AN: Hello, I have the next chapter here. The last chapter of the year but not for this series. After this one though, I can say there is only around five chapters left for this fanfic. With this duel, it was a lot of fun to make and plan with so much cool stuff to do. This is one of the biggest duels in the tournament of the final five. Because of its set up, some card rules are a bit muddy, but will clear up as much as I can in the second AN afterwards. Hope you enjoy this chapter, leave a review with your comments and questions, and have a nice day.

See Datasheet Chapter for cover art details.

Chapter 75 – The Gentle Darkness

In the eye of the black tornado, Salem stood with her eyes closed and arms extended. The shadowy winds spun around her as she remained unfazed. However, once she lowered her arms, the winds died down. She remained stoic before opening her eyes with a red glare.

You have finally arrived.

Salem spoke before turning around, seeing Jaden and Aster standing before her.

"This will end right now." Aster said, "You're all that's left."

"Once we defeat you, the island will be saved from those freaks," Jaden added on.

Do you refer to the Trueman? They are but a product of my will and have already wiped out most of the duelists on the island.

Salem said with a sadistic smile forming.

Soon, this island shall be the ground zero of an ever-spreading darkness that will encompass the whole world. And when it does, then everyone shall know to only feel negative emotions. There will be no happiness, there will be no joy.

The embodiment of darkness then placed her hands together, touching at the fingertips.

There will be no hope.

"That is your end game here?" Jaden asked as Salem gave a single nod.

It is the will of the Darkness to cancel out any light.

"Spoken like a true cult leader," Aster responded, "However if I had to think of a better word for you. I would say, Witch." He said as he readied his duel disk.

"If you think we are going to let your plan succeed, you have another thing coming!" Jaden said as he readied his duel disk.

If you two do intend to stand in my way, then I shall deal with you personally.

Salem spoke as shadows around her right arm formed the bone duel disk.

"Duel!" The three duelists spoke as the two-against-one duel in the void of darkness had begun.

Jaden: 4000 Life Points

Aster: 4000 Life Points

Salem: 8000 Life Points

The first turn is mine.

Salem said as she drew playing the card instantly.

I summon my Shaddoll Hound in attack mode.

She said a dog of darkness was seen with golden armor on its legs and head, (1600 ATK / 900 DEF).

And I shall end my turn with three cards facedown.

"It's my move!" Jaden said as he drew, placing the card in his hand before playing another one, "I summon Card Trooper in attack mode." He said as the rover robot was seen with the cannon arms at the ready, (400 ATK / 400 DEF). "And with its effect, I can mill three cards to give it 1500 more attack points." He said as he sent the three cards from the top of his deck, where there were two traps and a spell. Card Trooper then gained a yellow aura as it advanced in the battlefield, (400 + 1500 = 1900 ATK).

Is that all, then allow me to show you true power.

Salem responded as one of her facedown cards revealed itself.

Puruhaddoll Aeon. It gives my hound an additional 1000 attack points. All at the cost of sending another Shaddoll card from my hand to the grave.

Salem said before doing so. Jaden gasped as the dog of darkness gained a black aura, (1600 + 1000 = 2600 ATK). The hound then pounced on Card Trooper before biting through its metal body, causing it to explode.

Jaden: 4000 – 700 = 3300 Life Points

Also, since the card I discarded was my Shaddoll Squamata, it allows me to send Shaddoll Beast from my deck. And with its effect, I can draw one card.

"And since Card Trooper was destroyed, I get to draw one card as well." Jaden said while doing so, mirroring Salem's move, then took two other cards from his hand, "I end my turn by setting these."

Due to the effect of my trap, Shaddoll Hound is placed in facedown defense position.

Salem responded as her monster lost its aura, changing into a set monster.

"Then it's my turn!" Aster said as he drew, "First, I play my Destiny Draw by discarding a Destiny Hero monster to draw two more cards." He said before doing so, then taking another card out of his hand, "Then I summon my Destiny Hero – Drilldark in attack mode," he said a brown armored warrior was seen with a drill lance in his right arm, (1600 ATK / 1200 DEF). "And since he was summoned, I can special summon another Destiny Hero from hand with less than or equal attack to him, and I pick my Destiny Hero – Drawhand." He said as a white-suited man with a violet hunter's hat and scarf was seen, (1600 ATK / 800 DEF). "Since he was special summoned, we all draw one card each." He said before he, Salem, and Jaden did so. Aster then took a card from his graveyard, "And now that I have a Destiny Hero on the field, the one I discard can be special summoned. Say hello to Destiny Hero – Denier!" the destined pro duelist said as a third hero entered the field with a purple suit and spear in hand, (1100 ATK / 600 DEF). "And he lets me place a Destiny Hero monster from my deck to the top of it," Aster said as a card ejected, showing it as his Dogma.

My, what a powerful monster. Too bad with all that drawing you can't get to it just yet.

Salem said with a look of interest at the card before it was placed on the top of the deck. "When the time is right," Aster said before pointing, "Now, Drilldark attacks your set hound. His weapon is not for show, it allows him to inflict piercing damage." He said as the drill revealed Shaddoll Hound, who exploded upon contact with the weapon.

Salem: 8000 – 700 = 7300 Life Points

Since Hound was flip-summoned, I can add my trap card back to my hand.

Salem spoke as she picked the Puruhaddoll Aeon from her grave, but then stared down Aster's field, "But you're wide open for my other two heroes to wipe out more of your life points." Aster responded as Drawhand pointed with a blue aura in his finger gun and Denier readied his spear.

