Starting Notes:

Welcome back! I'm really glad that I separated these two chapters, in the end—this one worked out really well as a chapter with a distinct feeling to it compared to the previous one, but they mirror each other really well.


Chapter 70: The Sacred Tree Cast In Shadows

Several months ago:

Yuto wrapped the red piece of fabric around his nose and mouth, though despite his best efforts, the scent of smoke and ash still overpowered his senses.

Today was one of the rare days that he wasn't heading out with Shun. While his best friend had not become any less headstrong, he had at least accepted the guard duty that had been assigned to him by Dr. Tenjo. When Yuto had informed the others that he was heading out, Nue had sighed, but she had passed on the intel that there was likely a group of people that was hiding out in this district, and told him to go and fetch them.

It should… really have been simple.

Yuto got to the location. As he carefully avoided making his presence obvious, he searched the area himself.

It didn't take long to hear them—and subsequently, to find them.

A group of laughing students, holding onto cards.

Yuto understood, naturally.

Anger coursed through his veins. He abandoned all stealth and jumped down from the ledge. The three students turned to look at him, seeming surprised.

I'll turn you all to cards. Then you'll know what it feels like to be terrified in your last moments too.


Three months ago:

Standing in the warehouse with the girl with Ruri's face, Yuto turned away.

What am I doing? Yuto thought. This isn't who I want to be at all. I—

Would Ruri look like that, if she saw me now? Scared?

I don't want to be like this.

I don't want her to look at me like… what, I'm a monster?

No.


In the present:

Chino Otobashi looked at him—the same impassive figure that she had been in the Underground, when she had rendered every move of his useless.

"You—" Shun took a step forward. "This is a good chance to—"

"Nii-san." Ruri held up a hand. "Can I duel alongside Yuto this time?"

Shun looked at her, seeming surprised.

"I want a chance to fight," Ruri said. "And I want to help Yuto as well." She smiled at Yuto, and well, Yuto felt better with her there.

"... fine," Shun said. "I guess I can't stop you. Take care, both of you. Protect each other." He seemed almost… approving. He took a step back.

… and yet, despite his calm exterior, Yuto knew how hard it had to be for him. Shun always wanted to protect them—for him to step back for once…

They really were becoming softer, weren't they?

Yuto turned back to the woman.

"You want to take me on together?"

"Is that a problem?"

"... usually, I'd say no. My job scope isn't to accept any duel that you offer." Chino shrugged. "But you're injured and tired. And I'm not interested in dueling any more than necessary. So defeat me this time, and I can finally stop."

"Oi, Chino—"

"Naoya," Chino said. "Get the fuck out of my sight already."

"You shouldn't say that." Ruri took a step forward. "You shouldn't say… such cruel words to your brother." She seemed hurt by the words, even though they had in no way been directed at her—her strong empathy causing her to feel the hurt that those words had to cause.

"My relationship with my brother, or lack thereof, is not the business of outsiders," Chino said curtly. "You don't know me, and I don't know you. Let's just stay out of each other's business and duel."

Wasn't that the opposite of staying out of someone's business?

But…

Yuto understood.

This woman. For all that she was her own person, she still reminded him a little of the brittle figure that Nue had become during the invasion. Nue had not complained much—she had just kept trying to do what she could. If it had continued on, however, would she have broken down with the same resentment? The idea that everyone around her was doing reckless things, and leaving her to clean up after them?

Roget had labelled this woman 'the casualty' in his files, and Yuto could understand that name. This woman had never done anything wrong before she had become a member of Security. Her eventual fate had been born of the actions of others—of the observers, of those that had hurt her through their uncaring looks and uncaring words. Of those that had invited her down a path that would break her down.

If we hadn't chosen to go to Standard at that precise time…

Shun and Nue thought that it was wasting time, when we were there—they were impatient. They wanted to find what was going on and move on.

I thought that it healed them. To have the time to wind down, when their lives were not decided by battle…

It saved them.

It saved me too. I was on the same track.

The truth was, if he could condemn the people he faced as cruel, he always had to acknowledge how close they were to going down that same path, back then.

Fine.

He'd have to break down this woman's shell of apathetic bitterness.

A step, perhaps, to learning to heal others.

When he went back to Heartland, he wanted to have the capacity to help others heal.

So this was the first step.

"Let's go, Ruri."

"Yes!" His girlfriend smiled warmly at him—determined in her own way.

[DUEL!]

Chino Otobashi: 8000LP

Ruri Kurosaki: 4000LP

Yuto Kamisoka: 4000LP

[Turn 1: Chino] [H:5]

Chino glanced at her hand. "Spell Card, Tuner's High. I'll discard a monster to Special Summon a Tuner monster with the same original Type and Attribute as the discarded monster from the deck, but it has to be one Level higher. I discarded Naturia Rosewhip, an EARTH Plant monster. Come from the deck, Naturia Camellia!" The bright red flower bloomed on her field again.

[Naturia Camellia (4*/1400/700/EARTH/Plant/Tuner/Effect)]

"When Naturia Camellia is Normal or Special Summoned, I can send a "Naturia" monster from my deck to the graveyard." She dropped a card into her graveyard. "I will activate the effect of the Continuous Trap, Naturia Sacred Tree. Since it was sent to the graveyard, I can add a "Naturia" card from my deck to my hand."

Yuto winced.

"Your guess is correct," Chino said bluntly. "Normal Summoning Naturia Mole Cricket." The small insect appeared on the field in front of her, next to the blooming red flower.

[Naturia Mole Cricket (1*/0/0/EARTH/Insect/Effect)]

"Is that an important monster?" Ruri asked.

"It's a playmaker," Yuto replied. "It's… difficult to deal with."

"I'll activate the effect of Naturia Mole Cricket. I can tribute it to Special Summon a "Naturia" monster from my deck. However, while I control Naturia Camellia, if I would tribute a monster for a "Naturia" monster's effect, I can send the top two cards of my deck to the graveyard instead." She dropped the two cards in the graveyard. "Come from the deck. Naturia Antjaw." The tiny insect holding onto a grey nut appeared.

[Naturia Antjaw (2*/400/200/EARTH/Insect/Effect)]

"I'll tune the Level 4 Naturia Camellia to the Level 1 Naturia Mole Cricket." The two monsters shot up. "Leaves fall. The forest's silent protector walks through the trees. Appear now, sacred guardian of the Naturia Forest! Synchro Summon! Level 5! Naturia Beast!" The green tiger appeared in front of her, silent but deadly.

[Naturia Beast (5*/2200/1700/EARTH/Beast/Synchro/Effect)]

"Since I Special Summoned a "Naturia" monster from my Extra Deck, I can Special Summon Naturia Mole Cricket from the graveyard." The tiny insect reappeared on her field. "I'll set one card and end my turn."

"While she controls that Synchro Monster, she can negate any Spells we activate," Yuto warned. "And Mole Cricket can tribute itself and revive itself even on our turns—and if at any point, she doesn't control the strongest monster, it can bring out two monsters instead of one."

"So that means that I should go first, right?"

"... yeah." That was a very good point that Yuto probably should have thought about—Ruri didn't need high attack points to cause a lot of damage.

… and if he went after her, he could also set up a defence in response to the bullshit that this woman was likely going to pull on Ruri's turn.

"Got it!"

[Turn 2: Ruri] [H:5]

"Since I control no monsters, I will Special Summon Lyrical Luscinia - Turquoise Warbler from my hand!" The tiny green and blue bird girl appeared on her field.

[Lyrical Luscinia - Turquoise Warbler (1*/100/100/WIND/Winged Beast/Effect)]

"When my opponent Special Summons a monster," Chino said flatly, "Naturia Antjaw allows me to Special Summon a Level 3 or lower "Naturia" monster from my deck. Come—Naturia Sunflower." A radiant yellow flower with an orange centre appeared on her field—matching her hairpin.

[Naturia Sunflower (2*/500/0/EARTH/Plant/Effect)]

"Every time I Special Summon?" Ruri said, furrowing her brow.

"Do I need to tell you that?" Chino said, as annoyingly obtuse as ever.

"She didn't use its effects when we dueled," Yuto said. "So I don't know."

Ruri nodded after a moment. "If she's a stun deck user, then I need to cut off her monsters… but in order to do that, I need her Naturia Beast off the field. In that case, I need to defeat a monster by battle…"

A tall task for Ruri.

"When Lyrical Luscinia - Turquoise Warbler is Special Summoned from the hand, I can Special Summon a "Lyrical Luscinia" monster from my hand or graveyard! Come—Lyrical Luscinia - Cobalt Sparrow!" The brown bird appeared on her field, perched next to Turquoise Warbler.

[Lyrical Luscinia - Cobalt Sparrow (1*/0/100/WIND/Winged Beast/Effect)]

"I will activate Cobalt Sparrow's effect! Since she was Special Summoned, I can add a Level 1 Winged Beast monster from my deck to my hand!"

"Antjaw's effect. I'll Special Summon Naturia Beans from my deck." The green pair of beans appeared on the field in Defense Position.

[Naturia Beans (2*/100/1200/EARTH/Plant/Effect)]

"That's fine," Ruri said. "I'll overlay the Level 1 Lyrical Luscinia - Cobalt Sparrow and the Level 1 Lyrical Luscinia - Turquoise Warbler! Beautiful streamers fly through the streets. Fireworks fly in the beautiful night sky! Elusive dancing bird, let your feathers of shadow shroud this battlefield! Xyz Summon! Rank 1! Lyrical Luscinia - Parade Silktail!"

An avian woman with long black feathers around her appeared. There was something wispy to her body and her wings, as though she wasn't really solid—the feathers turning blurry at the edges. She swiftly flew around Ruri—faster than the eye could track—before settling down. She was wearing a black cloak and hood that went to purple and blue at the ends. While her eyes couldn't be seen, there was a smirk on her lips. Around her, colourful streamers seemed to be levitating, despite there being no wind.

[Lyrical Luscinia - Parade Silktail (R1/0/0/WIND/Winged Beast/Xyz/Effect) (OU:2)]

What a beautiful monster…

But at the same time… Yuto had never seen Ruri use it. And there was a certain tension to Ruri's face when she used it—as though biting back something.

"Antjaw's effect. I will Special Summon Naturia Butterfly from my deck." The pink butterfly appeared on their opponent's field.

[Naturia Butterfly (3*/500/1200/EARTH/Insect/Tuner/Effect)]

"I'll activate the effect of Lyrical Luscinia - Parade Silktail!" Ruri declared. "I can detach two Overlay Units from her to negate the effects of all Level 2, Rank 2 or Link 2 or higher monsters that my opponent control until the End Phase! Silksong Reverie!" The dark bird woman shot up, her cloak sweeping around her. Black feathers swirled around her and rained down on the field.

"I will activate the effect of Naturia Sunflower," Chino said, before she stopped, as her effect didn't activate. "... hmm."

"When Lyrical Luscinia - Parade Silktail is the only monster I control, you can't activate effects in response to this effect!" Ruri called.

"Where did that monster come from?" Yuto asked curiously.

"... Academia made it," Ruri murmured. "I think that… when they were planning to use those parasites on us, they also wanted to give us some upgrades."

"What parasites—"

"But now that your monsters have been defanged," Ruri called, even as both Yuto and Shun reacted with overly enraged confusion, "I can carry on with my turn!" Parade Silktail had been Xyz Summoned in Defense Position, making up for her complete lack of attack or defense points. "Since I control a Winged Beast monster, I can Special Summon Lyrical Luscinia - Sapphire Swallow from my hand with her effect, along with another Level 1 Winged Beast monster! Come—Lyrical Luscinia - Sapphire Swallow! Lyrical Luscinia - Celeste Wagtail!" The blue and grey birds appeared on the field, flying around each other.

[Lyrical Luscinia - Sapphire Swallow (1*/100/0/WIND/Winged Beast/Effect)]

[Lyrical Luscinia - Celeste Wagtail (1*/200/0/WIND/Winged Beast/Effect)]

Yuto exhaled.

It was good to hear the birdsong of Ruri's monsters again—it was good to see her dueling again, no matter the circumstances.

He exchanged a look with Shun, who clearly felt the same way.

