MEETING ROOM – THE BROTHERHOOD HQ – CAPITAL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

Last night was a disaster. The enemies ambushed them by using Parasite Fusioners to control their comrades, forcing them to fight each other. Dozens of members lost their lives, several were injured and bedridden in the medical wing, and the rest were resting. One of their members was kidnapped. Their HQ was nearly close to complete destruction from the attack. And the worst of all, Apophis completed his resurrection through the forbidden ritual. They were lucky that Apophis couldn't unleash his power all at once unless he wanted to destroy his vessel that connected him to the human realm. Otherwise, they might as well have already been decimated.

Once Apophis left, those who survived gathered back at the HQ under Yuno's order. Either to find other survivors who couldn't move because they were injured or picking the bodies of their fallen comrades and placed them at the morgue. Yuno then called all of his closest compatriots and Celica's guards (except Jonouchi and Kiryu who were still bedridden), for an emergency meeting. While Yuno wanted them to rest first, they couldn't afford that at the moment. They couldn't. They must discuss everything before they're able to rest.

"I don't get it, 1,500 years ago, didn't he just materialize in this world without a vessel?" Reid asked.

"No. At that time, he needed two human sacrifices for his revival. First is a human who must be sacrificed in the ritual in order for him to regain his full power and connect it to his soul. Second is a human vessel that will tie him to our realm. He must assimilate himself with this vessel in order to permanently stay in this realm." Yuno explained, showing a file that contained the record of the war 1,500 years ago. He learned about this from searching through the files left behind by Heidel. It turned out not only Heidel's ancestor was the one who freed Apophis, but he was also made a vessel for him to take on the form that led to the great war.

"Then...if we find a way to get him out of Kurt's body, he won't be able to materialize in this world for long?" Neah asked. Before Yuno could answer, Ryoga interrupted with his own question.

"Would Apophis perish if we destroy Kurt's body?" Ryoga voiced the question that taken aback most of everyone present in the room.

"Yes, but I believe that we're not going to go with that plan." Yuno answered calmly, silently trying to mend the tense air filling the room from Ryoga's suggestion. The Emperor, Celica, and Carl would object if it comes to that. Regardless of everything Kurt has done, he is still their family.

"Speaking about Kurt, from what Celica told us before, he has a different goal from Apophis. He won't let Apophis enslave us and even went as far as putting a Duel Monster inside his own body as leverage to keep Apophis at the palm of his hand. It is safe to assume that even after regaining his power, he won't assimilate himself with his vessel immediately. We still have time to prepare and launch a counterattack." Yuno shifted the conversation back to the main topic. He didn't know what Kurt was planning now that Apophis regained his power, but the former prince was no fool. He wouldn't let Apophis do as he pleases after he regained his power. Not until he merges the Dimension Pulse and this world.

"Right, about that, how exactly he's going to merge our world with the Dimension Pulse? From the way he said it, looks like he already knew how." Lilac pointed out, recalling what Celica told them before.

"It has something to do with the Rift for sure. The Rift has been unstable since yesterday." Kino reported.

"I don't know what's going to happen after this, but, it's clear now that an all-out war can no longer be avoided." Yuno announced, dropping the atmosphere. But Yuno must said it. This is the reality that they must face whether they like it or not. They have lost so many, so they mustn't lose any more. They must be prepared to go to war at any time.

"For now, we will assemble new teams. Each will be assigned to a different mission. The first team will search for Apophis. The second team will guard the Rift. The third team will prepare for war." Yuno continued to speak. He mustn't break down. As a leader, he's the one who keeps the whole organization together. He must be strong for them.

No one raised any objection of his decision. They all understood and will stood by his side to the very end. Yuno felt he was very blessed to have them as his compatriots.

"That's all for the meeting. Everyone, you should rest. All of us need it." Yuno dismissed the meeting. This should be enough for an emergency meeting. They'll continue with the rest later. Until then, they'll let out all the feelings they have bottled up. They'll let it out and then their resolve will be renewed.

"Where are you going, Yuno-sama?" Lilac asked when she saw Yuno going to the opposite way of his quarter.

