Chapter 38
Misfortunate Turn of Events

"Rin! Hold on! I'm coming!" Yugo screamed as he accelerated his D-Wheel to reach the top of the tower. He parked his D-Wheel and rushed over to the door."It won't budge! Damn it!" He took a few steps back and rushed over with his shoulder in front, tackling the door in vain. He rubbed his shoulder, wincing at the pain he was now feeling."That...did not work out..." He was about to do it again, but he heard a fainty tapping behind the door."Rin?!"

He quickly ran up to the door but was immediately slammed in his face, sending him crashing to the ground.

"I can't believe you fell for that." Evan laughed, walking out of the tower with Rin behind him in cuffs."

"Yugo!" She cried in concern, unable to go to his aid due to her binding.

"Rin!" He muffled as he covered his nose. He felt liquid streaming down his face and knew he had busted his nose. His glove was bloody, but at least he wasn't bleeding that much anymore."Bastard!

"You're mad, aren't you?" Evan said with amusement."To think you somehow managed to cross dimensions not once but twice. Even made it to Academia in one piece. You are not as stupid as I had originally thought."

"Heh! Thanks!" Yugo rubbed his nose, feeling a sense of pride.

"Yugo! He's not complimenting you, you idiot!" Rin shouted from behind Evan."Evan, please stop this! You promised you wouldn't hurt him or Cody! This isn't you! Remember?"

"Quiet down, dear." Evan pushed Rin back inside and locked the door."I am in the middle of getting rid of the pest that prevents us from being together. Now, shall we get down to business, Yugo?"

"Hell yeah!" Yugo grabbed his Duel Disk from his D-Wheel and put his helmet aside."I'm going to finally defeat you and save Rin! Mark my words!

"Ruri!" Kurosaki yelled as he and Kaito went back up the tower.

"Be careful, Shun!" Kaito advised."We don't know if Ruri will try the same thing with you as she did with me!"

"Stop that, Kaito!" Kurosaki barked, not wanting to listen to another accusation towards his sister."Whatever happened, there has to be an explanation! I won't rest until I find it!"

"Shun..." Kaito lowered his head."Fine!"

Both of them finally reached the top of the tower, panting. Makoto was standing in front of Ruri, who seemed to be talking to him as if he were a child.

"Please, Makoto. You have to reconsider all of this." She urged him, holding his hands.

Makoto seemed unresponsive and did not even stare back at her. He seemed...upset. Once he glanced around, he caught sight of Kaito and Shun rushing over to them.

"Ruri!"

"Big brother!" She said in delight, a smile appearing on her face. Before she could go to her older brother, she was dragged back into the tower and locked back in.

"Ruri!" Kurosaki screamed in despair."Makoto! What are you doing?!"

"So that's Makoto..." Kaito squinted his eyes, eyeing him from head to toe."He's changed so much since then. So they really are using him."

"I was expecting you, Shun, Kaito." He stood in front of them, guarding the door."I feel your inner auras...I feel the wish to protect...to save. Especially within you, Shun. Your urges to save Lady Ruri are far stronger than any I have encountered in my lifetime."

"Makoto. It's over. I'm not the same person whom you dueled with that time in Synchro!" Kurosaki stood in front of Kaito."This time, I'll definitely defeat you and not only save Ruri. I'll save you, Naho and Tariko."

"If that is your wish, allow me to tell you that their whereabouts are unknown." Makoto drawled."You see, I am one of the three remaining Unifiers of Chaos left. Everyone else has disappeared from this realm. Whether they are alive or not, I cannot tell."

"Wait, what did you just say?" Kaito asked, intrigued in finding out what he meant.

"One of the last three?" Kurosaki parroted."Does that mean the others have been defeated?"

"Correct. However, that matters not at this point. My job here is to protect Lady Ruri and defeat all Lancers that dare to step into this territory!"

"Makoto, this is madness! Open your damn eyes!" Kaito tried to reason with him."You are siding with the people who carded my family and all those countless people! What the hell is the point of all of this?"