It felt like things were complete again. When they went home…

Well, when they went home, the four of them would rejoin the Resistance. They would form a proper alliance between the Resistance and the Lancers. There were quite a few people that they had left behind, after all. There was no way that the Resistance would have fallen while they were gone, not with Kaito's Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon standing guard, along with the others—Allen's machines, half his own and half-inherited, Sayaka's fairies, Rio's birds… and not just Clover and Spade. So many other comrades as well for them to work with.

He was looking forward to it!... that was a strange thought.

Even as Yuto was contemplating these things, Ruri had placed her hand over her deck. "Celeste Wagtail's effect. I'll add a "Lyrical Luscinia" Spell or Trap from my deck to my hand! And then, I'll activate the Spell Card, Lyrical Luscinia - Bird Switch! By returning an Xyz Monster I control to the Extra Deck, I will add a Winged Beast monster from my graveyard to my hand!" Parade Silktail turned back into shadows, shifting back into the Extra Deck—it seemed that despite using it for its powerful effect, Ruri didn't actually want to look at the card for longer than necessary. "I will then activate the effect of Lyrical Luscinia - Beryl Canary! I will Special Summon her from my hand, along with a "Lyrical Luscinia" monster from my graveyard! Return to the field, Lyrical Luscinia - Cobalt Sparrow!" The two monsters appeared—Beryl Canary's bright yellow feathers stood out as she floated proudly next to Sapphire Swallow.

[Lyrical Luscinia - Beryl Canary (1*/0/200/WIND/Winged Beast/Effect)]

"I'll then Normal Summon Lyrical Luscinia - Turquoise Warbler!" Ruri placed down the card that she had added back to her hand—making for a full field of five birds, as she had clearly intended. "I'll overlay all five of my Level 1 monsters! Birds with beautiful wings! Gather on the battlefield and take brilliant flight! Xyz Summon! Dance in the sky! Rank 1! Lyrical Luscinia - Assembly Nightingale!"

And there it was.

Ruri's ace, glittering brightly in the early morning light.

[Lyrical Luscinia - Assembly Nightingale (R1/0/0/WIND/Winged Beast/Xyz/Effect) (OU:5)]

Words would not describe how good it was to see Assembly Nightingale flying free again.

The familiarity of it all warmed Yuto's heart.

"Assembly Nightingale gains 200 attack points for each of her Overlay Units! And since Beryl Canary was used as material for her Xyz Summon, she gains an additional 200 attack points!"

[Lyrical Luscinia - Assembly Nightingale: 0 + 200 x 5 + 200 = 1200ATK]

Ruri seemed to contemplate for a moment. "Battle Phase," she said. "I will—"

"During your Main Phase, I will activate the set Quickplay Spell, Naturia Blessing," Chino responded. She had seemed unfazed throughout the whole process, which now made Yuto very uneasy. Even if she didn't know Ruri's effects, she should not be so calm. "It has three effects, but only one is relevant in this case. I will immediately perform a Synchro Summon using monsters I control as material, including a "Naturia" monster. I will tune the Level 3 Naturia Butterfly to the Level 2 Naturia Beans, the Level 2 Naturia Antjaw and the Level 1 Naturia Mole Cricket." All three of her monsters shot up.

Three, two, two, one…

"Your Parade Silktail did not actually negate the effects of Mole Cricket, but I thought that it would be useless to use its effect then," Chino said. Her expression was as still as the surface of an undisturbed lake. "Your monster attacks me directly, doesn't it?"

How had she figured that out… just from this?

"Beautiful huntress, descend and crush the world out of shape! Synchro Summon! Level 8! Naturia Tigridia!" The green tigress in gold armour appeared, roses blooming in a crown on her head as she let out a ferocious growl.

[Naturia Tigridia (8*/2500/1000/EARTH/Beast/Synchro/Effect)]

"Then, since I Special Summoned a "Naturia" monster from my Extra Deck, I can Special Summon Mole Cricket from my graveyard." The tiny insect reappeared on the field. "During the Main Phase, I can tribute Naturia Mole Cricket to Special Summon a "Naturia" monster from the deck. Come—Naturia Butterfly!" Another copy of the pink butterfly appeared on her field.

"No matter how many monsters you bring out, it will not change Assembly Nightingale's power!" Ruri declared. "Assembly Nightingale can attack directly, and she can attack once for each of her Overlay Units! Go, Assembly Nightingale! Avian Gale—One!"

The winds shot past Chino, her life points falling slightly.

Chino: 8000 - 1200 = 6800LP

"Avian Gale—Two! Avian Gale—Three!" Two more bursts of wind shot past the orange-haired woman.

Yuto narrowed his eyes. It felt too easy, strangely enough…

Was this the same woman that they had dueled down in the Underground? Was there such a big difference because it was Ruri, or did this opponent simply not care?

Chino: 6800 - 1200 - 1200 = 4400LP

"Avian Gale—Four!"

"When you declare an attack, I can activate the effect of Naturia Butterfly. I will send the top card of my deck to the graveyard to negate this attack." The butterfly flew up, flitting its wings, creating a barrier of light that protected Chino.

"... Avian Gale—Five. Attack Naturia Butterfly!"

"Naturia Tigridia's effect," Chino said, tilting her head. "I will send the top card of my deck to the graveyard to negate the attack."

Two monsters, both of which negated effects…

"I'll end my turn," Ruri said. She turned to Yuto. "Sorry. I got thwarted in the end."

"It's fine. You did well—and you're as good as ever."

"Spare me the flirting," Chino said, looking unimpressed.

Yuto frowned. "I'll flirt however I want," he said, and then his brain caught up to his mouth. He cleared his throat, his cheeks slightly on fire. "It's my turn now."

[Turn 3: Yuto] [H:5]

"I'll Normal Summon The Phantom Knights of Torn Scales," he said. The silver set of armour surrounded by blue flames appeared on the field.

[The Phantom Knights of Torn Scales (3*/600/1600/DARK/Warrior/Effect)]

"Since I control a "The Phantom Knights" monster, I can Special Summon The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots from my hand!" The blue spirit dressed in dark brown leather floated right next to Torn Scales.

[The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots (3*/200/1200/DARK/Warrior/Effect)]

"Torn Scales's effect. I'll discard a card to send a "Phantom Knights" card from my deck to the graveyard." He held out a hand. "I'll overlay the Level 3 The Phantom Knights of Torn Scales and the Level 3 The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots! Thin shields rise. A battalion of soldiers charges across the battlefield. Xyz Summon—Rank 3, The Phantom Knights of Jagged Chainmail!" The humanoid blue spirit appeared, wearing silver chainmail as a chestplate and pants, and swinging two shields through the air, blue fire falling all around it.

[The Phantom Knights of Jagged Chainmail (R3/1000/2000/DARK/Warrior/Xyz/Effect) (OU:2)]

"I'll detach an Overlay Unit from Jagged Chainmail to set a "Phantom Knights" Spell or Trap from my deck to the field, and if it's a Trap or Quickplay Spell, it can be activated this turn." A set card emerged on his field.

[The Phantom Knights of Jagged Chainmail: OU:2 - 1 = OU:1]

The set card emerged on his field.

"And I'll banish Phantom Knights' Wing from my graveyard to Special Summon a "The Phantom Knights" monster from my graveyard, but it is banished when it leaves the field. Come—The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves!" The two dark gloves appeared, a line of bright blue flames connecting it, the blue flame spirit wearing both gloves.

[The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves (3*/1000/500/DARK/Warrior/Effect)]

"And with the effect of The Phantom Knights of Torn Scales, since another "Phantom Knights" card was banished from the graveyard while it was in the graveyard, I can Special Summon Torn Scales from the graveyard, but it's banished when it leaves the field!" The sleek spirit in silver armour reappeared on Yuto's field. "I'll overlay the Level 3 The Phantom Knights of Torn Scales and the Level 3 The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves. Souls of knights who fell on the battlefield. Revive here and now, and become the light that breaks the darkness! Xyz Summon! Appear! Rank 3! The Phantom Knights of Break Sword!" The knight on horseback appeared, swinging its enormous sword through the air.

[The Phantom Knights of Break Sword (R3/2000/1000/DARK/Warrior/Xyz/Effect) (OU:2)]

"With Ragged Gloves's effect, the monster that uses it as Xyz Material gains 1000 attack points." Break Sword glowed.

[The Phantom Knights of Break Sword: 2000 + 1000 = 3000ATK]

"I'll activate the effect of The Phantom Knights of Break Sword. I'll detach an Overlay Unit from Break Sword to target a card I control and a card you control, and destroy each of them! I'll destroy Jagged Chainmail itself and Naturia Tigridia! Mutual Destruction!"

"That won't work," Chino said with a shrug. "Naturia Tigridia cannot be targeted by card effects during the opponent's turn."

"Then, I'll target Naturia Beast!" Break Sword cleaved the air with its blade, sending two slashes towards both the blue spirit in silver armour and the green tiger. "The Phantom Knights of Jagged Chainmail cannot be destroyed by card effects. However, your monster is still destroyed!"

[The Phantom Knights of Break Sword: OU:2 - 1 = OU:1]

Satisfyingly, the tiger fell under Break Sword's blade.

… after suffering so much from it and its partner in crime—Barkion—Yuto felt justified in saying that he disliked those two monsters.

"And now that your Beast is gone, I can do this," Yuto said. He placed down another card from his hand. "Quickplay Spell, The Phantom Knights' Rank-Up-Magic Launch! I'll target the Rank 3 The Phantom Knights of Jagged Chainmail and Rank Up that monster by one Rank!"

It's like dueling a Nue with no passion at all. That's what this is like.

I can't help but keep thinking about that similarity.

Nue likes to say that she controls the state in which a monster is allowed to exist on the field. This woman just constantly morphs the state of the field itself.

Then let me rebel against her. Against the very idea of being controlled.

"Formed from pitch-black darkness, to fight those foolish enough to oppose it with its treacherous fangs! Now, descend! Rank-Up-Xyz-Change! Rank 4! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!" His dragon of rebellion showed up, baring its fangs as dark lightning rained down around them.

[Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon (R4/2500/2000/DARK/Dragon/Xyz/Effect) (OU:2)]

"Since I activated this effect by targeting a "The Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster, I can attach The Phantom Knights' Rank-Up-Magic Launch to it as an Overlay Unit!" Another orb started orbiting Dark Rebellion.

[Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon: OU:2 + 1 = OU:3]

"Spell Card, Phantom Knights' Fang. I'll detach an Overlay Unit from Dark Rebellion to double its attack points, and since I targeted an "Xyz Dragon" or "The Phantom Knights" monster for this card, I can also send a "Phantom Knights" Spell or Trap from my deck to the graveyard!" Dark Rebellion roared, powering up. This was the only way that Yuto could currently power up Dark Rebellion—Dark Rebellion's own effect wouldn't work, since Tigridia couldn't be targeted by its effect, while Mole Cricket and Butterfly were Level 1 and Level 3 respectively. Their Levels were too low for Dark Rebellion's effect to work.

[Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon: OU:3 - 1 = OU:2; 2500 x 2 = 5000ATK]

"Since The Phantom Knights of Jagged Chainmail was sent to the graveyard, I can add a "Phantom Knights" card from my graveyard to my hand!" He picked up the card that he had just sent to the graveyard. "I will activate the Spell Card, Phantom Knights' Battalion Charge. Since I control a DARK Xyz Monster that was Special Summoned this turn, I can Special Summon a "The Phantom Knights" monster from my deck, and send another "Phantom Knights" Spell or Trap from my deck to the graveyard! Come! The Phantom Knights of Flaked Hood!" A strange blue spirit appeared—it was dressed in a brown leather hood that wrapped around its head, with flakes of worn leather whisked up by the breeze. It silently took its place next to Dark Rebellion.

[The Phantom Knights of Flaked Hood (4*/1800/800/DARK/Warrior/Effect)]

"Battle Phase," Yuto said—his gaze daring his opponent to move.

Chino tilted her head. "Mole Cricket's effect," she said. "I will tribute it. Since my opponent now controls the monster with the highest attack points on the field, I can Special Summon two "Naturia" monsters from the deck."

"No," Yuto said. "That's not how this is going to work!"

Chino raised an eyebrow.

"Continuous Trap, Phantom Knights' Fog Blade!" He flipped over the card that he had set with Jagged Chainmail's effect—which could thus be activated this turn, despite only being set this turn. Blue fog flew around the cricket, freezing it in place. "I will target your monster, negate its effects, and while it's on the field, it cannot attack or be attacked!"

