Chapter 43
The Hard Reality

Darkness was all he could see. Cold was all he felt. He also felt multiple hands shaking him up.

"Think he's dead?" He heard a rough voice asked.

"Highly doubt it." A more gentle voice replied."Though perhaps not kicking him would help as well."

"Tch. I don't see you coming up with better ideas."

Hiraki let out a long groan, feeling his body ache after he tried moving.

"Guess that settles it." He opened one eye and saw Ace standing in front of him."Wake up sleeping beauty. We've got a world to save."

"How long...was I out for...?" Hiraki asked as he was helped up by Evan.

"Probably longer than Kurosaki over there." He snickered at Hiraki's panic expression."Relax. He's alive. He told us to give him some time to gather his bearings. Being hit by a taser is some real nasty shit, let me tell you."

"I remember...Serena..." He looked up to his two comrades."Her and Ruri-"

"Yes, we know." Ace put a hand up, cutting him off.

"And Dr. Brueno was...taken out by the Doktor..." He clenched his fists in anger."And that bastard forced Serena to hurt Kyle. And Cody was carded too."

"Cody was?!" Evan said louder than intended."Damn it! I not only failed at protecting Wendy, but I also failed Rin in keeping Cody safe!"

"Huh?" Hiraki tilted his head."What do you mean?"

"He got separated from Wendy." Ace elaborated."We don't know where she could be. Anyway, we've wasted enough time already. We have to head over to the Professor's throne!"

"Wait, what abo-"

"If you're gonna ask about either the Doktor and Yuya. Yuya went ahead and is about to duel the Professor with Akaba Reiji. Yusho-sensei is with them. Doktor was carded, so the girls are free but not entirely. A bunch of shit has happened in such a short amount of time."

"Let us go and show you instead." Evan broke into a sprint, followed by the two smaller teenagers."There are some things we've overheard. Apparently you five sharing the same face goes beyond mere coincidence."

"Yeah. Apparently, there used to be a single dimension once before. Some guy went mad with power." Ace continued the explanation."What's more, he passed all those fancy dragons you guys wield around. Starve Venom, Odd-Eyes, Dark Rebellion, Clear Wing, Harvoc Nova. That's because you guys used to be a single entity. Zarc."

"What?!" Hiraki was about to stop running but continued, forcing his feet to move regardless of how he felt."The hell are you talking about? What do you mean? But I didn't originally have this face, remember? Yuke was implemented on my body via experimentation."

"That's the issue. He was extremely vague regarding you." Evan grimaced."I'm sure he's expecting us to go there, so he's holding out the details."

"I'll ask him...about why he picked me." Hiraki shook his head."Why did he choose me to be Yuke's vessel? What is Yuke? And what connection do we have with the real Yu, the one who destroyed the Ritual Dimension."

"We'll find out together." Yuke told him."Worry not. Regardless of what he says, I will not change my mind. I will fight for what's right for this world."

"You heard the edge lord." Kumai cackled."Let's show this bald bastard what we can really do."

"We're here." Evan's voice broke him out of his thoughts."So, how do we proceed?"

"Let's break the fucking door down." Ace said with a sinister smirk."We deserve some fun, after all. Besides, everyone is destroying everything out here. Might as well join the fun."

"What do you say Yuke?" Evan asked him, looking over his shoulder.

"Let's break the door down." Hiraki's eyes turned crimson red.

"Now you're speaking my language!" Ace and Evan's eyes turned crimson momentarily. The door busted into pieces as they jumped passed it, using their enhanced power.

Yuke gave Hiraki the control back, his one eye returning back to green."You guys can still use chaos power?"

"Not really." Ace shrugged, his eyes going back to golden."The chaos presence is gone ever since I lost, but there's still some energy left. Remains."

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!"

The trio turned to the source of the scream, but could not see due to the cloud of smoke surrounding them."That's our cue. You're up, boss."

Hiraki closed his eyes and walked past them, feeling the cold air of the room engulf him as he exited the cloud of smoke.

"Oh my god..." He heard a familiar voice.'Yuzu?'

"Hiraki!" Serena banged her tube with her fists.

"So, you have finally shown yourself, Yuke." Akaba Leo bellowed at him."Or should I say Hiraki Sotari?"

"Hiraki is alright. Though for right now, I am both of them." Hiraki opened his eyes, revealing his dichromatic eyes.

"So, you really are back to yourself, Hiraki?" Reiji was lost for words but kept his composture."I'm glad to see you back in action so soon. Worry not, Maria is in the Synchro Dimension, helping out."

"Thank you, Reiji." He then ran up to Yusho and gave him a big hug."Yusho-san!"

"When I heard what had happened to you, I was heartbroken. To think a nice young man like you was used for such atrocities." Yusho ruffled his hair."I'm happy you are still yourself, Hiraki."

"Hiraki!" Reira also joined in on the hug."I was so worried! I...I..."

"It's okay, Reira." He patted him on the head."You did very well. I'm glad you were stronger than all of us anticipated. You're a good kid." He focused his attention to the girls, who were caged in tubes."Wendy too?!"

"I'm sorry...Yuri...I couldn't save him...He was the one who brought me here."