"A peaceful world. The girls who have a similar face share something in common, Kaito." He began to explain."The Professor needs them to make a Utopia that will make everyone live in a blissful world full of happiness and peace. This cursed world is too corrupted. Its morals are down to the ground and suffering is dragging everyone to oblivion."

"You think carding people is going to make that any better? That's stupid! Listen to yourself!" Kurosaki snapped.

Makoto gave him a disapproving glare before sighning."No use in us arguing over the unstoppable. Let us settle this...in a duel. Once and for all.

"Agreed. Kaito, stand back. I'll do this myself." Kurosaki activated his Duel Disk.

"Are you sure? You don't have to do this alone." Kaito offered, but received no response."Alright then."

"Duel!"

Shun vs. Makoto LP: 400 EACH

"I believe I'll take the first move, considering I defeated you during our last encounter. My turn! I activate the Spell Card, Retribution Tax! I discard two cards from my hand and draw three from my Deck! Next, I summon Evilswarm Kerykeion!"

Evilswarm Kerykeion Level 4, Dark, Spellcaster, ATK: 1600, DEF: 1550

"I activate one of its Special Effects! I banish an "lswarm" monster from my Graveyard and target another one in it, and add it to my hand! Also, I'm allowed to Normal Summon once more! Appear, Evilswarm Thunderbird!"

Evilswarm Thunderbird Level 4, Dark, Thunder, ATK 1650, DEF: 1050

"I overlay the Level 4 Thunderbird with the Level 4 Kerykeion! Dark knight that serves the ruler of chaos! Forge the victory that your fallen comrades so much wished for! XYZ Summon! Manifest, Rank 4! Evilswarm Nightmare!"

Evilswarm Nightmare Rank 4, Dark, Fiend, XYZ, ATK: 950, DEF: 1950

"I set a card face-down! I conclude my turn!"

Makoto hand: 3

"My move! Draw! Here I come, Makoto! I activate the Spell Card, Raidraptor - Care Package! I can Special Summon a Raidraptor from my hand! Appear, Wild Vulture!"

Raidraptor - Wild Vulture Level 6, Dark, Winged-Beast, ATK: 1600, DEF: 2000

"Following that, I activate its Special Ability! I tribute it in order to Special Summon two "Raidraptor" monsters from my hand whose Levels add up to 6! I Special Summon two copies of Raidraptor - Skull Eagle!"

Raidraptor - Skull Eagle Level 3, Dark, Winged-Beast, ATK: 100, DEF :500 (x2)

"I overlay the two Level 3 Skull Eagles in order to build the Overlay Network! XYZ Summon! Descend, Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle!"

Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle Rank 3, Dark, Winged-Beast, ATK: 1000, DEF: 0

"At this moment, Skull Eagle's effect activates from the Grave! A monster XYZ Summoned using it as material gains 300 ATKs! Since I used to, that will be an addition of 600!"

Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle ATK: 1600

"Naive! I detach one of Nightmare's Overlay Units to activate its effect! When you Special Summon a monster, I can change it to face-down defense position!"

Kurosaki gasped as he saw his eagle turning into a face-down card."Damn! I played right into his trap!"

"Shun! You have to calm down! You're not thinking things through!" Kaito shouted over to his comrade."Listen, I know you're feeling frustrated! I know that feeling! I felt the same way when I wanted to save my father and brother! But that kind of thinking will only cloud your judgment! Are you really willing to lose this duel because you're feeling enraged?!"

"Kaito..." Kurosaki was left speechless."You're right. Now that I'm close to saving Ruri, I couldn't help but feel anxious. But if I truly want to save her, I won't let my emotions take over me again. Makoto, this duel has just started! I set a card and end my turn!"

Makoto allowed himself a small smirk."So be it, Shun."

Wendy walked in circles, examining every inch of Hiraki's body. He felt a bit nervous at first, but he knew she meant no disrespect by that."Woah...you really...haven't changed much, have you?"

"Y-you think so?" He asked, letting out a nervous laugh.

"Yeah. I mean, your voice is the same as Yuke's, but only more...wimpy."

"Thanks?"