"... so you're freezing Mole Cricket on the field," Chino said. "... interesting."

"Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon attacks Naturia Tigridia!"

"I will activate the effect of Naturia Tigridia. I'll send the top card of my deck to the graveyard and negate that attack."

"I will activate the effect of The Phantom Knights of Flaked Hood. When my opponent activates a monster effect, I can tribute Flaked Hood and negate the effect—and then all Xyz Monsters I control gain 500 attack points until the End Phase." The spirit floated up, moving behind both Break Sword and Dark Rebellion. Blue flames rained down on them. Some flew over to Tigridia as well, suppressing it even as it strengthened Yuto's own monsters. Then, the spirit vanished, turning into blue flames.

[The Phantom Knights of Break Sword: 3000 + 500 = 3500ATK]

[Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon: 5000 + 500 = 5500ATK]

"Naturia Butterfly's effect," Chino countered. "I'll send the top card of my deck to the graveyard and negate the attack."

"That's fine," Yuto said. "Because that's both of your attack negates gone—and Break Sword's blade hasn't swung down yet! The Phantom Knights of Break Sword attacks Naturia Tigridia! Phantom Sword!"

The sword swung straight through the green tigress, cutting through her armour and destroying her.

Chino: 4400 - 1000 = 3400LP

"Naturia Tigridia's effect. When she is destroyed by battle or by card effects, I can Special Summon a "Naturia" Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck, ignoring summoning conditions." Chino picked up a card from her Extra Deck. "Come to my field—Naturia Landoise."

A rather sleepy-looking tortoise appeared, having a grassy rock on its back in place of a shell, a large tree growing at the top of it. It blinked slowly, taking lumbering steps forward.

[Naturia Landoise (7*/2350/1600/EARTH/Rock/Synchro/Effect)]

"I'll activate the effect of The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots in the graveyard. I will banish it from the graveyard and add a "Phantom Knights" Spell or Trap from my deck to my hand. I'll set a card and end my turn." Both Dark Rebellion and Break Sword's attack points went back to normal, though Break Sword retained the 1000 attack points that it had gained from Ragged Gloves's effect. And he had no cards left in his hand, but that was hardly a problem.

Silence greeted him.

Chino was watching him quietly. There was something contemplative in her gaze.

"We only dueled two days ago," Chino said. "It's not like you could have evolved much in that time—if at all. Back then, you were an easy, predictable person—someone who thought that you knew more than you actually knew. You're not quite the same now. So what's changed about you?"

My mind, Yuto thought. He turned his head slightly towards Ruri. A reminder.


From behind them, Shun watched.

This immediately forceful type of dueling… he hadn't seen it from Yuto in quite a while. It was the side of Yuto that perhaps only he had gotten to see—not even Nue had seen it as much as he had.

Because before the war, Yuto Kamisoka had still been emulating his sister in terms of dueling.

But…

Yes. Yuto valued the power of traps. He understood the skill that came with them, he did his best to predict his opponent's moves, all because he had grown up with perhaps one of the most infuriating duelists in all of Heartland. (And Shun meant that as the highest compliment possible. After all, there was a reason why Traps had become far more popular after Nue had defeated the previous Ace of Diamonds (and that was another story in itself.))

However…

That was the Yuto that was always playing it safe. The Yuto that tried to emulate someone else… was never the strongest version of himself that he could be.

Playing it slow, playing it safe, using monsters that Special Summoned themselves in response to things that the opponent did…

Was that really a playstyle that suited Yuto's personality? Shun had doubted it, but he had never directly questioned it.

Yes, Yuto was kind, but even so…

During the invasion, he had gotten his answer.

The first time that Shun had seen this was when he and Yuto had snuck out to hunt down more Academia members—single-mindedly searching for Ruri, without thinking about anyone else. A white-hot fury—sharp efficiency, cutting through people in the blink of an eye. It wasn't a coincidence that Yuto had started using attack point boosting cards in addition to Dark Rebellion—an attempt to cut down his opponents faster.

Something had happened in Standard though. Something that had made Yuto… step back, perhaps. That might be the best way of describing it. It had made him play far more passively.

But looking at Yuto playing right now…

This was perhaps the truest form of Yuto's dueling. To stop the opponent, yes, but to do so in a proactive manner—not a reactive one.

But why now? Yuto had been growing this entire time, but why was he choosing to duel like this now?


Because of her.

If only he had been stronger. If only he had been better. Back then, hadn't Yuto thought this way? He had blamed himself for all of it.

That self-hatred had turned to anger, soon after.

No one survived for long in war without their hearts hardening against it.

And even so, he had shed tears for every comrade that he had lost.

To be stronger, to be more overpowering…

That was what he had wanted this entire time.

He had already taken the step back then. His capability to duel with such rage that it was unrecognisable to those who had watched him duel in the past…

What was his strength but a cry for justice from the dead?

Seeing Ruri had been a jolt to his system.

He needed to stop hesitating.

To be so afraid of hurting others with his dueling, to wonder about implications and consequences…

He would never get anywhere if he kept on running himself in circles.

And…

Yuto thought about blacking out in the middle of the building, waking up only in time to get hit by the rubble, and seeing their enemy tackle Yuya out of the way.

Why not me? Why didn't I do that?

I could have helped Yuya. I could have tried to protect…

But I didn't react fast enough. I hesitated.

My calmness and my thoughts are my strength. But overthinking is making me doubt myself.

He pushed back his fringe.

I need… I want to stop waiting for permission.

I am going to do my best to fight of my own accord—not to just react to someone or something out of my control.

"... not bad."

Yuto blinked.

"If only more people were like you," Chino said. "Capable of what you did."

What exactly did she mean by that?

[Turn 4: Chino] [H:3]

"Draw." Chino looked at the card that she drew. "... something's changed in you. You're not that useless boy that struggled so fruitlessly… you want to defeat me to make up for your past loss, don't you?"

"Yes," Yuto said.

"Fine. Then I'll honour your intentions and take you seriously." Chino put down the card. "I know what it's like to want to be acknowledged properly."

"... were you going to throw the duel before?" Ruri asked.

"Yes," Chino said without any hesitation. "Or rather, I never had the intention of winning. Winning means that I have to keep on dueling until I lose. But…"

Her gaze turned to Naoya for a brief moment, before she turned back to him.

"It's only fair… that I take it seriously, when my opponent takes it seriously."

Was she implying that she had chosen to defeat her brother on purpose… because her brother was taking her seriously?

"I'll tune the Level 3 Naturia Butterfly to the Level 7 Naturia Landoise and the Level 1 Naturia Mole Cricket." Fog Blade was destroyed as all three of Chino's monsters shot up. "Stars scatter. Holy light that shines from the blazing red celestial body."

That was a strange summoning chant, for a person who only seemed to bring out insects, plants and beasts.

"Synchro Summon. Level 11—Star Eater!" A bright red dragon appeared on her field, bright golden fire raining down around it, completely incongruous to the deck that she had been playing before.

[Star Eater (11*/3200/2800/LIGHT/Dragon/Synchro/Effect)]

"You still have it?" Naoya exclaimed from nearby.

"This deck belonged to our father first," Chino said tensely. "Are you saying that I can't add my old cards into the deck?" She raised another card before her brother could interrupt. "I'll Normal Summon Naturia Pumpkin." The green pumpkin appeared on her field, looking rather tired.

[Naturia Pumpkin (4*/1400/800/EARTH/Plant/Effect)]

"When Naturia Pumpkin is Normal Summoned while my opponent controls a monster, I can Special Summon a "Naturia" monster from my hand. Come—Naturia Tulip." A red flower appeared on the field, blue eyes blinking slowly.

[Naturia Tulip (2*/600/1500/EARTH/Plant/Tuner/Effect)]

"I'll tune the Level 2 Naturia Tulip to the Level 4 Naturia Pumpkin. Flowers bloom around the slumbering dragon in the woods. Appear now, noble dragon that safeguards the Naturia Forest. Guide my path. Synchro Summon. Level 6. Naturia Barkion." The small grey-green dragon appeared on the field, right next to the larger, flaming dragon—completely contrasting each other in aesthetic.

[Naturia Barkion (6*/2500/1800/EARTH/Dragon/Synchro/Effect)]

"That one seals off Traps," Yuto murmured to Ruri.

"It must have been the one that gave you so much trouble then," Ruri guessed.

"When I summon a "Naturia" monster from the Extra Deck, I can Special Summon Mole Cricket from the graveyard." The annoying insect reappeared on her field. "And now I have the strongest monster on the field, so tributing Mole Cricket only allows me to bring out one monster." She held up a hand and Mole Cricket dissolved; in its place appeared a small brown chestnut. "Come in Defense Position. Naturia Marron."

[Naturia Marron (3*/1200/700/EARTH/Plant/Effect)]

"Quickplay Spell, Inferno Reckless Summon. I will Special Summon two more copies of Marron from the deck." Chino tilted her head. "... you could Special Summon copies of a monster you control from your hand, deck or graveyard too, but those Xyz Monsters are part of the Extra Deck, aren't they?"

Both Yuto and Ruri winced.

Two more copies of Marron appeared on the field.

"Naturia Marron's effect. I will shuffle two "Naturia" monsters from my graveyard into the deck to draw one card." A shrug. "This is not a 'hard once per turn' effect. I will shuffle Naturia Tulip, Naturia Pumpkin, Naturia Butterfly, Naturia Sunflower, Naturia Antjaw and Naturia Beans into the deck to draw three cards." She swiped up three cards from her deck.

"... she has so many cards in her graveyard," Yuto said. "But she's purposely only shuffling the cards that we know about into the deck. Let's be careful, Ruri."

"Let's give this a try," Chino murmured. "After all, you all make it look so interesting."

And then, two copies of Marron—the two that had been summoned by the effect of Inferno Reckless Summon, and were thus in Attack Position—turned into streaks of light that shot into the ground.

"What—" Yuto took a step forward at the familiar sight.

"I'll overlay two copies of the Level 3 Naturia Marron," Chino said calmly, as though she wasn't shattering the very foundations of Yuto's understanding of her deck. "Protector of nature, appear now to protect us who have been forsaken! Xyz Summon! Rank 3! Meliae of the Trees!" A green-haired short woodland sprite appeared, her skin light chartreuse in colour. Pink flowers could be seen growing in a crown around her head. A large tree grew up behind her.

[Meliae of the Trees (R3/1700/900/EARTH/Plant/Xyz/Effect) (OU:2)]

"What—" All three of them were shocked, considering that the three of them had gotten used to people around them not really using Xyz Summoning. Shun was the one that had spoken. "How do you have an Xyz Monster?"

"That much, I leave to the boss." Chino shrugged. "Roget's rather desperate. He apparently didn't want to strengthen us more, which is wise. It'd be feeding the dog that's about to bite him. However, times change. He doesn't have a choice anymore. So he handed a little something to each of us, except Makoto." She reached up, pinching her nose. "He doesn't trust Makoto as much, after all. Foolish of him. Makoto's the most loyal one—he's bad at actually betraying people. That's also why he's the weakest one of the four of us—though I don't mean that in a negative manner. It makes him the best one." She shrugged. "It's immaterial. I've been thinking about these different summoning methods, and watching you all do this so many times has at least gotten the basics down for me."

Still, to learn just by watching…

"Meliae's effect. I will detach an Overlay Unit… is that what you call them? From her. And I'll Special Summon a Plant monster from my graveyard in face-up Defense Position. Return from the graveyard, Naturia Camellia." The red flower reappeared on the field. "I will activate the effect of Camellia. I will send a "Naturia" card from my deck to the graveyard. By sending my second copy of Naturia Sacred Tree to the graveyard, I will add another "Naturia" card from my deck to my hand as well."

She now had four cards in hand—frankly ridiculous. Though Yuto would be a hypocrite to complain, considering his deck's main mechanics.

"I'll tune the Level 4 Naturia Camellia to the Level 3 Naturia Marron." Marron flew through the four rings that Camellia turned into.

"Level 7, but you've already used Landoise," Naoya said. "Don't tell me…"

"If you're so weak that our father's cards were all I needed to defeat you, then what do you expect?" Chino replied. The Synchro rings exploded into red lightning that flew everywhere. "Destructive creature that cries on its puppet strings. Rain down hellish darkness on those who would oppose your shadow rule. Synchro Summon—Level 7! Yazi, Evil of the Yang Zing!"