"It's okay." Hiraki gave her a warm smile."I'll get the five of you out of there. But first, I want to ask you something first, Professor!"

"And what could you possibly want to know now?" Akaba Leo scowled at his former subordinate."I believe Yuke's knowledge would suffice to never have you without an answer."

"That's exactly what I want to talk to you about." He gritted his teeth, pointing at his crimson eye."Just what the hell did you do to me? Why did you pick me for that experiment?! What is Yuke?! What was the purpose of all of that?! Why did you create Yuke and put him into me?"

Leo eyed Ace and Evan, who were remaining at the back of the room quietly."I assume you now know some of the details of the story behind the original dimension, do you not? Well, keeping that in mind, this story won't be as long as you might have thought. And that's because the answer is rather simple. It's not that Yuke was created and implanted into your head. It's the opposite, actually."

"What?" Serena could feel something in her heart warning her of what was about to come.

"Yuke wasn't...created?" Rin repeated those words in her head like a loop.

"So those that mean Yuke already existed before?" Reiji inquired, pushing his glasses back up.

"Indeed. Although it's more precise to say that Yuke's personality had been locked down. Such as how Hiraki's personality was suppressed when Yuke came to be. But I can guarantee you that I did not implant anything inside of you, Hiraki."

"So what does that mean? That Yuke was always part of me?" Hiraki wasn't having it."Don't bullshit me! How does that even make sense! I never felt his presence before! Nor did I hear him. ANd besides, my face looked completely different than his as well as my hair. If he wasn't created, then what the hell is it then?"

"The one who was created wasn't Yuke. The one who was created..." Leo pointed at him dramatically."..was no one other than you, Hiraki Sotari!"

"What...?" Hiraki's bravado suddenly vanished.

"What the fuck?!" Ace loudly cursed, letting everyone know they were there.

"Impossible!" Yusho said in disbelief."Leo! Stop telling these lies and come out with the truth!"

"But it is the truth." Leo continued without missing a beat."Hiraki Sotari is nothing more than a personality created. The one who is the actual owner of that body is Yuke, and even that, is a stretch."

"What the hell are you talking about?!" Serena growled, hitting the crystal with everything she had but it wouldn't budge.

"Serena! Please, stop!" Yuzu pleaded."You'll hurt yourself if you continue doing that!"

"But Hiraki...he needs me with him!" Serena gave her a sorrowful look."I can't leave him alone."

"Explain yourself, father!" Reiji demanded.

"Very well." Leo closed his eyes, folding his arms."I suppose I should let you know more to the story I told you earlier. But before, allow me to clarify something. Indeed, Hiraki is not the real personality within that body, but Yuke. But as I have said, that's still a bit off from the mark. Well technically, Yuke is the true owner of the body, there's more to it than just that."

"What are you saying?" Leo focused his attention on Hiraki, who was visibly shaking.

"Let me tell you the story, of the monster that eradicated the Ritual Dimension. Zarc did split into five pieces like Ray." He glanced over to the five captures girls."You are looking at them right now. Zarc, however, was different in a little aspect. He knew he was going to come back, so to make sure of that, he gave more power to one of his reincarnations than the rest. That was a young man name Yumi Black. The original Ritual Reincarnation."

"Yumi..." Reiji began.

"Black..." Yusho finished.

"I have no memory of that name and yet...it sounds so familiar..." Yuke muttered under his breath. Kumai, who was next to him, simply shrugged nonchalantly.

"Yumi was a normal child. Much like your son, Yusho. Although we have no information about his earlier life, I theorized that he succumbed to Zarc's influence at the age of 7. That's when he went on a rampage through the Ritual Dimension. Once they made contact with us by mere chance, we went there to take care of the problem. However, Yumi was no mere child. As he kept most of Zarc's power, he easily tore through our army. It took multiple tries before we could incapacitate him and bring him back to our world along with Wendy."

"I remember..." Wendy's face drained completely of color.

Leo nodded."However, as you might expect, keeping him on lockdown was no easy task. He would go out of control on occasions and caused us to lose several soldiers. His power was too much to be tamed. However, I believed that his strength could be of use for my plans. For that, we sedated him and we commenced our operation. I had my scientist remove his memories and emotions in hopes of ridding of his bloodlust. That's when Yuke came to be."

"But that's impossible!" Hiraki heard Yuke yell. He was getting worried. If even Yuke was raising his voice, this could mean trouble."I don't remember any of that!"

"Since he had no memories or emotions, we were opened to feed him the necessary knowledge to turn him into a weapon. However, even then, his power was still great for us to manipulate. More so since he was young at the time. That's when I came to the realization that a new experiment had to happen." He glared over at Hiraki."I decided to keep Yuke around me at all times, but also make sure he wasn't a threat to Academia and he would not recover his memories. So we went through a new experiment. This time, instead of suppressing the memories, we created new ones. We manipulated your brain to the extent where we created your personality as a whole and even put you under plastic surgery. We changed your eyes, voice, hair, you name it. That's when we dropped you off at that orphanage. Is it not bizarre that you have no recollection of your first 7 years of your life?"

Hiraki tried saying something but he couldn't formulate the words.' What...have I done before? What did I do before I went to the orphanage? What was my life back? My parents?'