"To Celica's room. I want to check up on her before going back to my room." Yuno answered with a smile before going, and Lilac didn't say anything else.

"Something the matter?" Kino asked, seeing Lilac staring at Yuno's back while the rest have already left.

"Yuno-sama must be the one having it hard the most. He lost his family last night. But even so, he's still..." Lilac trailed off, no longer able to finish her words as she started to cry herself. When thinking how she lost many of her comrades and how everyone was trying to cope with it, she couldn't imagine how hurt they must be.

Kino leaned closer to Lilac, pulling her into his arm as he gently patting her head in comfort, a single tear formed in his eye.

ROOM 120 – MEDICAL QUARTER – THE BROTHERHOOD HQ – CAPITAL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

"How is she?"

Yuno entered the medical room, standing next to Celica's bed. His wife has a quite few bandages on her. Seeing her Duel Record from her Duel Disk, she was lucky that her LP has been increased beforehand and Nekroz of Sophia protected her from receiving a direct blow. That saved her from being killed by Apophis' strike. Yuno was truly glad that she's still alive. If he lost her too...maybe he wouldn't be able to handle it.

"Her condition is stable. She'll regain her consciousness soon." The nurse informed him. Yuno gave her a smile of gratitude before motioning her to give him and his wife some privacy, which she did. Yuno took a seat next to Celica, gently holding her hand.

"Dad..."

Yuno turned around to see Yuzo, Yuhei, and Yura standing at the door. Yuzo's body was tenser than usual despite his best trying to stand straight. Yuhei was clearly fidgeting, confused as to what to do or what to say. Yura seemed to remain stoic as usual, but Yuno knew better from her look that she upset. His children were there for him. His family was still with him.

But three were missing.

One was kidnapped.

Two were lost.

Seeing their family incomplete, Yuno didn't think. He pulled his children into his arms so quick that he dropped the chair he was sitting. But Yuno couldn't careless about that right now. All he wanted was to hug his children who were there right now for him. He held them so close and tight, afraid that they're just a phantom that would disappear the moment he blinks. He knew that his four children who became Four Heavenly Dragons would be here only temporary. He had already prepared his heart to be parted with his children. But to lose one of them like this. It was no different than 1,500 years ago. It was too much.

Yuya, even though Yuno had already seen his fate, he still couldn't save him. He had promised that he will protect him no matter what. He was right there when Yuya dueled Apophis. But instead, he was the one being protected by the young boy. Even though Yuya himself was afraid, he still thought of others before him. Yuno hated himself for his incompetence. How could he let this happened? Unlike Odd-Eyes, Yuya still has a lot in front of him. He had a bright future, and now it was taken away, because of his incompetence.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." Yuno murmured, holding his children tighter, and they in return, did the same.

"Next time, it won't happen again. We absolutely won't let the same thing happen again!" Yuhei swore, eyes brimming with tears at the loss of his younger brother and his master.

"We'll rescue Yuto and avenge Odd-Eyes and Yuya for sure." Yuzo promised. He won't allow himself to be depressed now. Not when Yuto was waiting for them. He must steel his resolve if he wanted to save his master.

"We'll end them for real this time. We'll make sure there won't be a next time for them to mess with our world." Yura stated. She will never forgive Apophis and his followers. Not now and not even in death.

But just for now, just for this moment, they'll stay this way. No one is there but them.

Let them cry as much as they want.

Just for this once.

ROOM 230 – MEDICAL QUARTER – THE BROTHERHOOD HQ – CAPITAL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

Shun and Sayaka were visiting Ruri and Allen who were placed in the medical room. Ruri for just being freed from Parasite Fusioner and Allen for being injured after his Duel against Zira. Shun and Sayaka filled in of what happened while they were bedridden. Emphasizing Apophis' resurrection, Yuto's kidnapping, and Yuya and Odd-Eyes' demise. Ruri and Allen's faces fell from the bad news. It was like a bomb has exploded inside of them.

They couldn't believe it.

Everything was just fine yesterday. Yuya greeted them a good morning before he left to train with Yuno. Odd-Eyes helped her carrying some books from the library. Yuto shared his new strategy to her.

