Hello, everyone! Honestly, I didn't think I would be able to upload this since we were hit with a very bad storm and I lost power for 12 hours. Our area was hit very bad as power lines were destroyed; tree branches were all over the place. A good thing is, it was nice and cool to clean up the neighborhood. Things are beginning to settle down but there are a lot of places without power. It's a good thing I have neighbors who are willing to lend a hand.

Now let's get on with the chapter.

Chapter 25: Protect Your Honor

Samejima's Duel Academia – 4 years ago

Yuya was blown off his feet and he crashed on his back.

Yuya LP: 800→0

"Too bad, Yuya. You almost had me." Yuto said.

"One more time!" Yuya stood up and got himself ready to Duel.

"I'll take you on, let's do this little bro!" Yugo faced Yuya next.

On the side, Yuri watched with Samejima. "Hey, Master, can I ask you something? Why did you pick Yuya to be the leader of the team? I'm not against it but shouldn't the leader be strong, like Yuto. Yuya hasn't been able to beat any of us, which is sad considering Yugo's the weakest."

"I heard that you jackass!" Yugo shouted.

"Yuri, being a leader is more than strength or even wits. The most important thing that a leader must possess is compassion, being able to see the good within others even if the acts of the enemy are unforgivable. While you all wanted to wipe out Cobra, Yuya was willing to find it in his heart to give him another chance and learning of the reason of Cobra's goals."

"I guess I understand, but what if that kindness hurts him, makes him unable to do what really needs to be done. What if the only choice to save the world is to kill? And what if Yuya has to do it?" Yuri asked.

"While I pray that that day never comes…if the times comes for Yuya to kill in order to save the world…I hope that he will continue to uphold his honor as a Dragon Soldier and True Duelist. In other words, that he continues to be himself."

Xyz Dimension – Present

Yuya's eyes trembled as he saw the face of his master in front of him as the enemy. "Master…"

"The fool sacrificed himself to protect the runaways. Now he's nothing more than an empty shell." Leo grunted as he still felt weak from his Duel with Kaiser.

"Shut up! This is your fault!" Yuya ran towards Leo. Samejima got in between the two and he punched Yuya in the gut.

"See, he didn't hesitate to protect me. A loyal puppet." Leo smiled at the sight of Yuya in pain.

"M-Master…" Yuya grunted as he held his stomach.

"Do it, Samejima." Leo ordered.

Samejima charged towards Yuya with his Duel Disk blade activated. Yuya quickly activated his and the two clashed. "Master…it's me…Yuya!"

Samejima jumped back and fired a chain at Yuya's Duel Disk and the two became connected.

"Field Magic: Dimension Gates." Yuya's Duel Disk created the gates around them.

"No, I don't want to Duel!" Yuya tried to take off his Duel Disk but a shock made him retract his hand.

"You can no longer run away. You have no choice but to face your master…to the death." Leo quickly played a card and trapped both Yuya and Samejima in a caged arena. "And no one can interfere!"

"But we can deal with you!" Rio went after Leo.

"A certain someone wants to take you out himself. And someone is itching to fight you as well, Rua!" Leo smirked as he played another card.

"What?" Rua questioned and in a bright light Leo Akaba disappeared.

"Master, I know you're stronger than what Leo Akaba did to you! Please, break through it, I don't want to fight you!" Yuya begged.

"You disappoint me, Yuya." Samejima spoke, surprising Yuya. "A Dragon Soldier and a True Duelist faces their opponent with honor and respect. Refusing to take me on is the same as disrespecting everything I've taught you and throwing away your honor. If you truly want to help me, show me your honor and respect!"

"Master…Damn it." Yuya cursed before he got serious.

"Duel!" Yuya and Samejima declared.

Samejima LP: 4000, Hand: 5
Yuya LP: 4000, Hand: 5

"My turn! Draw!" Samejima drew his card. "I summon Cyber Esper (ATK: 1200, LV: 4)!"" A cybernetic monster with multiple wings appeared. "I set one card and end my turn!"

Samejima LP: 4000, Hand: 4
Yuya LP: 4000, Hand: 5

"My turn! Draw!" Yuya drew his card.

"Cyber Esper's effect activates! When this monster is in Attack Position, I'm allowed to take a look at every card you draw! Now, show me your card!" Samejima ordered.

Yuya reluctantly showed his card. "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon."

"Ah, so young Odd-Eyes did evolve, huh? But can the same be said for his master?" Samejima asked.

"I activate the Magic Card: Odd-Eyes Accel! This lets me summon an Odd-Eyes monster without releasing! Appear! With your wondrous and dichromatic eyes! Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (ATK: 2500, LV: 7, PS: 4)!" Yuya summoned his ace monster.

