In the middle of a park, a silver haired boy rested on the grass, with his head facing the glimmering night sky.
The boy held four cards in his left hand while reaching for the stars with his right.
"Together...we'll reach the top...we'll be the strongest in the world..." The boy spoke as if he were talking to someone nearby.
"Talking to your imaginary friends again?" A voice spoke out from behind the boy.
"C'mon, you know they are just as real as you and I...and you also know they don't like being called imaginary..." The boy groaned as he heard a faint laughter from the approaching person.
"Relax, they know I'm just kidding."
The boy shifted his gaze from the night sky to the speaker, who was a maroon haired girl that wore a necklace with a blue pendulum pendant.
The girl inspected the boy a bit, noticing his dirty clothing and the scratch marks on his arms and face.
"You've been out here all night, haven't you?" The girl questioned in a concerned tone as she stood over the boy.
"Well, I came here earlier to get in some training duels with anyone who wanted a piece of the future world champion." The boy smugly said.
"I see..." The girl sighed, knowing full well how overly confident the boy could be sometimes.
"And after all the duels...everyone went home...to their families...so I just stayed here..." The boy said with a sad look in his eyes, causing the girl to frown.
The girl sighed once more before lowering herself to the ground and resting her head on the boy's shoulder, which made the boy cheeks gain a pink hue.
"...You're not alone...they're are people that care about you..." The girl said as she intertwined her hand with his open hand. "You'll always have them...and you'll always have me too..."
The boy briefly looked at the cards in his left hand before turning to the girl.
"You promise, Ray?"
"I promise, Zarc."
"Who the hell is Zarc?!"
Yuzu blankly stared at Yuya, almost as if she was in a trance after uttering the name of someone who she had never heard of.
After being ignored, Serena approached her two friends while Rin and Ruri made their way to their respective boys.
"Yuzu! Yuya! What the hell is going on?! Snap out of it!" Serena yelled at the two.
As she shook the two, Yuzu snapped back to reality while Yuya began to open his eyes.
"...Yuzu...?" Yuya uttered as he regained consciousness. But as he looked up at the girl, the image of a girl with maroon hair that he saw in a dream just now overlapped Yuzu's image.
"Yuya..." Yuzu uttered as she saw the image of a silver haired boy from a vision she just had in Yuya's place.
The two shook off the confusion before embracing each other, causing Serena to smile in relief.
"Thank god..." Serena sighed in relief before being pulled into the hug by her two friends.
"Yugo! Yugo, wake up already! Yugo!" Rin shouted as she shook the boy who began to open his eyes.
"Y-Yuzu...?" Yugo said in confusion, causing the green haired girl's eyes to light up in fiery anger. The girl swiftly punched the boy in the gut, causing him to gasp for air.
"Yuzu?! After all this time, you seriously called me the wrong name?!" Rin angrily growled at the boy. Yugo looked on in pain, before his expression shifted as he realized who exactly he was talking to.
"...No way...this isn't just another dream or illusion...I'm actually seeing you this time...for real...?" Yugo uttered in disbelief as tears began to form in his eyes.
Rin expression also shifted as she looked at how emotional Yugo had become.
"...I'm here...Yugo..." Rin said with teary eyes.
"...Rin!" Yugo shouted as he hugged the girl, who smiled before hugging him back.
"Yuto...please wake up..." Ruri softly spoke as she kneeled down to Yuto. As she grabbed his hand, the boy's eyes began to open.
"...Ruri...?" Yuto deliriously questioned.
"Yes! It's me, Yuto! We're finally together again!" Ruri shouted with tears in her eyes.
Still in disbelief, Yuto raised his hand and cupped Ruri's face, feeling the tears dripping from her eyes.
"I...I can't believe it...after all this time...after all I've done to see you again...you're right here...with me..." Yuto uttered in shock as Ruri pressed her hand against his.
But to her surprise, Yuto closed his eyes and turned away from her.
"Ruri...I'm sorry for not being there to protect you...I'm sorry for not being strong enough to save you sooner...I'm-"
Yuto's scatter-brained thoughts were interrupted by a kiss from the girl he loved.
"...I always knew we would find each other somehow...and I was right..." Ruri said after breaking away from their kiss before hugging the boy.
Yuto let out an uncharacteristic smile before embracing his love.
"Aww, how heartwarming~"
Everyone's hearts dropped as they heard the voice of Yuri, who had risen to his feet.
"...You...!" Ruri uttered in fear as she gazed upon the grinning boy who had captured her.
"Greetings, everyone." Yuri sinisterly grinned.
OP 1 V2: No Pain No Game by Nano
The Ending Of This story
A diagonal image of Yuya amidst a Pendulum background with a bright smile.
I Will Hold It Close As I Wonder So Aimlessly
Below the image of Yuya is Yuto, standing in front of a Xyz portal with a stern yet warm look.
Into this New World
Above the two is Yugo, who stands before a Synchro backdrop with a goofy grin.
The Game Has Only Just Begun
The three hold up their aces, Odd Eyes, Dark Rebellion, and Clear Wing, as they close their eyes...
I Can See It In Your Eyes!
...the three open their eyes in sync with their iris' glowing red, indigo, and cyan respectively as their ace dragons shine, engulfing the screen.
(This Is Where Tomorrow Brings a New Game)
Yuya stands atop a hill overlooking Miami City, his jacket blowing in the wind as a Leo Corporation jet flies past LDS. Yuto is shown in front of the Duel Sanctuary, gazing at the ruined Heartland.
(It's Time To Learn That Pain Is Gain)
Yugo is riding his D-Wheel down a Duel Lane at night, the neon signs and billboards of City aglow with life as he passes by. Out on a boat in the sea, Yuri faces Academia, arms visibly crossed.
READY FIGHT!
Yuya appears riding atop of Odd-Eyes, who fills the screen with its signature Spiral Strike Burst!
(Instrumental)
Odd-Eyes' attack fades, revealing the Four Dimensions. The "Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V" logo appears, the words "Altered Destiny" beneath it. Yuya's Pendulum appears in the background, swinging back and forth before the logo fades. Zoom in on the Standard Dimension to see Yuya walking to You Show Duel School.
I Gotta Crush and Paint Away
The Lancers appear standing in front of the LDS logo. From left to right; Hokuto, Masumi, Yaiba , and Roy stand back-to-back, ready for battle, Yaiba holding his signature wooden katana over his shoulder.
The Anguish Of My Past For Sake Of My Future
Sawatari stands self-assure with a proud grin on his face. Yugo leans on his D-Wheel, sporting a big friendly grin. Rin was on the opposite side of the D-Wheel, sternly staring at the boy for not taking things seriously. Serena holds herself ready for battle with the faintest hint of longingness on her face.
Until My Life Comes To An End
Yuya and Yuzu stand close to each other, ready to face the coming battles together. Gongenzaka stands behind of the Standard Pair, arms folded with a steadfast gaze. Next to them is Crow, who has a battle-ready smirk on his face.
I'm Gonna Fight To Tear Apart That Destiny
Yuto, Ruri, and Shun stand side by side with battle-hardened expressions. But unbeknownst to Shun, Yuto and Ruri's hands were interlocked.
(Ahh-Ahh)
Tsukkikage kneels in front of the Akabas, holding an arm out in front of them in a declaration of protection. Reira hides behind Reiji.
Break Out And Start A Revolution
Rightmost is Sora, who is consumed by the shadow and looking away from the group. But two hands reach out to him, causing him to turn around towards the light. Sora smiles, taking the hands of Yuya and Yuzu before leaping out of the shadows with a childish grin.
Until You Find The Answer
Cut to the Standard, Xyz and Synchro counterparts together on a grassy hill, gazing at the starry night sky. Yuzu and Ruri rest their heads on Yuya and Yuto's shoulders respectively, who in turn drape an arm around them. Rin does the same with Yugo, who blushes redder than Yuya's hair. It is a touching scene….
You're Looking For!
… the screen falls to reveal the Fusion Counterparts falling into darkness. Yuri grins wickedly as his eyes are whited out by a violet glow. Behind him is the shadow of an older boy, face obscured with a monstruous, inhuman smile on his face. Above him, Serena holds out her hand, desperately trying to reach her former friend. The gem on her bracelet shines like a star, cutting through the miasma that surrounds them. Behind her is the golden spirit of an older girl, trying to reach out to the figure behind Yuri as tears flow. The older teens vanish as the Fusion Counterparts' silhouettes turn to black and a large, sinister pair of draconic eyes open wide behind them.
I'll Challenge All My Limits
Crow, Kiryu, the Black Rose Witch, and Jack race in a line on the highway and call forth their dragons; Black-Feather, Infernity Void, Black Rose, and Red Daemon's.
Knowing This Could Be My Only Chance Now
Yuzu and Serena stand together, striking their signature Fusion Summon poses in front of a full moon with petals dancing around them. From behind the two, Prodigy Mozart and Cat Dancer swirl into the fusion vortex and become Moonlight Serenade.