"What is the meaning of this?" Yuke momentarily took over, flashing his crimson eyes directly at the Professor.

"Ah, Yuke. So you're conscious is still around." Leo mused."But everything I have said until now is the utter truth. I knew Hiraki would find his way back to since I had altered his brain, his dueling capabilities were even less than mediocre. No matter how much he practiced, he could never get better." Leo looked over his shoulder."Does that sound familiar, Serena?"

Serena put her hand around her mouth, shaking her head slowly.

"How horrible..." Rin looked disgusted by the whole ordeal."To manipulate someone to that extreme..."

"That's why it had to be you, Hiraki." Leo continued after a pause."The day where our mission began was drawing near, so I needed Yuke's or rather Yumi's power on my side. I sent the Dragon Brothers to the Ritual Dimension to be a catalyst for your decision. And that's when you accepted and I reversed the last experiment to make you back into Yuke. However, it appears that your personality and memories weren't completely suppressed."

He focused on Hiraki's dichromatic eyes."It seems that you and Yuke found a way to maintain both of your consciousness inside the same body and at the same time. And that's a huge problem."

"What do you mean, a "huge problem"? Yuya inquired."I thought you said I was the true danger around here. Why are you involving Hiraki more than he already is?"

"Because, since they're both subconsciously together, it means that there's a chance the will unlock Yumi's memories!" The Professor bellowed."If they do, forget about what happened in the Ritual Dimension...he would become a multiverse threat. He'll eradicate all life in all 5 dimensions until there's nothing else! Yumi Black will soon come upon us if we don't do something about him!"

"That's absurd!" Reiji chimed in."While there are some details in your story that would fill some holes in the timeline, it certainly doesn't make any sense for us to simply see him as a threat. Not after he's fought so hard to get to where he is. I know Hiraki, perhaps not on a persona level, but he is a true duelist with a good heart. He's shown me that by being selfless and protecting the people he cares about. I will not throw away a comrade like him aside."

"You heard him, Leo." Yusho shot him a playful grin."These boys have made their decision. It doesn't matter how much you try to make us fight amongst ourselves, we will not give in that easily."

"We're beating you and we're going to save the girls from your grasp!" Yuya cried out."We won't let you have your way anymore, Professor!"

"So what if I'm not the original? What if my life has been a lie the whole time?" Hiraki took a step forward, a determined look gracing his features."Yuke and I came here in order to save Serena and the other girls. Our friends are fighting outside to make this possible. We won't allow either Zarc or Yumi to be brought back into the world. And by that..." He activated his Duel Disk."...we're taking you down!"

"Man, give them a bit of time, and these kids begin running wild, don't they?" A new voice echoed through out the room. Three figures landed next to the Professor.

"It's you..." Leo seemed surprised by this intervention."Lumi, Irina, and Daisuke."

"What are those three doing here...?" Ace said, scowling at the newcomers.

"This could mean trouble. And where is Seiko?" Evan addressed the elephant in the room."If those three are here, she must be by herself."

"Professor, we are here because there has been, how should I put this? A slight change of plans." Daisuke said, tossing his manga to the floor.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Leo exploded at the group."What do you mean "change of plans"?! Also, where is Seiko?! Did she get taken down?"

The trio looked at each other, grimacing before Daisuke spoke up."Oh, no need to worry about that, sir. But next time you see Seiko, it will be on completely different terms." Just then a huge earthquake began, threatening to knock some people off their feet. The girls were freaking out, specifically Rin, Yuzu and Ruri because the tubes seemed to be about to break off and if they did, they would fall to the abyss. Before the earthquake could get stronger, it stopped.

"Right on cue." Daisuke smirked sardonically."Very well then. Allow us to take care of your Hiraki problem, Professor." The trio threw themselves at high speed against Hiraki, clashing their Duel Blades against his own. Hiraki stumbled on his feet, dodding the attacks he was being thrown at.

"Hey, assholes! You leave him alone!" Ace and Evan joined the fight, picking on Daisuke and Lumi in order.

"Reiji, Yusho-sensei!" Ace turned to the Lancers."We'll be taking care of these guys somewhere else while you deal with the Professor!"

"We will come back for you, we promise!" Evan yelled over to the bracelet girls."Rin! I swear to you, I'll do everything in my power to at least save Cody!"

Hiraki pushed Irina off of him, giving Serena one last glance."It sucks that our first date is like this, huh? I'll make it up to you once this is all said and done." He gave her a smile before he ran off in the opposite direction along with the former You Show students.

"Please...be careful!" Serena hollered at him, receiving a thumbs up before they disappeared."I love you..."

"We have to have hope in them, Serena." Rin looked over to her Fusion counterpart."I believe in Evan and the others. And we should have the same hope in the ones who are fighting here."

"You're right." Wendy nodded."Let's just hope things don't overcomplicate themselves from now on."

"Still..." Yuzu clutched her hands together."What was that earthquake just now...?"

Hiraki, Ace, and Evan ran through the hallways of Academia at top speed, followed by Lumi, Irina and Daisuke who were hot on their tails.

"You wanna talk about...you know?" Ace coughed awkwardly.

"Now's not the time for that, Ace." Evan shot him a disapproving glare."Besides, whether he wants to talk about it or not is up to him. But right now, we should focus on the problem at hand. What do we do about them?"

