"And that wraps up the agenda for the first day of the Friendship Cup's tournament! Everyone! Did you enjoy yourselves?!" Melissa shouted into her microphone out of wonder.

Most of the audience cheered out of approval clapping while some either booed or remained silent.

"That's great, that's great! So before we finish up, let's give it up for our catchphrase one more time, shall we?! The City is one!" Melissa paused, expecting to hear the audience to response. However, she was met by silence. "Huh?"

Melissa looked at the stadium only to see people getting up and leaving the stadium, not even caring about the catchphrase.

"Hey! We're all friends, right? Do it properly with me before we all leave! Geez!"

At that moment, Yuto switched off the television, not wanting to hear anymore of this bullshit. He could hear Yuya scoffing.

"We're all friends?" Yuto started. "Sending people who lose underground! Some Friendship Cup this! Ruri, Aki, and Yuzu won their matches...but Crow, Shinji, and Serena were all sent to the underground against their own will!"

"I agree with you on that. But what can we do? No matter how much we yell, it's not like anyone is going to care. If the Commons don't get what they want, they get pissed, and for good reason! If the Tops don't get what they want, they also get pissed. The Tops view Commons as scum and dirt. In reality, that's all the Tops are."

Yuya was about to go on, however, he paused when he heard a doorbell of some sorts ring. Yuto and Yuya turned to the door to see it open with a table of food rolling in slowly to the room.

"Food…" Yuto whispered as he felt his stomach growl. It had been a very long time since he had ate proper food. When Academia attacked, he and the other members of the Resistance had to fight off their hunger and eat off of scraps.

And when Yuto, Shun, Ryoga, and O'Brien arrived at Standard, it wasn't that much better. They had no money thanks to Academia's invasion. So, they couldn't buy any food. They had to resort to stealing, and even then it had to be in low quantities so they could actually carry all of the food.

Here though, it was all fancy food, there was nothing stopping him from eating. Yuto paused and glanced at Yuya, who was looking out at the window.

"Do you want to take control and eat some?" Yuto asked his counterpart.

"What? Don't be crazy! You probably haven't had a good meal in a very long time, Yuto. Plus, I can't get hungry since I think I'm technically a ghost." Yuya replied, albeit slightly surprised at the fact that Yuto offered food to him even though he hasn't had a good meal in a very long time.

"Suit yourself then." With that, Yuto began to eat.

For Yugo, when his food came in, he stared at it for a while.

He hadn't seen such good food in his life. The meat looked good, and so did the other things. However, there was one thing that kept him from eating at the moment.

The food was courtesy of the Tops.

Had this been any other situation, Yugo would have chowed down immediately. However, he just stared at his food. Should he eat it?

For all he knew, there could be poison hidden in the food. He knew how much the Tops hated the Commons. This could be yet another of their devilish ways to get rid of them.

But he was hungry. Really hungry. He couldn't Duel on an empty stomach. So he had to take a risk.

Yugo bit down on the meat and then the bread. He let out a small smile. The meat was delicious. It was his very first time eating meat that actually tasted really good.

As much as he hated the thought, Yugo at times had wanted to be a Tops. For the food, and the luxury. Becoming the King was one of the reasons he entered the Friendship Cup. However, Yugo never really thought about what he would do as King.

To him, he just wanted to be King with Rin by his side, so they could live in luxury unless they got dethroned.

It was a selfish ideal on Yugo's part, he did admit. But living in the slums for so long…

Could anybody blame him?

While he ate, Yugo suddenly realized something.

"Wait, didn't Yuzu say something about speaking out about the dimensional war. She didn't say a thing about that in her Duel."


Meanwhile-Dining Room-Tops

Reiji, Reira, Ryoga, and O'Brien were currently sitting at a dining table with the council and Jack Atlas. The council had invited them to dinner to give their thoughts about the first day of the Friendship Cup, so here they were.

"So King, who do you think performed the most spectacular Duel today?" White Taki asked Jack as the latter sipped on a cup of Blue Eyes Mountain Tea.

"The three female Duelists that have Dueled today show promise. Kurosaki Ruri and Hiragi Yuzu both Dueled with passion. Yuzu was especially impressive when she showed the ability to Fusion and Synchro Summon. Ruri on the other hand displayed a very unique play style. Now, about Aki…" Jack trailed off, remembering her a Duel against Shinji. "I had met the daughter of the former senator at one point. She seemed like a nice girl, but in her final turn of the Duel, I saw no kindness in her Dueling at all. It was just sheer rage.️"

White Taki sighed. "It's a shame that Tokumatsu didn't get to Duel."

"Enjoy Chojiro is one of his favorites." Gale stated.

Jack glanced over at Reira, who was looking at the table with a blank expression on her face. "I thought that kid was going to participate. And the same for those two."

"I apologize. Because of the circumstances, I had exempt Reira for entering, and the other two as well for my own reasons." Reiji told Jack.

"I wanted to see that trio's Dueling, especially this child." Reira gasped as she looked at Jack with a shocked expression on her face.

"Reira's Dueling? Why is that?" Reiji questioned Jack.

"I had those eyes once too." Jack paused as he stared at Reira intently, earning yet another gasp from the girl. Jack then continued. "Back then, I was always afraid and lived with my nerves stretched taut. That was when I was about this child's age."

"I see. Sorry about this, but I heard that you are from the Commons." Reiji said.

"There is nothing you have to be sorry for. Born as a Commons, and having lived at the very bottom, I set my mind on climbing up and aiming for the summit. The Commons are my pride, and where my origins lie. Could this could have grown up in a similar environment?"

"As expected of the King." Reiji spoke. "I can see that you have keen insight."

"Is that true? Isn't that child your younger brother?" White Taki asked Reiji.

