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.

36. Chapter 36

Part 35
Reaching out for the Truth

"Yuke-kun..." Wendy gaped, her eyes fixated on the young man standing on top of a building looking down at them."Why...why are you here?"

"Yuke..." Dr. Brueno lamented, lowering his head in shame.' Now that I face him once more, I am unable to look at him in the eye...'

Yuke folded his arms over his chest, his expression emotionless."I knew you weren't fit for the job, Wendy. I believed that this whole operation was going to go South the moment Naho rushed through that door and you followed soon after. Must I remind you that you were specifically told to remain on standby until further instructions from me? But I knew you would ignore my commands in order to "impress" me by bringing Yuzu Hiragi to the Professor. But color me impressed, you failed, as expected."

Those words seemed to hurt the young lady, who began fidgeting in place."Yuke-kun. Let's stop this. This is wrong on so many levels and we're retarded enough to keep doing it!"

"Listen to her, Yuke...no, Hiraki." Yuto corrected himself."What further proof do you need to realize that what you're doing is wrong? Academia is manipulating you! Brainwashing you into believing whatever they want!"

"Manipulating me?" He asked."That's wrong."

Everyone was taken back by such a claim. He noticed their confusion and went on."I heard everything that transpired during and after the duel. I must confirm this, to make it absolutely clear." He began rubbing his chest calmly."This is indeed the body that used to belong to Hiraki Sotari. You are correct in that aspect. However, I am no mere alteration to his brain or memories. I am a person of my own. I am doing everything because I simply feel like it. Not because they're manipulating me, as you said."

"But then...what happened to Hiraki's consciousness?" Gongenzaka inquired, afraid of any answer the young man could give him.

Yuke stopped rubbing his chest and pointed at his head with his index finger."He's inside here. I began noticing when I captured Serena. When I did so, tears would not stop streaming down my face. I even felt compelled to keep her company during her imprisonment. Something in my heart kept telling me that that woman is special." He reached in for his breast pocket and pulled out a card. An all familiar picture of Hiraki and Serena."So I put the pieces together along with the information available at the moment. The timelines fit together and it makes sense for me to exist."

"Give Hiraki his body back! He's trying to escape to he can help Serena!" Yuya demanded to no avail.

"I'm afraid that won't happen." The Ritual Duelist shook his head."The change is irreversible now. He can't take charge any longer so now I am the one in control. His personality has been heavily suppressed to the point where he might as well be inside of a cage. However, let us move on to more important matters."

Yuke jumped from the building, doing acrobatics in the air and gracefully landing in front of the group."Yuzu Hiragi. I am here to capture you. And you as well Wendy. Since you no longer serve the Professor, it's time for your usefulness to come to an end."

Wendy tried walking towards him but lost balance and fell on one knee."D-damn it...I'm too spent."

Cody and Yuzu helped her stand up, putting her arms around their shoulders and took her back. Gongenzaka, Yuto, Sawatari and Yuya both stood protectively in front of the recent duelists.

"It is heavily recommended for the four of you to duel me at once if you want the slightest chance." Yuke activated his Duel Disk, looking at them expectantly."I welcome the effort."

"That bastard!" Sawatari barked.

"Even if that's Hiraki's body, the one controlling it is an imposter!" Gongenzaka cried out."I, the man Gongenzaka, will help take him down!"

"No." Yuya told the other two."Let Yuto and I handle this."

"What?! Yuya! Are you out of your mind?!" Gongenzaka frantically shook his best friend's shoulders."His power is greater than anything we've encountered so far. He's the leader of the Unifiers of Chaos! We must all cooperate or he'll defeat us easily."

"I understand your concern, Gongenzaka." Yuto spared a look a Yuke."But these tactics makes sense to go with. If we all jump in and are defeated, there won't be anything standing in the way of Yuke capturing Yuzu and Wendy. On the other hand, if Yuya and I distract him while they rest from their duel, even if we are defeated, they'll have a chance of escape. It's a gamble."

