First off. I'd like to apologize deeply for the near 2 month hiatus this fanfic has gone under. I just have been stumped for quite a while and haven't been able to think straight.

And now, to make things worse. Not long ago, Desmond Amofah (or you may know him as Etika or TR1Iceman) has been confirmed to be dead after being found in New York City.

I wasn't a big follower of Etika or anything, but I watched a few of his reaction videos and I always loved over the top, larger than life personality. It's still hard to digest the fact that the man is dead. Whenever someone you know dies, it's so much harder to believe that they're dead compared to someone you've never seen once in your life.

You'll continue to live on in our hearts. Thanks for the good times.

Rest In Peace: Etika.

...


As she stared down her opponent from Academia, there were only three things on Kurosaki Ruri's mind at the moment.

One: Winning.

Two: Making sure that Yuto is okay.

Three: Finding her brother and making sure he is okay.

She let out an exhausted sigh. All of this was too much to take in, and the pressure was starting to take its toll on the Kurosaki. So much was at stake here.

And if she got captured, Yuto and Shun would both be devastated. She had noticed Yuto's damaged composure despite the boy's best efforts to hide it. He was breaking, and who knows when he'd snap.

As for Shun...Ruri had a feeling he already snapped. And if not, he was on thin ice, and his flames of hatred were just waiting to burn the ground beneath him.

Still, Ruri had faith in herself and her comrades that they would make it out alive. And she would not go back on that faith. Not when it matters most.

She touched the section of her arm above elbow. She felt the soft silk of the red scarf fastened tightly around her limb. Her worries eased slightly as she remembered what it meant baring this scarf.

"Due to your likelihood to Serena-sama," Her enemy, Barrett, began to speak. She directed her attention towards the stern and stoic man. "I will give you this one chance. Surrender now and I'll spare the others."

"Huh?" Ruri eyes shot open as she could as sworn that she heard things. A Duelist from Academia opting to spare her comrades? This was underheard of. And it left Ruri with an uneasy feeling in her stomach. "You must be joking."

"Trust me, girl. I make no jokes." Barrett informed Ruri with no reluctance at all, as if he was proud by that fact.

"Does this offer extend to Serena and Hiragi Yuzu?"

Barrett closed his eyes and smirked, "I take it you're no fool. Obviously, due to their importance to our goal, Serena and Hiragi Yuzu must be captured. However, I will spare the others, as I said. I may be your enemy, but I am a man of my word."

With that, Barrett solemnly pumped a fist to his chest, standing to his full height with no tremble of conviction whatsoever.

No. Ruri thought to herself almost immediately after the proposal.

"I refuse." Ruri stated with a look of resolution on her mug.

"You...refuse?" Barrett narrowed at his eyes, perplexed that Ruri would refuse such an ultimatum. Did she show care nor compassion for her comrades? "It seems you Lancers and Xyz Duelists are more lowly and heartless than I took you for, willing to abandon your comrades like that."

That struck Ruri the wrong way.

Her eyebrows furrowed as she formed a fist, "Us? Heartless? Lowly? What are you on about?! That's not how it is at all! You've got it completely wrong! I mean...have you seen how your men are?!"

"Yes, I have." Barrett spoke with a nod. "It is unfortunate. That such a promising generation had to fall victim to such selfishness, gluttony and corruption. That is one of the only things I dislike about Academia. Sometimes I feel like the only one to respect my comrades. But my views on camraderie matter not. What does matter is your ultimatum! Do you still refuse? Because if so, me and my comrades will show no hesitation in eradicating each and every single one of your comrades!"

"Either way, it wouldn't matter." Ruri murmured before speaking up. "The more of us girls you capture, the more of our precious comrades you attract to get us back. Thus, more fighting will ensue. And should us girls get free, we'll be hunted down once again. It is an endless cycle."

Ruri dug her fingers into the scarf on her arm.

"Plus...I have people I need to protect. Furthermore, I am a member of the Resistance! And we of the Resistance don't back down! I'm willing to carry the name of the Resistance and continue to support my comrades! For those reasons, I will not lie down and let myself get captured. If you want to get me, you'll have to beat me to an inch of my life to do so!" She threw her arm out, switching on her Duel Disk.

"If that be your decision," Barrett let out a sigh of disappointment, as if he didn't want to Duel at all. "Then I have no choice...but to defeat you. As I have my own reason for following Academia! And I have no intention of going back on the Professor!" His Duel Disk activated as well.

"DUEL!"

In a flash, before Ruri could even open her mouth to continue, Barrett had already slammed a Card down onto his Duel Disk.

"First to strike wins! I Summon Carrier Sentinel from my Hand!" A green war-like machine made its way to the Field, causing the ground to shake with a loud rumbling noise to boot.

Carrier Sentinel: Level 4, 1000 Atk, 1600 Def

Barrett thrusted his hand forward with conviction, "I activate this Monster's effect! When it's Summoned, I can add a Beast-Warrior Type Monster from my Deck to my Hand! I add Pitch-Black Warrior Warwolf!"

Ruri's sharp gaze weakened slightly out of confusion. Pitch-Black Warrior Warwolf? She hasn't seen anyone use a Card like that before, mostly because it didn't have much synergy with any Deck…

In her dimension at least.

"Why the wavering look on your face? Have you already started to cower in my presence?! Such weakness is detrimental in the harsh battlefield. You of all people should know." Barrett yelled out of irritation. He didn't why, but he couldn't help but yell this out. Perhaps it was his pride as a soldier.

At this point in his life, he was an experienced veteran of war, one of the reasons of why he was sought out by Akaba Leo in the first place.

But in all of his victories, Barrett never once saw a soldier drop down, cry, and beg for mercy when at Death's door. And he wasn't going to allow himself to ever see that sight. Because in his eyes…

The true mark of a soldier is to fight and die with honor for what you believe is right. To ever waver is considered blasphemy. And at that point onc shouldn't even be considered a soldier at all.

