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.

38. Chapter 38

Chapter 37
Vision vs. Destiny

Evan walked leisurely up the stairs of the Eastern Tower, a blank expression gracing his face. He had been thinking about the current situation and what their task was actually like. He sighed multiple times, reminiscing on the times when they were a group and even if they weren't as united as their name suggested and even if it lasted for a little bit, he felt a bit nostalgic already.

"To think we've been reduced to three members." He said bitterly."I suppose that maybe Seiko had a point. We should have defeated them when we had the chance. But to be honest, I never expected Yuke to be taken down. That's a problem..." Once he got up, he saw that the area was completely empty. The guard was not there."I guess Seiko had it set up so he wouldn't interfere."

He unlocked the door and walked inside. Rin was currently sleeping on her chair, a book in her hand. Evan remembered how they tried to escape together and could do so now. But he was worried. Even if Seiko claimed that Rin was not controlled by chaos, she could still be controlled by that parasite. Not to mention, whatever Seiko had done to him, he did not want to leave. And felt trapped in a cage. Regardless, he had no choice but to remain there and guard Rin as he should.

"She might as well have told us to simply be guard dogs and it would have been the same, to be honest." Evan sighed in exasperation."Still, though, I suppose I can't complain about our position. If they truly defeated Yuke, I am not looking forward to challenging them all at once. Most likely, Yugo will be the one to come here first if he comes in contact with Edo. However, I am afraid of what awaits for us three."

---

"Makoto..." Ruri muttered under her breath, her gaze down as she held Makoto's hand through the door."...I'm sorry...because of me, you-"

"Do not finish that sentence, Lady Ruri. I merely wished the best for you and my poor decisions let to this outcome." Makoto bowed down."I got us into a situation where our options are limited. But I assure you, I will get us out of this."

"We can escape, can't we?" Ruri did not raise her head, afraid of the answer.

"I'm afraid that is not an option. I have a role to fulfill in order to get the plan into fruition." He elaborated, gently caressing her hand."As for now, I must ask you to please remain calm and wait for an opportunity. I am sure Shun will come here eventually. Him and the Lancers. Knowing we don't stand a chance, all we can do is hold them off."

"But that's stupid!" Ruri finally gave in to her emotions."You're fighting a fight that you know you won't win!"

"I know that already!" He finally snapped, his voice wavering."Yuke was our only chance at victory and he has fallen! We must wait for the moon to obscure the sun. Only then, we will find salvation. The salvation that Seiko will provide to us."

"You're sacrificial pawns." Ruri said hoarsely, tired of not getting through him."Do you not understand that, Makoto? What is this "promise" that they told you about? What salvation?"

"Evan attempted to escape with Rin but it was all for naught." He gave her a grim look."If they do that to us...I am afraid I will never be able to go back to the way I was. Neither will you. What we must do right now is play our role quietly and diligently. There's no other way out of this."

---

"So, does anyone actually know how to drive a ship?" Cody asked, removing his helmet and parking his D-Wheel."Even if we do find one, how are we gonna use it?"

"Now that you mention it..." Gongenzaka realized a huge fact.

"How hard can it be?" Sawatari shrugged."I'm pretty sure it's not that difficult. I have some boat experience myself, you know. After all, my dad is future-mayor in our dimension and it's only natural that he'd take me out for a ride."

"Oh really? Sweet! I wish I could go for a boat ride too!" Cody grinned from ear to ear, completely falling for Sawatari's remarks. Gongenzaka and Yuya just looked at each other with deadpans expressions and Yuzu were just staring in disbelief.

"The problem is finding a usable boat first, you know." Yuzu reminded them, hands on her hips.

"If you guys are looking for a ship, follow me." A new voice said. They all turned around and saw the unthinkable. Serena was standing on top of a crate, a confident smile gracing her features.

"That's-" Cody began but was quickly interrupted by Yuya and Yuzu.

"Serena!"

She jumped down and was barely able to not be tackled down to the floor by the two of them."Jeez, you guys...are hugging me too tight..."

They released her instantly, embarrassed of their sudden outburst. Yuya took a few steps back, allowing Yuzu to take over the conversation

"I'm so glad you're okay." She said, tears threatening to fall from her blue orbs

Serena placed her hands on Yuzu's shoulders, calming her down."It's okay Yuzu. I am glad to see you as well. All of you. But aren't you missing a few people?"

"After Yuke sent you to Academia, we faced off against the Unifiers of Chaos." Yuya began to explain from the side."Tsukikage, Maria, Sora, and Reiji remained in Synchro. After that,we went to XYZ where Shun got injured as is currently being treated there. You won't believe this, but Academia is the one helping Shun right now."

"Academia?" She parroted, not convinced of what she heard.

"Yeah. Thanks to everyone's help, we stopped the Unifiers of Chaos in XYZ and whatever Academia members were there decided to redeem for their mistakes. Even if the scar is too big, I'm sure they'll be able to make amends." Yuya smiled warmly before continuing."We made it to the Fusion Dimension and things went south fast. I had to face Kachidoki while Kurono went off somewhere to fight Naho, saying he would meet us in Academia."

"Then Wendy showed up and challenged me to a duel." Yuzu took over."If it weren't for Cody, I would not have won."