To Overcome This Fate That's Come Over Me
Ruri and Rin stand side by side with Assembly Nightingale and Winter Bell in front of them, looking ready for battle. But behind them are the looming shadows of their respective Fusion monsters; Independent Nightingale and Crystal Bell.
The Ending Of This Story
Yuto stands alone on a battle field with explosions occurring in the background. Yuto lets out a primal scream as Dark Rebellion Apocalypse Dragon roars, causing the field to erupt in flames.
I Will Hold It Close As I Wonder So Aimlessly
Yuya and Yugo closely race next to each other on the highway as Odd Eyes and Clear Wing clash in the sky. Yuya and Yugo scream in unison as their dragons evolve into Odd Eyes Wing and Crystal Clear Wing before continuing their arial battle. As the Accel Synchro monster begins to gain an advantage, Enlightenment Paladin descends from the sky while enveloped in a brilliant light. As Odd Eyes Wing is briefly knocked away, the evolved blue and gold paladin strikes Crystal Clear Wing's head with it's majestic blade, while Yuya and Yugo can't help but grin in excitement.
Into This New World
The scene changes to Yuya standing beneath a blue landscape. A pendulum swings above him, draw arcs of light across the sky. Yusho's face is shown over the center of the arcs, smiling down at his son with pride.
The Game Has Only Just Begun
Yuya reaches his hand out as the image of his father fades. He is shown to have a look of surprise on his face...
I Can See It In Your Eyes!
…which quickly turns into a triumphant smile!
(Instrumental)
The screen flashes to a beaten Crow standing across from a strange looking Jack Atlas, which clearly wasn't the real one, who had a variant of Red Daemon's on his field. The scene shifts to Yuto standing against Kiryu's Chaos Void Dragon with Vengeful Paladin on his field, who readied it's sword for battle. The scene changes to Yuzu and Rin struggling against the berserk Black Rose Witch who wore a cracked mask. Darkness Rose Death Dragon let out a violent screech as Prodigy Mozart and Winter Bell protectively flew in front of the two girls. The scene switches to Yuya and Yugo teaming up against the mastermind himself, Roget. A large machine-like titan which was shrouded in darkness towered over Odd Eyes and Clear Wing. At the two counterparts' command, the dragons charged forward before combining into Odd Eyes Wing Dragon while the titan lunged it's fist forward. As the two collided, a white flash engulfs the screen. The song ends with the Lancers on the highway (now including Crow, Ruri, Rin, and Sora) in the Synchro Dimension, looking up at the screen with the three Yu-boys in the center, with each of their eyes flashing a red, indigo, and cyan glow respectively.
"So it seems you two managed to break free. I guess the Doktor's idiotic planned failed, just as I expected it would." Yuri sighed before smirking. "I guess that just means I get to hunt you down again!"
"You bastard...I'll make you pay for capturing me and hurting Yugo!" Rin angrily growled as she stepped forward, but Yugo grabbed her arm in fear.
"I wouldn't try that again if I were you. After all, things haven't turned out well for you the past two times you've tried to go against me. In fact, everyone in this room has lost to me now...except for you..."
As Yuya met Yuri's gaze, a memory of Yuri with purple and yellow eyes grabbing his pendulum pendant flooded his mind, causing his eyes to widen.
"Y-Yuya..." Yuzu uttered in fear as she tried to snap Yuya out of whatever he was going through.
"No...you won't hurt them...I won't let you..."
Before Yuri could advance, Serena stepped into view from behind Yuzu and Yuya, much to Yuri's shock.
"...Serena...!" Yuri gasped, losing his signature grin. This surprised the group, who looked back and forth between the two fusion counterparts.
"You know him?!" Yuzu questioned, causing her fusion counterpart to between her friends and the purple haired boy.
"...What's wrong, Serena? Did you never tell your new friends about little old me...?" Yuri asked in an eery tone.
"I...I..." Serena struggled to speak as she saw the looks on her friends' faces.
"Wait...you're friends with the guy who kidnapped Rin?!" Yugo questioned in anger.
"And...you never told us you knew him?!" Yuto asked with a look of betrayal.
"...We aren't friends anymore...and I wanted to tell you...but..." Serena trailed off as her eyes caught glimpse of her standard counterpart.
"You knew what he did to Ruri and Rin...and what he tried to do to me...and you never said anything...?" Yuzu uttered as she was unable to make eye contact with the girl.
"Yuzu...I'm sorry...I wasn't trying to keep anything from you all. I was just...afraid..." Serena nervously explained before looking towards her teammate, who stared at the ground, unable to make eye contact with her.
"The person that you wanted to get through to...the person you wanted to save...was him...?" Yuya questioned while still looking at the ground.
Serena couldn't respond to the question with a reasonable answer, simply bowing her head towards the ground as a response.
"Aww, I'm flattered. If only you started to care about me before you tried to abandon me all those years ago, Serena. Maybe then things could have been different." Yuri snarled, his expression shifting from teasing to dark.
"Yuri...please...it doesn't have to be this way..." Serena shakily pleaded to the purple and pink haired boy.
"Oh Serena, you already know that isn't true." Yuri said, glaring at the girl before rushing towards as if he wasn't exhausted from the altercation that occurred minutes ago.
Serena was too messed up by the reactions of her friends to react to her former friend's assault. As she looked up with tears in her eyes, Yuri was quickly approaching with a sadistic grin plastered on his face.
"Let's go home together, Serena-"
Serena winced in fear as Yuri was inches away from her...but nothing ever happened. When she opened her eyes, she saw none other then Yuya in front of her, struggling to hold Yuri by the arm.
"So you can still move around even after all that just happened. You continue to impress." Yuri grinned.
"I won't let you...hurt anyone else!" Yuya cried, summoning his remaining strength to throw Yuri backwards.
"Heheheh...all this time I've been taking interest in Yuto...but you're the one I should have been keeping my eyes on, Yuya Sakaki. You're light might shine bright, but you're darkness may even be greater than mine." Yuri grinned.
"Shut up! Don't you dare talk to Yuya like that, monster!" Yuzu snapped, causing Yuri to sadistically turn his head towards her.
"Yuzu, Yuzu, Yuzu. The one who continues to keep getting away. The one who just undid ALL of my hard work capturing Ruri and Rin. Although I should be enraged, I'm sort of thankful. Because of you, I get to enjoy the hunt all over again. And as thanks, I'll give you a personal tour of Academia!" Yuri screamed as he began to approach Yuzu.
Yuya used all of his remaining stamina to protect Serena. Yugo and Yuto were too damaged. Rin and Ruri weren't fast enough. Serena was too shaken to even move.
As the boy quickly approached, Yuzu's vision began to shift.
Suddenly, Yuzu was surrounded by the arctic zone of the city-wide Action Field from the Miami Championships while dressed in Serena's Academia outfit. Yuzu looked on in horror as Yuri predatorily approached her with his dragon hovering above him.
"No...no...no...no..." Yuzu uttered, clawing her face as her eyes widened. Her breathing became sharp and painful while her legs shook.
Although only seconds had gone by, Yuzu felt like it was an eternity.
The thing she feared the most was about to happen. She was going to be separated from Yuya and everyone else she cared about. She was going to be sent to Academia, where a parasite would be placed in her head. She was never going to return to her own dimension. She was never going to see her father again. She was never going to be free again...
"YUZU!" Yuya cried out.
Hearing her boyfriend's cry, Yuzu snapped back to reality. Staring at the soulless eyes of the boy approaching her, Yuzu's fear was replaced by complete and utter fury.
She was enraged by that this boy kidnapped Ruri and Rin, two innocent bystanders who had nothing to do with this war. She was angered that this guy must have done something to Serena in her past to cause her to become so fearful of him. She was furious that this boy hurt Yuto, someone who she looked up to, Yugo, someone who has become a close friend, and Yuya, someone who she had always loved.
She couldn't take the sight of this monster that stood before her. All she could think of was sending this psychopath away to protect her loved ones.
Overcome by her intense emotions, Yuzu subconsciously clenched her fist as her bracelet began to emanate a pink glow.
"I...won't be scared of you anymore!" Yuzu shouted as she punched the purple and pink haired boy in the gut.
"GAH!" Yuri gasped for air as the bracelet's glow enveloped him.
In a blinding flash of pink light, Yuri had vanished from the dark subway. Everyone looked at where Yuri once stood before turning to Yuzu with shocked expressions.
"He's gone...just like that?" Ruri uttered in a surprised tone.
"Yuzu...are you starting to gain control over your bracelet's power?" Yuya asked.
"I...I think so. Back when you guys were dueling, all I wanted to do was reach you and my bracelet responded to my feelings. And just now, it responded to my feelings again when I wanted to get Yuri away from us." Yuzu explained as she looked at her bracelet.
"But I thought it stopped working when Yuri cracked it?" Yugo asked.
