Part 36
Forgotten Bonds
"Woah..." Sawatari said under his breath, looking at the scene in front of him."They look so cool..."
"Out of all the things you could say, you go ahead and say that." Gongenzaka shook his head."Still though, this state..."
"It's just like before..." Yuzu finished for him, her bracelet glowing intensely as well as Wendy's.
"Yeah...there's no mistaking it...they went berserk." Wendy swallowed the lump in her throat."I recognize this when I dueled Yuya before and as soon as he was enraged, he defeated me."
"We have to stop them!" Yuzu pleaded but was held back by Cody."Cody?"
"It's too dangerous over there." The blue-haired boy stated, sparing a glance to the duel."Besides...don't you think this is good for us?"
"Huh?"
"A blessing in disguise..." Wendy huffed, a small smirk forming on her face."And Yuto is in that state as well. If luck is on our side, they...might be able to win."
Back to the duel, the three Yu boys were emanating dark auras around them and their monsters reacted, crying out in the sky.
"Yuto..." Yuya turned to his XYZ counterpart."Are you...?"
"I'm fine." Yuto said without taking his eyes off of Yuke."In fact, I feel completely calm and concentrated at the same time. I feel...like we can make a difference in this duel now." He shifted his gaze to him, a smile on his face.
"Yeah!" Yuya nodded, smiling back.
'What is going on?' Yuke wondered.'They are awakened, yet they're retained their sanity. That can't be. Last time they did this, they couldn't even control themselves.' He shook his head."Don't think that this is going to do you any favours. After all, I will be taking this duel seriously. Let us begin. I activate the Spell Card, Spectrum Path. With this card, I can draw cards equal to the number of "Spectrum" monsters on my field. I shall draw two cards."
Yuke hand: 4
"Stay focused Yuya!" Yuto shouted."He's up to something!"
"I activate another Spell Card, Pendulum Rush. I can copy the Pendulum Scales my opponent has a set two monsters whose Pendulum Scales mirrored them. From my Deck, I set Scale 3 Spectral Deva - Devious Gargola and the Scale 8 Spectral Deva - Harpu!"
Both monsters appeared behind Yuke and were rose to the sky by pillars of light.
"Now, I can simultaneously Special Summon monsters from Level 4 to 7. Swing Pendulum of Knowledge! Pendulum Summon! Appear Spectral Deva - Epithat!
0Spectral Deva - Epithad Level 3, Light, Fiend, Pendulum, SC: 4, ATK: 1300, DEF: 2000
"Epithad's effect activates. When it's Pendulum Summoned to the field, I can Special Summon a monster from my Deck that's twice its level. Arise, Serene!"
Spectral Deva - Serene Level 6, Light, Fairy, ATK: 1900, DEF: 2200
"Now, I activate the Pendulum Effect of Devious Gargola. I can make Epithad a Fairy-Type monster. After that, I also activate Serene's effect. I can Contact Fusion Summon using Fairy-Type monsters on my field."
Serene and Epithad both were absorved by a multicolored vortex as Yuke began to chant."With the delighted intrument of a mermaid and the wicked hard of a creature born in the abyss, I call forth the creature of equality. Fusion Summon. Appear, Level 7! Spectrum Deva - Vice Alpha!"
Spectrum Deva - Vice Alpha Level 7, Light, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2700, DEF: 2000
"And due to my Continous Spell Card Army of the Deva, I draw another card. Furthermore, thanks to Spectrum World, my monsters gain 500 ATK per "Spectrum" monster on the field."
Spectrum Deva - Vice Alpha ATK: 4200
Spectrum Deva - Vice Beta ATK: 3700
Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega ATK: 4000
"I set two cards and end my turn." Yuke concluded.
Yuke hand: 2
"I'll go." Yuya said, a serious tone in his voice."I activate the Spell Card, Pot of Greed. I draw two cards from my Deck! Now, I tribute Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon to tribute Summon this! Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon!"
A dragon similar to Odd-Eyes appeared on the field.
Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon Level 8, Dark, Dragon, ATK: 3000, DEF: 2500
"Woah! That's Odd-Eyes' evolution!" Yuzu said in glee.
"Now, I activate the Spell Card, Odd Rejection! I draw three cards from my Deck, but in exchange, I have to discard 3 cards from my Extra Deck! Now, I activate Advance Dragon's effect! When it's Tribute Summon, I can target a monster on your field, destroy it, and deal you damage equal to its original ATK! I destroy Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega!"
"Tch!" Yuke jumped on a platform and scanned the area for an Action Card."None are on the platforms?" He sensed a presence behind him and notice Yuto was on his trail. Yuto tried to catch him, but Yuke's speed allowed him to swiftly move to pass him but was almost intercepted by Yuya.
"He's insale fast! But..." Yuya's eyes moved quickly as he tried to keep up with Yuke."...I'm starting to sense him better and better!"
"There!" Yuto jumped ahead and barely missed Yuke.
'What?' Yuke watched as Vice Omega was destroyed by Odd-Eyes' new effect. He was sent flying back to the ground due to the shockwave of the explosion.
Yuke LP: 2000
"Since Vice Omega was destroyed, Yuto's Trap is no more." Yuke reminded them."And since a "Spectrum" monster was destroyed, the rest of them have their ATKs lowered by 500."
Spectrum Deva - Vice Alpha ATK: 3700
Spectrum Deva - Vice Beta ATK: 3200
"I'm not done yet! Battle! Odd-Eyes Advanced Dragon will attack Vice Beta! Evolution Spyral Burst!" Odd-Eyes Advanced Dragon fired a beam of energy towards Vice Beta. This time, however, Yuke was quick on his feet and went after an Action Card that was behind the others.