Both Ruri and Allen couldn't stop their tears from falling. Allen punched his bed, scolding himself for not being strong enough. If he had, maybe he could help Yuya instead of going to the medical wing and stay on bed. Ruri, on the other hand, quickly wiped her tears, gently refusing Sayaka's handkerchief.

"I-I'm fine. I'm sorry. I'll be okay." Ruri said while forcing herself not to cry. She remembered her first meeting with Yuya, when they danced at Heartland Festival together, when Yuya cheered her relationship with Yuto, she remembered every moment she could remember with Yuya. However, she quickly pushed it away as to not indulge herself in further grief. Not now at least.

"Don't push yourself too hard, Ruri. It's okay if you–" Sayaka comforted, but was silenced immediately.

"No. I mustn't. Right now, saving Yuto takes priority. We can't afford to wallow ourselves in misery." Ruri said firmly while still trying to hold back her tears. They have lost Yuya and Odd-Eyes. There was nothing that can be done. But Yuto, they still haven't lost him yet. Yubel took Yuto because she needs him alive. There's still a chance for them to save him. Instead of crying, they'll use the time they have to make sure they won't lose Yuto as well.

"What should we do to save Yuto?" Allen asked, resolving to do the same after seeing Ruri's strong resolution. She's right. This wasn't the time to wallow in misery. If they want to save Yuto, their hearts must be strong.

"Dark Rebellion seems to already have a plan in mind. Let's wait until he gets here. Until then, we should study Yubel's Deck." Shun explained with barely contained frustration. He was as much as angry and sad as Ruri and Allen. Once again, he failed to protect his comrades. What's worse, he lost two of them for good. After everything he had done to keep them safe, it almost started to feel meaningless. Almost. There were still many other comrades whom he cherished. They're still alive. He couldn't let the loss of two of them to crush his spirit, not when he still has many to protect. If he lost his spirit now, he'll lose even more.

"Yuzo-kun gave us some tips to face Yubel." Sayaka brought out the notes she has written as dictated by Dark Rebellion, sharing it with her friends. No matter how much, if she can become stronger, even if it's just a little, she'll take that chances.

"Sayaka...how is Yuzu...?" Ruri suddenly asked, silencing them.

Sayaka frowned and shook her head. "Not good. She won't eat anything. She won't even open the door or even answer our call. She just locked herself in her room since she heard the news." She revealed.

"Yuzu..." Ruri murmured her Standard Counterpart's name in concern.

It was saddening enough for her to hear about Yuya, she didn't want to imagine how it would be for Yuzu who loved him more than anyone. It hasn't been that long since they professed their love for each other, only for it to came to this. It must be hard on Yuzu beyond everyone else.

How is she going to recover from this?

YUZU'S ROOM – THE BROTHERHOOD HQ – CAPITAL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

Yuzu was alone in her room. It was so dark in here. The curtains were drawn over the balcony, blotting out the sun outside. She laid sprawled on the bed, staring into the dark where the canopy would be. Every bit of her felt so exhausted. No. That's wrong. She just couldn't feel anything. Yuzu did not think about the way the bed was digging painfully into her back after hours passed. She didn't think about noises and voices coming out outside the door. She didn't respond to the voices who tried to reach out to her to come out. She couldn't even remember who came to try to coax her out.

She couldn't remember when or why they had stopped trying to talk to her, but she was glad. Her chest was so tight. She felt so sick. if she tried to speak, she would probably throw up.

She hoped this was just a nightmare.

She hoped she would wake up and see Yuya greeting her like usual. She would pick him up so they can go to school together. After school, they will be picked up by the children and go together to You Show Duel School. She will enjoy seeing Yuya riding happily with Odd-Eyes. They'll duel and then study for the upcoming high school exam together. During holiday, they'll gather with their counterparts to visit Zarc and Ray's memorial in their honor. And at the promised day, she and Yuya will go out, enjoying spending their times just the two of them.

