Hey guys! So once again I apologise for the long break between chapters. I've been really busy the past few weeks between moving houses and getting ready for college. Unfortunately that means chapters will come out slower than I would like, but I will continue to support this series as much as I can. Anyway, enjoy!
Chapter 13 – Supremacy of the Three
"Yusei's alive?!"
It had been two days since Jorann and Tanion had found the secret room hidden underneath the Resistance's destroyed base. Once they had arrived back at Stromberg Castle, Jorann had called an emergency meeting with all of the Coalition's higher-ups in attendance. Tanion had no idea who the majority of them were, and so he stood beside Elise and Darrien as Jorann explained the situation.
"He escaped before the fighting began," Jorann continued. "He fled for the East China Sea."
"Why would he go there?" one of the members wondered.
"The main branch of the Duel Academy was there," another said. "Perhaps he went there."
Jorann nodded. "I'm certain that is where he went," he said. "Another piece of information we found troubles me greatly. Yusei claims that the attack on the Resistance was a result of them gaining access to the Grand Order's computer servers and collecting information. One of the things that they found was that the Grand Order has been imprisoning Synchro users."
"That explains why we never found their bodies," Darrien noted.
"However, this is not why I called this meeting," Jorann said grimly. "The information so far could've been given to you all separately, but what I am about to say cannot leave this chamber, does everyone understand?"
"What are you going on about, Jorann?" Felirae demanded as the others in attendance began to murmur amongst themselves.
"Yusei… he's initialising Operation Theta."
A deathly silence fell over the people in the room. Some looked down at their feet awkwardly, others either smiled out of disbelief or coughed as a distraction. Tanion watched as Felirae's expression turned grave in an instant, almost as if someone had just told him that an old friend of his had just died.
"Forgive me asking, but what is Operation Theta?" Tanion asked tentatively.
"You didn't tell him?" Felirae asked Jorann quietly.
"I figured it'd be best to let you decide if you want to tell him or not," Jorann answered softly.
Felirae sighed. "Operation Theta is the last fall back plan of the rebellion groups worldwide," he began. "About a year ago, we discovered where the headquarters of the Grand Order was. Although they have headquarters of sorts on every continent, they all receive orders from this one location. Theta was designed as a way of destroying that place if there was nothing more we could do."
"So what is Theta?"
"Suicide," Jorann said gruffly.
"Theta involves sending our strongest duelists on an undercover mission into their headquarters," Felirae continued. "Take out the leaders, destroy their systems, and get out. However, this was designed before the place became a citadel. Over the past few months, thousands upon thousands of people have made their way to Eravand, which is located in Tibet. Even if they were to somehow get inside and kill the leaders, they would be trapped there, outnumbered 100 to 1 at the very least. Even if Yusei has been accumulating the world's last Synchro users, they will not be able to face that many enemies."
"Then why do it at all?" Tanion asked. "What's the point?"
"I don't know," Felirae admitted. "Maybe the war and the loss of so many of his friends has finally broken the man. I simply don't know."
"I may not know much about this world, but I have to agree with Jorann," Tanion said. "Even if they do manage to destroy the capital, they'll be killed and the Order will just rebuild. Their sacrifice be meaningless."
"We have to get to Duel Academy before Yusei initialises Theta," Jorann continued. "He said he would wait a month after Formula Synchron was found before beginning, so we have plenty of time."
"What do you suggest we do, Jorann?" Felirae asked.
"We cannot allow Yusei to go through with Theta," Jorann answered. "Furthermore, we need to make sure that all of the Synchro users he's been gathering don't go off on their own. If they've already accepted their fate, there's a good chance that even if we can convince Yusei to stop this madness some will still go off on their own."
"You want to seal the island," Felirae realised. "Lock them in."
"I want to protect them from themselves," Jorann muttered. "We would need to seal the docks, the helicopter pad, the landing strip… but first, I'll go in alone."
"Why would you do that?" Elise asked.
"You lot wouldn't understand," Jorann said sternly. "I'll challenge Yusei to a duel. If I win, he's to stand down and everyone on the island is to come with us."
"You want to challenge one of the Three?" Felirae gasped. "I won't allow it. Such a confrontation will be seen as rebellion amongst ourselves."
"If I don't, the last of my people will die!" Jorann shouted angrily. "Yusei is an honourable man. He will agree, and I'll make sure that I protect everyone on that island."
"You don't stand a chance against him, Jorann," Elise said sternly. "He's Yusei. You might be strong, but you can't beat him."
"He's not the Yusei I remember," Jorann cut back. "I'm of the belief he's lost the will to fight, and that's why he's initialising Theta. I can't see any other reason why he would do such a thing. I'll fight him with everything I've got, if it means keeping the others on that island safe."