"Odd-Eyes, attack Cyber Esper! With your dichromatic eyes, scorch everything you see! Spiral Strike Burst!" Odd-Eyes unleashed its attack and it destroyed Cyber Esper and damaged, Samejima.

Samejima LP: 4000→2700

"I activate my Trap Card: Byroad Sacrifice! When a monster on my field is destroyed in battle, I can Special Summon one monster from my hand! Appear! Cyber Ogre (ATK: 1900, LV: 5)!" Samejima brought out his cybernetic ogre.

"I set two cards and end my turn." Yuya finished his turn.

Samejima LP: 2700, Hand: 3
Yuya LP: 4000, Hand: 2

"Yuya has an early lead." Ruri said.

"But Samejima is the one who taught Yuya. This is where the Duel really begins." Serena had heard about Samejima's abilities.

"My turn! Draw!" Samejima drew his card. "I activate the Magic Card: Relentless Summon! This card allows my opponent to summon two monsters that are the same type and Level as one monster on their field. Yuya, you're allowed to summon two Level 7, Dragon-type monsters from your deck!"

Yuya looked at the screen and he picked two cards and they popped out of his deck and it shuffled. "I Special Summon Odd-Eyes Saber Dragon (ATK: 2800, LV: 7) and Odd-Eyes Wizard Dragon (ATK: 2500, LV: 7)!"

"Why would he let Yuya summon his stronger monsters?" Sawatari was confused.

"You'll see." Edo answered.

"I am also allowed to Special Summon two monsters that have the same name as the one I have on my field from my hand! I Special Summon two more Cyber Ogres (ATK: 1900, LV: 5)!" Samejima summoned two more of his monsters.

"Quick-Play Magic: Cyber Fusion Gate!" This card allows me to use two monsters on my field for a Fusion Summon! I fuse two of my Cyber Ogres!" Samejima's two ogres entered the spiraling vortex.

"Ogres that represent the Cyber Style, now is the time to become one and create a power of unity! Fusion Summon! Appear! Level 7! Cyber Ogre 2 (ATK: 2600, LV: 7)!" Samejima summoned a larger mechanical ogre.

"Master's ace monster…" Yuya looked at the monster.

"When Cyber Ogre 2 attacks a monster, it gains half of the Attack Points of the monster it battles! Cyber Ogre 2, attack Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!" Cyber Ogre 2 charged and gained half of Odd-Eyes's power.

Cyber Ogre 2 (ATK: 2600→3850)

"I activate my Trap Card: Half Unbreak!" Yuya played his set card. "This card protects Odd-Eyes from being destroyed and battle damage is reduced by half!" Cyber Ogre 2 hit a barrier that protected Odd-Eyes creating a shockwave that damaged Yuya.

Yuya LP: 4000→3325

"Yes! Yuya managed to protect himself from big damage!" Jonouchi smiled.

"That was a mistake." Samejima said.

"What?" Yuya questioned.

"Have you forgotten that I didn't just train you." Samejima said. "When the monster summoned by Cyber Fusion Gate inflicts battle damage, by sending this card to the Graveyard, I can add the Quick-Play Magic: Cyber Synchro Gate to my hand! I then activate!" Samejima activated the card.

"I Special Summon a Cyber monster that was used as Fusion Material from the Graveyard and have it become a Level 3 Tuner Monster and Tune with another Cyber monster on my field! I tune my Level 5 Cyber Ogre with the Level 3 Tuner Cyber Ogre!" The Cyber Ogre that came back become three green rings and the other Cyber Ogre flew through them.

"Ogre that represents the Cyber Style, travel at the speed of sound and quickly save those that have fallen! Synchro Summon! Appear! Level 8! Cyber Ogre 3 (ATK: 2700, LV: 8)!" Samejima summoned a green skinned version of Cyber Ogre 2.

"Cyber Ogre 3, attack Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!" Cyber Ogre 3 charged and hit the barrier.

"Half Unbreak's effect is still in effect this turn!" Yuya shielded himself from the blast.

Yuya LP: 3325→3225

"Cyber Ogre 3's effect activates! When it successfully battles, I destroy one Magic or Trap Card on the field and the opponent takes 400 points of damage!" Cyber Ogre 3 smashed Yuya's other set card and Yuya took damage.

Yuya LP: 3225→2825

"And since I successfully inflicted battle damage, by sending Cyber Synchro Gate to the Graveyard, I can add the Quick-Play Magic: Cyber Xyz Gate to my hand and activate it!" Samejima activated another card.

"I Special Summon one Cyber monster that was used as Fusion Material from my Graveyard as well as one Cyber Monster that was used as Synchro Material! Furthermore, if their Levels are the same, they increase by 3!" Samejima brought back his two Cyber Ogres.

(Cyber Ogres LV: 5→8)

"I Overlay my Level 8 Cyber Ogres!" The two ogres turned into brough lights and entered the spacelike portal in front of Samejima.