She remembered that night when she and Yuya professed their feelings for each other. It was the happiest moment in her life. She thought she was dreaming. She was so happy beyond words. They have made plans for their first date. They have made many promises to enjoy their days once the war is over. But to be honest, those plans didn't really matter much to her. Wherever they go, as long as Yuya is there with her and smile, that's more than enough for her. She's content with just that. She won't ask for anything more beyond that, as long as she can be with him. As long as they're happy together.

But that didn't happen.

That won't happen.

Yuya is gone.

She couldn't hear his voice anymore. She couldn't see his smile anymore. She couldn't feel his tenderness anymore.

Yuya is dead.

She had cried. She cried so hard that she passed out. Now, she didn't have the energy to cry anymore. She didn't have the energy to even feel or move anymore. Apophis, the Brotherhood, the Supreme King Dragon, none of that matters to her anymore. She wanted to stop thinking. It was just impossible for her to do anything.

She can't move forward.

KNOCK KNOCK

"Yuzu. It's me." Gongenzaka called out from outside, bringing some snacks for her.

"You have to eat, Yuzu. It won't be good for your health if you stop eating." Gongenzaka said again. Everybody didn't know what else to do to make Yuzu come out, and they eventually have given up, thinking that all they can is give her some time. Gongenzaka disagreed with that. Leaving her alone was not the answer. Leaving her alone will only isolate her from everyone and she eventually will drown in despair at the point of no return. That'll be the same as losing her.

It's already hard enough to lose one childhood best friend, he won't lose another one.

"Yuzu. We decided not to inform Yusho-san and the others back at Maiami City about Yuya yet. Everything is in shambles right now. Everyone in ARC-V is in panic. If words come out about Yuya, things may worsen." Gongenzaka informed her of their decision after discussing with Yuno. Yuya was the saviour of ARC-V who saved the world from Zarc last year. Yuya's presence in the war inspired the people of ARC-V, giving them hope to win the war. If they knew about Yuya and Odd-Eyes' demise, it might reduce their fighting spirit.

"I...I'm going to fight for Yuya's sake. I won't let things end the way Apophis wants. We will bring back peace, where everyone can smile. Just like Yuya wanted." Gongenzaka won't let Yuya's death in vain. He will carry on Yuya's wishes. He has mourned for him, and he'll safe more of his grieving later. There are still things that he must do together with his remaining comrades.

"I know you can't do anything. Maybe you're not even listening to me. But I'll be waiting for you. I, the man Gongenzaka, believe that you'll return to fight alongside us." Gongenzaka stated with certainty.

He left Yuzu's snack in front of her door room. He has said everything he wanted to say. For now, that's enough.

"See you later, Yuzu."

THE BROTHERHOOD SERVER – LINK VRAINS – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

Yuri was standing close to the Rift, guarding it as usual. He could have gone anywhere now that the enemies have retreated, but Yuri didn't feel like it. Not after he received the news of the aftermath of the battle. If he didn't do this, he might as well return to that little bunker and shut himself in the corner being living ghost like he did once before after being defeated by Apophis. Although, to be honest, if he let his emotion take over him, he would demand anyone offline to log into LINK VRAINS so he can challenge them to a Duel and beat the crap out of them to unleash this frustration and rage he was feeling.

"Hanging in there, thick-eye brow?" Serena said in her Artemis avatar, logging in to accompany her childhood friend.

"Perfect timing. Duel me, Serena. I need it." Yuri demanded, raising his Duel Disk.

"You mean becoming your punching bag? Not a fat chance. That's not the way to cool down, moron." Serena retorted sharply, refusing to activate her Duel Disk in return. She knew what Yuri was feeling. Believe it or not, she's also feeling the same but she has better control in her emotion.

Yuri opened his mouth to retort, but seeing the look in Serena's eyes helped him realize. Yeah. Nothing will help him that way. It won't change a thing. He's not being himself. He found himself confused that he lost his cool like this. This never happened to him before. Yuri sat down, covering his eyes with his hand. He felt stupid. Serena didn't say anything. She walked until she was behind him and then sit down as well, leaning her back to Yuri's.

"He's an idiot." Yuri said.

"Who?" Serena asked.

"Yuya." Yuri said.

"What makes him an idiot?" Serena asked again.

