Action Field, on! Field Magic, Crossover Accel!
Like in the Duel with Ryoga, Kaito noted the random blue platforms forming around the area along with the cluster of Cards that scattered around the Field.
This again...
"DUEL!"
It had started.
The battle between two friends, and a big audience was there to see it all go down.
Sayaka, who was cowering near the back of the ground, looked on with a sad expression on her face as two of her dearest friends were now having a fight to the death right in front of her eyes. "What can we do?"
"Nothing." Allen responded with a fixed gaze. "All we can do is respect Shun's wishes."
"It's my turn!" Kaito announced, removing a Magic Card from his Hand and sliding it into his Duel Disk. "I activate the Magic Card Cipher Accelight! With this Card, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Cipher or Galaxy Monster from my Deck." Removing a Card ejected from his Deck, the stack of Cards automatically shuffled itself as he placed the Monster Card onto the Monster Zone.
"Appear, Cipher Wizard!"
In front of Kaito, an old man with galaxy-themed robes appeared.
Cipher Wizard: Level 4, 1000 Atk, 1800 Def
"I activate Cipher Wizard's effect! Once per turn, by sending this Card to the Grave, I can Special Summon two Level 4 or lower Cipher Monsters from my Hand or Deck." Kaito said, removing the Monster on the Field and replacing it with two new ones from his Deck. "Come out, Cipher Twin Raptor and Cipher Backer!"
A purple and light-blue raptor appeared on Kaito's Field alongside a man with Galaxy-themed armor.
Twin Raptor: Level 4, 1600 Atk, 800 Def
Backer: Level 1, 0 Atk, 500 Def
"I activate the special ability of Cipher Backer!" Kaito announced, his Monster glowing with a blinding light. "Once per turn, I can target another Cipher Monster on the Field. The Level of this Monster then becomes the one of that Monster. So, Cipher Backer's Level now becomes 4!"
Cipher Backer: Level 1-4
"When used as Materials for an Xyz Summon, Cipher Twin Raptor counts as two. So, I overlay the two Level 4 Cipher Twin Raptors with the now Level 4 Cipher Backer!" Kaito declared, opening the overlay network as his Monsters descended into the portal in front of him. The portal imploded with a pillar of yellow light as Kaito chanted for his Monster. "Galaxy shining in the darkness! Become the servant of my servant and very soul! Xyz Summon! Descend, Galaxy Eyes Cipher Servant!"
Emerging from the light came a cloaked servant of Galaxy Eyes Cipher Dragon. His eyes were glowing exactly like his master.
Cipher Servant: Rank 4, 2300 Atk, 2000 Def
"Now," Kaito continued, raising his hand to his Monster, "Cipher Backer's additional effect activates! When it is used as Material to Xyz Summon a Monster, the Xyz Summoned Monster gains 1000 Attack."
Cipher Servant: 2300-3300 Atk
"Just like that, he Summoned a Monster with 3300 Attack?" Sawatari gaped with awe from the sidelines.
"Kaito is as strong as ever." Allen muttered bitterly.
"But we shouldn't have to see that when he's in a deathmatch with my brother!" Ruri exclaimed, her eyes wet seeing how things were turning out.
Sayaka flinched at her best friend's outburst, taking a small step away to distance herself from Ruri. She shut her eyes and looked off from the two Duelists, feeling the wetness from her forming tears as darkness overcame her.
All of this...is my fault. This is happening because of me! She thought to herself with guilt consuming her thoughts. If only she weren't such a coward, then…
"Now then," Kaito continued as he activated his Monster's effect, "Once per turn, by detaching an overlay unit, I can choose one of Cipher Servant's effects. I choose the second, which states that I can Special Summon a Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon from my Extra Deck with its effects negated." One of the two overlay units orbiting Cipher Servant erased itself from the Field. A yellow portal opened next to Kaito's Monster. Flying out of it was Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon, who let out a guttural roar upon Summon.
Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon: Rank 8, 3000 Atk, 2500 Def
Another part of Cipher Servant's effect was that a Cipher Monster was supposed to be attached to the Summoned Monster from the Field, Hand, or Graveyard. So, Kaito attached the used Cipher Backer to his ace Monster.
"And now, I'll activate the Magic Card Foolish Burial! This Card allows me to send a Monster from my Deck to the Graveyard." Removing a Card from his Deck, he placed a Monster named Cipher Wing inside his Graveyard. Kaito slid two Cards into his Duel Disk as two facedowns briefly materialized in front of him. "I set two Cards. That is the end of my turn."