"It's a gamble that we must take." Yuya grabbed his friend's hands and removed them from his shoulders."Besides, we are connected on a deeper level. If he knows something about that presence inside of us, then we must know."

"But Yuya..."

"Yuya." Wendy called out to him."Don't be such a wannabe hero, will you? This guy took us all out when we first met him. He won't be as easy as you think."

Yuya looked at her solemnly."I never said it would be easy."

She allowed herself a smirk, giggling a bit."Well, alright then. Watch out for his Spectrum Devas. You might be familiar with a few of them but beware of their terrifying effects."

Yuya and Yuto nodded in unison before turning back to their opponent. They stood in opposites sides of each other while Yuke stood in the middle, mirroring a triangle.

"The rules will be that of a Battle Royale triangle." Yuke announced."Without cooperating with each other, come at me now."

Field-Spell: Crossover

"Duel!" They all cried out at the same time.

Yuke vs. Yuya. vs. Yuto LP: 4000 each

"According to the Battle Royale Triangle Rules, we are not allowed to attack during our first turn." Yuke reminded them as he drew five cards."I shall go first. I think I have a better understanding of how your Decks work. Both of you commit the mistake of depending heavily on your back row for Special Summoning. Allow me to prevent that. From my hand, I summon Spectral Deva - Colossus in ATK mode."

A golem made out of marble appeared on the field, smashing its gauntlet-like fists together creating a thunderous sound.

Spectral Deva - Colossus Level 3, Light, Warrior, ATK: 1300, DEF: 2000

"At this moment, I activate its effect. I can switch it to DEF mode if it's the only card I control. Furthermore, when a monster's position is changed on the field, I can Special Summon Spectral Deva - Satellite Arma from my hand."

Spectral Deva - Satellite Arma Level 6, Light, Machine, ATK: 2000, DEF: 1000

"When Satellite Arma is successfully summoned on the field, I can reduce its Levels to match a monster I control on the field. Satellie Arma's Levels are lowered by three, matching Colossus'."

Spectral Deva - Satellite Arma Level 3

"He's going to..." Yuya began.

"...XYZ Summon." Yuto scowled.

"Before I do anything else, I'd like to activate the Continous Spell Army of the Deva. Every time I Special Summon from the Extra Deck, I get to draw a card from my Deck. Next, with the Level 3 Satellite Arma and Colossus, I build the Overlay Network."

Both monsters turned into energy and entered a black portal as Yuke chanted."Open the abyss that makes the insolent cower in fear! Destruction that creates a world of nothing but desolation! XYZ Summon! Arise, Rank 3! Spectral Deva - Leomark XV!"

A machine soldier appeared on the field, its features mimicking that of a lion and had two sharp claws for weapons.

Spectral Deva - Leomark XV Rank 3, Light, Machine, XYZ, ATK: 2400, DEF: 1200

"Due to the effect of Army of the Deva, I can draw a card from my Deck." Yuke swiftly drew his card and examined it."When I draw this card by a card effect, I can Special Summon it to the field. I Special Summon Spectral Deva - Larvamob."

A small worm made out of lava appeared on the field, coiling around.

Spectral Deva - Larvamob Level 2, Light, Insect, Tuner, ATK: 200, 220

"I detach one of Leomark's Overlay Units to activate one of its effects. I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Spectral Deva" monster from my Deck to the field. Arise, Spectral Deva - Division!"

A purple humanoid hologram appeared on the field, dancing around.

Spectral Deva - Division Level 4, Light, Fiend, Tuner, ATK: 0, DEF: 1000

"When its successfully Special Summoned on the field, I can increase or reduce its levels by the Level of another monster on the field. I'll increase its Level by two, same as Larvamob.

Spectral Deva - Division Level 6

"Now, I tune the Level 6 Division with the Level 2 Larvamob!" Division turned into six stars while Larvamob turned into two, surrounding them.

