Chapter 5 CHAOS: Punishment Dragon
Flynn unconsciously reached out as tears stung his cheeks for a moment. He collected himself looking at his gauntlet and seeing what had happened in the duel so far.
"I shall summon Zombie Master.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 2
"When did you start dressing fancy?", Zombie Master questioned as Flynn became flustered again.
"I didn't pick this…It's a long story okay. I shall activate Zombie Master's effect to discard a card and the special summon a level 4 or lower zombie monster from my graveyard I choose Plaguespreader Zombie.", Flynn said, sending Mezuki.
Flynn
Hand: 1
"I shall tune Plaguespreader Zombie and Zombie Master! From the dark depths of the grave arise, great dragon noble even in death! My dreadful roar signals my enemies doom! Synchro summon! Level 6! Doomkaiser Dragon!", Flynn chanted.
Doomkaiser looked at Flynn feeling very strange about having his consciousness in two different places. He felt like he was looking at himself. Doomkaiser moved their gaze away trying to shake off the surrealness.
"I shall activate the effect of Doomkaiser to revive a zombie monster from your graveyard. I choose Raiden. Roar of the Living Dead!", Flynn said as he unintentionally roared once again getting confused.
Punishment Dragon grumbled in disgust as the reanimated Raiden mindlessly walked over to Flynn's side.
"I shall activate the effect of Raiden to send the top two cards of my deck to the graveyard.", Flynn said.
The cards sent were: Mezuki and Pot of Greed.
"I shall banish Mezuki from my graveyard to special summon Zombie Master! Then, I shall tune Immortal Dragon and Zombie Master! Pious dragon, fallen and abandoned into the depths of the netherworld arise once more! Your ferocious power shines through even in death! Synchro summon! Level 8! Skeletal Dragon Felgrand!", Flynn chanted.
Felgrand still seemed rather annoyed to be summoned by him.
"I shall activate the effect of Felgrand, banishing one monster you control! I choose Power Tool Dragon! Necroclaw of the Undead!", Flynn said.
"Filth…", Punishment Dragon said as his monster was banished.
"Now, you're just being petty because you're losing.", Doomkaiser said.
"I call you filth because that's what you are, you corpse demon. All of you zombies are filthy at your very core just like your master.", Punishment Dragon replied.
"A manic like you has no right to call anyone filthy.", Doomkaiser replied.
"Flynn's soul is full of filth. That's why he has now taken on this unholy form now merged with you. This is punishment for his unclean thoughts. To turn into the kind of monster he feared.", Punishment Dragon replied.
"What are you talking about the stone transformed me?", Flynn questioned.
"It only transformed you because you wanted it. Your mind was consumed with a lust for power and the stone reacted giving you that power for a cost. It decided to take your humanity as payment for giving you the power you desired. That's how the Philosopher's Stone works. It's based on equivalent exchange. Such an unholy thing…", Punishment Dragon explained.
"The Philosopher's Stone…? That's what this thing is?", Flynn questioned as he sweated intensely.
"So, you see this is simply punishment for your greed. If you had no such unclean desires when you touched the stone you would still be human right now. Hmph…Now your outside finally reflects your rotten inside.", Punishment Dragon explained.
Flynn's eyes widened at the revelation. What happened to him truly was his fault. He couldn't cast away the evil thoughts in his mind and it caused this. He's now this monster as punishment…
"I don't think it really cares for the reason you desire something. I think you're intentionally leaving out the actual reason Flynn desired power in the first place. It was because he wanted to protect people.", Doomkaiser replied, taking Flynn out of his self loathing.
"But I…I am wicked!", Flynn said.
Flashback
"I activate Mirror Force destroying all your monsters Flynny! How does it feel? All that effort was for nothing!", Nathan said as Flynn had the smile became even more devilish.
"I shall activate Stardust Dragon's effect, tributing him to protect my cards from destruction by effects! Victim's Sanctuary!", Flynn countered.