"Taking them on simultaneously would be a bad idea. If they worked off each other properly, it could prove to be a problem for us." Ace pointed out.

"We should separate." Hiraki decided."That way, we'll prevent them from boxing us in."

"Alright then." Ace nodded."Sounds like a plan then. You stay around an area close to where the others are, Yuke. If anyone can stop the Professor now, is you."

"And if you beware of Seiko." Said Evan."If what they said is true, most likely she will give us a tremendous amount of trouble."

"Alright. Be careful you guys." Yuke gave them a nod."And don't you dare lose." With that, they all separated. Ace took the left path, followed by Daisuke while Evan went to the right, followed by Lumi. Irina continued chasing Hiraki.

"This is a good place as any." Hiraki stopped one he reached the middle of a spacious hallway."Alright..."

"Hey, listen..." Yuke began, trying to come up with the right words to say."I-"

"Yuke." Hiraki rose his voice, taking Irina by surprise."If you want to take over the body, you can. I'm not the rightful owner, so...it's only fair."

Yuke's eyes widened slightly.' Of course, he was acting tough back there to comfort Serena and the other girls. But now that we have no one around but our enemy, he's crashing down. After all... he just learned that his whole life has been a lie.'

"You should comfort him." Kumai tapped Yuke on the back."I mean, he's technically still you, just not you completely. Get it?"

"I don't need you telling me that." Yuke brushed past Kumai."And stay out of our way. I have told you several times before that I don't trust you to roam free around our mind. Even more so now that-"

"That what?" Kumai finished for him, a tint of a smile on his face. Yuke decided to not say anything and focus back on Hiraki.

"Listen, I have no right in using our body the way I did before. You have so much more to live for than I ever could." Yuke's image appeared next to Hiraki."Serena, Yuya, Yuzu, Gongenzaka, and the others are all expecting you to come alive out of this. The way you used to be before you got into this whole mess. If it's true that there was someone before us and I am supposed to be that person, but without memories and emotions, then we're in safer hands with you taking control rather than me."

Hiraki said nothing, still looking down at the floor."I'll take over for a bit if you want so you can reflect on your thoughts. It is a lot of information that was thrown at you, after all."

"Thanks, Yuke." Hiraki closed his eyes as they switched places. Once he opened them, they were both crimson.

"So, done with your little meditation?" Irina asked, hands on her hips."You sure know how to make a lady wait."

"Thanks for being so patient. I suppose that is one trait you have over your foolish sister." Yuke simply said, activating his Duel Disk."I beat you before. Do you think this will be any different now?"

"Oh, I'm fighting Yuke?" Irina gulped, nervously taking a step back."Don't think it will be the same as last time. I have improved my Deck quite a bit."

Yuke switched Hiraki's Cyber Dragon Deck back to his regular Spectral Deva Deck, ignoring her.

"Duel!"

Yuke/Hiraki vs. Irina LP: 4000 each

"So, what is it that Seiko is doing?" Yuke began as he examined his hand."I knew she had some sort of secret agenda, but what does she have planned?"

"And you think I would tell you just like that? Please." Irina took out a card from her hand."You'll have to force me! From my hand, I summon Sigma Detroid in ATK mode!"

Two robotic arms appeared on the field, using themselves as support.

Sigma Detroid Level 3, Light, Machine, ATK: 200, DEF: 100

"Detroid's effect activates! I can Special Summon another "Sigma" monster from my Deck! Arise, Sigma Magma!"

This time a pair of robotic legs appeared on the field, glowing brightly due to the magma inside of it.

Sigma Magma Level 4, Fire, Machine, ATK: 0, DEF: 0

"Let's begin! I contact Fusion Detroid and Magma!" Both monsters entered a multicolored vortex as Irina began to chant."Uniting the pieces of what was left broken, create a new machine that will tear through everything! Contact Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 5! Sigma Laternhead!"

Once the pieces combined, a monsters composed of the prior pieces appeared on the field, holding what it looked to be a black lantern attached to a chain. What was more noticeable was that the monster had no head.

Sigma Laternhead Level 5, Dark, Machine, Fusion, ATK: 2000, DEF: 1000

"I activate Laternhead's effect! I can Special Summon its summoning material back on the field!"

Sigma Magma Level 4, Fire, Machine, ATK: 0, DEF: 0

Sigma Detroid Level 3, Light, Machine, ATK: 200, DEF: 100

"I activate the Continous Spell Card, Sigma Hangar! I banish these two monsters from the field for the remainder of this turn!"

Yuke narrowed his eyes at her."Just what are you plotting?"

Irina gave him a condescending smirk."As you can already see, my Deck has changed quite a bit since the first time we met. Not to mention you made the mistake of ending the duel quickly, so you didn't see what we were capable of. Instead, we've been observing you throughout all your duels across the dimensions. We know every trick up your sleep."

"Is that so?" Yuke didn't seem convinced.

"We'll find out eventually. I activate Sigma Advanced's effect from my hand! When a monster is removed from the field, I can equip this card to a "Sigma" Fusion Monster on the field! I equip it to Laternhead! I set a card face-down and end my turn. At this point, my two banished monsters come back to the field, and I can draw cards equal to the number of monsters returning!" Irina drew 2 cards.

