Between My Brother and Me: Do ut Des

by Green Phantom Queen

Part of the Between verse: He wanted to atone for his crimes. She wanted to find a way to free the darkness in others' hearts. After dying, Wes and Rui find themselves resurrected by the Dark Signers with a mission for them: to uncover the ones who wish to plunge Domino Below into never-ending darkness and prepare the battlefield for utter massacre...whether they want to or not.

4. Hysteria

Before the knight would grow up to become a knight, he was nothing more than a young boy who had everything any child wanted.

A home, loving parents, and a head full of dreams that he could use to explore and escape the dreary, gloomy and downright depressing landscape of Satellite.

Unfortunately, imaginations always hit a brick wall in the face of reality, and the reality was that life could be absolutely cruel.

The best day of his life became the worst; happiness turned into sadness soon after he wished that he would always be happy with his family.

And ever since the, the knight casted the finest armor to be worn over his heart, so that he would be protected from the pain that came with losing ones that he loved.

However, he did not expect the princess with blue eyes to slowly begin working on dismantling that armor. Nor did he expect that, in just a short time, he would gain just what he wished for all these years ago.

In the end, it was something to die for.

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3rd Offering

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Hysteria

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September 30th, Empty Road in Domino Below, 5:25 PM

Rui runs as if her life depends on it.

Technically speaking, she doesn't have to worry if she gets captured. From what she understands about her new state of being, Dark Signers and those associated with them are faster, sturdier and stronger than an average human being, and their senses are multiplied tenfold.

The reason that she runs as if her life depends on it is mostly out of habit, back when she was chased by members of Security or ignorant assholes who deemed her to be a witch in the worst kinds of ways.

And also because the life of the person she cradles in her arms depends on it.

A part of Rui feels absolutely ashamed at what she enacted back at that duel. She was that close in killing someone. Never in her wildest dreams has she ever wanted to kill someone. Get retribution on those who have harassed her, yes. Absolutely going so far as to murder them in cold blood? No.

"Please…" Yuri groans, head turning to the side. "F...father…"

Rui places a hand over Yuri's forehead and grimaces; he's burning up with a fever. She has to hurry. She knows that there is a doctor in Domino Below, but where he is right now, that she can't tell. All she can see for miles are dilapidated buildings, wrecks of cars, giant piles of trash and black birds staring at her as if they were sent by the gods to watch her.

Black birds...a thought suddenly appears in her mind.

She knows that Psychic Duelists are capable of summoning monsters in real life, and she recalls how her grandfather would summon monsters from his deck to entertain her when she was a child. Could a witch like her, now a Dark Signer Acolyte, use this powers to help him?

It is worth a try.

Rui stops running and kneels down, gently placing Yuri on the ground. His breathing has slowed down, but he's still covered in all of those bruises.

Rui ignores this as she looks at her Duel Disk and pulls out her deck. Fanning the cards out, she finds the card she wants, returns the deck into her Duel Disk and plays the card.

"Salvation Seraphim Healer, hear my cry!" she announces.

Then, in a burst of light, the angel with leaves and berries decorating her long blond hair in an earthy halo appears, mortar and pestle in hand.

"What can I do for you, Mistress?" asks the angel.

"First of all, just call me 'Rui'," Rui begins. "And second, please help me heal him! He's...he's going to die if we don't do something."

Salvation Seraphim Healer takes a look at Yuri's wounds. There's no second-guessing it; the wounds he took from Ruri's duel would kill him if nothing is done soon.

Then, the healing angel smiles. I know just what to do, Rui. Just keep talking to him, tell him that everything will be all right!

Rui smiles. "Thank you."

Salvation Seraphim Healer swiftly plucks a few leaves from her halo and places them into the pestle. Then, like a rabbit making mochi on the moon, she alternates between mixing the poultice and pounding it with her mortar over and over again until all that is left is a fine golden paste that smells like peppermint.

Rub this all over his wounds and he'll be much better. says Salvation Seraphim Healer.

"All right," says Rui, taking two fingers into the paste and running it over a large scar over Yuri's forehead. With a single swipe, the wound begins to heal, much to her relief.

"It's going to be okay," Rui whispers, smearing some more paste onto his arm. "I promise you, Yuri. I...I'm sorry for what I did back there. It was uncalled for."

Her only response to this is another moan as the wound on the arm fades. Rui swallows hard as she starts unbuttoning Yuri's coat, wincing at all of the scars on his chest.

Who...who would do such a thing to him?

"Father...please…" Yuri mumbles, a tear falling down his eye as he reaches towards Rui and places a hand on her cheek. "Please…"

Rui's eyes fill with tears as she places a hand over his own. Then, she applies more of the balm on the scars, watching them heal as Salvation Seraphim Healer looks on.

"Yuri…" Rui whispers. "Yuri don't go into the light...you have someone waiting for you..Just hold on tight and -"

"Yugo! Yugo, what the hell happened to you?!"

Rui looks up to see a woman approach them from a jeep that stopped just a few feet away from them. She has short brown hair with a pair of red goggles perched on top, and wears a mechanic outfit that's colored red, grey and white. A yellow toolkit is strapped to her waist and she also has a cellphone out in her hand. Salvation Seraphim Healer tilts her head at the stranger, but otherwise stays calm.

"Oh my god, Yugo!" The woman screams, approaching Yuri. She drops to her knees and begins shaking the boy. "Yugo, speak to me! It's me, Elaine!"

Yuri just groans, eyes blurry as Elaine looks on the verge of tears. She turns to Rui and grabs her shoulders.

"What happened to Yugo?!" Elaine asks, hysterical. "Who did this to him? Was it Security? Did they decide to…"

"No, it wasn't Security!" Rui blurts out. "And his name isn't Yugo, it's Yuri! And he...well, he's…"

Elaine pauses as she takes another good look at Yuri. Her eyes must be deceiving her because, if Yuri's hair and eyes were a different color, he would have looked just like...

"Yuri is in bad shape," she states, running a finger across a large cut on his shoulder. "What kind of person would do such a thing?"

"He...well, I…"

If Rui was alive at this point, her heart would be pounding against her chest. How could she be so ruthless? There is absolutely no way this woman would believe that sweet Princess Rui, whose thoughts of evil intent only went as far as people understanding what it's like to be her when they hurled insults at her, nearly killed Yuri in a duel just minutes ago nor that this girl is now one of the deadly Dark Signers that patrolled Domino Below.

Better yet, what the hell are her grandparents going to think when they find out?

Elaine grits her teeth as she sends a quick message on her phone. Then, she places it into her toolbelt. "You can tell me on the way; come on, get your little friend to carry him to the jeep."

"But wait!" Rui stammers, gently lifting Yuri into her arms. Salvation Seraphim Healer tilts her head, unsure whether to stay or leave. Rui just nods her head and the blond angel takes the hint, disappearing in a small shower of gold glitter. "Um, Miss Elaine, where are we heading?"

Elaine turns and points off into the distance.

"My place of work," she answers. "Time to take refuge under the Guardian Signs."

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September 30th, Wes vs Security, 5:30 PM

(Wes: 8000) - - - - - - - - (A113: 8000)(B12: 8000)(C4: 8000)

Narrowing his eyes, Wes observes the cards that are in his opponents' hands. He smirks; the duel is over before it even begins.

"I'll go first," he says, drawing a card. He smiles at what he draws and chuckles, "And I'll start by playing this Spell Card I call Synthphonist Orchestra!"

A low hum fills the field as the desolate area transforms into a large orchestra pit one finds in a humongous theater. The only difference here is that this pit is filled with circuitry, glowing electric lines, and blinking lights that juxtapositions the baroque with the cybernetic. Marble columns with techno lights meshed in a dazzling display of what is to come.

"My players will take the stage soon enough," Wes continues. "But first, let me tell you just what this card will do for me. Every time I shuffle a card in my graveyard back into my deck, this card gains a 'Synth Counter'. What these counters do, you'll know later on.

