"Rin…" Allen whispered in awe, completely in disbelief.
He hadn't seen her ever since she Carded Kaito's family…since she returned back to Academia. Now, she was back. And now, Allen knew the truth of it all. The Rin he had first laid his eyes on was real. That girl was innocent. She was probably a good person…like Ruri.
And Academia had stripped her of her free will. If that wasn't enough, they were making her commit atrocities for the sake of their twisted goals.
It had to stop…
Allen had to make amends for jumping to conclusions. He had to make amends for not trying to help Rin. Simply put, she was just as much a victim of Academia as he and the other denizens of Heartland were.
And Yugo was currently trying to save his friend…
He had to help…
"Rin, snap out of it!" Allen shouted desperately. "You're being controlled! Academia has stripped you of your free will!"
"Stripped of my free will?" The aqua-green haired girl repeated with raised eyebrows. "I don't know what you're talking about. Everything I'm doing is of my own volition. Now, enough talk. Duel me."
The Synchro user held out her arm, activating her Duel Disk.
Allen locked eyes with the girl, seeing that his words had absolutely no effect on her. It seems simply talking to her wasn't going to work. The only way to shake this control would be to knock some sense into her.
He glanced back at the child he was shielding.
"Get out of here!" He ordered resolutely. "Get back to the Duel Monastery! There are people there who will help you, and stay away from Academia!"
"B-But-"
"Go now!" Allen yelled at the top of his lungs, causing the boy to flinch. Perhaps he had taken too harsh of a tone, but he had to make it clear how serious the situation was. "I'll hold her off. Just go, now! Before it's too late!"
The boy's eyes showed hesitation, but eventually grew into acceptance.
"Okay!"
The boy took off in the direction of the Duel Monastery.
Allen looked back with a small smile at the boy's retreating figure. With all of the chaos and Duels going around, the boy should be able to make it back to the Lancers.
Images of Yuto, Ruri, and Shun came to his mind.
Those guys will be able to help the kid out. This is the least I can do right now. Allen crouched into a stance, activating his Duel Disk. I will save Rin!
"I'll bring you back!" He proclaimed with a clenched fist. "Even if I have to drag you back!"
"The only thing that's going to be dragged is your Card off the ground." Rin stated, holding the arm with her Duel Disk out. "Now then, let's set the stage for our battle now, shall we?"
On Rin's Duel Disk, a couple of words appeared. The words read Solid Vision: Steel Cage, Activate.
To Allen's surprise, the ground around him and Rin began to shake. As the Train user looked around in mild concern, his eyes picked up metal rising up from the ground all around them. Quickly realizing what was happening, he made a run for it, trying to get out of the cage before it was too late…
It was too late, however, as by the time he got to the metal bars it had risen too high for him to jump over. He was trapped now, alone with Rin. It was only the two of them in the cage.
He turned back with a glare, a chill running up his spine as he saw the malicious grin appearing on the girl's face.
"With this, no one can interfere with our Duel." Rin explained, "None of your comrades, and none of mine."
"Those bastards aren't your comrades, Rin." Allen replied, drawing five Cards from his Deck. "They want you to believe that they are! I'll make you see the truth in this Duel!"
Rin grinned twistedly. This kid had no idea what he was talking about. As long as she could remember, Academia were her comrades. And, for the sake of the Professor's goals, she would crush anyone who got in Academia's way.
"You can try."
"DUEL!"
Meanwhile - In Another Area of Heartland - Xyz Dimension
"Serena…" Shun mumbled in awe, still in awe how close he was to losing his life. Had Serena not shown up when she did, he would be a Card right now. "What are you doing here?"
"What does it look like?" She responded, "Saving you. Now then, end your turn, Barrett."
Barrett grimaced, his eyes filled with sadness as he realized he would have to take down Serena, the girl he had looked over for so long.
"Very well." He said with a strained tone, inserting the two Cards in his Hand into his Duel Disk. "I set two Cards. Turn end."
"That means I'm next!" Serena announced, "My turn, draw!"
The current state of the Duel was as follows…
Barrett still had 900 Life Points left. Furthermore, he had Beastborg Panther Predator on his Field. While he had no Cards left in his Hand, he had just set two Cards down on the Field in his Magic/Trap Zone.
Shun, on the other hand, was looking much worse for wear. Though he had more Life Points than Barrett, 1500, he had no Cards on his Field or in his Hand.
Finally, Serena, having just joined in the middle of the Duel, had 2000 Life Points, six Cards in her Hand, and nothing on her Field.