"And then Yuke showed up." Yuya said, looking down at the ground."He was too strong, even for Yuto and I. Yuto gave me his strength and only after the opening he created did we manage to defeat him." He walked up to Serena."He's okay! Hiraki will be fine! Dr. Brueno and Wendy took Yuke somewhere safe to make his real self come back!"

Serena gasped, her hands quickly covering her mouth as her eyes began to water."I...I..." In her mind, she was struggling to break free from the Parasite's control in her mind. She wanted to scream, ask for help, warn them of the incoming danger. But she asked only one thing."I want to see him." She practically begged, her voice breaking down.

Yuzu grasped her hands and felt them shaking uncontrollably. She wanted to hug her and tell her everything was going to be alright but her eyes...changed. In the blink of an eye, her expression became almost robotic-like and her eyes became cold and distant. She shook her head."No. We have to get to Academia as soon as possible."

"B-b-but we can go right now if you want! We just...have to find out where...they are..." Yuzu slowly came to realize that they had no directions to the pharmacy."But Wendy said they'll catch up to us when he's alright."

"It's alright. If Wendy is on our side as you say, we can trust her." Serena cut her off."He'll catch up to us, so what we must do now is get to Academia. I know where Ruri and Rin are being held at, so a rescue mission for both should be easy."

"How did you escape?" Cody asked, his helmet now on his head and his visor hiding the look in his eyes.

"Once Yuke and the others left Academia, the place was left unguarded. Well, unguarded enough for me to escape." They began following her, Cody going to the side of the group slowly with his D-Wheel."Apparently, they held so much trust in him finishing the Lancers off that they were lazy and let things running on their own. After that, I took down an Obelisk Blue a made him take me to the nearest boat and took his transmitter with me." She pulled out a small device resembling a walkie-talkie."Of course, they realized I escaped so they cut off this device's communication. But not before I heard of the status in the City and how Yuke had been taken down."

"At least this fight is almost over." Gongenzaka said, tiredness clear in his voice."We have come along way since we left Standard Dimension."

"That's right." Serena agreed."All there's left are the three remaining Unifiers of Chaos, Seiko, and the Professor. If the others come over to this dimension, we'll be able to outnumber them easily." They reached a large wooden boat that was near the end of the docks."Well, here it is."

---

Kurosaki Shun and Edo were walking along the shores of Academia. It was quiet and that wasn't a good sign. However, they were prepared to face any threat coming their way.

"Thank you for making a close route to Academia for us, Edo." Kurosaki thanked him, much to Edo's surprise.

"Don't mention it. And besides, it's the least I could do. I have way more things to do if I ever want to make right for your home, Kurosaki." Edo lamented and regretted his past actions.

"While it's true that it will take time to rebuild my home, you are clearly regretting what you have done and truly want to help out. As long as there's that, you can do anything you wish. But for now, we must find a way to free Ruri from her captors."

"She's over there, in that tower, see?" He pointed to a far tower in the distance."Once we get there, it'll be a piece of cake to free her."

"I hope so." He said, cracking his neck a bit."Not exactly looking to get in a duel already."

"Tell me about it." Edo chuckled in amusement."But...I don't have that luxury, Kurosaki. Your tasks end once you get your sister and leave Academia. But I have someone to save as well."

Kurosaki was going to inquiry about it, but decided against it."A dear friend. We consider ourselves brothers because we've been together for a long time. We shared an admiration for heroes and we both thought we were when we joined Academia. But once our mentor passed away he...became distant. He even went as far as to leave Academia but then he came back out of nowhere. I want to find out what happened to him. He's the exact opposite of what he used to be."

"Perhaps Academia is manipulating him for their own agenda. Do you know anything about it?" Kurosaki theorized, hoping Edo had some answers.

"No. He never answered my questions." Edo confessed."Looking back, he always changed the subject or flat out ignore me."

"You know, it's rude to talk about others when they're not there, dipshit." A mocking voice came from in front of them. Ace stood there, hands in pockets and trying to look intimidating.

"Ace!" Edo cried out.

"That's him?" Kurosaki asked, earning a nod in response."I see. So, you're Ace, correct? Why are you here?"

"Originally, I was not meant to fight with you people. I've been chasing around some idiot that somehow manage to get here on a bike. Nevertheless, I am quite happy I found you, Edo. Traitors make me gag and your defeat is the only thing that will satisfy me."

"Kurosaki, go. I'll hold him off. Go save your sister!" Edo urged the XYZ user. Before he could refute, Edo barked again."Go, goddammit! This is not a discussion!"

"Fine." Kurosaki began to run, passing by Ace who didn't even bother to stop him."Save him, Edo!"

Edo nodded with a confident smile. Kurosaki disappeared into the distance."I see you've been making friends. Friends with the people whose lives we've ruined. How ironic."

"I wouldn't dream of becoming their friend after what I've done. I am just doing anything I can to help them!"

Ace clicked his tongue, removing his fedora and revealing his dusty blond crew cut hair that had grown a bit."Who gives a shit. Let's end this sibling rivalry once and for all!"

"If you could even call it that!" Both of them activated their Duel Disks.

"Duel!"