"Next, I summon the first of my performers. I summon Synthphonist Oboist in Attack Mode!"

Appearing on the stage is a girl with brown hair that falls into curls and wearing a simple black dress. What is interesting to note about her is that she seems to be a test subject for cybernetic surgery: her skin and dress sports cybernetic implements and blinking lights and resting on her back are a trio of oboes like folded wings. (1200 ATK)

"W...what is that?!" asks C4, looking at his Duel Disk. "This isn't your usual play, kid!"

"Oh, you just noticed that now?" asks Wes. "Yes, Synthphonist Oboist is just like me and all of these souls who have to scavenge just to have a bowl of rice or slice of bread to fill their empty bellies. They have lost so much yet they still keep standing, still with these smiles on their faces as they prepare for tomorrow's struggles.

"And she won't be performing alone. With Synthphonist Orchestra on the field, I can make an additional summon for a 'Synthphonist' monster once per turn. So next, I play Synthphonist Flutist to join her!"

With a few notes of a flute fluttering in the air, the next monster appears. She is a head shorter than Oboist with long white hair that falls past her shoulders and a maroon and white dress with plenty of ruffles. On both sides of her head are blinking plug-in lights that flash red and green. Her right arm is mechanical, a bright silver color that contrasts with her outfit. She curtsies to her opponents. (800 ATK)

"My next card is called Synthphonist Tuning! Since I have at least one 'Synthphonist' monster on the field, I get to take another one from my deck to my hand."

He plays the card, depicting a girl with a little tricorner on her head and puppet strings and pulleys attached to her joints plucking at one while Synthphonist Flutist holds a tuning fork in her hand. A card pops out of Wes's deck, which he takes to expand his hand to three.

"And what's more, if I shuffle Synthphonist Tuning back to my deck, I can perform an additional summon! And remember, every time I shuffle a card from my graveyard to my deck, my Synthphonist Orchestra gains a 'Synth Counter'."

"What?!" A113 announces as the Field Spell blinks to life and the sounds of musical instruments warming up enters everyone's ears. "You mean to tell me that you're summoning three monsters in one turn?"

"That's not fair!" B12 adds.

Wes frowns, left arm trembling. "You ganging up on me 3 against 1 isn't fair!" he notes. "Better yet, your way of taking care of Domino Below and your 'treatment' of its fellow citizens isn't fair! Why don't you take a walk in my boots before you start complaining?!"

Before C4 can open his mouth, Wes states, "I summon Synthphonist Clarinetist in Attack Mode to create a trio of Woodwinds to knock you all down!"

The newest Synthphonist monster appears to the left of Synthphonist Flutist, her blue hair in a bobcut and wearing a suit instead of a dress like her sisters. Her left arm is colored silver with various gears running smoothly as she sweeps her arm out to properly bow at her opponents. The left side of her face has metal plating and a single red light for an eye that all but states, "This is your end." (1600 ATK)

"Then, I place one card face-down and end my turn," Wes finishes, placing a card face-down. "Your move, gentlemen."

The three Security guards stare at Wes's monsters for a moment, trying to understand what the boy's play is. From what they have heard about him, they know that he usually plays a PSY-Frame deck with Psychic support that revolves around Banishing monsters on the field to cripple his opponent's plays. It would make sense, seeing as he is from a Duel Gang famous from breaking duelists' spirits by taking away what they hold most dear.

But this? They note that something is entirely off about the situation, but that will be for later. After they drop his lifepoints to zero.

"Your monsters aren't so tough," A113 notes, drawing a card. "And, you do realize that you left three non-activated Gemini monsters on the field in Attack Mode, right?"

"I did?" Wes exclaims, hands on his face in horror. "Oh no, whatever shall I do? How did I become the top member of Team Snagem by playing an opening move such as this!"

When no one answers his question, he chuckles. Then, he lifts his head and cackles before he lowers his head. The grin on his face combined with the black sclera and golden pupils make him resemble a black cat staring out into the shadows, ready to inflict bad luck to whoever it crosses paths with.

"Looks are absolutely deceiving, Security," he hisses. "My monsters may look weak, but each of them are just like me; there's more than them that meets the eye. And they have quite the arsenal to take your Goyo goons down for the count."

"You're gonna eat your words, punk," A113 snarls. "First, I play Meteor of Destruction!"

He plays a Spell Card of a golden meteor surrounded by fiery energy. Wes grimaces; he knows where this is going.

"Since you have more than 3000 lifepoints, I can inflict 1000 points of damage! Eat this!"

A large yellow meteor rains from the sky, slamming into Wes's Duel Disk as Wes is pushed back an inch or two.

(Wes: 7000) - - - - - - - - (A113: 8000)(B12: 8000)(C4: 8000)

"Then, I summon Jutte Lord in Attack Mode!" A113 continues.

Rising onto the field is a warrior monster wearing a black tri-corner hat, a cyan coat with golden trimming and a black hakama. A white mask with red lines covers his face and strapped to its left side are two thin swords. His feet are covered by white socks and black slippers and in his right hand is the weapon, a jutte, that reminds Wes of a giant seam ripper (not that he would know that at first glance, having had to learn how to mend his own clothes so he could save money for more important things). (1600 ATK)

"And when Jutte Lord is summoned, I get to Special Summon another 'Jutte' monster from my hand. So join your lord, Jutte Fighter!"

Rising next to Jutte Lord is another monster that reaches up to Jutte Lord's waist. He has his hair oiled into a topknot and strapped to his back is a large blue gas tank. He wears a yellow robe with a red vest on top of that, black sneakers and jutte similar to Jutte Lord's in his right hand. Lastly, he squints at Wes through a pair of large round glasses. (700 ATK)

"With these two monsters, I'll tune them together for a Synchro Summon!"

"And here we go," Wes mutters, watching Jutte Fighter transform into a trio of rings while Jutte Lord forms into four white stars that fly into the rings.

(*2 + *4 = *6)

"To catch my prey, I call upon a predator!" A113 chants. "I Synchro Summon! Level 6! Goyo Predator!"

Then, the monster emerges.

Wes has battled Security more than a dozen times to know what this monster looks like: It looks more like a demon than a warrior with a purple and red mask, two different colored eyes - red for the left and yellow for the right - and two purple horns. He wears armor with fur trim around the neck and shoulders along with green robes with yellow trim. A large red shawl wraps around his body as he prepares his jutte weapon with glee, cackling at which of these fine ladies will be the first one to be 'attacked' by him. (2400 ATK)

"Next, I equip my Goyo Predator with Goyo Arrow! And as long as it's equipped to my monster, I can inflict 100 points damage onto your lifepoints for each of my monster's levels once per turn!"

He plays an Equip Spell Card, depicting not a bow and arrow, but rather a gatling gun crackling with lightning. A similar weapon straps itself onto the left wrist of Goyo Predator.

"Oh, what a surprise," Wes notes. "As if I haven't experienced that before. Oh wait, I have. And if I had a bag of popcorn for every single time I've taken damage from that card, I would be selling them off at the next circus that comes into town."

A113 sucks his teeth in as Goyo Predator fires the 'arrow' at Wes's Duel Disk. Wes doesn't even flinch when his Duel Disk is hit with six bullets.

(Wes: 6400) - - - - - - -(A113: 8000)(B12: 8000)(C4: 8000)

"Now my monster," A113 continues. "Attack the one with the flute!"

Goyo Predator lunges straight toward Synthphonist Flutist, the girl lifting her head up high as the jutte is about to pierce her heart.

"Not so fast!" says Wes. "I activate my face-down card, Synthphonist Resonance!"

His face-down card flips over, revealing the trio of Synthphonist Clarinetist and Oboist and a third girl with a snare drum and a black visor covering her eyes on stage holding hands, a bright light rising underneath their feet and shining in their eyes.

"When this card is activated, it Normal Summons all 'Synthphonist' monsters on my side of the field, unlocking their true potential as Gemini monsters!"