"Adopted younger sister." Ryoga corrected.

"Excuse me? May you repeat that?"

"Adopted younger sister. Reira is a girl and also isn't biologically related to Akaba a Reiji. At least, that's what he told me." Ryoga said.

"Excuse me, but I would like to ask how the King set of on his path to becoming a Duelist." O'Brien intervened. "Perhaps, it could help me come with a future for my Dueling."

"I would like to hear it as well. Reira would also benefit from knowing." Reiji informed Jack.

Jack took another sip of his tea before beginning to talk.

"It all started with one Card." Jack started as he placed the cup down. He had remembered that one day when he was sitting alone in the Commons as a child. Suddenly, a Card had dropped down next to him from the sky. Jack had picked up the Card and looked at it. He looked around for anyone, but saw no one. He looked up at the tall buildings from the world above.

"That Card fell from the Tops cities above. Had someone dropped it by accident? Or was it tossed aside because it was no longer wanted? I suspected the latter. No matter how you looked at it, the Card didn't seem like anything important. But the moment I saw it, I felt like I'd been struck by a revelation. And so I thought this. I must return this Card to the world above the sky. With my own hands. I had to get stronger to do that. As a person, and as a Duelist. I had to be stronger than anyone."

Ryoga had paused as he darkened his expression. To be stronger than anyone. He remembered a certain in his life where he had to be stronger and ruthless to protect his sister.

He had remembered that Rio had came back one day saying that she was almost killed by some maniac. She never told him anything else...or more like Ryoga didn't let her tell anything else. He became overprotective like a Shun, and he became cold and ruthless for a couple of months. He distanced himself from his friends and he kept an eye on Rio whenever he could.

To become stronger, Ryoga had trained himself in the harsh conditions of underground Dueling secretly. Even a city filled with smiles such as Heartland had dark secrets and mysteries.

"Obviously, I've heard that you lot have come from a foreign land, and you request my assistance to fight against an enemy which could soon attack this place as you claim." Jack closed his eyes as he took a sip before continuing. "Had this been me a long time ago, I would have said you were crazy. But now with these new Summoning methods and people, I'm starting to think this stuff is true. And if your enemy could attack this place soon, then I will help you. So I can protect this city with my own bare hands and soul!"

Jack then formed a fist with determination and fire.

"If you want to accomplish something...don't hesitate!" Jack shouted out loud, causing Reira to gasp at him. "You're called Reira, right? I look forward to the day you set your mind on something and show us your bravery in Dueling."

Reira merely looked at Jack in awe.

"We're honored. Reira must also be proud to be held in such regard by the Duel King, Jack Atlas." And with that, silence had filled the room as everyone continued eating. No sound was made except the sounds of sipping, chewing, and the clanging of spoons, forks, or knives.


Later-The Next Day of the Friendship Cup

Fireworks were going off above the stadium as multiple cheers were heard for the continuation of the Friendship Cup.

Melissa Claire, was adding extra fuel to the positive output from the audience by saying the slogan and purpose of the Friendship Cup.

"The City is one! We are all friends! Doing great, everyone!" Melissa viewed the entire stadium from her place with a smile on her face. "Now, the second day of the Friendship Cup! The first match in today's line-up is...Yuto vs Duel Chaser 227! What kind of match will we see today?"

"Yuto…" Both Yuzu and Ruri whispered from their rooms. Yuzu cause Yuto was a close friend and Ruri because...she was an even closer friend to Yuto.

"Alright, Yuto's Dueling! This should be good!" Yugo smirked.

"Don't you dare lose, Yuto." Shun sharpened his gaze at the television.

Reiji looked at the matchup. Show me the evolution that Sakaki Yuya was going through. Complete what he was destined to complete.

Yuto merely looked at the screen as he stood up. At that moment, a knock was heard at the door. When the door was opened, Yuto saw Sam standing right in front of him, with a glum expression on his face.

"I'm here to lead you to the grounds." The boy said.

As they began to head to the garage where the d-wheel and riding suit were, Yuto decided to initiate a conversation.

"The Card that you gave me. You said you want me to win and give it back to Jack, right?" Yuto asked as he showed the Card he received from Sam. "But if I win, that means other people will get sent underground. Before I Duel, there is something I have to do."


Later-At the Grounds of the Stadium

"First up, Duel Chaser 227 makes his entrance!" Melissa announced one of the Duelists as said Duelist rode into the stadium on his vehicle. "He lost a Duel during a pursuit and lost his job as a Duel Chaser. He's lacking quite a bit lately, huh? Now he's stepping up to the challenge as a Commons!"

"Heh! That unlucky bastard's here too." Yugo spoke as he continued watching.

"But he registered as an ex-duel chaser." Melissa realized as Duel Chaser 227 stopped at the starting line.

In his office, Roget was watching the Duel. "This Duel decides whether you can restore your reputation and your job as a Duel Chaser. Don't lose."

"Next up, Yuto makes his entrance! Does this guy have a surname?" Melissa whispered to herself.

As he came riding out, Yuto was immediately met with boos from the audience.

"Wait a second, booing?" Melissa immediately noticed the negative reception Yuto was getting.

Jack Atlas merely looked on with a scowl.

In his quarters, Sawatari face palmed. "Look at this! This is all because you're not letting me get out there! Yuto isn't even the entertaining type!"

"Yuto…" Ruri whispered in a typical anime fashion.

Yuto parked his d-wheel right next to Duel Chaser 227. His opponent took a moment to glance at the younger boy.

He looks so much like the other kid. The one who robbed me of my job! Duels Chaser 227 frowned as he thought of Yugo. Perhaps they are related? Brothers? Twins? Well, let this be a message to that other guy, I am not a pushover!