Currently, it was her turn.
"From my Hand, I Summon Moonlight Kaleido Chick!" Serena yelled, slamming her Card onto her Duel Disk.
Appearing in front of Kaleido Chick was a baby chick with vibrant, rainbow-colored feathers. Its body is predominantly yellow, with streaks of pink, blue, and purple running through its feathers.
Kaleido Chick: Level 4, 1400 Atk, 800 Def
"I activate Kaleido Chick's effect!" Serena announced, motioning towards her chick-like Monster. "Once per turn, I can send a Moonlight Monster from my Deck or Extra Deck to my Graveyard and treat Kaleido Chick's name as the same as the sent Monster when using it as Fusion Material this turn."
Serena opened her Extra Deck compartment, removing a single Fusion Monster. She held out the Card, her ace Monster, Moonlight Cat Dancer, and placed it into her Graveyard. The Monster Card slid into the slot, with Cat Dancer's figure briefly superimposing itself over Kaleido Chick.
"Now, I activate the Magic Card, Fusion!" Serena exclaimed, her Monster currently on the Field, which turned into Cat Dancer, and Moonlight Crimson Fox leaped into the air. A vortex appeared between, sucking in their bodies and merging their forms into one. "I fuse Moonlight Kaleido Chick, treated as Cat Dancer, and Moonlight Crimson Fox! The beautiful beast dancing in the moonlight! The fox burning with tails of crimson fire! Swarm in the vortex of moon's gravity and become a new power! Fusion Summon! Come forth! Elegant beast dancing in the moonlit wilderness! Moonlight Panther Dancer!"
A dark-skinned feline with dark green hair, tan skin, purple leggings, purple top, and pink skirt appeared to the Field. The female Monster brandished her blades, ready to pounce on her enemies.
Panther Dancer: Level 8, 2800 Atk, 2500 Def
"I use the effect of Moonlight Kaleido Chick, and then I chain the effect of Moonlight Crimson Fox since they were both sent to the Graveyard by Card effects!" Serena announced, motioning towards Beastborg Panther Predator. "First, Crimson Fox's effect allows me to reduce the Attack of a face-up Monster you control to 0!"
As Panther Predator was the only Monster on Barrett's Field, it was chosen. The spectral image of Crimson Fox rammed into Panther Predator, weakening the cyborg.
Panther Predator: 1600-0 Atk
Barrett remained silent, watching on as Serena continued with her plays.
"And now, for the effect of Moonlight Kaleido Chick!" Serena announced, removing a Magic Card from her Graveyard. "When sent to the Graveyard and used as Fusion Material this turn, I can add Fusion from my Graveyard to my Hand!"
"Panther Dancer can attack all Monsters twice per turn…" Barrett muttered to himself, recalling the Monster's effects.
"That's right! And, your Monster won't be destroyed in the first battle! Now, let's battle!" Serena yelled, her Monster growling in anticipation. "Moonlight Panther Dancer, attack Beastborg Panther Predator!"
"Trap activate!" Barrett roared, revealing one of his set Cards, a Trap depicting a medal with the symbol for devotion engrained in it. "Beastborg Medal of Devotion! When a Beastborg Fusion Monster I control is attacked, I can banish another Beastborg Fusion Monster on my Field or in my Graveyard! Then, until the end of the turn, the attacking Monster loses Attack equal to the banished Monster's Attack!"
As it was the only other Beastborg Fusion Monster that had been played thus far, Barrett banished Beastborg Bull Barbarian from his Graveyard, a Monster with 2400 Attack. As a result, Moonlight Panther Dancer lost 2400 Attack.
Panther Dancer: 2800-400 Atk
Panther Dancer pounced on Panther Predator, kicking the cyborg in the chin. The shockwaves from the attack ruptured Barrett's body, causing the man to give a raspy cough in response.
Barrett: 900-500 LP
"Panther Dancer, attack again!"
Once more, Panther Dancer struck Panther Predator, this time with her weapon. The mechanical Monster was destroyed. Barrett let out more coughs of pain as the millions of pieces of his Monster rained down on him.
Barrett: 500-100 LP
"Since Panther Dancer destroyed a Monster in battle, she gains 200 Attack until the end of the Battle Phase."
Panther Dancer: 400-600 Atk
"I set three Cards." Serena said, ending her Battle Phase, the Attack of her Monster dropping back down as quickly as it had risen.