"Yeah...it's power has been severely dampened since then, but it feels like my bracelet is drawing power from the others ones. Maybe since we're all together right now, I was able to use it's power." Yuzu theorized.
"That would make sense. When we tried to stop your duel, I felt immense power coming from my bracelet...it's light acted as a shield that protected us..." Rin explained.
"And when we tried to find you, my bracelet acted as a direct guide. It allowed me to see exactly where you were." Ruri added.
"And my bracelet's light seemed to counteract whatever was taking control of you..." Serena mentioned.
"To calm us down, to track us, to counter our power, and to separate us..." Yuto uttered.
"These powers...these bracelets...they have something to do with a person named Ray..." Yuzu softly said.
"Ray? Who the hell is that?" Yugo asked.
"I don't know...but that name...it doesn't feel unfamiliar..." Yuya admitted, swearing he heard that name in a dream or something.
"I heard Yuri call me that name at the end of the duel. And although it's kind of fuzzy, I remember seeing the spirit of a girl before gaining the power to Pendulum Summon. Not only that, when Serena and I were dueling Ruri and Rin, I heard the voice of a girl before they were magically freed from the parasite's control." Yuzu explained to the group.
"That's right...I remember that too..." Serena shakily confirmed. "What about the other name you said when you were in a trance...Zarc...?"
"...Zarc..." Yuya uttered as his heart skipped a beat.
"...None of that matters right now." Yuto spoke in a serious tone before approaching Serena. "I thought I could trust you...I vouched for you...when we told you everything about how Ruri and Rin were taken away...you failed to mention that you were friends with the monster who was responsible?!"
"I-I didn't know-"
"Bullshit!" Yuto snapped, surprising the others and somewhat scaring Serena. "You knew Yuri was the one who tried to hunt down Yuzu back in Standard and you didn't say anything back then!"
"I-"
"If you told us what you knew about him, we could have known more about how he duels! We could have defeated him! But no! You failed to let us know that you are friends with the psychopath whose obsessed with hunting people I care about!" Yuto angrily shouted as he took a step towards Serena, causing her to step back.
"Yuto...I-"
"...You tried to card me the first time we met...and despite everything...I STILL thought you could be trusted. Even though the people you wanted to prove your worth to were the same people who destroyed my home...I STILL became your friend...I see now that I was a fool."
Tears began to run down Serena's face. She had lost the trust of the first person who ever believed in her.
"Yuto, that's enough!" Ruri shouted at the boy, running between him and her counterpart.
"Ruri, move aside." Yuto said to the girl, but she simply shook her head.
"I don't know Serena well, but if it wasn't for her and Yuzu, I'd still be under the control of Academia."
"...What are you talking about...?" Yuto questioned in a deep tone.
"Academia placed...parasites...within Rin and I...we were forced to do whatever they wanted...it was terrible..." Ruri shakily explained, causing Yuto's eyes to widen in fury.
"That's right. Academia used us to fight against Serena and Yuzu." Rin continued, standing next to Ruri. "If it wasn't for Serena and Yuzu, we wouldn't be standing here right now. So stop giving her such a hard time!"
"..." Yuto glared past the two girls and stared at Serena with a look of disdain in his eyes. He then took Ruri's hand before beginning to walk away from the group.
"Yuto?!" Ruri shouted in confusion.
"Where are you going?" Yuzu questioned.
"Yuzu, thank you for saving Ruri. Now that she's back, we are going to find Shun and go back to the Xyz Dimension." Yuto answered, shocking everyone. Yuya was the first to protest his counterpart's actions.
"What?! Academia is still invading this dimension! You can't just-"
"Since we've come to this dimension, we've searched for our comrades, escaped prison, and competed in a tournament. Everything we've done has amounted to nothing except wasting our time. The whole point of coming here was to find allies to help us fight Academia, but it turns out this dimension has been infiltrated by Academia since the very beginning!" Yuto turned around and shouted at his Standard counterpart.
"Academia has been in this dimension?!" Rin gasped before turning to Yugo, who looked down in sadness.
"It's true, Rin. The leader of Security has been supplying his subordinates with Fusion cards to defeat us." Yugo told the green haired girl.
"Yuto, I owe Yuzu and Serena my life. I want to stay and fight with them. The people of this dimension don't deserve to suffer the same fate as the people from our home." Ruri firmly said, pulling her hand away from Yuto's.
"But Ruri-"
"There you go again, putting the lives of certain people over everyone else." Yugo spoke out, confusing everyone but Yuto.
"What do you mean by that?" Yuya asked.
"Yuri wanted to trade Ruri and Rin for Serena and Yuzu...and Yuto was considering it..." Yugo revealed, causing Yuya's eyes to widen in anger.
"You...what?!" Yuya growled, stepping towards Yuto.
"That's not true." Yuto denied.
"Don't lie to us! I saw the look in your eyes...the look of desperation!" Yugo shouted.
"Yuto..." Yuzu uttered in betrayal while Serena remained silent.
"Believe what you want, it doesn't make a difference to me." Yuto coldly said.
"Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?! I thought we were friends, Yuto!" Yuya shouted, causing Yuto's eyes to twitch.
"Friends?! Tell me Yuya, would a friend drain his friend of their energy to save himself from defeat?!" Yuto hatefully shouted.
"I-I...let my anger take control..." Yuya stuttered, not knowing what else to say.
"I saw you in the void, Yuya! You weren't being controlled! You made a conscious decision to steal my power for your own benefit! You have no right to lecture me!" Yuto yelled.
"I understand you had to win...but..." Yugo trailed off, still feeling a bit of resentment towards Yuya.
"I'm sorry...Yuto...Yugo..." Yuya sorrowfully apologized.
"And you! Your focus has been winning this tournament and becoming a tyrant since we arrived in this dimension! It's like you forgot the war was happening and that Rin was captured! I may have prioritized my goal over others...but at least my goal wasn't selfish!" Yuto shouted at Yugo, causing him to look down.
"Hey! That's not-"
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Rin shouted, causing everyone to look at her. "God, you're all like children! Turning on each other while a literal invasion is occurring outside isn't going to help anyone!"
"Rin is right. We need to stick together right now and reunite with the others. Sora and Reira stayed behind to fight off the Obelisk Force. We need to go make sure they're ok." Yuzu told the group.
"Do what you want. We're leaving. Let's go, Ruri." Yuto said, reaching out for Ruri's hand once more.
Before he could grasp her hand, loud foot steps were heard from the tunnels connected the subway intersection.
Suddenly, the area was stormed by many Obelisk Soldiers who surrounded the group.
"All targets located! Capture the girls and card the boys!" One of the soldiers shouted as they began to walk towards the group with their duel disks activated.
"W-We have to fight!" Yuzu shouted as the group took a battle ready stance.
Before they could engage in a duel however, smokescreen filled the subway. A blur leaped through smoke, striking and subduing each of the Obelisk Soldiers. When the smoke subsided, Tsukikage stood above the unconscious horde.
"Tsukikage!" Yuya shouted in shock.
"Greetings, everyone. I'm sorry I couldn't arrive sooner." Tsukikage apologized, bowing his head.
"Don't apologize for anything. We appreciate the save." Yuzu thanked the ninja.
"Yuzu! Yuya!" Sora shouted as he ran into the intersection with Reira running behind him.
"You guys are ok!" Yuya shouted in relief.
The three students of You Show shared a brief group hug, with Yuya pulling Reira in too.
After catching sight of Rin and Ruri, Sora's eyes widened in shock.
"Don't tell me...!" Sora said in disbelief at the sight of the two girls.
"They're free from Academia's control." Yuzu said with a smile on her face.
"Kurosaki's gonna be ecstatic." Sora grinned before gaining a serious expression. "It seems like Captain Barrett sent a signal to all of the Obelisk Soldiers that notified them of our current location. We need to get out of here, now."
"That's correct. Our other comrades have already dealt with the majority of Academia's forces. Most are rendezvousing to this location as we speak." Tsukikage explained.
"So let's get going then...together." Yuzu said, glaring at Yuto.
Yuto was surprised that Yuzu was still insisting they stick together, despite was Yugo accused him of.
"Right...we'll go together." Ruri nodded, taking Yuto's hand and walking towards the group.
Yuya, Yuto, and Yugo briefly shared a look full of tension, which didn't go unnoticed.
"Yuya, is everything ok?" Reira quietly asked.
"Yeah...everything is fine..."
"Lightning Speed - Sky Slash!"
"GAAAAAH!"
Once again, Crow defeated yet another Obelisk Soldier.
"Heh...heh...heh...take that...scum..." Crow breathed heavily.
"You can't defeat all of us!"
"You'll give out soon enough!"
"You bastards...I won't lose until you're all in the ground!" Crow angrily shouted.
"Stay strong everyone...their numbers are decreasing..." Gongenzaka told his comrades.
"There's no way...we'll lose...!" Yaiba tiredly shouted.
"We're Lancers...after all..." Hokuto said in between breaths.