"He should have waited for help to come. He shouldn't have taken on Apophis by himself." Yuri said with a tinge of frustration.

"He didn't have a choice. Neither he nor Celica-san knew that Apophis would appear like that. No one would expect it. And you know that." Serena answered calmly. Yuri must let it out now before he takes it out on someone else.

"Yukya is also an idiot, letting his guard down like that. If only he took out Apophis right then instead of entrusting it to Yuya..."

"I know this is just your anger talking, you don't truly think this is Yukiya's fault. No one would expect that to happen. Apophis is far stronger than we imagined. We have also underestimated Geist."

"He promised. He promised to watch over me becoming a better person. But instead he drops dead just like that without keeping his words. And he promised that we'll have a rematch. This time I'll defeat him. It's impossible now that he's gone." Yuri looked down, biting his lip. Yuya was the first person who defeated him, and Yuri respected him for that, even if he never showed it. He was grateful that day when Yuya insisted for him to go to Academia and have his very first Tag Duel. He also helped him when he was in his moment of despair. Yuya gave him his beginning. He owes him. Yuya was gone before he had any chance to pay him back.

Slowly, Serena fiddled her fingers with Yuri, and then slipped them into his, intertwining their fingers together.

"Then at least, you keep your promise. Become the person you promised Yuya you will become. He'll be happy, if you do. That's what Yuya definitely want." Serena encouraged calmly but determinedly despite the tears of sadness from losing her friend.

The two Fusion users stayed there, accepting each other's presences that for reasons they couldn't comprehend silently comforting them.

RUINS OF EAST FIELD – THE BROTHERHOOD HQ – CAPITAL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

Yukiya sat near the edge of the ravine, staring down at the dark bottomless pit where he could see nothing. He stared and stared, and everything that happened, that last horrific moment, played inside his head again.

Last night, after Yuya and Odd-Eyes fell, he remembered crying while punching the ground in frustration at his inability to protect them. He cried and cried until he lost his voice, until he couldn't hold himself together anymore. He felt himself slumping, his arms weakening. He wasn't sure whose hand rested on his shoulder next, but he let himself be pulled gently to his feet, let himself be guided away. He could hear hushes and shouts as he was walking, but he couldn't comprehend what they were talking about. He couldn't hear it. He tried to think nothing.

He was positive that he passed out while walking. When he realized it, he was back here again all by himself. He didn't remember how he got here and since when he was here. He didn't count how long he had been here. He stared at the ravine. The more he stared at it, he started to remember that moment. That moment when Yuya was struck down, him holding Yuya's limp body, and he helplessly watching Yuya and Odd-Eyes fell into the bottomless ravine.

Whenever he remembered it, Yukiya felt his stomach twisted and for a moment the entire world went black. And then that moment replayed in his mind again like a broken record. It was like he was reliving the event all over again. It was horrifying for him. But even so, Yukiya couldn't bring himself to leave this place.

Perhaps. Maybe, just maybe, he wishes that Yuya and Odd-Eyes survived. He wished by some miracle the both of them come out from the ravine, perfectly alive, greeting him with their smile. But Yukiya knew better that was just stupid childish thought from deep inside him.

Yukiya didn't understand that despite his awareness, he was still there and relived that moment in his head. He didn't realize that he had nearly passed out until he opened his eyes again and found Yugo and Rin holding him, face pale. Yukiya felt dizzy. He managed to stand, but Yugo and Rin kept a firm grip on him. He swallowed through a choked throat.

Quietly, Yugo and Rin took him under the arms, and guided him away from the ravine, mumbling things that might have been soothing if he could have heard what they were. He didn't want to think. He didn't want to do anything. He just wanted to sit here and never move again.

"You know, he wouldn't want this for you." Yugo quietly told him.

"I know." Yukiya swallowed.

"Everyone is preparing for a counterattack. We have to prepare ourselves for the next battle." Yugo added, narrowing his eyes at Yukiya's broken form.

"I know." Yukiya simply answered again.

Yugo gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. That did it. Yugo grasped Yukiya by his collar and yanked him up to force the guy to face him, but to his irritation, Yukiya's eyes were still hollow, lamenting in sadness.