Panther Dancer: 600-400 Atk
"I end my turn." Serena concluded. "At this moment, the effect of your Medal of Devotion ends. The Attack of Moonlight Panther Dancer now returns to normal!"
Panther Dancer: 400-2800 Atk
"So many set Cards." Barrett noted, unimpressed with Serena's turn. "I no longer see the ferocity you once possessed. It seems your time in the Standard Dimension didn't just corrupt you, it made you softer as well."
"I am not the same person I used to be!" Serena retorted, recalling her experiences in the Standard Dimension. "I once used to have a clouded view of the world. I saw things from only one perspective, and I was naive and foolish. I've now had my eyes opened to the truth! I will no longer fight for a cause born out of dishonor and bloodshed! Kurosaki, make your move."
Shun gave a sharp nod, placing a hand on his Deck.
"Very well. Draw!" Shun eyed the Card he had drawn, narrowing his gaze. Without a second thought, he inserted the Card into his Duel Disk. "By paying half my Life Points, I activate Rank-Up-Magic Soul Shave Force! Kgh!"
Shun grunted as he felt a torrent of wind rupture his body, reducing his Life Points.
Shun: 1500-750 LP
"With this Card, I Special Summon a Raid Raptors Xyz Monster in my Graveyard. Return from the Grave, Raid Raptors - Devil Eagle!"
The Xyz Monster utilized earlier in the Duel returned through a purple portal. It screeched with vengeance, a primal desire to defeat its foe.
Devil Eagle: Rank 3, 1000 Atk, 0 Def
"I'm not finished. Now, using the Summoned Devil Eagle, I can Xyz Summon a Monster two Ranks higher!" Shun roared, his Monster entering the Overlay Network. "Ferocious falcon. Break through this fierce battle and spread your wings! Destroy our gathering foes! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Appear! Rank 5! Raid Raptors - Blaze Falcon!"
Devil Eagle had now been replaced by a mechanical eagle with red armor. A single Overlay Unit orbited the Monster as it touched the Field.
Blaze Falcon: Rank 5, 1000 Atk, 2000 Def
"Yet another Rank-Up?" Barrett mumbled, slightly impressed. "I see that unlike the Serena-sama before me now, you still seem to possess a warrior's spirit, Kurosaki Shun."
"What did you say?!" Serena spat angrily, clenching a fist.
"Don't let him get to you, Serena." Shun retorted, calming down his comrade. He then made a motion for his Monster, "After all, with Blaze Falcon comes his demise!"
"That's where we disagree, Kurosaki Shun!" Barrett interjected, revealing his second set Card. "Continuous Trap, Beastborg Medal of the Crimson Chain!"
From Barrett's revealed Trap Card erupted crimson-stained chains. These chains wrapped themselves around Blaze Falcon. The bird let out a cry of pain, the chains tightening around its body. Then, just as Shun processed the bondage of his own Monster, another chain wrapped itself around his body, trapping his arms.
"Kurosaki!" Serena yelled out of concern.
The Raid Raptors user let out a grunt of pain, struggling against the chains in an attempt to escape, but to no avail. He was completely binded. He couldn't move around, and he could barely even draw a Card from his Deck.
"Just what the hell is this?!" He grit his teeth, pushing against the chains once more, only to feel that their grip had tightened even more.
"The effect of Crimson Chain is that one time, when you Summon a Monster from the Extra Deck while I control a Beastborg Monster, the Summoned Monster cannot attack, change its Battle Position, nor be destroyed in battle." Barrett explained. "Furthermore, the controller of the restrained Monster cannot Normal or Special Summon Monsters as well as activate Magic and Trap Cards."
Such a powerful effect! Serena thought to herself with wide eyes. She had forgotten Barrett possessed such a strong Card.
The only way to truly break this restraint was to destroy all of Barrett's Beastborg Monsters, which would lead to the destruction of the Trap Card. However, Kurosaki currently couldn't…
No. She realized, her eyes brightening with realization. He can still…
As if on cue, Shun looked to his restrained Monster.
"I can still detach an Overlay Unit from Blaze Falcon to activate its effect! Once per turn, all Special Summoned Monsters you control are destroyed, and you will take 500 damage for each one that is destroyed!"
Blaze Falcon's many eyes glowed with a bright light. As if activating some sort of protocol, Blaze Falcon unleashed a horde of miniature red devices. These devices released a blue laser, each of them pointing at Beastborg Panther Predator.
Barrett, seeing that his Monster was in danger, broke off into a run.