"Damn right...we beat them before...and we'll keep on beating them...!" Roy smirked through his exhaustion.
As Crow was about to engage in yet another duel, his duel disk received an incoming call.
"Shinji?" Crow said in confusion as he answered the call.
"Crow! Things are getting really bad out here! I'm doing my best to keep Frank, Amanda, and Tanner safe, but we could really use the help!"
Something snapped within Crow's mind when Shinji mentioned the kids he swore to take care of. However, he didn't want to leave his comrades.
"Don't worry about us...go help your kids!" Gongenzaka firmly told the orange haired man.
"R-Right...I'll be back as soon as I can with reinforcements..." Crow told the Lancers before pulling out a card. "Aid me and take flight, Black-Feather Dark Storm Dragon!"
Lighting cracked in the sky as the large dragon appeared with a powerful roar. Using the last of his strength, Crow hopped on the back of his ace before flying off.
It took some time, but Crow eventually manages to find his friends. However, the sight he witnessed was one that shook him to his core.
He watched as a mob of Commons surrounded and beat down on a group of Security Officers who were defending a group of Tops, including children.
"Dark Storm Dragon, break it up!" Crow shouted as his dragon flew down and flapped it's wings, creating a force of wind that separated the two groups.
"Hey! It's Crow!"
"He's here! Now we can surely defeat Security!"
"Defeat Security?" Crow questioned as the mob cheered. Crow turned to the Tops, who were all shaking in fear. "You all need to leave, right now!"
The high class citizens nod before running off, enraging the group of Commons.
"Crow! What do you think you're doing?!"
The mob cleared a path for their leader, Shinji, who walked out in front of Crow.
"Shinji? Where are the kids?!" Crow shouted in a worried tone.
"They're safe, don't worry. I just needed you to get here quickly. We are going to seize the capital building and take back our city!" Shinji revealed, shocking Crow.
"But the invasion is happening right now! We have to fight against Academia!" Crow yelled.
"Don't you get it? The invasion is drawing the attention of Security and has already weakened their numbers. At their current state, we should be able to overthrow them and take control! The Tops will be no more!" Shinji roared.
"YEAH!"
"THIS CITY IS OURS!"
"But innocent people are getting caught in the cross fire!" Crow argued.
"We have to do whatever it takes. We've waited our entire lives for an opportunity like this and we can't waste it. This will be our only chance to overthrow the Tops." Shinji explained as he walked up to Crow and extended out a hand. "C'mon, let's lead them together and finish what we started."
Crow started at his friend's hand for what felt like an eternity before slapping it away.
"Academia is trying to burn our city to the ground while you're out here hurting innocent people to accomplish your mission. That's sick!" Crow shouted in anger.
"If that's your answer, you only leave me with one choice." Shinji grunted as he activated his duel disk.
"Shinji..." Crow uttered in betrayal before refocusing. "Fine, I'll do whatever it takes to stop your rampage!"
"DUEL!"
SHINJI: 4000 LP vs CROW: 4000 LP
"I'll take the first turn." Crow stated in a serious tone while glaring at his opponent. "While I control no monsters, I can summon Black Feather - Gust the Backblast!"
A humanoid bird-like monster appeared that had black wings and wore green clothing.
Black Feather - Gust the Backblast (900/1400) LVL:2
"Next, I activate the Spell Card, Treasure Cards of Black Feathers! I send one Black Feather in my hand to the graveyard to draw 2 cards!" Crow shouted as he drew. "From my hand, I summon Black Feather - Tornado the Surge!"
A white winged beast appeared and flew beside Crow.
Black Feather - Tornado the Surge (1000/1200) LVL: 4
"And due to Tornado's effect, while my opponent controls a special summoned monster, I can special summon a level 1 tuner monster from my graveyard! Come back, Black Feather - Jin the Dry Wind!" Crow shouted as a small purple winged beast carrying a small katana appeared.
Black Feather - Jin the Dry Wind (600/500) LVL: 1
"Now, I tune my level 1 Jin the Dry Wind to my level 4 Tornado the Surge and my level 2 Gust the Blackblast! Spread your jet-black wings and storm forth in tandem with your roaring thunder! Slash apart the lightning! Synchro Summon! Cascade! Level 7! Assault Black Feather - Raikiri the Sudden Shower!" Crow shouted as a warrior with purple bird-like armor appeared that had a sword along with two wings, one black and one white.
Assault Black Feather - Raikiri the Sudden Shower (2600/2000) LVL:7
"I set a card facedown, turn end." Crow concluded.
"Even though we were friends...I won't hesitate to put down someone who tries to stop us!" Shinji declared, pointing at Crow.
"Shinji..." Crow uttered in betrayal.
"This city owes us for the hellish lives they've forced on us! Tonight, we are taking this city back from the Tops!" Shinji shouted, raising his fist to the sky.
"This city is ours!"
"Get him, Shinji!"
"Let's go! My turn! I activate the Spell Card, Pot of Greed! I draw two cards! Next, I activate the Spell Card, Double Summon! With this, I can Normal Summon twice during this turn! From my hand, I summon Bee Force - Arblast the Rapidfire and the tuner monster, Bee Force - Needle the Stinger!" Shinji yelled as the large wasp and orange mechanical bee appeared.
Bee Force - Arblast the Rapidfire (1800/800) LVL:4
Bee Force - Needle the Stinger (400/800) LVL:2
"I'm done with being looked down on! I tune the level 2 Needle the Stinger to the level 4 Arblast the Rapidfire! Use your wings to make a storm follow its ways, with your poleaxe open a way to the truth! Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 6! Bee Force - Voulge the Attack!" Shinji shouted as a bee warrior appeared that had blue and yellow armor, red wings, and carried a halberd.
Bee Force - Vogue the Attack (2500/800) LVL:6
"Battle! Vogue the Attack, shred his monster to pieces!" Shinji pumped his fist forward as his monster flew through the air. "At this moment, Vogue the Attack's effect activates! When this monster battles a monster whose ATK is higher than it's own, that monster's ATK is halved!"
Raikiri the Sudden Shower (2600/2000)-(1300/2000)
"Trap Activate! Assault Mode Activate! By releasing Raikiri the Sudden Shower, I can special summon a new monster from my deck!" Crow yelled as his monster was enveloped in a brilliant light.
"You have another Assault Mode monster besides your dragon?!" Shinji gasped.
"Spread your armored wings and evolve in the eye of the storm! Slash apart the lightning with your thunderous blade! Come forth! Level 9! Assault Black Feather - Raikiri the Sudden Shower/Assault Mode!" Crow shouted as his monster emerged from the light with golden armor on it's body and wings and a glowing sword that crackled with lightning.
Assault Black Feather - Raikiri the Sudden Shower/Assault Mode (3100/2500) LVL: 9
"Due to Assault Mode Activate's effect, the special summoned monster can't be destroyed this turn!" Crow shouted, causing Shinji to grunt in anger.
"Tch...I set a card facedown, turn end." Shinji begrudgingly concluded.
"Shinji, you have to see that what you're doing is wrong! Terrorizing innocent people won't do anyone any good!" Crow yelled at the rebel.
"Innocent? They are Tops! They are anything but innocent! They trampled over us like we were nothing our entire lives! It's all of us versus all of them!" Shinji argued, causing Crow to grit his teeth.
"I understand why you're doing what you're doing, but our dimension is being invaded! We all need to focus on fighting against Academia! Even though Security and the Tops aren't good guys, they aren't nearly as bad as Academia, who trap people in cards and conquer entire dimensions!" Crow argued back.
"That's why the Lancers are here! They are fighting against the invaders while we reclaim our city!" Shinji determinedly yelled.
"YEAH!"
"Grr..." Crow's fist curled up as he looked on at his friend and the cheering crowd. "I'll stop you from making any more mistakes...I won't hold back! My turn! From my hand, I summon Black Feather - Harmattan the Sandstorm!"
Black Feather - Harmattan the Sandstorm (800/800) LVL: 2
"Raikiri's effect activates! Once per turn, I can destroy cards on the field up to the amount of Black Feather monsters I control! I target your set card and Vogue the Attack!" Crow shouted as his sword sparked up with lightning.
"Trap Acti-"
"Not so fast! Due to Raikiri's effect, you can't activate the effects of the targeted cards in response to its effect!" Crow yelled with a serious look in his eyes.
"No way!" Shinji shouted in shock as his Crow's monster fired a powerful blast of lightning from it's weapon that shattered both cards.
"Now, I switch Raikiri the Sudden Shower to attack mode!"
Raikiri the Sudden Shower/Assault Mode (3100/2500)-(3100/2500)
"Battle! Go, Harmattan the Sandstorm! Attack him directly!" Crow commanded as his monster flew forward and drilled it's beak into Shinji's stomach.
SHINJI: 4000-3200 LP
"Raikiri the Sudden Shower, attack him directly! Lightning Speed - Assault Slash!" Crow commanded as his monster rapidly flew forward and slashed down on the Bee Force user with it's electrified sword.