"Scorching fire that lives at the pinnacle of the volcano! The time to spread your power has arrived! Synchro Summon! Come forth, Level 8! Spectral Deva - Centinela!"

A purple dragon clad in black armor appeared on the field, the right side of its body completely robotized.

Spectral Deva - Centinela Level 8, Light, Dragon, Synchro, ATK: 2700, DEF: 2000

"A level 8 Synchro Summon already?" Gongenzaka swallowed a bump on his throat."This doesn't look good."

"Yes...indeed..." Wendy said, fear clear in her voice."And those aren't even the Spectrum Devas. He's just toying with them."

"Say what?!" Sawatari squeaked."Is he that confident in his abilities?!"

Cody spat on the floor, frowning upon the battle."It's no surprise, considering Yuya told us that they might lose." He turned to Gongenzaka and Sawatari."If that happens, we will have to distract him while Yuzu and Wendy getaway."

"What are you saying?!" Yuzu grabbed his arm."You can't seriously expect us to just abandon you guys!"

"If there's no other way..." Sawatari lowered his head, his bangs covering his eyes."Then that's what we'll have to do."

"So long as the Professor doesn't get his hands on either or you, we would have won the fight." Gongenzaka folded his arms.

"Guys!" Yuzu pleaded to them, eventually kneeling in front of Wendy."We can't leave them! Right, Wendy?!"

Wendy, however, did not answer, as she kept observing intently the duel unfolding. Dr. Brueno was tending her injuries but he could not help but feel the need to get a few glimpses every now and then.

"As long as Centinela is on the field, you can only set one spell or Trap Card on your fields respectively." Yuke explained."And due to Army of the Deva's effect, I draw a card. I set one card and end my turn."

Yuke hand: 2

"I'll go next!" Yuya announced."My turn! I draw!" He examined his hand, troubled in deciding what to do.' He's blocking my Pendulum Summoning with that monster. So my move should involved destroying it or making its effects invalid. Thank goodness we can use Action Cards, otherwise, we'd be in a deeper hole.' He took a deep breath."From my hand, I summon Performapal Sword Fish!"

Performapal Technician Level 3, Light, Fairy, Pendulum, SC: 6, ATK: 600, DEF: 1600

"I activate its Special Ability! I can Tribute it to Special Summon a Level 5 or higher Dragon-type monster from my hand! Come, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon Level 7, Dark, Dragon, Pendulum, SC: 4, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000

"He brought out Odd-Eyes!" Yuzu said with glee.

"Alright!" Sawatari clenched his fist with a smirk."And he didn't need to rely on Pendulum Summoning for it."

"Next, I activate the Spell Card, Spiral Flame Strike! If I control an "Odd-Eyes" monster on the field, I can target a card you control and destroy it! The one I target is Centinela!"

"At it boy!" Sawatari rose a fist in the air.

"If Yuya destroys Centinala, they'll be able to set Spells and Traps!"

"Useless." Yuke boomed, silencing their praises."I activate Leomark's effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can protect all monster I control from being destroyed by card effects and battle."

"Darn it!" Yuya gritted his teeth.

"Don't worry Yuya, we need to remain calm if we want to defeat him." Yuto reasoned with his counterpart."We now know that he needs that protection in order to keep this strategy going. Once it runs out of Overlay Units, we'll be able to advance."

"Even if you are completely focused, that won't be enough to compete with me." Yuke caught their attention."I'm just that superior to both of you."

"Maybe so." Yuya chuckled a bit."We won't know for sure until we give this a try, won't we? Besides, there's a lot in stake in this one duel. I set a card and end my turn."

Yuya hand: 2

"I'll go. My turn! Draw!" Yuto drew his card and added it to his hand."From my hand, I summon The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak!"

The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak Level 3, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 800, DEF: 1000

"Next, when I control a "Phantom Knights" monster, I can Special Summon The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots!"