"Ogre that represents the Cyber Style, submerge yourself into the infinite wisdom of the universe and create the perfect counter plan! Xyz Summon! Appear! Rank 8! Cyber Ogre 4 (ATK: 2800, RNK: 8, OVU: 2)!" Cyber Ogre 4 was a yellow version of Cyber Ogre 2.

"When Cyber Ogre 4 is Xyz Summoned, all non-Machine Type monsters have their Attack Points reduced to 0!" Cyber Ogre 4 punched the ground and the earth around Odd-Eyes trapped him and made him weaker.

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (ATK: 2500→0)

"Cyber Ogre 4, attack Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!" Cyber Ogre 4 charged in and struck the barrier.

"Half Unbreak's effect!" Yuya was blown off his feet as even though he reduced the damage, it was still big.

Yuya LP: 2825→1425

"When Cyber Ogre 4 inflicts damage, by using one Overlay Unit, I can draw one card for every Cyber Ogre monster on my field, however, I can't activate them this turn!"

Cyber Ogre 4 (OVU: 2→1)

"With three Cyber Ogres, I draw three cards!" Samejima drew his cards.

"I set one card and end my turn." Samejima finished his turn.

Samejima LP: 2700, Hand: 2
Yuya LP: 1425, Hand: 2

"M-Master…" Yuya weakly sat up as he stared as his master who showed no mercy. "If he wins…I die. I don't want to die. But I…I just can't…I can't do it…You…You're more than my master."

Samejima's Academia – 4 years ago

Yuya was looking at his cards with full seriousness. "Something troubling you?" Samejima joined Yuya.

"Oh, Master. I was thinking of other strategies to win against my brothers. But so far, I've haven't found the right one." Yuya admitted.

"The road to victory doesn't have to be straight and narrow." Samejima advised. "In fact, the more forks and the wider the road leads to limitless possibilities. If everything had one only one solution, the world would be bland and boring, and everyone would act the same."

"Your brothers are your brothers and you are you. Instead of thinking about ways to overcome your brothers, you should think of ways to improve yourself. In other words, what do you want?" Samejima asked.

"Well…ever since the Cobra incident, I've been thinking about those parents that unfortunately get to see their child again." Yuya admitted. "I don't know what it's like to have parents, but it must hurt to be a parent even though they won't have a child anymore. I don't want any families to be separated ever again. I want to help them…and give them the strength to against all odds."

"That sounds like you want to be a hero." Samejima said. "Come with me, there's something I want to show you."

Yuya gathered his cards and he followed Samejima into his office. Inside Samejima's office was full of research papers about other dimensions and worlds. "What's all this?"

"I'm studying the multiverse." Samejima explained.

"The multiverse? I thought that only existed in fiction." Yuya was skeptical.

"Even fiction cannot be written without facts." Samejima explained. "I believe there are an infinite number of universes, each with their own way of life. Some could be inhabited by mythical creatures, or they could be humans like us but instead of using cards they use weapons like ninjas or they can even be wizards of magical guilds, who go around and help others in need."

"Sounds a little far-fetched." Yuya said.

"But we're not here for that. Take a look here." Samejima showed a Duel Disk mounted on the wall. It was pure red with silver outlines and on the center of the Duel Disk was a symbol of a shield with two swords crossed on it.

"Whoa! Cool Duel Disk!" Yuya was amazed.

"It's called Hero's Honor." Samejima explained. "This Duel Disk was used by heroes of legends and modified over time. The last one to use this was incredible. She possessed a power like no other. But instead of using that power for her own personal gain, she used it instead to help others and to keep troublemakers in line. She was amazing, until one she disappeared and left this behind."

"Who was she?" Yuya asked.

"I don't know, but I don't believe she's dead. I think she's out there, in the multiverse probably living her life the best way that she could. I've kept this Duel Disk here in order to preserve her memory." Samejima explained.

"I wish I could meet her." Yuya said.

"Embrace your dreams, Yuya." Samejima said.

"Huh?" Yuya asked.

"If you want to be a hero, you must have dreams and honor, like the last wielder of Hero's Honor." Samejima advised. "Maybe one day, you can meet her, she's not that hard to miss, her hair is the same color as your first layer."

"Red." Yuya looked at his hair.

"More like scarlet." Samejima answered. "Now, let's review the fundamentals." Samejima grabbed his Duel Disk.

"Yes sir!" Yuya got excited.

"Prove your honor to me!" Samejima ordered.

Yuya vs Samejima

"Master…I'll remind you of the honor that you taught not only me, but my brothers. Yuto, Yugo, Yuri, please help me." Yuya thought.

"But Yuya…" Yuto felt guilty that he was a counterpart of Yusho Sakaki.