"My turn!" Shun announced with a hawk-like glare at his former comrade. He will save his friend! With that thought, the Raidraptors user felt a newfound strength flowing within him as he ripped off the top Card of his Deck. "Draw! From my Hand, I Summon Raidraptors - King's Lanius!" Filling up a space on Shun's empty Field was a burgundy-colored bird with black wings.
King's Lanius: Level 4, 1300 Atk, 650 Def
"Now, I activate the effect of King's Lanius! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Raidraptors Monster from my Hand." Shun explained, removing a Card from his Hand and placing it on his Duel Disk. "Rise, Raidraptors - Rudder Strix!" A blue-colored bird with yellow fletching on the wings appeared to the Field with a chirp, taking its place next to King's Lanius.
Rudder Strix: Level 4, 0 Atk, 1600 Def
"When Normal or Special Summoned," Shun began as the Raidraptors insignia on the forehead of his Monster lit up with a scorching red, "Rudder Strix's effect activates. 300 points are dealt to you as damage!" Opening its beak, Rudder Strix released a small ball of fire at Kaito, who winced as the orb crashed into his stomach, leaving a searing pain behind for him to seethe on.
Kaito: 4000-3700 LP
"Alright!" From the sidelines, Yugo's face broke into a grin. "Kurosaki got first blood!"
"That won't matter. Not against Kaito." Yuto muttered grimly in response to his counterpart. His comrades in the Resistance wore similar faces, as they both knew just how strong Kaito was. Such a minuscule amount of damage didn't mean anything when Kaito could easily turn the tides.
"Now, using the effect of this Monster in my Hand, I target a Raidraptors Monster on my Field. I target Rudder Strix. Then, I Special Summon this Card to the Field and the Level of this Card becomes the same as the targeted Monster! Come, Raidraptors - Pain Lanius!" In Defense Position, Shun brought out a green-colored bird with a white face, brown beak, and red under the wings.
Pain Lanius: Level 1-4, 100 Atk, 100 Def
"Now, I will take damage equal to the Attack or Defense of my target." Shun explained as he motioned towards Rudder Strix. "I choose Attack!"
Allen couldn't help but smirk despite the situation. "Good play! Rudder Strix has 0 Attack. Therefore, Shun's not gonna take any damage!"
Kaito held his indifferent gaze, not fazed by his former friend's play at all. Three Level 4 Monsters…
As if he was reading the boy's mind, Shun began to declare an Xyz Summon. "I overlay the Level 4 Raidraptors - King's Lanius with Raidraptors - Rudder Strix and Raidraptors - Pain Lanius!" A portal opened itself in front of Shun as his three birds all flew into it with a yellow pillar of light flushing out in front of him as he recited the chant for his Monster. "Obscured falcon, raise your sharpened talons in front of adversity, spread your wings of rebellion! Xyz Summon! Appear! Rank 4! Raidraptors - Rise Falcon!"
Rise Falcon: Rank 4, 100 Atk, 2000 Def
"Next, I will activate Rise Falcon's effect!" Shun declared as an overlay unit was detached from his ace. "By detaching an overlay unit, Rise Falcon will gain the Attack of all face-up Special Summoned Monsters you control!"
Cipher Servant and Cipher Dragon had 3300 and 3000 Attack respectively. Therefore, Rise Falcon would be gaining a great amount of 6300 Attack.
Rise Falcon: 100-6400 Atk
"Nice." Sawatari complimented with a whistle. "And, since Kurosaki can use Rise Falcon to attack all of Kaito's Special Summoned Monsters at least once, this Duel is as good as done!"
"Don't be so sure about that." Allen muttered as he glanced toward Kaito, remembering the set Cards he had set down.
"Raidraptors - Rise Falcon, attack Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon!" Shun ordered as his Monster flew into the air, igniting into what was like a ball of fire, descending upon its opponent like a vicious hawk. "Brave Claw Revolution!"
"Meaningless!" Kaito retorted as he revealed his two set Cards. "I activate the Trap Card Cipher Escape and chain Double Cipher! First, the effect of Double Cipher! I target a Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon I control and detach all of its overlay units." As Kaito explained the effect, the lone overlay unit orbiting his ace disappeared, returning to the Grave. "Now, I Special Summon another copy of Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon from my Extra Deck. Come, my very soul!"
"Shit!" Shun cursed, toppling slightly as he felt the ground beginning to shake.