"GRAAAAH!" Shinji screamed as he flew through the air before landing several feet back.
SHINJI: 3200-100 LP
"I set a card facedown, turn end." Crow concluded.
"Grr...even if I'm facing someone as strong as yourself...I absolutely won't give up! This revolution won't be stopped!" Shinji shouted in determination as he rose to his feet.
"I already told you this before we started...I refuse to let another friend of mine fall into darkness! So please...stop this madness!" Crow pleaded as his opponent got off the ground.
"We've come this far...we are so close to getting our freedom...I won't let anyone stop us! Not even you, Crow..." Shinji said with a hint of sadness before shaking his head. "My...TURN! I activate the Spell Card, Card of Destruction! Now, both players discard their hands and draw cards equal to the amount they discarded!"
Crow sent his only card in his hand to the graveyard to draw a card while Shinji discarded three cards and drew the same amount.
"With this, our hope has been replenished! I activate the Spell Card, All-Out Rebellion! I can special summon Bee Force monsters from my graveyard equal to the number of monsters you control! Return, Bee Force - Arblast the Rapidfire and the tuner monster, Bee Force - Needle the Stinger!"
Bee Force - Arblast the Rapidfire (1800/800) LVL:4
Bee Force - Needle the Stinger (400/800) LVL:2
"When I control a Bee Force monster, I can special summon Bee Force - Twinbow the Continuous Attack with it's effect negated!" Shinji shouted as the red and yellow bee appeared.
Bee Force - Twinbow the Continuous Attack (1000/500) LVL: 3
"Now, I tune my level 2 Needle the Stinger to my level 3 Twinbow the Continuous Attacker! Stingers of rage, become a bow to pierce the heavens with a flash! Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 5! The Synchro Tuner monster, Bee Force - Azusa the Spirit Bow!" Shinji shouted as a women with white and red armor appeared that was armed with a bow.
Bee Force - Azusa the Spirit Bow (2200/1600) LVL: 5
"Now, I activate the Spell Card, Card of Demise! Since I have no cards in my hand, I can draw five cards in exchange for discarding my entire hand in five turns!" Shinji yelled as he determinedly drew while his eyes were locked on Crow.
"Shinji..." Crow uttered as he saw the aggression in his friend's eyes.
"I activate the Spell Card, Hive Reinforcements! By releasing the level 4 Arblast the Rapidfire, I can special up to two Bee Force monster in my graveyard with levels equal to or lower the released monster's level. I special summon the two level 1 Bee Force - Pin the Bullseye!" Shinji yelled as the small yellow bees appeared.
Bee Force - Pin the Bullseye x2 (200/300) LVL:1
"So those were the cards you sent to the graveyard with Card of Destruction's effect..." Crow trailed off.
"Next, I summon another Bee Force - Pin the Bullseye from my hand!"
Bee Force - Pin the Bullseye (200/300) LVL:1
"Now, I activate the Continuous Spell, Healing Venom! When a Bee Force monster inflicts effect damage, I gain life points equal to that amount! Pin the Bullseye's effect! Once per turn, this card inflicts 200 damage to you! And with Azusa the Spirit Bow, that damage is doubled to 400! And since I control three copies of Pin the Bullseye, this effect will be used three times!"
"Tch..." Crow clicked his tongue in annoyance as he prepared to brace himself.
"The first!" Shinji yelled as one of the bees fired a yellow bullet at the orange haired duelist.
CROW: 4000-3600 LP
SHINJI: 100-500 LP
"The second!"
CROW: 3600-3200 LP
SHINJI: 500-900 LP
"The third!"
CROW: 3200-2800 LP
SHINJI: 900-1300 LP
"Damn it..." Crow grunted in pain.
"I'm not done yet! I tune my level 5 Azusa the Spirit Bow to my three level 1 Pin the Bullseyes! Power in concert. Bear the flames of grudge and release the arrow of revolt! Synchro Summon! Level 8! Bee Force - Hama the Evil-Crushing Bow!" Shinji shouted as he pumped his fist in the air. A warrior appeared with green and orange armor and four wasp wings. The monster was armed with a yellow bow.
Bee Force - Hama the Evil-Crushing Bow (2800/2000) LVL:8
"This is our city! This is our revolution! Battle! Hama the Evil-Crushing Bow, attack Harmattan the Sandstorm! Revolution Arrow!" Shinji yelled as his monster shot a shinning arrow at the bird, piercing through it's core and destroying it.
"Trap Activate! Black Wind Resistance! Any damage I would take from a battle involving a Black Feather monster is halved during this turn!"
CROW: 2800-1800 LP
"At this moment, Hama the Evil-Crushing Bow's effect activates! When this card inflicts battle damage, a monster on your field loses ATK equal to the damage!" Shinji yelled as his monster's arrow stabbed Crow's monster.
Raikiri the Sudden Shower/Assault Mode (3100/2500)-(2100/2500)
"Hama the Evil-Crushing Bow, attack Raikiri the Sudden Shower! REVOLUTION ARROW!"
"But due to Black Wind Resistance, the battle damage is halved once more!"
Crow braced himself once again as his monster was destroyed and he was hit by another powerful shockwave.
CROW: 1800-1450 LP
"Grr...Raikiri the Sudden Shower/Assault Mode's effect activates! When destroyed, I can special summon it's original form!"
Assault Black Feather - Raikiri the Sudden Shower (2600/2000) LVL:7
"I set one card facedown, turn end!" Shinji concluded as the mob of Commons cheered from the sidelines. "With the hopes and dreams of my fellow Commons resting on my shoulders, there's no way I'll lose here! Give up, Crow!"
"I won't give up until I make you see the error in your ways! My turn!" Crow determinedly shouted as he drew. "Raikiri the Sudden Shower's effect activates! Since I control one Black Feather monsters, one card on your field are destroyed! Your ace monster is no more!"
At Crow's command, his monster's blade ignited in electricity.
"I won't let our dreams end here! Trap Activate! Revenge Sting! A monster effect that would destroy a Bee Force monster on the field is negated and that monster is destroyed! Then, you take damage equal to it's ATK!" Shinji countered as his prepared to fire an arrow at the winged warrior. "You're finished, Crow! Do it!"
Shinji's ace fired the yellow arrow at Crow's pseudo-ace, who tried blocking it with his electrified sword. However, the arrow broke through the sword and stabbed through the swordsman, causing a powerful explosion.
"Not bad, Shinji...but I've waiting for this moment! Quick Play Spell, Black Feather Reverse activate! When battle or effect damage occurs, I can negate it to special summon a Black Feather Synchro monster from the Extra Deck whose ATK is equal to the damage I would have taken!" Crow explained as the explosion dissipated.
"What?!" Shinji gasped.
"Wet those pitch-black wings! Along with the drizzling rain, bring forth one strike of lightning! Pierce Through! Level 7! Assault Black Feather - Chidori the Rain Sprinkling!" Crow shouted as a warrior with pitched black wings appeared along with green clothing and a sword.
Assault Black Feather - Chidori the Rain Sprinkling (2600/2000) LVL: 7
"Heh...I expected you to have some sort of counter! Healing Venom's other effect activates! When the opponent negates an instance of effect damage, I can send this card to the graveyard to gain life points equal to that amount!" Shinji countered as he was enveloped in a green glow.
SHINJI: 1300-3900 LP
"I guess we both know each other's moves. Chidori the Rain Sprinkling gains 300 ATK for every Black Feather monster in my graveyard!" There are currently six Black Feather monsters in the graveyard...so Chidori gains 1800 ATK!"
Chidori the Rain Sprinkling (2600/2000)-(4400/2000)
"Battle! Chidori the Rain Sprinkling, attack Hama the Evil-Crushing Bow! One Strike of Lightning - Lightning Slash!" Crow shouted as his monster's blade ignited into electricity. The warrior flew forwards and raised it's electric sword high in the air before slashing down on Shinji's ace.
"Grr...!" Shinji grunted as the force of the attack caused him to slide backwards.
SHINJI: 3900-2300 LP
"I end my turn. Shinji...what you're trying to do is going to lead to unnecessary conflict that we don't need right now!"
"Unnecessary conflict?! Isn't that hypocritical?! Weren't you the one who used to pick fights with the Tops as a member of Team Satisfaction?!" Shinji angrily questioned.
"That was...a long time ago...I've realized that what we did back then only made things worse. Violence will just further invigorate the conflict!" Crow yelled at his friend, causing him to waver for a moment.
"Let's say we stop all of this right now and we go help the Lancers. After the invaders are pushed out, the Lancers will move on to the next dimension. Where does that leave us?! Right back to where we were before their arrival! Under the tyranny of the Tops! They may claim to be heroes...but they don't give a damn about anything that isn't Academia!" Shinji angrily explained, causing the crowd to get riled up.
"That's bullshit, Shinji!" Crow growled.