"That's impossible!", Nathan said as Flynn easily kept pace with him, not allowing him to escape.
Trisula glared at Nathan darkly before nailing him with all three of his heads' frosty breaths. Nathan fell off the edge into the lava.
Nathan LP 2000 - 2700 = 0
Flynn was not done with him yet though.
"I shall attack you directly with Clear Wing! Whirlwind Helldive Slasher!", Flynn declared.
Clear Wing was wary of Flynn state, but she knew Nathan was a despicable human being. So, she flew forward launching straight through Nathan. His body was already soaring with pain. The moment Clear Wing shot at him everything went black. The others were stunned to see Nathan's form completely shredded only leaving loose body parts.
"I shall attack you directly with Doomkaiser! Death Spectral Howling!", Flynn declared as his eyes glowed more intensely.
Isabeau and Jonathan paled while Walter snickered. Nathan's ashes scattered into the lava where once they came into contact with it not even that was left. Issachar looked visibly horrified and Lilith smirked.
Flashback end
Flashback
"Nice try, evil spirit! But this is over! Doomkaiser, attack him directly! Night Emperor Howling!", Flynn declared.
Doomkaiser hesitated for a moment before looking at Flynn making sure he was sure about this.
"Even if he is telling the truth. He's a bastard.", Clear Wing said as she crossed her arms.
"Flynn…", Issachar said, sinking his head.
He paled knowing this was the end.
Their duel ended the same way it did as kids with Doomkaiser.
Doomkaiser breathed purple flames empowered by Flynn's own amped power. He didn't overkill him at all he just ended it quickly with the amped flames burning him to ashes within seconds.
Issachar LP 1200 - 2900 = 0
Flashback end
Flynn put his hands on his head as tears stung his eyes feeling he was truly foul on the inside.
"They deserved what they got after everything they did. You killed murderers and devourers of souls.", Doomkaiser replied.
"I didn't have to kill them like that though…And enjoy it…", Flynn replied as he hung his head.
"That's because you are truly filthy, Flynn. From your flesh down to your soul you have always been filth. Your soul is a fragment of another demon who overflows with filth…You were a demon from the moment you were born.", Punishment Dragon replied.
"Said the soul devouring spirit who stole the body he currently has. You shouldn't give this hypocrite's words a single thought, Flynn.", Doomkaiser replied, sarcastically.
Flynn nodded wanting to listen to Doomkaiser. He tried to focus back on the duel trying to shake off his own self loathing thoughts.
"I shall banish Mezuki to resurrect Zombie Master once more! I shall tune Raiden and Zombie Master! Majestic dragon, awaken from your long slumber your power is needed once again to protect the innocent! Spread your brilliant silver wings and strike down your enemies like a vibrant shooting star! Synchro summon! Level 8! Stardust Dragon!", Flynn chanted.
Stardust Dragon roared at his opponent, seeming very angry.
"You've been polluted by his filth.", Punishment Dragon seemed to reply to Stardust Dragon.
"I shall set a card and then activate my effect to send a spell or trap I control to the graveyard to return myself to the hand and then special summon a zombie monster from my hand with 1000 extra attack. Enduring Soul! Two souls with a bond surpassing death shall unite as one! The true emperor arises with the heart of a human and the fury of a raging dragon! Level 10! Eldlich the Golden Lord!", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 0
Eldlich the Golden Lord ATK 2500 1000 = 3500
"I shall attack Wulf with Stardust Dragon! Cosmic Flare!", Flynn declared.
"I shall activate my trap Lightsworn Barrier to negate your attack and send the top two cards of my deck to the graveyard.", Punishment Dragon countered.
Lightsworn Barrier
(Continuous Trap)
Effect: When a "Lightsworn" monster you control is targeted for an attack: You can send the top 2 cards of your Deck to the Graveyard, then target the attacking monster; negate the attack.