Erupting from the earth shot up a second Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon. It joined its counterpart on the Field as Rise Falcon continued to approach.
Kaito sharpened his gaze as he glanced at his other Trap. "Now that Double Cipher effects has been resolved, I can now utilize Cipher Escape!" Said Card glowed with a white hue as its effect took action. "When a Cipher Monster I control is targeted for an attack, I can banish the target and end the Battle Phase!" Kaito's Monster disappeared from the Field. Rise Falcon rushed through the empty Zone where the Monster had once been. The bird circled back, putting out his flames as he returned to Shun's side.
"Tch!" Shun grunted out of frustration, removing a couple of Cards from his Hand and inserting them into his Magic and Trap Zones. "I set two Cards. Also, I activate a Continuous Magic Card, Raptor's Intercept Form! Now, I end my turn. At this moment, Rise Falcon's effect ends, and his Attack returns to normal."
Rise Falcon: 6400-100 Atk
"It's now my turn, I draw!" Kaito lowered his hand, glancing at the Cards he currently had at his disposal. With the click of his tongue, he threw his arm forward. "Battle! Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon, attack Raidraptors - Rise Falcon! Cipher Stream of Eradication!" Kaito's ace Monster expelled a breath of light blue fire from its mouth towards Shun's Field.
"I activate a Trap Card!" Shun countered as he opened the Card in front of him. "Raidraptors - Evasive! If a Raidraptors Xyz Monster I control is targeted for an attack, I can return one of its overlay units to my Hand to negate the attack." One overlay unit, Raidraptors - Pain Lanius, disappeared from Rise Falcon. Shun removed the Monster from below Rise Falcon's Card and added it back to his Hand. Then, Cipher Dragon's beam of fire disappeared.
Making no outward reaction at his failure, Kaito pointed to his other Monster. "Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Servant, attack Rise Falcon!" In response, his Monster grunted and leaped into the air towards Rise Falcon.
"Quick-Play, activate!" Shun threw his hand to the side, revealing his last set Card. "Rank-Up-Magic Revolution Force! I target one Monster on your Field and take control of it!"
Before Shun could continue explaining the effect of his Card, Kaito cut in with his own. "That won't work! Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Servant cannot be affected by Card effects. So, he cannot be controlled by Revolution Force! The attack continues!"
Shun hissed out of annoyance as he made a break for a platform, seeing an Action Card lying on top of it. As he ran, he motioned towards his face-up Continuous Magic Card.
"I activate the effect of Raptor's Intercept Force! Once per turn, if an Xyz Summoned Raidraptors Monster I control is attacked, then I can flip its current Attack and Defense during damage calculation!" Rise Falcon was then enveloped with a purple hue as its battle stats were switched.
Rise Falcon: 100-2000 Atk, 2000-100 Def
"It doesn't matter! Your 2000 Attack Rise Falcon is still too weak for my 3300 Attack Cipher Servant!" Kaito proclaimed with a furious snarl as his Monster twirled the weapon on his hand, chucking it like a javelin at Rise Falcon.
With movements as sharp as a hawk, Shun leaped from platform to platform. He jumped past one more as he reached out, swiping the Action Card off the top of the platform. He glanced at the Card and smirked for a split second.
Good.
With a roar, he inserted the Card into his Duel Disk as it took shape next to him. "Action Magic, Miracle! My Monster isn't destroyed in this battle and also the damage I take is halved!"
SHHNK!
Shun's Falcon squealed out of pain. The ensuing shockwaves from Cipher Servant's attack threw Shun to the ground. He grimaced as a sharp pain shot through his back.
Shun: 4000-3350 LP
As the battle was over, Rise Falcon's Attack returned to normal. Not ideal, but better than the other alternatives.
Rise Falcon: 2000-100 Atk, 100-2000 Def
With an indifferent gaze at his rising yet hurt friend, Kaito placed a single facedown Card, which materialized in front of him before disappearing.
"I end my turn." He concluded. "So, you intend to use Action Cards too?"
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Shun returned with a narrow gaze.
"You're just like Ryoga, a coward."
"Say that after you beat me!" Shun proclaimed as he drew a Card. He glanced the new Card, a ghost of a smile now on his face. The smile disappeared as he turned to Kaito, motioning towards Rise Falcon. "Once again, I use Rise Falcon's effect!"
"Like I'd let you!" Kaito rebutted as he opened a set Card. "Counter Trap, activate! Cipher Block! When I control a Cipher Monster and you activate a Monster effect, I can negate the activation, negate your Monster's Attack, and reduce it 0."
Shun clicked his tongue as the last overlay unit disappeared from Shun's Monster, only for nothing to happen after. A red aura appeared around Rise Falcon, signaling the decrease in Attack.
Rise Falcon: 100-0 Atk
"Next, from my Hand, I activate Rank-Up-Magic Raid Force! With this, by targeting a face-up Xyz Monster I control, I can Special Summon a Raidraptors Xyz Monster from the Extra Deck whose Rank is 1 higher than the targeted Monster." Rise Falcon's figure turned into a yellow ball. It flew into the air, descending into an open portal in front of Shun as the Xyz user chanted. "The unseen bold falcon. Reveal your wings' unknown power here and now! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Come forth! Rank 5! Raidraptors - Étranger Falcon!"
A mechanical falcon with yellow wings and red lining descended upon Shun, Kaito, and the other Monsters on the Field.
Étranger Falcon: Rank 5, 2000 Atk, 2000 Def
"I use Étranger Falcon's effect! I detach an overlay unit from this Monster, then target a Monster you control and destroy it! I destroy Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon!" Shun shouted as Étranger Falcon expelled a small beam of light at Cipher Dragon. As soon as the beam connected, the Monster was destroyed in an explosion. Kaito let out a cry of pain as he was sent flying back from the explosions, hitting the ground with a sickening crack.
A sharp pain flushed through his back. He hissed, already knowing that there was going to be a bruise there later.
Kaito: 3700-700 LP
"Hey, just how much of a chance does Kurosaki have against Kaito?" Gongenzaka asked out loud.
"A small one." It was Yuto who responded. "Kaito and Shun have Dueled many times in the past, and in most of them...Kaito was victorious."
"No way!" Sawatari said with awe. "You're saying that there is still a large chance that Kurosaki will lose?!" A drop of sweat rolled down his face as he turned back to watch the Duel.
"To the Field, I Summon Raidraptors - Necro Vulture!" With a spark of light, a purple-plated falcon with a dark blue underbelly screeched, descending on the Field next to Étranger Falcon.
Necro Vulture: Level 4, 1000 Atk, 1600 Def
"I release Necro Vulture in order to utilize its effect!" Shun called out, removing his Monster from the Field as a Card ejected itself out of his Graveyard. "Now, I can add a Rank-Up-Magic Card in my Graveyard and add it to my Hand. Returning to my Hand will be Rank-Up-Magic Raid Force, which I am activating!" Shun swipes the Card back into his Magic and Trap Card Zone. "As Material, I use Raidraptors - Étranger Falcon!"
"He's using a Rank-Up-Magic again?" Yugo blinked.
Étranger Falcon's short-lived presence on the Field ended as it entered a portal that had opened in front of Shun. The bird entered the gateway as a spiral of light erupted from the portal. "Prideful falcon. Spread your wings, dyed in the blood of heroes, and soar through the winds or revolution! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Appear! Rank 6! Raidraptors - Revolution Falcon - Air Raid!" Shun chanted as a Monster very similar in appearance to the regular Revolution Falcon appeared to the Field, his position in the air making him seem bigger than he actually was. The Monster folded its wings slightly, taking a defensive stance.
Revolution Falcon - Air Raid: Rank 6, 2000 Atk, 3000 Def
"Forget about using Air Raid's effect upon Summon. You should know that it is useless against my Cipher Servant." Kaito boasted with a cold glare. He's seen this play many times. Kaito would use Air Raid and then upon its destruction bring out Revolution Falcon. An easy way to do damage and protect himself. Fortunately, he couldn't do damage here.
"I know." Shun responded. "But all Monsters have their use, and Air Raid has his own. I end my turn." With a sigh, he made eye contact with his friend, seeing the empty void that filled them. The Kaito he knew wasn't in there. It was just an empty husk from what he saw.
Just like him…
"Kaito, I understand."
"You understand?" Kaito repeated with venom, disgusted at the prospect. "And what do you understand?"
"I understand what you're going through. I've been there." Shun said, reminiscing about the past. "We all lost family, and when Ruri was taken, it was like someone had reached inside of me and ripped my heart out."
"Brother…" Ruri mumbled with a sad, caring expression. She didn't know her brother loved her to this extent. Her stomach ached. The guilt was now eating away at her insides as it dawned on her just how much Shun must have suffered without her.
"So, after she was kidnapped all I could think about was destroying every trace of Academia."
"No!" Kaito roared, pure rage and hate entering his gaze. "You understand nothing! You got Ruri back. My family? They are gone! Once you get Carded, it's over. So, for my family, I will make all Academia scum suffer just as they had suffered. Starting with him." Kaito stopped, nudging his head towards Ryo, who returned the boy with a glare.
"Kaito, come on!" Allen shouted, trying to reason with his friend. "You cannot bear all of this pain on your own. Let your comrades help you!"
"I don't need comrades! All I need is Galaxy-Eyes, an extension of my being! All I need to survive is ME! My turn, draw!" Kaito yelled, shredding the top Card off his Deck. With a quick glance, he returned his attention to Cipher Servant. "I activate Cipher Servant's effect. By detaching an overlay unit, I use the first effect in order to Special Summon Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon from my Graveyard. Return, my very soul!" A loud wail filled the air as Kaito's ace returned. "Now, I can attach a Cipher Monster on my Field or in the Grave as an overlay unit to Cipher Dragon. From my Grave, I attach Cipher Wing to Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon."
Kaito removed the Card from his Graveyard, placing it under his Xyz Monster's Card as said Monster gained an overlay unit.
"Now, from the Hand," Kaito thrusted his hand out with a Card held between his fingers, "I activate Rank-Up-Magic Cipher Ascension!"
"Shit!" Shun cursed as he took off into a mad dash around the Field, knowing what was coming.
"With this Card, I target a Cipher Xyz Monster on the Field. Using that Monster as Material, I can Xyz Summon a Cipher Xyz Monster whose Rank is 1 higher!" Kaito explained as his Monster was enveloped in a beam of light.
Meanwhile, Shun dove to the ground, rolling forward and grabbing an Action Cadd as he did so. He looked at the Card he drew, grimacing as he saw that the Card was completely useless. He glanced around the Field, spotting an Action Card on hanging off the top of a platform. He rose to his feet, running to the Card while Kaito chanted.
"Galaxy shining in the darkness. Release the forever unchanging light and become the beacon that illuminates the future! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Descend, Rank 9! Neo Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon!" Taking the place of Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon appeared Neo Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon. It's gleaming yellow wings blinded the bystanders. The dragon released its jawbone, expelling a guttural roar which rattled their eardrums.
Neo Galaxy-Eyes: Rank 9, 4500 Atk, 3000 Def
Damn! I have no choice. Shun thought to himself as he inserted the Card into his Duel Disk.
"Action Magic, Cursed Gem! I take 600 points of damage!" Shun winced as a purple aura surrounded him, decreasing his life points.
Shun: 3350-2750 LP
The damage didn't stop him, as he continued to run for the platform in his sights.
"You're trying for another Action Card?" Kaito questioned with disgust. "Relying on the power of outsiders is not going to help you beat me!"
"They're not outsiders!" Shun shouted defiantly. "They are my comrades!"
"K-Kurosaki…" Gongenzaka mumbled with newfound respect for his fellow Lancer.
"How foolish. Now, I activate the effect of Neo Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon!" Kaito declared as the lone overlay unit orbiting his Monster was crushed within the palm of his hand as Shun leaped towards the platform, reaching out with his hand and grabbing the Action Card. "Once per turn, I can detach all overlay units from this Monster and take control of all Monsters you control as possible!"
"Not today!" Shun returned as he activated the Card he grabbed. "Action Magic, Invisibility! Now, for the rest of this turn, a Monster I target cannot be targeted by your Card effects, nor can it be affected by other Card effects! I use this effect on Air Raid!"
"Nice!" Yugo blurted out with a grin. "Now his Monster is safe from that effect!"
"But not from battle!" Kaito exclaimed as he commanded his dragon to attack the bird. His behemoth of a Monster expelled a beam of light blue energy at its enemy. "Neo Cipher Stream of Eradication!" The beam enveloped Revolution Falcon - Air Raid, incinerating the Monster instantly upon contact.
"It's not just my comrades' strength that makes me strong!" Shun retorted as he held up the Card of the destroyed Monster. "It's my own! When Revolution Falcon - Air Raid is destroyed by your Card and sent to the Graveyard, then I can Special Summon the regular Raidraptors - Revolution Falcon from the Extra Deck using this Card as Material. Appear, Revolution Falcon!"
This time, appearing on the Field was the original, vintage body of Raidraptors - Revolution Falcon, who let out a screech as it soared down to the Field in Defense Position, like its counterpart before it.
Revolution Falcon: Rank 6, 2000 Atk, 3000 Def
"Now, Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Servant, attack Raidraptors - Revolution Falcon!" Kaito commanded as his Monster thrusted its weapon toward Shun's Monster. The Raidraptors user could have used Revolution Falcon's effect in an attempt to make Cipher Servant's Attack 0, but Cipher Servant is unaffected by Card effects. Knowing this, Shun did nothing, and his Monster was completely destroyed. "Look at what the power of your comrades has gotten you. As I have been saying, you have become weak. You are relying too much on these Action Cards, to the point that your wings have been clipped. You can't fly on your own anymore. When someone loses their loved ones, their strength is replaced by an indescribable sorrow." Kaito's eyes
dilated as his eyes returned to their cold look. "In the end, comrades are nothing more than a hindrance!"
"It's because I don't want to lose my comrades that I will fight with them!" Shun bellowed, activating his facedown Card. "I activate the Quick-Play Rank-Up-Magic Death Double Force! I can target an Xyz Monster that has been destroyed by battle or Card effect, and Special Summon it!" Rising from a purple portal in front of Shun came Revolution Falcon. "Then, I can use the Summoned Monster to Xyz Summon a Monster whose Rank is two times higher!" The Monster turned into a purple overlay unit, converging into a yellow portal and exploding.
"Two times higher?" Sawatari mumbled with wide eyes. "That means...a Rank 12?"
"Falcon of my very soul! With your heart of unwavering conviction and deep affection, become my sturdy last defense and descend! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Appear! Rank 12! Raidraptors - Final Fortress Falcon!" A large pink-armored falcon with a golden neck and face appeared to the Field, staring at Neo Galaxy-Eyes in the face as the battle of two titans began.
Final Fortress Falcon: Rank 12, 3800 Atk, 2800 Def
"This is it." Allen muttered, earning the confusion of many others. Seeing and hearing this, he clarified, "That is the final evolution of the Raidraptors. This is Shun's final ace. No matter what happens now, this Duel is over next turn."
"Your final Monster, huh?" Kaito mumbled, unimpressed. "It's still too weak! I end my turn."
"It may be too weak on its own, but with the power of my comrades, it will defeat you!" Shun proclaimed, declaring battle. "Final Fortress Falcon, attack Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Servant!" Final Fortress Falcon's cannons charged with a loud humming sound. A yellow ball of energy was thrown out of its stomach, enveloping Cipher Servant. Kaito let out a cry of pain as he was thrown to the ground.
Kaito: 700-200 LP
"I use the effect of Final Fortress Falcon! When a Raidraptors Monster I control attacks, I can detach all overlay units. Now, this turn, for each Raidraptors Xyz Monster I banish, that Monster can attack again!" Shun explained, banishing all Xyz Monsters from his Graveyard in the form of Rise Falcon, Blaze Falcon, Revolution Falcon - Air Raid, and the regular Revolution Falcon, letting the Monster attack five extra times.
"So what if your Monster can attack five times? Neo Galaxy-Eyes has 4500 Attack, while your Monster only has 3800!" Kaito retorted.
"Yes, but I still have my comrades' power!" Shun yelled as he broke into a run. He dove to the ground, snatching an Action Card that was hidden in the dirt and activating it. "Action Magic, High Dive! With this, a Monster I target on the Field gains 1000 Attack until the end of the turn." Obviously, Shun chose Final Fortress Falcon, who screeched with fury as it powered up.
Final Fortress Falcon: 3800-4800 Atk
"4800 Attack!" Ruri blinked. "With this…"
At Ruri's statement and the dragon's increased Attack, Kaito growled out of annoyance as he began to run, like Shun before him.
"What?" Allen gasped out of shock as Shun declared battle as fast as he could, ordering Final Fortress Falcon to attack.
"Kaito...is also going for an Action Card?" Yuto murmured with confusion. He had said that the power of outsiders made one weak. Could it be…?
They were reaching him?
Kaito leaped onto a nearby platform, perching himself on top of it and swiping the Action Card laid on it. Another ball of energy was released from Final Fortress Falcon.
Kaito inserted the Action Card. "Action Magic, Double Attack! This turn, a Monster I target on the Field gets its Attack doubled during the Battle Phase!"
"What?!" Shun widened his eyes as the Monster powered up.
Neo Galaxy-Eyes: 4500-9000 Atk
"Are you prepared to repent, Shun?" Kaito questioned harshly as he order Neo Galaxy-Eyes to counterattack.
In response, Shun once again took off into a run. He looked up to see a fallen, scorched streetlight with an Action Card hanging off of it. He glanced at Kaito's Monster, who had entered a beam clash with his own Monster, and the former was winning.
The blast over took Final Fortress Falcon, and as soon as that happened Shun grabbed and activated the Action Card with only a split second to spare.
"Action Magic, Miracle!" Kaito immediately recognized the Action Card from earlier. He scowled at the revelation that there were duplicate Action Cards as he saw his friend cry out in pain and crash to the ground as he still received half damage.
The difference in Attack between their Monsters was 4200. So, Shun had just received 2100 points of damage. Close to 0, but to Kaito's annoyance, not close enough.
Shun: 2750-650 LP
"I end my turn."
Final Fortress Falcon: 4800-3800 Atk
Neo Galaxy-Eyes: 9000-4500 Atk
"Relying on the power of outsiders?" Shun questioned coyly.
"Shut up!" An infuriated Kaito seethed. "I will do anything to survive!"
"That may be true, but I think it's something different!" Shun rebutted with a roar. "A part of you must still want to be with your comrades!"
"I will survive through my own power!" Kaito growled with a glare. "I have survived this far by myself, and I don't need any of you now! As I said, you'll only be a hindrance!"
Shun stopped with a sigh. Only a hindrance? All this time, and all they were to Kaito were a hindrance? He looked at his old friend with a sad look. Yuto, Ruri, and all the others were completely shook when they saw that a tear had actually began to roll down. Even Kaito found himself gaping with shock at the sight.
Kurosaki Shun was many things. The embodiment of anger, rage, and overprotective loving brother and friend, but someone to display emotions of sadness, much less tears...that wasn't like him at all.
"We've been friends for years, and we're just hindrances to you?" Shun questioned out loud, his body violently shaking. Whether it was anger or sadness, no one could tell at that moment. Perhaps it was both.
Brother...Ruri looked at her sibling with tears in her eyes.
"Kaito," Shun started, blinking and washing the tears that were threatening to fall, "Surely, even after all of this you still remember the old times. Me and Yuto would challenge and Duel you a countless amount of times, even if you would win most of the time. Each Duel we had with you only served to make our resolve to beat you greater, and we grew stronger because of it. When we would Duel, do you know what I remember most?"
Shun remained silent, waiting for an answer. Though, he was not surprised when Kaito didn't say a word, resigning to simply listening.
Accepting this, Shun continued. "It was the children. They would always gather around to watch us, cheering one of us on. Hmph," Shun broke into a small smile, "Most of the time they would root for you. I still remember their amazed, smiling faces. If they could see you now…"
Kaito flinched.
The children…
"What a beautiful dragon!"
"Awesome, Kaito-nii!"
"He's so cool!"
"I wish I could be just like him!"
Just like him…
Kaito looked down at his hand. The cheers of the innocent children echoed throughout his head as if they were speaking into his ear. He actually found a little pit of happiness sprouting in his stomach as he recalled the good memory. The memory of a better time. Before it all went to Hell…
Before Academia…
"AAAAAHHHHHH!"
Kaito's eyes widened with rage as the screams overshadowed all of the cheers.
"What I remember…" He spat with a venom-like gaze, "...is the screams of children, and my comrades begging to be spared! And yet, despite all of their cries for help, they got nothing! They were all Carded, even when we all worked together to try and save people! We couldn't save the children, and we couldn't even save our families! You couldn't even protect Ruri!"
"Maybe so…" Shun whispered in a low voice before raising his volume. "But as of now, no matter how much I lose, no matter how much I suffer, I will always be there with my comrades! I will stand by them, and bear their pain. And I will do the same with you, Kaito!"
Kaito's eyes narrowed. With a mix of confusion and distraught, he spoke, "Even after all I have done, you are still trying to help me! Why?! Why?!"
"Because no matter what you do, no matter how far you fall, you're still my friend, Kaito!" Shun shouted at the top of his lungs with a hawklike gaze. His expression softened as he glanced at the Lancers and his Resistance comrades. "Hurt me all you want, but I will always try to save my comrades, especially when things are at their worst."
A brief silence filled the air as Kaito breathed in and out, contemplating Shun's words. Eventually, he closed his eyes and drew a Card from his Deck. Seeing this was the last straw for a certain purple-haired girl.
"Please stop this madness, Kaito!" The young voice cried out with a sob. Everyone including Kaito and Shun froze as they looked to see Sayaka, still hiding behind the same piece of rubble as the beginning of the Duel. Tears were streaming down her face. She sniffled, feeling the blockage in her nose, but she continued nonetheless. "We lost Ruri, and we just got her back! Please don't take away Shun, too! Especially when...all of this is happening because of me!" She covered her face with her hands as she broke down into even more tears.
Allen immediately stepped towards her with a glare. "Don't be stupid, Sayaka! There was nothing you could have done to prevent all of this! It's not your fault!"
"NO!" The girl shrieked in response, completely stunning him. "I could have prevented all of this!"
The blue light from that night still haunted her. The light that would change everything as she knew it.
"It's because I was a coward back then that Ruri was kidnapped!" Sayaka cried out as she finally revealed the hidden truth that she had been hiding the only time. "I was right there and I just hid and did nothing as Ruri was captured!"
Everyone looked at the girl stunned as they processed this new information.
And Ruri...she didn't even know what to say.
"S-Sayaka…you..." Yuto whispered with wide eyes, a face that was shared by both Rio, Allen, and nearly everyone else.
Shun suppressed his shock. He looked back to Kaito, who had an unreadable expression on his face. His eyes were departing between his Cards and the Monsters on the Field.
This could all end. On this turn, if Shun didn't find the right Action Card. It would end, and Kaito would be the victor. And then what?
What would he do? Would he Card Shun like all of the other Academia scum? Just like how he tried to Card Ryoga?
Kaito looked to the ground, seeing a shattered piece of glass in which he could see his reflection. And…
He couldn't even recognize himself.
The bags under his eyes, the red in them, and the hate…
All of the anger and hate he saw.
Mother...Father...Haruto.
How would they react if they saw him now?
He shut his eyes, grimacing angrily as he turned away from Shun and the others. He said nothing and began to walk, and everyone was too stunned by both him and Sayaka's actions to even do anything. Everyone watched in silence, save for Sayaka's sobs, as Kaito's figure became smaller and smaller. Neo Galaxy-Eyes and Final Fortress Falcon disappeared from the Field, marking the end of the Duel...in Shun's win.
Kaito had surrendered.
Shun looked on at his retreating friend. The man who used to make children smile all of the time. The one who used to be such a good man…
"Kaito…"
Card Catalog
Cipher Backer, Light, Machine: Once per turn, you can target another Cipher Monster you control. Then, the Level of this Monster becomes that of the targeted Monster. When this Card is used as Xyz Material for an Xyz Summon, the Summoned Monster gains 1000 Attack.
Cipher Escape, Trap: When a Cipher Monster you control is targeted for an attack, banish that target and end the Battle Phase.
What's up guys, it's been a grip. Sorry it took so long, but I had to help plan for my brother's wedding and actually go to the damn thing, so I've been pretty busy. Plus, school has started up again so I've been pretty occupied
Anyways, about the result of this Duel, I feel like this was the perfect way to resolve both sides of my conflict. On one hand, I wanted Shun to flat out beat Kaito (like dropping his life to 0) because he hasn't gotten a major win yet in this fanfic since his Duel with Ryoga or his already canon Duel with Dennis. But at the same time, I had a feeling it was unrealistic that Kaito would beat Marufuji Ryo but then lose to Shun.
Next chapter, we're gonna take a short break from the Xyz Dimension, and go check things over in the Fusion Dimension for one or two chapters.
Stripe the Hedgetiger: Glad you've enjoyed the chapter so far. As for your question, I am in a way giving Kaito some of his Photon Cards. Like in this chapter, I gave Kaito Photon Escape, but I adjusted it for Cipher Monsters. So, if I give Photon Cards, they'll be changed to fit Ciphers since Kaito won't be using Photons in this fic.
Apple Bloom: I feel like I underdelivered with Sayaka's confession but I hope you enjoyed it. Next time we come back to the Xyz Dimension we will get a tiny bit more of the character's reaction to that.
Bridgey: Glad you got back into it. For the record, Rin and Kaito never got to finish their Duel, so neither person won or lost, but I hope that I did a good job with the other Duels where he won. I wanted him to show his strength but not at the cost of other characters like they did with Gongenzaka and Sawatari in the anime.
That being said, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. See you in the next one.
Take care, goodbye!