Except I reveal another facedown, Resh Shaddoll Incarnation. This lets me set another Shaddoll monster from my grave. I will pick my Shaddoll Beast.

In doing so, a monster more rabid than the dog of darkness was seen, (2200 ATK / 1700 DEF). It roared before chaining into a set monster.

"Tsk." Aster called off his attacks before taking a card out of his hand, "I'll set one card and end my turn."

Then it is mine again, and I draw.

Salem said as she smiled at the card, then looked at the field.

I shall flip summon my Shaddoll Beast. With it, his effect now allows me to draw two cards, and then discard my Shaddoll Falco.

Salem spoke as the beast revealed itself again. After she drew, the card she sent to the grave was a type of blackbird.

While I could special summon my Falco, I shall not. Now, all is set for a more powerful monster, one you should recognize.

Salem said as she looked at Jaden, "What do you mean?"

The three friends who entered here with that were defeated by Yubel. I did not have much time, but I was able to convert their souls into one card. One that required three dark monsters in the grave to summon.

Salem spoke as Jaden and Aster gasped.

I call forth Dark Armed Dragon!

The embodiment of darkness said as an eruption of the blackest aura formed behind her. Emerging from the pit was a massive dark dragon with piercing red eyes and drills over its body. Its roar mixed with spinning metal echoed through the whole void, (2800 ATK / 1000 DEF).

With its effect, I can remove dark monsters from my grave to destroy cards on the fields.

Salem said as she took all three dark monsters from her graveyard. In doing so, Dark Armed Dragon whipped its spiked tail like a war mace. It slammed into all three Destiny hero monsters, shattering them all.

Now, which one of you will be eliminated from his duel?

Salem said before looking at Aster, who gritted his teeth.

Consider this revenge for that 'Witch' comment.

The Embodiment of Darkness said as pointed, commanding her Shaddoll Beast and Dark Armed Dragon to rush in.

"I don't think so," Jaden responded as he revealed one of his face-down cards, "Negate Attack stops your play and ends the battle phase." He said as a wall of white aura blocked the two dark monsters from advancing.

"Thanks for that." Aster said to Jaden, "But you should use those to save yourself when needed."

"We have to watch each other's back if we want to take her down," Jaden said as Aster nodded, causing both to look back at their opponent.

I shall end with two more cards face down.

Salem ended as Jaden drew, but Drawhand suddenly reappeared on Aster's side of the field, (1600 ATK / 800 DEF). "Since he was sent to the graveyard, Drawhand returns to the field before being banished next time. Which means we draw a card." Aster said to Salem before both drew the card, Aster looking at Dogma in his hand.

"Thanks pal," Jaden said as he drew his extra card before making his plays, "I play Polymerization with my Elemental Hero Heat and Lady Heat in my hand." Jaden said as the vortex appeared behind him, allowing the two fire heroes to merge into a stronger flame, "Meet Elemental Hero Nova Master!" he said as the fires formed the burning hero onto the field, the cape flapping in the heatwave, (2600 ATK / 2100 DEF). "Now I play the field spell, Skyscraper!" the spirited Slifer Red said as the area filled with a cityscape, "Go, attack her Dark Armed Dragon with Blaze Beatdown!" Jaden called out as his monster rushed towards the corrupted dragon, "And my field will give him just enough attack points to take yours out." He said before seeing a face-down reveal itself, causing him to gasp.

I think I know a better target for your monster. With my Stauch Defender, you now must attack my Shaddoll Beast. And since it is weaker, you do not gain a boost in attack points in this battle.

Salem countered as her lesser monster was destroyed with a fiery fist.

Salem: 7300 – 400 = 6900 Life Points

"That may not have been the target, but I still get to draw a card thanks to Nova Master's effect." Jaden said before doing so, then took a card from his hand, "I summon Wroughtweiler in defense mode and end my turn." He said as the mechanical dog was in a sitting position, (800 ATK / 1200 DEF),

"My turn," Aster said as he drew, playing the card instantly, "And I'll activate my own Polyermization to fuse my Destiny Hero – Drawhand on the field and Malicious in my hand." He said as the vortex formed with fire like Jaden's, but the flames were more vengeful here, "Come on, Destiny Hero – Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer!" The destined pro duelist declared as the crimson armored antihero was seen, (2500 ATK / 2100 DEF), "I'll reveal my face down, Cyclone Blade." Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer was equipped with a tripled bladed wheel. "Time to show you how Destroyer got his name, I'll use his effect to-!" the destined pro duelist said as his fusion monster's chain gained a fiery aura, but he was then bound by different chains, "What!?"

It seems my Fiendish Chains are a more effective weapon. They prevent your monster from attacking and negate its effect. Do you have anything else?

Salem spoke next to her revealed trap card, causing Aster to grit his teeth.

Then at your end phase, I reveal my other facedown, Fires of Doomsday.

The embodiment of darkness said as two black fire tokens were seen on the field, (0 ATK / 0 DEF).

And with my turn, I draw and will destroy the field spell by banishing my Shaddoll Beast for Dark Armed Dragon's effect.

Salem said as her corrupted dragon swung its drill first into skyscrapers, decimating the cityscape.

Now, I play Feind Sanctuary for another token.

Salem said as a metal fiend token was seen emerging from a green seal on the floor, (0 ATK / 0 DEF). She then turned to Aster.

You should be the one to recognize my next card, even though he never got the time to show it to you.