"Jorann, this plan is foolish," Felirae said finally. "I will not sanction such an operation."
"For once, Felirae, I don't care," Jorann spat. "I'm going to Duel Academy to challenge Yusei. You can either be there to help me or not. The choice is yours."
The room was left in silence as the old man stormed out of the room, slamming the doors behind him, leaving the rest of those in attendance unsure of their next move. Tanion looked at Elise and Darrien, but both seemed sheepish, shuffling their feet and averting their gaze from everyone. Eventually, it was Felirae who spoke up.
"We can't afford to lose that bastard now," he murmured. "Tanion, Elise, Darrien. Catch Jorann before he leaves and go with him. I will send a vanguard behind you. If for whatever reason you find it necessary, call them in, and they'll have the island sealed within fifteen minutes."
"Sir, are you sure about this?" Elise asked gingerly.
"He's left us with no choice," Felirae answered. "Go after him. Keep him safe. And pray that Yusei goes easy on him."
Despite protests from Jorann, the trio forced their way onto the helicopter before it took off. Tanion noted the icy silence that lasted the majority of the trip, but he had expected as much. Jorann himself was in a foul mood, and both Elise and Darrien seemed almost distraught because of the situation at hand. Tanion almost went to break the silence a few times, but he stopped himself before he did. He could tell that everyone was on the edge of snapping, and that was something he didn't want to see.
"Dual Academy is a half hour away," the pilot said as they finally approached. "Prepare for landing."
Wordlessly, they returned to their seats and strapped themselves in. As the island came into view, Tanion could see just how desolate the island seemed. It makes sense that the Grand Order would've targeted this place, he thought to himself. No doubt the other academies around the world were hit just as hard. I wonder how long they all managed to hold out for…
"They noticed our arrival it seems," Elise said dejectedly as she looked out the window.
"Then they can lead us straight to Yusei," Jorann muttered.
The helicopter landed, and Jorann was the first out of the door as the co-pilot opened it. Elise, Darrien and Tanion followed closely behind, only to be faced with around a dozen people, all armed and ready to use the duel disks on their arms. Just as Tanion had thought, Yusei wasn't among them, but they certainly looked capable enough to be Synchro users.
"Three be with you," Jorann said.
A few of the men relaxed. "Who are you?" one who hadn't relaxed asked.
"I am Jorann, a Synchro user from the Coalition," he answered impatiently. "Take me to Yusei at once. I have business with him."
"How did you know we were here?" another asked sceptically.
Jorann sighed. "I don't have time for this," he said, and showed them the Junk and Formula Synchron cards.
Tanion heard a couple gasp. "I… right this way," the first one said, lowering his disk. "I'll take you to him at once."
As the helicopter blades came to a complete standstill, Tanion and the others followed the welcoming party through the forest toward Duel Academy. He could see the destruction that had passed through here years ago, as the forest itself was still recovering from the assault. Ahead, he could see just how much damage had been done to Academy itself. The pillars were gone, the crumbled remains littering the ground as they approached. Domes had been smashed, and the once vibrant colours of the building had long since disappeared. As they walked through what was left of the entrance, Tanion was taken aback by the stark contrast between what he was seeing now and how the shows had represented the building. It had fallen into complete disrepair.
"You have visitors, Yusei," one of them called to the balcony above. "They have your Synchron cards with them."
As he said these words, men and women alike began to appear around the destroyed lobby. Just at a glance, they all seemed strong and assured, a trait Tanion assumed came with being a Synchro user. Then, a flicker of black and yellow hair appeared on the balcony. In his easily recognisable outfit, Tanion knew who it was immediately.
"Bring the cards to me, Frances," Yusei ordered. His voice seemed colder than what Tanion knew.
"At once, sir," the man named Frances said.
"Who are you?" Yusei demanded.
"I am the Synchro user Jorann," Jorann answered. "And I demand that you cease your plans at once."
"You are the one who retrieved my Synchron cards, are you?" Yusei asked.
"I am," Jorann answered, and he handed the cards over to Frances. "I and this boy here, another Synchro user."
"You aren't of our world, are you?" Yusei asked Tanion.
"You're… very perceptive, Yusei," he managed to say, taken aback by this statement.
"What business do you have here?" Yusei asked.
"I've come here to tell you to stop this madness at once," Jorann shouted. "You have no right initiating Operation Theta. You'll kill everyone here for nothing."
"Theta is necessary," Yusei replied, adding the cards Frances had given him into his deck. "After taking out their leaders, the Order will be without a rudder. The resistance groups around the world will have a chance."
"It's suicide," Jorann bellowed. "You used to treasure your comrades. What happened to wanting to save everyone? Wasn't that why you started the Resistance in the first place?"