Irina hand: 3

"It's my turn. Draw. When I control no monsters and my opponent does, I can Special Summon Spectral Deva - Captain Kidd from my hand."

A pirate clad in brown armor appeared on the field, wielding what it looked like to be a sword made of bones.

Captain Kidd Level 6, Light, Warrior, ATK: 1800, DEF: 1000

"Captain Kidd's effect. I can add a Ritual Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. Now, I activate Captain Kidd's effect. I can change his level from 1 to 6. I'll go ahead and make Captain Kidd a level 6. Now, I activate the Ritual Spell, Deva Epidemic. I can Ritual Summon using monsters I have on the field whose levels add up to the Level of the monster I want to summon."

Captain Kidd nose-dived inside a blue crater as it began to erupt blue flames.

"Galant warrior who controls the law of order and life, become a piece of the puzzle for the ultimate goal! Ritual Summon! Appear, Level 6! Spectrum Deva - Vice Gamma!"

A monster wearing a heavy purple colored armor, with blue pulsating lines running across it, and a purple, bat-like cape appeared on the field. The monster's head resembled that of a knight, and also wielded a double-edged sword.

Spectrum Deva - Vice Gamma Level 6, Light, Warrior, Ritual, ATK:2400, DEF: 1700

"When Vice Gamma is Ritual Summoned, I can draw cards equal to the number of tributes I used. I'll draw a card. Next, the Spell Card, Deva Division. I can Special Summon from my Deck two monsters whose levels add up to a Special Summoned monster on my field. However, those monsters will have their effects negated, and have their stats reduced to zero. Come, Spectral Deva - Armadillo and Spectral Deva - Ascended Crow!"

Two metallic monsters appeared on the field, similar to the Shun's raidraptors.

"Now, I use the Level 6 Armadillo and the Level 6 Ascended Crow in order to build the Overlay Network!" Both monsters turned to green energy as Yuke began to chant."Mechanical being that lurks in the darkness of the darkest light, spread your wings and show the sign of a new era! XYZ Summon! Descend, Rank 6! Spectrum Deva - Vice Omega!"

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

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

"I activate Laternhead's effect! One per turn, during either of our turns, I can target up to 3 Special Summoned monsters on your field! Those monsters have their effects negated and cannot declare attack or switch battle positions!"

"What?" Yuke gasped as his monsters were binded by purple chains.

"Next, I activate my Trap Card, Regroup of the Pieces! I can Special Summon "Sigma" monsters from my Deck equal to the number of monsters whose effects were negated! I Special Summon Sigma Jet and Sigma Upper!"

Sigma Jet was what it looked to be a stingray and Sigma Upper was simply a giant mechanical head hiding behind a beetle mask.

Sigma Jet Level 1, Dark, Machine, Tuner, ATK: 0, DEF: 0

Sigma Upper Level 2, Earth, Machine, ATK: 0, DEF: 0

"Furthermore, I can immediately Synchro Summon using monsters on my field as materials!"

"Synchro Summon?!" Yuke repeated, taken back."This can't be. She couldn't do something like that before!"

"I tune the Level 1 Sigma Jet with the Level 2 Upper, and the Level 5 Laternhead! Mechanical being that originates from the dilemma of broken pieces! Piece yourself together to form a new combined object of destruction! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 8! Sigma Armored Laternhead!"

A new monster appeared on the field, resembling what Laternhead used to look like. However, this time it had Jet on its back working as wings while Upper was simply being used as a head now.

Sigma Armored Lanternhead Level 8, Dark, Machine, Synchro, ATK: 2100, DEF: 2000

"All it gained was a 100 ATK boost?" Yuke bit his thumb as he analyzed the new monster."It must have a terrifying effect if that's the case."

"You're not wrong." Irina interrupted his thoughts."My Deck gains strength starting from scratch and building itself to create stronger monsters. That's how we've worked so far, you know? My sister and I started from the slumps and we worked out way up to the top of Academia through hard work. For you think even think you can just ruin our plans..." Irina clenched her fists tightly."...I will show you no mercy."

Yuke said nothing. Instead, he took out a card from his hand."I set a card and end my turn."

Yuke hand: 2

"It's my turn. I draw! I tribute my Detroid and Magma in order to Advanced Summon! Appear, Sigma Psy-cord!"

A mechanical warrior appeared on the field. Instead of arms, it had long and sharp blades.

Sigma Psy-cord Level 8, Wind, Machine, ATK: 1000, DEF: 3000

"It's time to set some preparations before the grand finally arrives. Using the Level 8 Psy-cord and the Level 8 Armor Laternhead, I build the Overlay Network!"

"You have to go be kidding me..." Yuke's eyed widened as both monsters turned to purple energy and entered a black portal.

"Dark being that cuts through the shields of lies! Construct a new path that will comfort the ones who achieve victory! XYZ Summon! Appear, Rank 8! Sigma Darkstar!"

Laternhead appeared on the field again, however, this time it was clad in black armor. It had two blades on the sides of its arms and was still holding the lantern.

Sigma Darkstar Rank 8, Dark, Machine, XYZ, ATK: 2400, DEF: 2000, OU:2

"When Darkstar is XYZ Summoned and it has an "Armored Laternhead" as material, I can target a set card on your field and return it to your hand."