"What the?! When did he get here?!" Sawatari stammered as they all turned around to face Yuke before he jumped in the sky, backflipping and landing on his original spot.
"I activate the Action Card, Quick Revive. I Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard and you are forced to attack it instead. Come back, Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega!"
Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega Rank 6, Light, Machine, XYZ, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2000
"Since a "Spectrum" monster was Special Summoned on the field, I draw a card. And all of my monster's ATKs go up by 500."
Spectrum Deva - Vice Alpha ATK: 4200
Spectrum Deva - Vice Beta ATK: 3700
Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega ATK: 3000
"Due to Drummerilla's effect, during battle Phase, I can make an attacking monster's ATKs go up by 600 until the end of the battle!"
Odd-Eyes Advanced Dragon ATK: 3600
Omega was consumed by the blast once it got in front of Beta, exploding into pieces.
Yuke LP: 1400
Spectrum Deva - Vice Alpha ATK: 4200-500=3700
Spectrum Deva - Vice Beta ATK: 3700-500=3200
"Now, Advanced Dragon's second effect activates! When it destroys a monster by battle, I can Special Summon a Level 5 or Higher monster from my hand or graveyard! Come back, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Now I attack once more!" Yuya activated his skate shoes and began skating up a building after spotting the edge of an Action Card."I activate this Action Card, Rainbow Shower! When a monster I control battles another whose ATKs are higher, my monster gains 1600 ATKs!"
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon ATK: 3600
"I activate Vice Alpha's effect! When my opponent's monster has its ATKs increased, I can increase Alpha's ATKs by half of that amount!"
"Not so fast!" Yuto interjected."I activate Dark Requiem's effect! I can detach an Overlay Unit when a monster effect is activated it and destroy it!"
"I was waiting for that." Yuke surprised them both with that sentence."I activate the Trap Card, Pitfall of Despair! When there's at least 2 monsters with 3000 ATK or higher on the field, I can destroy those monsters and deal my opponents 500 points of damage for each."
Odd-Eyes Advanced Dragon and Dark Requiem XYZ Dragon disappeared in an instant.
Yuya LP: 1900
Yuto LP: 3000
"At this moment, I activate the effect of Spectral Deva - Brawler from my graveyard. I can banish it, and switch the position of one monster on the field. The one I chose is Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon."
"Damn! And I was so close in finishing up another one of his monsters!" Yuto gritted his teeth, anger being boasted by his current state.
"It's alright. This was plenty." Yuto spoke up."Leave the rest to me."
"Right." Yuya nodded."I set two cards and end my turn!"
Yuya hand: 1
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon ATK: 2500
Spectrum Deva - Vice Alpha ATK: 3700
"At this moment, I activate the second effect of The Phantom Knights of Accursed Seal! I can banish it, and Special Summon a "Phantom Knights" monster from my Graveyard to the field! Appear, The Phantom Knights of Break Sword!"
The Phantom Knights of Break Sword Rank 3, Dark, Warrior, XYZ, ATK: 2000, DEF: 1000
"It's my turn! I draw! I activate Silent Boot's effect from my Graveyard! I can banish it from the game and add 1 "The Phantom Knights" Spell or Trap from my Deck to my hand! Next, I use Ancient Cloak's effect and banish it to add a "The Phantom Knights" card from my Deck to my hand!"
"What could he be up to now?" Yuke muttered to himself.
"Now, I activate my remaining two Set Cards! My Trap Cards, The Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace! I Special Summon them to the field and they are trated as Level 2 Warrior monsters! Furthermore, I can target monsters on your field and make them lose 600 ATKs!"
Spectrum Deva - Vice Alpha ATK: 3700-600=3100
Spectrum Deva - Vice Beta ATK: 3200-600=2600
The Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace Level 2, Warrior, Dark, ATK: 600, DEF: 0
"Now, I overlay the two Level 2 Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace!" Yuto cried out as his monsters turned into black energy and entered a black vortex."Appear Rank 2! The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin!"
The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin Rank 2, Warrior, Dark, XYZ, ATK: 1600, DEF: 0
"Next, I detach one of Javelin's Overlay Units to activate its effect! I can target a monster you control, negate its effects and reduced its ATKs to 0! The one I choose is Vice Alpha!"
Spectrum Deva - Vice Alpha ATK: 0
"Battle! Go, Break Sword! Attack Vice Alpha!" The headless knight began galloping its horse towards its opponent. Yuya and Yuto tensed up, watching carefully for any moves Yuke would make. If he did, he would surely go for an Action Card. But he didn't.
"I activate my Continous Trap Card, Deva Cataclysm! Once per turn, when I control a "Spectrum" or more monsters, I gain LP instead of losing after the battle!" Yuke covered his face after Break Sword decapitated Vice Alpha.
Yuke LP: 1400+2000=3400
"Furthermore, all monsters you control have their ATKs reduced by halving until the end of your turn."
The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin ATK: 800
The Phantom Knights of Break Sword ATK: 1000
"No way!" Yuya cried out in shock.
Yuto clicked his tongue, scanning his hand.' After all the effort Yuya had to put to even scathe him like that...looks like our choices are limited here.' He took out two cards from his hand."I set two cards and end my turn! At this moment, my monsters' ATKs go back to normal!"