"You are a member of the Resistance, no? Then how come I don't see that fire the rest of your comrades do? The fire to keep on fighting until the end. The same fire that Serena-sama had!"

Ruri couldn't find the words to respond to that. Truth be told, she wasn't a fighter. Like many in the Resistance, she wasn't ready to fight for survival. However, unlike the others, she couldn't adapt. Nothing compared to those like Yuto, Shun, Kaito, and Ryoga.

But still…

Even if she hated fighting more than anything else…

If she had to do it to protect her comrades, she would do it! And she'll do it right now!

Ruri decided to remain silent, keeping a phlegmatic expression on her face. Yes, she had her fears and doubts on the inside. However, she wasn't going to show her weakness in front of an enemy. That's what Shun would do. He would fight first and mope later.

"No response? Very well, then. I shall continue with this Magic Card!" Barrett took out a Card from his Hand and revealed it to his opponent.

Fusion.

Not that it surprised Ruri. The shock and anger from seeing that Card had dwindled away some time ago.

"I fuse the newly added Pitch-Black Warrior Warwolf with the Carrier Sentinel standing on the frontlines!" Barrett raised his hand into the air. The Monster he added to his Hand appeared as a ghostly image as it and Carrier Sentinel swirled in a vortex fashion, fusing together while the war veteran began a chant.

"Wolf of the battlefield that bares its fangs, unite as one with the veteran sentinel to give rise to a new bestial hero! Fusion Summon! Show yourself, Level 6, Beastborg Wolf Kampfer!"

Wolf Kampfer: Level 6, 2200 Atk, 1500 Def

"I set two Cards and end my turn." Barrett concluded with a focused tone, not keeping his eyes away from the target.

Ruri's fingertips touched her Deck as she flicked off the top Card. "Here we go! It's my turn, draw! If I control no Monsters, then I can Special Summon this Card from my Hand! Appear, Lyrical Luscinia - Silver Robin!"

Silver Robin: Level 1, 300 Atk, 100 Def

"When Summoned, this Card allows me to add a Lyrical Luscinia Card from my Deck to my Hand: I add Lyrical Luscinia - Black Canary! Next, if I control a Lyrical Luscinia Monster, I can Special Summon Lyrical Luscinia - Sapphire Swallow along with another Level 1 Lyrical Luscinia Monster from my Hand!"

Rising from a burst of light, Sapphire Swallow along with Lyrical Luscinia - Bronze Bee-Eater flew to the Field.

Sapphire Swallow: Level 1, 100 Atk, 0 Def

Bronze Bee-Eater: Level 1, 200 Atk, 0 Def

"Finally, I'll bring out Black Canary!" Ruri exclaimed as she slammed the Card down.

Black Canary: Level 1, 0 Atk, 200 Def

"Using these four Level 1 Monsters, I construct the overlay network!" Ruri declared as a portal formed in front of her. The Monsters turned into purple orbs as they flew into the portal with a purple trail; the portal imploded as Ruri began a chant.

"Birds with beautiful wings! Gather on the battlefield and take brilliant flight! Xyz Summon! Dance in the sky! Rank 1! Lyrical Luscinia - Assembly Nightingale!"

Due to her effect and four overlay units, Assembly Nightingale gained 400 Attack.

Assembly Nightingale: Rank 1, 0-400 Atk, 0 Def

Barrett immediately made his move.

"I activate the Continuous Trap: Beastborg Medal of the Iron Chain!

Ruri let out a frown, something that broke the stone-faced expression she wore at the moment. Despite this, she chained an effect without hesitation, "Black Canary's effect, when she is used as Xyz Material, I am allowed to inflict 500 points of damage to your life points!"

Said Monster appeared as a ghostly image, letting out an ear-piercing shriek. Barrett screamed, feeling his eardrums pop mere seconds after the terrible sound enter his ears.

Barrett: 4000-3500 LP

Unfortunately that damage wasn't going to stop Barrett's ongoing effect.

Straightening his composure in a flash, Barrett continued to explain his Card's effect. "If a Monster is Special Summoned to your Field, then I can bind that Monster to the ground!"

In that moment, black chains materialized, already wrapped around Assembly Nightingale's waist and chaining her arms to her sides.

"Nightingale!" Ruri called out in concern, her heart aching due to seeing her Monster in such a restrained state.

"Now, your Monster cannot be destroyed by battle. However, there is always a cost for success. Your Monster is now stripped of her ability to attack and change battle position."

"What?!" Ruri's tight gaze weakened as her plan to the path of victory was shackled in chains, unable to come to fruition. She clenched her teeth as her eyebrows furrowed out of frustration. She grabbed two and Cards and laid them down, "I set these two Cards and end my turn."

After moments of dead, uncomfortable silence, Barrett spoke. "Those chains...are one of the many medals I have earned as a proud soldier of war."

"A proud soldier of war?" Ruri repeated with slight disgust. "You must be joking." How can committing mass genocide make one a proud soldier? That made no sense in Ruri's eyes whatsoever.

But it did to Barrett.

"I assure you, I do not jest. Back at Academia, I am renowned for my numerous victories, medals, and strict code of honor."

"Honor?" Ruri seethed as she formed a fist, "What sort of honor is there to hurt people?! To cause others pain and make them suffer?!"

Barrett shook his head, closing his only eye. "You do not understand. Some sacrifices must be made for the greater good."

"The greater good?! We of the Xyz Dimension did nothing to you! And neither did the people of this one! Yet, here you are, attacking us out of the blue!" Ruri exclaimed with venom dripping from her voice.

"...Foolish."

"What?"

"I said you were foolish." Barrett repeated. "Think about it, if Academia didn't act, how long did you think it would take for the people of Xyz or Synchro to develop technology to travel between the dimensions in the same manner as is of the Fusion? Not very long, considering some of your own teleported to Standard with scrap as materials. In order to complete our goal, we took advantage of the opportunity brought to us and we striked. That's all there is to it. There is no 'fair' in war."