"I gotta say, I like the ahoge. It has this unique style that Yuke lacked at least." She grinned. Moments later, her grin faded and was replaced with a small smile."So...I guess Yuke-kun is gone, eh?" She noticed Hiraki was giving her an odd look so she elaborated."I wanted to apologize to him. For being such a pain in the ass around him and even insulting Serena. I was such an idiot for becoming a psycho when I was influenced by chaos."

"You know, Yuke is still in me." He pointed at his head."Right here. He hasn't faded out of existence. Say, do you want to talk to him?"

"H-huh?! I-I-I-I don't know! Gosh!" She shook her head rapidly."Just forget everything I've sai-"

"Wendy." A monotone voice called out to her. She slowly turned back to face Hiraki and saw that now his eyes were crimson and his smile was now an emotionless expression."You do not have to apologize to me. You did what you could with whatever intentions you may have harbored. But once that mantle of chaos lifted from your soul, you showed me your kindness and care by wanting to free Hiraki from my binds. I was wrong. But thanks to all of your guys' efforts, I was able to see my mistakes." He tried to smile but it came out really awkward. A half crooked smile.

Wendy stiffened laughter, placing her hands on her mouth."Man, you suck at smiling, you know. Better keep that poker face of yours." She smiled tenderly, walking up to him and grabbing his hands."I'm glad you're okay. At least we both managed to remain as ourselves."

"I agree." He nodded."We were lucky the Lancers did their best to help us." He let go of her hands and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, his right eye had gone back to green.

"By the way, Hiraki-san. Why is your left eye still crimson?"

"I believe I can answer that." Dr. Brueno arrived with two bags in his hands.

"Dr. Brueno!" Both youths ran over to him. Hiraki bowed slightly."Thank you for your help and hospitality. But you said you had answers?"

"I do, my boy. About that eye of yours and pretty much your facial features. You see, Academia not only altered your memories but also your physique. Plastic surgery mostly, but also changed the color of your eyes. Yuke's natural eye color is supposed to be crimson."

"Crimson?" Wendy tilted her head."But I thought the chaos influence over us turned our eyes to that color. Wasn't Yuke under the influence of chaos?"

Dr. Brueno shook his head."While it's true that the power of chaos changes one's eyes to crimson, Yuke's natural eye color was chosen to be crimson. It's highly unlikely that it was due to the influence of chaos over him if he had any."

"What do you mean by that?" Hiraki asked.

"While I was observing the various Duels the Unifiers of Chaos unfolded back in Academia, I noticed that each of them showcased a special card, Chaotic Fusion. Along with that, a unique CHAOS monster for each of them. You remember, right, Wendy-chan?"

"Yeah, you're right about that." She recalled to when she summoned CHAOS Origami Stormangni.

"Now, Hiraki-kun, you have Yuke's memories at your disposal, don't you? Do you recall him having such cards in his Deck before?"

"No, I don't." He answered, a quizzical expression on his face."Yuke, were you being manipulated by Chaos?"

"No, I was not." Yuke's spirit appeared next to Hiraki. He wasn't visible for anyone else, so they thought he was talking to himself at first. But then they connected the dots and decided to let him continue."I was in it because Seiko told me she would help me recover my memories. At the time, I thought I had amnesia, so she thought I was an easy target. However, I knew she was only trying to manipulate me, but I ignored that because I was being entertained by the whole thing. But I ended being played, just like I was trying to avoid for so long."

"I see you're having a mental conversation with Yuke-kun." Dr. Brueno patted his head."As I suspected, the communication between you and Yuke has only gotten stronger."

"Yeah, I can actually switch spots with him whenever we want." He explained."Is that why my left eye is crimson?"

"As I was saying, Yuke's natural eye color is crimson. That's how much they've affected your body. Technically speaking, the one who should be in control of the body now is Yuke. After all, your very personality was suppressed to the deepest part of your brain, allowing Yuke to exist. Basically, a new personality was born from the lack of one. Since my friend lacked the technology to fully bring Hiraki back, we were forced to go with the second option. We've managed to excavate your mind with nano transmitters, that's why we didn't have the need to perform a new surgery in your body. That's why it's a miracle you're here, Hiraki-kun."

"Yuke and I came to an agreement. After he lost his duel, he allowed me to return to my body. And I swore I would go to Academia and ask the Professor about his existence. Why was he created and such? I assume you don't know, right?"