Yuke grimaced as he grabbed his card back and put it in his hand.

"Furthermore, I activate the Continous Spell Card, Station of the Sigma! As long as this card is on the field, I can use a monster's effect in the graveyard without needing to banish them. Meaning that I can use their effect again and again."

"But what effect would you possibly want to use?"

"Darkstar allows me to use the effects of every monster that was used for its summoning. Watch this." Irina smirked."From the graveyard, I activate Jet's effect! By banishing it from the game, I can deal you 300 points of damage!"

Lighting covered Yuke as he closed one eye, trying to withstand the pain.

Yuke LP: 3700

"Now, Psy-cord's effect allows me to banish it from the graveyard and target a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck on your field, banish it, and Special Summon its materials. Let's see...I think that Ritual Monsters lacks aesthetics, so let's go with him."

Vice Gamma banished into thin air and left Captain Kidd back in its place.

Spectral Deva - Captain Kidd Level 6, Light, Warrior, ATK: 1800, DEF: 1000

"Now, I detach one of Darkstar's Overlay Units in order to use its effect! It gains 400 ATKs per monster whose effects were used during this turn. Monsters that were part of its great construction! Since I used 2, that'll be a total of 800!"

Sigma Darkstar Rank 8, Dark, Machine, XYZ, ATK: 3200, DEF: 2000

"And thanks to Detroid's effect in the graveyard! When it's used as an Overlay Unit and I control a "Sigma Darkstar" on the field, it can be brought back as an Overlay Unit!"

"Let's fight! Sigma Darkstar attacks Spectrum Deva - Omega! Terra Punch!" The mechanical giant delivered a powerful red hook at Omega's mechanical body, destroying it to pieces with complete ease.

Yuke LP: 2800

"I end my turn with that. At this moment, Station of the Sigma's effect activates! All banished monsters return back to my graveyard!"

Irina hand: 2

"She's on a completely different league from before..." Yuke wiped a drop of sweat going down his forehead."I suppose you bunch didn't sit on your behinds while we were out there fighting on your behalf."

"Obviously not." Irina retorted."Sending off a bunch of teenagers was already a risky plan. But needed a contingency plan in case either you lost, or rebelled against us. So while you were having your little adventures in the Synchro and XYZ Dimension, we've been plotting away. Regardless, you were meant to lose."

"Meant to lose?" Yuke flinched at that."What exactly do you mean?"

"Bold of you to demand answers when you're on the losing end." Irina folded her arms under her chest.

"Very well. My turn. I draw." He felt a sense of relief when he saw Harvoc Nova in his hand."Still though, it won't do me any good to just summon it out like this. If she has Laternhead's former effect at her disposal, she'll negate its effect and render it useless."

"Hey, Yuke." Hiraki's voiced interrupted him."Let me have a go."

"Hiraki?" Yuke closed his eyes to better focus his mental connection with his other-self.

"She said she kept a close eye on you and your duels, and that's how she's figuring you out like an open book. I doubt they'd have bothered to look anything up about me, and besides, I can be unpredictable."

"Are you sure, though?" Yuke gave him a concerned look."The Spectral Deva Deck requires a high amount of skill to even pull one move off. If you make a mistake, we'll be in for trouble."

"Just trust me. We'll be fine." Hiraki shook his head, giving him a smirk."Besides, you're in a tough spot. That's surprising, really. I thought nothing could make you flinch."

"She just took me by surprise, is all." Yuke shot down his claims."Alright then. But you must switch back with me if things get out of hand, understood?

"Of course." Hiraki opened up his eyes, revealing one of them to be green.

"What's this?" Irina rose a brow."His eye has changed color."

"Now we start the real fight! I set scale 4 Spectral Deva - Deadly Spear on the Pendulum Scale!"

A small goblin holding a spear twice its size went up in a pillar of light behind Hiraki.

"I activate Deadly Spear's Pendulum effect! I return a card in my hand along with a card on my field back to the Deck and draw 2 cards from my Deck!" Hiraki gently placed his hand on top of his Deck."I have to draw that card...if I don't...then everything will be over...!" His gaze fell on Irina, rage surging inside of his body."I draw!"

Irina scowled at the sudden look in relief in his face."So, you're Hiraki. Whatever. It doesn't matter which one of you two is dueling, you will be defeated."

"I don't think so! I activate the Spell Card, Pot of Greed! I draw 2 extra cards from my Deck! Now I have 5 cards. First, I activate the Special Effect of Spectral Deva - Graverobber from my hand! By Special Summoning it in DEF mode on the field I can target up to 2 cards in your graveyard and return them straight to your Deck!"

"What?!" Irina gasped as her graveyard began to shine.

Spectral Deva - Graverobber Level 2, Light, Fiend, ATK: 1200, DEF: 200

"The cards I return are Laternhead and Armored Laternhead!" Both cards went inside her Extra Deck once more.