The trio of monsters that Wes controls feels power surge through their bodies. For Oboist, the three oboes on her back spread out like a compass pointing out in different directions. With energy washing all over her, her mechanical parts detach themselves and hover around her as if magnetized.

Next, Synthphonist Flutist cackles as her white hair also stands up like a nuclear plume as her right arm morphs into a cybernetic flute with two screens popping up. A set of metal spikes emerge from her back as a pair of plugs from her new flute arm are jacked into the plugs on both sides of her head.

And as for Clarinetist, her hair spikes up as if someone rubbed a balloon onto her head, and her suit transforms into a suit of spiky robotic armor. Her left arm quickly shifts into a hybrid of a robotic cannon and clarinet that she points at Goyo Predator.

"That little light show won't save you!" A113 notes. "Your monsters are still too weak to stand up to my monster!"

"I activate the effect of Synthphonist Oboist!" Wes shouts. "I can negate an attack from a monster then reduce the level of one monster I control by 1! Go!"

Synthphonist Oboist obliges as six bolts of lightning fire from the oboes on her back, sending Goyo Predator back to its master's side. (LV: 4 -) 3)

"Next, the effect of Synthphonist Flutist activates!" Wes continues. "Once per turn, whenever the level of a monster changes, I get to draw a card!"

He swiftly draws his card all while watching A113 grit his teeth.

"And then," Wes grins. "I activate the effect of Synthphonist Clarinetist! Once per turn, I can flip a monster you control face-down and then reduce a level of a monster I control by 1!"

Synthphonist Clarinetist fires her clarinet cannon at Goyo Predator, hitting him a blast of Sonic waves before he turns into a face-down card. (LV: 4 -) 1)

"...I end my turn there," A113 says. "But there's still more where that came from."

"My turn!" says B12, drawing his card and adding it to his hand. But when Wes looks at said hand, he raises an eyebrow at the new addition.

He must be seeing things, because the card the Security officer drew is Polymerization.

"First, I play my Spell Card, Thunder Short!" B12 announces. "Now you lose 400 lifepoints for every monster you control!"

He slaps his card into the Duel Disk, the card depicting a trio of monsters struck by lighting in a barren landscape all while someone (a man with long orange hair) shields himself from the thunderstorm raging on. Then, three bolts of lightning strike down on Wes's Duel Disk and reduces his lifepoints by 1200.

(Wes: 5200) - - - - - - - - (A113: 8000)(B12: 8000)(C4: 8000)

"Then, I summon Jutte Fighter onto the field in Attack Mode!" B12 announces.

Another copy of Jutte Fighter appears, weapon ready. (700 ATK)

"And since I have a Warrior monster on the field, I can Special Summon Fire Flint Lady from my hand!"

The next monster that appears is a woman shorter than Jutte Fighter, her face covered with a white and red hood so only her large smile can be seen. She wears a simple blue robe with a yellow obi tying it and in her hands are two large pieces of coal that she strikes to form sparks. (100 ATK)

"Then, I Synchro Summon! Go, my loyal monsters!"

Jutte Fighter spins around and forms into three rings while Kiribi Lady smiles before she shrinks into a single star. Wes narrows his eyes; what exactly is this Security guard going to prove with a Synchro Monster and a Polymerization card?

"Whatever you're trying to pull, I'm sure to stop you!" he boasts.

(*2 + *1 = *3)

"You fool!" B12 cries. "There is no escape; many have tried, all have failed! I Synchro Summon! Level 3! Goyo Defender, report for duty!"

Rising onto the field is a tiny warrior the size of Jutte Fighter, with white and red kabuki makeup, black hair in a topknot and dressed in a blue robe. In his right hand is his jutte, and in his left hand is a blue and yellow riot-shield twice his size. (1000 DEF)

"When I have an EARTH Warrior-type Synchro monster on the field, I get to Special Summon another Goyo Defender from my Extra Deck onto the field!"

A copy of Goyo Defender rises, preparing his shield and jutte. (1000 DEF)

"And next, I plan to use them to unleash a monster that will bring you to your knees! I play my Spell Card, Polymerization!"

Wes's eyes narrow at seeing the well known Fusion Spell Card appear. Both of B12's Goyo Defender's spin round and suck into the card as the Security Officer smirks.

"I Fusion Summon! Now, bow down to the ultimate authority! Bow down to Goyo Emperor!"

Descending from the sky is the Fusion Monster on an elaborate throne with red velvet cushioning. His long violet hair is tied into two tails that fall down to his stomach, while his face is covered in the white and red makeup of his fellow Goyo monsters. He dresses in a yellow silk robe with cyan trim and purple and red shoulder pads along with an emperor hat topping his head. He shoots a glare at Wes's monsters, as if disapproving of the fun and games that his Synthphonist monsters have to offer. (3300 ATK)

Since when did Security members learn how to Fusion Summon? Wes thinks to himself. Looks like that's another question to ask Mikuri.

"Next, I equip Goyo Arrow to my Goyo Emperor, so you lose another 1000 lifepoints!" B12 cackles.

Strapped onto Goyo Emperor's arm is a miniature gatling gun, and ten rounds of bullets strike Wes, who blocks the attacks by crossing his arms across his face, getting seriously annoyed with his opponents.

(Wes: 4200) - - - - - - - (A113: 8000)(B12: 8000)(C4: 8000)

"Now my monster, attack!"

Goyo Emperor positions his Goyo Arrow at Synthphonist Oboist, the girl ready to strike back once again.

"I activate Synthphonist Oboist's special ability once more!" Wes counters. "I negate your attack, reduce Oboist's level by 1 and have Synthphonist Flutist let me draw another card! Then, Synthphonist Clarinetist will flip Goyo Emperor face-down!"

Again, Synthphonist Oboist fires six bolts of lightning at a Goyo monster all while Wes draws another card. (LV: 3 -) 2) This is then followed by Synthphonist Clarinetist turning the Fusion monster into a face-down card. (LV: 3 -) 2)

"Now, are you gonna play something new or are we just gonna do the old song and dance with C4 here?" Wes inquires.

"I play Mystical Space Typhoon to get rid of this shitty stage and bring us back to Earth!" B12 snaps.

A large tornado storms across the field, ready to blow the orchestra out of the way. Wes smirks.

"And I remove a 'Synth Counter' on my Synthphonist Orchestra to keep it standing!" he retorts, watching B12 drop his jaw in horror. The lights of the orchestra fades, but otherwise it weathered the storm. "Better luck next time, BB!

"Now C4, show me what you got!"

C4 growls as Wes looks into his hand. It looks very similar to A113's, so that clues him in on what to expect.

"FINE!" says C4, practically tearing the top card off of his deck. "First, I play Meteor of Destruction!"

A second meteor falls from the sky, this time it knocks Wes off of his feet, but he doesn't groan in agony.

Instead, he looks downright annoyed as he stands up, glaring at his opponent with a look that could set candles aflame.

(Wes: 3200) - - - - - - - - (A113: 8000)(B12: 8000)(C4: 8000)

"Next," C4 continues, oblivious to the slowly burning anger forming inside Wes. "I'll…"

"Finish that sentence for you!" Wes interrupts, rolling his eyes. He clears his throat before he states in a very gruff voice, "I summon Jutte Lord onto the field in Attack Mode!"

C4 plays the card all while scowling. The Jutte Lord appears with a similar scowl on his face. (1600 ATK)

"And when he's on the field, I'll Special Summon Jutte Fighter from my hand…" Wes continues.

The third Jutte Fighter appears next to Jutte Lord, frowning. (700 ATK)

"And then, I'll tune my monsters to form a Synchro Summon! Go my monsters!"

C4's face is red underneath his helmet as he performs his Synchro Summon.

(*2 + *4 = *6)

"Behold, this is the power of authority!" Wes shouts, stating the chant from memory. "Synchro Summon! Level 6! A surprise encounter, Goyo Guardian!"