The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin ATK: 1600
The Phantom Knights of Break Sword ATK: 2000
Spectrum Deva - Vice Alpha ATK: 3100
"Then it's my turn. I draw. At thi-"
"Hold it right there! I activate my Quick-Play Spell, The Phantom Knights of Clever Tricks! I can destroy Spells or Traps you control based on the number of The Phantom Knight monsters I control! Since I control two of them, I can destroy your two Continous Spells!"
A gust of wind hit Yuke's field, destroying his Spells and leaving only his Trap Card.
"As such, your monsters lose all the immunity they had and have their ATKs reduced to their original amount!"
Spectrum Deva - Vice Beta ATK: 2200
"Clever. But it will not do you any further good. As I've said before, I am done playing games with both of you. I've let you lived long enough and that's a mistake I will correct. I activate the Spell Card Pendulum Blizzard! I destroy my Pendulum Scale and have them replaced from my Deck. I set the Scale 3 Scorch Lock with the Scale 11 Heaven's Gate! Now, I can Special Summon monsters from Level 4 to 10. However, I won't be using them for that matter."
"What?" Yuya said.
Yuke took a glimpse at his hand.' To think they'd be able to best my Vices with their power. Truthfully, a couple of people have done so, like Serena and Kyle. But in those times, I was merely allowing them to do that for pure entertainment. After all, I like to make all the duels I'm in not boring. But these two...'
Yuya and Yuto's auras were slowly merging together and Yuke could swear he saw yellow eyes in the shape of a dragon on top of them.
'Gamma won't do me any good in this duel, so I suppose I better cut to the chase.'
"I activate a Spell Card from my hand, Turbo Amidst! I discard a card from my hand, and draw two from my Deck! Now, I'll Pendulum Summon! Appear, Level 10! Spectrum Deva - Vice Delta!"
A large, brown raptor-like bird appeared on the field. It had a hole in its chest filled with a crimson orb and its exposed skull looked the skull of several birds fused together.
Spectrum Deva- Vice Delta Level 10, Light, Winged-Beast, Pendulum, SC:3, ATK: 3100, DEF: DEF: 2800
"Holy shit..." Cody breathed in disbelief at the giant monster.
"I-i-i-it's gi-gigantic!" Sawatari stuttered in fear.
Wendy grabbed Yuzu's hand and squeezed it hard."Don't falter, Yuzu. They can do this."
Yuzu gulped but nodded."I know."
"I commend you for defeating my Vices. And to do that while I'm giving it my all. That's not an easy feat, let me tell you. But you've come this far for nothing. I activate Vice Delta's effect! When this card is Tribute or Pendulum Summoned, I can Special Summon any number of "Spectrum" monsters in my graveyard. Arise!"
Spectrum Deva - Vice Alpha Level 7, Light, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2700, DEF: 2000
Spectrum Deva- Vice Beta Level 6, Light, Warrior, Synchro, ATK: 2200, DEF: 1600
Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega Rank 6, Light, Machine, XYZ, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2000
Spectrum Deva - Vice Gamma Level 6, Light, Warrior, Ritual, ATK: 2400, DEF: 1700
"Oh god...it's just like that time..." Another part of Wendy's memories recovered. The time when they were introduced to Yuke and they all challenged him to a duel together. They never expected for a single person to have such power. And the vivid memory of the 5 vices together."The vices are all together..."
The people around them began to scatter away in panic, while other Academia duelists who were nearby watched from afar in fear of being caught in whatever was going on.
"Now, let us begin. Yuya, you shall die first. I attack Performapal Drummerilla with Vice Beta!" Beta materialized its sword and dashed over to the poor gorilla monster. Yuya tried to go for an Action Card but was held in place when Yuka grabbed a hold of his cape.
"W-what?! He's faster than before?!" Yuya cried out as he tried to wrestle out. Beta cut Drummerilla in half, sending Yuya flying to the ground.
Yuya LP: 1300
"Yuto, you go next. Vice Gamma attacks The Phantom Knights Break Sword!" Both monsters raced towards one another, but Gamma outmaneuvered Break Sword with its double edge sword and destroyed it.
Yuto LP: 2600
"I still have three attacks left." Yuke reminded them."Yuya, your Odd-Eyes will be no more. I attack it with Vice Alpha! Destroy his Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon"
Alpha dashed over to Odd-Eyes, its dragon-shaped shield in front of him.
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell, Improvised Entertainment!"
Two hats appeared on the field, one covering Odd-Eyes and the other one nothing. They began to shuffle incredibly fast, that everyone grew dizzy.
"With this card, you have to attack the hats. If you guess correctly and destroy the one that contains Odd-Eyes first, all the hats will be destroyed and I will be completely exposed because all cards on my field will be destroyed! However, if you guess wrong, then you get to attack again, but by that point it will be too late!"
"What are you plotting?" Yuke narrowed his eyes."It does not matter. I attack the one on the left."
Vice Alpha threw its shield as the lion on it opened its jaw and munched on the hat, quickly spitting it out.
"It had nothing?" Yuke was mesmerized that he had got it wrong."That can't be. I was keeping a close eye on it. But there's only one remaining. And I will finish that with my strongest Vice. Go, Vice Delta! Dive of Sorrow!" The raptor flew up in the sky at an incredible speed, doing a quick switch and now diving straight towards the last hat.
"Oh no! If that hat is destroyed, Yuya will lose!" Gongenzaka cried.
"I can't watch this!" Sawatari covered his eyes as Cody patted his back, a fearful look on his eyes.
Yuzu and Wendy closed their eyes together, their bracelets glowing brighter than before.
"It's over," Yuke said as the raptor flew down and completely shredded the last hat, creating an explosion.
"Yuya!" Yuto tried to see Yuya but was unable.