Edo vs. Ace LP: 4000 each

"My turn! I summon Destiny HERO Diamond Dude in ATK mode!"

Destiny HERO Diamond Dude Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1400, DEF: 1600

"Next, I activate his effect! I can excavate the top of my Deck and if it's a Spell, I can send it to my Graveyard to activate it during my next Main Phase!" He drew his card quickly."I drew Pot of Greed! I'll send it to the Grave!"

"Now you've secured a drawing power for your next turn." Ace observed with disinterest."Fine. I'll play along for now."

"I set a card and end my turn!" Edo concluded.

Edo hand: 3

Ace chuckled dryly, shaking his head."That's all? I guess you think you're able to "save" me, as you claim. If you are going to do that, then I'll crush you without any mercy! My turn! I draw! I summon Vision HERO Jincs!"

Vision HERO Jincs Level 3, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1000, DEF: 500

"Next, I activate its effect! I draw a card and if it's a monster card, I can set it to my Spell and Trap Card! I drew a monster card, so I set it. Next, I activate the Spell Card, Plus and Minus! I can activate this card when there are at least 2 "HERO" monsters on the field. Now, I can attack twice to an opponent's monster! Battle!"

"What?! But my monster is stronger than yours!" He pointed out.'Not to mention he's also using my monster to activate his effect because it's a "HERO" monster!"

"Maybe so, but I don't need my monster to be stronger! Thanks to the effect of Plus and Minus, I can attack your monster twice, but that's not all! Your monster will lose ATK equal to the attacking monster!"

Jincs pulled out two rayguns from its holsters and began firing at Diamond Dude. At first, the attacks were being reflected back, but the second attack began.

Destiny HERO Diamond Dude ATK: 1400-1000=400

"Now, the finale! Crimson Ray!" Once more, a new round of shots began being fire at Diamond Dude, but this time, it broke through him.

Edo LP: 3400

"I set two cards and end my turn there. You better pick up the pace, Edo." Ace warned him."Because I'm about to finish this duel off soon enough."

Ace hand: 2

"Tch! If you won't wake up on your own, I'll have to do it for you, Ace! My turn! Draw! At this moment, I activate the effect of Pot of Greed in my Graveyard! I draw two cards!"He grinned at his current hand."You can take advantage of my "HERO" monsters, right? Well, two can play the same game! When there's a "HERO" monster on the field, I can Special Summon Destiny HERO Missileman!"

A tall man clad in brown armor holding two rocket launchers appeared on the field

Destiny HERO Missilman Level 6, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2500

"Tch! Fucker." Ace muttered under his breath in frustation.

"I activate Missilman's Special Ability! I can reduce his ATKs to 500 in order to attack you directly! Battle! Go, Missilman!" The hero pressed the triggered in his RPGs and shot a total of two missiles towards Ace. He covered his face as the missiles exploded around him.

Ace LP: 3500

"I activate my Trap Card, Vision Ahead! When I take damage, I can draw a card from my Deck." Ace drew his card and smirked."Well, lookie here. I have something fun in my hand."

'Could it be that Chaotic Fusion card that they all possess?' Edo wondered, feeling slightly afraid of his theory."I set two cards down. I end my turn."

Ace hand: 3

Edo hand: 3

"Then it's my turn! Draw! I activate the Field Spell, Clock Tower Prison!" Edo announced, activating his card. Their surroundings became an empty city with a huge clock tower behind Edo.

"What is this? I've never seen this in your Deck before." Ace commented, clearly amused at the new play.

"You're not the only one with new tricks. Now, I activate two of my face-down cards! Eternal Dread! I can put 2 Clock Counters to Clock Tower Prison per each of them! Now, it will have 4 Clock Counters!"

Clock Counter: 4

"Now, my remaining Trap Card opens, Destiny Path! I tribute a monster on my field along with a Spell or Trap Card to add a "Fusion" card from my Deck with any "Destiny" HERO monster! I destroy both Missilman and Clock Tower Prison!"

"What?! But why would you destroy your own Field Spell and monster?!" Ace was confused.

"Because a new hero will arise after the tower's destruction! If it's destroyed and sent to the graveyard with 4 or more Clock Counters, I can Special Summon this from my Deck! Come on, Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster!"

Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster Level 8, Dark, Warrior, ATK: ?, DEF: ?

"ATK and DEF unknown?" Ace mumbled, scowling at the menacing monster."What the hell is this?!"

"Dreadmaster allows me to Special Summon up to 2 "Destiny HERO" monsters from my Graveyards! Missilman, Diamond Dude! Appear!"

Destiny HERO Diamond Dude Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1400, DEF: 1600

Destiny HERO Missilman Level 6, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2500

"You brought those weaklings back? And just what are you hoping to do with them?" Snickered Ace.

"Dreadmaster's effect activates! He gains ATKs equal to the combined power of all "Destiny HEROES" I control!"

Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster ATK: 3400, DEF: 3400

"What the?! An ATK of 3400?!" Ace took a step back."But not only that..."

"Battle! Dreadmaster attacks Vision Hero Jincs! Dreadful Chop!"

"I won't let you take the victory! Edo! I activate the Continous Trap, Illusion! Once per turn, I can target a monster you control and halve its ATKs! The one I chose is Dreadmaster!"