"What are you doesn't matter. It who you choose to be. You're my brothers, and that won't change. Please." Yuya begged.

"I can't say no to that!" Yuri said.

"Let's do it, Yuya!" Yugo agreed.

"Let's show him our bond! Our honor!" Yuto came around.

"My turn! Draw!" Yuya drew his card with Yuto, Yugo and Yuri following the same movement. Yuya saw the visions of three dragons.

"Let's do this, Yuya!" Yuto shouted.

"Master, let me remind you of honor! I activate the Quick-Play Magic: Odd-Eyes Pendulum-Xyz! When I have an Odd-Eyes monster on my field, I can Special Summon an Xyz Monster from my Extra Deck with its effect negated and have its Level the same as an Odd-Eyes monster on my field! Appear! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon (ATK: 2500, RNK: 4→LV: 7)!" Yuya summoned Yuto's dragon.

"Yuto's dragon…" Shun saw his best friend's dragon.

"I Overlay my Level 7 Odd-Eyes Wizard Dragon and Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!" The two dragons turned into purple lights and entered the spacelike portal.

"Dragon of dichromatic eyes!" Yuya chanted.

"Unleash your black scale of wrath, and eradicate all opposing enemies!" Yuto chanted.

"Xyz Summon! Come forth, Rank 7! Dragon whose eyes glow with rage! Supreme King Black Dragon - Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon (ATK: 3000, RNK: 7, PS: 4, OVU: 2)!" Yuya summoned a large black dragon that was a mix of Odd-Eyes and Dark Rebellion.

"What a dragon…" Misael was in awe of the dragon.

"When Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon is Xyz Summoned using an Xyz Monster as material, it destroys all Level 7 or lower monsters on the opponent's field and deals their Attack Points as damage! Cyber Ogre 2 is destroyed! Overload Howling!" Yuya pointed and Odd-Eyes Rebellion roared.

"By banishing Cyber Fusion Gate from my Graveyard, my Cyber Fusion monsters cannot be destroyed by card effects this turn!" The Fusion Gate gave the Cyber monsters protection.

"I'm just getting started!" Yuya shouted.

"I'm with you until the end, Yuya!" Yugo said.

"By sending Odd-Eyes Xyz to the Graveyard, I can activate the Quick-Play Magic: Odd-Eyes Synchro from my deck!" Yuya quickly activated the card. "This card allows me to Special Summon one Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck with its effects negated! Appear! Clear Wing Synchro Dragon (ATK: 2500, LV: 7)!" Yuya summoned Yugo's dragon.

"Yugo's dragon…" Rin looked at it.

"Next, thanks to Odd-Eyes Synchro's effect, I can treat Odd-Eyes Saber Dragon as a Level 1 Tuner Monster! I'm Tuning my Level 7 Clear Wing Synchro Dragon with my Level 1 Odd-Eyes Saber Dragon!" Odd-Eyes Saber Dragon turned into a single green rings and Clear Wing flew through it.

"Dragon with dichromatic eyes!" Yuya chanted.

"Gain the shining wings of light. Soar to the summit of supremacy!" Yugo chanted.

"Synchro Summon! Appear! Level 8! Dragon with piercing eyes of breakthrough! Supreme King White Dragon - Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon (ATK: 3000, LV: 8, PS: 10)!" Yuya summoned a dragon that was a mixture of Odd-Eyes and Clear Wing.

"I feel it, Yuya! Your honor, your power as a True Duelist! You can break through it! Save your master!" Jack shouted.

"I activate Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon's effect! Once per turn, I can target one monster on the opponent's field and destroys as many monsters on the opponent's field and Odd-Eyes Wing gains the Attack Points of the targeted monster! I choose Cyber Ogre 3!"

"Cyber Ogre 2 can't be destroyed, but the others can." Reira smiled.

"No." Misawa said.

"By banishing Cyber Synchro Gate and Cyber Xyz Gate from my Graveyard! My Cyber Synchro and Xyz Monsters cannot be destroyed by card effects this turn!" Samejima countered.

"We're not done yet!" Yuya shouted.

"Saved the best for last!" Yuri smiled.

"By sending Odd-Eyes Pendulum-Synchro to the Graveyard, I can activate Odd-Eyes Pendulum-Fusion from my deck!" Yuya quickly activated another card from his deck.

"I Special Summon Starve Venom Fusion Dragon from my Extra Deck with its effects negated!" Yuya brought out Yuri's Dragon.

"Yuri's dragon…" Dennis remembered that card.

"Then, I fuse Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Starve Venom Fusion Dragon!" The two dragons entered the spiraling vortex.

"Dragon with dichromatic eyes!" Yuya chanted.

"Become one with the poisonous dragon." Yuri chanted.