The cards sent were: Card Trooper and Charge of the Light Brigade.
"Are you sure you want to do that Punishment Dragon? If you negate all my attacks you'll be down to almost half your deck.", Flynn said.
"Nice try filth. We both know you're attacks need to be negated and you'll purposefully attack with your strongest monster last to wiggle damage out of me.", Punishment Dragon replied.
"You sure know a lot about how I duel...", Flynn replied, trying to contain his hope.
"Jonathan's memories have informed me on the way you duel. Nothing more.", Punishment Dragon replied.
"I shall attack Wulf with Doomkaiser! Death Spectral Howling!", Flynn declared.
Punishment Dragon LP 4000 - 300 = 3700
"I shall attack Wulf with Felgrand! Phantasmal Ghastly Roar!", Flynn declared.
"I shall activate my barrier once more!", Punishment Dragon countered.
The cards sent were: Dimensional Fissure and Judgment Dragon.
Judgment Dragon growled and Flynn smirked.
"It seems you have not learned from Jonathan's mistakes despite having his memories. Well, Punishment Dragon, do you think it's worth it to stop my next attack?", Flynn questioned.
"On with it, filth.", Punishment Dragon replied.
"I shall attack you directly! Antichthon!", Flynn declared.
"…..I shall block your attack with my barrier!", Punishment Dragon countered.
The cards sent were: Gragonith and Card Trooper.
"I shall end my turn.", Flynn said.
"For the Lord! I draw!", Punishment Dragon said and powerful wind blew.
Punishment Dragon
Hand: 4
"I shall activate Pot of Avarice which will allow me to add five monsters from my graveyard back into my deck and then draw two cards.", Punishment Dragon said.
Punishment Dragon
Hand: 5
The cards he sent back were: Judgment Dragon, Wulf, Lyla, Lumina, and Card Trooper.
"I shall summon Jain, Twilightsworn General.", Punishment Dragon said.
Punishment Dragon
Hand: 4
"Then, I shall use his effect to banish a Lightsworn monster in my hand or graveyard to lower the attack of a face up monster you control by the banished monster's level times 300 till the end of the turn. I choose you foul demon!", Punishment Dragon said as he pointed at Flynn.
Flynn staggered as the cut from the cursed sword drained his energy.
"I shall banish the trap I sent to the graveyard to activate my effect, Breakthrough Skill! As you know it can negate one of your faceup monster's effects!", Flynn countered.
Breakthrough Skill
(Normal Trap)
Effect: Target 1 face-up Effect Monster your opponent controls; that face-up monster your opponent controls has its effects negated until the end of this turn. During your turn, except the turn this card was sent to the Graveyard: You can banish this card from your Graveyard, then target 1 face-up Effect Monster your opponent controls; that target has its effects negated until the end of this turn.
"Then I shall activate Allure of Darkness drawing two cards and banishing my Ryko, Twilightsworn Fighter.", Punishment Dragon said.
"You keep talking about how I'm filthy when you're using the power of darkness yourself? Just look at your wings they are polluted and likely to turn jet black like a fallen angel soon.", Flynn pointed out.
"Nonsense. I am nothing like filth like you. I shall equip Jain with Broken Bamboo Sword.", Punishment Dragon said.
Punishment Dragon
Hand: 3
"It's as I said he's nothing more than a lousy hypocrite trying to get his way.", Doomkaiser said.
"Flynn, we finally found you!", Isabeau said, drawing their attention.
"Is that Judgment Dragon? What happened to him?", Walter questioned.
"It seems he's becoming fallen like Lucifer and how Angel 07 was.", Flynn replied and his opponent looked very unamused.
"Wrong. I am the Lord's Chariot. I live to serve his will. My actions are what the Lord has desired.", Punishment Dragon replied.
"Then, G.O.D. must have become fallen as well. Even his own angels like Michael have turned against him.", Flynn replied, before the angel went silent.