"Saving everyone is impossible!" Yusei snapped, eyes glowing with murderous anger. "I learned that a long time ago. To save everyone is impossible! But, by making this sacrifice, those left fighting around the world might have a chance at a better tomorrow."
"A tomorrow without Synchro is hollow," Jorann snapped back. "Synchro Summoning is an integral part of this world. If you do this, it'll be lost forever. There will be next to none of us left!"
Yusei began walking down the stairs towards the group. "Operation Theta is going ahead," he said slowly. "Everyone here has lost people, those close to them, because of this war. By doing this, those remaining have a chance. It's a sacrifice we are willing to make."
"I won't allow it," Jorann said furiously. "Yusei, I challenge you to a duel."
"You are challenging me?" Yusei asked, surprised. "Jorann, do you have any idea what you're doing?"
"You've lost your way, Yusei," Jorann said. "I'm here to remind you about why we fought the Grand Order in the first place. To protect everyone, including ourselves."
"Fine then," Yusei said as he came to a standstill across from Jorann. "What are the stakes?"
"If I win, you put an end to Theta and you all come back to Stromberg Castle with us," Jorann answered. "But if you win… I'll join you on Theta."
"Jorann, you can't!" Elise exclaimed.
"The terms are fair," Yusei said calmly. "I will ask again, Jorann. Are you ready for this?"
"I'll fight you with everything I have, Yusei," Jorann answered. "I'll show you, in this duel, what it really means to be a Synchro user!"
"I'd suggest we move back," Darrien whispered to Tanion and Elise.
Taking his suggestion, they moved to the edge of the lobby, and Tanion noted that many of Yusei's men had done the same. Jorann beat me completely in our duel, Tanion thought to himself. He's strong. But he's dueling Yusei… I don't know if even he can beat Yusei. What are you going to do, Jorann?
DUEL!
"I'll give you the chance to go first, Jorann," Yusei said graciously.
"You'll regret that," he replied angrily. "To start with, I'll summon High Dragon Yolmir from my hand (Lvl:4/ATK:1500). Next, since I control a 'High Dragon' monster, I can special summon this card from my hand. Come forth, the Tuner monster High Dragon Paranel! (Lvl:4/ATK:1800)."
"This is the same play he used against me…" Tanion realised.
"I tune the Level 4 Yolmir to my Level 4 Paranel! Synchro Summon! Descend before us now, of mighty dragon of the skies! Level 8! High Dragon Allanon! (Lvl:8/ATK:2900)."
"That is an impressive monster, Jorann," Yusei commented. "It would appear you have a strong bond with them."
"I have the bond that you were famous for," Jorann said. "You trusted your monsters with your life, and I now do the same. They're the reason I'm here today!"
"Jorann…" Elise whispered. "I didn't realise you felt so strongly about this…"
"Not only that, they give me the strength to fight even when everything else falls around me, and today is no exception!" Jorann roared. "Thanks to Yolmir's effect, I can draw one card!"
"They lend you their power, even though they are no longer here," Yusei noted.
"I activate the card I just drew, Bloodline of the High Dragons!" Jorann said. "By paying 800 life points, I can special summon one 'High Dragon' monster from my hand or deck! Appear now, the Tuner monster High Dragon Wyrm! (Lvl:1/ATK:0)."
"Wait a second, is he...?" Tanion gasped.
"Next, from my hand, I activate the effect of High Dragon Servant, and special summon it! (Lvl:1/ATK:200)."
"He's going for Edilisna on his first turn?!" Elise gulped.
"I tune the Level 1 Servant with my Level 1 Wyrm! Synchro Summon! Appear before us now, my very soul! Level 2! The Synchro Tuner, Carer of the High Dragons! (Lvl:2/ATK:500)."
From around him, Tanion could hear Yusei's men being taken aback by the appearance of Carer. Just as he had been before, they were struggling to believe that Carer looked just like Jorann. Yusei, however, seemed unperturbed by the appearance of Jorann's Synchro Tuner.
"I see you have a strong connection with your monsters," Yusei said coolly.
"More than you realise," Jorann said in return. "Thanks to Carer, I draw one card. And now, I tune my Level 8 Allanon to my Level 2 Carer! Dragon and man, become one within the light's embrace and shine forth with your everlasting might! Accel Synchro! Appear before us now, Level 10! High Dragon Edilisna! (Lvl:10/ATK:3600)."
"Three Synchro Summons in one turn…" Tanion heard someone near them whisper.
"I set one card face-down, and end my turn," Jorann said. "Now face me, Yusei! Show me how strong your convictions are!"
Jorann – 3200 LP
Yusei – 4000 LP
"I must say, Jorann, that was an impressive first turn," Yusei said politely.
"I told you, I'm coming at you with everything I've got," he answered.