"Be the power that leads to supremacy! Fusion Summon! Appear! Level 10! Dragon with gem-like eyes of kindness! Supreme King Violet Dragon - Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon (ATK: 3300, LV: 10, PS: 1)!" Yuya summoned a dragon that was a mixture of Odd-Eyes and Starve Venom.

"Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon's effect activates! Until the End Phase, I can increase its Attack Points by the sum total of all monsters on the opponent's field!" Odd-Eyes Venom gained power.

"As expected of my darling!" Grace gushed over Yuya completely ignoring the death glares Yuzu, Serena, Rin and Ruri were giving off.

Odd-Eyes Venom (ATK: 3300→11,400)

"I activate my Trap Card: Cyber Delta Formation! When I have exactly three Cyber Monsters on my field, any changes in my opponent's Attack or Defense Points are null!" The three Cyber monsters forced Odd-Eyes Venom to power back down.

Odd-Eyes Venom (ATK: 11,400→3300)

"Damn it, he weakened Odd-Eyes Venom." Serena cursed.

"But all of Yuya's monsters are stronger." Rin said.

"Samejima protected his monsters from card effects but…" Ruri smiled.

"Yuya can still destroy them in battle!" Yuzu realized.

"Master, this is our honor! The bond of the Dragon Soldiers! Battle! Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon, attack Cyber Ogre 4! Revolutional Lightning Strike!" Odd-Eyes Rebellion spread its wings and charged towards Cyber Ogre 4 and destroyed it and damaged Samejima.

Samejima LP: 2700→2500

"Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon, attack Cyber Ogre 3! Super Sonic Dive!" Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon soared into the sky and dived down at sonic speed and destroyed Cyber Ogre 3.

Samejima LP: 2500→2200

"Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon, attack Cyber Ogre 2! Blooming Poison Blast!" Odd-Eyes Venom gathered power in its wings before unleashed a blast from them that destroyed Cyber Ogre 2 and Samejima started losing his footing.

Samejima LP: 2200→1500

"Next, by banishing Odd-Eyes Pendulum Fusion, Pendulum Synchro and Pendulum Xyz! I can inflict 400 points of damage per card!" Yuya banished the three cards.

"Wake up! Master!" Yuya shouted along with Yuto, Yugo and Yuri as the three dragons combined their attacks and sent Samejima flying backwards.

Samejima LP: 1500→300

Yuya panted as he was getting tired and he still hadn't recovered from his other Duels. "Master…please…"

Samejima sat up and got back to his feet. "Very well done." Samejima smiled warmly at Yuya.

"Master!" Yuya smiled. "You're back! Now the Duel—"

"It's just getting started!" Samejima shouted.

"What?" Yuya gasped.

"I still have Life Points! A Duel isn't over until the last card is played! Now Yuya, finish your turn!" Samejima pointed to Yuya.

"Master…" Yuya couldn't believe it. "I didn't get through to him."

"I set one card and end my turn." Yuya finished his turn.

Samejima LP: 300, Hand: 2
Yuya LP: 1425, Hand: 1

"My turn! Draw!" Samejima drew his card. "The conditions have been met!" Samejima declared. "From my hand, I activate the Ritual Magic: Advent of the Cybers!" Samejima played a Ritual card.

"This card allows me to banish a Fusion, Synchro and Xyz monster in my Graveyard in order to Ritual Summon a Cyber monster! I banish Cyber Ogre 2, 3, and 4!" The three Cyber Ogres appeared in the center of the altar before turning into flames.

"Followers that have stayed true to the art of the Cyber Style, now is the time to put together all of your experience and reach the apex of Dueling! Ritual Summon! Appear! Level 12! Cyber Ogre 5 (ATK: 3500, LV: 12, PS: 8)!" Samejima summoned a Cyber Ogre that was blue and had a pendulum gem in its chest.

"A Ritual-Pendulum Monster?!" Yuya's eyes widened.

"Cyber Ogre 5's effect! The opponent is prohibited from activating Magic and Trap Cards during my turn! In exchange, I'm only allowed to attack the strongest monster they possess!" Chains surrounded Yuya's cards preventing them from moving.

"Battle! Cyber Ogre 5, attack Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon!" Cyber Ogre 5 towered over the dragon. Blades then came out of hits elbows and it swung down and beheaded the dragon.

"Venom!" Yuya cried as he took damage.

Yuya LP: 1425→1225

"Cyber Ogre 5's second effect activates! When it destroys a monster in battle, that monster is banished along with all other monsters on the opponent's field!" Samejima revealed.

"What?!" A large black hole appeared and sucked Odd-Eyes Venom's body into the void. Odd-Eyes Wing and Odd-Eyes Rebellion roared in pain as they were sucked in too. "No! Wing! Rebellion!"

"And for each card banished the opponent takes 400 points of damage!" The black hole created a raging whirlwind that sent everything flying in the air and everyone was bracing themselves.