The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots Level 3, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 200, DEF: 1200

"I overlay the Level 3 Silent Boots and Ancient Cloak!" Yuto cried out as his monsters turned into purple energy and entered a black vortex."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, OU: 2

"I detach one of Break Sword's Overlay Units to activate its effect! I'll target a card I control and another you control and destroy them both! I'll destroy Break Sword and destroy Centinela!"

"Useless. I detach another one of Leomark's Overlay Units to protect my monsters from destruction until the end of this turn." Yuke once more took the lead."A pity. You sacrificed your monster for no benefit."

"You really think so?" Yuto asked, prompting Yuke to tilt his head."If this card is destroyed, I can Special Summon two "Phantom Knights" from the graveyard and increase their levels by one!"

The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots Level 4

The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak Level 4

"Now, I overlay the Level 4 Phantom Knights monsters that have revived!" Once more, the monsters turned into purple energy and entered a black vortex."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 screeched simultaneously, creating a powerful gust that pushed the spectators away.

"Amazing! Both of their faces are on their field!" Yuzu mused as she felt hope.

"Awesome!" Sawatari bumped a fist in the air."With both Dark Rebellion and Odd-Eyes, even Yuke won't stand a chance!"

Wendy observed the dragons absentmindedly."Let's hope you are right."

"I set a card and end my turn," Yuto concluded, nodding to Yuya.

Yuto hand: 3

Yuke observed the dragons he had seen before during their last encounter. He could feel a sense of urgency arising within his core that was slowly expanding through is body. Ignoring the uncomfortable feeling, he took a step forward."I must commend you. You managed to bring your dragons despite not being able to fully use your Decks due to my monster's effect. But we haven't even started yet. Don't get cocky. My turn. Draw."He eyed his hand and saw his dragon glowing slightly."At this moment, Army of the Deva's second effect activates. Special Summoned monsters will gain 500 ATKs during my Main Phase."

Spectral Deva - Leomark ATK: 2900

Spectral Deva - Centinela ATK: 3200

"His monsters are even stronger now," Yuya noted, sweat dripping down his forehead.

"Indeed, but Leomark has no more Overlay Units. Which means Centinela is exposed to attacks and card effects now."

"I activate the Continous Spell, Overlay Gift. If I control a monster with no Overlay Units, I can target two monsters in my graveyard and make them Overlay Units instead. Also, I draw a card from my Deck and if it's a Spell Card, I have to set it. If it's not, I have to discard it." He drew his card as both Spectral Deva monsters appeared on the field and then turned into energy that began going around Leomark.

"Great." Yuto clicked his tongue.

"I drew a Spell Card." Yuto announced."I shall set it. All of your efforts have just gone to waste."

Yuto let a grin grace his face, confusing both of his counterparts."Not so. I activate the Counter Trap, Thief of The Knights! I can take the Overlay Units of an XYZ monster you control and add them to an XYZ monster I control!"

Yuke's left eye twitched slightly but remained emotionless as he observed his new acquired Overlay Units go to Dark Rebellion as it roared.

"Nice going, Yuto!" Yuya praised."Now Dark Rebellion has more Overlay Units too!"

Yuto gave him a confident nod, before turning back to Yuke."Now, let's see what he does."

"Impressive. I did not expect you to read my strategy like that." Yuke drawled."However, you cannot use Dark Rebellion's effect to give you a favorable advantage. All that's left is for you to observe defeat. I'll begin with Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, just to get it out of the way. Battle." Leomark began growling aggressively, getting ready to attack.

"Yuto, we have to hurry! For an Action Card!" Yuya activated the rollers in his shoes and began skating away towards, jumping on the walls. Yuto followed behind him, jumping from platform to platform.

"Do you really think I'll allow you to do that?" Yuke unfolded his arms and banished in an instant. A black silhouette moved at incredible speed up the walls and went for Yuya and Yuto.

"There!" Yuya hopped on top of a building and ran for an Action Card sitting there. Before he could grab it, he felt someone grab his leg and pulled him back, sending him crashing into Yuto and landed on top of a platform nearby.