"If you know that then why are you still moping here?! Do you think this is going to help anybody?! Do you think this will change anything?!" Yugo shouted at angrily at the despairing Supreme King user. It was almost like seeing Yuri before when he shut himself from everyone.

"Do you think that you're the only one who is sad about Yuya and Odd-Eyes?! Everyone else, including myself, are also the same! But you don't see me sitting here punishing myself and do exactly what Apophis want us!" Yugo yelled louder right to Yukiya's face who looked away without a care. Yugo knew how close Yuzu and Yukiya were with Yuya. He understood how much it hurts them losing him. But that's precisely why they shouldn't let themselves fall into despair. If they truly care for Yuya, then they should become stronger and defeat Apophis in his place.

To his disappointment, Yukiya still won't budge. Unable to contain himself, Yugo punched him,

"Yugo!" Rin held his arm that just punched the Supreme King user, pulling him away from Yukiya.

Even when blood dripping from his mouth, Yukiya's expression didn't change.

"Fine. Go ahead, rot and stay here until you die. I'll continue to fight with everyone. I will avenge Yuya and Odd-Eyes for sure." Yugo said for the last time before leaving Yukiya to himself again with Rin following in tow.

Not too far from them, behind a pillar, Sara has been watching them. She went to Yukiya's room, but didn't find him there, so she looked for him to the only place she thought he would be. As she expected, Yukiya was there. She wanted to approach him, but Yugo and Rin beat her into it. When Yugo started to speak, it didn't feel right for her to walk in, so she waited. It broke her heart seeing Yukiya like this. She wasn't close to Yuya as much as Yukiya did, so his death, while it saddened her, it didn't affect her like it did to Yukiya.

She regretted not hanging out with Yuya more. She wished she get to know him more. She understood why Yukiya liked Yuya so much. If she got to know Yuya more, she would have known more why. She thought she would have more time for that later. She was very sure that all of them will survive this war. She was very naïve.

"I doubt anything I say can comfort him..." Sara thought. She was ashamed of herself. She was supposed to be his childhood friend, but she couldn't think of anything to help him overcome his pain.

BEEP

Sara blinked when her Duel Disk notified her of a message. She opened the message and she was surprised to read the name of the sender.

The Crimson Duelist.

How did he able to find her hidden address?

She opened the message and read it,

Dear Ray,

I would like to speak with you about Apophis and the last Supreme King Dragon you in the mural that Celica Luis had found. I wish to speak with you directly, so please come to LINK VRAINS. The coordinate of the location will appear shortly after you closed this message.

In case you doubt me, I've also sent you a partial data of Salamangreat Mirage Stallio that you need to close the Rift. If you want the rest, come to the meeting place. You are free to bring your allies if you're uncomfortable coming alone.

I'll be waiting for your arrival.

Sincerely,

Ifrit the Crimson Duelist.

HALLWAY – THE BROTHERHOOD HQ – CAPITAL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

"Yugo! Wait a minute!" Rin said as she tried her best to keep to Yugo who was walking faster than usual. She yelped when Yugo suddenly stopped, causing her to bump on him.

"...I know... You're gonna say that I'm an idiot, right?" Yugo said without looking at Rin. "I know that it was wrong to approach Yukiya like that. It won't help him. I was at fault."

Yugo knew why he suddenly burst into anger like that. He came to stir up Yukiya's spirit. Instead, he stupidly made it worse. He knew that being angry at Yukiya like that would do anything. The reason why he still did it...Yugo was fully aware why.

"I...can't be there...for Yuya..." Yugo remembered every moment he shared with Yuya. When they first met, when they fought Academia together, when Yuya summoned Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon, when they faced each other in a Riding Duel, and so on. It was heart wrenching now that Yuya wasn't with them. And he didn't even want to imagine how Clear Wing was feeling right now after losing Odd-Eyes.

"I'm really the worst. Deep down, I actually wanted to blame Yukiya..." Yugo hated himself when ugly thoughts emerging in his mind. Yukiya was there, so why didn't he protect Yuya properly? Why did he let go of Yuya so easily? Why didn't he move faster to reach Yuya and Odd-Eyes?