Serena jerked her body forward, running in Barrett's direction. She knew immediately what the man's intentions were. Briefly, she found herself being shocked. Barrett was going for an Action Card…
She shook off the surprise from Barrett's actions, sprinting as fast as she could.
Almost at the same time, the two sets of eyes fell upon an Action Card lying on the ground.
Damn it! She thought to herself as both she and Barrett reached for the Card. At this rate…
She was so focused on getting the Action Card, that she didn't notice Barrett switch to a fist.
Before she could even react, Barrett had thrusted his fist into her stomach.
"GAH!" Serena groaned, a gasp escaping her lips, the breath leaving her body as she staggered back. The arm that once reached for the Action Card had now instinctively slid over her abdomen.
"Serena!" Shun called out of concern as Barrett picked up the Action Card.
"Action Magic, Invisibility!" Barrett exclaimed, motioning towards Panther Predator. "I target Panther Predator, allowing it to not be targeted by your Card effects or affected by other Card effects!"
The figure of Panther Predator became transparent. The devices Blaze Falcon had released unleashed multiple blue lasers. However, all of the lasers had gone straight through Barrett's Monster.
"As my Monster was not destroyed, that means I will not be taking any damage."
"Tch!" Shun hissed with anger. "I end my turn."
Barrett removed his attention from Shun, looking at Serena, who was holding her stomach tightly.
He frowned. It brought him no pleasure resorting to physical violence on the person he was tasked with watching over. However, she had lost her way. And, much like a parent would, Barrett would have to discipline her in order for her to see the right path once more.
"If that was the old Serena-sama, she would have not hesitated in forcing me out of her way." Barrett said aloud, a disapproving expression on his face as he watched Serena straighten her posture, despite the aching pain in her stomach. "I see none of the fierceness you once had. And what is this hurt look in your eyes? I thought I had trained you better, Serena-sama."
"Enough talk!" Serena spat, grunting as she removed her hand from her stomach, spitting the saliva that entered her mouth to the ground. "Make your move!"
"Such a shame to see such potential…squandered." Barrett mumbled with remorse. "I should have been more strict with you. If I had, then maybe you wouldn't have gone down this path…the path of a traitor!"
"The only traitors are Academia!" Serena rebutted, throwing her hand to the side with vigor. "The people of this dimension were living peacefully until the Professor came along with his brainwashed minions!"
"What you call brainwashing, I call loyalty. Loyalty to a cause I believe in. I suppose you wouldn't know very much about that, Serena-sama."
"I was loyal to Academia…" Serena admitted, earning a look of awe from Shun. "...at one point in. That was before someone showed me the truth."
Her thoughts drifted to Hiragi Yuzu, her counterpart. Akaba Reiji's words had shaken her viewpoint. He made her take her first step off the ledge. It was Hiragi Yuzu, however, who helped her walk off. Without meeting Yuzu, she would not have joined the Lancers.
She wouldn't have met her people…people she could feel like she could truly call comrades.
The pain in Serena's gut subsided. She steeled herself, ready for Barrett's oncoming turn.
"I'm not going back to the Professor…only to take him down!"
Kurosaki smirked, satisfied with Serena's words.
"Well said." He said, glaring at Barrett like a hawk. "With the power of the Lancers, we will crush the Professor!"
"I will not let the likes of you even see the Professor!" Barrett yelled, ripping a Card off the top of his Deck. "DRAW! To start, I will take you out first, Kurosaki Shun! I activate the effect of Beastborg Panther Predator! I deal halve its Attack to you as damage! Once more, take 800 damage! Quasar Beam!"
Panther Predator shot out a crimson-colored beam from its chest.
Shun widened his eyes, trying to move his arms and legs, but to no avail. He was a sitting duck. He had no choice but to watch an attack that would finish him come towards him.
"Continuous Trap, activate! Moonlight New Moon Dance!" Serena revealed one of her three set Cards, revealing a Card depicting Cat Dancer dancing in a blank black sky without any sign of the moon. "While I control a Moonlight Fusion Monster, all damage you would deal by Card effects become 0!"
A small barrier appeared in front of Shun. The laser beam smashed Into the shield, disappearing instantly as it did so. Shun made no outward reaction, as the beam never hit him.
"Meaningless! I still have other ways of dealing damage. I activate the Magic Card, Beastborg Conglomeration!" Barrett exclaimed, inserting the Card he had just drawn. The Magic Card depicted the limbs and features of many different beasts, all combined into one mechanical entity, whose form was shadowed. "This Card allows me to banish Monsters on my Field, in my Hand, or in my Graveyard as Materials for the Fusion Summon of a Beastborg Monster!"