"I think he broke him.", Gina commented as she sweat dropped.
The area around them suddenly trembled as lightning crackled in the sky. Punishment Dragon's eyes glowed ominously, seeming thoroughly pissed off by Flynn's words.
"You are a filthy heathen of the highest order. I name you demon, one who overflows with filth.", Punishment Dragon roared.
"That didn't sound like a counter argument, soul eater.", Doomkaiser replied.
If the chariot could possibly become more pissed he did. Isabeau sweated nervously worried about what he'd do to Flynn,
"You and Doomkaiser need to watch your mouths before he turns you into a toad or something!", Isabsau said.
"Haha! What is he going to do? He's not even half as good as Jonathan. His power is poultry compared to ours too.", Doomkaiser boasted, confidently.
"Filth…I shall exterminate filth such as you!", Punishment Dragon said.
The weather conditions only worsened in the space and Flynn's fellows looked wary.
"I shall activate Golden Bamboo Sword to draw two cards when I control a Bamboo Sword equip card.", Punishment Dragon said as a powerful wind blew strong enough to blow the others minus Flynn off their feet.
Punishment Dragon
Hand: 4
"I shall activate Allure of Darkness and then again.", Punishment Dragon said.
"Okay what's that supposed to accomplish when you don't have Power Tool Dragon?", Doomkaiser replied, not seeming to learn his lesson.
Punishment Dragon was absolutely seething. He had shown far more emotion in these few moments then the other angels they ran into earlier had.
"Now, that I have four banished Lightsworn monsters. Divine inquisitor of our great Lord G.O.D. I descend! Delivering punishment to the vile sinners who dare to defy G.O.D.! Level 8! Punishment Dragon!", Punishment Dragon chanted as the area around them rumbled.
Punishment Dragon
Hand: 3
They covered their eyes as a wave of darkness blanketed the field layered with bloodlust.
"I shall use my effect to return all cards in the graveyard and that are banished except for Lightsworn monsters into the deck in exchange for 1000 life points. Thou Shall Not Resist!", Punishment Dragon said.
Punishment Dragon LP 3700 - 1000 = 2700
Flynn's graveyard and banished zone was all completely blown back to his deck and extra deck.
"Then, I shall activate United We Stand on myself.", Punishment Dragon said.
Punishment Dragon
Hand: 2
Punishment Dragon ATK 3000 (2x800) = 4600
"You can't take advantage of its full power because you don't have real allies with you. They're all just like the crown Samurai and Sandaion.", Walter said.
"Things like bonds are irrelevant. They only serve to cloud your judgment. I shall exterminate the filth regardless of any bonds they have. Now, I shall attack that filthy son of man. Now prepare to feel the wrath of G.O.D., fallen one! Hexagram!", Punishment Dragon declared.
A beam of darkness blasted Flynn off the field and Isabeau ran up to him to make sure he was okay.
Flynn LP 4000 - 2100 = 1900
Flynn took a breath knowing that would have been way worse if he still had Power Tool Dragon or his other equip cards.
"I end my turn. Now, draw your last pathetic card, filth.", Punishment Dragon said as Flynn laid on the ground.
"Are you alright, Flynn?", Isabeau questioned.
Flynn shook off the hit and dusted himself off.
"I'm fine. I draw!", Flynn replied as there was a powerful wind and a chorus of ghostly howls.
Flynn
Hand: 1
Isabeau's worry vanished when Flynn smirked.
"You should know deck has no pathetic cards, angel.", Isabeau replied.
"There's nothing in your deck left to topple me.", Punishment Dragon replied.
"How about G.O.D.'s judgment? I activate Raigeki destroying all your monsters!", Flynn replied as lightning surged in the skies.
Raigeki
(Normal Spell)
Effect: Destroy all monsters your opponent controls.
"That's…You filth!!!", Punishment Dragon said as he stumbled back.
Lightning struck down the angel's entire field leaving him beyond furious.
