancers in an effort to take it all. Stay tuned for the next chapter!