The newest monster towers both Goyo Predator and Emperor, depicting a burly man with the white/red makeup and jutte weapon of the Goyo monsters alongside black robes and a large blue sash tied behind his back. He cackles in glee at his prey, while the Synthphonist monsters frown back at him. (2800 ATK)

"And now, I equip Goyo Arrow onto my monster to inflict 600 points of damage to your lifepoints, Team Snagem Scum!" Wes proclaims, unphased at the arrow that hits his Duel Disk.

(Wes: 2600) - - - - - - - (A113: 8000)(B12: 8000)(C4: 8000)

"And now I attack!" Wes shouts. "Go Goyo Guardian!"

"WILL YOU SHUT UP?!" C4 screams as his monster flies towards the Synthphonist monsters.

"...No," Wes answers, looking downright bored. "Synthphonist Oboist…"

Oboist rolls her eyes as she forms a massive dome-like barrier over her and her sisters. (LV: 2 -) 1) Then, Wes draws his card.

"Now, what's next?" he asks, raising an eyebrow. "Wait, wait, wait...don't tell me." He closes his eyes, stretches his left arm out and places a finger on his forehead. "I see...I see...I seeeeee…"

As C4's eye twitches at Wes's melodrama, ready to clock the boy over the head with his Duel Disk. Then, Wes's eyes suddenly shoot open.

"Solidarity!" he proclaims. "Yes, you will use Solidarity to increase the attack strength of all Warrior monsters that you three control by 800 and state that I can no longer negate attacks since Synthphonist Oboist's level has dropped to 1. Then, you all will laugh at me and say that I am doomed, then state that after I lose, you will proceed to take me into the Facility...correct?"

The three guards are speechless as C4 looks at his hand; Wes is correct. He has a Solidarity card in his hand.

"Yes, I play Solidarity," C4 states, playing the Continuous Spell Card on the field of the five Ojama Brothers holding hands around a graveyard and watches as the stats of his face-up Goyo monster rise. (2800 -) 3600 ATK)

"And yes, you just realized that you can't use the little oboe girl to protect yourself! However, after we finish with you, you're going to have a better life and purpose than wasting away in the Facility."

Wes frowns. Something definitely isn't right. Something in the pit of his stomach is telling him that whatever he's getting into that isn't the Facility is nothing but bad news.

"Wait a second," says A113, taking a quick glance at Synthphonist Clarinetist. "You're not going to use her effect?"

"Oh how sweet of you to actually have feelings for me," says Wes. "But trust me on this, the feeling isn't mutual.

"And with that, my players are here. It's time for the show to begin!"

That's right...A voice whispers in his mind, causing Wes to gasp. It's time for us to have a little talk, Wes.

And as he draws his card, Wes's vision becomes shrouded with light.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

September 30th, Elaine's Jeep, 5:40 PM

"Tell me, girl," says Elaine, foot on the pedal as she speeds down the empty road. "What's your name?"

"It's Rui," Rui answers, sitting in the back, cradling Yuri in her arms. "I live in Agate Forest with my grandparents."

"Really now? I have a fiance who lived there once, before he settled down in the central hub of Domino Below that has been christened as Toynbee County."

"Eh?"

Elaine sighs as she looks at the rearview mirror. "It's named after some old guy who explained that civilization goes through many phases of 'challenge and response' - people meet challenges and respond by inventing new things or imagining great ideas that will help them progress through time.

"That's what this whole thing with Domino Below is; just some huge experiment to see how we all will react to this humongous earthquake splitting us to the Tops and Commoners. I'm just wondering how long it will take before we get into a Metropolis-type of rebellion."

Rui stays quiet as Elaine looks back on the road. "I'm sorry I freaked out back there, Rui. I just thought…"

"You thought Yuri was this Yugo person you knew," Rui finishes.

Elaine nods her head as she tosses a framed photo behind her. Rui catches it and gasps; Yugo does look exactly like Yuri, except his hair is blue and yellow and his eyes are teal. In the photo, Yugo is hugging Elaine as they pose in front of a silver D-Wheel modeled after a hornet.

"Yeah, it's kinda funny that they they both look exactly the same!" Elaine continues. "I mean, what are the chances to find two individuals that bear the same face here in Domino Below? It's almost as if the two were brothers are something."

Rui flinches as she hears that word. "Brothers…" she murmurs.

Yuri's memory plays in her mind, where "Father" and Young Yuri decide to have a picnic for their little family, and how Young Yuri swore to be strong enough to protect everyone he loves. Is this why the Yuri resting in her lap became this haughty general that carded people and kidnapped princesses for kicks? Did something happen in his past to make him this way?

"Are people born wicked or have wickedness thrust upon him?" Rui asks herself, recalling a song she once heard.

Elaine frowns as she notices the solemn look on Rui's face. "You mind if I put some music on?"

Rui shakes her head. "No, I think it'll make things better if Yuri listens to some."

Elaine smiles once again. "All right then. I hope you don't mind Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; it's kinda my go-to music whenever I travel. Any preference?"

"Something soothing would be nice."

"Ah! I know just the thing!"

At this, Elaine presses a button on the radio presses the 'Forward' button two or three times. Then, a music box melody combined with Dick Van Dyke's voice fills the jeep as Rui holds onto Yuri tight.

"A gentle breeze from Hushabye Mountain
Softly blows over Lullaby bay
It fills the sails of boats that are waiting
Waiting, to sail your worries away…"

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

September 30th, Wes's Mind, 5:46 PM

Wes's eyes suddenly snap open and he finds himself in some strange landscape of mirrors floating in a violet landscape. He looks around, sensing someone is observing him. He doesn't need to use his psychic powers to deduce something like that.

Still, better get this over with so he can return to the duel.

"Mikuri?" he asks, looking around. When he gets no response, he sighs, "If you're here, I have plenty of questions that need answers!"

"Mikuri?" A voice echoes, causing Wes to gasp. That voice is exactly like his own. "I'm not him, but I can answer anything that you need."

Wes spins around, seeing a shadow reflected in one of the mirrors. The shadow races from one mirror to the next as if it is the white rabbit that leads children to Wonderland. Wes immediately sets off, trying to find any suspicious details of this shadow, but the only thing he can see is that the eyes of the shadow shine gold, even in the dark.

"Who are you supposed to be?" Wes asks, trying to keep up with this strange entity.

"I am you," His shadow answers. "Better yet, you are a part of me."

"I'm gonna need a name," Wes remarks. "Because I doubt calling you my 'True Self' is gonna catch on."

"Oh that," The person chuckles. "You may call me 'Zarc', if you wish my dear Remnant."

Wes raises an eyebrow. "'Remnant'? Is that some kind of Dark Signer or Hamunaptra thing?"

"No, no…" Zarc answers. "It is a 'Soul' thing. It is a very convoluted story that I will not get into, but the gist of it is that you are a part of my soul reborn into a new body."

Wes nearly stumbles over his own feet when he hears that. "W...what?!"

The shadow lets out a long sigh. "I know it is a lot to take in, Remnant of mine. But now is not the time. Look, we are here."

Wes looks away from the mirror and gasps. In front of him is an elaborate door made of obsidian with four dragons carved upon its surface. The eyes of each of the dragons stare at him, made of gemstones of different colors. One has blue eyes made of turquoise, one has amethyst eyes, one has a ruby and emerald eye, and the last one…

The last one has pink tourmaline eyes and looks exactly like Yuri's Starving Venom Fusion Dragon.

As Wes stares in bewilderment, the shadow leaps out of a mirror and lands in front of Wes, extending his arms out as if to embrace the boy. The smile on the shadow's face widens as the darkness gives way to light, revealing a figure that Wes knows, with grey hair with green highlights and bright golden eyes.

But what is different about this person now is that they also have a pair of black and green dragon wings on his back. a long serpentine tail that curls around his legs and black fins on the side of his head, making him look like a demon ready to devour an unrepentant soul.