Come on Yuto, show this guy who's boss. He doesn't stand a ghost of a chance against you. Yugo thought to himself, knowing that this would be a walk in the park for Yuto.

"With that, let's get things fired up!" Melissa started.

Duel Chaser 227 then averted his attention to right in front of him, ready for the countdown.

"Action Field-"

"Wait!" Melissa was cut off by Yuto's voice. Melissa stared at the boy as he started talking. "Does everyone know what happens to the losers in the Friendship Cup? They're sent to the underground garbage disposal facility!"

"The underground?" Dennis repeated out of slight surprise.

"They never return from the underground. From the moment they enter, they're forced to do labor forever!" Yuto revealed to the audience and others who were watching.

"No way…" Yuzu gasped and put covered her mouth with her hands out of horror. "That means Serena was…"

Serena was sent to the underground, all because Yuzu had defeated her…

Ruri suddenly gasped in her own quarters. "Crow…" She immediately. Thought of his kids. Frank, Amanda, and Tanner and how she had just separated them from Crow. Guilt poured into Ruri's body as tears formed in her eyes.

"And I wondered what he was going to say." Gray scoffed as he looked down with a stern look.

"One of your lot doesn't seem to understand the concept of a competitive society." Gale said.

Ryoga noticeably stiffened at that very moment. A competitive society? That wasn't the case at all! More like a society where the people with money live and the people with little money live in the dirt and despair!

However, his anger was about rise even more...when he heard the cheers of the audience that followed.

"What?! They're...cheering…" O'Brien said with wide eyes.

"They're cheering! Why are they cheering?! It's completely wrong! Why are they laughing at the mention of other people's suffering?!" Yuto spoke out of shock.

He knew that everyone in the world/dimensions were far from perfect. However, the cruelty of the citizens of the Synchro Dimension were similar to how Academia soldiers were on the invasion of Heartland but on a much lesser extent.

"Disgusting." Jack muttered from his throne.

Melissa closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She opened her eyes and smiled at Yuto.

"Is there a problem with that?" Melissa questioned the boy. Yuto gasped as a response. "That's just how it is, the defeated will fall, right?" Melissa turned to the audience to see them continuing to cheer.

"That's just how it is?!" Yuto repeated out of disbelief that no one of this dimension agreed with him.

In his quarters, Yugo formed a fist and dug his nails deep into his skin. That's always how it was. The losers keep losing. And the winners keep winning. It's an inescapable fate. Sometimes, I question if I can change my fate or not...or whether it is already set in stone from the day I was born. That's just how this city works. Those who are born winners win. And those who are born losers lose everything.

"Yuto, you just have to win this." Melissa told the boy as she continued with what she was originally doing. "Action Field, on! Field Magic, Crossover Accel!" Melissa winked as the stadium was enveloped in an Action Field. A jumble of Action Cards appeared above Yuto and Duel Chaser 227.

"Wait-" Yuto was interrupted by the voice of his Duel Disk.

Duel Mode, on! Auto-pilot! Standby!

Inside Yuto, Yuya heard it all. The roars of the audience as they cheered for the fact that losers were sent to the underground. The sounds of those cheers still played in his head. It would never leave his mind no matter how much he would try to force it out.

"Smiles...Dueling for smiles...that's not going to cut anymore, Yuto! Why can't you see that?" Yuya asked Yuto.

"Yuya, the old you wanted to bring smiles to people. I promised to do just that! I may not be half the Entertainment Duelist you are, but that doesn't mean I can't make people happy! I have people I want to protect! To protect the smiles of my friends, comrades, and others, I must continue on!" Yuto told Yuya with determination burning in his eyes.

3.

Yuto quickly turned his head forward.

2.

Both Duelists gripped their handlebars.

"Riding Duel!"

1.

"Acceleration!" Melissa exclaimed as the Duelists immediately started their d-wheels as they bursted off, racing in order to decide who goes first.

"Duel!" Both Duelists shouted in unison.

Yuto got off to a slow start, as a result, Duel Chaser 227 stayed ahead of him and made it to the first corner before the Xyz user.

"Taking the first corner and the first turn is Duel Chaser 227!" Melissa announced.

"Sending defeated Duelists to the misery of the underground is wrong!" Yuto called out to the audience.

"Already worried you'll lose?!" Someone taunted from the audience.

"Why you!" Shun grit his teeth from his room as he stood up after the comment, wanting badly to punch the guy who said it towards his friend.

"Jack sure messed him up!" Someone else from the audience added.

"That's not true." Ruri spoke to herself.

"You shouldn't use Dueling to hurt people!" Yuto preached. Knowing from his own experiences on how a Dueling can be used as a weapon of destruction and despair to others. It just wasn't right. Dueling wasn't created for that purpose. It was created for the purpose of having fun and making memories with others.

"You just don't get it. Hmph, making a racket before you even understand...around here, people only see Duels to see the losers get beat, and for the winners to win! That's why I said you lacked the strength to climb the summit where I stand." Jack mused from his room as he watched the Duel.

"Get a hold of yourself!" Duel Chaser 227 bellowed, earning Yuto's attention. "Did you come here to give a speech? Then this isn't an invitation! Surrender immediately and get outta here!"

"Kgh!" Yuto grunted out of annoyance as Duel Chaser 227 picked up a Card from his Hand.

"I Summon Jutte Lord from my Hand!" Duel Chaser 227 slammed the Monster Card onto his Duel Disk as a man with a blue and black trench coat appeared.

Jutte Lord: Level 4, 1600 Atk, 1200 Def

"When Jutte Lord is successfully Summoned, I can Special Summon a Jutte Monster from my Hand! Come! Jutte Knight!" Next to Duel Chaser 227, a guy with glasses, black hair, purple vest and an orange shirt floated near him.

