And here is Chapter 23 of the Fusion Arc. This chapter was a bit of a challenge to write, especially for the Duel but I did the best I could and I hope that you all enjoy it.

Now let's get to it.

Chapter 23: Rainbow Dragon vs the Nature Dragons

Academia – Cave

Yuya drove the 4x4 along the cliffs where he saw a cave that looked pretty isolated from everywhere else. "This is a good place to rest." Yuya stopped the 4x4. "Just sight tight you two, I'll make you more comfortable." Yuya looked at the still unconscious Serena and Atem.

"Glad this vehicle has camping gear." Yuya quickly went to work and set up a campsite within the cave. He laid out sleeping bags and pillows for Serena and Atem to rest. He then started a campfire so that he could keep himself and the others warm.

Yuya went back to the vehicle and carried both Serena and Atem to the sleeping bags and laid them down gently. "There're no cameras around this area and it's a pretty fair distance from Academia. We'll rest here for the time being. Don't worry, we're gonna get through this." Yuya smiled as he looked at the resting Serena and Atem.

"Yu…ya…" Serena moaned but didn't wake up.

Yuya gently stroked Serena's cheek and a small smile formed on her face, which made Yuya smile too. He then laid down between Serena and Atem and reached for their hands and held them tightly. "I'll do everything I can to make sure you're both safe." Yuya then closed his eyes to rest.

Academia – Hallway

Yuzu LP: 4000, Hand: 5
Johan LP: 4000, Hand: 5

Johan stared at Yuzu, who was releasing a mixture of pink, yellow and green aura around her. "This pressure…it's coming from those dragons." Johan looked at his deck. "My friends…please help me protect my daughter."

"You're a fool for going against us." Yuzu said. "For your punishment, your death will be slow and painful! My turn! Draw!" Yuzu drew her card.

"Using the Scale 1 Petunia the Melodious Diva and the Scale 9 Lily the Melodious Diva, I set the Pendulum Scale!" Yuzu set her scale. "With this, I can simultaneously summon monsters from Levels 2 to 7! Power blessed to me by the Supreme Queen! Respond to my heart to purify this land! Pendulum Summon! Appear! Opera the Melodious Diva (ATK: 2300, LV: 4)! And the beautiful creature with the power to bring life to the earth! Melodious Flower Dragon (ATK: 2500, LV: 7, PS: 4)!" Yuzu brought out her diva and dragon.

"With this, I end my turn!" Yuzu finished her turn.

Yuzu LP: 4000, Hand: 2
Johan LP: 4000, Hand: 5

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

From the side, Crow weakly watched as he leaned against the wall. "Johan…I'm counting on you…save Rin for me…and Ruri for Shun…"

"Yuzu…I know that you're in there…you can't let what that dragon says control you like that." Johan said.

"Yuzu gave me complete control of her own free will. Her jealousy against your daughter and her counterparts were the key to secure possession of her body. All that matters to her is that she's the only one left for Yuya to love." Flower spoke.

"In that case, I'll have to show you true love, true bonds." Johan grabbed two cards form his hand. "Using the Scale 2 Gem Protector and the Scale 5 Gem Vanguard, I set the Pendulum Scale!" Johan set his scale.

"With this, I can simultaneously summon Level 3 and 4 monsters! Pendulum Summon! Appear!" A portal opened and two monsters appeared. "Gem Beast Sapphire Pegasus (ATK: 1800, LV: 4)! Gem Beast Amber Mammoth (ATK: 1700, LV: 4)!" Johan summoned his Pegasus and Mammoth.

"When Sapphire Pegasus is summoned, I can place one Crystal Beast monster from my hand, deck or Graveyard in my Magic and Trap Zone!" Johan placed a Gem Beast in his Magic Trap Zone.

"Next, I activate the Equip Magic: Gem Release! This card increases a Gem Beast's Attack Points by 800 points! I equip it to Sapphire Pegasus!" Sapphire Pegasus gained power.

Sapphire Pegasus (ATK: 1800→2600)

"Battle! Sapphire Pegasus, attack Opera the Melodious Diva! Sapphire Tornado!" Sapphire Pegasus unleashed his attack and destroyed the small fairy monster.

Yuzu LP: 4000→3700

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

Yuzu LP: 3700, Hand: 2
Johan LP: 4000, Hand: 0

"Don't think you've accomplished anything with that amount of damage." Yuzu growled. "My turn! Draw!" Yuzu drew her card.

"I activate the Magic Card: Scale-Level Ratio! I can select one monster on my opponent's field and change its Level to a Pendulum Monster in my Pendulum Zone! I make Amber Mammoth's Level the same as Petunia the Melodious Diva's Level: 5!" Yuzu smirked.

"That won't happen! Gem Vanguard's Pendulum Effect! My opponent is not allowed to attack Gem Beast or Ultimate Gem God monsters with card effects!"

"What?!" Yuzu exclaimed as her Magic Card disappeared.

"There's only one reason why you would want to change my monster's Level and that's to use its Monster Effect." Johan explained. "Each of those Nature Dragons is allowed to use an effect against the opponent's monsters, but the requirement is that the monsters are Level 5 or higher. I learned that by watching what you did to poor Rin."

"Rin…" Crow got sad.

"When Melodious Flower Dragon destroys a monster in battle, the opponent takes damage equal to the destroyed monster's Attack Points, but if the monster is Level 5, the damage is doubled! With the 800 points of battle damage taken from the battle, I would have taken an additional 3400 points of damage for a total of 4200." Johan said.

"Congratulations, the human can do math." Yuzu teased. "But your monsters will be destroyed! Battle! Melodious Flower Dragon, attack Amber Mammoth! Harmony Petal Burst!" Melodious Flower Dragon unleashed her attack.

"My Gem Beasts won't fall so easily! I activate my Trap Card: Gem Battle Formation – Amber! When Amber Mammoth is attacked, it gains the Attack Points of all other Crystal Beast monsters I control! Amber Mammoth gains Sapphire Pegasus's currently 2600 Attack Points!" Amber Mammoth let out a roar as it gained more power.

Amber Mammoth (ATK: 1700→4300)

"4300 Attack Points?!" Yuzu exclaimed.

"Counterattack, Amber Mammoth! Amber Tusk!" Amber Mammoth charged and used its tusk to cut through the beams before stabbing Flower Dragon in the gut destroying her.

Yuzu LP: 3700→1900

"Damn you…" Yuzu cursed. "Pendulum Summon! Appear! Guardias the Melodious Songstress (DEF: 1500, LV: 3, PS: 2)!" Yuzu summoned a female songstress with two shields. "When Guardias is the only monster Pendulum Summoned to the field, its Defense Points are doubled!"

Guardias the Melodious Songstress (DEF: 1500→3000)

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

"At the End Phase, Amber's Attack Points return to normal!" Johan added as Amber Mammoth's Attack Points returned to normal.

Amber Mammoth (ATK: 4300→1700)

Yuzu LP: 1900, Hand: 0
Johan LP: 4000, Hand: 0

"My turn! Draw!" Johan drew his card. "I don't have any monster that can take on Guardias. Next turn, she'll bring back her Melodious Flower Dragon, I'll have to get on the defensive."

"I summon Gem Beast Emerald Turtle (DEF: 2000, LV: 3) in Defense Position!" Johan summoned his turtle. "Then, I switch Amber Mammoth to Defense Position and end my turn!"

Amber Mammoth (DEF: 1600)

Yuzu LP: 1900, Hand: 0
Johan LP: 4000, Hand: 0

"My turn! Draw!" Yuzu drew her card. "I activate the Magic Card: Spell Books from the Pot! Both players must draw three cards from their decks!" Yuzu and Johan drew three cards.

"With my current scale! Pendulum Summon! Appear!" The portal opened and four monsters came out. "From the Extra Deck, Melodious Flower Dragon! And from my hand, the Tuner Monster, Wind Witch – Glass Bell (ATK: 1500, LV: 4)! And two copies of Lyrical Luscinia – Quartz Bat (ATK: 1500, LV: 4)!" Yuzu summoned familiar monsters.

"Those are Rin's and Ruri's monsters!" Johan's eyes widened.

"I've absorbed those girls and they will never come back so long as I'm in control." Yuzu smiled sinisterly.

"I Overlay my two Level 4 Quartz Bat!" The two Lyrical Luscinia monsters turned into green light and entered the spacelike portal in front of Yuzu.

"Wings of the ancients! Erase the darkness of the battlefield and bring back the light! Descend now! Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 4! The mighty leader of the Lyrical Luscinia! Lyrical Eagle Dragon (ATK: 2500, RNK: 4, OVU: 2)!" Yuzu summoned Ruri's dragon.

"Next, I'm Tuning my Level 3 Guardias the Melodious Songstress with my Level 4 Wind Witch - Glass Bell!" Glass Bell turned into four green rings and Guardias flew through them and became three stars.

"With your beautiful wings that change along with the seasons, strike down the enemies that pollute your territory! Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 7! Wind Witch – Cyclone Dragon (ATK: 2500, LV: 7)!" Yuzu summoned Rin's dragon.

"She summoned them all, but even if she defeats Amber Mammoth and Emerald Turtle, Sapphire Pegasus is stronger thanks to Gem Release." Johan thought.

"When Guardias the Melodious Songstress is used as material for a Fusion, Synchro or Xyz Summon, it can destroy one Magic or Trap Card on the field! I destroy Gem Release!" Yuzu pointed to Johan's card and it was destroyed, thus weakening Sapphire Pegasus.

Sapphire Pegasus (ATK: 2600→1800)

"When Gem Release is sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can place one Gem Beast monster from my deck in my Magic/Trap Zone!" Another Gem appeared on Johan's Magic/Trap Zone. "This makes five."

"Battle! Lyrical Eagle Dragon, attack Emerald Turtle! Golden Sky Drill!" Lyrical Eagle Dragon charged and destroyed the elderly tortoise.

"When a Gem Beast is destroyed, I can send it to my Magic/Trap Zone." Emerald Turtle's gem appeared.

"Wind Witch – Cyclone Dragon, attack Amber Mammoth! Typhoon Boom Dive!" Cyclone Dragon struck down the massive mammoth.

"Amber Mammoth's Effect!" Amber Mammoth's gem appeared.

"Melodious Flower Dragon, attack Sapphire Pegasus! Harmony Petal Burst!" Flower Dragon unleashed her breath attack and destroyed Sapphire Pegasus.

Johan LP: 4000→3500

"I choose not to use Sapphire Pegasus's effect and send it to the Graveyard." Johan sent his Pegasus to the Graveyard.

"I end my turn." Yuzu said. "You're Gem Beast have unique abilities, but against three of the four Nature Dragons, no monster or combo you create can stop them!"

"Don't jump to conclusions yet. As long as I'm still standing, as long as my friends are beside me, I won't give up until I win! My turn!" Johan looked at his deck. "There is one monster in my deck that can defeat them."

"Draw!" Johan drew his card hard.

Academia – Cavern

Yuya woke up from his nap, his exhaustion mostly gone and he saw the fire was dying out. Yuya put more wood on the fire and as it got brighter, he saw Genesis standing right across from him.

"Ah!" Yuya fell back.

"Relax, I'm not here to fight." Genesis said.

"I can't figure you out anyway." Yuya sighed. "First, you try to destroy the United World."

"Correction, I wanted to reset the United World, not destroy it. Come on, don't compare me to those animals you humans call dictators." Genesis corrected.

"Then, you're saying that I should stop the Nature Dragons from wiping out humanity." Yuya said.

"If humanity is destroyed, the evolution of this planet will cease. A boring world with just nature doesn't suit my paradise. I'm actually fond of you humans. Well, most of you. I'm actually fond of you, though it is unfortunate that not even I can change your destiny Saio has laid out for you." Genesis said.

"Destiny can be changed." Yuya argued.

"You can try. I won't stop you." Genesis said. "But in the end, you're still just a human. And all humans eventually die, whether by your own natural deterioration, or war. You cannot live forever and you cannot control life or death."

"What do you want?" Yuya asked. "If it's about the Nature Dragons, I'll deal with it later. Serena and Atem are my priority now."

"I wouldn't say that to Yuzu. She defeated Rin and has absorbed her who also had Ruri as well." Genesis revealed.

"Yuzu…she's under control of the dragons…" Yuya said.

"That's right. And Flower is using her feelings of jealousy to her advantage." Genesis added. "Jealousy that was created by you and your interactions with her counterparts."

"I…I know how they all feel." Yuya admitted. "But…now's not the time. Maybe when the war is over…"

"If Yuzu succeeds in defeating Serena, she could wipe out their existences permanently, which in turn will erase the memories from all the people they have ever connected." Genesis revealed.

"So, I won't remember Serena, Rin or Ruri? And the same will be for Crow, Johan and Shun." Yuya said. "I can't let Yuzu do that…"

"And what can you do? You are responsible for her jealousy." Genesis pointed out.

"You're right…" Yuya sighed. "And she won't even listen to me so long as her dragon is controlling her." Yuya moaned before falling on his back. "And even if she did snap out of it, Ruri and Rin are still stuck as a part of her. Just like Yuto, Yugo and Yuri are with me."

Yuya sighed. "It's great that they're still a part of me, but they deserve to have their own lives, their own adventures. I just wish there was something I could do for them."

"I may be able to help you." Genesis said. "It just so happens that I know a way to split your brothers from you and bring back the girls that were absorbed. But…"

"Let me guess…there's a cost. What's the cost?" Yuya asked.

"I want you…" Genesis smiled.

Johan vs Yuzu

Yuzu LP: 1900, Hand: 0
Johan LP: 3500, Hand: 4

Johan looked at the card he drew. "I activate the Magic Card: Rare Value! When I have two or more Gem Beasts in my Magic/Trap Zone, my opponent is selects one to be sent to the Graveyard and then I draw two cards!"

"I get to pick…hm…I don't want anymore unnecessary defense from you. I choose Emerald Turtle!" Yuzu pointed.

Emerald Turtle went to the Graveyard and Johan drew two new cards.

"I activate the Magic Card: Gem Guidance! When I have two or more Gem Beast monsters in my Magic/Trap Zone, I can Special Summon one Gem Beast from my deck! Appear! Gem Beast Topaz Tiger (ATK: 1600, LV: 4)!" Johan summoned his tiger.

"Next, I summon Gem Beast – Amethyst Cat (ATK: 1200, LV: 3)!" Johan summoned his cat.

"The time has come…all seven Gem Beasts are now either on my field or in my Graveyard! Let's see how your Nature Dragons handle a rainbow!"

"Rainbow?" Yuzu questioned.

"Gems of Sapphire, Emerald, Amber, Topaz, Amethyst, Cobalt and Ruby! Now is the time to join your beautiful colors together to call forth a legend! Appear! Level 10! Ultimate Gem God - Rainbow Dragon (ATK: 4000, LV: 10)!" Johan summoned his dragon.

The dragon was so big that it destroyed most of the roof over them. "This dragon…" Yuzu grunted.

"Battle! Rainbow Dragon, attack Lyrical Eagle Dragon! Over the Rainbow!" Rainbow Dragon unleashed its breath attack and it struck Lyrical Eagle Dragon.

"The Xyz Monster that used two Quartz Bats as material, cannot be destroyed in battle and battle damage is halved!" Yuzu grunted before she was blown back.

Yuzu LP: 1900→1150

"I activate Amethyst Cat's effect! By reducing its Attack Points in half, it's allowed to attack the opponent directly!"

Amethyst Cat (ATK: 1200→600)

"Go! Amethyst Cat!" Amethyst Cat charged towards Yuzu and scratched her across the face.

Yuzu LP: 1150→550

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

Yuzu LP: 550, Hand: 0
Johan LP: 3500, Hand: 1

"Alright, now Rainbow Dragon is the strongest monster on the field!" Crow smirked.

"You bastard, how dare you make a mockery of us! Summoning that monster is a big mistake! It's higher than Level 5 so he's vulnerable to our effects!" Yuzu shouted.

"Did you forget?" Johan smirked. Yuzu looked confused before her eyes widened. "Gem Vanguard's Pendulum Effect! My opponent cannot target Ultimate Gem Lords or Gem Beasts with card effects!"

"And Gem Protector's Pendulum Effect! Each turn, the first time a Gem Beast or Ultimate Gem God would be destroyed by a card effect, it's not destroyed." Johan smiled as he explained his other Pendulum Monster's effect.

"D-Damn it!" Yuzu cursed with frustration.

Academia – Cavern

"Uh, you know I was gonna do that, no matter what." Yuya said. "I will take him down and he'll pay for his crimes."

"Do we have a deal?" Genesis asked.

"What do you have to gain if I do this?" Yuya asked.

"Yuya…all I want is to achieve my paradise…and just imagine it. You and your brothers get to finally live free of war, free to do whatever it is that your hearts' desire. Plus, you can finally get a chance to show your undying love to those girls and develop a compromise. You are literally living every man's dream." Genesis tempted.

"I'm getting really tired of vagueness. You keep talking about paradise. But what is your paradise?" Yuya asked. "And you just said yourself that even you can't change my destiny, yet you're talking like I'll live through Saio's prediction."

"Good, that was test to see if you've been paying attention. Also, you're not gullible to believe every word a dragon tells you." Genesis teased. "But since you've asked, I'll tell you my paradise."

"As you know, I am a powerful dragon, but I'm not all about eating humans for sport or flying down to a village and burn it all to the ground. No, no, no. I'm just a dragon who wants peace and quiet. And I can achieve that through isolation. But as the creator of the world, it's also my responsibility to make sure it's on the right path. Do you see where I'm going with this?" Genesis asked.

"Because you're making sure the world is going along a steady pace, you can't really relax or go into isolation." Yuya answered.

"Oh, thank me! Finally, a human who can understand what it is when I'm going through. When I told Yusho and Eve, they told me to shut up and get to the part where it concerns them. Hey, I have feelings too you know." Genesis pouted.

"So, the deal is that I become the United World's Guardian and protect it from anyone threatening its destruction. Which means, I take your role in making sure the world is going smoothly and you go into your paradise." Yuya said.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! Ah, just hearing you say that makes me feel full of ecstasy!" Genesis was like a little kid in a candy store. "So, do we have a deal?"

"No." Yuya said and Genesis fell comedically.

"Come on! I just said that I was gonna live in isolation! I'm not gonna hurt anyone!" Genesis cried out a waterfall of tears.

"No, with you, the lines are always blurred. There's something else that you're gonna get if I do this. What is it?" Yuya asked.

"U-Urgh…" Serena groaned, getting both Yuya and Gensis's attention. "Where am I?"

"Serena." Yuya was happy that Serena looked better.

"Well, well…I guess I know which on you love the most, huh?" Genesis smiled. "Which means I have the perfect leverage." This made Yuya furious and he grabbed Genesis and pinned her against the wall.

"Don't you dare lay a hand on her?" Yuya glared.

"I'm not the one who's gonna hurt her." Genesis smiled. "And you have the ability to stop it. Just accept my offer."

"Yuya, who's that?" Serena asked.

"Hey, names, Genesis Omega Dragon, G.O.D. blah, blah, blah, and you must be the future Mrs. Ryuga." Genesis slipped right out of Yuya's grip and appeared next to Serena. "And my hostage."

"Host—" Genesis whipped out her dragon tail and tied up Serena and covered her mouth.

"Genesis!" Yuya ran at Genesis with the intent to punch her.

"Ah, ah, ah! A boyfriend shouldn't hit his girlfriend." Genesis put Serena in front of her as a shield, making Yuya stop.

"Look, just accept my deal. I get my paradise and live alone in peace, you get to be a hero, you get your all your girls back, you bring back your brothers, you live happily ever after until Saio's prediction comes true, which could take years but hey, you still get a life. It's the best deal you can ever make." Genesis said.

"Yuya, there's gotta be a catch." Yuri appeared.

"But this will bring all the girls back." Yugo said.

"This could also help our dragons as well." Yuto added.

"Yuya, you have to accept." Dark Rebellion said.

"I want Cyclone back!" Clear Wing added.

"I don't want Dancer to be absorbed too!" Starve Venom joined.

"Yuya…we have to stop Flower and Yuzu…it's the right thing to do." Odd-Eyes gave in.

"But guys, this is Genesis, she only does things for herself. She has to have something else she's after, otherwise she wouldn't have come to me." Yuya pointed out.

"I guess you need more persuasion." Genesis had her tail squeeze Serena, making her moan loudly as her mouth was covered. "Don't you love this girl?"

"Stop it!" Yuya growled.

"Do you love this girl?!" Genesis increased her pressure on Serena again.

"Fine…but you better not bring any harm to anyone I care about!" Yuya gave in.

"Deal." Genesis released Serena, making her fall to the floor and making her cough. "I'll need this." Genesis took Serena's bracelet. "And I need the broken pieces I gave you earlier and the dragons. Don't worry, I'll give them back."

Yuya gave his dragons and the broken pieces of Yuzu's and Rin's bracelet as Genesis fished out Ruri's broken bracelet. "And now…to seal the deal!" Genesis put her hands in a prayer and the cards and jewels of the bracelets glowed.

Johan vs Yuzu

Yuzu LP: 550, Hand: 0
Johan LP: 3500, Hand: 1

"My turn! Draw!" Yuzu drew her card. "I'll prove that nature always wins! I activate the Magic Card: Dragon Treasure! For every Dragon-type monster on the field! I draw one card!" Yuzu drew three cards.

"Continuous Magic: Pendulum Apex! Once per turn, until the end of my opponent's next turn, I can have one Pendulum Monster on my field gain the Attack Points of all monsters on my side of the field! I'll have Melodious Flower Dragon gain Lyrical Eagle and Wind Witch – Cyclone Dragon's Attack Points!" Eagle and Cyclone gave their power to Flower.

Melodious Flower Dragon (ATK: 2500→7500)

"Battle! Melodious Flower Dragon, attack Rainbow Dragon! Harmony Petal Burst!" Flower Dragon unleashed her breath attack.

"I activate Rainbow Dragon's effect! I send all Gem Beast cards on my field to the Graveyard and for each one, Rainbow Dragon's Attack Points go up by 1000 points!" Amethyst Cat, Topaz Tiger, Ruby Carbuncle, Amber Mammoth and Cobalt Eagle transferred their power to Rainbow Dragon.

Rainbow Dragon (ATK: 4000→9000)

"Counterattack Rainbow Dragon! Over the Rainbow!" Johan shouted and Rainbow Dragon unleashed its breath attack and started to overpower Flower Dragon.

"Not yet! Counter Trap: Flower Subjugation! When Flower Dragon attacks a monster whose Attack Points are higher than their original, all monsters on my opponent's field have their Attack Points returned to normal!" Yuzu shouted. "Because it's not targeting your Ultimate Gem God, the effect will go through!"

Rainbow Dragon (ATK: 9000→4000)

"I activate my Trap Card: Rainbow Guard! By sending one card from my hand to the Graveyard, I can negate Rainbow Dragon's destruction! Johan protected his dragon.

"You'll still lose the Duel!" Yuzu pointed out.

"The card I sent to the Graveyard was Rainbow Refreshment! This increases by Life Points by 100 for every Gem Beast monster in my Graveyard!"

Johan LP: 3500→4200

Johan crossed his arms and braced for the impact, but even with his guard up, he was still blown away and crashed into the ground.

Johan LP: 4200→700

"Tch…useless struggling. I set two cards and end my turn!" Yuzu finished her turn.

Yuzu LP: 550, Hand: 0
Johan LP: 700, Hand: 0

Johan got back up to his feet. "Damn…that really hurt…" Johan held his side. "But…I can't give up."

"Why do you keep fighting? You know that you can't win." Yuzu pointed out. "My Continuous Magic forces you to only attack the Pendulum Monster on my field."

"Even if what you say is true. It's my job as a father to do everything that I can to protect my little girl." Johan said.

"Time for some hard truth, your daughter was never meant to exist, neither of these girls were meant to exist. They are nothing and they will return to being nothing." Yuzu pointed out.

"It doesn't matter. Serena is my daughter, and nothing you say will change that." Johan stood his ground. "And even if I'm defeated, my daughter will be the one to defeat you and save the girls!"

"Shut up!" Yuzu growled. "I'm tired of hearing you talk nonsense! I was gonna just incapacitate you but now I've changed my mind! I'm going to turn you into a corpse and nature will feed on your decaying flesh as we rule the world!"

Johan looked at his deck. "This might be my last turn." Johan put his fingers on his deck. "My turn! Draw!" Johan drew his card.

"Continuous Trap: Nature Wall!" A wall of the elements of nature formed around the dragons. "This card will protect my dragons from battle and card effects! Furthermore, at the End Phase of my opponent's turn, for each dragon I still have on the field, they take 400 points of damage!" Yuzu played one of her set cards.

Johan looked at the card he drew. "I'm betting everything I have on this last move!" Johan raised his hand. "I banish Rainbow Dragon as well as all seven Gem Beasts in my Graveyard!"

"What?! You're banishing all your monsters?" Yuzu exclaimed.

Johan's Duel Disk glowed and the seven Gem Beasts flew out of his Graveyard and soared into the sky with Rainbow Dragon flying along with them.

"Dragon with the seven colors of the rainbow! Take in the power of the Gems of Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue Indigo and Violet and create the most beautiful rainbow in the world! Contact Fusion! Appear! Level 12! Ultimate Gem God Rainbow Dragon Over Drive (ATK: 4000, LV: 12)!" Johan summoned his strongest monster.

Rainbow Dragon Overdrive let out a powerful roar that shook the entire Academia. "This is…Johan's dragon…" Crow was in awe of the dragon.

"But! Your dragon has lower Attack Points than Melodious Flower Dragon!" Yuzu pointed out.

"My Gem Beasts! Lend us your power!" Johan shouted and the spirits of Sapphire Pegasus, Amber Mammoth, Ruby Carbuncle, Emerald Turtle, Topaz Tiger, Amethyst Cat and Cobalt Eagle appeared next to Johan and they all let out a roar and their colors went to the Rainbow Dragon Overdrive.

"When there are 7 Gem Beasts with different names banished, Rainbow Dragon Over Drive gains 7000 Attack Points!" Johan revealed.

"What?!" Yuzu exclaimed. Rainbow Dragon Over Drive let out one powerful roar that made Cyclone and Eagle tremble in fear. "No, don't be afraid, we can win!" Yuzu said, even though she was sweating.

Rainbow Dragon Over Drive (ATK: 4000→11,000)

"11,000 Attack Points…he's got this!" Crow smirked.

"Stay away from my family! Battle! Rainbow Dragon Over Drive, attack Melodious Flower Dragon!" Johan shouted. "Rainbow Over Drive!" Rainbow Dragon Over Drive unleashed its seven colored breath attack.

"I won't lose! I refuse to lose!" Yuzu shouted. "I activate my Trap Card: Cross Damage! Any damage I take is also inflicted to my opponent!" Yuzu shouted. "If I'm going down, I'm taking you with me!" Melodious Flower Dragon unleashed her breath attack, but Rainbow Dragon Over Drive's breath easily overpowered it and Melodious Flower Dragon was destroyed and the shockwave headed for both Yuzu and Johan.

"From my hand, I activate the Quick-Play Magic: Gem Reflector! By sending two Gem cards on my field to the Graveyard, any damage inflicted to me is dealt to my opponent!" Johan quickly played his last card.

"What?!" Yuzu shrieked.

Johan's two Pendulum Monsters formed a reflecting barrier and send the damage back to Yuzu.

"THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE!" Yuzu screamed as she was blown very far away that she disappeared down the darkness of the hallway.

Yuzu LP: 550→0

Winner: Johan Andersen

Johan fell to his knee and he panted. "I won…but…" Johan looked sadly where he sent Yuzu flying.

"Hey, I gotcha buddy." Crow had enough strength to get back on his feet and he helped Johan up.

"I'm sorry, Crow." Johan apologized. "Even though I won, I don't think I was able to save yours or Shun's sister."

"Hey, you did what you could. And you succeeded in protecting your daughter." Crow pointed out.

"I think…the only way to get Rin and Ruri back is if Serena defeats Yuzu. I just have this feeling that if anyone can do it, it's her." Johan said.

"Then let's go to her. Where is she?" Crow asked.

"She's with Yuya, but I don't know where?" Johan admitted.

"He's at a cave south of Academia…" Johan and Crow turned to see Jonouchi, Asuka, Rua and Rio walking towards them, still hurt from the electric shocks.

"Whoa, what happened to you guys?" Crow asked.

"Doesn't matter right now. I managed to get Yuya's signal. He and Serena are both at the cave. We can all go there now." Asuka said.

"Okay, lead the way." Johan said.

Academia – Eve's Laboratory

Yuzu was blown all the way across the hallway into Eve's laboratory. "D-Damn it…to be beaten by a mere human." Yuzu coughed. "But…I'm still in control…I just need to get to Dancer…

A collar was then strapped around Yuzu's neck and she was pulled to the ground. "Argh! Wh-What is this?!" Yuzu struggled.

"Silence animal!" A foot slammed on top of Yuzu's head.

Yuzu looked up to see Eve holding the leash to the collar around Yuzu's neck. "Y-You…"

"Thank you for doing most of the work, but I'll be taking back what's mine." Eve smiled.

"What are you talking about?!" Yuzu growled.

Eve pressed a button on the leash and it released a shock all over Yuzu's body, making her scream in pain. "No! What are you doing?! We're supposed to…take over…" Yuzu screamed louder before her entire body turned into pink particles, leaving only her cards, and the Nature Dragons on the floor.

"You stupid beasts were manipulated by power beyond your understanding. A power that belongs to me alone." Eve approached the three floating lights of pink, green and yellow.

"Three pieces of the Eve Factor." Eve took the floating lights and pushed them into her chest and pure white aura was released all around her. "Just one more…and then…I'll bring you back my beloved."

Academia – Cavern

"The rest is up to you. Good luck." Genesis disappeared from the cavern.

"Do you trust her?" Serena turned to Yuya.

"I don't…but I couldn't let her hurt you anymore." Yuya said. He looked at the new cards in his hands. "I'm going to Leo Akaba. I have to end this war."

"Okay, I'll take care of Yuzu, then." Serena said.

"Here, take this. They might help." Yuya gave Serena some of the cards Genesis made.

"Got it." Serena put the cards in her deck before looking at her right arm, where she wore all four of the bracelets. "I sure hope this will bring them back."

"Just be careful. Don't let your guard down." Yuya warned.

"You too…" Serena then got sad. "I really hate that I have to split with you again."

"You know what I must do." Yuya pulled Serena close to him by her waist. "Don't worry, I'll meet up with Reiji and Sawatari. The three of us will take Leo down."

"Okay…I'll meet up with the other Guardians, we'll take care of Yuzu." Serena wrapped her arms around Yuya's neck. "Promise that you'll come back alive."

"I will…" Yuya promised. Yuya and Serena stared at each other with passion and determination before they both leaned in and shared a tender kiss. Even though they promised to see each other again, they couldn't leave without letting the other know how they really feel and actions speak louder than words.

Yuya and Serena ended their kiss and continued to hold each other. It was a perfect moment, just the two of them.

Crunch

Yuya and Serena jolted before turning to the side to see Atem, wide awake with a bag of chips in his hand. "Dude, how long have you've been up." Yuya asked.

"Five minutes." Atem ate another chip.

"Are you serious?" Serena blushed.

"Get ready, you're with me." Yuya said.

"Roger." Atem stood up. "Can I bet your best man at your wedding?" Atem asked. Yuya smacked him in the stomach.

Yuya, Serena and Atem exited the cave before turning back to look at Academia. The big battles were just ahead.

"Let's go." Yuya said.

And that is the end of Chapter 23. What did you all think of the chapter? Let me know in the reviews.

Thanks for reading and I will see you next time.

Preview: Yuya reunites with Reiji, Sawatari and Reira as Atem leads them to the Professor's Chamber to face Leo Akaba. Meanwhile, with all the bracelets fixed, Serena along with Jonouchi, Asuka, Rua and Rio head off to search for Yuzu, only for Eve to appear.

Next Time: The Final Showdown