"I didn't even...see him coming." Yuya groaned as he got up from Yuto.

Yuke leisurely walked up to the Action Card and picked it up."I have not seen these since the Friendship Cup. However, I have no need for such cards." Leomark cut Odd-EYes into pieces with its metallic claws, creating an explosion.

Yuya LP: 3600

"And as for you." Yuke set his sights on Yuto."Centinela will attack Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon."

"Hold it right there!" Yuya jumped back to the ground."I activate my Trap Card, Odd Position! When my opponent declares a second attack during their battle phase, I can change the battle position of the attacking monster!" Centinela lowered its head and sat on the floor.

"Thanks for the assist, Yuya." Yuto thanked the tomato head boy.

"No problem." Yuya smiled widened."But that's not all my Trap Card can do. At the end of the battle phase, all monsters that have their positions changed have their effects negated."

"Impressive." Yuke muttered to himself."I hadn't expected him to prepare such a countermeasure. I was told he heavily depended on Action Cards, so this took me by surprise." He kept his gaze locked on them as he jumped down to the ground.' This might be more interesting than I had imagined before.'

"I end my turn." They heard Yuke say.

Yuke hand: 2

"My turn! I draw!" Yuya drew his card."Now that your monster's effect is negated, I can Pendulum Summon! I, with the Scale 3 Xiangke Magician and the Scale 8 Xiangsheng Magician, set the Pendulum Scale!"

Both monsters flew up in pillars of light behind Yuya.

"Now I can simultaneously Special Summon monsters from Level 4 to Level 7! Swing Pendulum of my soul! Pendulum Summon! Come once more, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon Level 7, Dark, Dragon, Pendulum, SC: 4, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000

"I activate the Spell Card, Dual Colored Paths! I draw four cards from my Deck and return two of them to my Deck and shuffled!" He smiled at the two new cards in his hand."Next, I activate the Spell Card, Pendulum Madness! I can add from my Deck to my hand one Pendulum Card that has a scale equal to one of my scales! I add Performapal Odd Jester! By sending him to the Graveyard from my hand, I can Pendulum Summon one more time! Pendulum Summon! Appear, Performapal Drummerilla!"

Performapal Drummerilla Level 5, Earth, Beast, Pendulum, SC: 2, ATK: 1600, DEF: 900

"Battle Phase!" Yuya began sprinting towards Yuke, who cocked his head to the side as to why he would do such a thing. He then heard Yuto coming at him as he ran on the walls and landed behind him. Both of them threw a punch at the same time, which was easily blocked by Yuke who held their fists in place.

"During battle phase, when an attack is declared involving a monster I control, that monster's ATKs go up by 600 until the end of the Battle!" Yuya clenched his teeth as he struggled to break free from the iron grip.

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon ATK: 2500+600= 3100

"It's still weak compared to either of my monsters." Yuke reminded him as he spans them around and threw them in opposite directions. Yuya grinned at the action and activated the wheels in his boats again and began skating up the platforms.

"What?" Yuke looked behind him in the direction he threw Yuya."He got close to me so I would be distracted and then he would use that opportunity to get closer to an Action Card?"

Yuya grabbed the Action Card in mid-air and landed on the floor safely."I activate the Action Card, No Help! All monsters my opponent controls that have their ATKs changed will get them set back to their original amount!"

Spectral Deva - Centinela ATK: 2700

Spectral Deva - Leomark ATK: 2400

"Go, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Attack Leomark! Spiral Strike Burst!"

Yuke clicked his tongue and jumped back against a wall and used it to launch himself to a platform in the air and grabbed an Action Card."I activate the Action Card, Damage Banish. I take no damage during Battle Phase!" The shockwave barely missed Yuke as he did aerobics in mid-air and landed on the floor.

"So close!" Yuto turned to Yuya."Let's keep up the momentum, Yuya!"

Yuya returned the nod and faced Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon."At this moment, Odd-Eyes' ATKs go back to normal! I end my turn!"