Jutte Knight: Level 2, 700 Atk, 900 Def

"I tune the level 4 Jutte Lord with the level 2 Jutte Knight! Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 6, Goyo Predator!" Duel Chaser 227 Synchro Summoned his Monster.

Goyo Predator: Level 6, 2400 Atk, 1200 Def

"Next I activate the Equip Magic Card, Goyo Arrow from my Hand!" The Card depicted a gun with multiple holes for arrows. The gun appeared in front of the Card. "This Card can only be equipped to Goyo Monsters. I equip it to Goyo Predator! Now, I activate the effect of Goyo Arrow! Once per turn, the equipped Monster can deal damage to my opponent equal to its level multiplied by 100! My Goyo Predator is a level 6! So, you shall take 600 points of damage!"

Goyo Predator turned around and fired the minigun like mechanism as it pounded at Yuto's d-wheel, causing him to slightly swerve out of control.

Yuto: 4000-3400 LP

"I end my turn." 227 finished.

"He couldn't attack in the first turn, but Duel Chaqser 227 has already inflicted damage on Yuto!" Melissa smiled.

"Now, it's your turn. What will you do? Will you Duel in this unjust tournament?" 227 interrogated Yuto rhetorically.

If they won't listen to words...then they'll have to listen to my Dueling!

"My turn!" Yuto announced as he drew his Card. "I, using the Scale 1 Phantom Knights Scavenged Armor and the Scale 8 Phantom Knights Shattered Javelin, set the Pendulum Scale!" Yuto swiped the Cards across his Duel Disk as a body with a ghostlike head holding a broken javelin along with a set of armor with piercing green eyes floated upwards beside Yuto as a pendulum started swinging in between.

"Phantom Knights Pendulum Cards?!" Ruri widened her eyes. Yuto had never used Pendulum a Summoning except for the match before where he used Entermate Monsters. Which are Monsters that Sakaki Yusho uses, but even Sakaki Yusho didn't use Pendulum Monsters. What was going on?

"With this I can simultaneously Summon Monsters whose levels are from 2 to 7! Swing! Pendulum of my soul! Carve an arc of hope across the ether! Pendulum Summon! Appear beside me, my Monsters!" Yuto rose his hand to an opened portal where beams of light shot out, revealing 3 Monsters. "First up is Entermate Partnaga! Next up are two copies of Phantom Knights Lost Vambrace!"

Partnaga: Level 5, 500 Atk, 2100 Def

Lost Vambrace: Level 2, 600 Atk, 0 Def

"I activate Partnaga's effect! When this Card is Summoned, I get to target a Monster I control, and it gains 300 Attack for every Entermage Monster I control! I target Partnaga himself!" Yuto declared as a yellow aura appeared around the snake.

Partnaga: 500-800 Atk

"What?! According to this thing that is those two Vambrace are Trap Monsters!" Melissa exclaimed out of shock as she looked at a screen that showed the Monsters, Magic and Traps, players, life points and basically anything during a Duel.

The audience started to jeer at this. Yuto heard multiple people say that he was cheating and that he was just scared to get sent to the underground facility.

"I'm not cheating!" Yuto interjected. He pointed a finger to Phantom Knights Shattered Javelin. "The Pendulum effect of Phantom Knights Shattered Javelin states that I am allowed to Pendulum Summon Magic or Traps that can be treated as Monsters with the stats their Cards display from my Hand or Graveyard! As long as the level of the Trap Monsters are within the Scale! If Trap Monsters are Pendulum Summoned from the Grave, they are banished when they leave the Field."

Shun grinned as he heard Yuto's explanation. "Hmph, Yuto isn't one to cheat, bastards. He always keeps surprising me."

"I overlay the both of the level 2 Phantom Knights Lost Vambrace! Piercing through ten thousand warriors, the cursed spear of rebellion entombed in darkness, descend now! Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 2! Phantom Knights Cursed Javelin!" Yuto recited the chant for his Xyz Monster.

Cursed Javelin: Rank 2, 1600 Atk, 0 Def

"Now everyone! Feast your eyes on this! I activate Cursed Javelin's effect! Once during either player's turn, by detaching an overlay unit, I can then negate the effects of a Monster you control and reduce its Attack down to 0!"

"What?!" Duel Chaser 227 gasped out of shock as Cursed Javelin pointed its spear at Goyo Predator. A blue fiery light erupted from the spear, striking Predator and stopping it in its tracks.

Goyo Predator: 2400-0 Atk

"Battle! Go, Phantom Knights Cursed Javelin! Attack Goyo Predator!" Cursed Javelin jumped into the air and threw its spear towards Goyo Predator. The spear stabbed Goyo Predator, destroying the Monster. Duel Chaser 227 cried out in pain as he swerved from left to right in order to regain control of his d-wheel.

227: 4000-2400 LP

"Now, Entermate Partnaga! Attack directly!" Yuto pointed his finger at his opponent as the snake slithered over to the voiceless and whipped Duel Chaser 227 on the back, causing him to wince as he slowed down, allowing Yuto to pass him.

227: 2400-1600 LP

"And with this, Yuto has turned the tides completely!"

"I end my turn." Yuto concluded.

"He's doing much better than I thought." A man from the Tops commented.

"Well, it's because his opponent isn't Jack." A red haired girl wearing a white hat with a red stripe said.

"I'll win, and go back to the Tops…" Duel Chaser 227 mumbled in a way to boost his morale. "Back to being a duel chaser!" He had hated every second of his life after being thrown into the Commons. He had no money, he was attacked by gangs quite frequently, and he was sooner or later going to run out of food. He couldn't live in that dump called the Commons any longer. He has to win this game! So he could return to the Tops and his life of luxury!