Barrett looked up at the sky, as if he was remembering something.

"Yes, all for the sake of that goal. The goal of creating a perfect utopia. A world of peace. A world where no more wars will have to be waged."

"But everything was peaceful before you guys came along!" Ruri argued with furrowed eyebrows. "If you didn't attack us, none of this would have happened! We...we wouldn't need to be putting our lives on the line like this!" She had lost all composure at this point. She was infuriated by how straightforward this man could be how harming others.

"As I've said, one of the other dimensions weren't far behind in dimensional technology. Who knows, maybe even your home would have done the same thing as us at some point should the circumstances arise. Besides…"

Barrett let out a chilling smile. One that definitely did not fit on a man like him.

"One all the worlds are united, everything will be undone. There will be peace. Unbreakable peace. Soon, you will all learn to accept that this reality is torn with war and blood. There is no end to it! As a war veteran, I have seen many close to me, friends...family...die in many battles. Some deaths were even in my blame completely."

Barrett closed his eye, currently mourning the loss of the friends and family that he used to have and remembering what he was fighting for.


3 Years Ago-Fusion Dimension-Graveyard Site

The hulking body of Barrett stood in front of multiple large stones positioned to form a circle. The center of a single section of the graveyard site made solely for those who fell in the line of battle.

There were multiple tombstones for those whose bodies were managed to be retrieved. However, for the bodies that weren't lucky, they were written on the stones Barrett was looking at.

As far as he was concerned, he knew most of the people whose names were etched into a tombstone or the big lumbering stones in the dead center.

"Despite what you might think, I hate fighting. I have gone through much more than you have, Kurosaki Ruri. I have been to Hell and back...multiple times. I know what it's like to put your life on the line for the thing that you fight for. And to have something you fight for...there is nothing wrong with that."

He had just come back from his most recent battle. As usual, he emerged victorious, but once again, the cost was just too high. Too many of his comrades were killed.

Just many more souls that will continue to haunt Barrett for the rest of his life.

Barrett raised his head. Someone was next to him. He seemed as if he wanted to talk. Turning his attention to the unknown man, he gave a blank stare, something that the man returned.

Barrett could see that the man was bald, with purple clothes and a red cape hanging on his back. All in all, he seemed like the leader of some organization or something.

"Good morning." The man nodded with a small tone of respect in an otherwise emotionless voice.

Barrett's eye left the man as he continued to run through the many names listed on the stone in front of him. He was looking for a certain name...Akio. Akio was his best friend, and like his name suggests, he was a brave man. In Barrett's eyes (or eye), he was a hero and a much better man than he would ever be.

A wave of regret filled his insides being reminded at the fact that he was the cause of his death.

"Is there anyone in particular that you are visiting?"

Barrett sighed. This man was obviously not going to leave him alone. So, he'd best answer his questions. Without even looking at the man, he spoke.

"A lot of people. I come here every day that I'm not on the battlefield."

"The battlefield? Ah, I see. You are a soldier who fights to keep peace in our city." The bald man pressed forward with the hint of a smirk on his face. "Judging from your...battle scar, I assume you have been through much in your career."

Barrett closed his eye and placed his fingers on the eyepatch that he wore.

"Yes. I lost my eye about five years ago. Most of my friends passed on that day as well."

He could remember it clearly. Barrett was the leader, which meant that he had to step up and take point. He made a huge miscalculation...and it sprung a trap set up by the enemy. The scarred warrior would have died that day if it weren't for Akio and some others sacrificing themselves for him to go on.

He still remembered Akio's final words to him before he died.

"The platoon cannot act without a leader. Find peace, Barrett. Whatever it takes!"

"And you?" Barrett asked.

"Hmm?"

"Clearly you are here for a specific reason. And that reason is not to look at some stone holding ghosts of the past."

The purple-clothed man looked up at the sky. "You're very perceptive...Iron-Hearted Killer Barrett."

Ahh, that blasted title that Barrett was named over his years as a soldier. He had a cold exterior to most, and all they saw in him was a ruthless killer with no compassion for others. However, only those closest to him knew the truth.

This was the complete opposite. He fought for peace. For what was right. For his home, friends, and family. That's all he fought for. Yes, while the fame and medals were nice, that's not the reason why he fights.

"Who are you?" Barrett interrogated, standing up to his full height and turned his body to face his unusual companion.

"Who am I? Well...for now you may refer to me as Professor."

"Well then, Professor, to what do I owe this visit?" Barrett's gaze deepened, knowing what the man wanted.

"You, despite your war name, desire eternal peace throughout the world. Am I wrong?"

Barrett would have been lying if he didn't nod.

So he nodded.

"Well then, if that be your desire...come with me. I will teach you about a plan with the best chance of that dream coming to fruition." The Professor told Barrett.

The war-hardened soldier knew just how the world was, so he was skeptical. He narrowed his eye with a doubtful expression on his face.

"And why should I trust you? You are just some random stranger."

The bald man smirked, "Not trusting many people, eh? A wise policy. It is true that I have nothing to prove my worth to you. However, whether or not you believe my idea of achieving peace is up to you. If you do trust me, then come with me."

Barrett took a good look into the man's eyes. A really good look at his confines. They carried a hint of truth and a little bit of hope as well. However, other than that was nothing.

Barrett had to give this 'Professor' credit where credit was due, he was good at masking his emotions for the most part.

Had he said anything else, Barrett would have just left the graveyard site without another word. But...what that man said…

Peace.

He had to take a chance. If what this man was saying is true, then the lifelong dream he has been trying to achieve will be right within his grasp.

Barrett kept an emotionless expression on his face as he rose to his feet. He looked at the grave, and then to the Professor. Back to the stone. Back to the Professor.

"Let's go."