"It's true and I can prove it! Remember when we were all arrested by Security and taken to the Council? The leader of the Lancer's main objective was to ally with the Council and Tops to defeat Academia! The Lancers knew how they oppressed us and still strove to form an alliance with them to further their ambition to defeat Academia!"
"Grr..." Crow gritted his teeth and clenched his fist as rage swelled up inside of him.
"And what's worst of all...is that you're going to end up joining them when they travel to the next dimension, right Crow?" Shinji questioned with a bit of sadness in his voice.
"W-What?"
"I've seen how close you have gotten with your teammates. And I know how you are, Crow. There's no way you would just sit on the sidelines and not get involved." Shinji explained.
"I-"
"And where the hell does that leave the rest of us?! You'll get to go off and have your adventure while us Commons will be subjected to tyranny just like before! In the end, you won't be one of us anymore!" Shinji snapped at Crow, causing his eyes to widen.
"Shinji...everyone..." Crow uttered as he looked at Shinji and the angry crowd.
"That's why we have to do this right now! While Security's attention is adverted, we can take control of the capital and dethrone the Council, Roget, and all of the Tops! We'll reclaim our city from those who stole it from us! We'll make the Tops endure the pain of being powerless for once!" Shinji declared as the crowd cheered behind him.
"WE ARE ONE!"
"THIS CITY IS OURS!"
"This is our..." Shinji began while raising his fist to the sky.
"...REVOLUTION!"
"It's OUR turn! DRAW!" Shinji shouted as he powerfully drew. "This is it! I activate the Spell Card, All-Out Revolution! While I control no monsters and my opponent controls a monster, I can pay halve of my life points..."
SHINJI: 2300-1150 LP
"...to revive as many Bee Force monsters from my graveyard in Attack position but with their effects negated and their ATKs reduced to 0! Also, they are destroyed during the end of the turn! Revive, Bee Force - Vogue the Attack! Bee Force - Arblast the Rapidfire! Bee Force - Needle the Stinger!"
Bee Force - Arblast the Rapidfire (1800/800)-(0/800) LVL: 4
Bee Force - Needle the Stinger (400/800)-(0/800) LVL: 2
Bee Force - Vogue the Attack (2500/800)-(0/800) LVL: 6
"Now, I tune the level 2 Needle the Stinger to my level 4 Arblast the Rapidfire and level 6 Vogue the Attack! Tear down the wall of the haughty villains with the power of our gathered bonds! SYNCHRO SUMMON! Come forth! Level 12! Bee Force - Big Ballista the Final Battle!" Shinji roared as a large Synchro monster appeared. The monster was a gigantic bee that had red and purple armor and three yellow arrows. It had emerald colored eyes and two armored cannons on it's wings.
Bee Force - Big Ballista the Final Battle (3000/800) LVL: 12
"BATTLE! Big Ballista the Final Battle, attack Chidori the Rain Sprinkling! At this moment, Big Ballista's effect activates! During either player's turn, by banishing all of the Bee Force monsters in my graveyard, your monster loses 500 ATK for each one! There are currently eight Bee Force monsters in my graveyard, so your monster loses 4000 ATK and DEF!" Shinji yelled as the spirits of all of his Bee Force monsters turned into yellow energy that flew into the winged warrior.
Chidori the Rain Sprinkling (4400/2000)-(400/2000)
"Go, ARROW OF ARMAGEDDON!" Shinji roared as his monster fired an extremely large arrow from the top of it's body.
"GO SHINJI!"
"DO IT!"
"..." Crow silently looked at the crowd...his people...actively cheering against him...before looking down at the ground in sadness.
The attack struck through the center of his monster, causing a powerful explosion that consumed Crow.
"GRAAAAAAH!"
As smoke cleared the field, Shinji raised his fist to the sky in triumph.
"Nothing can stop us! This city is ours!" Shinji proudly yelled.
"...Don't count me out just yet..."
CROW: 1450-150 LP
"What?! Impossible!" Shinji gasped in disbelief as the smoke dissipated, revealing Crow kneeling on the ground with a smirk on his face.
"Black Wind Resistance's effect activated in my graveyard. By banishing it, an instance of battle or effect damage is halved while I control a Black Feather monster." Crow explained as he rose to his feet.
"So you held on..." Shinji grunted in anger.
"Chidori the Rain Sprinkling's effect activates since it was destroyed...I can special summon Raikiri the Sudden Shower from my graveyard!"
Assault Black Feather - Raikiri the Sudden Shower (2600/2000) LVL:7
"I set two card facedown, turn end. You can't stand up to the combined strength of all of our hopes and dreams! We won't stop until we've taken back this city from those filthy Tops!"
As Crow looked at his friend, he thought about all of the other people he failed to save from going down a dark path. Jack turned away from his lifelong friends in pursuit of the throne. Kiryu became so consumed by revenge that he became an entirely different person. And Yuya...the monstrous look in his eyes during that last duel...is something he'll never forget.
"I...I can't fail another of my friends...I can't let another person I care about walk down a dark path..." Crow uttered to himself in sadness. But with this sadness came determination as his facial expression hardened and he glared at the revolution leader.
"What, no rebuttal this time? Good, just stay down and give up so we can fulfill our destiny-"
"Shut up!"
Shinji was somewhat startled by the cut-throat seriousness in his opponent's voice. Despite knowing Crow for a long time, Shinji had never heard Crow speak in such a tone.
"It's clear that you won't listen to anything I say, so I'm done talking." Crow grunted as he cracked his knuckles. "You said earlier that I should be ok with what you're doing since I did tried to do the same thing with Team Satisfaction...but the thing is...we did far worse."
"W-What?"
"In order to knock some sense into you...I'll show you the merciless dueling of the Blackbird of Team Satisfaction! MY TURN!" Crow roared as he powerfully drew. "Raikiri the Sudden Shower's effect! Big Ballista the Final Battle is destroyed!"
"Continuous Trap, Counter Swarm activate! Once per turn, an effect that would cause Bee Force monsters to leave the field is negated!" Shinji yelled as a storm of small bees protected his monster. "It'll take more then that, Crow!"
"From my hand, I summon the tuner monster, Black Feather - Breeze the Zephyr!" Crow shouted as an orange winged monster appeared.
Black Feather - Breeze the Zephyr (1100/300) LVL: 3
"It's time...I tune the level 3 Breeze the Zephyr to the level 7 Raikiri the Sudden Shower! Gales of darkness! Become the bladed wings that shred down those in your way! SYNCHRO SUMMON! Soar! Level 10! Assault Black Feather - Armed Wing the Shadow Master!"
In a flash of light, a menacing winged warrior appeared and towered over Crow. The monster was completely covered in pitch-black armor that had orange lines running through it and worked two blades that were attached to it's arms. The warrior let out a powerful battle cry and extended it's large wings outwards, which were made from several blades.
Assault Black Feather - Armed Wing the Shadow Master (3000/3000) LVL: 10
"For as long as I've known you...I've never seen you use that monster...!" Shinji uttered in a worried tone.
"Let's go! BATTLE! Armed Wing the Shadow Master, attack Big Ballista the Final Battle!" Crow shouted as his monster flew through the air at lightening speed while extending it's bladed arms outwards.
"I won't let our hopes and dreams end here! Quick Play Spell, Burial from a Different Dimension activate! This card allows me to return three banished cards to the graveyard!" Shinji explained as he returned his three Synchro monsters to his grave. "Now, Big Ballista the Final Battle's effect activates! During either player's turn, by banishing all of the Bee Force monsters in my graveyard, your monster loses 500 ATK for each one! There are currently three Bee Force monsters in my graveyard, so your monster loses 1500 ATK and DEF!"
Armed Wing the Shadow Master (3000/3000)-(1500/1500)
"You can't stand against the might of the Commons, Crow! YOU WON'T STOP OUR REVOLUTION!" Shinji cried out in determination.
"...I can't allow anyone else to fall into darkness. I failed Jack, Kiryu, and Yuya...I won't fail anyone else! Even if I have to revert to my old ways!" Crow shouted at his voice was drained of emotion. "Armor Wing's effect activates! When this card battles a monster whose ATK is equal or higher than it's own, I don't take any damage and this monster isn't destroyed. Also, a Wedge Counter is placed on the battling monster."
The armored warrior stabbed the large bee with one of it's blades, leaving a wedge in it's body.
Big Ballista the Final Battle's Wedge Counters: 0-1
"You may have survived for now, but on the next turn, I'll-"
"There will be no next turn. This duel ends right now! Armed Wing the Shadow Master's effect activates. By banishing an Assault Black Feather monster in my graveyard after attacking a monster, it can make another attack. I banish Assault Black Feather - Raikiri the Sudden Shower." Crow seriously explained as his monster flew above the battlefield. "Go, Armed Wing the Blade Master! Attack Big Ballista the Final Battle!"