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon ATK: 2500

Yuya hand: 0

"My turn! I draw! I'll start! I set four cards face-down!" Yuto began."Now, I activate Dark Rebellion's effect! I detach one of its Overlay Units to activate its effect! Treason Discharge!"

Dark Rebellion spread its wings, engulfing Centinela with electricity.

Spectral Deva - Centinela ATK: 2700/2=1350

Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon ATK: 2500+1350=3850

"I'll use another Overlay Unit to target Leomark! Treason Discharge!" Yuto continued.

Spectral Deva - Centinela ATK: 2400/2=1200

Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon ATK: 3850+1200=5050

"I still have more Overlay Units remaining." Yuto told Yuke."But I won't use them for Dark Rebellion's effect. I activate one of my face-down Quick-Play Spells, Destined for Doomsday! I can tribute an XYZ'S monster Overlay Units to draw that amount of cards from my Deck!" Yuto drew his two cards."Next, I activate the Spell Card, Dark Revolution! If I control Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon on my field, I can attack all monsters with it that have had their ATKs halved!"

"That's a brilliant strategy!" Gongenzaka nodded."He's had all of their monster's ATKs halved to prepare for this."

"I would say it's more luck-based..." Sawatari grumbled, hands folded.

"Battle!" Yuto began jumping on platforms as did Yuke."I attack your monsters simultaneously! Lighting Revolt Disobey!" Yuto spotted an action card and made a run for it.

"Not good enough I'm afraid." Yuke swiftly jumped to the platform and grabbed then card, barely missing Yuto's hand as he fell from it."I activate this Action Card, Battle Swapper! I can switch the ATK position of monsters I control!" Leomark and Centinela stood low as their DEF changed.

"He's escaped damage again!" Yuya clicked his tongue, frustrated.

"Still, I'll take both of his monsters out with this move! I attack Leomark using Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon!"

Dark Rebellion flew straight for the mechanic lion and pierced it with its fangs, destroying it.

"Naive. I activate my Quick-Play Spell that I set, Rank-Up-Magic Spectrum Star! I can revive a destroyed XYZ monster and Special Summon it back to my field."

Again, Leomark appeared on the field momentarily before it entered a black vortex once more."Furthermore, I can use that monster as well as this Rank-Up-Spell as Overlay units to XYZ Summon! Mechanical fiend that lurks in the darkness of the darkest light, spread your wings and show the sign of a new era of chaos. Rank-Up: XYZ Change! Come, Rank 6! Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega!"

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

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

"Thanks to the effect of my Continous Spell, I draw another card"

"No way...he just Rank-Up a monster into a stronger one!" Yuya turned to Yuto."If he can use Rank-Up-Spells, we're in trouble!"

"And that's not all..." Wendy caught their attention."That's one of the Vices..."

"Vices? What are those supposed to be?" Cody inquired."Also, I noticed that the name is completely different."Spectrum"."

"The Vices are the defendants of Yuke's deck." Wendy began explaining, a fearful expression on her face."You two! Be careful with those monsters! They are extremely powerful!"

"She is not wrong." Yuke interjected."I activate Vice Omega's effect. During any of our turns, I can detach an Overlay Unit to destroy a card on the field. I target Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon. Ender Howl!" Vice Omega let out a loud screech that made Dark Rebellion stop on its tracks and screeching in pain as it exploded.

Yuto covered his face from the dust as the explosion went off."Dark Rebellion!"

"And that's not all. Vice Omega gains 500 ATKs per card destroyed. Its ATK will become 2500."

Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega ATK: 2500

"Damn it. I can't believe he shut Dark Rebellion down like that." Yuto cursed under his breath."However, there's still a chance for me to make a comeback. I end my turn! At this moment, I can activate the Quick-Play Spell, Rank-Up-Magic Fallen Dragon of Rebellion! I can only activate this card at the end of a turn where Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon is destroyed! I can Special Summon a monster that's one rank higher using both of these cards as Overlay Units! 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

"So that's the evolved version of Dark Rebellion." Yuke analyzed carefully."I suppose I should be on the lookout for its effects. It's my turn."