"I shall activate my effect once more destroying my Call of the Mummy! Enduring Soul!", Flynn declared as Punishment Dragon fumed.
Eldlich the Golden Lord ATK 2500 1000 = 3500
Flynn reentered the field and glared at Punishment Dragon.
"This is for Jonathan, you bastard!!! Antichthon!", Flynn declared.
Flynn released a torrent of fire that scorched Punishment Dragon and reduced him to ashes.
Punishment Dragon LP 2700 - 3500 = 0
"I wish we could have saved him.", Isabeau said as she looked sadden.
"He was already devoured by that fallen angel before we arrived…I'm sorry for not being there…If only we had returned sooner.", Flynn apologized as Isabeau went into his arms.
"There's nothing you could have done, Flynn. None of us knew what was going to happen.", Isabeau replied.
"Heh. You did save me. Though…I'm still saddened about Jonathan. He was a real bro.". Walter replied as his fists shook.
"Yeah…He was…", Flynn replied, sadly.
Flynn took in a deep breath as he swayed for a moment. He didn't know why but he felt really drained after he mysteriously blacked out.
"Hoy, Flynn!", Walter said as he and Gina caught Flynn.
"I feel really sleepy for some reason…", Flynn said as the area around them shifted.
They were suddenly back in the middle of Aquila Plaza. Those nearby's attention instantly turned to them. The Samurai there raised their gauntlets and the civilians ran away.
"W-What's with that spirit?!", Samurai 1 questioned.
"Those are the traitors!", Samurai 2 pointed out.
"You seriously think that after we were declared 'traitors' by the corrupt King as well?", Walter questioned.
The Samurai looked very wary as they circled them and the others raised their gauntlets in case they did something. Isabeau paled when she saw Flynn had passed out.
"This is not the time for you to be doing this again.", Isabeau whispered.
"That filthy devil…I knew I should have smote him from the moment he was reborn. His soul has been polluted since its conception.", Gabriel said as she flew in.
"Hoy, who are you talking about exactly?", Walter questioned, ready to transform at any moment.
"Flynn of course. His mere existence has been a threat to the Lord since the very beginning. After all, his filthy soul was spawn from Doomking, a heretic who preaches a false salvation. The chosen one of darkness.", Gabriel explained.
"You say that as if you're salvation that requires genocide isn't false?!", Isabeau questioned, angered after hearing her insult Flynn.
"Heretic! The lot of you!", Samurai 3 said.
"That demon has finally revealed his true monstrous form, that's proof enough! It explains his unnatural powers!", Samurai 4 said as he pointed at Flynn.
"What are you on about? Flynn wasn't always like this! You could tell if he was a spirit earlier with Burroughs!", Walter replied, incredulously.
"Master Flynn, only became a spirit recently when he unknowingly touched the Philosopher's Stone.", Burroughs explained.
"He changed because his thoughts, heart, and soul are all filth!", Gabriel replied before she shot a lightning bolt at Flynn with insane speed.
They hardly even had a chance to react as it approached Flynn's core.
"Flynn!", they cried out.
Suddenly as the bolt became close the stone started glowing ominously. Flynn's eyes snapped open as the glow in his eyes was more intense than normal. He could feel a pulsating in his chest that was coming from the stone. He gasped in pain when his form changed into his beastal form from before and his mind went blank.
Everyone backed away as he roared mindlessly and they paled.
"It's that blasted stone! It's trying to protect itself!", Gabriel gasped, before she was suddenly grabbed by his massive hand.
"Flynn!?", Isabeau called out, but he didn't seem to react at all.
He had suddenly become a mindless monster like earlier.
"How do we stop it?!", Gina questioned, panicking.
They gasped in horror when Flynn bit the top half of Gabriel's body off. Blood spilled messily from her corpse and they could hardly believe what they were seeing. Flynn…Not it wasn't Flynn dropped the rest of her into his open mouth before chomping. The Samurai around them screamed horror before running away especially when his gaze turned to them.