"I'm afraid not." He replied sadly."We were merely ordered to experiment on you without a reason. We couldn't deny nor resist."

"That's weird though." Wendy folded her arms under her chest."I thought there were supposed to be 10 Unifiers of Chaos. Meaning 10 people being controlled by Chaos."

"Who told you that?" Hiraki asked curiously.

"Seiko did. I heard her talk to Daisuke once, saying that chaos was supposed to be in 10 individuals. I never paid attention to it, but now that I think about it, it doesn't make sense. I mean, Seiko was technically part of our group, but her eyes were normal. That's why I thought you were the one."

"Let us discuss this on our way to Academia. My colleague contacted me and told me that the boat is ready."

"Wait, what?" Wendy blinked a few times, unable to process what he just said.

Dr. Brueno chuckled."I know for a fact both of you wanted to go to Academia, so I had my friend prepare a boat for us. It's fast enough for us to get to Academia sooner rather than later."

"That's perfect!" Hiraki showed his excitement."I can't wait to see Serena again."

"I want to see Yuri." Wendy muttered to herself."We also need to save the others."

Once they got to the boat, Dr. Brueno exchanged a few words with his friend and allowed them to get on the boat. It was a small boat but apparently it had tremendous horsepower. It even had high enough walls so people wouldn't just fly out of the boat if the speed was put at its maximum. Dr. Brueno got things started and was going at a decent pace. Next to him were Hiraki and Wendy, sitting on the floor.

"By the way, how many Unifiers are left?" Asked Hiraki promptly.

"Well, Naho was defeated just around when I came to duel Yuzu and then you got rekt. So I think Makoto, Ace and Evan are the ones left."

"The troublemakers, huh?" He deadpanned."Their teamwork effort is beyond decent. Still though, you figured they're on edge considering Yuke lost."

"Yeah, that makes sense." Dr. Brueno spoke without taking his eyes off of the vast ocean."Yuke was supposed to be Academia's ultimate duelist. If he were to lose, morality would sure go down."

"Maybe the Lancers are gonna finish this whole thing before we get there." Wendy shrugged nonchalantly.

"Let's hope so." He sighed, leaning down against the wall."To be honest, I just want all of this to end. I kinda miss the peaceful days. Sure, I now have these really cool abilities and this awesome deck but, at what cost? I was in such a need of power back then that I thought of nothing else. My friends tried so hard to help me when I turned my backs on them."

"You did it out of necessity, Yuke-kun." Dr. Brueno addressed him."When I first saw you at that lab, your body was completely broken. I keep wondering how you even managed to get there on your own. Had you undergone surgery, you would have died without a doubt. Don't put yourself down like that. Now at least you have a chance in redeeming yourself."

"You're right, doctor." He smiled sadly."I'll use this power to protect what's dear to me. And end this war."

"That's the spirit." Dr. Brueno nodded, pleased with his answer." Buckle up you two. I'm going to go full speed now!"

Yugo vs. Cody LP: 4000 each

"I guess I'll go first, eh, Yugo-kun?" He smiled, eyes half-lifted."From my hand, I summon Misfortune Mari Rose!"

Misfortune Mari Rose Level 3, Dark, Fairy, ATK: 200, DEF: 700

"I activate her effect. I can Special another monster from the top of my deck. That is, if it's a monster card." He placed a hand on his Deck."I draw! Ah, it's a monster! I Special Summon Misfortune Pokerface!"

A man wearing a black robe and wearing a clown mask with a frown appeared on the field.

Misfortune Pokerface Level 4, Dark, Spellcaster, ATK: 1200, DEF: 1600

"Pokerface's effect activates! When it's SPecial Summoned by the effect of another, I can add a "Polymerization" from my Deck to my hand! Now, I activate the Spell Card, Polymerization! I fuse Pokerface along with Mari Rose!" Both monsters entered a multicolored vortex as he began chanting.

"Creature that brings good luck to the dwellers in the world! Bring forth the blessing of a known future! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 6! Misfortune Trebol Master!"

A man wearing a black jumpsuit, a red sleeveless jacket, a hat that covered his eyes and two revolvers holstered.