"My turn!" Duel Chaser 227 slid the top Card of his Deck and looked at it. "I activate the Magic Card Monster Reborn! Return to me, Goyo Predator!" 227's Monster rose from the Grave.

"Not so fast!" Yuto reacted quickly as he thrusted his hand upwards. "Cursed Javelin's effect! I detach his second overlay unit!" Cursed Javelin turned around and pointed the spear at Goyo Predator.

Duel Chaser 227 spotted an Action Card up ahead of Yuto. He sped up he's d-wheel and rode to Yuto's right, and eventually passing him with ease. He held out his hand and got the Card into his grasp.

"Action Magic, Invisibility! I select Goyo Predator! And now, for the rest of the turn, my Monster can't be targeted by your effects nor can it be affected by other Card effects!" Duel Chaser 227 countered as a blue beam erupted from the spear and clashed with Goyo Predator. However, the Monster made no reaction whatsoever.

"Wow! Duel Chaser 227 not only got his Monster when it was just destroyed last turn, but he protected it from the deadly effect of Yuto's Monster!" Melissa commentated.

"Nice one!" People cheered on Duel Chaser 227.

"Now! Battle! Attack, Goyo Predator!" On his command, Goyo Predator set his sights on Cursed Javelin, whom 227 was pointing to. Goyo Predator threw its weapon at Cursed Javelin, destroying the Monster with no mercy. Yuto winced as the remains of his Monster rained down on him.

Yuto: 3400-2600 LP

"Next, I use Goyo Predator's effect! When this Card destroys a Monster by battle and sends it to the Grave, I can Special Summon that Monster to my Field!" Yuto gasped out of shock after hearing this. "Come, Phantom Knights Cursed Javelin!"

A portal appeared next to 227 as Yuto's Monster went over to the enemy's side.

"Duel Chaser 227 boosted his forces with Yuto's Monster!" Melissa pointed out the obvious by just looking in the Field.

"I attack Entermate Partnaga with Phantom Knights Cursed Javelin!" Cursed Javelin leaped at its opponent and stabbed the snake with the spear, destroying.

"AHH!" Yuto yelled out of pain as he suffered even more damage.

Yuto: 2600-1800 LP

"Pendulum Monsters are sent to the Extra Deck when destroyed! So, you can't revive Partnaga!" Yuto informed Duel Chaser 227.

The man ignored this statement and simply clicked his tongue out of annoyance. "I end my turn." Under his glasses, 227 had closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again.

"And in one turn, Duel Chaser 227 has managed to close the gap between the two even further with successive attacks!" Melissa exclaimed.

"Come on, Yuto!" Ruri rooted for her comrade.

"Don't lose now!" Yugo blurted out for no particular reason.

"I'm not done yet!" Yuto cried out loud as he ripped the Card of his Deck and glanced at it. Yuto widened his eyes as he saw the Card he drew.

It was Entermate Trump Witch. The Card that could make him Fusion Summon.

Yuto felt fear run down his spine just holding the Card. Memories of the war flooded his head. The screams, the cries of civilians being sealed into Cards. The laughing of the soldiers as they performed their horrendous deeds.

"ARGH!" Yuto clutched his head out pain as the memories kept flooding in. The emotions and torment were too much for him. His hand started to shake uncontrollably.

He couldn't do it! He couldn't use the Card! What if the method corrupted him? What if he ended up like the Academia soldiers back in Heartland? Merciless. Sadistic. And outright disgusting.

He couldn't risk that. He didn't know if he was overreacting or not anymore, he didn't know what to do anymore! And the thing was, it was only HIM who had to make the decision! To have the stakes this high to make a decision such as this! The other Duelists of the Resistance would never use Fusion, the same goes for Ruri and Shun.

He was alone in this decision.

He had no one.

"Yuto." A voice spoke.

Yuto paused.

That's right, he wasn't alone. Yuya was there with him.

"I'm going to regret saying this but...as much as the match is important to win...you don't have to use Fusion if you don't want to." Yuya told his counterpart with eyes of steel.

"Yuya…" Yuto ushered the name of his partner as he looked at a Trump Witch. He still had problems for the Card. Well, Fusion at least. He couldn't use the Card. It's not just that he didn't want to, he just couldn't. Even if he wanted to use Fusion, his scales were full. Trump Witch can only bring out a Fusion Monster in the Pendulum Scale.

"Oi! How long are you going to keep sitting there for?! Get on it with it!" Duel Chaser 227 rushed Yuto as the crowd agreed, insulting Yuto with comments such as 'you're just scared to get sent to the underground' and 'scaredy-cat!'

"Using the already set Pendulum Scale, I Pendulum Summon! Reappear, my Monsters!" Yuto raise his hand up to the sky as three beams of light flew to his Field, revealing three Monsters.

From the Extra Deck was Entermate Partnaga in Defense Position, and from the Grave was two copies of Phantom Knights Lost Vambrace.

"I activate the Pendulum effect of Phantom Knights Scavenged Armor! Once per turn, I can declare a level from 1-6! All Monsters on the Field that have the declared Level have their levels doubled! I declare 2! So, my Lost Vambraces levels double!" Yuto explained the effect of his Monster.

Lost Vambrace(s): Level 2-4

"I overlay the two level 4 Lost Vambraces!" Yuto's two Monsters turned into overlay units as they flew into the portal that opened in front of him. A light erupted from the hole when the Monsters entered. "Formed from pitch-black darkness, to fight those foolish enough to oppose it with its treacherous fangs! Now, descend! Xyz Summon! Rank 4! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!"

Dark Rebellion: Rank 4, 2500 Atk, 2000 Def

"It's Yuto's ace Monster!" Melissa noted.

"With Dark Rebellion's effect, Yuto can end it this turn." Ryoga said.

"I activate Dark Rebellion's effect! By detaching an overlay unit, I can halve the Attack of a level 5 or higher Monster until the end of the turn! Then, Dark Rebellion gains the lost amount! Treason Discharge!" Yuto cried out as Dark Rebellion assaulted Goyo Predator with purple electricity, weakening the Monster.

Goyo Predator: 2400-1200 Atk

Dark Rebellion: 2500-3700 Atk

"Good going!" The audience immediately switched to Yuto's side as he was winning.

"Get him!" Someone cheered.

"Do it! Do it! Do it!" The crowd chanted repeatedly.

"Send him flying!" A Commons shouted.

"Smash him to bits!" Another person joined in.

"Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it!"

The words were repeating in his head. They were glad that 227 was going to lose.

If I attack, I win. But then…

"Come on, Yuto. What the hell are you doing?" Shun wondered.

Duel Chaser 227 had almost given up until he saw an Action a Card in front of him.

"Over there!" He yelled as he made a mad dash...or a mad ride for the Action Card, an Action which caught Yuto off guard.

The former officer drove up the wall and launched himself off, snatching the Action Card from its bubble.

"Duel Chaser 227 grabbed an Action Card! That's some impressive d-wheel maneuvering!️" Melissa complimented 227.

"Action Magic, Battle Lock! During this turn, my opponent cannot declare an attack!" A chain appeared from the Card as it wrapped itself around Dark Rebellion. The dragon howled at being restrained.

"You missed your chance at victory! Being like this would get just lead you to your grave around here!" Duel Chaser 227 mocked Yuto for his incapability of finishing the job.

"Damn it, Yuto!" Shun cursed as he slammed his hands onto the table in front of him out of anger. "Why are you so soft?!"

"The heck are you doing!" Someone yelled.

"Don't you even wanna win?!" Another person from the audience asked loud.

"Turn end." Yuto said simply as the chains were dispersed from his ace. "At this moment, Dark Rebellion's effect ends, and the Attack of Both Monsters return to normal."

Dark Rebellion: 3700-2500 Atk

Goyo Predator: 1200-2400 Atk

"Why? Why would you do that, Yuto?" Ryoga questioned. "You don't know nothing about the guy, yet you still treat him with care, even though he taunted you…mocked you..."

"Yuto...I think I understand why you hesitated…" Ruri whispered to herself.

It was because he didn't want to hurt his opponent.

Yuto was like many others of the Resistance. He didn't even want to be in the war. But out of all of the Resistance members, Yuto seemed like the person who wanted to fight the least. He had the appearance of a battle hardened soldier, but deep down in his heart, he hates to fight.

"My turn!" Duel Chaser 227 drew the top Card of his Deck. His eyes beamed as he saw the Card. "I Summon another copy of Jutte Knight from my Hand! Next, since I control a Warrior-Type Monster, I Special Summon Kiribi Lady!"

Kiribi Lady: Level 1, 100 Atk, 100 Def

"I tune the level 1 Kiribi Lady with the level 2 Jutte Knight! Synchro Summon! Appear, level 3, Goyo Defender!" Duel Chaser 227 Synchro Summoned as his Monster appeared.

Goyo Defender: Level 3, 1000 Atk, 1000 Def

"Chief! I'll present you my victory to you with the Cards you gave me! I activate the Magic Card, Fusion!"

"Fusion?!" Melissa exclaimed out of shock.

Horrified expressions appeared on the faces of Yuto, Shun, Ryoga, and Ruri, while looks of shock appeared on the other faces of the Lancers.

How is someone of the Synchro Dimension using Fusion?! The Synchro Dimension have just learned of the method?! There couldn't be someone using the method now! Which meant only one thing, Academia is already here.

"I fuse a Goyo Defender with my Goyo Predator! Fusion Summon! Appear, level 10! Goyo Emperor!" Duel Chaser 227 bellowed as a person sitting in a throne with a white necklace appeared alongside 227.

Goyo Emperor: Level 10, 3300 Atk, 2500 Def

"A level 10...Fusion Monster…" Yuto whispered as more memories flooded in. This time of multiple Ancient Gear Chaos Giants roaming the city, destroying everything in its path, starting fires, injuring people, potentially killing people, and destroying the peace of a city once filled with smiles.

"Fusion…" Reiji repeated the name of the method.

"Don't tell me…" O'Brien walked over to Akaba Reiji.

"Yes. Our fear has been confirmed. There is a member of Academia in this dimension." Reiji spoke at a low enough voice so the council couldn't hear.

"Go! Goyo Emperor, attack Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!" Goyo Emperor turned around and faced the dragon. The emperor took a deep breath, blowing out fire at the dragon, incinerating the beast immediately. Yuto flinched as he took damage, moving his d-wheel slightly away from Dark Rebellion to avoid most of the shockwave ensuing from the dragon's destruction.

Yuto: 1800-1000 LP

"I activate Goyo Emperor's effect! It negated the destruction of the opponent's Monster it battled! However, I then gain control of that Monster!" 227 revealed the upside of the effect for him.

"So that means even Pendulum Monsters will be affected by this Card!" Melissa suddenly realized.

Dark Rebellion reappeared to Yuto's Field, only to disappear again and to reappear once again over to 227's side. 227 threw up his hands.

"As long as Goyo Emperor is on the Field, I control your ace Monster!" Yuto growled in response to this statement. "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon! Attack Entermate Partnaga!" Dark Rebellion rushed to the snake, ready to pounce on its prey.

"I activate the Pendulum effect of Phantom Knights Scavenged Armor! When an Xyz Monster is on the Field and a Monster I control were to be destroyed, I can send to the Graveyard this Card from my Pendulum Zone instead!" Yuto countered as his Monster disappeared into a vortex. Dark Rebellion head butted the snake, however, the animal was protected by the image of a suit of armor. Dark Rebellion retreated right as the armor disappeared.

"You're not safe! Action Magic, Single Destruction!" 227 activated a Card on the ground. "Since you only control one Monster, I destroy your Partnaga!" 227 turned his d-wheel around as a lightning bolt electrocuted the Partnaga to destruction.

"Yuto has no more Monsters on his Field!" Melissa pointed out.

"If he attacks, the match is set!" Someone from the audience spoke.

"Get him!" Someone cheered as the audience erupted into claps and cheers for 227, once again only cheering for the person who was winning.

"Checkmate!" Duel Chaser 227 held up his fist out of victory.

"Yuto!" Both Ruri and Yuzu called the name of their friend out of concern.

"What are you doing, Yuto?! He's gotten all pumped!" Sawatari yelled at the screen, knowing full well that Yuto couldn't hear him.

Shun looked at the screen with wide eyes. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. And neither could Ryoga.

"Shall we see how this man will crumble at my feet?!" 227 asked the audience in a mocking tone towards Yuto.

Time had slowed down for Yuto in that moment. The claps of the audience echoed in his mind. The insults thrown at him during the course of this Duel. The laughs. The laughs were of greed...and something else that reminded him of the laughs that the soldiers of Academia had in Heartland. And that, was the worst part.

He looked down.

The laughs he heard that day has haunted him. And now, to hear something similar, hurt him. It reminded Yuto of how much he had failed.

"Go! I attack directly with Phantom Knights Cursed Javelin!"

The words were in slow motion, and Yuto didn't seem to hear them.

"Yuto!" Yuya's voice called out to the boy, but his Xyz counterpart couldn't hear the voice.

There was only one thing he could hear at that point as he continued to fade out of reality.

"One cannot make everyone happy. To make people smile, you have to give in to the urge of the audience. Give them what they want. Give them...the destruction of that trash you're mucking in the mud with. Rise...yearn for more power. Give into the hate. The hate will get you what you want. Give into the power of the supreme king, and you will be free of your pain. The pain of living through such tragedy and despair. It's an endless cycle of fighting. Fighting will only bring more fighting. And more fighting will lead to more hatred and anger. And more of those will bring more power. And with more power, there is even more fighting. It's an endless cycle. It will never end. Give into the power of the supreme king, and maybe it could end for you." The dark voice said. The voice was just suffocating to listen to.

Yet, it sounded so convincing…and soothing…

Yuto revealed his face. It was full of anger and hatred as Yuto's veins could be seen at the top of his face. Yuto's pupils were glowing with a blue tint.

"I activate the Graveyard effect of Phantom Knights Scavenged Armor! When a direct attack is declared while this Card lies, I am allowed to Special Summon the Card, negate the attack, and then end the Battle Phase!" Cursed Javelin backed away as the suit of armor rose from the Graveyard. A set of blue eyes appeared inside the helmet.

Scavenged Armor: Level 5, 2100 Atk, 1000 Def

"A 2100 Attack Monster is Summoned onto Yuto's Field!" Melissa viewed the Field, not noticing what was wrong with Yuto.

Duel Chaser 227 grit his teeth out of annoyance. "What futile resistance. Turn end."

"Yuto's taken heavy damage! And he doesn't have a Monster left on his Field! What can he do?!" Melissa asked the question the audience thinking.

Yuto put a hand on the top of his Deck.

At that moment, Jack noticed Yuto's change in demeanor. It was completely different earlier.

"My...turn!" Yuto roared as he swiped the top Card of the Deck, a purple light glowing in his Extra Deck as Yuya's pendant was glowing around his neck. However, the pendant was hidden by the riding suit.

"I set the Pendulum Scale using the Scale 4 Entermate Trump Witch and the already set Scale 8 Phantom Knights Shattered Javelin!" Yuto slammed the Card onto his other Pendulum Zone as the word Pendulum played across his screen. "With this I can Summon Monsters from levels 5 to 7! Pendulum Summon! Revive from the Extra Deck, Entermate Partnaga!"

The previously destroyed snake returned to the Field.

"I activate the Pendulum effect of Entermate Trump Witch! Once per turn, using Monsters I control as Materials, I can conduct a Fusion Summon!" Yuto revealed.

"What?!" Ryoga's jaw dropped out of shock.

"Yuto is...using Fusion?!" Shun spoke out of both anger and confusion.

"Yuto…" Ruri looked at the screen in awe.

"So has he finally gotten over it?" Yuzu asked herself.

Unknown to both Ruri and Yuzu, their bracelets were glowing slightly. The same was happening to Serena, who in the underground.

"Yuto has just revealed the ability to be able to use 3 Summoning methods! Fusion, Pendulum, and Xyz!" Melissa said.

"I fuse Entermate Partnaga and Phantom Knights Scavenged Armor! Dark shadow that resonates with the innocent beast! Merge into one fearsome being and unleash your dark powers to the rest of this pathetic world! Fusion Summon! Appear! The dark warrior that strikes fear into those it faces! Supreme Paladin of Rebellion-Enterknight Dark Phantom!" Yuto Fusion Summoned his new Monster as a warrior clad in purple with a black purple sword appeared to the Field. The warrior, had black eyes, void of emotion, as if it was a robot. On its sword, the kanji for Rebellion could be seen at the hilt.

Enterknight Dark Phantom: Level 7, 2500 Atk, 2000 Def

"Alright! This just got interesting!" Someone from the audience smirked as the other people agreed and cheered for Yuto to finish 227 off.

"Battle! Dark Phantom, attack Phantom Knights Cursed Javelin! Slash of Rebellion!" Yuto declared as the Fusion Monster jumped towards Cursed Javelin, slicing and dicing the Monster into pieces. 227 leaned forward as he took damage in Ryder to keep control.

227: 1600-700 LP

"I activate Dark Phantom's effect! Once per turn, when a Card on the Field is destroyed, I am allowed to destroy another Card on the Field! Disappear, Goyo Emperor!" After Yuto's explanation, Dark Phantom slashed its sword at Goyo Emperor, destroying the Monster. 227 covered himself from the smoke of the explosion.

"Now that Goyo Emperor is gone, Dark Rebellion returns to my Field." Yuto stated as Dark Rebellion flew over to his owner. "Now! Time to finish you off for good! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon, attack him directly and end this! Rebellious Lightning Disobey!" Dark Rebellion flew towards 227 as his fangs surged with electricity.

"Damn it!" 227 cursed out loud, however, he noticed an Action a Card up ahead. "Alright!"

"Oh no you don't!" Yuto yelled as he accelerated his d-wheel even further, smashing his right into 227's d-wheel, causing him to move away from the Action Card.

Dark Rebellion then came and flew upwards, causing a shockwave that blew away 227.

"AHHHHH!" 227 cried out in pain as he fell of his d-wheel, hitting the cold ground.

227: 700-0 LP

The audience cheered when the winner was finally decided. Yuto parked his d-wheel at the garage.

Yuto held his head in pain as he blinked a couple of times. He rubbed his eyes. They were no longer glowing blue. They were back to the normal gray hue.

"Yuto...this wasn't how you were supposed to use Fusion." Yuzu whispered to herself.

The Xyz Duelists, and O'Brien still didn't believe that Yuto had used Fusion.

"Wait. Fusion are the people that attacked Yuto's home. So why is he using their Summoning method?" Yugo wondered out loud in his quarters.

Reiji looked at the screen. You're getting closer.

"Oh, so that's his true nature." Roget, who is in his office said. "Looks like 227's defeat was not wasted."

"Yuto, splendid work! His missed chance at victory out him in a pinch, but he pulled out in the end. Highlights aplenty!" Melissa congratulated Yuto.

"Nice job! That was interesting!"

"The best!"

"Yuto! Yuto! Yuto!" He heard the chants of his name now.

"What the hell happened?" Yuto asked himself as he looked at his Duel Disk to see a Fusion Monster on it. "Oh yeah! I used Fusion. But where did this Card come from? Oh no!" Yuto turned his head to where 227 was. He was being carried out on a stretcher.

"I did that...all because I used Fusion!" Yuto widened his eyes out of horror. He had lost himself in that short timespan. "If that is how it's going to be...then I can't use it! I can't use Fusion! Plus, Shun and the others are going to be beyond pissed at me now! I never thought about how they would feel if I were to use the Summoning method…" Yuto looked at the Card and picked it up. He then took out his Extra Deck and out it at the bottom.

"I can't use Fusion. Not like this."


Card Catalog

Phantom Knights Scavenged Armor, Dark, Warrior, Pendulum, Scale 1: Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, you can declare a level from 1 to 6. Monsters on the Field with the declared level have their levels doubled. When a Monster would be destroyed while an Xyz Monster is on the Field, you can send this a Card to the Grave instead. Monster Effect: If a direct attack is declared while this Card is in your Grave, you can Special Summon this Card, negate the attack and end the Battle Phase. If this Card is destroyed, you can place it in your Pendulum Zone.

Phantom Knights Shattered Javelin, Dark, Warrior, Pendulum, Scale 8: Pendulum Effect: You can Pendulum Summon Magic or Trap Phantom Knight Monsters as long as their level is in the range of the current scale. Monster Effect: When this Card is Normal or Special Summoned, add a Phantom Knights Card to your Hand. You can only activate this effect of Phantom Knights Shattered Javelin once per turn.

Enterknight Dark Phantom, Dark, Warrior, Fusion: 1 Entermate Monster + 1 Phantom Knights Monster. Once per turn, when a Card on the Field is destroyed, you can destroy another Card on the Field. When this Card is destroyed, you can banish an Entermate or Phantom Knights Monster from your Graveyard, Special Summon this Card, then, this Card gains Attack equal to the Attack of the banished Monster until the end of the turn.


Welp! Looks like I've got some explaining to do.

Now. Why have I not updated in...12 days or so. Well, Days 1-3ish was traveling and unpacking. Days 4-6ish were relaxing, getting used to life back at home and catching up with some friends. Day 7-10 me being an usuratonkachi (If you watch the first Naruto subbed you'll know what an usuratonkachi is. Though for me the dub is actually better than the subbed in some scenes, in which case I still prefer the dub.)

Anyways, basically I was being an idiot for the past 5 days and I didn't start working on the chapter again since yesterday. Hope you guys understand lol!

rgriffin8999: When you say 'that guys' who are you referring to? I won't be able to answer if I don't know who.

Unknowndez: Who knows…

Skadi: A Jack vs Kaito duel? Now that is a mouthwatering one just thinking about it.

Matrixnis: YOU CAN NEVER SUE ME! Honestly, other than the reason I gave in last chapter, one of the other reasons why I had it be a Standing Duel was because I cannot picture Reiji riding a d-wheel. Every time I do, I just laugh out loud like a monkey and forget. That's one thing I HATED about Canon Arc-V Jack. He didn't a flipping card game on a motorcycle for the Tops and Commons.

Alright! Now, with that out of the way I am now going to post this chapter and go dump my head in a bucket of water as punishment for not updating in 12 days. Should be fun!

Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter.

Take care, goodbye!