"Now, as I told you, the real battle begins! I activate Deadly Spear's second Pendulum effect! By destroying it, I can add a Level 8 or lower "Spectral Deva" monster from my Deck to my hand! Next, I activate the Ritual Spell, Nova Invocation! By sending the Level 8, Spectral Deva - Osiris, I can Ritual Summon! 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 and cast judgment on the sinners! Ritual Summon! Appear, the dragon who possessed the power of dark light! Level 8! Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon!"

Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon Level 8, Light, Dragon, Ritual, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2000

"Harvoc Nova's effect! When it's Ritual Summoned on the field, I can target a monster you control and negate its effect!" Harvoc Nova shot some spikes from its body that were connected by some sort of ropes and tangled around Darkstar.

"Now, the Equi Spell Card, Nova Pierce! Harvoc Nova gets a fresh new pair of horns and gains 500 ATKs" Harvoc Nova's horns turned to gold as it landed on its four legs.

Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon ATK: 3300

"Battle! Go, Harvoc Nova! Destroy Darkstar once and for all! Light of Extinction!" Harvoc Nova howled as it stretched its legs and arms out. The dark gems on its body began to shine in a light blue with a white aura surrounding it. With a loud roar, Harvoc Nova fired the energy from its gems, powering the attack with its aura as it went over towards Darkstar.

A huge explosion went off, shaking their surroundings violently.

"That should have done something..." Hiraki covered his eyes from the smoke."Even if the difference in ATK was 100, her monster must have been destroyed."

"See? I told you you should put more faith in the kid." Kumai chuckled.

"No...it's not over yet!" Yuke suddenly cried out."Hiraki, dodge!"

Hiraki felt his whole body force itself down on the floor, barely missing being hit by a rock.

"Well, that was a nice try." Irina's voice echoed through the room."It's too bad I used my trump card, the shield that defends me from anything, Gaia Shield. This card protects my monster from being destroyed by attacks, effects, and even banished. It's the ultimate defense."

Irina LP: 3900

"Although I still take damage from the difference in ATK, but that's hardly an issue. Now then, end your turn, kid."

"No way...even Harvoc Nova didn't stand a chance..." Hiraki clenched his fists."I set a card and end my turn!"

Hiraki hand: 0

"My turn! I draw! Sigma Jet's effect! By banishing it from the game, I can deal you 300 points of damage!"

Hiraki screamed in agony as lightning engulfed his body.

Hiraki LP: 2500

"Now, my monster has reached the apex of its power. All that's left is to break you. I activate Upper's effect! By banishing it from the game, I can target a monster you control and reduce its ATKs by another monster on your field. Let's make Harvoc Nova lose ATKs equal to Graverobber's!"

Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon ATK: 2800-1200= 1600

"Darkstar's effect! It gains 400 ATks per monster whose effects were used in the graveyard! That will be another 800 ATKs!"

Sigma Darkstar ATK: 3200+800=4000

Battle! Go, my mighty monster! Kill his dragon and get rid of whatever will to fight there's left in him!" Darkstar used its wings to propel itself at Harvoc Nova, first hitting it with its newly acquired shield and then punching straight through.

"I activate Nova Halt! When Harvoc Nova would be destroyed, it is not! Furthermore, the destruction goes to a card on your field instead! I destroy your Continous Spell Card before you can use it anymore!"

Hiraki was sent skidding across the floor, hitting the far end of the wall with a sticking crunch.

Hiraki LP: 100

Irina gritted her teeth in irritation."So you destroyed by way to get my monsters back to the graveyard. So what? You have only 900 LP left. And no matter what you do, my monster cannot be killed by your idiotic attacks. This duel's over. Though I must admit you've performed admirably, despite being a mere experiment."

"Hiraki, I think it's better if we switch." Yuke seemed to be nervous, but did not want to show it."We've underestimated her. Her power is far beyond what I anticipated. I should have known. But, I will not make the same mistake again."

"Get real. What could you possibly do even if you were to go now.?" Kumai asked as he floated around Yuke."Two monsters, one with almost no power. Zero set cards and zero cards in hand. I think you'd die before you even manage to reverse this situation. Face it, you're not as untouchable as you might think you are. After all, you were beaten before."

"Why you-"

"But I, on the other hand, know my way around a duel along with Hiraki." Kumai flew over to Hiraki's body subconsciously."We've talked. Behind your back. He knows I can provide an extra power boost in case of emergency and this is just that. What do you say, kid, wanna make a deal?"

"Kumai..." Hiraki grumbled under his breath, listening intently.

"Allow me to gain more access to your body. I want to be able to have as much of an impact as Yuke. It's a simple request, isn't it? All I want is fair treatment."

"Hiraki, don't!" Yuke was stopped by an invisible barrier."He's lying to you! We can't trust him!"

"Says the one who was originally the true monster that destroyed the Ritual Dimension. Think about it, Hiraki. If you use Yuke's help more than me, there's a chance that might trigger Yumi to resurface and take over. You wouldn't want that, would you? And you promise Serena you would go save her. We don't have time to waste."

"I accept then..." Hiraki cracked his eyes open."Let me get some of your power! Kumai!"

Kumai grinned from ear to ear, rubbing his hands in satisfaction."Very well then!"

Irina walked over to Hiraki's body, glancing behind her to notice Harvoc Nova was on the floor."Seems like you finally realize your position."