"Why would I-" Aster said before recalling something from his past, his father mentioning a card he was excited to show, but was unable to see it after his death, "You wouldn't dare." He said with a scowl.

I offer these three tokens as a tribute to my bloodstained monster.

Salem spoke as the tokens faded away, red ripples on the floor.

Arise, Destiny Hero – Plasma!

The ground erupted with a pillar of blood, revealing a vampiric antihero with bat wings and a draconic head on the right arm, (1900 ATK / 600 DEF).

And with its effect, I can absorb Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer to gain half its original attack points.

"What!?" Aster said as Plasma spread its wings, causing a crimson wind to pour over the area. He looked to his fusion, seeing its body metal away before bursting into a grey mist that was absorbed into Plasma's wings. As the winds stopped, the imprisoned monster was seen beyond the barrier of flesh in the wings, (1900 + 1250 = 3150 ATK).

Dark Armed Dragon will attack you directly, and Plasma will finish you off!

As both monsters rush Aster, Jaden reveals his other facedown card, "I activate Super Junior Confrontation. Now, your Dark Armed Dragon must battle my Wroughtweiler." He said as the corrupted Dragon obliterated the mechanic dog in one punch, "And not only does my trap end the battle phase, but also gives me Elemental Hero Heat and Polymerization back to my hand."

Delay it all you want; it will not change the result of this duel. I end with one card face down.

Aster turned to Jaden, "Thanks again, I owe you one that time as well."

"Don't mention it, let's take both these monsters down." Jaden said back, "I draw, and now I play Polymerization with fire and light Elemental Heroes from my hand." He said as the vortex formed behind him with a ray of light, "I fusion summon Elemental Hero Sunriser!" he said as the red armored hero emerged from the light, (2500 ATK / 1200 DEF). "Not only does he gain attack points for each attribute on my field, but he lets me add…Eh?" Jaden was saying until realizing a red aura around both his fusion monsters, "What's happened to them?"

Plasma also has one other effect. He can negate the effect of all the monsters you control.

"No way," Jaden said before gritting his teeth, "I switch Nova Master to defense mode and end my turn." He said his fiery hero took a knelt stance.

"My turn," Aster said as he looked at his hand, "Even if Plasma negates the effects, it only applies to those on the field. It doesn't affect the hand or graveyard." Aster thought as he looked at his options, then saw the play, "Here goes, I active Over Destiny. Now, I can special summon a Destiny Hero from my deck with half the level of one in my grave. So, with the level six Malicious, I can get out the level three Captain Tenacious!" he said as an orange-haired defender was seen on the field, (800 ATK / 800 DEF). "But don't think Malicious is done yet, I can remove him from play to summon another one from my deck." He said as a brown demonic antihero was seen, (600 ATK / 800 DEF). "And now, I summon Destiny Hero – Dimond Dude," Aster said as the blue clade jeweled antihero was seen, (1400 ATK / 1600 DEF).

Three monsters again, you are resourceful.

Salem spoke with a slight smile, "Finally, the moment you've been waiting for. I tribute all three of Destiny Heroes." He said all vanished with a looming shadow forming, "Come on, Destiny Hero – Dogma!" he said as the giant black armored antihero emerged, (3400 ATK / 2400 DEF). "He has just enough attack points to take down Plasma once and for all. Go, Cross Destiny Slasher!" The blades ejected from Dogma's forearm as he dashed in to meet the vampiric antihero in midair. However, a bolt of lightning stuck between the two, "What's going on?"

Suddenly, Jaden had a look of terror on his face. He knew what could cause a familiar lightning bolt like that. When he turned to Salem's field, the face down had revealed itself.

Super Polymerization. By discarding a card from my hand, I can fuse monsters on any of our fields. And I will choose my Plasma and your Dogma.

"WHAT!?" Aster said as the Destiny Hero monsters were pulled into the storm in the sky, creating a blot of lighting that stuck down over the area. Salem raised her hands, a wide smile on her face.

I create Destiny End Dragoon!

Emerging from the clouds was the new destiny monster. It had Dogma's body and blades, but the armor was warped with Plasma's vampiric and draconic nature. While he also had a dragon head on his left arm, another head was seen mounted on the chest, (3000 ATK / 3000 DEF).

"Impossible," Aster said in disbelief at the sight.

You should know by now that anything is possible,

Salem said before drawing at the start of her turn.

When you are living in a nightmare. Thanks to Dark Armed Dragon I can remove Plasma from my grave, As well as the Grave Squirmer I discarded last turn, to destroy your fusion monsters.

Salem said as the corrupted dragon annihilated both fusions with an uppercut each.

And since wiping one of you out has not been working, I shall let each of you bear the pain and have a monster attack you directly!

Salem declared as Dark Armed Dragon moved to Jaden, swatting him with his spiked tail to launch him a few dozen meters away. At the same time, the End of Destiny Heros slashed Aster with the blade arm, which emitted a soul-splitting black fire. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Both Hero duelists screamed as they lost a massive chunk of their life points.

Jaden: 3300 – 2800 = 500 Life Points

Aster: 4000 – 3000 = 1000 Life Points

That ends my turn.

Salem spoke as her duo of monsters were at each of her sides. Alster remained hypervalent as he held his chest, reading from the slash. He looked to the embodiment of darkness, his body trembling, "How do sd beat this!?" he thought to himself, "There's no way, it can't be done, are we just going to lose-" he said before seeing Jaden walk up, still wobbling from the hit he took.