"But it's ATK is less then-"
"At this moment, Armed Wing the Blade Master's final effect activates. When this monster battles a monster with a Wedge Counter, it gains ATK equal to the battling monster's ATK." Crow coldly stated as the orange lines on his monster's armor shined.
Armed Wing the Shadow Master (1500/1500)-(4500/1500)
"No...you can't do this...you can't stop our revolution! This is our only chance! Think about the kids you look after! They'll never starve again if we succeed!" Shinji desperately shouted.
"As much as I would love for them to live in such a world...things won't change from this revolution. In the end, if we take away control from the Tops and reclaim the city, we'll just be the new high class and they'll be just like how we are right now. Things won't really change, they'll still be people that are suffering!" Crow angrily yelled.
"B-But...don't they deserve to suffer...?" Shinji uttered.
"Maybe...but then we'll be no better then them."
Crow words silenced the crowd for the first time since the duel had started. The Black Feather glanced at his opponent once last time, who was overcome by grief and fear.
"Go, Armed Wing the Shadow Master..."Crow painfully uttered as he looked away from his opponent, not being able to bare what came next.
"...Damn you...Crow..." Shinji grumbled as he stepped back with fear in his eyes.
The orange lining on the winged monster's pitch-black armor began to shine. Suddenly, the spirit of an enormous dark spirit in the shape of a bird formed and towered over the battle field.
"...Shadow of Ruin!" Crow closed his eyes and screamed.
The dark spiritual bird flew downward and consumed Shinji's large monster and himself.
"GRAAAAAH!" Shinji roared as he was engulphed by the spirit, which consumed the battlefield in darkness.
SHINJI: 1150-0 LP
WINNER: CROW!
The audience watched in absolute silent as Shinji fell to his knees with a lifeless look in his eyes.
"I...lost...everyone was depending on me...and I couldn't win..." Shinji weakly uttered in sadness.
Everyone watched in anticipation as Crow made his way over to Shinji with a seemingly wrathful glare. No one dared to get in his way.
Crow silently stood above the revolution leader and raised his fist to the sky. He then swung his fist at Shinji, only stopping the motion when his fist was inches away from Shinji's face.
"We have to end the cycle, Shinji. Instead of taking this chance to seize the city, let's take this chance to change the city's ways. With the Lancers getting on the good side of the council, they can help us abolish the system. We shouldn't be above the Tops nor they should be above us. In the end, we are all just members of the city and that's how it should be. So please, stop this. Let's change things for the better."
Crow uncurled his fist and offered his hand to Shinji, causing him to look on in disbelief. After he just outed Crow as a traitor and tried to make him pay, Crow still wasn't giving up on him. He still believed he could do good. He still believed there was a better way.
"...After everything...you still show mercy...?" Shinji uttered in shock. He and Crow both knew that if the situation was reversed, Shinji wouldn't have done the same for Crow.
"...The violence has to end." Crow stated as the crowd looked on in silence.
"...Heh...I guess you're right, Crow." Shinji let out a small chuckle before grasping Crow's hand. Crow smirked before pulling his friend up to his feet. Shinji then turned to the crowd that stood behind him. "My comrades, it's time to end this conflict! After we're done, there will no longer be "Tops" or "Commons"! We are all equal members of this city!"
"YEAH!"
"Shinji, you need to use your forces to stop the fighting. Once the tournament is over, we'll rally our forces and take down Roget. We have a hunch that he's been pulling the strings behind the scenes as an agent of Academia." Crow explained.
"I knew that bastard was up to something!" Shinji grunted in anger before his expression softened as he looked his friend in the eyes. "Crow...I said terrible things to you and tried to hurt you. I-"
"You felt betrayed and acted accordingly. Trust me, I've been there." Crow said as memories of Jack leaving himself and Kiryu behind flashed in his mind.
"You'll always be one of us. Even if you go out and fight alongside your Lancer friends. And if you guys ever need backup in the future, you'll have the full strength of the revolution on standby." Shinji said with a thumbs up.
"Shinji..."
"And don't worry, we'll stop the conflict and gather everyone we can to fight against Roget!" Shinji told his friend before turning to the crowd of people. "Let's go everyone!"
A few moment later, the crowd of Commons, lead by Shinji, marched off.
Crow stared at the group with a smile on his face as he thought about the kids he cared for.
"Don't worry...Frank...Amanda...Tanner...I'll make sure your future is bright." Crow said to himself in a determined tone.
"CROW!"
Two D-Wheels stopped in front of Crow with Yuya, Yuzu, Yugo, and Rin jumping off.
"Kid...you're alright..." Crow said in a relieved tone. To his surprise, Yuya hugged his teammate, causing him to smile.
"What happened to you? Why are you out here?" Yuya asked.
"After kicking Academia's ass, I came out here to help Shinji, but he wanted was for me to lead the Commons to take over the Tops...I convinced him that he was wrong, but there are still a lot of Commons out there who are fighting against the Tops. Shinji's group is going to break up the fighting now..." Crow explained to his teammate.
"...W-Wait...we know Crow Hogan...?" Rin uttered in shock.
"We do now..." Yugo whispered.
"Serena?" Crow said in confusion as he turned to the green haired girl.
"Not Serena...my name is Rin...it's really nice to meet you...I'm a big fan of your work with Team Satisfaction..." Rin said with a faint blush before nervously shaking his hand.
"Why couldn't you react so nicely when I got your name wrong-GAH!" Yugo screeched as Rin stomped on his foot.
"It's nice to meet the girl Yugo was always talking about." Crow said, causing Rin to look at Yugo, who was now blushing.
"Serena is with the others, Crow. We were making our way back to the rest of the Lancers when we a duel taking place in the distant. The others kept moving while we came to see what was going on." Yuzu explained.
"Good..." Crow uttered. For the first time in many hours, Crow finally felt a sense of relief. As the orange haired man closed his eyes, all of the hard duels he's pushed through finally caught up to him. "...I'm glad...my friends are safe..."
"Crow!" Yuya cried as he caught the orange haired duelist. Yuzu immediately rushed over and checked the unconscious man.
"He's still breathing. We need to get him back, now!" Yuzu shouted.
"Right!" Yugo nodded as he helped Yuya carry him to his D-Wheel before the group drove off.
Serena, Yuto, Ruri, Sora, Tsukikage, and Reira made their way back to the stadium, where their comrades were waiting for them. The group was led by Tsukikage, followed by Reira and Sora who walked side by side with Serena, whose emotional state hadn't gotten any better. Yuto and Ruri lagged behind due to Yuto not being ready to be near Serena at the moment.
As the two Xyz Dimension residents walked, they stayed close to each other, but stayed silent. There was so much Ruri wanted to say to the boy, but she choose to stay quiet for the moment as Yuto was still processing to all of the recent events.
'...He's been through so much...and he's changed so much as well...' Ruri thought to herself as she looked up at the boy.
"Ruri...I'm sorry for how I acted back there...it wasn't fair to you..." Yuto said, snapping Ruri out of her thoughts.
"Yuto?"
"It's just...so much has happened since you left...I'm not the same as back then..." Yuto told the long haired girl.
"I can tell...you've been fighting all this time against Academia...it's hardened your spirit..."
"That's true...but my main goal...everything I've done...traveling to the Standard and Synchro Dimensions...it was all to save you..." Yuto said, causing Ruri to blush.
"Yuto...I'll never forget the lengths you've gone to save me..." Ruri said with a warm smile.
Seeing that smile again caused something in Yuto's grey eyes to change for a moment. This didn't last for long though, with Yuto gaining a look of shame.
"What's wrong?" Ruri asked.
"The things I've done to get here...to stay alive...to win...aren't things I'm proud of...and aren't things you'd be proud of..." Yuto admitted as he stopped walking, causing Ruri to also halt.
"Hey, you guys good?" Sora asked from ahead.
"Yeah, we just need a minute to talk." Ruri answered before turning to Yuto.
"Ruri...I-"
"I don't need to know right now." Ruri cut the boy off. "You may have done things that you aren't proud of, but I know you didn't do anything out of pure malice. You're not that type of person."
"But Ruri, you deserve to know the truth. You deserve to know who...or what...I've become..." Yuto said in a guilty tone.
"Yuto, you're still the same boy I've always known. You're a kind soul who cares about me and is afraid to tell my brother about our relationship. You're the type of person who struggles to make friends but when you do, you'd do anything for them. And by the looks of it, you've made some new friends." Ruri said with a smile.
"They were my friends...but I'm not so sure anymore..." Yuto sighed, causing Ruri to put her hand on his shoulder.
"They'll come around, and so will you. I'm sure of it." Ruri reassured the boy.
"I don't know about that...Serena kept things from us, Yuya abused our connection, Yugo only cares about being king, and Yuzu..." Yuto trailed off with a look of sadness.
"What about her?" Ruri asked.