As the smoke began dissipating, the sound of clapping could be heard from within. Yuke's eyes slowly began to widen as he figured out who was clapping. Yuya stood there, a smile on his face and a card in his hand, clapping.
"What...?" Yuke muttered."You...you're supposed to have lost."
"Yeah, that would have been right." Yuya began explaining."To be honest, that move was a huge gamble, but I was desperate and had nothing else to play. But thankfully I had the right card on my field, the one I set earlier. It's called Exit of the Show! I can target a monster on my field and return it to my hand!"
"So that's why..." Yuto connected the dots together."...you didn't lose? Because you got Odd-Eyes out of danger in the nick of time?"
Yuya simply replied with a nod, his smile growing in size."To be honest, that was exciting. A good performance must have a thrill in it from time to time."
"He...deceived me...?" Yuke's brow began twitching."Impossible...I can't be deceived...I am the ultimate being...my intellect is supposed to be higher than even the Professor. So how...?"
"See? You're not as flawless as you claimed to be." Yuya directed his attention to Yuke."In a duel, a prediction is something that's not always there. You thought you had it won, but instead, failed to see all the options available to you. You became too overconfident. And that effect you used earlier, it must have a weakness."
Yuke clicked his tongue, irritation suddenly invading his mind."Inconceivable. However, I will not be fooled twice. I attack Cursed Javelin with Vice Omega! Blaze Armada!" The mechanical dragon began firing its projectiles towards the cursed monster.
'I could use Cursed of Javelin's effect...but...' Yuto took a look at his set card. Yuto's monster was blasted with all the projectiles coming at it, some of it landed near Yuto.
Yuto LP: 2000
"I set one card and end my turn! I hope you enjoyed the taste of the power of my Vices, because next time, I will end you."
Yuke hand: 1
"My turn then, I draw!"
"Yuya, wait. Before you do something, I need you to not attack this turn. I have something in mind, so I just want you to believe in me."
"Yuto..." Yuya grinned back."Alright! Not like I had much to do anyway. I Pendulum Summon once more! Come, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon Level 7, Dark, Dragon, SC: 4, Pendulum, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000
"I set a card and call it a turn! It's up to you, Yuto!"
"Right! My turn! I draw! At this moment, I activate my Quick-Play Spell, Rank-Up-Magic Phantom Border! At the beginning of my turn, I can Special Summon an XYZ monster from my Graveyard that was destroyed before, and Special Summon an XYZ monster that has twice the number of ranks! Furthermore, that monster will have this card, and the used XYZ monster as Overlay Units!"
The Phantom Knights of Break Sword appeared on the field before entering a black vortex as Yuto began chanting."Majestic dragon that holds the bullet of truth! With the shell of darkness, fire at the fools who dared to oppose you! Rank-Up: XYZ Change! Descend, Rank 6! Dark Rebellion Trigger Dragon!"
A metallic black dragon descended on the field. It was covered in armor, with treads instead of legs, cannons on the ends of its arms, and its horn was a large turret.
Dark Rebellion Trigger Dragon Rank 6, Dark, Dragon, XYZ, ATK: 3000, DEF: 3000
"Woah..." Was all that Yuya could say upon seeing the new monster.
"I activate Trigger Dragon's effect!" Yuto pointed directly at Yuke."By detaching all of its Overlay Units, I can destroy all Special Summon monsters you control. Furthermore, no effects can be activated during this instance! Sinful Fire!" Trigger Dragon began firing bullets from its arms and head to each of the Vices that flew over the sky, piercing their skulls. With each shot, a shell fell to the ground.
"Yes!" Yuzu and Wendy cheered together.
"Additionally, you take 500 points of damage per monster destroyed by this effect. Since 5 were destroyed, you take 2500 points of damage." Yuto aimed at Yuke with his finger, as did Trigger Dragon."Bang." Trigger Dragon shot a bullet that landed in front of Yuke, creating an intense shockwave that not even he could withstand. He was sent flying away and skidded on the ground before landing on his face.
Yuke LP: 900
"However, when I use this effect, I cannot attack. So I'll just end my turn." Yuto concluded.
"Yuke...no...Hiraki. It's over. Please, give us our friend back." Yuya pleaded.
Wendy began cackling loudly, earning odd stares from her new allies."S-sorry..." she said in between tears."It's just...I was never expecting a better outcome for this duel. To think that Yuke's weakness was being pressured."
Slowly, Yuke began sitting up, dusting his suit carefully. He faced his enemies, an empty look on his face."I understand now. To think I was foolish enough to be cornered like this. By the ones I split apart back then." He began clenching his fists tightly, to the point of drawing blood."I will have your heads, you fools!" A powerful crimson aura emitted from Yuke's body, prompting everyone to step back."Fall by my power! It's my turn! I draw! I activate the Trap Card, Call for Devastation! I can shuffle my entire hand back to my Deck and draw 5 new cards! I can only activate this effect after I've suffered more than 2000 points of damage during a turn! Now, I will recognize your efforts! I activate the Spell Card, Nova Incarnation and offered the Level 9 Spectral Deva - Fenomous from my hand!"
A large crater opened on the ground, letting out blue smoke as the monster was consumed by blue flames and entered it.
Luminous dragon surrounded by the righteous dark light! With the horns of a devil and the power of a deity, descend from the realm of perfection who dare to disobey your will! Ritual Summon! Appear, the dark dragon who shines in the light! Level 8! Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon!"
A blue dragon with black spikes covering its arms and shoulders along with hardened rumpled skin, horns pointing in both directions above its head, colossal dark blue colored wings, long spiky tail, blades on each side of its elbows and numerous dark-colored gems around its body came out of the crater, letting a thunderous roar.
Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon Level 8, Light, Dragon, Ritual, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2000
"When Harvoc Nova is Ritual Summoned, I can target a monster on the field and negate its effects!" Yuke stated."Now, I activate its other effect! Absolute World! I can increase this card's ATKs by the amount of a Level 5 or higher monster on the field! Odd-Eyes' power is mine now!
Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon ATK: 2800+2500= 5300
"He's going to slaughter them!" Cody yelled out.
"Battle! I attack Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon with Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon! Light of Extinction!" Harvoc Nova howled as it stretched both its legs and arms. The dark gems began to shine in a light-blue as a whitish aura surrounded it. With a loud roar, Harvoc Nova fired the energy from the gems, its aura powering them up as they went towards Odd-Eyes.
"I won't let you! I activate my Trap Card, The Phantom Knights of Desperation! I can switch the incoming attack to another monster on my field! I switch your attack from Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon to my Dark Rebellion Trigger Dragon!"
"What?!" Yuya watched as the beam switched sides."Yuto!"
Yuto gave Yuya a warm smile, thumbs up."It's up to you now, Yuya. Smile. Because with this, we are closer to finishing everything and bring peace to the dimensions." Trigger Dragon screeched in pain as the blast also engulfed Yuto, who screamed in agony.
Yuto LP: 0
Gongenzaka, Sawatari, and Cody got in front of the girls and with their combined efforts managed to catch Yuto who was sent flying at a rapid speed.
"Yuto!" Yuya ran over to the crowd. Yuke watched as he went, his eyes glowing more than before. He looked at his right arm and noticed it was a dim black aura had formed around his right arm.
"Breath, Yuto. You're going to be okay..." Wendy put his head on her lap."Doctor!"
Dr. Brueno rushed to the scene and crouched down next to the boy."These wounds are deep. We'll have to take him to a medical facility at once.
"No..." Yuto interrupted them."Yuya...come here..."
Yuya immediately dashed over and kneeled down in front of Yuto."Are you alright? Why did you do that?! Why?! I didn't want to save myself if it meant you getting hurt!"
"It's alright..." Yuto closed his eyes, smiling."I won't...disappear...because I'll just go inside of you like last time, remember? Until we figure out another way to split apart..."
"But we don't know if it can happen again!" Yuya argued."I can't just let you die in my hands again! Not again!"
"I've defended you because...it's what I believe is right..." Yuto continued."Now, calm down, will you? We still...have a duel to win...and save...him." Yuto's drawled as his body turned into particles and was absorbed by Yuya.
"Yuto..." Yuzu covered her mouth, tears threatening to fall down her face.
"Damn it! How the hell could this happen?!" Sawatari stomped the ground below him in frustration.
"Yuya..." Gongenzaka put a supporting hand on his friend's shoulder."Just say the word, and we will jump in to help you. Yuke is showing his full strength, so it means that if we overcome it, we can-"
"I can do this." Yuya turned around and began walking to the duel."I don't know why, but I feel more confident now. Like I can definitely win this. And I will." He rose a fist and show it to Yuke."Because Yuto entrusted me with this!" His aura increased in size and power, making his hair spikier as his eyes were now flashing white.
"This is it, then." Yuke allowed himself a slight smile."If you fail to defeat me on your turn, all of your efforts...will be wasted. I set a card and end my turn. At this moment, Harvoc Nova's ATKs go back to normal."
"My turn! Draw!" Yuya felt a hand on top of his, helping him draw his card."Yuto...let's win this! I activate the Spell Card, Cast Backup! I can activate this card when we each controly only one monster in our fields. We can discard a card, and draw another one from our Decks!"
"Whatever you do, is meaningless." Yuke drew his card and stopped midway.' This is...!' He looked at the familiar card he had gotten from Serena. A picture of herself and Hiraki.' But why...? Why is this in my Deck...? And why do I feel so saddened by it...? It can't be...! That woman...tricked me!'
"It's because you hold my feelings." A voice in his head spoke. As he listened, he saw memories. Memories of a young man whose body he had taken over, and he was standing in front of him as a silhouette, holding his hand out to him.
"I activate the Spell Card, Monster Reborn! I'll resurrect Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon from Yuto's Graveyard!"
Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon Rank 4, Dark, Dragon, XYZ, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000
"I activate Xiangke Magician's Pendulum Effect and make Dark Rebellion's Rank become Levels instead. Furthermore, I use Xiangsheng Magician's Pendulum Effect! I can make Dark Rebellion gain equal Level to Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Now, I overlay the Level 7 Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon with the now treated Level 7 Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon!"
Both dragons turned into blue energy and entered a multicolored vortex."Dragon with dichromatic eyes! Resurrect from the deep darkness and burn everything in the world with flames of anger! Come forth, Rank 7! The dragon called by calamity! The Supreme King Violent Dragon, Odd-Eyes Raging Dragon!"
Odd-Eyes Raging Dragon Rank 7, Dark, Dragon, XYZ, Pendulum, SC: 1, ATK: 3000, DEF: 2500, OU:2
"What is...that?" Yuke instinctively took a step back, covering his eyes at the intense red aura the dragon was giving out."Don't get cocky just because you have summoned a new monster, Yuya Sakaki! I activate my Trap Card, Harvoc Reborn! I can Special Summon two monsters from my Graveyard in DEF mode, and you have to attack those monsters instead. As long as they are on the field, Harvoc Nova cannot be destroyed by card effects or battle!"