"It's my turn," Jaden said drew, "No matter the obstacle, I'm not going to let you get away with all you've done." He said before using the card he drew, "I play Legacy of a Hero to return the two fusions heroes into my extra deck to draw three cards."

Oh, is that what the hero says?

Salem asked before closing her eyes.

Know your role. You are no hero; you are my King.

"I don't understand why you keep calling me that, or why you want to make me into that monster I was last year." Jaden said before taking a card out of his hand, "But I know one thing, I'm not letting you get the dark world you're after! I activate O – Oversoul to summon the light Elemental Hero I used for my fusion last turn." He said as a card ejected from his grave in white light, "Meet Elemental Hero Neos!" the spirited Slifer Red said as the contact hero emerged onto the battlefield, (2500 ATK / 2000 DEF).

"I didn't even know about a normal Elemental Hero like that." Aster commented in slight shock.

What could he possibly do? That one has no chance of def-

Suddenly a bolt of lightning stuck by her, causing her to gasp at the realization. Jaden then held the card in his hand, "I play my Super Polymerization!" he said before discarding a different spell card, "This time, the two monsters fusing are my Neos and your Dark Armed Dragon!" he said both monsters entered the vortex, causing the lighting sticks to become more a teal color, "Now meet Armed Neos!" descending was a massive version of the contact hero with blue, red, and black armor plates. As well as three sets of blade wings as he flexed his arms, the shockwave ran throughout the arena. with it, (3500 ATK / 3000 DEF). One bolt of lightning shot out in a direction far away from the others.

A distance away.

Pyrrha and Neo helped each other walk as they approached the storming battleground of the duel. Suddenly, they had to shield themselves from a bolt of lightning that crashed down. As they looked over at the impact site, the bodies of Chazz, Alexis, and Bastion were seen. Each slowly started to regain consciousness.

"What happened?" Bastion spoke as he stood up.

"How are we here?" Alexis responded, holding her head.

"Ah, my head! How are we even-" Chazz was saying until his duel spirits swarmed his body.

"BOSS!" the Ojama Brothers said as hugged him with tears in his eyes, despite him trying to push them away.

Pyrrha and Neo still looked on, speechless at the sight. However, the mute pro duelist felt a voice inside her speak, "This was his doing, like what he did for us." Yubel said, "By using Super Polymerization, he was able to rewrite the fusion of cards and souls to create something new. As well as return the parts he needed to their corrected state." The duel spirit explained as Neo nodded, looking off at the storm where the battle continued.

Back at the duel.

"Armed Neos, attack with Ten Million Volt Smasher!" Jaden said as Armed Neos rushed in with its right arm pulled back, building the teal energy. Destiny End Dragoon tried to crash with a draconic claw, but as the fists collided, it was Salem's fusion that was overwhelmed by the power and exploded.

Salem: 6900 – 500 = 6400 Life Points

Tsk.

"That ends my turn." Jaden said before looking to Aster, "This is our chance."

Aster had a look of shock then smiled as he stood up, "Right, my turn." He said before seeing the results, making him smile, "I may not have the fancy fusion cards you have, but this one is fine by me. I activate Fusion Destiny!" he said as yellow light formed behind him, "From my deck, I send Destiny Hero – Celestial, Decider, and Disk Commander." He said as the silhouette of a massive knight with an executioner's sword was seen, as well as a type of ring that held its cape, "Come on, Destiny Hero Dominance!" the light faded to reveal the grey amor and blade of the antihero knight, a red 'D' marked on his chest to match his eyes, (2900 ATK / 2600 DEF).

"Nice one," Jaden commented.

"I'm not done yet; Dominance will allow me to look at the top five cards of my deck and pick the order of them." Aster said before doing so, then pointed, "Now time to slay this Witch with Deadman's Last Slash!" the destined pro duelist said as his fusion rushed in, slashing Salem across the torso. She was lunched back, siding on her heels before coming to a stop.

Salem: 6400 – 2900 = 3500 Life Points

"I end my turn," Aster responded as he and Jaden each stood with their fusion on the field, leading to their opponent drawing a card.

This last stand will not go unpunished. I play Pot of Greed.

Salem said as she drew two cards. Smiling at one of them.

I summon Phantom of Chaos in defense mode.

Salem spoke a black formed on the battlefield, remained a white aura round in, (0 ATK / 0 DEF).

With this monster, I can banish one from by gave to gain its effect.

She said as the black mist formed into the shape of the End of Density Heroes fusion monster.

With Destiny End Dragoon and forfeiting my battle phase, I can use his effect to destroy one monster and inflict damage to you equal to its attack on the field.

She said before pointing to Armed Neos, causing Jaden to gasp.

Goodbye.

The embodiment of darkness said as her Phantom of the Destiny End Dragon unleashed a black flame that engulfed Armed Neos, causing him to explode. The fire started to rain down on Jaden as he tried to shield himself. But an orb of light protected him.

What!?

Salem gasped as even Jaden was confused, unharmed from the attack.

"I used my Destiny Hero – Decider's effect in the graveyard." Aster spoke, "By returning him to my hand, I can negate the effect damage of your card effect." He then grinned as he looked back to Jaden, "That's one you owe me now." He said as the spirited Slifer Red smiled back.

Then I shall end my turn.

