Poor Nanashi, he just wanted to help and for Flynn to see as an equal... he doesn't even know what's going to happen.-Lucian Naruto

Yup, that's the tragedy of it. It's hard to blame Flynn for being that way after he trusted Issachar to duel Lilith and everything that led to. He really doesn't mean it in a bad way, he's just very overprotective of his loved ones…also he might get some of it from his tiger mom.

Chapter 8 NEUTRAL: Highway To Hell

Isabeau LP 2200

Punishment Dragon LP 1200

Field:

- (Colossal Fighter) - (X-Saber Souza)

- (facedown card) - -

Field:

- (Life Stream Dragon) - -

(Broken Bamboo Sword) (Mage Power) -

Isabeau

Hand: 0

Punishment Dragon

Hand: 1

"I shall end my turn.", Isabeau said.

"For the Lord! I draw!", Punishment Dragon said,

Punishment Dragon

Hand: 2

"I shall activate Allure of Darkness drawing two cards and banishing my Twilightsworn Lyla. Then, I shall activate it again banishing my Twilightsworn Jain. Then, a final time banishing my Twilightsworn Ryko.", Punishment Dragon said.

Isabeau found it infinitely ironic he was using a card with darkness in its name.

"He needed to draw that many cards?", Isabeau thought.

"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: 1

Isabeau raised up her arm to guard as lightning crackled everywhere. She could hear a trumpet sound as the spirit descended onto the field.

"Now, go hence to hell, filth. I shall pay 1000 life points to return all cards in the graveyard and that are banished except for Lightsworn monsters into the deck! Thou Shall Not Resist!", Punishment Dragon declared before roaring.

Punishment Dragon LP 1200 - 1000 = 200

There was a powerful storm that swept away all the cards in the graveyard and even the banished ones. Colossal Fighter swayed as all his power was sapped out of him.

Colossal Fighter ATK 3600 -) 2800

"Then, I shall set a card.", Punishment Dragon said.

Punishment Dragon

Hand: 0

Life Stream Dragon ATK 3900 500 = 4400

"For the Lord! I shall attack your Colossal Fighter with Life Stream Dragon! True Blade of Legend!", Punishment Dragon declared.

Isabeau LP 2200 - 1600 = 400

"I will revive Colossal Fighter in defense mode. Indomitable Spirit!", Isabeau said.

"Then, for the Lord! I shall attack Souza! Hexagram!", Punishment Dragon declared.

Colossal Fighter ATK 2800 100 = 2900

"This is not good…I need to win this duel.", Isabeau thought as she closed her eyes for a moment.

Flynn and the people of Tokyo were counting on her. She couldn't fail after getting this far.

"I shall end my turn.", Punishment Dragon said.

She looked determined as she put her hand on the top card.

"I draw!", Isabeau said with determination as the battle cry of warriors could be heard.

Isabeau

Hand: 1

"That's…", Punishment Dragon said, warily.

"I shall activate Pot of Greed to draw two cards!", Isabeau said.

Isabeau

Hand: 2

"I suppose I should that you for my cards back. It allowed me to do this! I shall activate Monster Reborn to revive Souza in defense mode.", Isabeau said.

Isabeau

Hand: 1

"Then, I shall summon Airbellum.", Isbeau said.

Isabeau

Hand: 0

"I shall tune Airbellum and Souza! Dragon of nurturing life and fierce storms burst forth with new power! Reign in your overwhelming strength to protect rather than destroy! Synchro summon! Level 10! Ruddy Rose Dragon!", Isabeau chanted.

With a powerful storm of petals Ruddy Rose Dragon appeared as Punishment Dragon's eyes were wide.

"It's just enough. I shall attack you with Ruddy Rose Dragon! Noble Rose Storm!", Isabeau declared as she pointed at Punishment Dragon.

"No!!!", Punishment Dragon growled.

"Congratulations you've played yourself. You were so focused on Colossal Fighter you forgot that I have other strong monsters.", Isabeau said.

A spiral of javelins made from petals bombarded the dragon who roared in pain.

Punishment Dragon LP 200 - 200 = 0

Isabeau sweated as the area around her started to fade away. She raised up her arms to guard. When she moved them she saw she was in Mikado. The Samurai gasped in surprise which quickly drew the attention of others. She was smack dab in the middle of Aquila Plaza which was soon flooded with Samurai.

With Flynn…

Field:

(Celestial Wolf Lord, Blue Sirius) (Stardust Dragon) - -

- (Call of the Mummy) (facedown card) -

Field:

- (Immortal Dragon) - -

- - (Call of the Mummy)- -

Flynn

Hand: 1

Immortal Dragon

Hand: 3

Flynn was doubled over in pain as he struggled. He refused to let the Crimson Dragon take his body.

"He's scared…just as much as he was of me.", Doomking thought.

In this time of enhanced connection he felt like he was there even if he wasn't. It reminded him of when Flynn hid from him in those dreams he appeared in when he was a child. It wasn't as if he could help that well the form he was normally in scared most people…Even adults…which made not frightening a child Flynn all the more difficult. He hoped he would understand now that in comparison he's never been nearly as extreme in the past with his attempts.

"He's trying to extinguish Kalki's consciousness entirely…That's a bit harsh. At least I am willing to let him still exist when we merge.", Doomking thought.

"Master Flynn. Materializing…", Burroughs said as the Crimson Dragon growled.

The spirit had expected for a monster to materialize. Instead in front of Flynn appeared a single lotus. This instantly drew Flynn's attention and Doomking who had connected to him. The Samurai felt himself becoming calmer despite the fear he's been feeling. Immortal Dragon noticed his reaction as Flynn cupped the lotus in his hands.

"Master…", Immortal Dragon murmured, able to feel that Doomking was watching.

The crimson aura tried to lash out and destroy the flower, but Flynn did everything in his power to protect it like his life depended on it. The crimson aura trying to destroy it was repelled back by a jet black one.

"I won't let you destroy it…I shall never let you destroy the peace and salvation of this world.", Flynn murmured as he continued to repel his attempts.

His mind grew clearer as he focused on the lotus. He could easily destroy it in this state, but he showed a stunning amount of control because he wanted to protect it…purity. He felt that if it was destroyed it would somehow shatter him and everything else. The thought of protecting made the raging tide of his dark power become calmer and more usable.

This stunned Flynn himself; he couldn't imagine being so calm in a situation like this. In this moment as Flynn connected to his Vishnu side Doomking felt hyper connected to him. He could feel Flynn's heartbeat which gradually calmed.

"I shall protect everyone…even if it's from you…", Flynn said.

The black aura surrounded him, seeming to react with the crimson aura and flick it away. The crimson glow from Flynn slowly disappeared.

"He's doing it…", Clear Wing said, stunned.

"You should not be able to use your power to this extent. How…?!", the Crimson Dragon questioned.

Clear Wing gasped as she was suddenly free again. She could feel a strange power coming from Flynn, not just the darkness, but that hint of divinity. Stardust Dragon blinked rapidly before he returned to normal and looked over to Flynn. His card on Flynn's gauntlet blade started glowing. Flynn got up to his feet as the crimson form completely vanished. He held the lotus in his hand. He took in a deep breath as he felt the power trying to consume his leave.

"I believe it's time to continue our duel.", Flynn said as if that whole situation didn't just transpire.

Immortal Dragon sweated as he was sure that what he just witnessed confirmed that Flynn was indeed a part of Doomking.

"I will activate my effect allowing me to send a zombie monster from my deck to the grav-", Immortal Dragon was saying.

"Not so fast! I activate the effect of Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring! I can discard her to negate an effect that would send a card to the graveyard! Mischievous Kitsune Prank!", Flynn countered as he pointed.

Flynn

Hand: 0

Ash appeared as a puff of smoke and wagging her tail in front of the Death General confusing him greatly. She used this to hide a pie she pulled out and promptly slapped into his face.

"I got you!", Ash laughed as she pointed at the annoyed Immortal Dragon.

She then blew a raspberry before the zombie dragon swiped at her. Before he could hit her she disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"I will set a card and end my turn…", Immortal Dragon growled as he tried to clean his face.

Immortal Dragon

Hand: 2

"If only he could fully remember his true self…this would be a lot easier.", Immortal Dragon thought.

"I draw!", Flynn said.

Flynn

Hand: 1

"I shall summon Necroworld Banshee.", Flynn said.

Flynn

Hand: 0

Necroworld Banshee looked annoyed that Flynn was facing yet another Death General. Flynn sweat dropped seeing her annoyance before coughing awkwardly.

"I shall attack you with Stardust Dragon!", Flynn declared.

"I will activate my trap Mirror Force to destroy all your monsters!", Immortal Dragon countered.

"I shall activate the effect of Stardust Dragon tributing him to protect my monsters from destruction! Victims Sanctuary!", Flynn countered.

Stardust Dragon flew in front of his monsters protecting them from the reflected blast.

"Then I shall end my turn. During the end phase Stardust Dragon returns! Arise, Stardust Dragon!", Flynn said.

"For Doomking! I draw!", Immortal Dragon said.

Immortal Dragon

Hand: 3

"I will activate my effect to send a zombie monster from my deck to the graveyard. When I do it's level is subtracted from my own. I choose Mezuki.", Immortal Dragon said.

Immortal Dragon LV 6 - 4 = 2

Flynn watched the effect intently, seeing it was very useful.

"When I win I want your card.", Flynn said.

"Don't get too confident now, Kalki. I will set a monster and end my turn.", Immortal Dragon said.

"I draw!", Flynn said as a fierce wind blew and a chorus of ghostly roars was heard.

Flynn

Hand: 1

Flynn smirked seeing the card he drew.

"Final turn!", Flynn declared.

"You can't be serious!?", Immortal Dragon gasped in disbelief.

"I shall activate Pot of Greed allowing me to draw two cards!", Flynn said.

Flynn

Hand: 2

"I shall summon Plaguespreader Zombie and tune him with Necroworld Banshee! From the dark depths of the grave arise, great dragon noble even in death! Your dreadful roar signals your enemies doom! Synchro summon! Level 6! Doomkaiser Dragon!", Flynn chanted.

Flynn

Hand: 1

The Death General looked nervous seeing Doomkaiser.

"I shall revive your Mezuki with his effect! Roar of the Living Dead! I shall banish Necroworld Banshee from my graveyard to allow me to play Zombie World straight from my deck! Melody of Souls!" , Flynn questioned with an evil smirk that made him very nervous.

"I shall activate Plaguespreader Zombie's effect resurrecting him! I shall then tune him with Blue Sirius! 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 glared at Flynn for sending him against his fellow Death General.

"I shall activate the effect of Skeletal Dragon Felgrand to banish your facedown monster! Necroclaw of the Undead!", Flynn declared.

"Don't listen to him Felgrand!", Immortal Dragon pleaded as he sweated intensely.

"I'm sorry…! Kalki's power is so strong…", Felgrand replied, before he swiped away the facedown.

Flynn was very glad to see he just banished Pyramid Turtle.

"I shall attack you with Stardust Dragon! Cosmic Flare!", Flynn declared.

The beam sent the zombie dragon flying and off the field.

"Then, I shall attack you directly with Felgrand! Phantasmal Ghastly Roar!", Flynn declared.

Immortal Dragon LP 4000 - 2800 = 1200

Flynn narrowed his eyes at Felgrand's struggle, not feeling sympathetic in the slightest since he did the same thing to Joseph. His eyes appeared red briefly at the thought.

"I shall activate my trap Assault Mode Activate!", Flynn declared as Immortal Dragon paled.

Assault Mode Activate

(Normal Trap)

Effect: Tribute 1 Synchro Monster; Special Summon 1 "/Assault Mode" monster, whose name includes the Tributed monster's name, from your Deck in Attack Position.

"An unbreakable bond surpassing death gives way to a new power! Arise, true emperor! Reborn again in the flames of the underworld! Assault summon! Level 10! Doomkaiser Dragon/Assault Mode!", Flynn chanted.

Immortal Dragon was stunned as Doomkaiser underwent his transformation.

"I shall activate his effect allowing me to special summon any number of zombie monsters from either graveyard! I choose Doomkaiser Dragon! Night Parade of a Hundred Revenants!", Flynn said.

The monsters arose over onto Flynn's field as he continued his assault.

"Okay…this is just vindictive, Kalki…You really are alike…", Immortal Dragon said as Flynn glared.

"I am nothing like Doomking! I shall attack you directly with Doomkaiser Dragon/Assault Mode! Night Emperor Howling!", Flynn declared.

Immortal Dragon was enveloped by the purple flames which completely overwhelmed him.

Immortal Dragon LP 1200 - 2900 = 0

Flynn restrained the urge to continue attacking, simply leaving things as they were. He strode over to the Death General holding out his hand.

"Your card.", Flynn demanded, not feeling any respect for a Death General.

Immortal Dragon reluctantly gave up his card to Flynn before he faded away.

"Hey, Flynn about that state you went into earlier while you were super calm…I think it might allow you to evolve Stardust Dragon.", Clear Wing said surprising Flynn.

"What makes you say that?", Flynn questioned.

"Both of us require clear mind to evolve into our upgraded forms and lots of speed.", Clear Wing explained as Flynn raised an eyebrow.

"Why is there so many requirements…?", Flynn questioned incredulously.

"That's because they're super strong obviously.", Clear Wing replied as Flynn cupped his chin.

He remembered Shooting Star Dragon and just how insane the card was. If it wasn't for Clear Wing he would have been a goner.

"You're talking about Shooting Star Dragon, right?", Flynn questioned.

"Oh yeah you got a sneak peek of Shooting Star Dragon when you traveled the past…", Clear Wing remembered.

In Kinshicho…

Nanashi looked confused as the Signer mark stopped glowing. He had no idea what was going on, but he guessed it was important.

"Damn…It's so annoying to be out of the loop like this…", Nanashi thought.

If only he could be stronger…then Flynn would have confidence in his abilities and wouldn't baby him. He had no idea what exactly he could do to impress him besides beating him. Which he knew very well was out of his reach at this point especially as Flynn continued to evolve. It would be much easier if Flynn stayed at a stagnant level he could climb up to like some video game, but he continuously moved the bar higher the stronger he got.

"What are you thinking about, Nanashi? You look so serious. Miss Isabeau and Flynn are going to beat all the bad guys so you don't have to worry.", Asahi said.

Nanashi raised up his head as Navarre flew closer, clearly interested.

"I want Flynn to take me seriously. But, I don't know any way to do that besides beating him.", Nanashi admitted as his cheeks were flushed.

Odin's eyes glimmered with interest hearing Nanashi's dilemma.

"Hmm…I'm not sure if he could beat Stardust Charge Warrior right now. But, he could always enter a duel with less stakes as a test.", Odin thought.

"You could always try to complete a quest with a reasonably high level.", Odin suggested.

"…But what if I…?", Nanashi murmured as he furrowed his eyebrows.

He remembered getting embarrassed by Omega and reprimanded by Flynn. He didn't want that to happen again. Not to mention he realized he not only put himself, but also Asahi in danger because he was so weak.

"Ah yes…I know that uncertainty all too well. It's very scary isn't it? When proving yourself means risking everything.", Navarre commented.

"That's right…that didn't turn out very well for you did it?", Nanashi questioned as Navarre sulked.

"That stings…though I suppose it's true. I got too hyped up on bravado and lost my head. What I am trying to say is that many people have experienced what you're going through before. Even Flynn has.", Navarre replied.

"He has?! Flynn?", Nanashi questioned.

"What did he say?", Asahi questioned.

"I suppose I will have to translate. What do you mean though? I mean…Flynn struggling?!", Nanashi replied, hardly even able to believe the concept.

"Well there's the time his grandfather Sir Damien whooped him in a duel…all while making sure to completely humiliate and belittle him. It was even worse because that duel actually had stakes. When Flynn lost Sir Damien took Doomkaiser.", Navarre explained.

The teens were stunned with Nanashi having to relay everything to Asahi.

"Heh…It's not that surprising, Nanashi. People aren't just born good at dueling.", Odin said.

"I've never seen anyone humiliate Flynn that badly since. As you know he eventually got Doomkaiser back, but he had to win it off him. When they had their rematch Sir Damien upped the stakes to wager their whole decks.", Navarre explained as he sweat dropped.

"That old guy is that strong…? I had no idea.", Nanashi thought as he remembered Damien.

"Flynn's grandfather sounds mean…", Asahi commented.

Nanashi sweat dropped as he remembered what he had overheard a few weeks ago.

Flashback

"Don't slander my father, you murderer!", Flynn barked.

"You really are oblivious huh. Your pops betrayed me first.", Keith replied.

Flynn looked confused hearing this having no idea what he was talking about.

"Oh God you don't know…that old man over there is a devil who put his own children through Hell. It is Mallory tradition that all the children must duel for the right to keep the Mallory name. The one who wins inherits the name and the deck while those who lose are thrown on the streets and stripped of the Mallory name and their status.", Keith explained.

Flynn and Nanashi looked stunned at this and Damien grimaced.

"I did as my father did before me. Only the strongest can gain the loyalty of the undead. You weren't good enough.", Damien replied.

Flashback end

"Yeah…he's definitely harsh…", Nanashi murmured.

"After Flynn beat him he became a lot nicer towards him. He started actually calling him by his name rather than 'boy'. Though, Sir Damien didn't exactly make the best first impression with Flynn they have an almost normal grandson and grandfather relationship now.", Navarre explained,

"That just sucks. Imagine just losing your ace monster after some guy thrashes you.", Asahi said, feeling very sympathetic for Flynn,

"It was even worse than you might think because back then Doomkaiser was Flynn's only extra deck monster.", Navarre replied.

"I beg your pardon?", Nanashi questioned, hardly able to imagine Flynn not spamming Synchros.

"Flynn only had Doomkaiser when I met him. Obviously he didn't have Stardust Dragon, Clear Wing, Beelze or Felgrand. He didn't even have Catastor, Blue Sirius, or Ha Des. He got Ha Des from his grandfather when he won. Heck…he didn't even have Red-Eyes back then and he only had ONE Plaguespreader Zombie. He certainly didn't have the firepower to swarm the field with Synchros back then. His deck was much more defensive and focused on disruption.", Navarre explained,

"Wow…he's certainly come a long way…How did he even win without ANY of his best cards?", Nanashi questioned.

He was stunned, having no idea that Flynn's deck used to be THAT much weaker. Flynn said that his card pool was limited and he wasn't joking.

"Honestly I'm not completely sure myself. He somehow beat Blue Sirius and Red-Eyes to get their cards along with Catastor. After that he kinda used Red-Eyes as a main deck version of Doomkaiser. He also beat Issachar before he got Doomkaiser back. Ultimately though Flynn won because he played very cleverly. He manipulated the duel so that it would end the way he imagined it.", Navarre explained.

"The way he imagined it…?", Asahi questioned.

"Flynn's explained it to me before. He imagines the way he wants the duel to end and decides his plays based on it. It's like building your deck and deciding your plays with a goal in mind rather than just throwing random cards together. Like every card in Flynn's deck has a specific role to play in making that image possible.", Nanashi explained.

"Ooh…so he thinks in advance. Well that doesn't sound too complicated.", Asahi replied.

Nanashi looked down at his deck.

"I need a strong image of victory like Flynn has…", Nanashi murmured as he looked up.

He imagined a legion of dragons under the protection of King Dragun. Together they would burn his opponent to ashes.

"It's not complete trash I suppose, but ye should invest into some more effect negation, kid. Or at least some more protection.", Z-ARC said in his mind.

"That's true…Flynn has Stardust Dragon which serves both roles very well. Though to be fair his deck is mostly zombies so going to the graveyard is a minor inconvenience to them…", Nanashi thought as he sweat dropped.

Nanashi shook his head before refocusing.

"Flynn was in my position too so I should be able to do it just like him. Even if he seems unreachable now…one day surely…", Nanashi thought as he grasped the pendulum around his neck.

"Not just surely. Ye should be saying ye WILL surpass him.", Z-ARC replied in his mind.

Nanashi nodded, taking that as some encouragement.

With Flynn…

Flynn looked down at the lotus as his heart calmed again. He thought about clear mind. Currently he was in some strange castle-like interior after entering Camp Ichigaya. The Samurai looked at one of the many doors feeling like he knew where to go when he cupped the lotus.

He opened the door to reveal a smirking spirit. However he wasn't smirking for long. They hardly had what could be called a duel more like an extermination.

"I shall attack you directly with Doomkaiser! Death Spectral Howling!", Flynn declared as he finished him off.

"Impossible…H-how can a pawn of law be this powerful?", the spirit questioned.

"As I told you earlier I am no pawn of law.", Flynn replied, before he continued.

He found himself a bit disappointed after defeating the next spirit. Flynn had expected to have much more of a challenge at this stage.

"I suppose that's not a bad thing…It just means I have achieved the power I've been desiring this whole time.", Flynn thought.

He thought back to all the times he cursed his weakness. Now, he didn't feel so helpless especially after breaking out of the Crimson Dragon's control himself. For a moment Flynn imagined his child self. A scared little boy.

The Samurai stood up tall as he saw a pillar of light appear in the middle of the room.

"It took a long time, but I'm not helpless anymore. I'm going to protect everyone no matter what!", Flynn thought.

That's right everyone believed in him now so he should believe in himself too. He must be doing something right for everyone to place their faith in him. Hopefully once he defeats Lucifer everything will be over then him and Isabeau can run off into the sunset and have their happy ending. It will be…right?

In the Shadow Realm…

Doomking smirked, pleased that Flynn was getting stronger. But more importantly…he felt their connection getting stronger. He was not satisfied with just hearing Flynn's heartbeat and feeling his emotions. No, he needed Flynn to completely become one with him so they could return to their true form.

"So what if he has clear mind? It only means that we'll be stronger. With the new plan no matter how strong Flynn gets he won't be able to escape his destiny. Remember you brought this onto yourself.", Doomking thought.

To be continued…

Speaking of chapter 16 of season 1 I had to edit it because I goofed up with the timing. Somehow even after rereading it 5000 times I still messed up.