Later-Academia-Fusion Dimension

Immediately when he stood and looked around Academia's soil, all he could see were civilians with no backbone. The students here were no soldiers. He had seen a purple-haired boy defeat someone in a Duel.

The victor tried to approach the loser, only for the latter and the surrounding people to back off and run away, much to the boy's sadness.

Barrett narrowed his eyes as he continued to follow the Professor, who was leading the way to...somewhere.

Eventually, they made their way to a locked door with a retinal scanner. The Professor stuck his hand on the device, followed by a scan of his eyes. He was easily recognized and he was allowed into the room behind the door.

"Come with me." He assured Barrett, prompting both of them to walk into the room.

They entered a throne room of sorts. A purple carpet ran from the door all the way to a throne with a large green machine behind it, blocked off by a wall of glass.

Barrett could only gawk at the sight. "What is that?"

"Our way to find peace." Was all the Professor said as they continued to walk forward.

"This is the way you're going to get peace? How will you do such a thing?"

"All of the details will be explained later. However, I will spare some things you should know before even considering joining me. The first is, that we are not the only world that exists."

This information shook Barrett to the core.

"What?! You say that there is another world with people like us out there?!"

"In a way. Not a world...more like a dimension. There are four dimensions. Standard, Xyz, Synchro, and finally this world, which we call Fusion."

"Fusion?" Barrett repeated the word. "Like the Summoning Method?"

"Yes. The people of this dimension use mostly Fusion Summoning, while some use Ritual. Two of the other dimensions, Xyz and Synchro, use Summoning Methods of the same name while also having Duelists that use Ritual Summoning. The last dimension...Standard, is a bit different. That dimension can use all of the Summoning Methods, but their strength pales in comparison to the other three."

The Professor went on to explain how that technology was being developed to transport large groups of people to the other dimensions. The plan was to attack the other dimensions and seal many people into Cards.

Barrett immediately lashed out saying that more fighting would bring them even farther from peace than before, especially since they were dealing with inter dimensional problems.

However, the Professor, Akaba Leo, countered his statement by saying that later down the line the other dimensions could travel to the other dimensions and somehow start a war that way in order to gain control.

After Barrett's anger calmed, Leo explained that Carding people would power the machine in front of them, which was being dubbed ARC-V. Once fueled with enough power and another condition has been met, they will be able to activate the machine.

All four dimensions would fuse together and a united world of great peace and possibilities would be born.

To say that Barrett was entranced was an understatement.

Despite the horrendous acts and bloodshed that he would have to go through, it would be worth it if peace came out of it.

"Obviously, a task like this requires a strong force. And with your experience in the military, you can train our soldiers to be strong men loyal to the cause. A world of peace coming to fruition is set on your shoulders. Without you, such a world will never come to be."

Barrett stared aimlessly at the reactor, slowly getting more enthralled as the seconds went by. If this succeeded…

No more fighting...

No more death...

No more pain.

Barrett was a soldier. He was required to carry out the mission, even at the cost of his own life. So, if he took on this task, that rule would apply here once again.

But this wasn't for the safety of loved ones...Barrett lost all of those already.

This was for peace.

And if it were for peace, the better for all people, then doing these things would not matter in the end. If people got to enjoy peace, why would they hold resentment towards the ones who granted them that peace.

"Now, make your choice!" Akaba Leo raised his voice with confidence, walking to the throne before turning around to face Barrett. "If you choose to join me, come over here. Take my hand and pledge your allegiance to our cause."

If it led towards prosperity, then doing horrible things could be excused

Akaba Leo smiled as he saw Barrett begin to walk towards him. "Yes, this way...you are a soldier of Academia!"

Barrett reached out his hand, taking step after step with no hesitance. He had made up his mind. He would do this even if he had to sell his soul.

And he would do it because…

"As of today…"

It was for…

"You are one of the many saviors of the four dimensions."

It was for the sake of the world. For the sake of what his comrades fighter for, and the wishes that they entrusted him with.

Barrett grabbed the hand tightly, matching his grip with Akaba Leo's tight hold.

"I, Iron-Hearted Barrett, make this pledge to stand by Academia and their noble cause no matter what I will have to go through."

And if it was for the sake of the world, then nothing was wrong.


Now

Ruri sharpened her gaze at the mentally wounded soldier in front of her. This man...he was similar to Yuto in some ways. Both had to adapt to the harsh circumstances thrown at them, despite their reluctance to do so. They both wish for peace and hate fighting as well.

They are so similar...yet so different at the same time...Ruri thought to herself with a blank stare meeting her opponents confines.

"My purpose...the thing I fight for...is the Professor. He saved me from my Hell and promised me Heaven in the form of Academia's goal! He wishes for nothing but peace through this goal! And for that and saving me I pledged my complete allegiance to him. I fight for him in order to attain that dream we both seek."

At that moment, Ruri's eyes could pick up...the smallest trace of a smile. A genuine, happy smile on the war veteran's face. It was as if the very thought of peace was a form of catharsis for Barrett.

The existence of Barrett's smile was wiped away in the next moment. He slammed his hand into his Deck as he glared at her.

"For my honor! My goal! And the one I fight for! I make this soldier's pledge to win! Breaking this self-rule is unforgivable! Draw! I activate this Magic Card! It's name is Departure to the Frontlines! Now, when I control a Fusion Monster, a Level 4 or lower Monster will risk their life from the Deck and be placed immediately onto the battlefield! I Special Summon Fusion Sentinel!"

Fusion Sentinel: Level 4, 1000 Atk, 1000 Def

"Don't even think I'm done!" Barrett shouted as he pumped out his fist with extreme force, "If the Materials of the Fusion Monster on the Field are in the Grave, then I can Special Summon them in Attack Position! March to the Field, Carrier Sentinel! Pitch-Black Warrior Warwolf!