Spectrum Deva - Vice Alpha Level 7, Light, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2700, DEF: 2000
Spectrum Deva- Vice Beta Level 6, Light, Warrior, Synchro, ATK: 2200, DEF: 1600
"How foolish." Yuya merely said."I activate Raging Dragon's effect! I detach all of its Overlay Units! And target as many face-up cards on your field, negate their effects, and destroy them! Furthermore, Raging Dragon will gain 200 ATKs per card!"
"What?!" Both Continous Trap Cards blew up, both Vices exploded and the Pendulum Scales began burning in an intense fire."But since Harvoc Nova was protected my Trap's effect, it still remains on the field!"
Odd-Eyes Raging Dragon ATK: 3000+1200=4200
"So that's the combined power of Yuto and Yuya...it's amazing..." Wendy breathed.
"They can do this! They can win!" Cody cheered on."Go, Yuya!"
"Battle!"
'Is this to say...they've surpassed my power...? But that...that can't be!' Yuke gritted his teeth and ran up the wall, landing on the roof of a building."My power exceeds all creation. You cannot longer defeat me!"
Odd-Eyes Raging Dragon was engulfed in flames and flew over to Harvoc Nova who began flying towards it. Both Yuke and Yuya jumped, following their dragons with their hands extended as both dragons collided horns. The shockwave was so powerful, that everyone around them was thrown back by the intense power and the sky darkened considerably, leaving the dragons as the most intense source of light.
Yuke gritted his teeth, squinting his eyes due to the light blinding him. He took a look at his hand and observed he had his Quick-Play Spell, Nova Eruption. With it, he could give his monster an increase of 2000 ATKs at the cost of destroying Harvoc Nova at the end of the turn. If he did, Yuya would lose the duel...
"Hey, Hiraki." A voice in his head forced him to open his eyes. He saw Serena and Hiraki casually talking when they were younger as images of him and she began flashing in his head. From when they met in Standard Dimension and headed over to look for the XYZ Duelists. From when Serena was being carried by Hiraki, to Hiraki losing control and being stopped by her. From Yuke facing the Dragon Twins, to say at least goodbye to Serena when he confessed his feelings and love.
He felt his hand going numb and lowered it hesitantly.'Why am I...seeing that now?'
"NOOOOOOOOOOW!" Both Yuya and Yuto yelled, extending their hands combined to help their dragon completely shatter Harvoc Nova into pieces and heading for Yuke.
Yuke, in mid-air, put his hands in front of him as he screamed in bloody murder as the dragon grew closer and closer. A huge explosion went off, followed by a blinding white light that engulfed the area. Yuya opened his eyes, finding himself in the air, panting. He adopted a serious expression, and looked over his shoulder, looking down on Yuke who was closing his eyes slowly and falling down to the ground.
Yuke LP: 0
Winner: Yuya!
"Hey, are you already coming to?" Yuke opened his eyes slowly, a throbbing headache invading his thoughts. He looked around and realized he was inside of his mind. A blue landscape with a giant cage that had been open."Good to see you're still in one piece."
"You're...Hiraki..." He recognized the spiky hair boy with his ahoge and plain white shirt.
"Hey. It's been a while since we've seen each other." He casually said, walking around Yuke with an amused expression."Man, talk about a change. You barely look like me at all!"
"But...why-?"
"Am I here? Well, you did trap me inside my own mind after some of my conscious surfaced from the depths of our memories." He sat down on the void and patted the ground. Yuke hesitantly sat down, legs crossed."Damn, they got you good. No offense."
"None taken." He said."Why are you here? I mean, why are you talking to me right now and even having a chat with me? I thought you would take this opportunity to get rid of me."
Hiraki chuckled for a bit, his smile never leaving."You know something, when I first regained consciousness and you trapped me in that cage, I hated you. I was..." his expression sadden a bit, but retained a small smile."I felt so much pain when I was forced to watch those things you did. When you sent Serena to Academia...I really thought I was going to lose it. I swore that the moment I could get my hands on you, I would choke you and kill you."
Yuke had his neutral expression on, but listened intently."Then why-"
"Because I realized something.", Hiraki continued explaining."I realized that at the end of the day, you're another person, just like the rest of us. You have your dreams, aspirations, and your own decisions. And besides, it's not your fault that this happened in the first place. I fell for the Professor's words and ended up accepting his deal because I was desperate. Desperate to get stronger and protect Serena. And you did make me stronger, technically, so thank you."
Yuke blinked, confused at those words."You shouldn't be thanking me. I made your life a living hell and followed a stupid plan, not realizing that I was being manipulated as well. I had the means of stopping this whole thing, but I just went along with it."
"It's understandable. After all, you don't have any memories besides mine." Hiraki patted him on the back, helping him stand up."You knew nothing else but Academia's plan, so it's only natural you went with the only thing you knew. You are your own person Yuke, be proud that you have what it takes to follow your goals!"
Yuke was taken back by those kind words. Here he was, talking to his alter ego, the one he himself trapped and forced to watch as he did his horrible deeds. And forgave him. He looked down on the ground, fists clenched."You won't have to worry about me anymore. Soon, I'll be disappearing from your mind if you wish. I have no reason to keep existing. Did I ever have a reason? After all, I'm just a made-up personality."
"No way man!" Hiraki spread his hands out for emphasis."Maybe you're not the real Yu, but you must have a connection with him somehow, right? Maybe the Professor created you from the memories of Yu...but then again, who is the real Yu? I mean, Harvoc Nova is the authentic Ritual Dragon, right?"