"I'm scared!" Tanner panicked.

"It's okay, I gotcha." Crow protected him, Tanner, Frank and Amanda.

"It's gonna be okay!" Shuzo trembled as he held Tatsuya and Futoshi.

"Yuya!" Yuzu cried out as she held Ayu.

Yuya crossed his arms to try from the raging winds and had his eyes closed as the wind was too strong. He eventually opened them briefly when a large shard of glass sliced right through his left eye.

"ARGH!" Yuya cried.

Yuya LP: 1225→25

The winds had finally started to calm down. Everyone was shocked as blood came out of where Yuya's eye was supposed to be.

"Yuya!" Rio, Rua, Asuka and Jonouchi shouted.

Yuya fell to his knee and held the left side of his face.

"At the End Phase, I must discard a Pendulum card from my hand to keep Cyber Ogre 5 on the field. I discard Cyber Pendulum to the Graveyard and end my turn." Samejima finished his turn without caring what happened to Yuya.

"Yuya…your eye…" Rua felt sick when he saw that Yuya's eye was destroyed.

"Aki, please!" Asuka begged Aki.

"I have to be next to him in order to heal him." Aki sadly stated.

"Damn it!" Asuka punched the cage hard.

Rio closed her eyes and her Barian Tattoo spread all over her again over for it to recede. "I can't use Chaos anymore. I'm too exhausted." Rio cursed herself for having no power left.

"You bastard!" Jonouchi growled as he turned to Samejima. "I don't care if you're Yuya's master! I won't forgive anyone that hurts him!" Jonouchi hit his head on the cage.

"You cannot intrude until one of us dies." Samejima declared. "Now, begin your turn."

Yuya left side was now covered in blood and tears came out of Yuya's other eye as he was in so much pain. His pendulum kept swinging and swinging.

As it kept swinging, all of Yuya's bad memories were rushing through his head. His father Zarc being forced into a fusion with Yusho and the dragons. His mother, saying goodbye to him before sacrificing herself to save the world. Yuto, Yugo and Yuri being gunned down by Academia soldiers. Yusho beating him for helping a friend. LDS attempting to take his school. The Rare Hunters threatening Maiami City. Divine and Shinji leading Neo Domino in a civil war. Roget threatening to kill everyone with the Ark Cradle. Seeing his friends getting hurt by the Barian Emperors and Academia. Ruri's supposed death. Rio and him fighting to the death.

Yuya's right eye turned golden and his teeth were starting to get sharp. He was gonna lose control again.

"Yuya…" Yuya looked up to see Astral in front of him. "We cannot choose our beginnings, but we can choose our futures. And if we are lost, if we are confused, in pain, we turn to our friends."

Yuya's field of vision widened and he saw the faces of his friends in concern for him. Friends that were with him through thick and thin. His good memories then started to flood in and the pendulum around Yuya started to slow down.

He remembered reuniting with Jonouchi. Having fun with Rua and Rio. Asuka comforting him whenever he was sad. His rivalry turned friendships with Sawatari and Reiji. Giving Shun and Dennis hope that Yuto and Yuri can come back. His friendship with Gongenzaka through the years. His feelings for Yuzu, Serena, Rin and Ruri.

More memories flooded in, meeting Aki, ending the Tops and Commons society of Neo Domino City, his parents comforting him in his mind. His happy times with his brothers and being raised by Samejima.

The good continued to cancel out the bad and the pendulum swayed less and less until it finally stopped. Yuya's felt his heart change and his whole body glowed.

"What?!" Samejima shielded his eyes and so did everyone.

"What is this?" Asuka was confused.

"This light…True Rank Up?!" Rio wondered.

Cyber Ogre 5 looked at the light and was mesmerized by it.

The light then started to concentrate on where Yuya's left eye was. A new eye was created and Yuya opened it to reveal a shining green eye.

"The Seventh Gate…open…" Astral smiled.

Samejima LP: 300, Hand: 0
Yuya LP: 25, Hand: 1

"My turn!" Yuya raised his hand and it releasing a shining light. He then put his fingers on his deck. "Light and strength, gather to my hand! All the Duels of the strongest Duelists are ordained by inevitability! Even the cards they draw are created by the Duelist! Shining Draw!" Yuya drew a glowing card from his deck.

"I activate the Rank-Up Magic – Anthelion Rise! This card allows me to Special Summon an Xyz Monster that was used as Xyz Material from my Graveyard and Special Summon an Xyz Monster that is three Ranks higher!" Yuya revealed. "Appear! Dark Rebellion!"

Dark Rebellion appeared on the field and it soared into the sky. "The pall of darkness is slashes apart by fangs of rebellion that have gained new power! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Come forth! Rank 7! Dark Anthelion Dragon (ATK: 3000, RNK: 7, PS: 10, OVU: 1)!" Yuya summoned a Pendulum Version of Dark Rebellion.