Misfortune Trebol Master Level 6, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2300, DEF: 2200

"When Trebol Master appears on the field, I can make you Summon a monster from your hand at random."

"What?! At random?" Yugo looked at his current hand."I only have one, but good luck trying to guess it!"

"I know it's..." He rose his hand and in a swift motion brought it down."The one on the far left, isn't it?"

Before Yugo could reply, the card magically disappeared and appeared on his field."Speedroid Terrortop!"

Speedroid Terrortop Level 3, Wind, Machine, ATK: 1200, DEF: 600

"Damn! I needed him for a combo!" Yugo cursed."Still, I activate its effect! When it's Normal or Special Summoned, I can add a "Speedroid" monster from my Deck to my hand!"

"See? You ended up winning at the end. However, I must mention something before we move on. When a monster is successfully Summoned via Trebol Master's effect, I can Special Summon a monster from my Extra Deck with the same Level as your monster! Come, Level 3! Misfortune White Gambler!"

Misfortune White Gambler Level 3, Dark, Fiend, Fusion, ATK: 1200, DEF: 100

"White Gambler's effect activates now! Once per turn, during either of our turns, we have to draw a card from our Decks and reveal it. Based on what type of card is it, we will get different bonuses! If it's a monster card, we discard it and that card's ATKs will be transferred to all monsters in our respective fields! If it's Traps, our opponent can't activate Traps for the remaining of the turn, and if it's Spell, we are forced to reveal our hands to our opponent."

"What the hell! That's busted as hell!" Yugo complained, irritated.

Evan simply grinned."If you think that's a broken ability, you have yet to see what I have in store for you. I set two cards and end my turn!"

Evan hand: 2

"Tch! My turn! I draw! When I control a wind monster, I can Special Summon this! Speedroid Taketomborg!"

Speedroid Taketomborg Level 3, Wind, Machine, ATK: 600, DEF: 1200

"Now, by using its effect, I can tribute it in order to Special Summon a Tuner "Speedroid" monster from my Deck! Come, Speedroid Den-Den Daiko Duke!"

Speerdroid Den-Den Daiko Duke Level 3, Wind, Machine, Tuner, ATK: 1000, DEF: 1000

"I activate Trebol Master's second effect! When my monster Special Summons a monster on their field, I can target the monster that was Special Summon by his effect and return it to your hand! Say goodbye to your Terrortop!"

"What?!" Yugo cried out in shock, his monster being sent back to his hand."Still though, I can still do something with this move! I activate the Spell Card, Speedlift! If the only monster I control is a tuner monster, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Speedroid" monster! I Summon Speedroid Pachingo-Kart!"

Speedroid Pachingo-Kart Level 4, Wind, Machine, ATK: 1800, DEF: 1000

"I then activate its effect! I discard a machine-type monster and target a monster on your field and destroy it! I target White Gambler!"

"Not bad. But...I activate my Continous Trap Card! Decisions Ahead! Once per turn, when a monster I control would be destroyed, I can toss a coin and if it lands on heads, it's not destroyed and I get to draw a card, but if it lands on tails, all monsters I control will be destroyed!"

A coin appeared on the field was tossed in the air and once it landed, it began spinning around.

"Now, I activate the second Continous Trap Card, Secured Loot! As long as this card is on the field, I can always get my answers right. Look." The coin had finally landed, and it landed on heads. He drew a card, showcasing a sly smirk.

"Bastard..." Yugo growled, already feeling frustrated.

"I don't mean to brag, but I'm the third strongest of the Unifiers of Chaos. So please don't be surprised if you're overwhelmed by me...again."

"Oh yeah?! Well, watch this! I tune the Level 4 Pachingo-Kart with the Level 3 Den-Den Daiko Duke! Spread those wondrous and beautiful wings, and strike down our enemies at lightspeed! Synchro Summon! Come forth, Level 7! Clear Wing Synchro Dragon!"

Clear Wing Synchro Dragon Level 7, Wind, Dragon, Synchro, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000

"There it is. Are you already desperate?"

"I attack White Gambler! Go, Clear Wing!" Clear Wing flew over to White Gambler at an incredible pace.