"You…" Wes whispers, recalling Yuri's memory of the garden. "You're Yuri's father…."

Zarc chuckles, scales forming on his face. He smiles, revealing a pair of sharp fangs. Wes shudders; it reminds him of the nightmares he once had of being devoured by a school of sharks.

"We were once the father of four brilliant sons," Zarc answers, his voice soft. "Until the humans came and threatened to destroy my kingdom, burning it down to the ground and unleashing a monster that threatened to kill me and my children were it not for…"

Zarc pauses for a second before he shakes his head.

"You will learn that story later. But right now, I noticed that you were in a tight situation."

"I've handled worse," Wes states, pointing to the scar that runs across this nose. "See this? This was back when I was first thrown into Facility. Can you imagine those assholes? They tagged a seven-year-old child with a criminal mark! And for what? For stealing food so he could survive! Is that such a crime that a child only wants to live?"

Zarc pauses as he approaches the teen, placing a hand on Wes's cheek. Wes, for his part, does not swat the hand away, but stares into Zarc's eyes, noticing the finer details that make him realize something important.

We have the same face...he thinks, all while Zarc smiles.

"You are not wrong to think that," Zarc whispers, wiping away a tear that unexpectedly falls down Wes's cheek. "And Wes, I would like to offer you my sincerest gratitude."

"...For what?" Wes croaks. He feels something within him scream to run to Zarc, to be embraced by this person even though his rational mind states that this person is absolutely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

"Your selflessness. You leapt into the fray to save my son from being attacked by his own monster controlled by that awful witch," Zarc hisses, eyes flickering like a tiny flame. His expression softens as quick as it takes for one to jump at the slightest sound in the middle of the night. "And here I am to return the favor."

"Whatever you're giving me, keep it," Wes answers, turning away. He feels guilty for showing his back towards Zarc, but it is either that or have these emotions overwhelm him. "And I don't know why you hate humanity, but leave Rui out of your little vengeance plot."

Zarc frowns. "...I can't."

"And why not?" asks Wes, sensing a cold chill falling down his spine. If he is alive, his teeth would chatter, he would unconsciously rub his hands down his arms to keep himself warm, and his breath would come out as small puffs of smoke in the icy air.

In fact, he's doing all except the small puffs of icy breath. He doesn't know why, but just turning away from Zarc makes him feel absolutely sick to his stomach.

"Because, Remnant. Rui is also a Remnant...of HER."

"Does this 'HER' have a name?" asks Wes, focusing on something other than this need, no, this desire, to be wrapped in Zarc's arms. The way that Rui stares at him is filled with innocence and purity. When Zarc stares at him...it feels like a suffocating presence that simultaneously makes it hard to breathe and so light-headed that all he can see are stars.

"She does, she does. But your little witch will tell you soon enough. Tell me, Remnant-"

"My name is Wes," Wes states, clenching his teeth.

"Tell me, Wes," Zarc corrects himself. "Don't you want it?"

"Want what?" Wes whispers, feeling so weak now, stumbling backwards but righting himself before he falls on his butt. "What do you know about me?"

"I know that deep down, you miss the loving embrace of your mother and father." Zarc answers taking a step forward. "Deep down, despite this mask you wear of a lone knight who rides across this desolate wasteland, you are a child crying out for someone to hold you tight and make the nightmares go away. That in the darkest parts of your souls, you wished to have died alongside your parents that night instead of leaving for a flights of fancy that would never give you what you truly wanted.

"Wes, you want a family again."

At this, Wes gasps when he feels Zarc wrap his arms around his torso. At this, he can feel something hum in his mind. Memories.

Memories of Zarc spending time with four boys with different colored hair and dragon appendages quickly flash through his mind in the time it takes one to blink. Sleeping, hugging, snuggling, comforting these boys...raising them to be strong, always stating how much he loved them…

The pure unadulterated emotions of unconditional love, care and comfort flow through Wes's body like a waterfall, causing him to break down, turn towards the draconic silver-haired version of him - as there is no other way to describe Zarc at this point - and weep in Zarc's arms. Zarc sighs, wrapping Wes tight with his tail and running a hand through the boy's hair.

"There, there…" Zarc coos, running a black talon across Wes's cheek. "Everything will be all right. I'm right here, and I will never leave you. We will be together from now on, and we shall work on this mission to prepare this strip of land for massacre if it will mean that I can truly be with my sons once more."

Wes sniffles and grips onto Zarc even tighter, wanting nothing more than to be filled with this peace of mind for as long as he walks the earth as an undead. This type of feeling could never be replaced.

"Wes…" A second voice pierces through the darkness. "Wes...are you there? What's going on?"

Wes blinks when he hears Rui interrupt this tender moment between him and Zarc. A part of him wants to be angry at her, to lash at her for taking this away from him. Instead, he steps back from Zarc and answers, out loud.

"I'm okay…" Wes answers, smiling. How long has it been since he truly felt happy like this? "I'm just about to start my turn. How are you?"

"I'm fine." Rui says, her voice bright and cheerful like a ray of light shining down on him. "I'm worried about you. Please win, okay?"

Wes turns to Zarc and then nods his head. "I will."

"Let us head back, then," says Zarc, taking Wes's hand into his own. The massive doors behind them open and a brilliant light overtakes Wes's vision. "And reunite...as one!"

Wes is so caught up with Zarc's presence and the light that shines behind him that he doesn't see how his eyes glaze over…

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

September 30th, Wes vs Security, 5:50 PM

And when he finds himself facing off against three Goyo monsters once again, Wes knows what he has to do.

"Let's do this, Remnant." Zarc purrs in Wes's ear. "Let's show these fools what it is to mess with us!"

Wes lowes his head and smirks, his pupils transforming into slits. "Let's do it, Zarc."

"My turn!" Wes declares, drawing his card. He stares at it, then smiles. "And I start by using the effect of Synthphonist Clarinetist to flip Goyo Guardian face-down and reduce her level by one!"

Synthphonist Clarinetist smirks as she unleashes one more blast of hypersonic sound at Goyo Guardian, reducing her level to 1 and letting Wes draw an additional card.

"Then, I shuffle the Synthphonist Resonance card in my graveyard back to my deck to Normal Summon another 'Synthphonist' monster from my deck whose Level is 4 or lower. So it's time for a clash, Synthphonist Cymbalist!"

With the clash of a pair of cymbals, the newest Synthphonist monster appears. She is a girl who looks to be around seven years old with a pair of cymbals surgically attached to her back, wearing a white dress and a chip attached to the right side of her head. She smiles as the cymbals on her back come together with a loud clash. (1100 ATK)

"And next, I'll be playing my newest Spell Card, Synthphonist Inspiration!"

Wes plays a new Spell Card, depicting Synthphonist Cymbalist with her eyes and the chip on her head lighting up while sheet music surrounds her feet.

"When I play this card, I choose three cards from my deck and you three have to decide which one I keep and which two go to the bottom of my deck. And the cards I chose are…" Wes chuckles as three cards pop out of his deck before showing them to his opponents. "All three of my Synthphonist Resonance cards!"

"WHAT?!" all three Security guards shout.

"That...that's unfair!" A113 screams. "You don't get to let us choose!"

Wes scowls and Zarc's image briefly appears by his side.

"Like you don't choose to let most of the innocent citizens of Satellite live their lives?" he asks, icily. "You don't let children choose to live in peace and happiness, do you? And you certainly don't choose to surrender when you realized that you're screwed! Well, that shall be your undoing, bastards! Now, pick a card!"

"Fine, we choose the card in the middle!" C4 scowls.

"Good choice," says Wes, slipping two cards to the bottom of his deck. "And now, I'll play that card you chose to Gemini Summon Synthphonist Cymbalist and then reshuffle it back to the deck to summon my Level 4 Synthphonist Bassoonist from my hand in Defense Mode!