Yuke remained silent, so Hiraki kept going."After all, if the Professor managed to change me into you, then it's not so far fetched, is it? I mean, we're talking about a dimensional war, for crying out loud."
"Highly unlikely," Yuke interjected, closing his eyes."I do not hold any form of memories besides your own. Perhaps they were deleted? Suppressed into the darkest part of my mind? Or simply they never existed. All I have clear is that my existence is controversial. I...am not as powerful as I had thought." Yuke began walking away, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. When he looked over to Hiraki, he was met with a punch to the face that sent him staggering back a few centimeters. He wiped a drop of blood coming down his mouth and stared back.
"That's not the case at all!" Hiraki exclaimed."Just because you lost you think you're weak? I admit you had everyone else bested back in the Synchro Dimension, but they've all grown stronger ever since. Yuya and Yuto never stopped growing as duelists. In fact, everyone has grown stronger since you've last met them. How do you think they've defeated so many of the UNifiers of Chaos? Power comes in need, not in desire. They need to get stronger and stronger so they can end all of this madness!"
Hiraki took steps forward, getting closer and closer to Yuke."You are an amazing duelist, Yuke. The best one out there probably. If Yuya and Yuto didn't combine their powers together, they wouldn't have stood a chance. But they acknowledge you. I acknowledge you. I know you are your own person and I know that you can grow even stronger. Don't think life is all about what you currently have in hand. We're humans, we grow with each experience and we never stop growing. A simple loss should be nothing to you. And stop saying all that bullshit about your existence not matter, because it does. I believe in you. Not just because you and I are one and the same, but because you are you."
Yuke gasped, feeling those words hitting him directly in his heart. For the first time ever, besides his recent duel, he's felt emotion. Gratefulness."Are you...positive? Positive that you want to keep me around?"
"Of course I do, idiot! You are my friend!" Hiraki forcefully grabbed Yuke's hand and pulled him along."Now let's go! Everyone is waiting for us!"
Confused on what he meant, he noticed that everyone had gathered around his body and were checking up on me, concerned expressions on their faces."Fine...but I will keep my opinion on not deserving to control your body any longer. I shall remind by your side, but you will have full control of your actions."
"That's enough for me."
Yuke's body began falling down but was caught by Gongenzaka and Sawatari.
"No way..." Wendy said in disbelief."They won...they actually won..."
"For a second there, they've had me worried too." Coddy agreed."How are you feeling?"
Wendy patted her belly with a wink."I'm just fine and dandy. A little hungry, but besides that, I feel better. This just made me regained all of my strength."
"Yuya!" Yuzu rushed over to her childhood friend, who was walking slowly.
Yuya smiled at her, waving his hand."We did it, Yuto. I can't believe you came at the last second to help me."
Yuto's spirit appeared next to Yuya, arms crossed."Well, surely you didn't expect me to just go to sleep like last time, did you? We promised we would bring him back together, and we did."
"Yeah. You are right." Yuya chuckled before being hugged by Yuzu.
"Yuya! I'm sorry! Yuto is..." She began but did not dare to continue.
Yuya hugged her back, a confident smile on his face."It's alright, Yuzu. Yuto is inside of me again and he's okay, just really exhausted. I'm sure we can find a way to separate him from me again."
"He's fine?" She repeated, in hopes she didn't misunderstand."I'm glad...I'm really glad..."
"Hey, Doctor! Come over here!" Wendy called Dr. Brueno over, a cue for everyone to gather around Yuke who was unconscious.
Sawatari put his hand on his hips, frowning."To think Yuke was defeated...you guys sure make an awesome team."
"But does that mean he will return to normal?" Yuzu addressed the elephant in the room.
"Luckily, a friend of mine has a pharmacy nearby with an operating room. I can take him there to check him out." Dr. Brueno offered."Besides his facial features changing, his memories seemed to have been hidden away, leaving room for a new personality to form. If we return those memories, it is likely Hiraki Sotari will resurface."
"Let me come with you, Dr. Brueno," Wendy said. The doctor took a quick look at her and deduced she would not take no for an answer.
"Very well. I could use the assistance." He agreed with a warm smile."I must do what I can do fix my mistakes and make this boy have his life back."
"That settles it then." Wendy nodded, smirking."You guys have to head to Academia and stop the Professor. Once Yuke/Hiraki is better, we'll follow you along."
Gongenzaka and the others exchanged looks."Are you sure you'll be okay staying here by yourself? After all, Academia must have you on their radars now."
"Please, I'm not afraid of stupid kids trying to be a big deal." She waved it off."Besides, there's no many of us remaining."
"Oh, that's right!" Yuya hit his palm with his fist."We've defeated a bunch of Unifiers of Chaos."
"That's right." She nodded in approval."Tokomaru was defeated by Jack Atlas in Synchro. Junpei, Tariko, and Tatsuyo were defeated by Kaito, Gongenzaka and Sawatari respectively. Naho lost to Kyle Asayi while I lost to Cody and Yuzu. Yuke, our leader, was defeated by Yuya and Yuto. That leaves only Ace, Makoto, and Evan."
"So only three Unifiers of Chaos remain? I never dreamed of that happening." Gongenzaka said in shame."To be honest, I, the man Gongenzaka, was not expecting us to come this far against them."
"Hey, no need to feel down, big guy." Sawatari patted Gongenzaka's back."I had little hope of us even coming this far without half of our team with us."
"But we made it. And we're close to reaching Academia." Yuya said with a hopeful tone."It's a matter of time before we finish this."
"Agreed. If you managed to defeat Yuke, then the rest of us should be a walk in the park. After all, Yuke is the one who defeated us all by himself."