"From the Graveyard as well?" Shun repeated with shock.
"That's not all! If my opponent controls a Monster Summoned from the Extra Deck while I control no Monsters, one of the Materials I use can be banished from the Extra Deck!"
"What?!" Serena cried out.
"I banish the Panther Predator on my Field, the Enraged Minitaurus in my Graveyard, and the Beastborg Wolf Kampfer from my Extra Deck to fuse them all!" Barrett roared, raising his hand into the air as the three Monster's forms swirled into one. "Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 9! Beastborg Centaur Scavenger!"
Appearing in front of Barrett was a four-legged Monster with the lower mechanical body of a centaur and a beastly upper half of the body. Its left arm was a mechanical cannon.
Centaur Scavenger: Level 9, 3200 Atk, 1500 Def
"Centaur Scavenger is allowed to attack three times per turn when Summoned using two or more Beastborg Fusion Monsters!" Barrett announced, putting his attention on Shun. "To start, I will take you out, Kurosaki Shun! With Centaur Scavenger, I attack Raid Raptors - Blaze Falcon! Quasar Cannon!"
A ball of energy burst out of Centaur Scavenger's arm gun, flying straight for Blaze Falcon. Shun widened his eyes, fear overtaking him as the final attack came…
"Not so fast!" Serena yelled in defiance, revealing another one of her set Cards. "Continuous Trap, Moonlight Full Moon Dance! While I control a Moonlight Fusion Monster, Monsters you control deal 0 deal battle damage!"
The blast of energy enveloped Blaze Falcon, destroying the bird. Shun, having received no damage, stood steadfast, not even flinching from the shockwaves of the attack.
"I activate the additional effect of Beastborg Centaur Scavenger! Since it destroyed a Monster by battle, I can destroy a Card on the Field!" Barrett explained, earning gasps of shock from both of his opponents. "I choose to destroy your Full Moon Dance! Quasar Shot!"
Centaur Scavenger held out its arm. A slot opened, revealing a small turret. A beam burst out of the turret. The beam smashed Into Serena's revealed Trap, destroying it.
"I also still have two attacks!" Barrett yelled, motioning towards Serena. "This time, Centaur Scavenger will attack Moonlight Panther Dancer! Quasar Cannon!"
As Barrett thrust his hand out, Centaur Scavenger once again shot out from his weapon. The ball of energy crashed into Panther Dancer, blowing up the Monster.
Serena cried out in pain, shielding herself from the particles of her destroyed Monster.
Serena: 2000-1600 LP
"And now, since Centaur Scavenger has destroyed another Monster, its effect activates once more! Serena-sama, I will be destroying your set Card!" Barrett said, his Monster releasing another beam from its mini-turret. "Quasar Shot!"
The beam connected with Serena's last unrevealed Card, destroying it instantly. The destroyed Card was Moonlight Serenade Dance.
"And now," Barrett returned his gaze to Shun, who widened his eyes in alarm. "This is as far as you go, Kurosaki Shun! Beastborg Centaur Scavenger, attack directly! Quasar Cannon!"
Serena grit her teeth, having preemptively broke off into a run. She jumped, throwing her body onto a blue platform that was just barely within her reach. She winced, her aching stomach colliding with the side of the platform. Painfully, she forced herself up with a grunt. She grabbed the Action Card on top of the platform she was on, throwing it into her Duel Disk.
"Action Magic, Evasion! Your Monster's Attack is negated!"
Upon Serena's declaration, Centaur Scavenger ceased charging with its arm cannon. Its arm flew back down to his side, awaiting its next orders.
Shun let out a sigh of relief, realizing how close he had been to becoming a Card. He looked to Serena, who had jumped down from the platform she was on. He sent her a grateful nod, which she returned with a smirk.
Once more she had saved his ass.
"Hmm…" Barrett grumbled, lamenting on the fact that he could not finish off one of his opponents. "It seems that you live to fight for a little bit longer. I end my turn."
"Yes, but you won't!" Shun retorted with a growl, glancing at Serena with a trusting gaze. "Finish it, Serena!"
Serena gave a fierce nod. Barrett thought she had become soft…that she had become weaker just because she didn't believe in a false cause anymore. Well, it was about time to show him that she was just as merciless as ever.
Serena placed a hand on her Deck, drawing fiercely.
"My turn!" Serena roared.