"However," Yusei said. "Did you really think that would be enough to defeat me?"
"What did you say?" Jorann asked angrily.
"My turn," Yusei said, drawing. "I'll show you, Jorann, just how far you have to go! I discard Level Eater in order to special summon the Tuner monster Quickdraw Synchron from my hand. Appear now, Quickdraw! (Lvl:5/ATK:700)."
"Hold on, is he going for Quasar?" Tanion wondered aloud.
"What's Quasar?" Darrien asked from beside him.
"It was Yusei's strongest monster in the anime," Tanion explained. "If he summons it… Jorann is in massive trouble."
"Next, I lower Quickdraw's Level to 4 and special summon Level Eater from the grave!" Yusei announced. "I tune the Level 1 Level Eater and the Level 4 Quickdraw together! Synchro Summon! Appear now, Level 5! Jet Warrior! (Lvl:5/ATK:2100)."
"He is going for it…" Tanion muttered.
"Next, I normal summon Synchron Explorer (Lvl:2/ATK:0) from my hand and use it to revive Quickdraw! Appear again, my Tuner! (Lvl:5/DEF:1400). Next, I lower Jet Warrior's level to 4 and revive Level Eater! Now, I tune my Level Eater and Synchron Explorer to my Quickdraw! Synchro Summon! Appear before us now, Level 8! Road Warrior! (Lvl:8/ATK:3000)."
"This is insane," Elise muttered. "He's not even close to finished, I can feel it."
"I use Road Warrior's effect!" Yusei shouted. "I special summon the Tuner monster Jet Synchron from my deck! (Lvl:1/ATK:0), and, by lowering Road Warrior's Level to 7, I revive Level Eater once again! And now, I tune my Level Eater and Jet Synchron together! Gathering wishes will call out a new speed's horizon! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! The power of hope, Synchro Tuner, Formula Synchron! (Lvl:2/ATK:200)."
"An Accel Synchro?" Jorann asked.
"No," Yusei answered. "I have never summoned this monster before, but I think now is the time to do so, to show you just how far you have to go to reach me."
"Here it comes…" Tanion warned.
"After drawing one card from Formula Synchron's effect, I use Level Eater once more to lower Road Warrior's Level to 6!" Yusei said. "And now, finally, I shall summon the monster that shall end this duel! I tune my Level 4 Jet Warrior and Level 6 Road Warrior with my Level 2 Formula Synchron! Dragon god of the stars, resonate with my very soul and lend me the strength to forge my own path! Appear before your servant and let your splendour shine forth! Delta Accel Synchro! Descend now, my mightiest monster! Level 12! Cosmic Blazar Dragon! (Lvl:12/ATK:4000/DEF:4000)."
"A level 12?!" Jorann gasped through gritted teeth. "Unbelievable…"
"Cosmic Blazar Dragon cannot leave the field except through battle destruction," Yusei explained. "Now, I activate his effect! I banish your face down card!"
"Jorann, be careful!" Elise shouted as Jorann's face down was wiped from the field.
"There's nothing he can do," Tanion realised. "Edilisna would normally have protection in battle by banishing both Synchro monsters, but Cosmic Blazar Dragon cannot be banished. He has nothing left to defend himself with."
"Blazar Dragon, attack High Dragon Edilisna! Galactic Eradication!"
The blast took out Edilisna in one blow, and the blast shook through Tanion's very being, the strength of the stunning attack affecting everyone in the room. It was only after the attack had ended that Tanion was truly able to see the destruction it had wrought. Even though it was not a Duel of Strength, the floor had been completely shattered.
"I'm still alive, Yusei," Jorann said as the dust settled. "I'll beat you on my next turn."
"If you had one," Yusei replied. "If Blazar destroys a monster in battle, it can attack again!"
"What?!"
"This is the end! Cosmic Blazar Dragon! Attack Jorann directly! Galactic Eradication!"
Tanion could only watch as Jorann took the full force of Blazar's attack, the look of defeat on his face clear for all to see. Once the attack was over, Blazar disappeared, and Jorann was laying on his back, breathing heavily. And completely defeated.
"This is… the power of the Three…" Tanion muttered in disbelief.
"I expect you to hold your end of the bargain, Jorann," Yusei said as he lowered his duel disk.
"What did you do to him?" Elise demanded as she rushed to Jorann's side.
"Theta commences in one week," Yusei announced as he moved to leave, his men following him. "I expect you to be ready, Jorann."
"Is he alright?" Tanion asked once Yusei was gone.
"He will be fine," Elise said, her tears betraying her concern.
"What do we do now?" Tanion asked.
"Darrien, call in the cavalry," Elise ordered angrily. "We're putting an end to this foolishness, here and now."