"No..." Hiraki's distorted voice cut her off. He glanced up at her, his eyes glowing intensely, one red and one green. He had this disturbing smile on his face that sent chills down her spine."I think the one who forgets her place is you, trash!" Hiraki screamed, releasing a dark aura, that sent Irina flying back. Harvoc Nova stood up once more, screeching loudly as if it were anxious by something.

"What is this...power?! Could it be Yuke?! No, this seems far different from him!"

"MY TURN! I DRAW!" Hiraki drew his card with such force that it created a dark shockwave."This card is just what I needed to use! I activate this card, the Spell Card, Wisdom of Supremacy! I can search from my Deck a Ritual Spell and a Ritual Monster!"

A stream of black energy suddenly came out from a portal in front of Hiraki as two cards spun around, leveling up to his face. He tried reaching out for them, but he couldn't. He had to put more power if he wanted to reach new heights.

"Playing hard to get, aren't we? That's fineeee! That's totally FINE!" Hiraki shouted, sporting a savage grin on his face as he pushed further and further.

"Hiraki! Don't!" Yuke tried to take control but was unable to."What's going on?! Why can't we switch?!"

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" Hiraki grabbed the two cards as the stream of energy entered his body, intensifying his dark aura."I activate the Ritual Spell, Ultimate Evolution! I send "Harvoc Nova Ritual Dragon" to the graveyard along with Graverobber to use as tributes and Ritual Summon once more!"

A blue portal opened up behind Harvoc Nova as ghostly arms wrapped around its body and pulled it in.

"Savage monster that feeds from the fear and insecurities of the weak minds across the worlds! Grant me one more surge of power to push through and rule over the peasants that stand in your way! Ritual Summon! Take the world, Level 9! Scanvenger Nova Ritual Dragon!"

A dragon emerged from the portal, wearing a golden helmet with three horns and red markings on the helmet mask and tips of the two horns in the back. Its frontal horn in the front is shaped like a blade. It had golden braces on its wrists and ankles, three golden claws are located on its knuckles near the backhand, and golden talons located on its feet. It has six crimson folded armored wings which looks almost angelic when opened. Its tail had a wrecking ball at the end of it with multiple thorns come out of it. To top it all, it also had multiple gems over its body.

Scavenger Nova Ritual Dragon Level 9, Light, Dragon, Ritual, ATK: 3100, DEF: 3000

"It can't be! Harvoc Nova has evolved into this?!" Irina took a step back, frightened at the sigh of the new dragon."No matter. I will bring it down, no matter how many times it evolves!"

"When Scavenger Nova Ritual Dragon comes to the field, all card effects on your field are negated, including the effects you can activate in your graveyard! Cards negated by this effect cannot be activated it anymore. Furthermore, for every card on your current field that has been shut down, my monster gains 500 ATK! Since you have that monster and that trap equipped to it, that'll be an extra 1000 ATKs!"

Scavenger Nova Ritual Dragon ATK: 4100

"Now, for the real deal! I activate Scavenger Nova's effect! I can attack all monsters on the field until you control no monsters! For each attack done, my monster gains 200 ATKs! Imperial Scatter Shot!" Scavenger Nova opened its mouth as its wings began to shine in crimson. The gems on its body began to shine in blue and their energy began going into a powerful beam of energy! First shot!" Scanvenger Nova hit Darkstar's shield, pushing it back slightly.

Irina LP: 3800

"Idiot! Your monster is far too weak to do any damage!" Irina shot back."Don't get cocky just because you've powered up!"

"The only idiot here is you, bimbo." Hiraki snickered."Ah~I haven't felt like this in so long! I wanted to enjoy this feeling more but...I have to get rid of you if I want to advance. AND SAVE EVERYONE!" He cackled maniacally."Scavenger Nova can attack until there's no monster on your field! Since your monster cannot be destroyed by battle, I'll just have to hit you until you run out of LP. That'll be...38 more times!"

"38 times..." Irina's face was completely drained of color. She couldn't move or formulate words. All she could do was stare at the shower of energy beams coming at her and her monster. Irina was sent flying to the far wall with Darkstar as they kept being pushed by the attacks. They broke through the wall and went on to the next one and so on and so forth. Scavenger Nova fired one last time at the poor girl, hearing a loud scream afterward.

Irina LP: 0

Winner: Hiraki

Hiraki dropped to the ground, panting heavily and grabbing his head. His eyes had stopped glowing and he had a really bad headache.

"You did good, kid." Kumai mused as he observed. Yuke did not dare to say a word. He simply stared daggers at Kumai, who simply shrugged in response."Now let's get going. We have a world to save, after all~"

Meanwhile, a tall figure stood in the middle of a dark room. The once full tubes of red energy were now empty, and the room where Seiko had been put in was torn to pieces. The tall, muscular figure walked around the room, rubbing what it looked to be wings behind its back.

"So, this is the human world? It had been quite a while since I've been here." The voice said, rubbing its face delicately."Ah, so I was brought in with a host. A powerful host. And her memories...I see." The voice chuckled sinisterly as it exited the room."Now...time to look for a worthy opponent..."

And there you have the big reveal. Or is it? Is the Professor telling them the truth? Or is he making stuff up to confuse them? Stick around because next chapter it's Ace and Evan's turn to shine against their opponents!