"It's not Yukiya's fault. He's the one who suffered the most from it. But I thought about making him the bad guy because I don't know what to do with this rage..." Yugo's body trembled. Tears wetting his cheeks. All the pent-up frustration and sadness he bottled up finally couldn't be contained anymore.

Rin pulled Yugo into her arms, hugging him tight. For once, Yugo didn't know how to hug her back. He could only cry on her shoulder. Rin didn't say anything. Nothing could comfort Yugo right now. The only thing she could do is listen, patting his back, ruffling his hair until he was satisfied. She was surprised that she has what it takes to comfort Yugo, when she herself was as much as saddened losing one of her friends.

LIVING ROOM – THE BROTHERHOOD HQ – CAPITAL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

Sara informed her friends who were present and has nothing to do about the message she received from the Crimson Duelist they have been looking for, now revealed to be named Ifrit in LINK VRAINS. As she expected though, most of them were not too keen to go with her, mainly because they were still shocked by everything that happened last night. To ask them to come with her immediately might be cruel of her, but this was their opportunity to gain a clue that may turn the tide of war into their favour. They must take this chance for the sake of their family and friends who have perished last night.

"You didn't tell this to the Oracle?" Kachidoki asked.

"I have. Since I've been given the assignment to find the Crimson Duelist from the beginning, he leaves it up to me." Sara answered.

"I'm coming with you." Gongenzaka was the first to volunteer to come.

"Count me in too." Sora followed him.

"You guys are going now? Seriously?" Sawatari asked like they were not in their right mind.

"What? You expected us to waste our time here doing useless things like grieving to no end?" Sora said sarcastically, earning him a glare from Sawatari, Kachidoki, BB, and the Tyler Sisters.

"Useless?! You better take back those words!" Kachidoki demanded angrily at the Death-Toy user for his insensitivity, glaring intensely at the shorter boy. How could he be so inconsiderate of how the others feel even though he is supposed to be Yuya's friend. But Sora refused.

"It is useless! You think grieving will help us? Do you think that's what Yuya want?! It's not like that will bring back Yuya, isn't it?!" Sora retorted, making it clear that he won't take back for what he said. He knew that it was cruel, but Sora wouldn't mind taking on all of their anger if it means to get them to move away from their grief. While they were grieving doing nothing, Apophis and his followers were already planning for their next move. If they're waiting for Apophis to attack again, then it'll be too late for them. Everything that Yuya fought for would be reduced to ash.

"Like hell I'm just gonna let Apophis get the satisfaction of seeing us break after losing Yuya! I'm not gonna rest until I have that damn dragon's head! If you have time to grief, then use them to actually do something that can get us closer to the peace that Yuya dreamed of!" Sora said while punching the wall next to him. He has always been a vengeful person. When he lost to Shun and when he thought Yuto made fun of him, he was so furious and would not rest until he destroys them himself. But this time it was different. His fury was far more unbearable than when he lost. He had made amends with Shun and Yuto and the others in the last war, but Apophis and his followers, Sora knew for sure that he will never forgive him for the rest of his life. Never.

Kachidoki and the rest couldn't refute that. Yes, what Sora said was hurtful, but what he said was true. He voiced out what they were feeling deep down. They don't want Yuya's death to be in vain. They don't want to surrender to Apophis. They'll never bow down to the Dragon of Calamity who stole their precious friend. The Dragon of Calamity and his followers cannot be forgiven.

Sawatari stood up and walked towards the door while scratching his head, earning him questioning looks from his friends. He held the door knob but didn't open it yet.

"I'm going to speak with Kamui. Maybe I can get something useful from him..." Sawatari said without turning around and then left.

Next was BB who grasped Kachidoki's wrist. "I'll take Sanders' Duel Disk to Lilac-san. Maybe there's some information we can get from his Duel Disk." BB turned to Kachidoki, nodding at him to come along. Kachidoki knew what he was trying to do, and Kachidoki couldn't agree more. He let BB dragged him out of the room.

"The both of us have things to talk about. We'll help you once we're done." Gloria said, placing a comforting hand on her younger sister's head. After their Duel, she and Grace haven't got a chance to talk. They must set things straight between them as sisters before it's too late.

"All right. We'll be going now." Sara excused herself together with Gongenzaka and Sora. They raised their Duel Disks, logging in with the coordinate sent by Ifrit have been installed.

"Into the VRAINS!"

LINK VRAINS – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

When Ray arrived, she was surprised to see that their meeting place was a dense patch of jungle and flows into a large pool of water. She was expecting it to be more of a volcano or a desert if it's based on natural environment, considering the Deck that Ifrit was using.

"Wow. Gotta admit that this is cool."

Ray turned to her left side, coming face-to-face with Sora and Gongenzaka's avatars for the first time.

Gongenzaka's avatar was that of a heavy-built man clad in brownish-maroon armor with a kabuto helmet that appears to take inspiration from the real-life rhinoceros beetle, with mechanical insectoid wings to match. The armor protecting his back was spinal in appearance. His hand armor was a yellowish color, while the fingers are grey and foot armor was molded around his toes in a way that matches the armor on his hands.

Sora's avatar was a boy who wore a teal vest over a white sleeved shirt and white jabot with brown cargo pants and layered belts. He has gray gloves with large brown cuffs and two-toned brown and white boots. His hair was still the same, but was deep blue in color and he didn't tie it up.

"Indeed. You guys have made cool avatars for yourselves. What's your usernames?" Ray was impressed by their avatar design. It fits them perfectly.

"I'm Benmaru." Gongenzaka answered, naming his avatar after a historical figure that he admired.

"I'm Ginger." Sora answered, naming his avatar after gingerbread sweet.

"Perfectly suited for your avatars. Good." Ray complimented their good taste, even clapping her hands.

"I'm sorry to ruin your moment, but can we speak now?"

Ray, Benmaru, and Ginger almost jumped hearing the voice. Without them realizing, Ifrit was already standing next to them, greeting them so casually like it's an everyday occurrence. When they realized this, the three quickly took steps away from the Crimson Duelist, putting considerable distance between them.

"I'm glad you really came." Ifrit admitted, having a thought that they might not come.

"This. Where is the rest of the data?" Ray held up a part of Mirage Stallio's card data in her hand as she inquired.

"I'll give the rest to you until we finished our talk and be on our way." Ifrit replied. He summoned his D-Board and jumped on it. He tilted his head up, motioning Ray, Benmaru, and Ginger to ride on their D-Board as well.

"Be on our way to where?" Ray asked. I thought he invited them here to talk, but now he told them he'll take them somewhere?

"I'll take you to the Duel Monster world." Ifrit answered.

There was a silence before Ray, Benmaru, and Ginger voiced their own inquires out of shock.

"Wait, what?! The world of Duel Monsters?! You're taking us there?!" Ray asked in disbelief.

"Isn't it impossible for humans to go there!" Benmaru reminded what Yuno have told them before. How humans can never survive once going into Dimension Pulse.

"Only impossible because you never find out how to go there without losing your life. Relax. Just stick with me and you'll be fine." Ifrit said in a somewhat sing-along tone, enjoying their reactions.

"Why do you want us to go there anyway?!" Ginger asked, not seeing the point to go when they're trying to close the Rift.

"Because by going there directly is the only way to find and recruit Duel Monsters who can help you defeat the Dragon of Calamity."


NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW:

The Gatekeeper of the Rift – Ifrit guides the Lancers to pass through the entrance of the Rift and encounters the Gatekeeper who blocks their path to the Duel Monster realm. To proceed, Ifrit challenges the Gatekeeper into a Duel. Back at Cantidel, Yuzo secretly visits Heidel's cell.


I got a lot of time today, so I managed to finish and update this chapter earlier. Sorry for the depressing mood in this chapter and no Duel. But please bear with it a little longer. I promise that things will get better from now and everybody will have a happy ending.

And to Guest reviewer, please don't spam the review that pretty much has the same comment. For this once, I'll let it slide, but next time, I'll only delete them and would only leave one of your reviews for each chapter.

Please don't forget to review this chapter!