At the same time as Salem's end phase. Dominance exploded in a grey blast. "Due to using Fusion Destiny on my turn, Dominance is destroyed at the next end phase." Aster spoke, "But he now allows me to summon three more Destiny Heroes from my graveyard." As the smoke cleared, the three monsters were his Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer, (2500 ATK / 2100 DEF). Diamond Dude, (1400 ATK / 1600 DEF), and a light blue antihero with CDs mounted on his body, (300 ATK / 300 DEF). "And since one was Disk Commander, he lets me draw two cards." He said before doing so.

Jaden drew his card but took it another from his hand, "I set these and end my turn."

"My move," Aster spoke before drawing, "I'll use Diamond Dude's effect to mill the top card off my deck. And if it's a spell, it's used on my next turn." He said as the top card of his deck was sent, showing as Misfortune.

Intending to use that card to burn me will not work, for this is your last turn.

Salem spoke, but Aster continued his play, "I summon Destiny Hero – Decider." He said as the fined antihero was seen on the field with a blue flame aura, (1600 ATK / 1000 DEF). "And I'll use the effect Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer to eliminate two cards on the field. And I pick my Disk Commander and your Phantom of Chaos!" he said as both cards exploded, "You have nothing left, no traps to save you."

Are you sure? You seem to have sprung a trap of a different kind.

Salem said Aster had a look of confusion. Then saw the black void around them change. Rather than the pitch blackness, tiny balls of light were seen. It then occurred to both hero duelists that these were stars in the galaxy. They seemed to be in deep space, a vast pocket of the universe unlike what had seen before. Suddenly, both looked up at a black orb with an aura of light. Rather, it was as if the light was pulled into the orb. Salem then took a card from her hand.

When a monster I control is destroyed by a non-targeting effect, I can summon forth the true horror of the deepest ends of the universe. I summon Dark Hole Dragon.

At that moment, the black orb began to eliminate a monster of colossal size. A hollow dragon whose body was made of dark matter loomed overall. Throughout space and the stars, it appeared as the true embodiment of shadows overpowering light, (3000 ATK / 2000 DEF).

"How can a monster be that big?" Jaden responded in dread.

"It feels like an entire galaxy is looking down on us." Aster commented, "But that doesn't bother me. Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer lowers your monster's attack by 200 for each Hero in my graveyard, and I have eight in there now." He said as the crimson antihero pulsated a red aura, weaking the galactic dragon, (3000 – (8 X 200) = 1400 ATK). "Destroyer, lead the charge and end this duel!" the destined pro duelist said as his fusion monster changed towards Dark Hole Dragon with Decider and Diamond Dude following. If all attacks went through, it was enough to wipe out the rest of Salem's life points. However, as Aster smiled at his potential victory, he noticed a black feather falling near his face, "Huh?" he said before looking up at his fusion monster, seeing him in a headlock with a fallen angel from behind.

"That monster looks like Honest!" Jaden commented.

Yes, but this is Dark Honest. By discarding it during a battle with my dark monster, I can lower the attack of your monster by its power. Making it effectively zero.

"No way!" Aster responded as a black aura encompassed Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer, (2500 – 2500 = 0 ATK).

Now, end his existence my Dark Hole Dragon with Blackest Abyss Cannon!

At that moment, the white orb on the galactic dragon's chest went black before unleashing a beam with the force of a quasar explosion. The beam vaporizer all of Aster's monsters, leaving nothing left.

"Aster!" Jaden called before it was about to hit the destined pro duelist but was too late. Salem smiled at finally taking down one of her opponents. However, that smile faded as the smoke cleared.

"I'm not going to let some Witch decide my destiny." Aster spoke in front of was new antihero monster, one with an orange body wrapped in a type of bindings, "I use the effect of my Destiny Hero – Dynatag." He said with his monster glowing in the type of energy, "By discarding him from my hand, I can negate the battle damage I would take. However, we all take 1000 damage each."

Fool, that will just defeat both of you now.

"Not if I do this!" Jaden responded, "I reveal Emergency Provisions. For ditching the other spell I set, I can regain 1000 life points."

"I had a feeling you had something like that." Aster said before looking to Jaden, "I got her in range, the rest is up to you." Aster spoke before Dynatag exploded, knocking him back and onto the ground unconscious. Jaden shielded himself from the attack and was still standing afterwards. The blast then enveloped Salem as well, who remained enraged at this outcome.

Jaden: 500 + 1000 – 1000 = 500 Life Points

Aster: 1000 – 1000 = 0 Life Points

Salem: 3500 – 1000 = 2500 Life Points

Even at the end, he was an annoyance. However, with his end, my Dark Hole Dragon allows me to add a spell to my hand.

Salem said as a card ejected from her deck, followed by her drawing. She then looked back at Jaden struggling to get up from the shockwave of the blast. At the same time, the galactic dragon regained its attack points, (1400 + 1600 = 3000 ATK).

Now for your demise. Dark Hole Dragon attacks you directly!

Salem commanded as her galactic monster unleashed its blast again. Jaden gasped before taking a card out of his hand, "I special summon Elemental Hero Spirit of Neos to block your attack!" He said as a light shined in space. Descending down was the astral form of the contact hero to intercept the hit, enduring it for his duelist, (2500 ATK / 2000 DEF). "And he cannot be destroyed by battle." The spirited Slifer Red said as the blast weakened before stopping fully. "And with his effect, I can add a spell to my hand that mentions an elemental hero from my deck to my hand." He said as he was fully standing up.

But your hero can still be destroyed by card effects, while mine is immune to them. I shall use the spell I added to my hand with my monster's effect. Dark Hole.

