Hey all this was uploaded as a double feature. Please make sure you've read the previous chapter first!
Epilouge
Standing in the entry to the Akaba Tower, eight people with very similar yet different appearances were conversing.
"So, what do you think Declan's called us here for?" Yuya asked Yuto,
"Not sure. You have any clue?"
"No." Yuya's reply was somewhat mournful,
"Maybe it has something to do with that Den City that sprouted up out of nowhere." Lulu said, joining their conversation,
"Perhaps. I've heard they focus on Link Summoning, kinda like what our Dimensions did." Rin gossiped,
"That would be interesting. You think they were another Dimension?"
"Ren and I have already had that conversation," Izumi informed them, a takeaway cup of coffee in her hand, "But we doubt it. You know how you four boys have a Dragon of your respective Dimension's summoning method? Well, Ren had the Link Dragon, not some Yu-something from a Link Dimension."
"Right!" Yuya exclaimed, "What do you and Ren think about it then?"
"Well, Izumi and I think that Den existed in the Original Dimension and the reunification of the Dimensions have returned it to its rightful place. But I suppose only time will tell." Ren interjected, and at that moment, the only pair of counterparts not present had arrived,
"We're finally here." Celina announced, Yuri shooting an almost dirty look at her with how she announced their presence,
"Great to see you!" They were greeted, and it was at that moment when a tone informed them that the PA had blared to life,
"Thank you all for gathering here today," Declan Akaba's voice announced over the system, "In a moment you will be guided to my office." And not a minute later, an assistant had guided them to the elevator and taken them up. Entering into the vast penthouse office, they were all greeted by Declan Akaba sitting behind his desk, his trademark red scarf elegantly flowing behind him, his hands clasped as if he was in contemplation. Seeing them, Declan stood up.
"As I said before, thank you all for taking the time to be here today," he smiled, "As it happens, I have recently come across information that would require me to send out a team, and I feel as though you all are my best, so I have decided to send you all."
"What will you have us do?" Zuzu asked,
"I'm glad you asked. I trust you've all heard of the newly found Den City?" Everyone nodded in confirmation, "Good. Well, I've received intel that something is about to be occurring in Den City that may affect everyone, not just its citizens. Plus, they stand as a relative unknown, so I need more information about matters like their infrastructure and lifestyle as well as important corporations and governmental figures. After all, we do exist in a rather tumultuous time."
"OK. And why us specifically?" Yuya asked,
"Well, as I said before, you're all some of my best. And as a result, since my intel also has mentioned that competitive dueling is something that will most certainly be taking place, you all stand in a delicate position of being the best duelists in the former four Dimensions that I am aware of that I am certain I can trust. As a result, I am sending you all. You will all have different tasks, of course, but you will be working together in order to achieve the same final goal: Find out who runs Den City and investigate the mysterious city-wide nexus that our scans have picked up on. Find out if Den City will be friend or foe. Are there any questions beyond your roles?" Declan's grey gaze pierced the ten duelists, who all shook their heads,
"So, what will you have us do?" Ren asked,
"Well," Declan smiled, "Let's get right to that."
Hey all, thank you all so much for reading! It feels very strange to be writing this AN, as it's the last one I'll ever write for this fic. Speaking of, I finally finished Pendulum of Darkness! Thank you all to everyone who has shown their support over this past year and a half, and I hope from the bottom of my heart that you all have enjoyed this fic if you reached this far.
As I said last chapter, I really did intend to have this out over a month ago, but a variety of IRL events prevented me from getting this out sooner. But here we are now, at the very end of the fic, even if it took a slight delay.
Some final thoughts from me about this story which I've been writing for 2-odd years now. Would I have written anything differently if I could go back? Yes, I would. There are so many things from the earlier parts of this story that when I reread I only see possibilities, so maybe I'll go back and improve those chapters one day. Have I regretted anything? Not particularly. Every chapter was written to the best of my ability when I was writing it, so it's obvious that some of the earlier chapters might seem slightly cringy or strange in hindsight, at least from my perspective.
So, what comes next? Well, as I've mentioned, and as you can guess from this chapter, there will be a sequel to this fic published sometime in the near future. It will be called Pendulum of Circuits and on it will be listed as an ARC-V/VRAINS crossover so keep an eye out for it! I already have most of the first 'season' of 20 chapters planned out, so maybe expect it sometime late this month or early in the new year.
Thank you all so much for reading, and a special thanks to Aquatic Dragoness for creating Izumi and her deck, as well as allowing me to use her in this fic, so thank you very much Aqua! A further special thanks to everyone who has reviewed or commented over the course of this fic, to everyone who favourited and left kudos and to everyone who gave this a shot, regardless of if you're reading this on publication or down the line.
Unfortunately, I will be unable to respond to reviews now, so if you do have a question you wish to ask me, please do shoot me a PM, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!
Thank you all again, and for the last time, in this fic at least, goodbye. I hope to see you all again someday on another of my works, be it already on sites or future works. I hope you all have a good day and I'll see you all later - NightWingBOI