Pitch-Black Warrior Warwolf: Level 4, 1600 Atk, 600 Def

"I activate the effect of Fusion Sentinel! I can conduct a Fusion Summon using this Card and other Monsters in my control or in my Hand! I use this Card along with Warwolf and Carrier Sentinel! Fusion Summon! Appear! The beastial warrior formed from the strength of three soldiers! Level 8! Beastborg Warwolf Sentinel!"

Warwolf Sentinel: Level 8, 2600 Atk, 2300 Def

"Battle! Beastborg Wolf Kampfer, attack Lyrical Luscinia - Assembly Nightingale!" Barrett boomed with an assertive tone. Following his command, the robotic beast made a mad dash, throwing out its claws in order to pounce on its prey.

Ruri reacted in a flash. "I activate Assembly Nightingale's effect! By detaching an overlay unit, I take no battle damage and my Monster's destruction is stopped!"

Wolf Kampfer sliced its claws against its enemy's shoulder, causing her to let out a cry of pain as she endured the attack. Barrett's Monster retreated just as fast as it attacked.

Assembly Nightingale: 400-300 Atk

"In that case, Warwolf Sentinel!" Barrett called out to his Monster. Immediately, the Monster also threw out its own attack. Ruri detached another overlay unit to protect her and Nightingale.

Assembly Nightingale: 300-200 Atk

"I'm not done just yet! As long as you control a Monster, Warwolf Sentinel can attack as many times as the amount of Fusion Materials used for his Summon! Three Fusion Materials! That makes three attacks in total. Now for the second attack!"

Once again, the same sequence of moves repeated. And Assembly Nightingale still remained on the Field.

Assembly Nightingale: 200-100 Atk

"The final attack!"

Ruri used the effect again, but now she would be out of overlay units.

Assembly Nightingale: 100-0 Atk

"I end my turn. However," Barrett yelled with serious energy, "During the End Phase, Warwolf Sentinel can inflict damage to you equal to half the Attack of the weakest Fusion Material. The lowest Attack is 1000! So, I inflict 500 damage to you!"

Warwolf Sentinel held out its weapon, a blue beam of light shot from the tip. It rushed past Assembly Nightingale and went straight for Ruri. The blast enveloped her as the girl found herself letting out a cry of agony as she endured what felt like a thousand blades being thrusted into her body.

Ruri: 4000-3500 LP

After the blast, Ruri dropped to her knees, her body steaming as she struggled to remain focused.

Barrett remained silently, and waited patiently for his opponent rise to her feet. Ruri simply drew her Card without a sound and began her turn.

"I activate my set Card. It's called Rank-Up-Magic Whole Step Force! Using this Card and a Lyrical Luscinia Xyz Monster I target, I can Special Summon a Lyrical Luscinia Xyz Monster from my Extra Deck with a Rank one higher than the targeted Monster!" The Magic Card in front of Ruri turned into a yellow orb along with Assembly Nightingale.

Both yellow orbs flew into the air before descending into a portal that opened in front of Ruri. The portal imploded and the sister of Kurosaki Shun began a chant.

"Bird with wondrous and beautiful wings! Evolve into a new bird and go on the path of victory! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Fly onto the Field before us, Lyrical Luscinia - Evolved Nightingale!"

Evolved Nightingale: Rank 2, 0 Atk, 100 Def

"Evolved Nightingale gains 200 Attack for each overlay unit she has. Currently, two are attached to her. Therefore, Evolved Nightingale gains…"

"400 Attack." Barrett muttered under his breath.

Evolved Nightingale: 0-400 Atk

Just like the last one, this Monster is incredibly weak. What is she planning? Barrett thought to himself, peering down at his facedown Card.

"Evolved Nightingale can jump over your Monsters and attack you directly. However, when she attacks like this, the damage you take is halved! Attack him directly!"

With a mere flap of her wings, Evolved Nightingale appeared right in front of Barrett. She gave him a kick to the chin. The Academia soldier let out a grunt of pain as he took a few steps back from the blow.

Barrett: 3500-3300 LP

Ruri couldn't help but smile as she explained the next effect. "When Evolved Nightingale deals damage to you from a direct attack, I can detach an overlay unit in order to destroy a Monster on the Field and inflict damage to you equal to the destroyed Monster's Attack! Say goodbye to Warwolf Sentinel!"

A shockwave erupted from Evolved Nightingale's mouth. Barrett's machine-like beast covered its ears and cried out in pain before shattering into little particles. The shockwaves that killed his Monster went on to harm Barrett himself as well.

The one-eyed man stumbled backwards, planting a hand on the ground to support himself.

Barrett: 3300-700 LP

Immediately after the shockwaves disappeared, Barrett revealed his final set Card.

It was a Continuous Trap Card named Beastborg Medal of Camaraderie.

"Once during either player's turn, when a Monster I control is destroyed by any means, I can place a Medal Counter on this Card. Following that, I chain the effect of Warwolf Sentinel on destruction! If Warwolf Sentinel's Materials are in the Grave, then I can Special Summon two of them to the Field with their Attack reduced to 0!"

At that moment, Warwolf Warrior and Fusion Sentinel appeared from a purple portal to the Graveyard. They faced their opponent with only a lust for battle in their soulless eyes. Albeit, a purple aura surrounded them, weakening them instantly.

Warwolf Warrior: 1600-0 Atk

Fusion Sentinel: 1000-0 Atk

Since Evolved Nightingale had detached an overlay unit, she loses 200 Attack.

Evolved Nightingale: 400-200 Atk

"My turn is done." Ruri said, the smile on her face disappearing completely. She did not want her enemy to see such an expression on her face any longer.

Barrett looked down at the ground. And for the first time, Ruri saw a look of distraught cross his face for a few brief moments. The expression on his mug was wiped away in order to mask his worries.

However, while his facial expression did well to hide it, his thoughts and body language could speak otherwise.