Dreadmaster ATK: 1700

The giant man jumped in the air and smashed the metallic hero with his arms.

Ace LP: 2800

"At this moment, Jinc's effect activates! It goes to my Spell and Trap Card zone when it's destroyed!"

"You might have dodged that, but I still have two more attacks coming your way!" Edo reminded him, signaling to his two heroes.

"Dumbass! Do you think I wasn't aware of that? I activate my Trap Card, Beyond the Ruler! I banish "Vision HERO Ruler" from my hand to Special Summon two copies of itself from the Deck! Appear!"

Two small heroes clad in yellow armor appeared, posing in a mirror fashion of each other.

Vision HERO Ruler Level 1, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 200, DEF: 800 (x2)

"Furthermore, they cannot be destroyed the turn they were Special Summoned." Ace spread his arms mockingly."What's wrong, Edo? Don't have any dumb jabs to pull from your ass? I'm waiting."

Edo spat at the ground."I end my turn."

Edo hand: 5

Ace hand: 2

"My turn! Draw! At this moment, I activate the effect of "Vision HERO Ruler" from my graveyard! If I control two copies of it on my field, I can draw two cards from my Deck and make you discard one."

Edo gritted his teeth but did as he was told, discarding a card.

"Now, I activate the Spell Card, Polymerization! I fuse the two copies of Vision HERO Ruler! 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

"He's brought it out already?!" Edo furrowed his brow.

"I activate the Spell Card, Vision Release! I Special Summon Vision HERO Levitor from my Spell and Trap Zone!"

Vision HERO Levitor Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1500, DEF: 1000

"It's time to get things moving for real! I activate Adoration's Special Ability! I can target a monster you control along with a HERO monster on my field! Your monster will lose ATK equal to that of my monster! I chose your Dreadmaster and my Levitor! Vision of God!"

Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster ATK: 3400-1500=1900

"Let's fight! Battle Phase! Go, Adoration! Kill his Dreadmaster with Sphere of the Observer!" Adoration created a purple ball with its hands, posing before firing it at Dreadmaster and piercing right through him, exploding.

Edo LP: 2600

"Levitor attacks Diamond Dude!" Levitor spun around rapidly as it flew down to where Diamond Dude was and kicked him in the back of the head, decapitating him.

Edo LP: 2500

"So much for that Dreadmaster of yours." He grinned at Adoration."Against my powerful vision, you cannot do anything that I can't see. I end my turn here."

"You say your vision is almighty, huh? Well, let me ask you this. What's your purpose in doing this? Why come this far? You know this is all wrong!"

"That's rich, coming from you, Command-in-Chief." Ace mocked."Whatever. I suppose there's no harm in telling you this pointless shit. I have no reason to be doing this, brother. Actually, there's no reason for me to be cooperating in this bullshit any longer."

"So why? What could possibly drive you to do this in the first place then?"

"Because it's the only path left for me." Ace snapped, his eyes twitching."I have lost all hope in my life, so the least I can do is help in whatever way I can and prove my worthless existence."

"Worthless..existence?" Edo repeated slowly.

"That's right. It all came clear to me...when Kobatsu died." He spat bitterly, frowning at the memory."I realized just how pointless everything was once you lose the reason for your life. Kobatsu taught us everything he knew. He took us in and raised us to be strong duelists...even if I was from the Secondary Union..."

"Ace..."

"But you know something, you can't fight who you are. Sometimes it's better to leave that alone instead of fighting against the current." He continued."This is a test of that. Just look around you, Edo." He turned around to face Academia and the two towers."Everything is already in motion. The Professor's plan is about to come to fruition. Not to mention Kurosaki and Yugo are walking into a death trap if they think they can beat Makoto and Evan. Even if we, the Unifiers of Chaos, lose, then we'll take down a good number of you. Stalling you long enough to the point where once they reach the Professor, it will all be for nothing."

Edo continued listening, distraught to see his friend in this condition."You've changed. For the worst."

"I did." He said without shame, smirking."That's just how the world made me be. And I can't fight who I am. All I have left is to do whatever I can to make my existence worth it for a cause. Other than that, I have no hope left in life."

"So, what? You say you can't fight fate because you did and lost? That's unlike you, Ace!"

"Don't try to lecture me, you piece of shit!" Ace barked furiously."You're no better than I am! You've hurt people as well!"

"I know I did! But I regret ever doing that!" He responded."But I know I can't take back what I did. I might not be able to change the past, but I can reshape the future! I'll help them! The Lancers! They will put an end to all of this! My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card, Polymerization! I fuse Missilman with Drawguy from my hand!"

Both monsters entered a multicolored vortex as Edo began chanting.

"Hero that attacks with explosive power, combine with the might of a powerful draw, become one! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 6! Destiny HERO - Dangerous!"

Destiny HERO - Dangerous Level 6, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2600

"I now activate Dangerous' Special Effect! I discard a "Destiny HERO" monster and all my monsters gain 200 ATKs per "Destiny HERO" monsters in my Graveyard! The one currently there are Missilman, Diamond Dude, Drawguy, Dreadmaster, and Dreamguy! That's a total of 800 ATKs!"