Yuto hand: 0

"I draw. I activate the Spell Card, Synchro Retrial! I can send a Tuner monster from my Deck to the graveyard and return a Synchro monster I control back to my Extra Deck. Furthermore, I can Special Summon a Synchro monster whose levels are reduced by the level of the monster I sent to the Graveyard. Since Centinela is a Level 8 monster and the monster I discarded was a level 2, I can Special Summon a Level 6 Synchro Monster. Appear, Level 6! Spectrum Deva - Vice Beta!"

A dark figure covered in dark blue armor that covered most of its body appeared on Yuke's field. Its most noticeable feature was its right arm which was twisted and transformed into a large three-digit claw whose flesh overlaps its entire right arm and shoulder. A pair of green eyes shined through its mask.

Spectrum Deva - Vice Beta Level 6, Light, Warrior, Synchro, ATK: 2200, DEF: 1600

"I activate Vice Beta's effect. It can copy the effect of a monster until the end phase. The one I choose is Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's effect, which activates after battling a Level 5 or higher monster and doubles the damage. But I am not done as of yet. I normal summon Spectral Deva - Archelon in ATK mode."

Spectral Deva - Archelon Level 4, Light, Beast, ATK: 200, DEF: 2000

"I activate Archelon's effect. I can tribute it in order to draw a card from my Deck. Next, I activate another Continous Spell Card, Spectrum World. As long as this card is on the field, all "Spectrum" monsters I control have their ATKs increased by 500 for every "Spectrum" monster on the field. Since there's two, that's an increase of 1000."

Spectrum Deva - Vice Beta ATK: 3200

Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega ATK: 3500

"Battle. I attack Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon with Vice Beta! Orbital Saber!" Beta manifested a flesh-like sword with a black eye on it and grabbed it, immediately throwing itself against Odd-Eyes.

"Not good!" Yuya activated his skates and began speeding away toward a platform. Once he landed, he tripped on the floor but was a few inches away from the Action Card. Before he could grab it, Yuke stepped on his forearm, almost crushing it with the amount of force applied. Yuya cried out in pain at the mercy of his counterpart and former friend.

"Resistance is futile, do you not see? You could never hope to beat me, let alone surpass me. Your journey ends today and that is the only fact and path you have remaining."

"You can't...be sure of that..." Yuya grunted as Yuto appeared behind Yuke but was quickly backhanded away to a wall, creating a hole on it.

"Y-Yuto!" Yuya called out in concern. No response. He looked up once more, locking eyes with those cold-hearted ones Yuke possessed. In contrast to Hiraki, he looked so empty of life and emotions, as though he were a machine of sorts."What about Serena...?"

"What about her?"

Yuya tried squirming his arm away but was impossible."She was captured looking for you! You know this! Even if you aren't Hiraki, surely you must feel the same way he felt at least! You both have the same heart!"

Yuke took a moment to respond to that question."That is true but also false. While our body is the same, down to the genetic level perse. Our souls could not be any different. His emotions have been overwritten and left space for my memories. Even if I wanted to feel, it's not used for me. Human emotions make everyone in this boring world weak and exposed to betrayals. People use that weakness to take advantage of the naive and use them for their own benefits."

"T-that can't be true!" Yuya refuted.

Yuke shook his head."You are naive, Yuya Sakaki. You believe there's good in every person you've come across, but that's not the case. People are in this because of personal interest. That's the reality of things. People don't do thing out of the kindness of their hearts. There's always a catch that drives them in." He crouched down, still pinning Yuya down with his foot."Tell me, why do you think all of this is happening in the first place? If the other dimensions were not affected by this, they wouldn't have batted an eye in turning your group away. They are here because they have a common interest, not because they want to do it willingly."