The hair of Synthphonist Cymbalist stands up as the cymbals on her back also rise before whirring like a pair of buzzsaws. Then, the next Synthphonist monster appears, with orange hair and a maroon and black outfit that matches the color scheme of the instrument that she plays. She has tanned skin but, oddly enough, a pair of silver gloves (or are those hands?) that she clenches and unclenches rhythmically. A pair of bassoons flare out like a pair of wings. (2000 DEF)

"Now that Synthphonist Cymbalist is a Gemini Monster, I activate its effect. I select one monster on the field, and it becomes a Tuner! And I choose Cymbalist to be targeted by its own effect!"

Synthphonist Cybmalist crashes her cymbals once, twice, three times all while smiling as if she is performing on stage right now. The air rings slightly as Wes nods his head.

"I'm almost ready for the star of the show," he grins, feeling Zarc also wanting to make these Security officers squirm. "I play the Spell Card Synthphonist Repair!"

Wes plays another Spell Card, depicting Synthphonist Oboist lying on a table with a myriad of robotic arms with surgical tools preparing to do repairs on the oboes on her back.

"I choose one 'Synthphonist' monster on the field then I discard as many 'Synthphonist' monsters from my hand or deck to the graveyard. And for each monster sent to the graveyard, I decrease the targeted 'Synthphonist' monster's level by 1! So I send Synthphonist Snare Drummer and Synthphonist Trombonist to the grave to decrease Syntphonist Flutist's level to 1!"

The spirits of two new Synthphonist monsters appear. Synpthonist Snare Drummer - the same one in the Synthphonist Resonance card - is a girl around six or seven years old with short purple hair styled in a bobcut with a black visor covering her eyes and a snare drum attached to her midriff. Meanwhile, Synthphonist Trombonist has short blond hair and prosthetic legs which she swings back and forth while being supported by a pair of trombones attached to her arms that act like crutches. Synthphonist Flutist lets out a long sigh as her level drops. (LV: 3 -) 1)

"And now, now the quartet is tuned up and ready to perform. It's time to bring everyone together for a Synchro Summon!"

The three Security officers stare at Wes before they burst out laughing.

"What's so funny, boys?" asks Wes, raising an eyebrow.

"I hate to say this...no, I don't!" C4 barks. "How the hell are you able to tune four Tuners at once?! It's unheard of!"

"It is?!" Wes exaggerates, hands on his face. "Oh, that's absolutely positively terrible! So I just went through all that work to see it go to pieces?!" He stares at his prey for a second before he bursts out laughing, a dark plume of fire rising from beneath his feet as he says, "Well then, we are just going to have to prove you all wrong!"

Synthphonist Cymbalist, Clarinetist, Flutist and Oboist hold hands before they rise into the air. Cymbalist transforms into three rings while the other three monsters form into a single star that fall in line before passing through.

(*3 + *1 + *1 + *1 = *6)

"Clarion call of the cymbals, noble resonance of the clarinet, piercing tone of the oboe, and gentle song of the flute!" Wes chants. "Blend your rich music together, tune to each other's pitches and unleash a new melody! Synchro Summon! Level 6! Take the stage now, Sonic Synthphonist Prodigy!"

A gust of wind along with the sounds of clashing cymbals and a trio of woodwinds blows across the field. A girl in a billowing white dress like a delicious wedding cake appears. Her neon green eyes scan the field, her short green hair blowing in the breeze as she raises her arms into the air, revealing thin gold circuitry lines pulsing like veins if she was 100% human. Then, emerging from her back are numerous musical instruments, the bells of each and everyone of them pointed to the three Securoty guards as if they are cannons all while she smiles at the fun she is about to bring. (2400 ATK)

"Oh and there's a reason why I had my other 'Synthphonist' monsters be Tuners," says Wes. "For every additional Tuner used to Synchro Summon her, Sonic Synthphonist Prodigy gains an additonal attack! So she can attack you four times this turn!"

"F...four times?" A113 quivers.

"Did we stutter?" Wes and Zarc ask mockingly. "Yes, she can attack 1, 2, 3, 4 times!"

This is emphasized by Wes showing a finger each time he states a number. The trio of Goyo users gulp as Wes continues.

"But she's not the only one! Now, it's time we all traverse through darkness and mirrors! I play the Spell Card, Dark Synchro Mirror!"

A Spell Card of a full body mirror the color of obsidian appears on the field, the top of the mirror marked with a symbol of a circle with three horizontal lines on each side to form wings. Then, a copy of the mirror appears behind Sonic Synthphonist Prodigy.

"By discarding a card in my hand, I can activate its effect," Wes begins, slipping a card from his hand to the graveyard. "I select Sonic Synthphonist Prodigy and then Special Summon a Dark Tuner and a non-Dark Tuner from my deck whose combined levels equals that of my targeted monster. So, thanks to my Level 6 Sonic Synthphonist Prodigy, I Special Summon my Level 2 Shadow Depths Dark Tuner and Level 4 Synthphonist Violinist to join in on this little soiree!"

The reflection of Sonic Synthphonist Prodigy darkens before it splits into two. Then, as if the mirror is made of water instead of glass, the monsters burst through. The first of them, Synthphonist Violinist, aka the other monster in Synthphonist Tuning alongside Synthphonist Flutist, smiles as she stares at her targets with a blinking blue right eye. Dressed in a simple blue dress, black boots and tricorn hat with a swan feather tucked into it, she looks ready to perform at a street market in Italy. The right side of her face is mechanical, while both her left leg and arm are prosthetic limbs. Violin strings bend her joints easily as if she is a lifesize puppet. (1700 ATK)

The second monster is a different story altogether. It looks as if some artist high on paint fumes and weed painted an anglerfish with crimson eyes the size of tennis balls and a body that looks like it has been cut into pieces as it swims about in the air. The little light above its head shines bright, exaggerating its already enormous teeth that chomps at anything that gets in its way. (0 ATK)

"Dark Tuner?!" C4 shouts, looking at his Duel Disk. "There's no such a thing!"

"If that's true, why are you staring at one now?" asks Wes. "Now, Shadow Depths activates its ability; I increase its level by that of one Synchro Monster I control - that of Sonic Synthphonist Prodigy!"

Shadow Depths glows with energy as two stars above its head quadruples and turns into eight. (LV: 2 -) 8)

"And now," Wes cackles as Zarc appears by his side, wrapping his arms around Wes's neck and whispering words that only he shall hear. Wes's grin stretches out as he exclaims, "It's time! It's time! It's DARK SYNCHRO TIME!"

Shadow Depths suddenly expands before it explodes into eight white glowing spheres. They circle Synthphonist Bassoonist like a lasso, the girl crying out in horror, looking at Wes to save her. Wes shakes his head as the girl explodes, leaving behind four black orbs that crackle with electricity.

(*4 - * 8 = *-4)

"What's going on?" A113 asks.

"It's simple math," Wes answers. "Synthphonist Bassoonist is Level 4 and Shadow Depths is Level 8. Four minus eight equals negative four, which is exactly the level I need for my newest monster to take the stage!"

As he says this, the Snagem machine that has been attached to his left arm for the past few hours begins to glow. Wes notices this.

"Oh…" Zarc purrs. "This will prove quite useful."

"What do you mean?" Wes whispers.

"I have read about the process of Momentum energy; it is said that through Synchro Summoning, more and more energy is created to advance the evolution of humanity. As if they deserve something like that...

"This, in practice, is similar to how Momentum is formed. Absorb the energy from this Dark Synchro Summoning and then...feel my essence flow through you, Remnant of mine and Acolyte of the Whale!"

Wes nods his head as he stretches his left arm out as if wanting to reach out and touch the spheres. He feels the energy from the tuning enter through his arm, wincing in pain before he gasps in euphoria from all of this power coursing through his undead body, causing scales to form on his face and his teeth to lengthen into sharp fangs which he licks in delight.