"Ooh…Shit…", Walter murmured, before transforming and grabbing the other two and bolting as fast as possible.
"Walter, what are you doing?! We need to help Flynn!", Isabeau questioned , sounding shaken.
"That's not Flynn! Not right now!", Walter replied as drool fell from the monster's mouth.
"Geez! How unlucky are you to have this shit happen constantly?!", Clear Wing questioned, partially materializing.
"Activating Anti-Berserk Master protocol!", Burroughs said as Clear Wing was fully materialized along with Stardust Dragon, Necroworld Banshee, and Shiranui Spectralsword.
"The fact you've even made that a function says so much…", Clear Wing murmured, before she flew out of the way of his swipe.
"You're in your home! You need to come to your senses before you destroy it!", Stardust Dragon roared, trying to hold him back but was thrown away.
"Hoy, Flynn wake up! You are not a monster! You're a Samurai!", Spectralsword shouted.
"Please come back, Flynn! You've done it before and you really need to do it now!", Necroworld Banshee shouted.
The monster froze when he saw them stopping his attempts to swat the dragon's out of the sky.
"Your power is for you…", Flynn heard a familiar voice in his mind.
In Flynn's mind…
"Do not be controlled…!", the voice Yami Flynn said.
Flynn's eyes creeped open feeling very confused. He looked around feeling like he couldn't move his own body at all. It was like he was stuck to something.
"What is it this time?!", Flynn questioned as he saw Yami Flynn approach him.
He felt wary of his counterpart especially as he was unable to move.
"What's with you? I'm vulnerable and you aren't trying to do something like take over or even tempt me towards evil.", Flynn questioned.
Yami Flynn put his hand on his chin, confusing him.
"Not that I'm complaining or anything.", Flynn replied as he sweat dropped.
"You're so close…You can't blow it now…", Yami Flynn replied as confusing as always.
He touched his head with his and Flynn felt a strange electricity making him flinch. His eyes widened as suddenly several images flowed through his mind.
First he saw himself standing over the defeated Issachar however he had his original clothes on for some reason. With him was his fellow Samurai excluding Navarre. He was hunched over Issachar's deformed corpse as tears stung his eyes. Issachar's form was warped, looking similar to the Ritual monster he once possessed.
He saw an image of Navarre holding his head seemingly completely breaking down. Jonathan held him in his arms completely stunned like the rest of them not knowing what to do.
Then an image of them just barely scraping by against the Asura Kai like in the beginning. They were facing the Meklord's and just barely holding on. Their desperation for power then seemed much worse than it had ended up for them earlier. They were practically being hunted down like prey.
There was then the duel against Tayama which seemed much closer than he remembered. The others had dueled him before he had attempted and were defeated handily. He just barely won and reclaimed the Signer Dragons. In the end he couldn't resist his desire for power and gave into it.
He and Walter were brought to Hikaru after escaping the White World but…They both failed to save themselves. Walter became Lucifer and he willingly embraced Z-ARC.
Flynn shivered at the next image. It seemed Nanashi had not died at this point, but not for long. He ruthlessly crushed him in a duel before claiming Odd-Eyes and hunting down the other Dimension Dragons. Then…He became that massive dark dragon of destruction and they tore down everything in both Mikado and Tokyo. Isabeau tried to stop him but she…After that they fought G.O.D…And…
"What was that?! It felt so real but…That wasn't the reality I experienced!", Flynn said as Yami Flynn moved back.
The shadows around Yami Flynn shifted revealing his true self that had been covered in shadow this whole time. The form was similar to his crimson form, but black and green with no Signer marks. His eyes were golden and he had shadowy black wings on his back and a tail. His hands had become claws and he had horns like Z-ARC's.
Flynn was stunned as he raised his eyebrow.
"You can change how this story ends. As I said you're so close.", Yami Flynn replied.