"I activate White Gambler's effect! We each draw a card and that will decide what's going to happen in this battle!" Both of them drew and showed their cards. Both drew monsters.

"I drew Misfortune Bun Bonnie. She has only 1800 ATKs." He closed his eyes.

"And I drew Speedroid CarTurbo! It has 800!"

White Gambler ATK: 3000

Speedroid Synchro Dragon ATK: 3300

Evan LP: 3700

"Yes! I managed to get him after all!" Yugo cheered to himself."I set a card and end my turn!"

Yugo hand 2

Evan hand: 3

"You're very skilled nowadays, aren't you, Yugo-kun? Or could it be that your desire to save Rin is what's giving you strength?"

"It's true that my desires to save Rin are part of why I'm here today, but also because I know what the Unifiers of Chaos truly are. You guys are just people, like the rest of us, who lost their way and are being used for bad stuff."

"Oh? So you pity me?" He rose a brow, his smile widening.

"No. I empathize with you. Because you weren't free to choose your own path." Yugo scowled, sparing a glance at the door past him.

"You think so?" He looked at his palm."I suppose it is true, in a way. You see, since I was young, I was known to be a very unfortunate child. My existence itself was a mistake that later became a scandal. My dad abandoned my mother and I. My mother tried her best to give me a proper life, but poverty was something that was a given due to her inability to maintain a stable job. Not to mention that, as I have said, I was a misfortunate child. Soon enough, by chance, my mother was hit by a car and died."

Rin was leaning against the metal door and could faintly listen to what they were saying."Yugo...Evan..."

"After that, I was switched from orphanage to orphanage. They said I was cursed. Everywhere I went, I brought nothing but misery. All families would treat me badly, lock me up in some room and simply feed me every now and then. Of course, this wouldn't go unnoticed by child services. Still, I would just go back to square one and be adopted again. You might think I am very lucky based on my duels, but this deck wasn't always like that. In fact, playing against me was a guaranteed victory. My own effects would harm me and put me at a disadvantage."

"What?" Yugo was dumbfounded."T-that can't be! I've seen your dueling before and you never get unlucky with your pulls!"

"True. But I'm getting to that. You see, I was eventually adopted by a nice lady. Sayaka Monari. She took care of me as I was her own son, despite me being surrounded by bad luck. She encouraged me to make something out of my life and thanks to her I went to Academia."

"So why would you-"

"But I thanked her in the worst way possible." He pulled something from his pocket and showed it to Yugo."I carded her. All because I was too weak-minded at the time. I succumbed myself deep into chaos!" A disturbing smile appeared on his eyes as tears began streaming down uncontrollably."I was devastated! Me! I carded the one person that gave me a home! Hahahaha! How laughable! I welcomed the one thing I hated the most!" His hair began turning jet black as his skin became paler and his sclera turned black while his eyes white.

"What the...?" Yugo took a few steps back, fear rising within him."What...are you?"

"I don't know." His voice had changed. It was distorted and seemed like it was a deep voice talking as well."All I know is that this is my ultimate challenge. You're the only obstacle left in between Rin and I!"

"Why the hell are you so obsessed with Rin anyway? You guys aren't even from the same Dimension?" Something was off. There had to be more to what he was saying, thought Yugo.

"I was immediately attached to her. I never felt like this about anyone else! Her kindness, her beauty, her personality! It...reminded me of back then." He composed himself in the blink of an eye."You are incredibly lucky to have met her first. But now, luck is siding with me. My turn! I draw! From my hand, I summon Misfortune Bon Bunny from my hand!"

A brown bunny wearing a tuxedo appeared on the field, sniffing the air around.

Misfortune Bon Bunny Level 4, Dark, Beast, ATK: 1600, DEF: 1000

"Bon Bunne's effect activates now! I can add a "Misfortune" Spell card from my Deck and add it to my hand! I activate it the Spell Card, Change of Occasion! I can return all monsters on my field to my hand or Extra Deck in order to Fusion Summon Misfortune Bunny Girl! Appear!"

A girl with short brown hair, black pantyhose, a one-piece bikini and bunny ears appeared on the field, winking and giving a peace sign. On her other hand, she was holding a black hat.