"The first person I met in Standard was Yuzu, who I mistook for you. Yuzu was one of the first people who trusted me back then. She's always done her best to support everyone else, especially Yuya, Yugo, and Serena. She even made saving you and Rin her personal mission and she succeeded. Seeing the look of betrayal on her face when Yugo told her what I was prepared to do to save you is a look I'll never forget."
"Yuto...I haven't known her long, but I can tell Yuzu is everything you say about her and more. She trusted you back then and I'm sure she can trust you again. Also, Yuzu wasn't the only person who saved me." Ruri reminded.
"Serena..." Yuto groaned in a very mixed way. "The first time we met, she tried to kill me to impress the man who runs Academia. Despite that, I still saw the best in her. We even dueled later on and became friends. Once she learned the truth from Kurosaki and became friends with Yuzu and I, she became our ally. And once she befriended Yuya, she finally started to come into her own...and even though we all put our trust in her...she still kept something big from us..."
"I'm not saying she was in the right...but whatever past relationship she had with that boy, it seemed like it did a number on her. Maybe that's why she never wanted to talk about it. Or maybe it's because she was afraid of how you would react." Ruri told the boy.
"Maybe you're right...but I can't just let it go. It's because of Yuri kidnapping you...that I've changed so much..." Yuto grumbled as he clenched his trembling hand.
"Yuto...it's ok...you don't have to put all of the burdens on yourself anymore. I'm here for you." Ruri told the boy as she held his shaking hand.
"Ruri...I've been so selfish...I haven't even asked about how you're doing...I can't imagine what you've been put through..." Yuto said in a apologetic tone.
"I...I'm just happy I'm here with you..." Ruri said, but Yuto could tell that she was holding back due to the pained look in her eyes.
"Those bastards...they'll regret everything they've done to you...to us...I'll make sure of it..." Yuto hatefully declared, causing Ruri to gaze at him with an unsure look.
"Ruri! Yuto! It's Kurosaki!" Sora shouted from ahead, causing their eyes to widen.
"Brother!" Ruri gasped as she began to run with Yuto following.
When the two caught up to the others, they saw Sawatari and Masumi helping Shun walk. The older teen was extremely beaten up and could barely keep his eyes open.
"Sawatari! Masumi! What happened to him?" Tsukikage asked.
"After we defeated our opponent, we tried to get to you guys but we saw Kurosaki defeat a whole army of Obelisk Force soldiers, but he took a lot of damage in the process." Masumi explained.
"W-Where's Yuzu...you were suppose to guard her..." Shun told the blue haired boy.
"Don't worry, Kurosaki. She's with Yuya and Yugo. We defeated the guys who came to take her away. And not only that..." Sora said with a smile before stepping out of the way.
Ruri ran into view, hugging her brother very tight. Tears began to fill Shun's eyes as he hugged his sister with his remaining strength.
"Ruri...is it really you...?" Shun said in disbelief.
"I'm here...brother..." Ruri tearfully said as she hugged her brother.
The group smiled as the two siblings finally reunited.
Yuto looked on at the sight of his best friend and girlfriend looking at each other. For the first time in a long time, he was able to smile.
As Yuya's group arrived back in the stadium, they saw Gongenzaka, Hokuto, Yaiba, and Roy barely standing while a horde of Obelisk Force stood across from them with a field of monsters. The stadium was almost leveled, with everything on it besides the Lancers being damaged beyond repair.
"Yuzu, stay here with Crow. I'm going to help them!" Yuya shouted as he jumped off his D-Wheel.
"Rin, stay with Yuzu. I'm going too!" Yugo yelled.
Before the two boys could take a step, a while circular D-Wheel flew over their heads as the large shadow of a dragon casted over the stadium.
"Go, Red Daemon's Dragon Scarlight! Absolute Power Flame!"
The large dragon drove it's fist into the ground, causing the field to surge with flames as all of the mechanical hounds were incinerated and the remaining soldiers were sent flying. When they hit the ground, they dispersed into light and were sent back to their home dimension.
"King!" Yugo shouted in a surprised tone.
"Oh my god...that's Jack Atlas...the...Jack Atlas..." Rin uttered in shock, causing Yuzu to sweat drop.
The blond haired man took off his helmet and approached the exhausted Lancers.
"I appreciate your assistance with the threat. You all have my gratitude." Jack said in a respectful tone.
"No problem...it's our duty after all..." Gongenzaka told the man.
As Yugo stared at the king, he noticed his clothes and D-Wheel made it look like he had fought in several battles before this.
"Crow? What's wrong with him?" Jack asked in a somewhat concerned tone.
"He's hurt. We need to get him help!" Yuya shouted as he and Yuzu helped the orange haired man off the D-Wheel.
"Don't worry, Yuya." A voice spoke from the tunnel.
Reiji walked out with a group of people that carried Crow off and tended to the rest of the Lancers.
"Who are they?" Yuya asked.
"Medics, courtesy of the council." Reiji answered as he approached his team.
"Who's this guy? And why does he look so serious?" Rin whispered.
"His name is Reiji. He's the leader of the Lancers." Yugo told the green haired girl.
"Does this mean Academia has been driven out?" Yuzu asked.
"Yes. It appears that the majority of Academia's forces have been defeated and the ones that remains are retreating as we speak. However, there is a more pressing matter. It appears that fighting has broken out with the Tops and Commons across the city. At this rate, we'll have no allies left when the dust settles." Reiji explained.
"And I'm assuming you have a way to stop this, right?" Yuya said, causing Reiji to nod.
"That's right, Yuya. It involves both you and Yugo." Reiji explained, causing the two boys to glance at each other.
"What do you mean?" Yugo questioned.
"I think I understand." Jack said before turning to the two boys. "Out of everyone in this tournament, the audience has responded to the two of you the most. Therefore, the finals of the Friendship Cup must commence."
"WHAT?!" Both boys shouted in shock.
"It may be the only way to draw the attention of everyone in the city." Reiji added.
"But Crow is injured, Kurosaki is missing, and Serena is in no shape to duel. Also, it looks like the rest of our D-Wheels are out of commission." Yuzu explained as she pointed at the destroyed pit where their D-Wheels once were.
"That's why I'm not suggesting a full team duel. Simply a one on one matchup with Yugo and Yuya." Reiji explained.
"But that would mean Yuzu doesn't get to duel..." Yugo uttered.
"She's fought really hard just like us. She deserves to duel as much as us!" Yuya shouted.
"It's fine...Yuya...I'll forfeit my spot in the finals..." Yuzu told everyone, hiding the sadness in her voice the best she could.
"That's very noble of you, Yuzu Hiragi." Jack said to the girl.
"But Yuzu-"
"Yuya, Yugo, you two can change the fate of this city by dueling. I'm not going to stand in the way of that." Yuzu told the two boys.
"Yuzu..." Yuya uttered.
"Fine! I'll defeat Yuya and challenge you for your title, Jack Atlas!" Yugo declared, pointing at the king.
"Hmph." The king smirked.
"...You're wrong...I'll be the one who wins this tournament, Yugo!" Yuya determinedly shouted.
"Oh yeah? Bring it on, Yuya!" Yugo yelled as the two boys locked eyes.
They knew things weren't right between them, but this duel was something that neither of them could avoid.
One of them would have to be the winner.
One of them would have to crush the other's goal they've fought so hard for.
One of them could very well be the next king of the city.
That only leaves one question...who will win?
Hey everyone. It's been far too long since I've last updated. My life just got really busy and I kind of lost some interest in Yugioh for a little while. Then, I don't know why, but I recently watched some of Yu-Gi-Oh Go Rush and although I'm not the biggest fan of the Rush Duel era, it honestly sparked my interest for Yugioh again. It's weird how Yugioh Sevens kind of killed my interest for Yugioh when it first started while it's predecessor gave me some inspiration.
Anyways, I have some great news. The duel between Yuya and Yugo has already been written. In fact, the entire next chapter is almost finished. That means it should be coming out with a week or two.
This chapter was mostly just addressing the fallout of Scale 45 and setting up the rest of the arc.
I know some of you may be disappointed, but I honestly feel like a one on one match with Yugo and Yuya is the best way to finish off the tournament. Although a team battle would be fun, not only would it cause the next chapter to not be released for months, the duel between the counterparts is the part that everyone cares about. Shun vs Crow would be cool, but it was already done in the anime. Yuzu vs Serena is a battle I much rather save for later on in the story.
I don't have much to say about the duel, except I wanted this duel to happen in the anime. I didn't think it needed to be too long though since I wanted to primarily focus on character interactions. Also, Crow's new monster is a nod to his original ace monster in the 5D's anime.
I'm not going to be responding to reviews this chapter, but I am extremely thankful for everyone who has supported this story even though I haven't posted much this year. You guys are awesome!
Preview: Yuya. Yugo. The two boys who have clawed their way to the top of the tournament must now clash in one last battle with the fate of the city on the line. When limitless potential faces sheer determination, which will prevail? Find out next time on Yugioh ARC-V Altered Destiny! The fun has just begun!