Salem spoke a void appeared in the middle of the battle arena, sucking in Spirit of Neos, but not the galactic dragon. The embodiment of darkness then took the last card in her hand.

I will set one monster and end my turn.

"Then it's my move!" Jaden said as he drew, placing the card in his hand before activating another one, "I play Convert Contact, allowing me to discard Neo-Spacian Glow Moss from my hand and Flame Scarab from my deck to the graveyard so that I can draw two cards." He said before doing so, playing another spell card, "I activate the card I added with Spirit of Neos before, Mirical Contact! Returning my Neos and Flare Scarb into my deck," Jaden said as both monsters dove into the galaxy beyond Dark Hole Dragon, then returning as burning monsters, "I contact fuse for Elemental Hero Flare Neos!" the black and red armored contact hero was seen, (2500 ATK / 2000 DEF). Jaden took another spell out of his hand, "Next, I play Neo Space, which will give Flare Neos 500 more attacks, but also he gains 400 attacks for each spell and trap on the field." He said that the darkness around him was replaced with a colorful space that empowered the red-armored contact hero with a fiery aura, (2500 + 500 + 400 = 3400 ATK). "Attack Dark Hole Dragon with Burning Strike." Jaden declared as his monster rushed into Dark Hole Dragon, crashing into its core and through the back of its chest. Light began to erupt as the galactic dragon roared before exploding in a cosmic flare.

Salem: 2500 – 400 = 2100 Life Points

"I end my turn, and thanks to my field spell, my monster does not return to the extra deck."

My turn, and I flip summon my set monster, Naelshaddoll Ariel.

Salem spoke after her draw as the blue-haired girl locked in the amber shell was seen, (1000 ATK / 1800 DEF).

And with her flip effect, I can special summon a banished Shaddoll monster to the field in a face-up defense position. And I will pick my Shaddoll Squamata.

The embodiment of darkness is said to a gold-armored lizard of shadows was seen, (1800 ATK / 1000 DEF). She then took a card out of her hand.

Now I play my Nephe Shaddoll Fusion, equipping it to my Ariel. With it, she now becomes a light monster, and allowing me to fusion summon the last monster you shall see.

Salem said as the Naelshaddoll gained a white aura before she and Squamata were sucked into a purple vortex.

I create Shaddoll Construct!

Suddenly, an enormous autonomous woman emerged from the vortex. While not as large as the galactic dragon, it towered over all while looking down with a solemn expression, (2800 ATK / 2500 DEF).

Like before, Squamata allows me to also send a Shaddoll from my deck to the grave. And by picking Shaddoll Dragon, I can destroy the field spell.

With that card sent, Neo Space shattered. Jaden gasped as his Flare Neos lost its burning aura, (3400 – 900 = 2500 ATK).

Now, my Construct will attack. But since she is battling a special summoned monster, it is destroyed before damage calculations. Finish him with Merciless Dissection!

Salem called out as Construct grabbed Flare Neos with both hands gripping its whole body before it was shattered into bits. The embodiment of darkness then looked at the last card in her hand, the Puruhaddoll Aeon she added to her hand near the start of the duel.

I'll set one card facedown and end my turn. It would be wise for you to give up now. If you do, I will allow you to willingly turn back into the King again. But if you continue, I shall have to do so by force.

"If you think I'm going to give up now, when everyone has fought so hard, think again!" Jaden said as he was about to draw.

…What is the point of being a hero?

Salem asked as Jaden paused his draw.

Why do you spend your life fighting an endless conflict? To success and defeat an enemy that will only return stronger, or for a new enemy you have a higher chance of losing to. You fight and win, fight and win, fight and win, fight…and you lose. All for what, more time in the light?

Salem spoke as Jaden moved his hand off his deck.

Your friends that have been fighting all this time on the island, are all but defeated. Would you say their ending was heroic?

As Salem spoke, the Duel Academy Island was nearly fully encased in a dark orb. Against the Trueman in the woods, Coco fell to her knees as her body began to fade into darkness, the Paradox bother behind vanishing in a black mist next to a tree. At Duel Adamay, all the duelists defending the line had fallen. Tyranno tried to lift himself but was not able to even open his eyes anymore. In the middle of the island, Velvet looked over at Sienna and Glynda recoiling from a final attack, landing on their backs before they faded as well. She then turned to Sora, who was already gone, leaving only a candy on the ground. Velvet then looked back at the portal in a panic, her heart racing as the Trueman circled her with malicious smiles. She then shut her eyes in dread.

What is the point of being a hero when there is no one left to save?

"…" Jaden lowered his head, clenching his fists. While he was silent for a moment, he then spoke up, "Even if something seems hopeless, giving up means none of it was worth it then." He said as Salem scowled, "I keep going until the end because that makes it all worth it. For knowing I can change something for the betterment of others." The spirited Slifer Red said before raising his head, "If not in my life, then for the next one to live without having to suffer under the pain I have endured!"

But why should you be the one to suffer? Why not let others bear the pain instead of you?

"You act like it's just me or nothing." Jaden responded, "All my friends have been fighting as well. They have the same pain, but we all keep moving forward." He said before turning to Aster and continuing, "Even if some of us fall, the rest carry the will to see this battle through to the end." The spirited Slifer Red then looked back to Salem, "And now, it's my turn, and I draw!" Jaden said as he drew the only card he had in his hand, then played in on the field with a smile on his face, "I play HERO Flash!" he said a blinding light filled the dark void.