Destiny HERO - Dangerous ATK: 2800

"Next, the Field Spell, Dark City! Battle! I attack Vision HERO Adoration"

"What?! You're attacking even though our monsters have the same ATK?! You're out of your damn mind!

"Not so! Because Dark City gives a battling "Destiny HERO" monster a boost of 1000 ATKs!"

"What?!" Ace took a step back.

Destiny HERO - Dangerous ATK: 3800

"Not so fast! I activate the effect of my Continous Trap again! Illusion! I can target one of your monsters and halve its ATKs!"

Destiny HERO - Dangerous ATK: 1600

"I won't let you! I activate the Quick-Play Spell, D - Callout! I can target a monster whose ATKs have been altered and change it back to its original amount! Furthermore, if that monster has to attack the one with the lowest ATKs!"

Destiny HERO - Dangerous ATK: 2000

Dangerous shredded Jincs up with its claws, destroying it.

Ace LP: 2300

"Once more, Jinc's effect activates! I can set it in my Spell and Trap Card zone!" He stated.

"I failed to destroy that monster of yours, but mark my words. I'll stop you from using that CHAOS monster again!" Edo proclaimed."I set a card and end my turn!"

Ace groaned, cracking his joints."So, you really want to save me, huh? To make things better? I heard your resolve, dickhead, so let me give you something as well. Since you're getting all serious on me..."

Ace's eyes twitching as he swallowed a lump in his throat.'I have not used this new power we've acquired, but I suppose there's no way around this.' His skin began to turn pale as his eyes changed from crimson to white as his sclera turned completely black. His dusty blonde hair turned jet black as well. A faint red aura was now surrounding him."...then I'll get serious too."

"Ace...what the hell happened to you?!" Edo asked horrified.

"I've just ascended to a new level of power." Ace voice had become distorted as sounded double."This is proof of the power of chaos, see? With this power, I'm sure even Yuke would not leave unscathed from a battle with me. And you won't either! My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card, Full Start! I destroy all Spells or trap cards in our fields and we draw cards until we have five.

All of Ace's monsters and Continous Trap vanished along with Edo's trap.

Ace hand: 5

Edo hand: 5

"Next, I activate the Spell Card, Polymerization! I fuse Poisoner and Multiply Guy! Hero that sees through all lies and trickery! Show us the path that is created by the one that sees all! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 6! Vision HERO Nypto!"

Vision HERO Nypto Level 6, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2300, DEF: 2100

"See how useless it is to resist this! I use Adoration's effect! I target Dangerous and Nypto and have your monster lose ATKs equal to the attack of Nypto!"

Destiny HERO - Dangerous ATK: 2000-2300=0

"From the Graveyard, I activate the Trap Card that you destroyed! Chains of Destiny! I can banish this card from play in order to target a monster you control and banish it until your next end phase! The one I chose is Adoration, of course!"

"What?! My Adoration?!" Ace watched as his monsters disintegrated from the field."Still, I can attack you directly with Nypto! Battle! All That He Sees!" The hero grabbed its scythe and jumped in the air.

"Missilman's effect from the graveyard! I pay 200 ATKs and Special Summon it to the field! Before you can attack any other monster, you must first defeat him first!"

Destiny HERO Missilman Level 6, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2500

"Big deal! I activate Nypto's Special Ability! During battle, it gains 500 ATKs and your monster loses 500!"

Destiny HERO Missilman ATK: 1500

Vision HERO Nypto ATK: 2800

Nypto swung its scythe and cut Missilman in half, creating an explosion that sends Edo crashing to the ground.

Edo LP: 1200

"He minimized the damage he was going to take by a considerable amount. Not bad, Edo. To be able to withstand the Chaotic Mode like this is no joke." Ace chuckled sinisterly."Goes to show that you aren't just any other weakling. Right, brother?"

"Yeah...you've got that right..." Edo grumbled, getting back to his feet."Still though...I haven't showcased what I have in store for you just yet."

"Hahahaha! Bullshit! You're clearly fucking desperate, you twat! Banishing my Adoration until next turn won't do jackshit for you! I still have other ways before I summon my true monster. I set a card and end my turn!"

Ace hand: 1

'His true monster, huh? Guess that's my cue.' He examined his hand carefully.'I might be able to do something with my current hand, but if I don't make it, the next turn will be my last.' He nodded to himself."My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card, Haunted Fusion! I can banish monsters from my hand or Deck in order to Fusion Summon! I fuse Destiny HERO - Dogma and Destiny HERO - Decider! And from my Deck, Destiny HERO - Doom Lord! Hero that awaits for the darkest hour of the night! Armored with the forbidden clothing of despair, arise so you can judge this world of fake heroes! Fusion Summon! Come on, Level 10! Destiny HERO - Dominance!"

A hero clad in gray armor appeared on the field, wielding a gigantic sword. It had the letter "D" printed on its chest.

Destiny HERO - Dominance Level 10, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2900, DEF: 2600

"That's...a new Destiny HERO?" Ace wondered, perplexed at the sight he was seeing.

"That's right. And just the one I need to put a stop to you. I've noticed some things as our duel progressed. You aren't the quietest guy out there, after all. But I've noticed your reaction when you drew that card earlier, remember?"