At this point, Yuya had lowered his head and kept hearing those words in his mind over and over. He couldn't answer. He wanted to refute his claims, but they weren't impossible. He felt a sickening feeling in his stomach slowly coming to power and wanted to vomit.

Yuke towered over the fallen tomato head once more."Why do you assume I came to be? Hiraki most likely did not see any hope in humanity and those around him. But I can fix all of this, you see. I can make all of this change. This world. Will all turn into nothing. Nothingness will engulf the dimensions and give birth to a tranquil life. Humans are already too tainted to be worthy of the gift called life. Arrogant and selfish creatures that linger into every corner of this pathetic reality. Unlike you, I am not blinded by emotions and by extension I am not in conflict with those around me."

"You're wrong..." Yuya croaked, barely a whisper."You are being manipulated...you're doing Academia's dirty work and you don't even realize it..."

Yuke's gaze deepened."Nonsense. I have already calculated every possible outcome of this. I am benefitting from working with the Professor and Academia." He put more pressure on Yuya's hand, causing him to yelp in pain.

"We have to get out of here." Wendy suddenly spoke up, earning gasps from those around her."It's a matter of time. He broke Yuya and Yuto is most likely next."

Gongenzaka clenched his fists in fury and was about to march up to the duel but was held back by Cody."We considered this a possibility. Maybe...maybe we should let them run as far as possible before it's too late."

"He's right." Sawatari voiced his opinion."I'm not saying we should just let them be defeated. We'll jump on their duel and help them in any way we can. But if we can't make it...at least they'll be safe."

Gongenzaka looked from one boy to the other and finally at Yuya."I-"

"Yuya! Don't give up!" Yuzu cried out in sorrow."You promised...you promised you would save Serena and Hiraki! Don't let his words bring you down! Your dad wouldn't let this defeat him and neither should you! Bonds are what makes us human! The world may seem dull and sometimes it feels like people really do things out of self-interest. But not everyone was like that. We are proof of that! At the end of the day, we're all united for a reason and that's to prevent anyone else to suffer what we've suffered! We have to win no matter what!"

Yuke looked over his shoulder to the pinkette."How annoying. I suppose you really are the most cheerful one out of the girls. But at last, it will all be over once I've captured you and Wendy. Soon, it'll all be..." He paused, feeling movement below his foot. He noticed Yuya's hair had spiked up considerably and some sort of aura was coming out of him."What's this?"

"You're right Yuzu...it's not over yet. We owe it to everyone back home... and our comrades." He rose his head and looked at Yuke dead in the eye."It's not over yet!"

Yuke quickly turned around, feeling something coming towards him and saw a rock flying straight at him from where Yuto was. He quickly met the rock with his fist, shattering it on impact, but the dust got on his eyes and blinded him momentarily. Yuya quickly stood on one hand and kicked Yuke away, grabbing the Action Card."I activate the Action Card, Zero Zone! Monsters on the field I control cannot be destroyed by battle!"

Beta was sent back flying after Odd-Eyes hit him with his tail but was almost cut in half thanks to the blade.

"Thanks to Beta's copied effect, you'll take double the damage." Yuke landed on the floor, rubbing his eyes.

Yuya LP: 2900

"Yuto, you won't run from this. I attack Dark Rebellion Requiem Dragon with Vice Omega. Blaze Armada!" Omega began readying its cannons and before it could readied the last one, a beam of light struck one of its wings, forcing it to crash to the ground."What?"

From the shadows, Yuto emerged, a dark aura around him and his eyes were dark purple with white iris."I activated my Trap Card, The Phantom Knights Accursed Seal! With this card, a monster I target cannot attack and will not be able to activate its effects as long as this card is in play!"

"What was that?" Yuke finally managed to get all the debris off of his eyes and saw something he never thought he would. Yuya and Yuto were both in Awakening States, standing next to each other. Behind them, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Dark Rebellion Requiem Dragon roared simultaneously, making Beta and Omega shrink back. Yuke stared back, his eyes glowing crimson."I suppose I must take you seriously now."