What!? That's impossible! That card requires you to banish four specific spell cards and you only play one of them. When did you-

Salem said in shock before her mind instantly recalled the moments in her head. When Jaden used Emergency Provisions, the card he ditched was R – Righteous Justice. Then when he played Super Polymerization, he discarded a spell card, which was H – Heated Heart. Also, on Jaden's first turn when using Card Trooper. While the one trap were Hero Signal and Limit Reverse, the spells were E – Emergency Call.

Did he plan this from the beginning!?

"Now all four cards were banished. With the first effect of this card, I can special summon a normal Elemental Hero from my deck. And I think it's time for his return, so welcome back Neos!" Jaden said as the contact Elemental Hero was seen again, (2500 ATK / 2000 DEF). "Finally, I can attack you directly with my Neos this turn." Jaden said before pointing, "Go, end this with Wrath of Neos." With that Neos leap over Shaddoll Construct. Salem looked up in astonishment as the contact hero descended at high speed, his right arm in chopping motion as it glowed with a sliver aura. She held her duel disk to block the attack at the point of contact, Neos hand broke through the duel disk and into her left shoulder, smashing through it and part her upper torso with an eruption of light.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Salem's screaming echoed throughout the void, the darkness rippling as her life points hit zero.

Salem: 2100 – 2500 = 0 Life Points

At Duel Academy Island, the veil of darkness shattered. Velvet had her eyes closed for a bit longer before opening them, looking in confusion as all Trueman faded away. Also, the bodies of Glynda, Sienna, and Sora returned, each regaining consciousness. At the academy entrance, Tyranno's eyes shot open as he looked over to see the last Trueman fade away. He then saw the Malachite twins and Tyler sisters slowly awaken as well. In the forest, Coco found herself awakened with Trueman gone, the Paradox brothers behind her regaining consciousness as well.

At the duel's end, Construct and Neos faded, while Salem's body fell on her back. Her breathing was heavy as she tried to hold the wound but was not healing. She then looked up to Jaden walking towards her, "It's over now." He spoke to her.

…Yes…I suppose so.

Salem said with a somber look on her face, then saw Jaden sit next to her. "I told you why I kept going." He said while looking at her, "Now, it's your turn." The spirited Slifer Red asked as Salem's eyes widened, but she sighed while looking up.

In the past, I was a mage for the king who wanted to rule the world with the power of darkness. With years of research, I granted his wish, and he became the Supreme King. However, his fall was soon to come. The Darkness I made stained the soul throughout time and reincarnation. It can be passed in small forms to others as you have seen. However, its full power would need to be inherited by the next of kin.

"The prince," Jaden added, "Was it you who turned Yubel into a Duel Spirit as well?"

I was. You see, the prince was still young, naïve, and weak. However, he had a gentle heart. He needed protection from those who would want that power. But in the end, it was not enough. Yubel was left mangled with her soul barely intact. And then the prince, who was now my King, had died.

Salem said as black tears rolled down her eyes. "Oh," Jaden said in a somber voice, but realizing something, "Wait, if the darkness goes to the next of kin, what happens if there wasn't anyone?"

Instead of going down the familial line, it had to move upwards. Which meant I had to inherit the Darkness, the last person who could fully inherit the power.

"Then, that would make you-" Jaden said as Salem interrupted.

He was more than the prince or my king. And I was willing to do anything to get him back. Even if it meant waiting until his soul would reincarnate into a new body.

Salem then turned her head towards Jaden, reaching her right hand to him.

I did all of this, even if you would hate me in the end, because that is what a mother must do.

"…" Jaden looked back with a somber expression, "Everything that you've done, everyone you have manipulated, and all bodies you have piled below yourself. I can never forgive you." He said as her hand was about to fall, but the spirited Slifer Red caught it with his right hand, "But I don't hate you, not when I see why you did what you did." He said before placing her hand on her stomach, then stood up, "I just wish in the next life you meet your son again."

Salem looked up at him, her eyes closing for a moment. However, her eyes were a normal white with blue irises, "Thank you, Jaden Yuki." She said before closing her eyes again for the last time, a smile on her face as she faded away with the darkness. Jaden looked down for a few more seconds before turning to Aster, who slowly regained consciousness.

"Uh… did you win?" Aster asked as he got up, holding his head as he looked to Jaden, who nodded once back, "Oh, good." He said before looking down, seeing the Destiny Hero – Plasma card. He picked it up, a small smile forming, "We did it, Dad." He said to himself before putting the card in his deck.

Suddenly a large tremor shook the area, "What caused that?" Jaden asked.

"I don't know," Aster responded, "But I think if the person controlling this realm is gone, we shouldn't be here!"

"Right!" Jaden said as he and Aster ran back towards Neo and Pyrrha. They traversed the shattering darkness, seeing cracks forming around them. Eventually, they found the mute and magnetic duelist, but with the trio of the spirited heroes' friends as well, "Great, we're all here!" he said before looking over the area, "Okay, now to find that portal back." he said as the others look as well, but nothing noticeable was seen in the collapsing void.

"…!" Neo panicked as her iris went white, but she then felt something odd. Her throat closed for a moment as she coughed. Jaden looked at her in worry first before the mute pro duelist coughed again, hacking up a small orb of light.

"Buddy!" Jaden said to the orb that floated near his face, but then saw it float off in a direction, causing him to have a realization, "Everyone, follow me!" Jaden said as he led the group by following the orb of light. They ran as the tremors became more violent, seeming like in a matter of seconds, all was going to be destroyed. However, Jaden gasped at the sight of the portal now visible in the distance, "There it is!" He called out as the others saw it as well, "Jump for it!"