The man's arms were trembling very heavily. Barrett kept curling his fingers into a balled fist before straightening them out into a flat palm once again. He'd look down at the ground as words of Akaba Leo ran through his mind.

"A world of peace coming to fruition is set on your shoulders. Without you, such a world will never come to be."

"For…"

"Yes, this way...you are a soldier of Academia!"

"For the sake of…"

"As of today…"

"The Professor's goal. My goal..."

"You are one of the many saviors of the four dimensions."

"I will carry out my mission without fail! To do so would put a stain on my honor as both a subordinate and a soldier. I have fought all my life for the sake of peace in the entire world! I will not let all of the losses and suffering I have experienced go wasted! I will carry out the mission at all costs!" Barrett inched his head up to see a confident Ruri staring at him with her pink confines.

The commander normally didn't lose his cool like this. And Barrett acting this angry is most likely a result of his dream being on the line.

Barrett placed his hand on the top of his Deck, tuning back into reality. He drew the Card with ferocity and determination.

"Draw! I activate Fusion Sentinel's effect! As Materials for a Fusion Summon, I use Fusion Sentinel and Warwolf Warrior! O ferocious wolf of war, merge together with the watchman of Fusion, and raise a new war cry! Fusion Summon! Come forth and appear! Beastborg Panther Predator!"

A cybernetic Panther Predator appeared to the Field, drawing it's sword and glaring at Ruri's Monster.

Panther Predator: Level 6, 1600 Atk, 2000 Def

"Now, let us commence battle! Beastborg Wolf Kampfer, attack Lyrical Luscinia - Evolved Nightingale!"

Ruri made a motion to her Monster, "I activate another one of Evolved Nightingale's effects! When a Lyrical Luscinia Monster would be destroyed, I can detach an overlay unit from this Card instead."

"Your Monster won't be destroyed, yes! However, you are still not safe from battle damage!" Barrett reminded Ruri with a smirk on his face.

Wolf Kampfer made a mad dash for Ruri's Nightingale, firing missiles from its shoulders. Due to Nightingale's effect, the Monster survived, but the ensuing explosions and shockwaves from the attack knocked Ruri down to the ground.

As her back hit the ground, Ruri found drops of blood and spittle shooting out of her mouth.

Ruri: 3500-1500 LP

Evolved Nightingale: 200-0 Atk

An aching pain soon entered different parts of Ruri's body as she found it hard to rise up from the ground.

She rose to her feet regardless of the pain.

After seeing his opponent recover, Barrett then pointed at his Monster, who held out its blade, hoisted towards the collapsed Ruri. "Wolf Kampfer's effect activates! When you take battle damage, you get hit with 300 points of damage!"

Wolf Kampfer dashed right past Evolved Nightingale. The open slots on its shoulders closed as the Monster came closer and closer to Ruri by the second. The Monster cocked back its metallic hand and formed a fist, shooting it forwards as Ruri braced herself.

The closed fist caught her in the stomach. Ruri crumpled around the hand, gasping and wheezing, trying to get back the air that was blown out of her mouth.

The Monster pulled back its fist and went back to Barrett's side. Once Kampfer's fist retracted itself from her abdomen, Ruri wrapped an arm around her body protectively, still breathing heavily from the blow.

Ruri: 1500-1200 LP

"Panther Predator, attack Evolved Nightingale and end this bout!" Barrett's Monster rushed forward, thrusting it's blade forward in order to clip the bird of her wings.

Luckily for Ruri, she had a facedown at hand.

"I activate my Reverse Card: Rank-Down-Magic Lyrical Luscinia Fall! When a Lyrical Luscinia Xyz Monster is targeted for an attack, I can negate the attack!'

As she said this, Panther Predator stopped dead in its tracks, leaping backwards back to its master.

"Then, using Evolved Nightingale and this Card, I get to Special Summon a Lyrical Luscinia Xyz Monster from my Extra Deck or Grave as long as that Monster is 1 Rank lower!"

An explosion occurred in front of Ruri. Evolved Nightingale disappeared, and out of the smoke came Assembly Nightingale with two overlay units orbiting her.

Due to the two overlay units she had, Assembly Nightingale gained 200 Attack immediately.

Assembly Nightingale: 0-200 Atk

"I can do this all day!" Barrett yelled with ferocity as he jabbed a finger toward his Monster. "I activate the special effect of Panther Predator! Once per turn, I can deal damage to you equal to half this Card's Attack!"

"Your Monster has 1600 Attack...so that means…"

"800 points of damage." Barrett finished for the Xyz Duelist as his Monster dashed forward with it's blade.

Ruri widened her eyes as she saw a red energy glowing at the tip of the sword. In a quick and effortless fashion, the red energy ejected itself from the blade.

The ball struck Ruri in her midsection, exploding on impact and blowing Ruri down to the stone ground as a result. The girl let out a loud cry, wrapping her hands around her stomach.

She rose to her feet, keeping a hand on her abdomen, which was now left with a burning, unbearable pain.

Ruri: 1200-400 LP

"I set this Card face down. That's the end of my turn." Barrett stated, watching as Ruri took the time to regain her breath.

Just a little more. A little more and my mission will be a success! I will not return empty-handed! Barrett thought to himself with a resolved gaze.

Ruri turned her head to look around at the others. She still saw the dark sphere that blocked Yuto and Darkness from the outside world. She quickly returned her attention to Barrett, suddenly remembering what was at stake here.

Freedom.

If she lost, she would be taken back to Academia and separated from Yuto, her brother, and stripped of the chance of seeing her other comrades once again.

Not only that, but it would help Academia succeed in whatever nasty plan they were cooking up. She could not under any circumstances let herself be captured for those reasons.

Yuto, Ryoga, Kaito, brother and the rest never gave up once! So why should I? Ruri thought to herself as confidence returned to fuel her body.