"Tch…that move was your downfall!" Samejima shouted. "I activate Cyber Pendulum's effect! When this card is in my Graveyard, every time my opponent summons a Pendulum monster, they take 1000 points of damage! It's over!" Cyber Pendulum came out of the Graveyard and fired a blast at Yuya.

Yuya was gonna counter but then a large hand blocked the blast. "What?!" Samejima gasped.

Yuya was surprised too as the hand that protected him was Cyber Ogre 5. "Cyber Ogre 5?"

"What are you doing?! I didn't activate your damage nullification effect! This doesn't—" Cyber Ogre 5 then reached out and grabbed Samejima and held it tight. "What are you doing?!" Samejima screamed before he started to glow and when the light died down, appearing in Cyber Ogre 5's grip was.

"You!" Yuya's eyes widened.

"Damn it, my power!" Eve cursed. "How is this possible?"

"Eve, but then where's…"

"You…" A loud deep voice was heard above Yuya. Yuya looked up and saw it was Cyber Ogre 5. "You will…not harm…my student."

"Master?" Yuya muttered.

"Yuya…destroy me…end this Duel…" Cyber Ogre 5, who was Samejima, requested.

"Fool! If he destroys you…you'll die!" Eve choked out as Cyber Ogre 5 kept her in his grip.

"That's better…than being your puppet…and hurting others…for your personal gain." Samejima said. "Please, Yuya. I don't want to hurt anyone ever again."

"Master…" Yuya closed his eyes before he got determined. "Battle! Dark Anthelion Dragon, attack Cyber Ogre 5! At this moment, Dark Anthelion's effect activates! Once per turn, by using one Overlay Unit, one monster on my opponent's field has their Attack Points reduced to 0 while Dark Anthelion gains that monster's Attack Points! Parhelic Bind!" A parhelic circle appeared around Cyber Ogre 5 and made it weaker while Dark Anthelion gained power.

Dark Anthelion (ATK: 3000→6500)

"Dark Anthelion! Eclipse Ray!" Dark Anthelion spread its wings and released a purple blast from its mouth and it destroyed Cyber Ogre 5 and Eve was sent flying back.

Eve LP: 300→0

Winner: Yuya Ryuga

With the Duel over, the cage that trapped Yuya disappeared. "Yuya!" Yuya turned to see Rio, Rua, Asuka and Jonouchi running towards him.

"Everyone!" Yuya smiled. All four of them hugged Yuya.

"Thank goodness." Rio said.

"Don't scare me like that." Rua complained.

"I'm so glad you're okay." Asuka held Yuya tighter.

"Why do you always have to give us heart attacks?" Jonouchi scolded.

"Damn it…" Eve sat up. "The Adam Factor…give it to me!" Eve charged towards Yuya.

"Back off!"

Melodious Flower Dragon, Moonlight Dancer Dragon, Wind Witch – Cyclone Dragon and Lyrical Eagle Dragon appeared in front of Yuya to protect him and they fired a blast near Eve's feet that knocked her off balance.

Soon the rest of the Dimension Guardians, residents of the Xyz Dimension, Synchro Dimension and even Academia faced Eve in order to protect Yuya.

"You won this battle…but we will win the war!" Eve showed the Spirit Gate Key.

"Huh?" Yuya check his pockets and the key was really gone.

"I don't care if we have to win, we'll find a way to open the gates." Eve created a portal and disappeared.

"Who the heck was that?" Sawatari asked.

"Eve." Yuya answered. "She's a key figure of the United World's split."

"Another dangerous enemy." Reiji fixed his glasses.

Particles of light shined where Cyber Ogre 5 was destroyed and Samejima appeared, lying on his back.

"Master!" Yuya ran to Samejima and knelt down to him.

"You've grown…Yuya…" Samejima smiled weakly.

"Hang on, I'll—" Yuya spoke.

"It's too late…" Samejima stated. "Eve used my life energy to turn me into that monster. I can feel myself fading away. But Yuya, thank you. I was worried that I would have to be a tool to hurt my precious students. But I am sorry for hurting you." Samejima weakly reached up and caressed Yuya's left side of his face, which now had a scar through his eye.

"Master…I didn't want to…I didn't mean to…" Yuya sadly wanted to make an excuse for what he did.

"I know you didn't." Samejima wiped Yuya's tears. "You really are a kind young man. Use that kindness…end this senseless war…I know you can…" Samejima reached inside his jacket and pulled out… "Because you are a hero." Samejima held out the Hero's Honor Duel Disk.

Yuya looked at the Duel Disk and the dying Samejima and he sadly accepted the Duel Disk. "Protect your honor…and embrace your dreams…my son…" Samejima said before he smiled and closed his eyes for the last time.