"When shadows are eclipsed by darker shadows, the veil is lifted to reveal a world with no light! DARK SYNCHRO SUMMON!" Wes cries as a pillar of darkness and shadows erupts in front of him. "Come forth, Level Negative Four, Earthbound Disciple Geo Mermaid!"

Rising from the ground as if it is water, an ethereal lady with flowing sea-green hair and a emerald green fishtail rises onto the field. She smiles at the Security officers before revealing her shark-like teeth which she bares with glee. (1600 ATK)

When he sees her, all Wes can imagine is that dream of falling into the ocean, sinking deep, deep, deep into the water and to never ever surface again even as all of the oxygen leaves his lungs. This...this is exactly what he has been waiting for…

But his opponents are not impressed in the slightest.

"All of that work for that?!" A113 guffaws. "That little light show was for nothing, kid!"

"Is that so?" asks Wes, tilting his head to the right. A crazed grin appears on his face as he snaps his fingers. "Well then, let me rectify that! I play the Spell Card Gift of the Martyr!"

Wes plays his final Spell Card, depicting the spirit of Dunames Dark Witch watching over a fallen soldier.

"Now I sacrifice Synthphonist Violinist to increase the attack score of my Geo Mermaid equal to that amount! That's an additional 1700 points that's ready to kick your asses, boys!"

Synthphonist Violinist bows her head as she fades away and Geo Mermaid raises her hands to the sky, radiating with power. (1600 -) 3300 ATK)

"Even with the power boost, you still won't be able to touch our lifepoints!" B12 notes.

"Really now?" says Wes. "Then, let me activate the effect of my Dark Tuner! I select one Dark Synchro monster I control and then Banish each and every Tuner in my graveyard. Then, said Dark Synchro monster gains an additional attack for every Tuner that I Banished.

"So for this, I banish Shadow Depths and Synthphonist Clarinetist, Flutisti, Oboist, Violinist, Bassoonist and my discarded Trombonist! That's seven additional attacks, Security scruff!"

The spirits of both the Dark Tuner and the Synthphonist Tuners hover around Wes before they transform into their cards and leap into his empty hand. Wes's smile is more demented now, and he looks no longer like a black cat…

But rather, he looks rather like a vicious, savage, vengeful, pissed-off dragon.

"And now my monsters," Wes begins. "It's time for the opening number!"

Both monsters nod their heads as they race into battle. Sonic Synthphonist Prodigy goes for A113's Goyo Predator (1200 DEF) and C4's Goyo Guardian (2000 DEF) by firing countless beams of energy from the cannons strapped to her back while Geo Mermaid swims towards B12's Goyo King (2500 DEF) before tearing his head off with her sharp teeth.

"And will you look at that? Sonic Synthphoinst Prodigy has two more attacks while Geo Mermaid has seven more left," he says. "So, how do you wanna do this? Who wants to die first?!"

"WES!" Rui shouts in his mind. "You promised me you wouldn't kill them!"

Wes groans and shakes his head, hearing Zarc snarl in his mind. "Right, sorry. Got a little carried away. Oh, have you recently met with a mirror copy of you that goes under a weird name?"

"Um...no? I'm currently with this mechanic named Elaine and we're driving to her repair shop called 'Guardian Signs'. W...why do you ask? Is something wrong, Wes?"

"...I'll tell you later. Just stay there. This will be over in a few minutes."

"Okay. But you better tell me all about your duel with excruciating detail!"

"I will, I will. Now, time for me to end this."

Closing the connection, Wes grins as he revels in the sight of the three Security guards in fear. "Now then, I always like sort things out in alphabetical order. So, I think we'll have Sonic Synthphonist Prodigy attack A113 and B12 before Geo Mermaid has fun tearing off someone's arms like how all the legends have people go after her and her people for immortality. Let's see how you like sleeping with the fishes!"

Sonic Synthphonist Prodigy and Geo Mermaid cackle as they prepare their attacks. At this, Wes can feel Zarc's presence congratulating him for the utter destruction of these opponents. God, he wants more of this feeling.

"Time for the grand finale!" Wes exclaims. "So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night!"

Sonic Synthphonist Prodigy strikes first, her cannon attacks going after A113 and B12 before Geo Mermaid goes in for the kill. Wes watches in awe as the mermaid savagely attacks her prey, sinking her teeth deep into their arms and legs just enough to leave them in pain but not enough to tear off these limbs. (After all, Wes did make a promise)

She goes after each of them in alphabetical order, watching as blood sprays out from each of her savage bites.

After she uses her last attack on C4, she vanishes and so does Sonic Synthphonist Prodigy and the orchestra pit.

(Wes: 2600) - - - - - - - - (A113: 0)(B12: 0)(C4: 0)

Wes sighs and collapses to his knees. That...that was exhilarating. Never has he dueled like this before. Not even his duels under Team Snagem held that much of a thrill.

And the site of those Security buffoons in pain like that makes him shiver. This power...if he could only have more of this power to wipe out the bastards that hurled him into the Facility and made him suffer all those years ago, then it would be nothing but revenge best served ice cold.

"You did well," Zarc purrs, appearing next to his Remnant's side, placing a ghostly hand on Wes's shoulder. Wes sighs at the touch. "But you are not done yet. You have to return to that little princess…" He wrinkles his nose in disgust. "Remember?"

Wes nods his head as he stands up, staring at his defeated enemies with delight. He then looks down at his left hand and notices a card that wasn't there before.

"What's this?" Zarc muses, seeing the Dark Synchro Monster in hand. "Seems whenever you duel and unleash this Dark Momentum energy, you form another ally to the cause."

"It seems so," Wes agrees, pocketing the card along with the other cards in his coat. He can hear a collective sigh, as if the cards are opening their arms to add another member into their family. He then turns around and winces; his beloved Duel Runner stands there, completely ruined from his duel with Georgy…

Or is it?

Wes approaches the wreckage and places his left hand on the black and yellow D-Wheel and closes his eyes. The energy from the duel leaves his palm, leaving an ethereal glow to surround his precious bike before it begins to repair itself. Each and every part and circuit connects and hums to life once again as Wes feels as if he has become one with his precious bike.

After some time, Wes steps back, and his bike is brand new, streamlined, and shining with a glossy finish as if he has recently applied wax onto it. No, it's better than new. Instead of a black rabbit, it is now a black dragon with green highlights, reflecting the revelation that has hit his life.

And he can't help but laugh; a brave and heroic knight riding a dragon into battle to meet with the fair princess? Rui would jump to the moon when she sees this.

Speaking of Rui...

As he sits himself on his D-Wheel, he establishes connection with Rui once more. "Rui, I'm done here."

"You are?" asks Rui. "That's great! Elaine's called a doctor to come check up on Yuri and she had her fiance bring some food for us." She pauses. "You...you didn't kill anyone, did you?"

Wes stares at the groaning, whimpering Security guards before shaking his head. "I promised you I wouldn't kill them. But let's just say they won't be patrolling the area for quite some time."

"Okay then. Oh, I almost forgot; Elaine mentioned that Yuri looked like someone she knew."

"She did?"

"Yeah, she mistook him for someone named 'Yugo'!"

At this, Wes pauses. "Fusion?"

"No, just regular Yugo. Yugo is picking up Dr. Schmidt as we speak."

Wes can feel a geyser of emotions from within Zarc, that of relief, happiness, utter joy and excitement to see this Yugo person once more. "I see."

"No, you'll truly see it when you arrive. Remember, it's the repair shop called 'Guardian Signs'. You can't miss it."

"All right, princess. I'll be there soon enough." As he says this, Wes slips on his goggles. He looks off into the distance as he finds himself wrapped in Zarc's emotions of gratitude and love. "Also, you know something, Rui?"

"What is it, Wes?"

Wes just smiles as he revs his D-Wheel up and he and Zarc answer, "You're right. Everything has a dual nature."