Taking deep breaths, Ruri's mouth opened to speak, "We of the Resistance never fall! No matter how hard we're beaten we'll always rise up again to defeat our enemy! I am Kurosaki Ruri! Sister of Kurosaki Shun and resident of the Xyz Dimension! And I am also part of the Resistance! So now I too will rise up to defeat my foe!"

"...Impressive resolve. However, such words are riddled with empty meaning without taking action." Barrett said with a straight face, unfazed with the girl's determination.

He had already seen many others stand up like this in the past. And most of them fell again. And in the end…

They never got back up again.

So what makes this any different?

"My turn, draw!" Ruri glanced at the Card and widened her eyes. She brought in front of her pupils to take a good look at it.

No…

This Card was never in her Deck to begin with. It was a Lyrical Luscinia Card...but it was one she had never seen before once in her life.

She looked down at her right wrist to see her bracelet shining. Twinkling with a rhythmic pattern.

Blink

Blink

Blink

Blink

Ruri narrowed her eyes, Could it be that…?

She shook her head. No, now was not the time to think about theories and preconceptions. She'll have to learn more about the bracelet later.

Ruri closed her eyes. She didn't like the fact that this new Card was her only way of winning. This Card would Force to do something dreaded among those of the Resistance.

However…

She was willing to move on. To become stronger, she must move on.

To protect those she cared about, she would move on.

Ruri placed the new Card in the Monster Zone on Assembly Nightingale's right.

"Lyrical Luscinia - Crystal Crow, I Summon you to the Field!"

A black-haired girl dressed in a crow costume flew to the Field with a childlike smile, leaving a dark trail behind her.

Crystal Crow: Level 1, 300 Atk, 300 Def

Ruri motioned to her Monster, explaining her effect. "Once per turn, by using this Card and other Monsters on the Field or in my Hand, I can conduct a Fusion Summon!"

"What?! A Fusion Summon?!" For the first time this Duel, Barrett was genuinely shocked. He would never expect a member for the Resistance to use a Fusion, the Summoning method of Academia.

"I target Assembly Nightingale! So, I'm using Nightingale and Crystal Crow as Materials for a Fusion Summon!" Ruri explained as her Monsters levitated in the air, swirling in a vortex formation.

"What Monster could she be...?" Barrett mused as Ruri began to recite a chant.

"Twitter of the songbird that resounds in the dark night. Become one with the dark crow and cry more intensely! Fusion Summon! Fly down! Noble isolated night bird! Lyrical Luscinia - Independent Nightingale!"

The Fusion Monster given to Ruri by Academia was Summoned to the Field. It let out a laugh, but it wasn't filled with malice. It was more graceful, clear, and elegant.

"That Fusion Monster...is the same one the Doktor gave her." Barrett muttered under his breath, still confused on why Ruri was Fusion Summoning in the first place.

Independent Nightingale: Level 1, 1000 Atk, 0 Def

"I want to fight alongside my comrades! And if that means using the weapon of enemy, then so be it! I will show no shame in using Fusion, as Fusion is not what did wrong to Heartland. It is those of Academia, who use Fusion as a weapon. They are the ones who did wrong to us."

Barrett froze. His hand tightened, his nails digging into his skin and leaving imprints of where they were. He threw his arm to the side out of rage, an ignited fire in his eyes.

"Did wrong? Us?! We of Academia are trying to bring peace to the world! Eternal peace in the form of a united world! Instead of rejecting it, you should be embracing the noble goal of the Professor! The same man who will lead us to stability in the united world! You call us evil?! Don't make me laugh! We're the ones trying to create balance! All of you are the ones trying to resist it! And for those who try to resist such balance, you are the ones that are truly evil!"

"Peace? Balance? By committing genocide?! What good is a so-called peaceful world if it is created out of blood and hatred?!"

"It seems you still do not get it. Very well, if you insist on being so difficult, then there is no need to say anymore." Barrett responded with closed eyes.

"Indeed." Ruri replied acceptantly. "Then I shall end this now! I activate the effect of Independent Nightingale! On her Summon, her Level is increased by the number of overlay units Assembly Nightingale had!"

Assembly Nightingale had two overlay units. So, Independent Nightingale's Level increased by two.

Independent Nightingale: Level 1-3

"Next, Independent Nightingale gains 500 Attack for every Level it has! She has three Levels. So, Independent Nightingale gains 1500 Attack!"

Independent Nightingale: 1000-2500 Atk

"However, I won't be needing this Attack increase because I activate another once of Independent Nightingale's effects! Once per turn, I can dish out damage to you equal to this Card's Level times 500! My Monster's Level is 3. So, take 1500 points of damage!"

Independent Nightingale released a red ball of energy from her wings, which she cross together in an x formation. The ball flew towards Barrett, who reacted immediately with his face up Trap Card.

"I activate the second effect of the Trap Card Beastborg Medal of Camaraderie! By sending this Card to the Grave, I gain 1000 life points for each Counter on the Card!"

The Card disappeared from Barrett's Field as the cyclops gained a green aura, signifying his increasing life points.

Barrett: 700-1700 LP

This increase in life points did not stop the effect damage unfortunately.

Barrett was blown back by the ball, letting out a cry of pain as he tumbled backwards, just barely managing to stay on his feet.

Barrett: 1700-200 LP

"It ends here! Lyrical Luscinia - Independent Nightingale, attack and destroy Beastborg Wolf Kampfer!"

Ruri's Monster jumped into the air, and with a whip of her wings, multiple sharp quills shot down of her wings. They flew towards Kampfer, who rose its sword as a means of defense.

Time seemed to slow down for Barrett. The words Akaba Leo said to him played in his head like loud alarms.

"A world of peace coming to fruition is set on your shoulders. Without you, such a world will never come to be."

"Without you, such a world will never come to be."

"Without you, such a world will never come to be."

"Without. You. Such. A. World. Will. Never. Come. To. Be."