A large, dark dragon surrounded by red lightning appeared. The strange thing was that its body seemed to be white, or light grey. However, with shadows and dark clouds shrouding it, it seemed pitch black. Its wings writhed between the lightning. A wicked dark ring surrounded its torso, and it flew up in the air, letting out a loud roar.

It was the first truly malevolent monster that this woman had summoned.

[Yazi, Evil of the Yang Zing (7*/2600/2100/DARK/Wyrm/Synchro/Effect)]

"Yang Zing…" Yuto repeated.

"... I suppose that fair's fair." Chino gestured forward. "Before I started playing using my father's deck instead, these were the cards that I played with. The same cards that I trounced Naoya with over and over, when we were kids…"

For a moment, there was something nostalgic to her gaze, but it was gone immediately.

"I don't use them that often, but…" Chino shrugged. "The 'me' that you faced back then was not trying, really. I just wanted to be done with work that day. I only sided those cards in today because I heard about Academia, and well, I… don't want to die. I just want to live as myself. So I might as well make sure I'm not fighting at only seventy percent."

It was a shift too. An opponent who had just gone from casually responding to their moves to acting on her own accord.

If the Naturias' weakness was a lack of direct confrontation, this strange new monster made up for that in spades.

And Yuto and Ruri had not completely shut this woman down yet.

"But the past is the past," Chino said. "Yazi, Evil of the Yang Zing's effect. I can target a "Yang Zing" monster I control and a card you control, and then destroy them." Darkness pooled beneath the dark wyrm. "I will target Yazi itself and your Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon."

Dark Rebellion shattered under the shadows, along with Yazi.

"Yuto!" Ruri cried out in worry.

"It's fine!" He couldn't tell her why it was fine yet, not without tipping off their opponent, but Ruri was still clearly worried for him anyway.

"I hope for your sake that you're not lying to her," Chino said. "When Yazi is destroyed by battle or card effect and sent to the graveyard, I can Special Summon a Wyrm monster from my deck in Defense Position. Come—Suanni, Fire of the Yang Zing." A red dragon with sleek wings appeared, leathery skin making up its entire body.

[Suanni, Fire of the Yang Zing (4*/1900/0/FIRE/Wyrm/Effect)]

"And when a "Yang Zing" monster I control is destroyed by battle or card effect, I can Special Summon Chiwen, Light of the Yang Zing from the graveyard." The thick, white fish-like monster appeared, golden lines running over its royal, pure-looking body. Its tail swept through the air, and it bared thick fangs at the opponent.

[Chiwen, Light of the Yang Zing (1*/0/0/LIGHT/Wyrm/Tuner/Effect)]

"However, Chiwen is banished when it leaves the field." Chino raised four fingers. "Let's go again. I'll tune the Level 1 Chiwen, Light of the Yang Zing to the Level 4 Suanni, Fire of the Yang Zing. Pierce through the world with your golden form, and let your light shine through the darkness! Synchro Summon! Level 5! Denglong, First of the Yang Zing!" A tall, golden beast-like dragon appeared, long whiskers sweeping through the air. Light shone from every part of its body—it was ethereal in every way. When it roared, light sparkled around it like glitter.

[Denglong, First of the Yang Zing (5*/0/2800/LIGHT/Wyrm/Synchro/Tuner/Effect)]

"When Denglong, First of the Yang Zing is Special Summoned, I can add a "Yang Zing" card from my deck to my hand," Chino picked up a card from her deck. "A Synchro Monster that used Suanni as Synchro Material gains 500 attack and defense points."

[Denglong, First of the Yang Zing: 0 + 500 = 500ATK; 2800 + 500 = 3300DEF]

Right now, she had Denglong and Meliae in Defense Position on her field, along with Barkion and Star Eater in Attack Position.

"They say to 'feign madness but keep your balance'. Appear to be confused, appear to be weaker and inferior to who you are so that others will underestimate you." Chino shrugged. "Because of Arisu's unpredictable nature, Makoto's destructive potential and Kaname's relentless sweeping of the field, people tend to overlook me. I assure you. I'm not that easy to bully with raw power. Since I control a "Naturia" monster, I can activate the Spell Card, Landoise's Luminous Moss." A green glow surrounded the entire field. However, Chino didn't elaborate. "Star Eater attacks The Phantom Knights of Break Sword!"

Break Sword was destroyed—but Yuto didn't react too much.

Yuto: 4000 - 200 = 3800LP

"When The Phantom Knights of Break Sword is destroyed, I can Special Summon two "The Phantom Knights" monsters with the same Level from my graveyard, and increase their Levels by 1!"

"That won't work," Chino said. "Do you think I would have said so much if that was the case? I am well aware that you know Beast and Barkion's effects. Therefore, you're relying on monster effects to make it through this turn—as is your girlfriend."

Break Sword's effect failed to activate. Yuto blinked.

"On the turn that Landoise's Luminous Moss is activated, my opponent's Effect Monsters cannot activate their effects," Chino said calmly. "Whether that be in the graveyard, on the field, in the hand or banished—they all come under Landoise's dominion." The green glow remained constant—it did not grow at her words. It had been there, the sleeper threat—

And they hadn't even known. If they had known, Ruri could have chained Assembly Nightingale's effect. As things stood…

"Naturia Barkion attacks Lyrical Luscinia - Assembly Nightingale!"

Assembly Nightingale was usually the only protection that Ruri had for her monsters—usually an invincible protection, but now it was locked off by this woman.

Ruri's ace went down too with a loud, pained cry, feathers scattering everywhere, leaving both of their fields bare.

Ruri: 4000 - 1300 = 2700LP

"Setting two cards facedown." That left Chino with two cards in hand. Denglong, Meliae, Star Eater and Barkion stared them down—with the only card on either of their fields being Yuto's set card. "Your move."

Ruri looked at the card in her hand.

"Are you nervous?"

"I'm alright," Ruri said softly. "Just… taken aback. She read both of us really well… she reminds me a bit of your sister. Or maybe Tsubaki-senpai."

It took Yuto a while to place the name—a sign of how long he had been away from home, and how tiring the last few days had been. "Heart Branch's Tsubaki-san?"

"Yeah. Her personality is pretty similar." Ruri then blinked frantically, turning to Yuto. "Heart Branch… were they fine? I was wondering how things went after I was…"

Typical Ruri. Getting worried and worked up about other things even when she was still in danger, still in a duel. Yuto nodded. He reached out a hand and squeezed hers in his reassuringly. "After we set up the Resistance properly, we managed to track down and begin to gather everyone together. Diamond Branch took more losses than the rest of us… Diamond Branch was nearly wiped out, from what we heard. But it's fine. I'll tell you more later. Let's win first."

"... yeah." Ruri nodded. "Don't worry, Yuto. I'm not that easy to take down."

"I know you aren't. Go get her."

[Turn 5: Ruri] [H:2]

"Draw!" Ruri placed down the card that had been left in her hand on the last turn. "Spell Card, Lyrical Luscinia - Bird Call! I'll add a "Lyrical Luscinia" monster to my hand—and then, I can Special Summon a "Lyrical Luscinia" monster with a different name from my hand! Come—Lyrical Luscinia - Cobalt Sparrow!" The brown-themed bird monster reappeared. "When Cobalt Sparrow is Special Summoned, I can add a Level 1 Winged Beast monster from my deck to my hand. And now, I will Special Summon Lyrical Luscinia - Beryl Canary from my hand with her own effect, along with Lyrical Luscinia - Sapphire Swallow from the graveyard!" Two more monsters, and now she had a field full of birds again. "I'll overlay the Level 1 Lyrical Luscinia - Cobalt Sparrow, Lyrical Luscinia - Beryl Canary and Lyrical Luscinia - Sapphire Swallow!"

The three monsters turned into streaks of green light.

"Bird of stars that sings in the glowing sunset. Appear before us! Xyz Summon! Rank 1! Lyrical Luscinia - Recite Starling!" The woman dressed in dark blue and black appeared, gold lining her clothes, with stars shimmering across her wings.

[Lyrical Luscinia - Recite Starling (R1/0/0/WIND/Winged Beast/Xyz/Effect) (OU:3)]

"When Lyrical Luscinia - Recite Starling is Xyz Summoned, I can target a face-up monster on the field and grant it 300 attack and defense points for each of Recite Starling's Overlay Units. I'll chain Sapphire Swallow's effect to attach a "Lyrical Luscinia" monster from my graveyard to Recite Starling as material. I'll attach Lyrical Luscinia - Assembly Nightingale to her!"

[Lyrical Luscinia - Recite Starling: OU:3 + 1 = OU:4]

"Then, Recite Starling's effect resolves. With her effect, she targeted herself! Gift of the Stars!" Recite Starling's four Overlay Units seemed to pulse for a moment, before Recite Starling herself glowed very briefly.

[Lyrical Luscinia - Recite Starling: 0 + 300 x 4 = 1200ATK/DEF]

"Since Beryl Canary was used as material, Recite Starling also gains an additional 200 attack points!"

[Lyrical Luscinia - Recite Starling: 1200 + 200 = 1400ATK]

"Mole Cricket revives itself," Chino muttered. Yet again, Mole Cricket appeared—and Yuto was really getting sick of it.

"Alright," Ruri said. "Then, with Recite Starling's effect, I'll detach an Overlay Unit from her to add a Level 1 Winged Beast monster from my deck to my hand! Nest Calling!" She picked up a card from her deck.

[Lyrical Luscinia - Recite Starling: OU:4 - 1 = OU:3]

"Lyrical Luscinia - Sapphire Swallow's effect! I'll Special Summon it and another Level 1 Winged Beast monster from my hand! Come! Sapphire Swallow, Turquoise Warbler!" The two monsters appeared on the field. "Since Turquoise Warbler was Special Summoned from the hand, I can target a "Lyrical Luscinia" monster in my graveyard and Special Summon it! Come back, Lyrical Luscinia - Celeste Wagtail!" The fluffy grey bird girl appeared. "With Celeste Wagtail's effect, I can then add a "Lyrical Luscinia" Spell or Trap to my hand!"

That was Ruri Kurosaki. As skilled as she was sweet. With two cards in hand, she had brought out an Xyz Monster, and then another three monsters—ready for another Xyz Summon again.

"I'll overlay the Level 1 Lyrical Luscinia - Celeste Wagtail, Lyrical Luscinia - Turquoise Warbler and Sapphire Swallow! Now, beautiful bird with the power of the whirlwind, use your magic gusts to destroy every trap laid on the battlefield! Xyz Summon! Rank 1! Lyrical Luscinia - Prom Thrush!" The woman with brown wings appeared, purple and black feathers overlapping each other on her plumage. She smiled proudly, summoning up a sharp gust of wind, even as she took up a defensive stance.

[Lyrical Luscinia - Prom Thrush (R1/0/0/WIND/Winged Beast/Xyz/Effect) (OU:3)]

"Sapphire Swallow allows me to attach a "Lyrical Luscinia" monster from my graveyard to Prom Thrush as material," Ruri declared. "I'll choose my first copy of Beryl Canary." Another orb joined those that were orbiting around Prom Thrush.

[Lyrical Luscinia - Prom Thrush: OU:3 + 1 = OU:4]

"With Prom Thrush's effect, I'll detach an Overlay Unit—Celeste Wagtail—and shuffle a Spell or Trap the opponent controls into the deck! I'll choose your left set card!" A gust of wind shot towards her opponent.

[Lyrical Luscinia - Prom Thrush: OU:4 - 1 = OU:3]

"Trap Card, Waterfall of Dragon Souls. I'll add a Wyrm monster from my deck to my hand." Chino's card resolved first, and then the card was shuffled into the deck.

Hmm… so was the other card the important one then?

"Celeste Wagtail's effect in the graveyard," Ruri said. "I'll attach her to Prom Thrush as an Overlay Unit!" The orb flew back out of the graveyard, beginning to orbit Prom Thrush again.

[Lyrical Luscinia - Prom Thrush: OU:3 + 1 = OU:4]

"And Lyrical Luscinia - Recite Starling attacks—"

"Announce the end of your Main Phase," Chino said.

"... I'm moving to my Battle Phase."

"Naturia Mole Cricket's effect. Since I still control the strongest monster on the field, I can tribute it to Special Summon one "Naturia" monster from my deck. Come—Naturia Butterfly."