She glanced at the Card she had just drawn, her eyes brightening at the sight of it.
"Hmph." She smirked, removing a Card from her Graveyard. "I activate the Graveyard effect Moonlight Serenade Dance!"
"From the Graveyard, huh?" Barrett muttered through grit teeth. He had unintentionally allowed Serena to make her next move through the destruction of her Card.
"During my Main Phase," Serena began, holding out Fusion, the other Card in her Hand, "I can banish Serenade Dance from my Graveyard, allowing me to Special Summon a Moonlight Monster from my Deck by sending a Card from my Hand to the Graveyard. I send Fusion to the Graveyard. Come out, Moonlight Emerald Bird!"
Flocking to Serena's side of the Field was a bluish-green colored humanoid bird. She had an orange mask that was split in half on the right side of her face, and wore an orange outfit.
Emerald Bird: Level 4, 1200 Atk, 1000 Def
"And now," Serena held out the final Card in her Hand. "I Normal Summon Moonlight Tiger!"
Joining Emerald Bird was a yellow and black striped female humanoid tiger. The classic half mask worn by many Moonlight Monsters could be seen covering half of her face.
Wolf: Level 3, 1200 Atk, 800 Def
"Moonlight Wolf's Monster effect activates!" Serena chimed in, "When Normal or Special Summoned, I can add a Fusion Card from my Graveyard to my Hand."
The signature Card of the Fusion Dimension ejected itself from Serena's Graveyard. Wasting no time, Serena removed the Card and inserted it into her Duel Disk.
"Now, I will activate Fusion! I fuse together the Moonlight Wolf and Moonlight Emerald Bird on my Field!" Serena called put, bringing her arms together above her head. "Lone beast in the shadows of the night! Emerald avian flying in the light of the moon! Swarm in a vortex of the moon's gravity and revive with a new power! Fusion Summon! Come forth! Level 8! Beast pouncing in the moonlit valley! Moonlight Jaguar Dancer!"
Stepping foot in front of Serena was a sleek and agile feline adorned in midnight black fur. Yellow markings draped down her fur. A crescent-shaped mask on her face, Jaguar Dancer also wore a blue and green colored dress with two moon-shaped blades in her hand.
Jaguar Dancer: Level 8, 2500 Atk, 1700 Def
"Now, from the Graveyard I use the effect of Moonlight Emerald Bird!" Serena exclaimed, a white light erupting from her Graveyard compartment. "Since Emerald Bird was sent to the Graveyard by Card effect, I can Special Summon in Defense Position a Level 4 or lower Moonlight Monster that is either banished or in my Graveyard. However, its effects are negated. Come to me, Moonlight Crimson Fox!"
A red furred fox in a red and brown form-fitting gymsuit appeared to the Field, taking a defensive position. Her entire body began outlined in a shade of gray.
Crimson Fox: Level 4, 1800 Atk, 600 Def
"I activate the effect of Moonlight Jaguar Dancer! Once per turn, I release another Moonlight Monster I control…" Serena trailed off as her Monster, Crimson Fox, disappeared from the Field. "And add that Monster's Attack to Jaguar Dancer's until the end of the turn! I release Moonlight Crimson Fox!"
Moonlight Crimson Fox had an Attack of 1800. As a result, the total Attack of Moonlight Jaguar Dancer became 4300. The feline Monster let out a roar of fury, the energy of her now deceased comrade pumping through her veins.
Jaguar Dancer: 2500-4300 Atk
"What?!" Barrett widened his eyes. "4300 Attack?!"
"It ends now!" Serena proclaimed, thrusting her hand forward. "Moonlight Jaguar Dancer, attack Beastborg Centaur Scavenger! Double Moon Cresta!"
Jaguar Dancer leaped into the air. With her two moon-shaped blades, she unleashed a wave of energy. The attack enveloped Centaur Scavenger, destroying it.
Barrett screamed as the ensuing shockwaves from his Monster's destruction sent him flying backwards, hitting the ground hard.
Barrett: 100-0 LP
As Barrett's Life Points hit 0, the Action Field disappeared. As a result, Serena's Cards disappeared alongside the chains ensnaring Shun. As his arms became free, Shun flexed his hands, satisfied.
"Good job, Serena." He said to his comrade, who gave a grateful smile in return.
"Yes…good job, Serena-sama…" Barrett's voice coughed with pain.
Serena frowned, returning her attention to their defeated opponent.
"Barrett…"
"It seems you have not lost your fierceness…" