And here is Chapter 13 of the Fusion Arc. Hope you guys are excited for this part and more to come.

Now let's get right to it.

Chapter 13: Academia's Final Lesson

Serena vs Daitokuji

"Sensei? What do you mean that I'm in danger from my own dragon?" Serena asked.

"Let me explain." Daitokuji waved his arm and the scene changed to the United World in ruins. They saw Ray summoning the dragons and activating the bracelets. "This is Ray Akaba, the Professor's daughter and Yuya's mother."

"Yuya's mother…" Serena looked at Ray.

"The Four Nature Dragon, despite being named that were not born naturally, they were artificially created by Seto Kaiba. He took on the elements of Mother Nature and turned them into dragons. Flower, Birds, Wind and Moon." Daitokuji explained. "Their main purpose was to purify the Four Heavenly Dragons so they could be separated from each other."

The scene changed to space where the Four Heavenly Dragon and Four Nature Dragons looked at the Four Dimensions. "After being separated, the Four Heavenly Dragons, in a way to undo all the damage they've done to the United World, decided to be the protectors of the Four Dimensions. And because they used all their power to purify the Supreme King Dragon, the Four Nature Dragons went into a deep sleep-in order to recover their energy." The Four Heavenly Dragons shared a goodbye to the Nature Dragons before heading to their own respective dimensions.

"No matter how long it took, the dragons vowed to see each other again and live alongside the humans of the newly created dimensions. But…" The scene changed and it showed Exodia destroying Dark Rebellion, Clear Wing and Starve Venom and Academia taking out Yuto, Yugo and Yuri.

"In their selfish desires to take back what they want, Leo Akaba, Yusho Sakaki and Eve began the ARC Area Project and Revival Zero. They each wanted the United World back along with their past lives. Leo wanted his daughter, Eve wanted to revive her husband and Yusho wanted his fame before Zarc entered his life. They had to eliminate all obstacles in their way." Daitokuji revealed. Seeing Yuri get taken out made Dennis tear up a bit.

It then showed the Nature Dragons waking up and they see what has become of the Four Dimensions. "And when the time came for them to awaken, the Four Heavenly Dragons failed to meet up with them. So, they each went to their respective dimension to see what had happened." The Four Nature Dragons went to their dimensions.

"A being whose purpose is to purify evil seeks perfection but the world can never reach that state." Daitokuji showed Flower Dragon looking at Standard. She saw construction workers cutting down trees, uprooting flowers and preventing plants from getting sun by building Duel Schools.

Lyrical Eagle saw the damage that Academia had done to the Xyz Dimension. Some animals were hunted down and killed for food.

Cyclone Dragon saw the factories that produced D-Wheels were polluting the air and the slums were covered in dust and smog. The Tops weren't that good either as the tall buildings and platforms prevented wind from travelling freely.

"Seeing their nature being tainted by humanity, Flower Dragon and Cyclone Dragon decide to eradicate humanity in order to make nature dominant once again. The only ones that weren't on board were Lyrical Eagle and your dragon, Serena. The reason being is that Lyrical Eagle understands that humans and animals have a beneficial relationship between each other and the moon in unaffected by humans since it's in space." Daitokuji said.

"Is that true?" Serena looked at Dancer Dragon. Dancer Dragon nodded.

"Cyclone Dragon had lost his partner, Clear Wing, he was ready to take revenge on the humans. Flower Dragon kept wishing that Odd-Eyes was safe, but she started to give up hope." Dancer Dragon spoke. "But then you girls awakened the power of your bracelets and we appeared before you."

"That's right." Serena looked at her bracelet. "It was a couple of months ago before I left for Standard. I saw the most beautiful moon in the sky. I felt like I could touch it and that's when my bracelet shined and you appeared."

"I sensed your desire to escape from Academia and I wanted to help you. And I'm glad we did because we reunited with the Four Heavenly Dragons. I had hoped that by seeing them, Flower and Cyclone would forget their grudge on the humans." Dancer Dragon said.

"But it didn't last long, is that right?" Daitokuji asked.

"Yes…" Dancer Dragon lowered her head. "As we traveled the different dimensions, I could see why Flower and Cyclone were upset at humanity and during Xyz, Lyrical Eagle was losing faith in humanity every day we were there. I'm only unaffected because humans haven't done anything to the moon."

"But you're the strongest out of all the Nature Dragons." Daitokuji revealed. "You're able to control the moon to your will. Think of the damage you could do just by moving the moon. Volcanoes erupting, High Tides consuming cities, that could be made possible if you take control of Serena right now."

"Take control?" Serena questioned. "You can take control of me?"

"When you fought Bandit Keith back at Standard, you were in distraught as you saw Yuya get taken out. Since Academia wanted you and the Rare Hunters teamed up with them, I had to do something otherwise you would've have lost." Dancer answered.

"So, that wasn't me but you?" Serena thought she was in control during that Duel, but then she remembered that she didn't have any Supreme Queen cards in her deck.

"You have to believe me, Daitokuji. I don't want any harm to Serena, and I don't support Flower and Cyclone's plan." Dancer Dragon pleaded.

"You say that now, but your instinct is to purify whatever's imperfect. Sooner or later, you will give in to them." Daitokuji said.

"I…" Dancer Dragon wanted to deny it, but Cyclone's and Flower's words about the state of the world kept echoing in her head and she was leaning back and forth between stopping them or helping them.

"If such a case were to happen, humanity would seize to exist." Daitokuji said. "But there is a way to stop them should they go out of control. But that depends on you Serena."

"Me?" Serena asked.

"Do you trust me? Or do you trust your dragon?" Daitokuji asked. "Consider this your final lesson from me."

"Final lesson?" Serena questioned.

Daitokuji touched his cheek and part of it started to crack. "My body is decaying; I only have enough time left to have one more Duel. And this Duel will determine if you will be a slave to your dragon, or it's controller."

Rio and Edo vs BB

BB LP: 2000, Hand: 1
Field: Gladiator Beast – Andabatae (ATK: 1000, LV: 8), Continuous Trap: Pollice Verso.

Rio LP: 600, Hand: 3
Field: No Cards

Edo LP: 3000, Hand: 0
Field: 1 set card.

Rio continued to let out an icy aura as she stood in her Barian form facing BB. "So, the Dimension Guardians have a beast of their own." Sanders spoke. "But you're Life Points are at a measly 600 and your ace monster was destroyed. Even with the power of another world, you cannot defeat the greatest Battle Beast I have created."

"What a joke." Rio insulted Sanders.

"What?" Sanders glared.

"The one I'm fighting is BB. All his tactics, all his cards, those are all BB. Even if he is acting on instinct, BB still has the heart of a Duelist. You're just a pathetic man who's too afraid to face us himself!" Rio called Sanders out.

"You brat…" Sanders glared.

"Heart…of a…Duelist…" BB muttered.

"Benjiro?" Edo heard BB.

"BB, it's still your turn." Rio called out.

"I…set one card and end my turn." BB set his last card.

BB LP: 2000, Hand: 0
Rio LP: 600, Hand: 3
Edo LP: 3000, Hand: 0

"I'm gonna cool you off BB. Behold the power of the Barians!" Rio's hand glowed. "Barian Chaos Draw!" Rio drew her card. "I activate the Rank-Up Magic – The Seventh One! This card allows me to Special Summon an Over Hundred Number in my Extra Deck! Appear! Number 103: The Funerary Sub-Zero Maiden – Ragna Zero (ATK: 2400, RNK: 4)!" Rio summoned her Over Hundred Number.

"And then use it to Rank it up into a Chaos Xyz Monster!" Ragna Zero flew into the sky and the Barian Door appeared. "Maiden that started from 0. Now is the time go beyond the beginning and reach the end of time itself! Chaos Xyz Change! Appear! Rank 5! Chaos Number 103: Funerary Sub-Zero Maiden – Ragna Infinity (ATK: 2800, RNK: 5, OVU: 1)!" Rio summoned her Over Hundred Chaos Number which surprised the Academia students watching.

"Battle! Ragna Infinity, attack Gladiator Beast Andabatae! Infinity Scythe" Ragna Infinity charged in with her weapon raised.

"I won't let you! With Andabatae as the target, I activate the Continuous Trap: Gladiator Beast's Medusa Shield! With this, Andabatae can't be destroyed in battle or by card effects!" BB played his set card.

"But you will still take damage!" Rio pointed out and BB got hit with the shockwave and took a knee.

BB LP: 2000→200

"Even though Andabatae battled, I won't activate its effect." BB said.

"BB protected his monster, but he only has 200 Life Points left."

"But if she has a card that can destroy Medusa Shield, Pollice Verso can end him right there."

BB trembled and snarled when he heard that. "Calm down…look." Rio showed her hand to BB. "I don't have any card that can hurt you anymore, plus you have a 2 out of 3 chance of Edo not getting a monster. You still have a chance to win, so just relax and stay calm, that will help you win."

"Uh, isn't that a bad idea to give him advice like that?" Crow asked.

"No, it's a good one, look." Jim smiled.

BB sigh in relief when he saw Rio's cards and he was able to relax a bit.

"He's actually cooled off, just like Rio wanted." Tsukikage said.

"Edo, you need to bring the heat." Rio said. "Ignite his Duelist's heart and remind him of who he was." Rio gave an eye smile.

"Rio…thank you." Edo smiled.

"What are you smiling for…Quit fooling around!" Sanders yelled in anger. "You're my greatest masterpiece! The greatest Duelist Academia has to offer!" Sanders jumped down to the arena.

"How dare you be relieved because an Xyz Duelist, the enemy, says to relax and stay calm! If that's what it's come to then I'll instruct your Dueling personally!" Sanders put on his Duel Disk and activated it.

"Intrusion Penalty: 2000 Life Points"

Sanders LP: 4000→2000

"Professor Sanders!"

"He's gonna Duel."

"Of course, you would throw a tantrum if things didn't go your way. You're such a baby." Rio sighed.

"Rio, I think that's a bit of an insult to the actual babies." Edo joked. This made Sander growl in anger.

"I set two cards and end my turn!" Rio finished her turn.

BB LP: 200, Hand: 0
Rio LP: 600, Hand: 1
Sanders LP: 2000, Hand: 5
Edo LP: 3000, Hand: 0

"My turn! Draw!" Sanders intruded the Duel. "From my hand, I activate the Magic Card: Slave Fusion! Due to its effect, by sending Slave Ape and Slave Tiger to my Graveyard, I can perform a Fusion Summon ignoring summoning requirements!" Sanders two monsters entered the spiraling vortex.

"Enslaved ape man, along with the fierce tiger of the same fate, call forth your whip-wielding master! Fusion Summon! Come forth! Gladiator Beast Tamer Aeditor (ATK: 2400, LV: 8)!" Sanders summoned the master of the Gladiator Beasts.

"I activate Aeditor's effect! Once per turn, it can summon a Gladiator Beast from an Extra Deck to its controller's field, ignoring summoning conditions!" Aeditor slammed his whip into the ground. "I choose the Gladiator Beast Gyzarus (ATK: 2400, LV: 6) from BB's Extra Deck!" Gyzarus appeared on BB's side.

"Oh man, he could summon any Gladiator Beast he wants even if it's not his own." O'Brien observed.

"Of course, Aeditor is the master of all Gladiator Beasts! No matter what beast it may be, it can control them with the flick of its whip! Now BB I have given you additional support, use them to fight freely! Show your ferocity and terror to the enemies that wait before you!" Sanders ordered. BB was trembling and his eyes were still like that of an animal.

But then Rio noticed something, it was really faint but BB's eyes showed something else. "I've seen those eyes before…"

An alarm then went off throughout the entire arena, surprising everyone. "Attention all Academia students and staff! Yuya Ryuga, Reiji Akaba and Shingo Sawatari have escape from the Virtual World and are releasing the prisoners that have been captured! Academia has been breached! We are under attack! This is not a drill! Repeat! This is not a drill!"

Team 1

The announcement actually stretched throughout the entire island, so the Dimension Guardians heard it as well. "I knew they wouldn't kick the bucket." Jonouchi grinned.

"I'm glad…" Akari smiled.

Yuzu then grunted and held her head. "Hey, you okay?" Akari asked.

"Ye-Yes, I'm fine…" Yuzu said.

But Flower Dragon, who was in control cursed. "Damn it, if I run into Yuya that will make Yuzu resurface! I have to get to the others!"

Team 7

"Well, I'll be damned." Manjoume said.

"Thank goodness…" Aki sighed in relief.

"Knew he would come back…" Rua woke up, he was healed of the poison but he was still kind of weak. Ruka smiled at her brother as he looked better.

Ruri and Shun

Shun laid a cold wet towel over Ruri's forehead as she was still exhausted from being controlled by Lyrical Eagle. "I hope you heard that, Ruri. Maybe this will help you get better." Shun said as he heard the announcement.

"I…did…" Ruri smiled weakly. "But…I'm still tired…"

"It's okay. Your big brother is here." Shun comforted her.

Abandoned Dorm

Gongenzaka still laid on the ground but even though he was in the building, he heard the announcement and he smiled.

"That's enough resting…" Gongenzaka got up. "I got a friend to help."

Team 2

Asuka, Jack and Kaito heard the announcement as they were almost to their pillar. "Thank goodness." Asuka sighed in relief.

"Now we have to do our part." Kaito said.

"Let's get to that pillar." Jack said.

Team 5

"Yes, talk about good news!" Dennis smiled.

"You hear that, Serena? Yuya's okay!" Johan said.

Serena smiled and she held onto the pendant that Yuya gave her. "Yuya…I'm so happy…"

Daitokuji noticed Serena's expression. "She's calm and relaxed now…" Daitokuji smiled. "Now don't hold back against me."

Survival Duel Arena

"Damn it! How did they escape?!" Sanders got angry.

"You shouldn't have underestimated them." Rio scolded.

"Now you're gonna pay the price." Edo agreed.

"It's still my turn, brats!" Sanders growled. "When there are two or more Gladiator Beasts present, I can activate Aeditor's effect and destroy one monster and deal its Attack Points as damage to its controller! Since Numbers can't be destroyed in battle, I'll destroy it with an effect! I destroy Ragna Infinity!"

"I activate my Counter Trap: Ice Reflector! When an effect that targets a monster is activated, I can change the target to any other monster on the field, I choose Gyzarus!" An ice barrier was formed around Ragna Infinity and Aeditor's whip destroyed Gyzarus, making BB panic.

"But there's a tradeoff." Rio revealed. "For the rest of this turn, all effect damage is negated and the owner of the monster that got destroyed is able to draw two cards, and if they are Magic or Trap Cards, they are allowed to set them this turn. Go on, BB. Draw your cards."

BB sighed in relief; he would've lost if Rio's card didn't negate the effect damage since Pollice Verso was still on the field. He drew his two cards. "I set two cards." BB set the cards.

"There you again." Sanders got ticked off. "Let me show you how a warrior acts! Battle! Aeditor, Direct Attack Edo Phoenix!" Aeditor unleashed a blast towards Edo.

"I activate my Trap Card: Destiny Rebirth! When I'm attacked directly, I can Special Summon one Destiny Hero from my Cemetery and end the Battle Phase! Revive! Dystopia Guy (ATK: 2800, LV: 8)!" Edo brought back his ace and Aeditor's attack stopped.

"Also, the revived monster has its Attack Points increase by 500!" Edo added.

Dystopia Guy (ATK: 2800→3300)

"Dystopia Guy's effect! When its Attack or Defense Points are changed, I can destroy one card on the field! I choose Gladiator Beast Aeditor!" Edo pointed at Sanders and Aeditor was destroyed.

"Bastard! I activate the Magic Card: Resurrection of the Dead to revive Aeditor (ATK: 2400, LV: 8)!" Sanders brought back Aeditor. "I end my turn!"

BB LP: 200, Hand: 0
Rio LP: 600, Hand: 1
Sanders LP: 2000, Hand: 2
Edo LP: 3000, Hand: 0

"My turn! Draw!" Edo drew his card. "I want to help Benjiro but I need to take out Sanders first."

"Battle! Dystopia Guy, attack Gladiator Beast Tamer Aeditor! Dystopia Blow!" Dystopia charged towards Aeditor.

"From my hand, I activate Master General's effect! By sending this card to the Graveyard, my monster's Attack Points increase by 800 and it can't be destroyed in battle!" Sanders sent his card to the Graveyard.

Aeditor (ATK: 2400→3200)

Dystopia Guy made contact with Aeditor and it withstood the attack. Sanders then smiled and BB screamed in pain.

BB LP: 200→100

"Benjiro?!" Edo got worried.

"What did you do?" Rio asked.

"Master General's other effect allows me to transfer the battle damage to any player. I chose BB." Sanders smiled.

"You harmed your own partner." Rio growled.

"If the superior falls, the army falls in disarray, the superior must stay alive even at the cost of his men!" Sanders said proudly.

"When Battle Damage is inflicted, I can activate the Continuous Trap: Gladiator Beast Send Off." BB winced. "Once per turn, I can banish a Gladiator Beast in my Graveyard and gain 1000 Life Points! I banish Gyzarus!"

BB LP: 100→1100

"Then I chain the Continuous Trap: Gladiator Beast Assault Fort! When I take battle damage involving a Gladiator Beast, I destroy all non-Gladiator Beast cards on my field! And any currently active Gladiator Beast Magic or Trap cards effects are negated, and are now treated as Gladiator Bests Assault Fort!" BB's Medusa Shield and Send Off turned into forts.

"Gladiator Beast's Medusa Shield and Gladiator Beast Send Off become a part of the Gladiator Beast Fort!" A large fortress was creating on the field.

"Once per turn, Gladiator Beast Fort can, on either players' turn, negate battle damage involving a Gladiator Beast and negate its destruction! Also, it can negate destruction from card effects!" BB revealed.

"So, we can't destroy them at all." Edo said.

"And next, I can place a Gladiator Beast in the Gladiator Forts for each one that has been created by its effect!" BB grabbed two cards from his deck. "In one fort is Gladiator Beast Augustus…and the other fort is Gladiator Beast Laquari! Then, by returning those cards to my deck at any time, I can deal 1000 points of damage to an opponent!" BB ran to the fort and jumped on it.

"1000 points." Tsukikage said grimly.

"Just sending it back now will defeat Rio." O'Brien said.

"How do you like it?! This is my trump card! If you can break through it then try!" BB snarled at them.

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

Rio then saw the look again on BB. "Those eyes again…the same as his…"

Fusion Dimension – Samejima's Academia

It had been three days since Yuya defeated Samejima and the others were getting worried. Rio volunteered to go see him as she still felt that she had to apologize for what she almost did to him when she gave into the power of the Barians.

"Yuya…" Rio knocked on the door. There was no answer. "I'm coming in." Rio opened the door. She looked around at what was left of Samejima's Office. On the wall was a picture of Samejima with Yuya, Yuto, Yugo and Yuri after they had successfully defeated Cobra and saved the children.

"Some part of me can't believe that boy was me." Rio turned to see Yuya. "Now look at me." Yuya rans his fingers down his scar.

"Hey, we wanted to make sure you were okay." Rio walked up to Yuya. "And…I wanted to apologize for what I did to you."

"But you didn't lose control." Yuya said. "You were still aware of your actions, but I…I was a monster. I just attacked whoever crossed my way. I hurt Rin and Jim…and I wanted to kill you…and then I hurt Rua and made him cry."

"That was my fault too." Rio said. "But Yuya, you're not a monster. You're you and no one would think differently of you."

"I know…" Yuya said. "But…everything is so complicated…" Yuya leaned against a wall. "With every win, we lose something. We won against the Rare Hunters, but they sealed most of the participants into cards. We defeated Shinji and Divine but Zero Reverse still happened. We drove Academia out of Heartland and gained more allies, but Master died."

Yuya walked to Samejima's desk where the Hero's Honor Duel Disk was placed along with his deck. "Duel Monsters…is just supposed to be a game. It's supposed to be fun and competitive and believing in the Heart of the Cards. But ever since the Battle Royal…it's brought me nothing but pain and suffering!" Yuya grabbed Hero's Honor and raised it up like he was gonna smash it, before he put it on his wrist and put his deck over his heart.

"Yuya…" Rio felt bad for Yuya. He wasn't wrong when Duel Monsters brought him pain. He lost his family because of the game. It wasn't the game's fault, but more people have been abusing the game for their own selfish desires so she couldn't blame Yuya for thinking that. Rio saw the look in his eyes, it was full of anger, confusion and fear.

Rio took a closer look at the Hero's Honor Duel Disk. "Hey, Yuya. That's a really cool Duel Disk. Looks one of a kind."

Yuya looked at the Hero's Honor Duel Disk. It was then that his eyes changed, the anger, confusion and fear were gone and it was replaced by determination and resolve. "It's called Hero's Honor. It was used by heroes of legend. Yes…heroes…"

"That's right…that's why I Duel…" Yuya recalled the happiness and cheers when Neo Domino City cheered when he saved them from Sergey. After the funeral, many citizens from the Xyz Dimension thanked him for saving their city. Even the former soldiers of Academia remembered Yuya as they were subjects to Cobra's experiments years ago and that they were able to survive Academia's harsh training from his example.

No matter what pain and suffering he had to go through, the people all supported him and cheered for him. They gave him the strength to overcome any challenges. "Rio, thank you." Yuya smiled at Rio.

"Huh?" Rio was confused as to his change in mood.

"Okay! Training time!" Yuya ran out of the school in full speed.

Survival Duel Arena

BB LP: 1100, Hand: 0
Rio LP: 600, Hand: 1
Sanders LP: 2000, Hand: 1
Edo LP: 3000, Hand: 0

"You end your turn? Now! It's your turn!" Sanders shouted at BB. "Send Edo Phoenix and Rio Kamishiro to their graves!"

However, BB didn't respond at all. "What? What are you doing?! That's an order! Ignoring my…no the Professor's orders is unforgivable!" BB still didn't respond. "Why wont you fight? Refusing to fight is the same as accepting defeat! Do you want to be turned into a card?!" Sanders shouted which made BB look at him. "Get them, BB! If you don't want to be turned into a card, eradicate them down to the last Duelist!"

"My turn! Draw!" BB drew his card. "When there are two or more Gladiator Beasts on the field, any Gladiator Beast controller can activate Aeditor's effect!"

"Yes! That's more like it, BB! If you use that card's effect to destroy either Ragna Infinity or Dystopia Guy, one of them will lose and…" Sanders smiled.

"I destroy…Gladiator Beast Tamer Aeditor!" BB shocked everyone by pointed at Sanders' monster. "And you will take 2400 points of damage!"

"Have you lost your mind, BB?!" Sanders shouted as Aeditor whipped so hard that it destroyed himself and engulfed Sanders in an explosion and when it died down, he fell to his knees.

Sanders LP: 2000→0

"You! You dare attack me as well!" Sanders yelled. BB roared and jumped at Sanders and pinned him down. He then grabbed a rock and started smashing Sanders in the face, making him bleed out.

"Benjiro, stop!" Edo ran and grabbed BB's arm, making him let go of the rock as Sanders kept bleeding as he was unconscious. BB went to strike Edo.

"BB, we're not gonna hurt you." Rio stopped BB's other hand. "It's fine. You don't have to fight anymore. You're not a monster. You're one of us!"

"Shut up! What do you know?!" BB growled.

"Because you're just like Yuya when he lost Samejima!" Rio shouted.

"Like Yuya?" Edo questioned.

"BB is like Yuya?" Crow questioned.

"When Yuya lost Samejima, he called himself a monster because of his appearance and for hurting his friends back in the Xyz Dimension. He questioned the purpose of Duel Monsters since it brought him pain and suffering and was nothing like what he believed in." Rio explained.

"Yes…this cursed game caused all of my suffering." BB spoke. "I wish this game never existed!"

"What are you saying, Benjiro?! You love Duel Monsters!" Edo shouted. "Didn't you say that your dream was to unite the people of all dimensions with the true power of Duel Monsters! You wanted to show everyone that Dueling was fun! I thought it was ridiculous but now I understand. You can still do it, Benjiro! You can still stop this!"

"Shut up!" BB pushed Rio and Edo off of him and jumped into the fort. "I activate Gladiator Beast Fortress' effect! Once per turn, by returning one monster in the fort to my deck, I can deal 1000 points of damage to an opponent! I return Gladiator Beast Augustus to my deck and deal damage to Edo Phoenix!" One fortress fired a blast at Edo and he took it.

Edo LP: 3000→2000

"I return Laquari to my deck and deal damage to Edo Phoenix again!" BB had the fortress fire at Edo again and he fell on his back.

Edo LP: 2000→1000

"Edo!" Rio yelled in worry.

"If there are no cards inside of Gladiator Beast Fortress, once per turn, I can place Gladiator Beasts inside it from my deck! I put Augustus and Laquari back and end my turn!" BB finished his turn and went into his fortress.

BB LP: 1100, Hand: 1
Rio LP: 600, Hand: 1
Edo LP: 1000, Hand: 0

"Benjiro…" Edo looked at the fortress he was hiding in.

"It's that stupid Sanders' fault. He believes himself to be a monster so he has to behave like a monster." Rio said. "Yuya was only able to snap out of it because he remembered the reason why he Duels."

"The reason why he Duels…that's it! I know a way!" Edo said.

"You do?" Rio looked at Edo.

"Yeah, but Rio, I need your help! Help me get him out of his fortress!" Edo said.

"Okay! My turn! Draw!" Rio drew her card. "I activate my Trap Card: Diamond Dust! By destroying all Water monsters on my field, I can inflict 500 points of damage to my opponent!" Rio destroyed Ragna Infinity to allow a harsh stone to hit the fortress, making ice form over it.

BB LP: 1100→600

"Then from my hand, I activate the Rank-Up Magic – Crystal Force! If Crystal Zero is in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon it to my field and rank it up into an Xyz Monster that is one rank higher!" Crystal Zero flew out of the Graveyard and into the sky.

"A Rank-Up?!" A student exclaimed.

"Princess that turns water into ice, gain power from the world beyond and cease all fighting! Chaos Xyz Change! Appear! Chaos Number 94: Queen of Polar Ice, Crystal Balance (ATK: 2600, RNK: 5, OVU: 1)!" Rio summoned her Chaos Ace.

"I activate Crystal Balance's effect! By using one Overlay Unit, it negates the effects of all face-up cards on the field and destroys them!" Rio said as Crystal Balance used an Overlay Unit.

"From my Graveyard, I activate Destiny Rebirth's other effect! When the monster on my field would be destroyed, by banishing this card and negating its monster effect, Dystopia Guy cannot be destroyed this turn!" Edo protected his monster from Rio's effect.

Crystal Balance (OVU: 1→0)

Crystal Balance raised her staff and temperatures dropped so fast that BB's monsters and fortress were encased in solid ice before shattering into pieces. "Okay, with this…"

However, the entire field shook and a new fortress appeared. "When Gladiator Beast Assault Fort is destroyed, all cards I control are destroyed and I activate the Continuous Magic: Gladiator Beast Great Fortress!" BB spoke from within the fortress.

"And when Great Fortress is activated, I can place all the Gladiator Beasts in my Graveyard inside of it! And the effects of mine and my opponent's monsters are all negated!" Crystal Balance lost her effect.

"Battle! Crystal Balance! Direct Attack!" Crystal Balance readied her weapon.

"I activate Great Fortress' effect! I can Special Summon a Gladiator Beast inside of the fortress with its effect negated and force my opponent's battling monster to fight it! Go! Andabatae! At this moment, its Attack Points become 1000 and it's increased by 1000 for each monster still in the fortress!"

Andabatae (ATK: 1000→4000)

"4000 Attack Points?!" O'Brien exclaimed.

"If this goes through, Rio will lose." Jim said.

"Great Fortress also deals 500 points of damage to a player each time one of their cards is sent to the Graveyard!" BB added.

"From my hand, I activate the Quick-Play Magic: Xyz Retreat! By banishing an Xyz Monster from the Graveyard, I can forcibly end the Battle Phase this turn!" Rio stopped the battle.

"But you sent a card to your Graveyard, so you take 500 points of damage!" The fortress fired at Rio and she screamed.

Rio LP: 600→100

Rio fell to her knee as her Barian Form gave out and she returned to her human self.

"When the Battle Phase ends, the Gladiator Beast summoned returns to the fortress." BB said. "Return! Andabatae!"

"I end my turn." Rio finished her turn. "Sorry, Edo, I couldn't destroy the fortress."

"No, you set up everything perfectly. Leave the rest to me." Edo looked at the fortress. "Benjiro! Let me show you how a real leader commands his soldiers! All of you watch as well!" Edo looked at the students. "My turn! Draw!"

BB LP: 600, Hand: 1
Rio LP: 100, Hand: 0
Edo LP: 1000, Hand: 0

"Reverse Card, open! Absolute Destiny Fusion! This card allows me to banish Destiny Heroes from my field or Cemetery to perform a Fusion Summon! I fuse Destiny Hero Dystopia Guy on my field with Destiny Hero Dream Guy from my Cemetery!"

"Hero of a dark world! Hero of the world of dreams! Become one now and reign over this twilight utopia! Fusion Summon! Come on! Destiny Hero Dusk Utopia Guy (ATK: 3000, LV: 10)!" A gold armored warrior appeared on the field releasing a dazzling light.

"A Utopia monster made from Dystopia." Rio looked at Dusk Utopia Guy.

"But since a card went to your Graveyard, Great Fortress's effect inflicts you 500 points of damage!" BB snarled and cannon fire aimed at Edo.

"From my Graveyard, I activate Decision Guy's effect! When effect is activated that would inflict damage to me, I can return this monster to my hand and make the effect damage 0!" Edo added his monster back.

"Wait, he had that monster in his Graveyard since his first turn."

"He could've used it earlier so why did he wait until now?"

"Benjiro, being a leader is not what Sanders says it is. A true leader is about making sure that your soldiers are treated well so that they can respect you, but you can't have them walk all over you so you have to be firm with them. You're confused, angry, and sad. I didn't use Decision Guy's effect back then because I wanted to take some of the burden off of you." BB peaked his head out of the fortress.

"Remember, your dream, Benjiro! You wanted to unite everyone with True Dueling! You wanted to make a real utopia, not the fake one by the Professor! Dusk Utopia Guy is who you really are! A person that inspired everyone! Remember who you were!" BB looked at Dusk Utopia Guy.

"Unite everyone…true Dueling…who I was…" BB muttered.

"Hey, Benjiro! Nice Duel today!"

"Benjiro-senpai, congratulations on your promotion!"

"You have a great future ahead of you Benjiro."

"Welcome our newest member in the Obelisk Blue. Introduce yourself."

"I'm Benjiro!" BB heard his voice. "My dream is to unite everyone with true Dueling! I want everyone in all dimensions to have fun with Dueling and that's when our utopia will be born!"

BB's eyes became softer and he stepped out of the fortress and jumped to the ground in front of Rio and Edo. "Edo-senpai…" BB looked up with tears forming in his eyes. "Please…end this…"

Edo nodded. "Dusk Utopia Guy! Direct attack Benjiro! Utopia Blow!" Dusk Utopia Guy headed descended gently to Benjiro.

"I choose not to activate Great Fortress' effect." Benjiro said. Dusk Utopia Guy placed his hand over BB's heart and released a light.

BB LP: 600→0

Winner: Rio Kamishiro and Edo Phoenix

Benjiro fell to his knees. "Benjiro!" Edo ran up to him.

"Edo-senpai…I'm so sorry…" Benjiro apologized.

"It's okay…you're back to normal again." Edo smiled.

"I tried…I really tried to stay strong, but Sanders broke me…I was so scared…my fellow classmates that I turned into cards…I don't have the right to be a Duelist anymore."

"You can start over." Rio approached Benjiro. "When Edo spoke about you, it reminded me why I started Dueling in the first place. It wasn't to be famous or be a champion, it was to have fun and make new friends. Even during this war, I have made wonderful friends through Dueling…" Rio held her hand out. "And I'd like you to be one of them."

"Rio Kamishiro…I'd like that." Benjiro accepted Rio's hand.

Multiple footsteps were then heard, causing everyone too look at the door and out came out Sawatari with a punch of other prisoners. "Oh, you guys are here."

"Sawatari!" Rio smiled. "So, you, Yuya and Reiji are okay."

"Well for now." Sawatari admitted. "All of these people are civilians; I'm getting them off the island."

"Where are Yuya and Reiji?" Edo asked.

"Reiji and Reira are helping those that are Duelists get their decks and Duel Disks back. Yuya was supposed to be with me, but…" Sawatari looked down.

Academia – Prison Cells.

"Hey, the prisoners are escaping!" A troop of Obelisk Soldiers saw and ran towards them. "I need backup! 5 squads, Yuya Ryuga and Shingo Sawatari are here!"

"Damn it, we don't have time for this!" Sawatari cursed.

"I'll draw them away; you get them out of here!" Yuya activated his Duel Disk.

"Why do you always got to be the hero?" Sawatari complained. "Fine, but don't bite more than you can chew." Sawatari led the escaped civilians away as Yuya faced the troop heading towards him.

Survival Duel Arena

"I'll take them to the docks. I know the right boats to get them back to the mainland." Edo volunteered.

"We'll help out as well." Jim and O'Brien volunteered.

"Everyone this way!" O'Brien ordered.

"Thanks." Sawatari thanked. "There're still more prisoners so I'm gonna go rescue them. Any of you coming?"

"As much as I want to, I should go see if Ruri and Shun are okay." Rio said.

"I've been worried about Yuzu and Jonouchi." Tsukikage added.

"And who knows what happened to Gongenzaka and Rin." Crow said.

"Yuzu…Rin…" Sawatari muttered.

"Huh? Did you see Rin?" Crow perked up.

"No, but…her bracelet. It was shattered. Yuzu's as well." Sawatari admitted. "It was just theirs, nothing else about Ruri or Serena."

"All the more reason to check up on her." Rio ran out.

"I better go as well." Tsukikage disappeared.

"Rin…" Crow clenched his fist. "Sorry Sawatari, you'll have to be by yourself for a while."

"That's fine. Do what you got to do." Sawatari said. "If I find Rin on my end, I'll let you know."

"Thanks." Crow held out his fist and Sawatari bumped it as they split up leaving the arena empty except for a bloodied and unconscious Sanders.

Academia – Hallway

Yuya panted as more soldiers kept coming after him. "Damn…there's too many…" Yuya prepared to start another Duel.

Just then a motorcycle jumped over the multiple numbers of the Obelisk Force and landed next to Yuya. The rider took off his helmet. "Need some backup?"

Yuya smiled at the rider. "You have good timing."

"Don't worry. My guardians and I will protect you!" Rafael activated his Duel Disk.

"Let's go, Rafael!" Yuya shouted as the Obelisk Force prepared their Duel Disks.

From the corner behind them, Atem took a peek. "The Dragon Soldier…"

And that is the end of Chapter 13. Sorry, I didn't continue the Serena vs Daitokuji Duel, but I feel that would be in its own chapter soon enough since the Battle Beast Duel did take a while for me to complete.

What did you all think of this chapter? Let me know in the reviews.

Thanks for reading and I will see you next time.

Preview: Serena continues her Duel with Daitokuji in order to learn the secret to preventing Moonlight Dancer Dragon from taking possession of her. Yuya and Rafael team up to counter the Obelisk Force. And Team 2 finally arrives at their pillar where two people familiar to Jack and Kaito wait for them.

Next Time: Fighting the Ones We Love.