Back on Duel Academy Island, Velvet tried to hold the rapidly shaking mechanical arm. Even with the help of Sienna, Glynda, and Sora. It was getting out of control and overheating, "Just a bit longer, please!" Velvet pleaded before seeing the portal ripple. Suddenly, Jaden jumped out of the portal. Soon after were Chazz and Alexis, followed by Aster, Pyrrha, and Neo. Last was Bastion who immediately ran over to Velevt, "You made it!"

"We did, but it's not over yet!" Bastion said while taking the mechanical arm out of Velvet's hand. He turned off the portal and inputted a code, but the arm still glowed in white light, "Oh no, I cannot reverse it, the reactor's still gonna blow!" Bastion announced before the others panicked. Suddenly, Bastion had an idea, "Everyone, take cover!" he said as the others ducked while he looked towards the distant sky. With a calculated angle, raised leg, and perfect pitch, the Posh Ra Yellow threw the arm at high speed into the sky. The first spun like a football as it reached the apex of its height, and at the same moment, detonated. An explosion eclipsed Duel Academy, sending a shockwave throughout the whole island. Luckily, the fire dissipated in the sky before it could reach the trees. Only a plume of smoke remained that was blowing away with the clouds. Bastion looked on with heavy breathing, holding his right shoulder due to the force of his throw.

"Nice arm," Jaden said with a smile as he patted Bastion on the back, "Forgot how good you were from baseball."

Bastion had a light chuckle before Velvet tackled him to the ground with a hug, "Bastion, that was so cool!" She said with a joyful smile, "You saved all of us!" she said before kissing him on the right cheek, causing his face to go red, as he had no formula for this situation.

Jaden giggled before turning to Sienna, who was helping Glynda recover from the shockwave. She gave him a slight nod and a smile, to which he responded in kind. The Spirited Slifer Red turned to see Alexis helping Neo while Sora hugged her partner with tears in his eyes. He then saw Chazz speaking with Aster and Pyrrha about what had happened in the void. For a moment, it felt like they all had won and it was over.

Meanwhile.

"My, it's a little early for the fireworks?" Yuri said as he looked at the sky, seeing the dark auras fade, then shrugged, "Still, I guess that pale woman was not as difficult as I thought if someone else could beat her." He said as he walked towards a nearby cave, "I guess I can give whoever won that duel the honor of the final match of this tournament." He said as his eyes glowed in a violet aura as he entered the cave, "But first, a warmup match."

AN: There you go, the story of Salem in this series is finally revealed and concluded. In this continuity, I liked the connection of it and hopefully makes sense for parts leading up in this story, (To clarify, she is not Jaden's literal mom, but the mother of the prince whose soul reincarnated into Jaden many years later). Before that reveal we had an insane 2v1 tag duel with the Hero users against the queen of darkness. This had a lot of cool bosses used and strong plays. Salem dominated the two with her overpowered dark monsters, including my favorite card art for monsters in Dark Hole Dragon, (Which I like the foil of Jaden's Neos with this card from Salem. Both are space monsters but one is about expanding past the star with bright colors, while the other is about pulling in all light into a colorless void. They even have the 2500 verse 3000 stat line for rival monster going on, I love it so well for me here). She is also the one who makes Destiny End Dragoon here, which I thought was a cool twist. Jaden making Armed Neos was cool and my favorite play of his, other than his last move. And Aster was super good with his plays, he just did not draw any traps to save him, but his partner had his back. To address something people may have wondered, there are some Destiny Heros that have effects to Jaden as well in the duel. I decided to work them in for the tag theme to be more dynamic here, and I feel it was the right call. The only one I was limiting with was DPE, since if you think of his effects in a tag setting like this, it is even more of a busted card than anything else. So, I only had it work with Aster's graveyard for the Hero lowering attack effect. I also rewatched the duel were these two went against Serena and it inspired me to make a lot of their plays mirror each other in their own way here. After the duel, Salem gets a more dignified end than most of the villains here as the Darkness is finally defeated. The gang escapes, Winged Kuriboh comes back for a quick assist again, and Bastion of all people saves the day a Hail Mary arm throw of a nuke. Now, we are in the final three: Jaden, Weiss, and Yuri. how will be the next to fall, and how will be left to win it all? That's all for now, thanks for reading, and hope to see you in the next chapter.

Now, time to answer some questions. I had a question about Aigami and his Cubic cards, I think they're neat. The cards might have been another option for Salem's deck, but I still like Shaddoll cards, and they even are getting added to Duel Links now. Aigami himself is also cool, a very interesting villain for a movie with a lot more complexity than we see nowadays. I don't have a reason for him to show up in this series, but he is one of my favorites from the film. Spoilers if you have not seen the Dark Side of Dimensions movie, which you should, it is awesome! I did like who despite being the main villain in that mini tournament, he lost to Yugi in the match before Yugi dueled Kaiba. It was a nice moment in my mind for the setting up of the true final duel. Going into that, I was also told about Crispy Synchron and his Yu-gi-oh fan animations, and they're cool, and you should check them out too. Ironically, it does look like the RWBY web series with 3D animation. If I was better at that type of animation, would do that for this fanfic to recreate all the chapters on YouTube. Those were all the questions I had, feel free to ask more, and I will answer them in the next chapter.