And with that, he speeds off towards his beloved princess.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Synthphonist Oboist

Wind/Level 4/Psychic/Gemini/Tuner/Effect/1200 ATK/1800 DEF

Effect: This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the graveyard. While this card is a Normal Monster on the field, you can Normal Summon it to have it become an effect monster with this effect:

If a monster declares an attack, negate the attack and, if you do, you can reduce the level of one monster you control by 1. (min. 1)

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Synthphonist Flutist

Wind/Level 3/Psychic/Gemini/Tuner/Effect/800 ATK/1000 DEF

Effect: This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the graveyard. While this card is a Normal Monster on the field, you can Normal Summon it to have it become an effect monster with this effect:

Once per turn, during either player's turn, if the level of one or more of your monsters changes due to a card effect, you can activate this effect: draw 1 card.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Synthphonist Clarinetist

Wind/Level 4/Psychic/Gemini/Tuner/Effect/1600 ATK/1400 DEF

Effect: This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the graveyard. While this card is a Normal Monster on the field, you can Normal Summon it to have it become an effect monster with this effect:

Once per turn, during either player's turn, you can target 1 monster your opponent controls: Change it to face-down position and, if you do, you can reduce the level of one monster you control (min. 1).

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Synthphonist Cymbalist

Wind/Level 3/Psychic/Gemini/Tuner/Effect/1100 ATK/1700 DEF

Effect: This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the graveyard. While this card is a Normal Monster on the field, you can Normal Summon it to have it become an effect monster with this effect:

Once per turn, you can target one "Synthphonist" monster you control that has a level: That target is treated as a Synchro Tuner monster, also, you can reduce that target's level by 3 (min. 1),

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Synthphonist Trombonist

Wind/Level 6/Psychic/Gemini/Tuner/Effect/1400 ATK/2400 DEF

Effect: This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the graveyard. While this card is a Normal Monster on the field, you can Normal Summon it to have it become an effect monster with this effect:

Once per turn, you can Special Summon one "Syntphonist" monster from your graveyard.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Syntphonist Snare Drummer

Wind/Level 2/Psychic/Gemini/Tuner/Effect/900 ATK/300 DEF

Effect: This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the graveyard. While this card is a Normal Monster on the field, you can Normal Summon it to have it become an effect monster with this effect:

Once per turn, you can declare a level from 1-3; the level of all monsters you control become the declared level until the end of that turn.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Syntphonist Violinist

Wind/Level 4/Psychic/Gemini/Tuner/Effect/1700 ATK/1000 DEF

Effect: This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the graveyard. While this card is a Normal Monster on the field, you can Normal Summon it to have it become an effect monster with this effect:

Once per turn, if your opponent activates a Spell/Trap Card, you can negate the activation of that Spell/Trap Card and, if you do, shuffle the card into the deck. Then, you can decrease the level of one monster you control by 1 (min. 1).

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Synthphonist Bassoonist

Wind/Level 4/Psychic/Gemini/Tuner/Effect/400 ATK/2000 DEF

Effect: This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the graveyard. While this card is a Normal Monster on the field, you can Normal Summon it to have it become an effect monster with this effect:

If a monster(s) you control is targeted by a card or effect, you can negate that effect and, if you do, you can decrease this card's level by 1 (min. 1).

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Dark Tuner Shadow Depths

Water/Level 2/Fish/Tuner/Effect/0 ATK/0 DEF

Effect: You can target 1 Synchro Monster you control: increase the Level of this card by the Level of that Synchro Monster (max. 12). You can Banish and all Tuner Monsters from your Graveyard to target 1 Dark Synchro Monster you control: this turn, that target can attack once per Tuner banished for this effect.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Sonic Synthphonist Prodigy

Wind/Level 6/Psychic/Synchro/Effect/2400 ATK/2400 DEF

Effect: [1 Tuner + 1 or more "Synthphonist" monsters] This card can attack once per Battle Phase for each Tuner used for a Synchro Material for its Synchro Summon. Once per turn, you can Normal Summon 1 "Synthphonist" monster in addition to your Normal Summon/Set. If this card is sent from the field to the graveyard, you can target 1 Gemini Monster from your graveyard; Special Summon it.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Earthbound Disciple Geo Mermaid

Water/Level - 4/Aqua/Dark Synchro/Effect/2000 ATK/2500 DEF

Effect: [One monster with a Level - 1 Dark Tuner] Once per turn, if your opponent activates a monster effect, you can negate the activation of that effect, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent's LP equal to the attack of that monster. If a face-up monster you control destroys an opponent's monster by battle, you can banish that opponent's monster from the graveyard; inflict damage to your opponent's LP equal to the level of that monster x 200.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Synthphonist Orchestra

Field Spell

Image: An orchestra pit sparking and crackling with circuits, lightbulbs and wires.

Effect: You can Normal Summon 1 "Synthphonist" monster in addition to your Normal Summon/Set. Each time a card(s) is returned to your deck, place 1 "Synth" counter on this card. Once per turn, you can remove any number of "Synth" counters from this card; Special Summon 1 "Synthphonist" monster from your Deck whose Level is equal to the number of counters removed. If this card is destroyed, you can remove 1 "Synth" counter from this card instead.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Synthphonist Tuning

Normal Spell

Image: Synthphonist Violinist plucking one of the strings on her arms while Synthphonist Flutist wields a tuning fork.

Effect: Activate only if you control a face-up "Synthphonist" monster: add 1 "Synthphonist" monster from your deck to your hand. You can shuffle your card from your graveyard into the deck. Immediately after the effect resolves, Normal Summon 1 "Synthphonist" monster. You can only use each effect of "Synthphonist Tuning" once per turn.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Synthphonist Resonance

Quickplay Spell

Image: Synthphonist Clarinetist, Oboist and Snare Drummer holding hands while light shines underneath their feet and in their eyes.

Effect: Immediately after the effect resolves: Normal Summon all face-up "Synthphonist" Gemini monsters you control. You can shuffle this card from your Graveyard to your Deck: Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Synthphonist" monster from your hand. You can only use each effect of "Synthphonist Resonance" once per turn.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Synthphonist Inspiration

Normal Spell

Image: Synthphonist Cymbalist lighting up while surrounded by sheet music.

Effect: Reveal 3 "Synthphonist" Spell/Trap Cards from your Deck; your opponent selects one to add to your Hand and the rest are returned to the bottom of your Deck in any order your opponent desires. You can shuffle this card from your Graveyard to your Deck: shuffle one "Synthphonist" monster from your Graveyard into your Deck. You can only use each effect of "Synthphonist Inspiration" once per turn.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Dark Synchro Mirror

Normal Spell

Image: A large full-body mirror carved out of obsidian with the image of the Dark Signers (a circle with branch-like wings) on top.

Effect: Discard 1 card to target one face-up Synchro Monster you control; Special Summon 2 monsters from your deck (1 Dark Tuner and 1 non-Dark Tuner) whose combined levels are equal to the Level of the targeted Synchro Monster. You can only activate one "Dark Synchro Mirror" once per turn.

Note: The proceeding cards were created by Donjusticia and first appeared in his fanfic "Signs of Renewal". Creative credit goes to him and used with permission. The images for the Spell Cards are courtesy of me.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Synthphonist Repair

Normal Spell

Image: Syntphonist Oboist lying on her stomach while robotic arms equipped with tools are ready to repair the oboes on her back.

Effect: Select one 'Synthphonist' monster you control. Then send as many 'Synthphonist' monsters from your deck or hand to the graveyard (min. 1); decrease the level of the selected 'Synthphonist' by 1 for each card sent. Once per turn, you can shuffle this card back into your deck; take one 'Synthphonist' monster from your graveyard into your hand. You can only use these effects - and only one of these effects - once per turn.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Next time: Mikuri's suspicions are correct; Zarc and Ray have returned to this world. He and Nagi approach their Acolytes with a warning for things to come, as the ones who wish to derail the Dark Signers' plans for their Dark King take the stage.

"Stockholm Syndrome" coming soon.