"Wait…Those memories I just saw are yours?! You're not a Yami me…", Flynn murmured.
He suddenly came to a stunning realization as he remembered the image of them struggling against the Asura Kai and desiring power far more in that version of events.
"You…You pushed me to evolving Doomkaiser! Doomkaiser's evolution didn't exist in those memories! And…Wait…", Flynn said as he felt it all start to click together.
Flashback
"I can't lose anymore…I-I-", Flynn said, before Issachar grabbed his shoulders.
"Snap out of it, Flynn. You just need to relax. You're getting all high strung.", Issachar said.
"I'm sorry Issachar…", Flynn replied, sadly.
"Let's duel.", Issachar said.
"What?", Flynn questioned.
"You need to relax right? So, let's duel for fun.", Issachar said.
"Duel for fun…?", Flynn questioned, before Issachar grabbed his hand dragging him over to a place with the nearest table they could use.
Flashback end
Flashback
He could get in trouble if any saw him like this. He didn't think about it earlier, but he's not allowed to be with Issachar. He knew the master samurai who already disliked him would have a field day catching him breaking the code. But, he felt his heart guiding him to play against Issachar.
Flashback end
Flashback
"You have new cards.", Flynn said.
"…Yeah…after what happened at the ball I inherited these cards. Though I had to go through quite the annoying trial to actually get them. I swear…and I thought father could be strict.", Navarre said, with a sigh.
Flashback end
"Because I felt those dark thoughts that, Issachar dueled me earlier when he wasn't supposed to. He was supposed to become overcome by that Ritual spirit after I dueled him a few days later and I was supposed to kill him.", Flynn said.
Flashback
"How embarrassing. You're really going to make such a promise? When you've fallen so far in power? Perhaps there's one way you could still prove useful at this point. Then how about this if you fail to defeat me you will lose your body to a spirit.", the Black Samurai replied.
Flashback end
"I don't know why, but I get the feeling that Lucifer and Lilith knew that Issachar was supposed to die as if they planned it. Because of it they tried to correct that error.", Flynn said as his head was lowered.
His mind flashed to the various interactions Issachar had with the others.
"Issachar's survival created a ripple effect which changed so much. He was able to show Walter about the dangers of giving into a lust for power and help Jonathan understand how the Ritual heretics felt. Mostly so he could see that they weren't just evil and too different from us.", Flynn said.
Flynn's thoughts drifted over to Navarre.
"The Ball didn't happen the same way because we wiped out Ritual users with prejudice rather than trying to reform them. That led to Navarre staying behind and improving both his skills and his deck. He never had the duel that would end with him getting sent to the Shadow Realm and going insane because he was in Mikado.", Flynn said.
The topic of the Ball made him think of his parents.
"Necroworld Banshee and Shiranui Spectralsword never existed because my parents were killed when Kiccigiori got overrun by Ritual users. That didn't happen because of the information we received from Issachar when I saved him.", Flynn said.
This made Flynn think about Keith.
"I never dueled Keith at all because he was too cowardly. Without my parents cards he lacked the courage to duel me. Because of that I never got Samurai Skull either. My brother didn't appear so my duel with Keith must have triggered his appearance.", Flynn said.
"You're getting it.", Yami Flynn replied as Flynn narrowed his eyes.
"How is this possible? You're me, but from a completely different set of events. Somehow you've manipulated everything away from those set of events without me ever noticing…", Flynn questioned.
"I am from a timeline that no longer exists. The timeline you're currently living in only exists because of my meddling as you've surmised. After I gained Z-ARC's power I became something else. Something transcendent. Despite what I had I didn't feel content with the way things turned out. I felt this hole in my heart…", Yami Flynn explained.
"You sold your soul for power. So you lost everyone you had around you.", Flynn replied.
"If you were in my position you'd understand. I've made it so you're in a much better position than I ever was. Things have gotten better even if it might not seem like much.", Yami Flynn replied.