-Flashback-

"I activate my Trap Card, Vision Ahead! When I take damage, I can draw a card from my Deck." Ace drew his card and smirked."Well, lookie here. I have something fun in my hand."

'Could it be that Chaotic Fusion card that they all possess?'

-Flashback end-

"Ever since then, I've been keeping an eye on your hand during this whole duel, thinking whether I should call your bluff or not. My theory got proven when you Fusion Summoned Adoration and afterward."

"What are you getting at, asswipe?" Ace said impatiently."What did you figure out?!"

"I was getting to that. When you got a new hand, you Fusion Summoned something else. But that was a flaw on your part." Edo continued explaining, a smile gracing his lips."You said you were getting serious when you changed your appearance. If that was the case, why didn't you use that card to get Tsukuyomi and end this duel?" He noticed Ace tensing up considerably."Meaning that you still don't have that card in your hand."

"You sonnuva-"

"That card has to be in your Deck, and I'm going to take it away by any means necessary! I activate Dominance's effect! I can look at the top 5 cards of your Deck and place them in any order!"

"Impossible!" Ace screamed in shock. Five cards began sliding out of his Deck as he was forced to grab them one by one. In horror, his pupils dilated. There, Chaotic Fusion was in the middle of his hand. He reluctantly showed to him.

"So you did have it. Well, let's place that at the bottom of the hand. Followed by Pot of Greed, Vision HERO - Farris, Vision - HERO Vyon and...Crimson Pendant?"

Ace put the card in that order on top of his deck and spat on the ground.

"Battle! I attack Vision HERO Nypto with Dominance! Dawn Judgement!"

"Idiot! Nypto's effect is still in play! I lower your monster's ATK by 500 and Nypto's goes up by 500!"

Vision HERO Nypto ATK: 2800

Destiny HERO Dominance ATK: 2400

Nypto easily cut through Dominance's defenses, splitting him in half.

Edo LP: 800

"If you really did all of that just to make sure I couldn't get Tsukuyomi out, then it was all a damn waste! You have no monsters on the field!

"You're wrong, Ace, again! When Dominance is destroyed, I can Special Summon 3 Level 9 or Lower "Destiny HERO" monsters from my graveyard! Appear, Dangerous, Disk Commander and Diamond Dude!"

Destiny HERO - Dangerous Level 6, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2600

Destiny HERO - Disk Command Level 1, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 300, DEF: 300

Destiny HERO Diamond Dude Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1400, DEF: 1600

"When Disk Commander is Special Summoned from my Graveyard, I draw 2 cards from my Deck!I continue the attack with Dangerous! Now, I activate Destiny HERO - Void's effect from my hand! I send it to the Graveyard and give its ATKs to Dangerous until the end of this turn! That will be 900 ATKs!"

Destiny HERO - Dangerous ATK: 2900

Dangerous obliterated Nypto, nearly knocking Ace from his footing.

Ace LP: 2200

"Now, I direct attack you with Diamond Dude and Disk Commander!" Both Heroes rushed in and punched Ace in various places of his body, finally making him fall to the ground.

Ace LP: 500

"I...I set a card! I end my turn!" Edo wheezed out, exhausted."This is getting more intense..."

Edo hand: 4

Ace groaned in pain, holding his sides."Fucker...I'll kill you! You'll see! My turn, draw! At this moment, Adoration comes back to my field!"

Vision HERO Adoration Level 8, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK:2800, DEF: 2100

"You must have in your hand that Crimson Pendant card. However, I have never seen or heard of it..."

Ace chuckled, shaking his head."It's only natural. It's my first time using this card myself, you see. I don't need to have Chaotic Fusion or Tsukiyomi out on the field to do what I'm going to do next. You see, I realized that in order to keep up, I had to evolve. You proved that much in the XYZ Dimension. The Lancers have grown stronger to the point where they even manage to take out Yuke. With that in mind, I submitted my very soul to the power of chaos to acquire new power. But first, preparations are in order. I activate the Spell Card, Substitution Marker! I can send one monster from my Extra Deck and target a monster I control! That monster will have the same name as the monster I just discarded! The one I chose is...CHAOS Vision HERO Tsukuyomi!"

Vision HERO Adoration (CHAOS Vision HERO Tsukuyomi)

"Now, I activate my other Spell Card, Crimson Pendant! I target a 'CHAOS" monster on the field and send it to the graveyard in order to Special Summon a new monster!"

A loud thunder struck the area, creating purple lightning around them.

"Born from the core of chaos, brought forth by the light of the god that awakens with the alignment of the 10 Lost Souls! CHAOS Evolution Summon! Be born from the darkness of the abyss, Level 12! CHAOTIC Vision HERO Emperor Neon!"

A man with an eye for a face appeared on the field. Its armor was black and crimson and was letting off crimson smoke from tubes on its back. It was carrying a ruby sword with its right hand while his left was there motionless.

CHAOTIC Vision HERO Emperor Neon Level 12, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 3200, DEF: 3100

Ace grabbed his head as he began to scream louder, creating a pillar of light that went up to the sky. Edo observed in the distance and noticed that two similar lights were coming off from the towers.