Both Ruri and Yuto let out slightly exasperated sounds as the pink butterfly reappeared on the field.

"How do you keep all that in your mind at once?" Yuto asked.

"It helps that I have holograms," Chino said. "Imagine if someone had to take notes on this duel without being able to see it literally playing out in front of them."

"Since my Main Phase is continuing, I can activate the Spell Card, Lyrical Luscinia - Bird Strike! I can negate the effects of all face-up monsters you currently control until the End Phase!"

So Ruri hadn't forgotten. She had baited Chino to bring out Butterfly—so that she could negate its effects with Bird Strike when the effect triggered.

"Yuto," Ruri called. "Her Barkion is locked down. Can you…"

"Continuous Trap, Phantom Knights' Sword." Yuto flipped over his card. "I will target Lyrical Luscinia - Prom Thrush and grant 800 attack points to it!" A dark glow surrounded Prom Thrush.

"And," Ruri added, "Prom Thrush gains 500 attack points for each Overlay Unit it has!"

[Lyrical Luscinia - Prom Thrush: 0 + 500 x 4 + 800 = 2800ATK]

"Lyrical Luscinia - Prom Thrush attacks Naturia Barkion!" Prom Thrush struck down the dragon, much to Ruri's surprise—she wasn't protecting her monster?

Chino: 3400 - 300 = 3100LP

"I'll activate the Continuous Trap, Yang Zing Creation." Chino declared. The card flipped over. "I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck, except Synchro Monsters. When a monster I control is destroyed by battle or card effect, I can Special Summon a "Yang Zing" monster from my deck. Come in Defense Position—Bixi, Water of the Yang Zing." A bearded, blue dragon appeared, seeming rather reptilian, scales gleaming like water.

[Bixi, Water of the Yang Zing (2*/0/2000/WATER/Wyrm/Effect)]

Ruri frowned. "Recite Starling attacks Meliae of the Trees!" The winged woman dove forward, cutting through the Xyz Monster in Defense Position. She turned her head towards Yuto. "I'm setting a card and ending my turn."

This naturally meant that Ruri was leaving Star Eater and Denglong to him. However, just getting rid of Barkion was a huge help to him.

"No problem, Ruri," Yuto said.

[Turn 6: Yuto] [H:1]

He firmly drew a card.

"I'll banish The Phantom Knights of Flaked Hood from the graveyard to add a "Phantom Knights" card from my deck to my hand, but I can't activate that card, or effects of that card, until the End Phase of this turn." He picked up the card. "And since I banished another "Phantom Knights" card from the graveyard, I can Special Summon The Phantom Knights of Torn Scales from my graveyard."

"... I see," Chino said. "That monster should banish itself, but because it's used as Xyz Material, it can continuously be revived… correct?"

"Yes." Yuto gestured forward. "With Torn Scales' effect, I'll discard a card to send a "Phantom Knights" card from my deck to the graveyard. And I'll banish Phantom Knights' Wing to Special Summon The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves from my graveyard!" The monster from before reappeared. "I'll overlay the Level 3 The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves and the Level 3 The Phantom Knights of Torn Scales." The two monsters turned into streaks again. "You can have your Mole Cricket back—neither Ruri nor I are afraid of your monsters!"

Not anymore.

"Phantoms hide within the shadows, tormenting the cruel minds. Appear now, tortured maiden! Xyz Summon—Rank 3, The Phantom Knights of Tortured Chains!" His only female Xyz Monster appeared on the field, blue flames flying up around her as the chains dangled and rattled around her wrists.

[The Phantom Knights of Tortured Chains (R3/1700/1000/DARK/Warrior/Xyz/Effect) (OU:2)]

As expected, Mole Cricket emerged on the opponent's field.

"When The Phantom Knights of Tortured Chains is Xyz Summoned, I can add a "Phantom Knights" Spell or Trap from my deck to my hand!" He picked up the card. "And the monster Xyz Summoned using Ragged Gloves as Xyz Material gains 1000 attack points!"

[The Phantom Knights of Tortured Chains: 1700 + 1000 = 2700ATK]

"I'll activate the Spell Card, The Phantom Knights' Rank-Up-Magic Burial! I'll target a "The Phantom Knights" monster in my graveyard and Special Summon it, before Ranking Up that monster by 2 Ranks! Come back, The Phantom Knights of Jagged Chainmail!" The Xyz Monster appeared, and then it turned into a single bolt of dark energy that spun around in front of him. "Darkness sharpens the blade. Within the shadows of rebellion, rise up with the power of the fallen and crush our foes near and far! Rank-Up-Xyz-Change! Rank 5! The Phantom Knights of Blackened Bayonet!" The tall knight on horseback appeared, holding onto its enormous gun as its dark purple cloak swept around its skeletal body. Its head was blue and spirit-like. It swung up its gun, aiming the blade that was attached to it at Chino's monsters.

[The Phantom Knights of Blackened Bayonet (R5/2500/2000/DARK/Warrior/Xyz/Effect) (OU:1)]

"The Phantom Knights' Rank-Up-Magic Burial attaches itself to Blackened Bayonet as an Overlay Unit! And since there's a DARK Xyz Monster among its Overlay Units, Blackened Bayonet gains 1000 attack points!"

[The Phantom Knights of Blackened Bayonet: OU:2 + 1 = OU:3; 2500 + 1000 = 3500ATK]

"Battle Phase," Yuto said, because he understood now.

Mole Cricket was a bomb waiting to go off. But he could control it a little—by forcing her to activate it by changing phases, he had the choice to continue with his Main Phase, if needed.

"... you have the strongest monster on the field now, Yuto Kamisoka," Chino said. "Mole Cricket's effect. I will tribute it. Come from the deck—two copies of Naturia Fruitfly, in Defense Position." The two small flies with bodies that resembled hybrids of fruit appeared.

[Naturia Fruitfly (3*/800/1500/EARTH/Insect/Effect)]

"Each Fruitfly lowers your monsters' attack and defense points by 300 for each "Naturia" monster I control."

[The Phantom Knights of Blackened Bayonet: 3500 - 30 = 2300ATK; 2000 - 30 = 800DEF]

[The Phantom Knights of Tortured Chains: 2700 - 30 = 1500ATK; 1000 - 30 = 0DEF]

"As I thought, you're forced to be predictable this way," Yuto said. "I'll continue my Main Phase!" He turned to Ruri. "I need to take back my Phantom Knights' Sword."

"That's fine," Ruri said reassuringly.

"Spell Card, Magic Planter. I'll send Phantom Knights' Sword from the field to the graveyard and draw two cards." Yuto picked up the two cards. "I'll Normal Summon The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak!" The blue spirit in a purple cloak appeared, a red, tattered scarf attached to its robe.

[The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak (3*/800/1000/DARK/Warrior/Effect)]

"Since I Special Summoned a "The Phantom Knights" monster to the field, I can Special Summon The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves from my hand, and its Level increases by 1!" The knight in grey armour with two long swords in its hands appeared.

[The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves (3*/1200/600/DARK/Warrior/Effect)]

"Ancient Cloak's effect," Yuto declared. "I'll change it to Defense Position and increase Tortured Chains's attack and defense points by 800 until the end of your turn!"

[The Phantom Knights of Tortured Chains: 1500 + 800 = 2300ATK; 0 - 200 + 800 = 600DEF]

"I'll then banish Phantom Knights' Sword from the graveyard and Special Summon The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves from my graveyard, but it's banished when it leaves the field. And now, I'll open the circuit that honours the fallen warriors! Arrowhead confirmed! The conditions are two or more DARK monsters. I will set The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves, The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak and The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves in the Link Markers. Dark, angry polearm, rise into the air with the crackling blue fire of the ancient warriors! With no path backwards and only light in front of you, aid your fellow warriors in destroying the enemy. Circuit Combine. Link Summon—Link 3! The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche!" His main Link Monster appeared, spinning around its rusty polearm.

[The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche (L3/2100/DARK/Warrior/Link/Effect/↙, ↘, →)]

[The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche: 2100 - 30 = 900ATK]

"Rusty Bardiche's effect. I'll send a "The Phantom Knights" monster from my deck to the graveyard, and set a "Phantom Knights" Spell or Trap from my deck to my field!" A set card materialised in front of him. "Battle Phase!" For real, this time. "The Phantom Knights of Tortured Chains attacks the first Naturia Fruitfly!"

The tiny fly was cut down, though since it was in Defense Position, Chino didn't take any damage.

… even so, by losing one Fruitfly and one "Naturia" monster, a seemingly impenetrable lock was broken.

[The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche: 900 + 300 x 3 = 1800ATK]

[The Phantom Knights of Tortured Chains: 2300 + 300 x 3 = 3200ATK]

[The Phantom Knights of Blackened Bayonet: 2300 + 300 x 3 = 3200ATK]

"The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche attacks the second Naturia Fruitfly." The other monster was destroyed, and Yuto's monsters finally went back to their proper stats.

[The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche: 1800 + 300 = 2100ATK]

[The Phantom Knights of Tortured Chains: 3200 + 300 = 3500ATK]

[The Phantom Knights of Blackened Bayonet: 3200 + 300 = 3500ATK]

Chino watched him. There was clear acceptance of the situation in her eyes.

"Finally, The Phantom Knights of Blackened Bayonet will attack Star Eater!"

A shot, a slash—

The dragon fell with a shuddering roar.

Chino: 3100 - 300 = 2800LP

"The effect of Yang Zing Creation," Chino said. "I will Special Summon Jiaotu, Darkness of the Yang Zing from the deck." A strange, black and demonic creature appeared, surrounded by golden circular patterns that covered most of its body. It let out a snarl.

[Jiaotu, Darkness of the Yang Zing (2*/0/2000/DARK/Wyrm/Tuner/Effect)]

The fact that she had saved it until the last moment… that meant that she didn't want him to attack it, right?

… what a pity…

"I'll end my turn," Yuto said.

[Turn 7: Chino] [H:4]

"Draw," Chino said. "Spell Card, Magic Planter." She had the card too—maybe for her Naturia Sacred Tree, or situations like this. "I will send Yang Zing Creation to the graveyard to draw two cards. Then, I'll activate the Spell Card, Miracle Synchro Fusion."

… oh, great. As if they didn't already have a lot to deal with. She had sent her Trap to the graveyard so that she would no longer be restricted to Synchro Monsters, right?

"I will banish Naturia Beast and Naturia Barkion from the graveyard to perform a Fusion Summon. Famed beast with the power of iron, join with the dragon that lets out the loud roar, and create the ultimate protector. Fusion Summon! Level 10! Naturia Exterio!"

Yuto looked at the Fusion Monster as it appeared—draconian beast, beastly dragon.

This monster had confused and terrified him the first time that he had seen it. Even now, the term Fusion Summon still left a bad taste in his mouth when he heard it.

This monster, the ace of this woman in front of him—

A monster that shut off all Spells and Traps, and renewed its own cost.

[Naturia Exterio (10*/2800/2400/EARTH/Beast/Fusion/Effect)]

"Then, Jiaotu's effect. I will send two "Yang Zing" cards from my hand to the graveyard to Special Summon two "Yang Zing" monsters, one with 0 attack points and one with 0 defense points, from my deck, but they are banished from the field during the End Phase. Come—Bi'an, Earth of the Yang Zing. Pulao, Wind of the Yang Zing."

Two new monsters appeared on the field—one with a brown, serpentine body that had the colours of a tiger—orange, with black stripes—and two long horns. A thick yellow mane surrounded its head. Its hands were like the paws of a tiger, and bits of rock floated around it. The other was a green dragon with smaller wings, but long whiskers that floated in the air. Its tail swept up the wind around it, like a fan batting through the wind.

[Bi'an, Earth of the Yang Zing (3*/1600/0/EARTH/Wyrm/Effect)]

[Pulao, Wind of the Yang Zing (1*/0/1800/WIND/Wyrm/Effect)]

"I'll tune the Level 5 Denglong, First of the Yang Zing to the Level 3 Bi'an, Earth of the Yang Zing and the Level 1 Pulao, Wind of the Yang Zing." The three monsters shot up.

She was Synchro Summoning another… Wyrm?

"Shining scales of the dragon of rebirth, dance in the reverent air! Synchro Summon! Level 9! Chaofeng, Phantom of the Yang Zing!" A dragon with a long body flew down from the clouds, landing on the field in front of Chino. It had a face like a bird's—a pheasant's, perhaps. Its body was bright and colourful, despite the ominous name—a red underbelly, hard with scales, orange down, scales that were jade and aquamarine and white and reflected the clouds. Its wings were bright violet and blue, melding into each other in a gradient like the twilight.

[Chaofeng, Phantom of the Yang Zing (9*/2800/2200/LIGHT/Wyrm/Synchro/Effect)]

"While I control Chaofeng, my opponent's monsters with the same Attribute as its materials cannot activate their effects," Chino said.

Both Ruri and Yuto simultaneously blanched.

EARTH, WIND and LIGHT. It didn't affect Yuto, but Ruri's monsters…

"And to explain how utterly doomed you are in particular," Chino said, turning to Ruri with an impassive look, "Bi'an and Pulao both give Chaofeng additional effects. Bi'an stops it from being destroyed by battle, and Pulao makes it immune to Spell effects."

So Ruri's Bird Strike wouldn't work… not that she could even resolve it, with Exterio on the field.

"When Denglong leaves the field, I can Special Summon a "Yang Zing" monster from my deck. Come—Taotie, Shadow of the Yang Zing." The dark dragon with shadowy wisps around it appeared on the field as well.

[Taotie, Shadow of the Yang Zing (5*/2200/0/DARK/Wyrm/Effect)]

"I'll tune the Level 2 Jiaotu, Darkness of the Yang Zing to the Level 5 Taotie, Shadow of the Yang Zing and the Level 2 Bixi, Water of the Yang Zing." Chino shrugged. "Unfortunately for me, I was poor back then, so I don't have a second copy of any of these cards. Otherwise I could bring out a second copy of Chaofeng right now and really ruin your day… oh well."

A second copy of Chaofeng… that sounded awful.

"Mountain that crashes and moves, let your spirit carry over oceans. Synchro Summon. Level 9! Giganticastle!" A creature made entirely of natural-looking rock appeared, looking like a walking mountain. The golem lumbered next to Chaofeng and behind Exterio—the three monsters all rather intimidating.

[Giganticastle (9*/2900/2800/EARTH/Rock/Synchro/Effect)]

"Giganticastle gains 200 attack and defense points for each non-Tuner used in its Synchro Summon," Chino said.

[Giganticastle: 2900 + 200 x 2 = 3300ATK; 2800 + 200 x 2 = 3200DEF]

"Spell Card, Naturia Blessing. I'll Special Summon Naturia Marron from the graveyard in Defense Position." The small chestnut reappeared. "I will shuffle both other copies of Naturia Marron into the deck to draw a card." She glanced at the new card. "... that works. I'll set one card facedown and enter my Battle Phase."

She cast a look at Yuto.

"Your monsters are powerful, yes. And I also can't defeat them—that's fine. As for you—" She turned to Ruri. "Your passive effects are still active, so your monsters retain their basic effects. Let's see why you summoned them like that—Naturia Exterio attacks Recite Starling."

"Whatever damage I take from a battle with Recite Starling, you take too!" Ruri called out, even as Recite Starling braced herself against the attack.

"That's fine." Chino didn't bat an eye—Recite Starling fell, as did both of their life points.

Ruri: 2700 - 1400 = 1300LP

Chino: 2800 - 1400 = 1400LP

"I guess I have to be precise with you. Giganticastle attacks Prom Thrush!"

The mountain golem raised a fist—

"Ruri!" Both Shun and Yuto cried out as the fist landed, destroying the bird woman and tossing Ruri back.

Ruri: 1300 - 1300 = 0LP

"I'm fine!" Ruri called, pulling herself to her feet. "I'm sorry, Yuto…"

"Of course you're fine," Chino said. "There's enough death for one night, don't you think?"

There was a certain inflection to her tone. Something that painted a crystal clear picture for Yuto—and what a terrible image it was.

"How much of it did you cause?" He asked, thinking about that burning room, filled with cards.

"... enough," Chino said, confirming his thoughts. "You're right. Twenty-five percent of that room was Makoto, and seventy-five percent was me. Though it does look worse than it is—many of the cards on the ground are just the cards that those people dropped in their haste to run."

"You monster," Shun gritted out.

"The guards in that room," Chino said. "Do you know the amount of rot that they carried within them? They weren't children that committed crimes and were suckered into a terrible deal. None of them are anything like Arisu Kirijo." There was something hard to her expression. "They were the High Council's personal guards because they were awful people. Parasites on society. Criminals whose skill was too good to waste. Do you want to know how many people were in that room? Fifty. How many did we actually card? Twenty. Thirty people that we defeated were allowed to walk away. I didn't kill a single person that was innocent—I only took care of the trash that would have profited off destroying us! The people who were just like the people that destroyed us."

"So they're just like you?" Yuto said. (He didn't know how he found the strength to say that in that moment, but he did. The words sounded horrific even to him.)

"... when I first found out that my father was the one who had helped to funnel money for most of the High Council's misdeeds, I think I lost my mind," Chino said. "I always thought my father was a good man. And I still think that he was too good to die like that, the way that he did… but he also helped to ruin the lives of several people. How am I supposed to live with that knowledge? That the father I love was part of the reason that Arisu was nearly killed by her own father?"

"... Chino," Naoya said, sounding horrified.

"You don't know how guilt eats at you, because you live your life knowing that you're doing the right thing," Chino said. "Meanwhile, I've been swallowing guilt since I was a child and I haven't had my fill yet. The guilt of being half-and-half. I couldn't be a normal Commons, because I was taught to read and write and I talked in a way that other Commons thought was weird. And I couldn't be recognised as a Tops because my father would be looked down on for it. I was looked down on by both Commons and Tops and no one would ever accept me. And I just accepted it. I accepted that I was always the one who had to deal with everything, everyone's hatred, and everyone's mistakes."

She clenched a fist.

"Do you know how long I've been carving away at Security? It doesn't matter. We have the authority to fire people, but those people just become street thugs. I've been trying for so long to get rid of the people who abuse their power, but the people above me love people like that. They love these people. The easiest to use, the easiest to coax, the easiest to exploit. I didn't decide that these people were irredeemable in a single day. They're the ones that have been convincing me that there is no saving this city, no matter what I do. My efforts are a grain of sand, and they'll never change anything. Makoto talks about redemption and change, but I don't believe—and why should I believe?"

Her gaze was far away.

"I let Makoto have Gray, because obviously I should. You know what they did to him, you know what they did to us…" She wrapped her arms around herself. "I'm the odd one out, I'm the one that wasn't hurt as much by them. I was just burned out like a candle by the city that they created. You can call me a monster. I don't give a damn if you call me a monster, you're correct. But not them. The three of them are the real victims. I'm just taking revenge for the amount of times that I bit my lip in anger at the injustice I permitted under the High Council. I'm just taking revenge for being the only one that knew the entire time what happened to them, and never being able to stand up for them against any of it."

She gestured towards Rusty Bardiche. There was something sharp to it—a rubber band snapping, returning to its original place. Perhaps it might have been on the brink of change, but it had failed to take the final step.

"Chaofeng!"

His Link Monster shattered under the attack.

Yuto: 3800 - 700 = 3100LP

"... since another card I control was destroyed, I can detach an Overlay Unit from Tortured Chains and send a "Phantom Knights" card from my deck to the graveyard." Yuto dropped the card into the graveyard. "I'm sorry for what happened to your father. But that doesn't give you the right to do any of this. It feels cruel to say, but that's the truth."

"It's hardly as cruel as some of the other things that I've been told about it." Chino shook her head. "... though I think it's the first time that someone has actually said that to me so genuinely."

"What?"

"That they're sorry about my father's death." Chino was perfectly still. "No one ever said that to me. No one ever apologised. I was just the one that ruined everything for him by existing. The city has forgotten the scandal and forgotten his name. It came to the point that that bitch, Melissa Claire, could interview me and no one remembered that just a while prior, my father had been in the news, blasted for having children that were half-and-half. She said that I was graceful and lovely. What part of me remains that could ever be anything like that?"

Yuto remembered that line.

"I will treat others as they have treated me."

"Was no one ever kind to you?" He asked. A single kind hand, someone that might have turned this woman off her path—the same way that kindness and empathy had allowed them to heal? He thought of Miharu Kogami's gentle listening ear, of Yuzu Hiiragi's warm enthusiasm, of Yuya Sakaki's earnest wish to learn more.

Chino let out a sound that might have been a laugh—sharp, abrupt, cold. "You can't fix the root of the problem with kindness. That's not how this city works—or haven't you been here enough for that?" Next to her, Chaofeng curled around her—not touching her, but still protecting her with its body. "I'm so tired. The woman who I care for more than anyone else that I have left in the world doesn't even know that my father helped to destroy her life. Any kindness from her is just poison to me. Standing in her presence as her partner in work is one of the most exhausting things in my life. I think that if someone else tried to be kind to me now, I might strangle them for it—because it's too late. It's way, way too late."

It's too late.

"I don't want to believe that it's too late," Yuto said. "After all, your city is still standing. It wasn't destroyed and turned to dust. You lived a life of suffering, but…"

He clenched his fists.

"If I accept that suffering is the natural state of things, if I accept that there is no way forward but to sink, isn't that the same as admitting that Academia has won?... I don't want to. To sink in bitterness and hatred… that's never what I wanted. To be angry for what I lost… I think that's fine. To fight because I need to fight… I've learned that lesson now."

For Heartland. For the tears that he had shed over and over for lost comrades. For his own anger…

For hope, too.

"So I will defeat you now. With the way that Ruri and I have paved together, I will walk to the end. And in defeat, I will make you recognise the possibility that things can still be changed."

"... give it your best shot. Chaofeng would normally let me Special Summon a Wyrm monster from my deck, but I've run out of Yang Zings. I'll set a card and end my turn."

[Turn 8: Yuto] [H:2]

"Draw," Yuto said. "I'll banish The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak from my graveyard to add a "Phantom Knights" card to my hand!" He was still locked off from Spells and Traps, but if he could bring out Dark Requiem, he could remove both Denglong and Giganticastle easily. So the obvious solution was to remove Exterio first.

Luckily…

He had a solution for that.

"Spell Card," he called out. "Monster Reborn."

"Exterio's effect. I can banish a card from the graveyard and send a card from the top of my deck to the graveyard to negate the activation of that card and destroy it."

"Counter Trap, activate!" Yuto flipped over the card that he had set with Rusty Bardiche's effect on the previous turn. "Raid Raptors' Phantom Claw!"

This card was always treated as a Phantom Knights card—a card that belonged to both him and Shun. Each of them had a copy of it. Yuto met Shun's gaze and nodded firmly.

"I'll detach an Overlay Unit from Tortured Chains to negate the activation of the effect and destroy that card! And since a Counter Trap is Spell Speed 3, you cannot negate it with Naturia Exterio!" The last Overlay Unit on Tortured Chains shot up, turning into bright blue flames in the shape of a bird. The bird flew forward, setting the beast alight—burning it to ashes, leaving nothing but scorched bark on the ground.

Yuto breathed out in relief.

[The Phantom Knights of Tortured Chains: OU:1 - 1 = OU:0]

"A Counter Trap for that…"

"I knew you'd bring out Exterio," Yuto said. "I didn't expect everything else… but I won't be made helpless twice by the same monster! Monster Reborn resolves! Return to the field, Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!" The black and purple dragon reappeared on the field with a roar. "And then, Spell Card, The Phantom Knights Rank-Up-Magic Launch!" He placed down a second copy of his main Rank Up card. "I'll Rank Up Dark Rebellion by a single Rank! From the depths of purgatory, dedicate to the unsinking souls your song of rebellion! Appear and let it echo forevermore! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Appear, Rank 5! Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon!" Dark Rebellion's evolution appeared, its kaleidoscopic wings casting bright light on the ground around them—as awe-inspiring of a sight as ever.

[Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon (R5/3000/2500/DARK/Dragon/Xyz/Effect) (OU:1)]

"The Phantom Knights' Rank-Up-Magic Launch attaches itself to Dark Requiem as an Overlay Unit!" Another orb shot up, orbiting Dark Requiem.

[Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon: OU:1 + 1 = OU:2]

"Return to the field, Mole Cricket," Chino said, the tiny insect appeared.

… no. Not Dark Requiem's effect yet.

"I'll move to my Battle Phase," Yuto said.

Chino raised an eyebrow. "I'll tribute Naturia Mole Cricket. I'm assuming that you have a response?"

"I'll activate the effect of Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon!" Yuto held up a hand. "By detaching an Overlay Unit from it, I can negate that monster effect, destroy that monster, and then, I can Special Summon an Xyz Monster from the graveyard! Solemn Dark Repression!" Dark Requiem roared, and the tiny cricket let out a squeak, vanishing from the field. "Return! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!"

[Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon: OU:2 - 1 = OU:1]

"Battle!" He could have tried to use Blackened Bayonet's effect to attack directly, but if he failed to take her out with that, none of his monsters would have enough attack points to take out Giganticastle. That was why he had chosen to summon more monsters. And he wanted to save Dark Requiem's second Overlay Unit, just in case. "The Phantom Knights of Blackened Bayonet attacks Giganticastle!"

"Continuous Trap, Safe Zone," Chino responded. A bunch of wires shot up, wrapping around Giganticastle and strengthening it. "Giganticastle can't be targeted or destroyed by your card effects, and it can't be destroyed by battle. However, it can't attack you directly."

That meant that that Blackened Bayonet's destruction effect wouldn't have worked either. The attack practically bounced off the golem, though Chino still took the damage.

Chino: 1400 - 200 = 1200LP

In that case…

"Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon attacks Denglong!" His dragon roared. "Disaster Disobey of Requiem!"

If he hadn't played it safe, he… might have won. Or maybe not?

"Chaofeng was Synchro Summoned using Bi'an as material, so it can't be destroyed by battle," Chino said. The wyrm let out a roar, shielding her with its body.

Chino: 1200 - 200 = 1000LP

"I'll set a card facedown and end my turn!"

Even so, with just Denglong and Giganticastle, it would be hard for her to defeat him.

[Turn 9: Chino] [H:2]

"Draw." Chino glanced at the card. "... that's a reminder, I suppose. I'll activate the Spell Card, Naturia Blessing." Yet another copy of that card? "Come from the graveyard, Naturia Marron." The brown chestnut reappeared. "I'll shuffle two of my "Naturia" monsters from the graveyard into the deck to draw a card."

Yuto held back on Dark Requiem's effect, just in case.

Chino drew the card and placed it down. "Come—Naturia Lotus." A pure white flower unfurled on the field in front of her, wide eyes opening in front of it and staring at Yuto in a way that was almost eerie.

[Naturia Lotus (1*/0/0/EARTH/Plant/Tuner/Effect)]

"When Naturia Lotus is Normal or Special Summoned while my opponent controls a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, I can send a "Naturia" card from my deck or Extra Deck to the graveyard, and then activate one of two effects. I will choose the effect that lets me perform a Fusion Summon by banishing monsters from my graveyard and field, including a "Naturia" monster. However, it cannot attack directly this turn." She cast a look at Yuto's four monsters. "… not that it's a problem for me, right?"

That one…

That one seemed like it'd be a problem. Another Fusion Monster? Roget must really have been desperate…

However…

Don't be impatient.

Don't use all your resources just because you hear 'Fusion Summon'.

Yuto stayed still.

"Alright," Chino said, her voice a gust of wind—she plucked out two more cards with white borders from her graveyard. "I will fuse Naturia Landoise and Naturia Tigridia by banishing both of them from the graveyard. Let the earth quake, and welcome the sacred protector of the forest in a new form! Fusion Summon! Naturia Gaiastrio!"

In front of her, a familiar lion appeared, orange petals fanning around its face. It was dressed in futuristic silver armour, and it towered over every other monster on the field. Moss covered its feet, a tree was sprouting and growing from its back, and vines were drifting around its body. Its tail had bloomed into a beautiful orange and pink flower.

[Naturia Gaiastrio (10*/3200/2100/EARTH/Rock/Fusion/Effect)]

"That's Leo," Naoya gasped out.

"... on our tenth birthday, our dad gave us our first cards," Chino said softly. "You know as well as I do that Leo belongs to the Naturias. Our dad gave you Leo, gave me Leodrake, and they were the same monster, but yours was always stronger."

She breathed out. She turned and looked at the apartment behind her.

"I hate exhaust fumes," she said. "The boss said to use the D-Wheels—it'd make it harder for outsiders to catch up, or something. I don't know why the others didn't do it, but for me, I'm just tired of breathing in fumes and smoke."

Fumes and smoke. Rubble and ash. Pollution that stained even the very air one breathed in.

"You probably thought that I was going to activate something else," Chino said. "But that's not the case. I merely needed another monster with more than 3000 attack points. Naturia Gaiastrio attacks Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon."

Trying to get rid of his dragon now, since Yuto hadn't activated its effect to negate anything yet?

"Trap Card, The Phantom Knights of Wrong Magnetring!" Yuto declared. "I'll negate that attack and Special Summon Wrong Magnetring as a monster in Attack Position!" The levitating, glowing purple ring shot out, cutting out Gaiastrio's attack.

[The Phantom Knights of Wrong Magnetring (2*/0/0/DARK/Warrior)]

"Giganticastle attacks The Phantom Knights of Wrong Magnetring!"

"I'll send Wrong Magnetring and Tortured Chains from my field to the graveyard to draw two cards with its effect!" The two monsters vanished from the field.

"So you won't lose this turn," Chino said. "Congratulations. Giganticastle attacks Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon—and Chaofeng attacks Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!"

The two monsters moved forward—a rocky fist, an explosion of light and wind.

As the two dragons vanished…

Yuto quietly breathed out.

Yuto: 3100 - 300 - 300 = 2500LP

Chino gestured forward. "Your turn," she said.

[Turn 10: Yuto] [H:3]

"Draw," Yuto said. Blackened Bayonet still didn't have enough attack points, but…

Take a step back and go back to basics, he thought.

How had he fought before he had gone to Standard? Who had he been before he had toned himself down?

"I'll Normal Summon The Phantom Knights of Faded Robe!" In front of him, a leathery robe fluttered, a blue spirit floating within it. There was something haunted to it—shards of glass clinging to the fabric.

[The Phantom Knights of Faded Robe (3*/1200/1000/DARK/Warrior/Effect)]

"By discarding a card, I can Special Summon a banished DARK Warrior monster to my field in Defense Position! Come, The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots!" The other blue spirit reappeared. "Then, I can increase or decrease the Levels of all DARK Warrior monsters I control. I'll decrease their Levels!"

"... decreasing them?"

[The Phantom Knights of Faded Robe: 3* - 1* = 2*]

[The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots: 3* - 1* = 2*]

"I'll overlay the Level 2 The Phantom Knights of Faded Robe and the Level 2 The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots! Piercing through ten thousand warriors, the cursed spear of rebellion entombed in darkness, descend now! Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 2! The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin!" A skeletal warrior appeared, black-tinged bone forming its body. Blue flames surrounded its shoulders. It held up a javelin and a shield with a white skull on each of them. Purple sigils covered its dark armour.

[The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin (R2/1600/0/DARK/Warrior/Xyz/Effect) (OU:2)]

Mole Cricket reappeared on his opponent's field.

"Cursed Javelin has a lower Rank, but it's still very versatile," Yuto said. He was about to raise his hand and use the effect of Cursed Javelin, but then, he remembered Gaiastrio.

He didn't know what it did, but… he was stuck between two choices.

There was a chance that it negated effects. There was a chance that it protected from battle. Which was it?

If it negated an effect, then it would be better to just attack with Blackened Bayonet. If it protected itself from battle, or negated attacks, it would be far better to use Cursed Javelin's effect before it got to do anything.

It was an impasse.

Yuto looked up.

It was something to do with seeing, he thought. 'Perception'. Understanding.

To be able to see a person and what they would do—something individual to them, the decision that they would make, unique to themselves.

Yuto… did not think that he had the talent that his sister had with that.

But he did have a part of him that shouted for victory. That shouted for him to avenge himself in every way.

He wanted to win.

What would his opponent think?

"Your monster," he said. "It negates effects. You're hoping for me to activate an effect, aren't you? You're predicting that I'll rise up and put in my full strength in a final offence." He flung out a hand. "Battle Phase. I'll have Blackened Bayonet—"

"Mole Cricket's effect," Chino said, gaze lidded.

"Banishing the Trap Card, Breakthrough Skill from the graveyard!" Yuto called. "I'll target your Mole Cricket and negate its effects!"

Chino raised an eyebrow. She nodded. Mole Cricket remained still on the field.

"Cursed Javelin's effect!" Yuto declared. "I will detach an Overlay Unit to target your Gaiastrio, negate its effects and reduce its attack points to 0! Suppression Lance!" Cursed Javelin raised its long weapon.

"... is that it?" Chino said. "Gaiastrio's effect. When a single card on the field is targeted with a card or effect, I will send a card from my hand to the graveyard, I'll negate the activation of that effect and destroy that card." Moss grew along Cursed Javelin's body, tearing it apart.

"... no," Yuto said. "This time, you've fallen into my trap for sure!" He raised a fist. "While you control more monsters than me, Blackened Bayonet can attack you directly, but the damage that it deals is halved."

Chino's eyes widened.

"This time, Chino Otobashi, I win!" He gestured forward. "Go, Blackened Bayonet!"

The gun was raised in the air—a bullet was fired, spinning through the air—

Piercing straight through the field.

So what if his opponent had a field that suppressed activated effects, that brought forth strength that surpassed most of his monsters?

The true trap was to make his opponent think that they had understood him completely.

Blackened Bayonet, which had been there the entire time, was the real threat.

The bullet hit the wall behind Chino.

Chino inclined her head—

In acceptance of his victory.

Chino: 1000 - 3500 / 2 = 0LP

Winner: Yuto Kamisoka!

She tossed something through the air; Shun caught it.

"That's what you were looking for," she said. "And that's the end of it, isn't it?"

It should be, but…

"Are you not going to say anything to your brother?" Ruri said.

Chino looked over at Naoya, and then she shook her head. "Some things can't be fixed," she said—the words as much to her brother as they were to Ruri. There was something cold and heavy to her voice—like someone who was still weighed down by something else. "You're five years too late. I know what I want—and I'm perfectly done with this. When all of this is over, I'll submit myself to whatever justice you decide I should follow."

"This city—"

"Not this rotten city," Chino said. She looked directly at Yuto. "... you."

Yuto swallowed. "I'm not sure…"

"If you want to take on the responsibility of this conflict, don't run away from the aftermath," Chino said.

Yuto watched as she walked off. Her brother watched her go.

"You're not going to go after her?" Shun asked. Yuto was reminded of it—this had also been the person that Shun had fought in the Facility, right?

"... it's like I told you back then," Naoya said. "... the Commons always remember our grudges, and we always repay them." He stood up—there was something unsteady to it. "I'm going to find Kiryu."

Yuto couldn't help but think that the man wasn't satisfied with the outcome either. But this irreparable gap that existed between those two, siblings who were united by a shared childhood, but who had been split by all the divides in this city… Tops and Commons, the rich and the poor, Security and criminal…

It was just too pitiful.

But Yuto couldn't say anything either, so he watched Naoya go. Both Ruri and Shun looked disturbed—of course they would. All three of them there knew what it was like to love a sibling dearly. For a bond like that to shatter…

Yuto shook his head. He thought about what Chino had said. The aftermath…

There was no conceivable way that she knew about Heartland. And yet…

What would the aftermath be like, there?

What responsibility would he have to take on, when they finally returned to Heartland?

In a way, even as they had fought alongside the Lancers, there had always been something that they had to go back to. More that they had to save.

Yuto clutched at his shirt.

After this. No matter what…

He had to return to Heartland. Absolutely.

He couldn't let his home suffer any longer.

"Let's go back," Shun said, holding onto the key.

Yes.

He wanted to go back.

He wanted to see that city again…

And he wanted to see it rebuilt with his own hands.


OC Cards:

Lyrical Luscinia - Parade Silktail

(R1/0/0/WIND/Winged Beast/Xyz/Effect)

2+ Level 1 monsters

Gains 300 ATK for each material attached to it. During the Main Phase (Quick Effect): You can detach 2 materials from this card; negate the effects of all Level/Rank/Link 2 or higher Special Summoned monsters your opponent controls until the End Phase. If this is the only monster you control, your opponent cannot activate effects in response to this effect. Once per turn, if your opponent's monster declares an attack: You can negate that attack, and if you do, this card cannot attack until your next End Phase after this effect was activated. You can only activate each effect of "Lyrical Luscinia - Parade Silktail" once per turn.

Trivia: Silktails are passerines, and since the Lyrical Luscinia Xyz Monsters are apparently named after gatherings, I used "parade". I used silktails because they are known for being rather elusive and difficult to see, which works for a monster which is pretty hard to get off the field.

Lyrical Luscinia - Bird Switch

(Spell)

You can target 1 Xyz Monster you control; return it to the Extra Deck, and if you do, you can add 1 Winged Beast monster from your GY to your hand. You can only activate 1 "Lyrical Luscinia - Bird Switch" per turn.

Naturia Tigridia

(8*/2500/1000/EARTH/Beast/Synchro/Effect)

1 EARTH Tuner + 1+ EARTH non-Tuner monster(s)

If a monster declares an attack: You can send 1 card from the top of your Deck to the GY; negate the attack. This card cannot be targeted by card effects during your opponent's turn. If this card is destroyed by battle or card effect: Special Summon 1 "Naturia" Synchro Monster from your Extra Deck, ignoring Summoning conditions. You can only activate each effect of "Naturia Tigridia" once per turn.

The Phantom Knights of Jagged Chainmail

(R3/1000/2000/DARK/Warrior/Xyz/Effect)

2 Level 3 monsters

This card cannot be destroyed by card effects. Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; Set 1 "Phantom Knights" Spell/Trap from your Deck to your field, and if it is a Trap or a Quickplay Spell, it can be activated this turn. If this card is sent to the GY: You can add 1 "Phantom Knights" card from your GY to your hand. You can only activate this effect of "The Phantom Knights of Jagged Chainmail" once per turn.

Phantom Knights' Fang

(Spell)

You can detach 1 Xyz Material from 1 DARK Xyz Monster you control: Double that monster's ATK until the End Phase, then, if that monster was a "The Phantom Knights" or "Xyz Dragon" monster, you can send 1 "Phantom Knights" Spell/Trap from your Deck to the GY. You can only activate 1 "Phantom Knights' Fang" per turn.

Phantom Knights' Battalion Charge

(Spell)

If you control a DARK Xyz Monster that was Xyz Summoned this turn: You can Special Summon 1 "The Phantom Knights" monster from your Deck, and if you do, send 1 "Phantom Knights" Spell/Trap from your Deck to the GY. You can only activate "Phantom Knights' Battalion Charge" once per turn.

The Phantom Knights of Flaked Hood

(4*/1800/800/DARK/Warrior/Effect)

If your opponent activates a monster effect while you control at least 2 DARK monsters: You can Tribute this card; negate that effect, and if you do, Xyz Monsters you control gain 500 ATK until the End Phase. You can banish this card from the GY; add 1 "The Phantom Knights" card from your Deck to your hand, except "The Phantom Knights of Flaked Hood", but you cannot activate that card, or effects of that card, for the rest of this turn. You can only use each effect of "The Phantom Knights of Flaked Hood" once per turn.

The Phantom Knights of Tortured Chains

(R3/1700/1000/DARK/Warrior/Xyz/Effect)

2 Level 3 DARK monsters

If this card is Xyz Summoned: You can add 1 "Phantom Knights" Spell/Trap from your Deck to your hand. If a card you control is destroyed: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; send 1 "Phantom Knights" card from your Deck to the GY. You can only activate each effect of "The Phantom Knights of Tortured Chains" once per turn.

The Phantom Knights of Blackened Bayonet

(R5/2500/2000/DARK/Warrior/Xyz/Effect)

2 Level 5 DARK monsters

If this card has a DARK Xyz Monster attached to it as Xyz Material: It gains 1000 ATK. Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; if this card battles a monster this turn, destroy the opposing monster during the start of the Damage Step. If your opponent controls more monsters than you do, this card can attack directly, but if it does, the damage it deals is halved. If this card is destroyed: Special Summon all monsters attached to this card as Xyz Material in Defense Position.

Naturia Lotus

(1*/0/0/EARTH/Plant/Tuner/Effect)

If this card is Normal or Special Summoned while your opponent controls a monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck: You can send 1 "Naturia" card from your Deck or Extra Deck to the GY, then you can apply 1 of the following effects. On the turn that you activate this effect, you cannot Special Summon monsters, except "Naturia" monsters.

● Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, by banishing Fusion Materials mentioned on it from your field or GY, including a "Naturia" monster, but it cannot attack directly this turn.

● Synchro Summon 1 Synchro Monster from your Extra Deck, by using monsters in your hand or on your field as material, but it cannot attack directly this turn.

You can only activate this effect of "Naturia Lotus" once per turn.

The Phantom Knights of Faded Robe

(3*/1200/1000/DARK/Warrior/Effect)

Once per turn: You can discard 1 card; Special Summon 1 of your banished DARK Warrior monsters in Defense Position and if you do, you can increase or decrease the Levels of all DARK monsters you control by 1. You can banish this card from your GY; add 1 banished "Phantom Knights" card to your hand. You can only activate each effect of "The Phantom Knights of Faded Robe" once per turn.

Trivia: A card born so that Cursed Javelin is easier to Xyz Summon for the Phantom Knights, since Lost Vambrace and Wrong Magnetring are the only way to do so.


Different Card Effects from TCG:

The Phantom Knights' Rank-Up-Magic Launch - Anime effect, but a Quickplay Spell.

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon - Anime effect

The Phantom Knights' Round Blaze - Anime-only card.

The Phantom Knights' Rank-Up-Magic Burial - Anime-only card.

Raid Raptors - Phantom Claw - Has a parentheses effect that treats it as a "Phantom Knights" card, since the OCG name doesn't have Phantom Knights in it.

Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon - The ATK-draining effect is the same as the anime effect, but the second effect is its TCG effect.


End Notes:

*clears throat* I like bird-watching.

Anyway, this chapter was fun to write! We have Yuto and Shun being willing to let Ruri fight, because she's perfectly capable of doing so. Ruri shows her competence by absolutely tearing through Chino's negates when she has the necessary information to do so. Yuto manages to set up and anticipate properly. Everyone wins.

… also, there are some details and names thrown into there, huh? Call them slight teasers for the Xyz Arc.

So I said that there was no Heart Branch. Several times. *clears throat* So anyway, that was a lie. :) Ok, not quite. I said that there were three branches of Heartland Duel School, Diamond, Clover and Spade. And that's been repeated by the characters quite a few times. And that's always been technically true. So, why exactly is a Heart Branch cropping up here? You'll have to wait and see.

I really like Yang Zings as an archetype, but it didn't quite work out to have them as their own deck. Naturias are very good at being a part of a hybrid deck though, so I decided to have them cameo under Chino. Plus, it worked out well to once again signal Makoto as the odd one out of the group—the one who plays the most fair, in other words, despite what he says about himself. The other three all have some Grade-A TCG-style bullshit that they're going to pull during this arc, not to mention Sergey or Roget. There are quite a few twists left to antagonist decks—and the duels are going to be pretty fun! I think that you can pretty much guess what else Arisu is going to get, and Kaname's is probably even easier, but so far, as a hint—no one has actually figured out what deck Roget uses in this fic. :D But yeah, these guys are literally the final bosses of the arc for most of the characters, so I figured that I might as well finish off with a bang.

And I will never tire of saying how much I love Lyrical Luscinias. I played them all the time back when the second wave of support came out, and everything's still in my head.

"Imagine if someone had to take notes on this duel without being able to see it literally playing out in front of them." Yes, Chino, I can imagine. Writing this duel gave me a migraine.

Also I was trying to search up Yuto, and I used the last name I gave him in this story, lmao. I tend to forget that my headcanons aren't canon at this point.

I always felt that despite having Kurosaki there, there was never a strong personal connection to Heartland that was established by canon. Essentially, despite being the location of the first invasion, Xyz felt like just ticking off a checkbox. So we're giving our characters a strong motivation and personal connection to the setting, because… well, that makes sense.

Anyway, review responses! This was a relatively quicker chapters than others—two chapters this week worked out surprisingly well. Sorry if I miss your review—ffnet's being weird, and I've had to go off email alerts instead.

To AccurateGap1, I think I watched the same video! I'm not intending on making the Battle Beast a super important character, and that's still something far in the future, but I do think I can use him to develop the characters in the future. I had to do my best with the Fusion characters to set them up for the future while not completely letting them take over the early arcs. I think that it takes until roughly the fifth arc for Shino's motivations to be fully revealed, but you can probably make a good guess as of next arc. And yeah, ffnet is really janky. Sometimes when I try to review other fics, it doesn't allow me to submit them either. Stats are pretty broken, but oh well. Until the website falls apart, we'll make do :D

To TheRealD3lph0xL0v3r, thanks for all the enthusiastic reviews! I'm surprised at how fast you got through the fic, but I'm glad you enjoyed it.

To Bryz0n, I always thought that power as a commodity was something really interesting in the Synchro Dimension, and it was nice to try and display things like that. I promise that the duel against Roget will be cathartic :D It's nice to see a fish struggle on a hook, after all!

To naminexriku2468, I'm glad that you like Yuri in this fic!

To Unlucky-Fausto, I'm always the most critical of my own work, haha. I did consider if it was overkill for her to run two Garnets in the deck, but then I realised that in an anime style of thinking, it's far more understandable. Not that I would ever run two Controllers myself. Good on you for noticing that those two decks aren't screwing each other over in that duel! Though I do wonder if that'll ever come into play ;3 I'm actually genuinely surprised that you like Hitoda that much, but I'm glad you do. I thought of making them 1v1 matches, but the power curve felt severely off-balance, no matter how I thought about it—the EOs use TCG combos and engines that make them pretty good minibosses, but also makes it really hard to decide on 1v1s for them. If Serena (or Yuto here) took them on 1v1 and won here, it would mean making them a bit too strong for the power curve. As for the full offence duel, that took me a while to figure out, but I'm so glad about how it turned out! I'm actually a full believer that all the Dimension Dragons should have shared the same stat line in the first place, but for now, don't worry! There's a reason in universe that the Natural Energy Spirits share the same statline.

To Ben23ten, thanks! Yeah, I also always have to remember that Cat Dancer can actually be destroyed by battle in the anime, because I used to play Lunalights back in the day. BB will take a while to actually play a role, but I thought that having that flashback there would help a bit with showing the difference between Serena in the past and in the present—her treatment of BB, Yuri, and then later, Sora and Serena. As for what you said about a person justifying their own questionable behaviour… you see that pretty clearly in this chapter, huh? :)

To Kuroto, yup, you got it right! The statline has an in-universe reason, but you'll have to wait for it. ;) Though Serena thinks that she's at fault for Yuri, I do actually agree with you that the cause isn't so microscopic! Serena's biased here—she thinks that she could have had a greater impact than she realistically could have had. Even without her, there were far too many things that were pushing Yuri towards his path—including Leo Akaba, who told him to stop being around Serena in the first place. Honestly, Makoto and Yuri are still very different—but I thought it was an interesting enough comparison to bring up here. And I'll be honest… almost 90% of everything that I've written involves villain protagonists in some way, so I do have a lot of experience specifically in fleshing out villains.

To cardfan135, I'm absolutely making a habit of it. If Konami can hide Starving Venom for most of the show, I can get away with a bit of suspense. And I'm so glad to see you making the distinction between actual growth and learning new summoning methods! I won't make any speculations on your theories, though they're all really interesting! :) And anyway, they're the kind of theories that can only be answered in the future, if at all.

QOTC: If the characters in this universe existed in the Avatar universe, what bending styles would each of them use?

This was a question that came to mind recently when I was doing a quick reread of the whole fic myself (which I do have to do on a regular basis, and I always find more typos, lmao). It was something that came up in the Chapter 23 Q&A, so I was curious what everyone thought! And as a bonus question for this chapter, since I won't be back for a bit (next duel's a huge struggle):

QOTC2: Do you want me to hold another Q&A between arcs?

I ask this because a lot of the regular readers of this fic who I get reviews from (yes, you guys!) only actually started reading around the time that I started the Friendship Cup arc, and so you probably didn't get to participate in the previous Q&A. So that's a chance! :)

Alright, that's it! See you next time!