"What are you saying?", Flynn questioned.
"Things can change more. We're supposed to create a world, remember? Your the only one who can change how these stories end.", Yami Flynn replied.
"These stories…?", Flynn questioned, practically feeling like his brain was going to bust.
"The Flynn's in the timelines branching from this one are fools. The Flynn who chose to preserve is content with the way things are. He's only concerned about doing whatever G.O.D. commands of him. Then there's the Flynn who couldn't commit to either…He's definitely the biggest fool of all of us. He thinks he's chosen the correct choice when it's actually the worst outcome in disguise. He'll learn that when he gets a visit from Odin.", Yami Flynn explained.
"By branching timelines are you saying those mes went through mostly similar events, but they've changed now?", Flynn questioned.
"The Flynn who chose to preserve woke up with Jonathan and the indecisive Flynn woke up with Isabeau. Their paths started to diverge from yours during the finals. They are too soft hearted and don't understand what needs to be done. And it seems that I'm fading…That's why you are the only one that can.", Yami Flynn explained.
"What do you want me to do?", Flynn said, seriously standing to full attention.
In reality…
Flynn growled as he struggled against the stone. He refused to keep getting controlled like this. He wanted to be free to make his own decisions. The others were relieved to see Flynn get ahold of himself and return to normal. To their surprise he didn't just revert to his more humanoid form. There were wisps of darkness around him for a moment before he now appeared fully human again.
Flynn gasped, stunned he seemed to have done it. However he realized it was all aesthetic and his body was still cold. The only heat within him was the core in his chest. He didn't have a heart or the need to breathe. He could feel Doomkaiser still in his mind. So, he only physically appeared back to normal, but he was still Eldlich.
"What happened?! Are you…?", Necroworld Banshee questioned as he raised his head.
The spirits were stunned at the dauntless look in Flynn's eyes. They don't know what happened, but he looked more resolute than ever.
"Where's the other's? We need to defeat G.O.D.", Flynn said.
With the others…
They started coming back when they heard no carnage going on. It seemed like Flynn had suddenly stopped for some reason. Isabeau's eyes widened in disbelief when she saw Flynn seemed to be human again. A bright smile appeared on Flynn's face. He never felt more thankful to have her with him now.
Suddenly the image of her still corpse flashed through his mind.
"Things have changed…But they can be better.", Flynn thought.
His mind flashed to Jonathan, Issachar, and Navarre. He got close, but he wasn't able to save them. Isabeau wrapped her arms around him, completely overjoyed.
"I don't get how it happened, but you seemed to have finally figured out how to change back.", Walter said, sounding relieved.
Isabeau froze when she noticed Flynn's flesh was still cold.
"I'm sorry. I'm not truly back to normal.", Flynn apologized.
"It's alright, Flynn. I'm just glad to see what you have been able to accomplish.", Isabeau said as his smile deepened.
"Yeah. Me too.", Flynn replied.
He hugged her tightly, appreciating her presence so much more.
"We need to defeat G.O.D. That's the only way all of this will end.", Flynn said.
"How do we do that though?", Walter questioned.
They were stunned when Flynn walked forward clapping his hands and a ray of light formed from the sky.
"Flynn, how did you…?", Isabeau questioned as everyone who wasn't Flynn looked shocked.
"Everything will be alright. Just trust me.", Flynn replied in a strange tone.
They didn't know why, but something seemed different about Flynn. They had no idea what caused this sudden change.
"Dematerializing…Woah, you've picked up some interesting powers, Master Flynn.", Burroughs said.
"G.O.D. is just past here.", Flynn said.
"How do you know that?!", Walter questioned.
"It's a very long and unbelievable story. I don't have time to explain it now.", Flynn replied.
"I guess we'll just have to go along with it.", Gina sighed.
Flynn touched the portal and disappeared with the others following after him.
To be continued...