Yuya gasped and he gently placed a hand on Samejima's chest. There was no heartbeat, no movement of breathing.

The dark clouds disappeared once more, bringing out the clear blue sky and shining sun that let a ray shine down on Yuya and Samejima. Yuya stood up and crossed his arms and bowed his head to his master.

"A Soldier's Final Respect…" Asuka muttered, getting everyone's attention. "Crossed arms, head bowed. This stance was shown to Samejima's students. It's a symbol of protecting your honor and embracing your dreams. That you promise to live for those that are gone."

Asuka walked up next to Yuya and she went into the stance as well. Jonouchi, Rua and Rio joined them and followed them as well.

Later more and more of them followed the example as the sun continued to shine and spread out over the war-torn Heartland.

Fusion Dimension – Academia

Leo sat in his throne, exhausted as Eve appeared. "Got it, but I couldn't win." Eve gave the key to Leo.

"Either way, we'll break that seal and the Three Phantasms will get us the life energy again." Leo said.

Just then, chains of light pinned both Leo and Eve in place. "What is this?!" Leo grunted.

"A lot of lives have been taken because of your actions. Even the enemy deserves respect." Appearing from the shadows was Genesis.

"Genesis…whose side are you on?" Eve was getting frustrated.

"Those chains will go away after a week. Don't worry, you'll get food." Genesis walked away.

Genesis exited the chamber when a portal opened in front of her and someone stepped out and bowed to her. "Progress?"

"Don Thousand has found the body and we're ready to begin the procedure." That someone who raised his head was Jean Michel Roget.

"How are you feeling?" Genesis asked.

"Stronger and better than ever. Normally I don't like taking orders, but you are an exception. I owe you an eternal debt." Roget smiled. "It's a shame Don Thousand isn't so compliant as I."

"Don Thousand is like me, a god. He can't stand the thought of someone rivaling him in strength. One thing he can learn from you is patience. His vengeance against Rio Kamishiro will come. Just as yours for Rua Godwin." Genesis said.

"And what of Katsuya Jonouchi and Asuka Tenjoin?" Roget asked.

"I'm about to go pick them up." Genesis disappeared.

"My revenge will come." Roget disappeared.

Heartland – Main Plaza

In a sign of respect, Kaiba and Reiji had organized a funeral to those that have lost their lives. Everyone from the four dimensions was invited and Central Academia out of the blue accepted a ceasefire.

Some of the residents of the Xyz Dimension that weren't turned into cards were laid to rest with former Academia soldiers feeling guilty for their actions.

Rex Godwin and Kazama were able to properly get laid to rest and were given the highest honor for their efforts for protecting Neo Domino City. Rua and Ruka were able to give their grandfather the proper farewell with Bruno now their legal guardian.

Kaiser and Samejima were also laid to rest and they were respected by all the dimensions for their actions during those last Duels.

Fubuki had recovered back to his senses and Asuka was happy to have her brother back, but she still held grudges against Academia. Jonouchi reunited with Valon as well as Amelda and Rafael who came to check on Ruri and Yuya respectively.

Rio was able to fix the connection with the Barian Worlds and the Astral World with both sides agreeing to fight the Dimensional War for the Guardians. They had to as when Rio and the other emperors returned to the Barian World, Don Thousand's seal was broken and he was gone. Rio had a feeling that Leo and Eve would try to recruit him, and he would accept as he loved destruction.

Things were starting to turn out okay as reconstruction of started to get underway.

Fusion Dimension – Samejima's Academia

Sitting alone in the remains of Samejima's Duel Academia was Yuya. After the funeral, he left Heartland to get some time to himself.

The scar over his eye was more visible than before. He changed back into the clothes his friends got him and looked at the small memorials he made for Samejima, Yuto, Yugo, Yuri, Zarc and Ray.

"I'm done crying." Yuya said. "I won't doubt myself anymore. These next fights will be tough, so please…watch over me."

Appearing in spirit behind Yuya was Yuto, Yugo, Yuri, Zarc and Ray, smiling. From the distance, Adam watched Yuya with a faint smile.

Yuya put on his blue jacket and grabbed the Hero's Honor Duel Disk and he placed it on his arm. He then walked towards the light, ready to face the endless challenges.

And that is the end of Chapter 25. What did you all think? Let me know in the reviews.

Thanks for reading and I will see you next time.

Preview: With the ceasefire in effect and some tensions still residing with the Academia defectors and Heartland Resistance fighters, Rio proposes throwing the Heartland Duel Carnival to remind everyone of what Dueling is all about. And she plans to start things off by finishing the last major event: the Friendship Cup.

Next Time: King vs Hero! Burning Soul vs Clear Mind!