"No! I will not let myself be dishonored like this! If I cannot win, then I will fall with my honor intact! You are coming to Academia no matter what! Trap Card, activate! Beastborg Medal of Honor! When a Beastborg Fusion Monster I control is targeted for an attack, I can target that Monster and destroy it!"

"Destroy it?" Ruri questioned as Wolf Kampfer scattered into multiple particles. "Just what are you…"

Barrett thrusted his hand forward, prompting the continuation of his explanation. "If they are still in the Grave, I can now Special Summon the Fusion Materials of the Monster I just destroyed! Return to the battlefield, Carrier Sentinel and Pitch-Black Warrior Warwolf!"

Both of the previously deceased Monsters returned with a vengeance, with Warrior Warwolf wearing a sinister gleam in its eyes.

Merely looking at it sent chills down Ruri's spine. She did not have a good feeling about this.

"Now, damage is inflicted to both of us equal to the combined Attack of the Special Summoned Monsters! This damage totals up to 2600!" Barrett grinned, "At least now, I can fall with my honor intact, and my objective complete."

A small gasp escaped Ruri's lips. It was clear that Barrett was trained for any sort of situation, including this one. If this were to end in a draw, the ensuing shockwaves would temporarily incapacitate her.

Barrett, with his heavily trained body would not be as affected compared to Ruri's weak one. This, on top of his strong will, would allow Barrett to move even after a draw. Meaning that this would end in Ruri's loss whether it was a draw or Barrett's win.

Good thing she had a backup.

"From my Hand I activate the effect of Lyrical Luscinia - Feldspar Fulmar! When a Magic or Trap is activated, I can Special Summon this Card to the Field and negate that effect and destroy the Card!"

A girl dressed in a white-clothed suit with black and gray linings at the tail danced to the Field with a smile.

Feldspar Fulmar: Level 1, 0 Atk, 0 Def

Immediately after she was Summoned, Barrett's Trap Card grayed out before shattering into multiple pieces. Barrett looked on with a stunned and defeated face as Ruri motioned for her Monster to continue.

Also, Carrier Sentinel and Pitch-Black Warrior Warwolf disappeared, with Wolf Kampfer returning to take their place due to the negation of Barrett's Trap.

"Independent Nightingale, continue your attack and end this Duel!"

A burst of lightning erupted from Independent Nightingale, darting towards Wolf Kampfer and zapping. The mechanic wolf let out a pained howl, sparks of electricity shooting out of its body, eventually exploding due to overloading.

Barrett let out a yell as he was blown back from the ensuing shockwaves.

Time once again slowed for Barrett as he looked up to the sky.

His body made contact with the ground, the sound of a loud thud resounding throughout the night sky.

Barrett's eye closed, with only one thing going through his head.

I have failed, Professor…

Barrett: 200-0 LP


Card Catalog

Departure to the Frontlines, Magic: Target a Fusion Monster you control, Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Monster from the Deck. If the Materials of the Fusion Monster on the Field are in the Graveyard, Special Summon them in Attack Position.

Fusion Sentinel, Machine, Dark: You can conduct a Fusion Summon using this Card and other Monsters in your control or in your Hand.

Beastborg Warwolf Sentinel, Machine, Dark, Fusion: 1 Beast-Warrior-Type Monster + 1 Machine-Type Monster + 1 Monster or more Monsters: This Monster can attack as many times as the amount of Fusion Materials used for the Card's Summon. During the End Phase, you can inflict damage to your opponent equal to half the Attack of the weakest Fusion Material. When this Monster is destroyed, if this Card's Materials are in the Graveyard, you can Special Summon two of them to the Field with their Attack reduced to 0.

Beastborg Medal of Camaraderie, Continuous, Trap: Once during either player's turn, when a Monster you control would be destroyed, you can place a Medal Counter on this Card. You can send this Card to the Graveyard, gain 1000 life points for each Counter on this Card.

Lyrical Luscinia - Crystal Crow, Winged-Beast, Wind: Once per turn, you can Fusion Summon using this Card and other Monsters you control or in your Hand.

Lyrical Luscinia - Feldspar Fulmar, winged-Beast, Wind: When a Magic or Trap Card is activated, you can negate that Card and destroy. Then, Special Summon this Card to the Field.


So, I'm sorry if I keep acting like a little bitch to you guys about this. But, when a guy you didn't know all that well, but you still liked quite a bit dies, it hits you in a weird way that you cannot understand.

I'll try to write this portion out the best way I can though.

So, the reason for my long absence. I...honestly can't think of a good excuse this time. My bad, and I'm not making any promises of a lightning fast update for compensation.

Ethan Kironus: It's been a while since I've read a fanfic of any sort, but I think one fic did something similar to that.

Neonecrodarkman: Haha, looks like I fucked up again, my friend. Now you truly can call me the Togashi of Arc-V fanfics…

Heart of the mem: My bad for not responding to that. I don't think I'll be doing a Starve Venom and Parasite Fusioner thing. Mostly because the thing with Yuri is that having him use a Card associated with mind control wouldn't fit his character. He's so insane and twisted that mind control is a no no for him. Everything he does is of his own will and his will alone.

Skadi: Don't worry, despite what's implied here, Barrett will appear again. And if you're wondering what happen to Barrett after Synchro...I cannot tell you. You literally get no mention of him again. Like Roget, you can assume that he's dead or something since he never made another appearance. So, that's my head canon, Barrett died from his injuries after the Sergey incident.

DivadX: Don't worry, we'll be seeing Aki soon.

Bridgey: Hopefully, I don't fuck up the buildup with all of the Duels like the anime did. And also, don't let how I'm acting now make you critic this chapter differently. I'm already over Etika's death and while I cannot forget the news, I can move on and stuff.

Alright, that's settled that hassle. Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. And feel free to leave any suggestions for improvement for anything you guys didn't like.

Take care, goodbye.

And one more time…

Rest In Peace, Etika. You were a great guy who put a lot of smiles on people's faces with your entertainment and larger than life personality.