"That's where Kurosaki and that Yugo kid are at! Don't tell me...! Ace, get a hold of yourself! You won't be you any longer! Think about Grace! What would she think?! She can't lose you now! I can't lose you now!"

"Shut the fuck up! Emperor Neon's effect activates now! When it's Special Summoned with "CHAOS Vision HERO Tsukuyomi" as material, I can negate every card effect on your field. Your monsters lose all their power and have their ATKs set to 0! Furthermore, Emperor Neon gains ATK by 500 per card affected by his effect! That will be a sum of 1500!"

CHAOTIC Vision HERO Emperor Neon ATK: 4700

"I forgot to tell you its second terrifying effect, Edo. You won't be able to Special Summon or Normal Summon for some turns. Those turns depend on the number of cards that have their effects and stats negated by Emperor Neon. Meaning you won't be able to Summon for 3 whole turns." He said with a wicked smile that sent chills to Edo's spine.

"That's a...God, that's a fucking overpowered effect! What the hell is this?!" Edo cried out in disbelief.

"I'm on the same boat. As long as Emperor Neon is on the field, I cannot control any monsters other than itself. But who cares? All I need is just an attack on your weakest monster before I win. Battle! I attack Disk Commander with Emperor Neon! Crimson Shower!"

Emperor Neon cut through the wind, creating a small purple line which began fire countless energy needles towards Disk Commander.

"I activate my Trap Card, Force Submission! I set all my monsters on the field to DEF mode! I won't take damage!" Edo covered his face and was barely missed by the needled that pierced through Disk Commander.

"Tch! Still though, you can't do much with those monsters. Even if they're in DEF mode, I will destroy them until the only one left is you, Edo! I end my turn!"

"My turn! I draw! I set two cards and end my turn!"

"So it's my turn again!" Ace grinned."I draw! Attack, Emperor Neon! Crimson Shower!" This time, Dangerous was consumed by the needles as well."I end my turn!"

"I draw! I end my turn!" Edo gritted his teeth, feeling impotent.'Hopefully those set cards will buy me some time!'

"Then it's my turn! Draw! I attack your last monster! Crimson Shower!" Edo was sent flying to the ground after Diamond Dude was destroyed too.

"With that, you have no more monsters on the field. No matter what you summon now, it's all meaningless against Emperor Neon. It can not be destroyed by battle or card effects! Good luck using Dystopia on it! Hahahahaha! I end my turn!"

"Thanks...but I won't use Dystopia to finish you off."

"...huh?"

"I summon D Cubed from my hand!"

D Cubed Level 1, Dark, Machine, ATK: 0, DEF: 0

"Now, I activate its effect! I discard two cards from my hand in order to Special Summon two more copies of itself!"

D Cubed Level 1, Dark, Machine, ATK: 0, DEF: 0 (x3)

"But why would you need three of those weak monsters? Are you trying to get Dominance again? He won't be of much help, you know?"

Edo shook his head."No. I have something else in mind! You know, these little friends are treated as regular "Destiny HERO" monsters. I tribute all of them in order to Special Summon Destiny HERO - Plasma!"

Destiny HERO - Plasma Level 8, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1900, DEF: 600

"This is the ultimate Destiny HERO monster, Ace! He will challenge your wicked Vision monster and win!"

Ace simply cackled at those words."Please! He's nowhere near Emperor Neon's ATKs!"

"As I thought...you have sight but no vision. You've gotten sloppy." Edo taunted.

"What was that?!"

"I activate Plasma's effect! I can target a monster you control and equip it to himself!" Edo pointed dramatically at the CHAOTIC monster. Emperor Neon shrieked like a madman as it was absorbed by Plasma."And Plasma will gain ATK equal to half of its original ATKs! That will be..."

"1600?!" Ace finished for him.

Destiny HERO - Plasma ATK= 1900+1600= 3500

Edo brushed his hair to the side, wiping the sweat off of his forehead."You are right. We are ending this sibling rivalry. But not the way you think. As long as we are brothers, that doesn't matter. Bye-bye, Ace..."

Plasma extended its dragon-shapes arm to the sky and fired a blast of energy toward it. The blast rapidly began descending towards the ground, aiming at Ace. He stood still, closing his eyes upon impact.

Ace LP: 0

Winner: Edo

With a lousy step, Edo fell on his back, smoke coming off of his body.

"Ace!" Edo rushed to his side. He took note that both Emperor Neon and Crimson Pendant were disintegrating in the air."Does that mean...?"

"You bitch...I can't believe you actually defeated me. I guess...you really picked up from Kobatsu more than I did, huh?"

Edo shook his head."Are you kidding?" His smile grew wider once he noticed Ace's eyes had turned back to yellow."Regardless, Kobatsu would probably get on our case for fighting like this, huh?"

"Him or Grace...shit...I never apologized to her, did I? She must be worried sick."

"I told her I was going to drag your sorry ass back to her by the end of all this." Edo said with a confident smile."I plan to keep that promise."