Misfortune Bunny Girl Level 7, Dark, Spellcaster, Fusion ATK: 0, DEF: 0

"0 ATK?" Yugo arched a brow.

"Bunny Girl activates her Special Effect!" Evan smirked.

"Not so fast! I activate Clear Wing's effect! When a Level 5 or higher monster activates its effect, I can negate that effect and destroy your monster!"

"Too hasty indeed." Evan shook his head."Have you forgotten? At this moment, I once more activate the effect of Decisions Ahead! When a monster I control would be destroyed, I can toss a coin and if it lands on heads it won't be destroyed and I get to draw a card. However, if you get tails...all of my monsters will be destroyed!"

"He's just going to win again with that other Continous Trap again!" Yugo clenched his teeth. In effect, the Continous Trap Secured Future, helped the coin lands on heads, avoiding Bunny Girl's destruction.

"As I was saying, I activate Bunny Girl's effect. I can target a monster you control and Special Summon a token version of itself on my field. Furthermore, said token will be equipped to Bunny Girl."A copy of Clear Wing Appeared on the field and lowered its head, allowing Bunny Girl to get on top."Not only does she get Clear Wing's ATK, but she gains 300 ATKs per equipped monster. Once per turn, I can equip a different monster."

Misfortune Bunny Girl ATK: 2500+300= 2800

"Battle! Go, Bunny Girl! Clear Swift Absolution!" Bunny Girl gave the command and charged towards the original Clear Wing.

"Not so fast! I activate my Trap Card, Stop Curve! I can avoid the destruction of a monster I control!"

"But you'll still take damage!" Evan pointed out as a gust of wind hit Yugo.

Yugo LP: 3700

"That was a nice save. You really care about that dragon, don't you?" Evan mused with a sly smile."Welp, I guess that can't be helped. I set a card face-down! I think I'll leave it there."

"Man, he's as tough as ever." Yugo clicked his tongue."I have to do something about those traps of his, or I'm not going to get anywhere..." He hesitantly looked up to his opponent."Evan...I'll find a way to beat you no matter what!"

'Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!' Cody screamed internally as he somehow managed to grab a hold of the helicopter as it began ascending up in the sky. As he had predicted, Serena had betrayed them and took Yuzu with her on a helicopter. Even if he knew, he wasn't fast enough to prevent it. And those pirates didn't make it any easier. He did manage to grab a hold of one of the landing skids of and held onto for dear life."You guys! Don't worry about me! I'll save Yuzu as soon as I get to Academia! Just take care of my D-Wheel or I'll kill someone when I get back!"

"Cody!" Yuya screamed but it was in vain. Cody simply smirked down at them and readjusted himself."I just hope my body can handle hanging from this until I get to Academia. If I fall now, I'm dead!" Now reality was hitting him in the face. He grew even more nervous as his body clenched tighter against the landing skid.'Still though, why would Serena do that to us? I was sure that Yuzu told me that Serena was sent away by Yuke. And now that we beat Yuke, she would have all the more reason to come back.'

Cody had already found Serena "escaping" from Academia very suspicious. Thinking that she could be being manipulated wasn't out of the question. After all, perhaps it was in a desperate effort for Hiraki."Either way, I'm not letting them take Yuzu!"

Hiraki had opted for falling asleep while on their way to Academia. Dr. Brueno was driving the boat and Wendy was sitting on the seat next to him, her mind drifting off to the vast ocean.

"Hey, Hiraki." Yuke's voice spoke from within his mind. Hiraki opened his eyes, and he was now in a purple void, sitting down. He stood up and turned on his heel, meeting his alter ego.

"Yuke? What's up? Why did you call me here?" He asked.

"I figured you would want to see this." Yuke took a step aside and pointed at an energy cage. There, stood a humanoid with dark purple skin and dark green eyes."I found it a while ago but locked him away the same way I did to you. But it recently made contact with me and asked me to bring you here."

"It?! I am a male, smartass!" The creature retorded. Once it laid eyes on Hiraki, it began to cry."Hiraki! My boy! Boy, am I glad to see you!"