"Still, we should not get cocky." They all silently agreed."Very well, we will depart now. The sooner we get there, the sooner we end this."
"Be careful, Wendy." Yuzu hugged Wendy as she ruffled her hair.
"Don't worry, pinkie. I'll be fine. Don't forget I'll be guarding the big bad Yuke." She grinned from ear to ear."Let's go, doctor. I'll help you carry him.
Dr. Brueno nodded and knelt down as Wendy put Yuke on his back."I assure you all, I will have him fixed soon enough. Don't count him out just yet!" With that, they both rushed to the pharmacy.
"Let's go. We have our jobs to do as well." Yuya looked over his group and they all nodded."We have to find a boat!"
"So, why have you summoned us here?" Evan inquired with a calm smile, leaning on a wall. He frowned, however, after seeing only Ace and Makoto around."It seems we're missing a few others. We're quite empty today, aren't we?"
"Indeed." Makoto agreed with the gray hair boy."Are they perhaps running late? I know for a fact that Tariko and the Synchro ones aren't coming back."
Daisuke simply shrugged."Dunno. Seiko said she wanted to-"
"I'm here." Seiko walked past him in midsentence, much to his annoyance. She placed a hand on her hip."I'm sure this will come as a surprise, but Wendy and Naho have been defeated."
Before they could voice their opinions, she continued."And Yuke has also been defeated as well!"
"What?!" Ace snarled out.
"Blasphemy!" Makoto cried out in disbelief."This must be your idea of jesting around! If it is, it's not funny!"
Evan's reaction was minimum, but his eyes said otherwise. He swallowed the lump in his throat and adjusted his stance."Do you truly expect us to believe that Yuke has been defeated? I can understand Naho and Wendy, but Yuke? It is far fetched, not to mention highly unlikely."
"Well it did happen, dumbass." She said casually."Honestly, all of you are fucking unreliable! You literally had one job but no! You decided to play around with them and look where you're at now! Down to three!"
"What the fuck?!" Ace punched the wall in fury."The hell you mean they all lost?! There's no way!"
"To be fair, you did lose your duel, Ace." Evan teased him but almost got himself punched.
"But to think not only Wendy and Naho, but Yuke, have been overtaken." Makoto muttered."Who was the one who slew them?"
"Naho was taken down by that one guy from Ritual, not Kyle, the other one, his brother. Wendy by Yuzu and Yuke by Yuya and Yuto. But Yuto was defeated as well from what I got from the signal."
"The signal?" Ace said aloud.
"Yup. I have your Duel Disks linked together to mine and I know when you're active or not." She showed them her Duel Disk and in effect, all of their names with their pictures, with the exception of the three of them, were gray."I've noticed that Wendy and Yuke removed them for some reason because it gave me an error in both situations. Meaning that Yuke probably figured something out."
"The fuck? If you know where we are, you must know what happened to everyone who lost! You're not telling us something!" Ace demanded.
"I dunno." She simply shrugged."Either way, you still have a role to fulfill. The Lancers are most likely heading here."
"And what, you want us to face them?!" Ace yelled, almost getting up to her face."Have you forgot that you just confirmed that Yuke, the strongest one in this group and probably Academia, has been taken down by Yuya and Yuto?! What the fuck do you think we can do against them?!"
"You do have that power I gave the three of you." SHe said with a sly smile. The remnants of the Unifiers of Chaos exchanged looks.
"And you believe that power is enough for us to even surpass Yuke?" Makoto asked, clearly unsure of her claims.
She bowed down slightly."Of course. But don't worry. It's not like I'm sending you three on a suicide mission and marching to your deaths. All you gotta do is...Makoto and Evan. You both go guard the towers. You know which ones to pick, right?"
"And what about me?" Ace asked impatiently.
"Hold off until now. You're still not fully recovered, right? Now, go off and heal up so you can join in defending the fort! Go, soldier!" She said mockingly. They all left the room afterward, leaving Daisuke and Wendy alone.
"I'm assuming you lied when you said you could give them more power than before." He said with a blank expression.
"Yes and no." She yawned, cracking her back."I had to cut off the control of Chaos I had over the girls to amplify the connection. But as it stands, the Unifiers of Chaos are completely useless. The only thing they can do is buy me time before my plan comes to fruition."
"So, you're counting on their defeat." He summarized what he just heard.
"Yup! After they lose, we can get on with the main deal. To be completely honest with you, my plan requires all of them to be defeated."
Daisuke closed his manga and eyed her incredulously."You knew Yuke would lose?"
"In a way. I made sure he got acquainted with Serena and put that picture in his Deck to destroy his resolve. He thought he was so smart, he never expected someone would trick upright on his face. How laughable!" She cackled in triumph."Still, though, I will miss him. Originally, I thought that maybe I could convince him in being my ultimate weapon but he just had to decline. In case Yuke didn't lose this duel, I would have had to do something myself. But that would have been too much work. Welp, what's done is done. This outcome is truly the best one of them all!" She held her hands close to her chest."So go on, my little ones. Go and die for me so you can make room for a bigger cause."
Sorry but no card section again. But I was really excited about publishing this chapter. Not to mention that midterms season is starting soon and I won't be able to make or finish chapters for a while, so here it is. It was really hard for me to decide how to go about this duel. On one hand, I wanted Yuke to win the duel and make him a main antagonist in the story, but it would not fit with what I have planned and there's no logical reason for him simply not carding Yuya and the others this time around. I hope you all enjoyed these two chapters revolving Yuke's duel and please don't forget to review, favorite and like! Have a great day and take care!