Ace chuckled, shaking his head."Not only you beat me, but you're teasing me too? You fucker. You...think you're such a know-it-all." His smile turned into a frown as he glanced at the sky."I wanted to be a hero...I promised myself that when Kobatsu-san brought me in. When he died, I just lost all hope and wanted away from Academia. That's when Yusho-sensei gave me a chance to move on in life but Seiko...made all this happen. I guess it's true what Kobatsu-san used to say...either you die a hero or live enough to see yourself become a villain..."

"Ace! Your legs!"

In effect, Ace's legs had begun disintegrating."Take your Duel DIsk off!"

"No." He pushed Edo away."I have to find out where they have everyone else. The Unifiers of Chaos who lost before me. If I go to where they were taken, I might be able to get them out...or at least send a help signal. Go help the others...Yugo will probably need your assistance with Evan. Beware of the Doktor...he's controlling them! The girls! Now go!"

"Fine." Edo stood up reluctantly."But fuck! Send me that damn signal and I'll come running to where you are!"

He nodded, spitting on the ground one last time."What a load of bullshit...here, I was so submerged into my own selfish dreams and yet...I am happy about this outcome." Finally, he had disintegrated completely, leaving nothing behind. Edo didn't dare to look back and continued running, believing in his brother.

"Now, to help that Yugo guy..." Edo frowned, running to the towers."What did he mean, they were being controlled?"

---

"Well, I think that should be enough." Wendy sighed, hands on her hips after she placed a bag of groceries on a table."Lucky for me, the food in the dimensions doesn't change as much, as Dr. Brueno said. Well, I better go check on Yuke-kun. I think I should give him some of the medicine I was given." She made her way to a room at the end of the corridor but not before taking a glance at the door for the basement. She recalled when they had taken Yuke inside of it, into a somewhat big laboratory underneath. She was forced to wait upstairs, but it didn't take as long as she had thought. She smiled, continuing her way into the last room and opened it.

"Excuse me..." She hit her head playfully."Of course, he won't answer. He's most likely still...asleep...?" There was no one in the room. The bed was neatly organized and the spare clothes they had left were gone as well."Huh? But where could he have gone?" A sudden slam made hed yelped. The front door had been closed all of a sudden. She jogged back to the first floor and glanced around."Dr. Brueno? Are you there? Yuke-kun?"

No answer. Someone must have probably gone outside. She made her way out and covered her eyes from the sunlight. The little house was located near the beach. Apparently the owner was considerably wealthy and had moved there a few years ago. Since she didn't find anyone in the front, she went to the right side of the house, where one could see the ocean in all its splendor."Huh?"

At the end of the dock was a young man, arms crossed. He was wearing black sneakers, black pants and a red shirt that popped out underneath a black jacket. His hair was shorter than before considerably and wasn't as dark as it used to be. It was brown and had an ahoge sticking out of the top.

"Yuke-kun..." She muttered, clasping her hands together. With a determined look, she took another step forward."Yuke-kun, I need to know. Are you yourself? Or have you gone back to normal? Are you...on our side?"

A few seconds went by that felt like hours. The young man sighed, looking over his shoulder and there she saw it. A cold crimson eye staring back at her. A look that reminded her of the ones Yuke would give to everyone around. Before she lost all hope, however, he finished turning around all the way. His frown changed to a warm smile and his right eye was revealed. It was green.

"I guess introductions are in order, huh?" He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly."I'm sorry for startling you. It's nice meeting you...properly, Wendy-san." He bowed down."Thanks for taking care of me. My name is Hiraki Sotari."

---

New Cards:

Plus and Minus

Spell Card

You can activate this card when there are at least 2 "HERO" monsters on the field. You can attack a monster twice, and that monster will lose ATK equal to the attacking monster.

Spell, D - Callout

Spell Card

You can target a monster whose ATKs have been changed and change it back to its original amount. During battle, that monster has to attack the weakest monster on the field.

Full Start

Spell Card

Destroy all Spells or trap cards in the field and each player draws cards until they have 5 each.

Substitution Marker

Spell Card

Send one monster from your Extra Deck and target a monster you control. That monster will have the same name as the monster that was sent to the graveyard.

Crimson Pendant

Spell Card

Send one "CHAOS" monster to the graveyard. Special Summon a "CHAOTIC" monster from your Extra Deck.

Vision Ahead

Trap Card

When you take damage, you can draw a card from your Deck.

Destiny Path

Trap Card

Tribute a monster on your field along with a Spell or Trap Card to add a "Fusion" card from your Deck with any "Destiny" HERO monster.

Beyond the Ruler

Trap Card

Banish "Vision HERO Ruler" from your hand to Special Summon two copies of itself from the Deck

CHAOTIC Vision HERO Emperor Neon

Dark/Warrior/Fusion/Effect

ATK: 3200, DEF: 3100, LV: 12

Monster Effect: This card can only be Special Summoned with the effect of "Crimson Pendant". Cannot be destroyed by card effects. When it's Special Summoned with "CHAOS Vision HERO Tsukuyomi" as material, you can negate every card effect on your opponent's field. Your monsters have their effects negated and have their ATK and DEF set to 0. Emperor Neon gains ATK by 500 per card affected by his effect. Your opponent cannot Normal or Special Summon up to the number of monsters whose effects had been negated by this card's effect. You cannot control other monsters other than this card.