"Kumai?" Hiraki rushed over to take a better look."It really is you, Kumai!"

"Don't "It really is you, Kumai", me!" He snapped, banging the bars of the cell."You've been out for a while now and you didn't even think of checking up on me?!"

"S-sorry! I was just really worried about Serena and all this shit that's going on!" He quickly apologized.

"Right right right right! So is that what I am to you? You fuck! What happened to bros before hoes?!" He countered.'

"I hope I am not interrupting." Yuke coughed, earning their attention."Hiraki, do you know of this being?"

"Oh, yeah. That's Kumai. He's been here before you came along." He simply answered, a toothy grin on his face.

"That did not answer my question." Yuke deadpanned."What is he?"

"He's the product of my fears...I guess. He can give me a boost in power by giving in to my fears."

"That's right!" Kumai stated proudly."I've been helping this kid for a long time now and we've been through various quests that put our might to the test! Unfortunately, we didn't make our last mission and well, you know the rest."

"That still doesn't answer my question." Yuke stated impatiently, walking up to the cage."Your existence should not be possible."

"Your existence should not be possible!" Kumai easily slipped out of the cage and pointed an accusing finger at Yuke, taking him completely by surprise. He flew over to where Hiraki was and put an arm around his neck."I want to lend a hand! Listen, you guys are a powerhouse, but with me, we'll be the mitochondria! Trust me! After all, I want the best for this body since I am cursed in inhabiting it!"

"Yeah, come on, Yuke." Hiraki gave him a pleading look."I trust him."

Yuke blinked a couple of times. And then some more. He did not know how Kumai had managed to slip away from his cage just now. If he could do so, why hadn't he done that before? He sighed, shaking his head."Very well. But I will keep a very close eye on him."

"Yay!" Both of them cheered, spinning around like children.

"By the way, Wendy is trying to wake you up." Yuke reminded him."You best go and see what she wants."

"Right." Hiraki nodded. His body disappeared from the void, leaving both Yuke and Kumai alone.

"So...do you wanna play some poker?"

"No."

As he opened his eyes, Hiraki cursed himself for not sleeping under the shade. Thankfully, he hadn't slept for long and hopefully would not get sunburnt.

"There you are." Wendy helped him get on his feet."You are a heavy sleeper, did you know that?"

"Oh, sorry, Wendy." He chuckled at her demeanor. It kind of reminded her when Serena would scold him over the simplest of things."So, what's going on?"

"We're almost there." She grabbed his hand and guided him to the front of the boat.

"Glad to see you kids ready to go." Dr. Brueno said."We're just a few minutes away from the coast."

Hiraki looked intently at Academia in the distance."We're almost there, huh."

"Yeah." She sighed, a sad smile on her face."A bit nostalgic, really. So, what's the plan, boss?"

"Boss?" He quirked a brow, confused.

"Well, yeah. You used to lead the Unifiers of Chaos, so it's only fitting." She simply shrugged."So...the plan?"

"We'll infiltrate Academia. Hopefully, the Lancers have managed to get in safely already. Their path will be our path to infiltrate due to Academia most likely focusing on the inner threat than us. From there, we'll go and rescue the others. They must be in Academia because they weren't turned into cards. After that, we'll look for the other girls and free them. Then, we'll finish this war once and for all."

"That was a nice plan." Wendy grinned from ear to ear."I knew you were cut out for this."

Hiraki nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed truthfully. Both of them set sights on Academia, which was closer than before. Both of them had different goals in mind, albeit Hiraki didn't know of Wendy's.

'Just hang on tight, Serena.' Hiraki clenched his fists tightly.' I'm coming!'

Hey everyone. It's been a while since I wrote an author's note. I want to thank you for the tremendous support you have given to this story and hope you stick around until the end. Look forward to some more backstory about Evan as well as Makoto's soon. I'll be sure to give some backstory to other characters as well, so don't worry about that. And yes, Kumai is back! To anyone new or whoever doesn't remember him, he was basically Hiraki's "spirit guide" from back at the beginning of the story. Don't worry, I will make sure he is explained in future chapters. Anyways, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! (In case I don't post any chapter before then.)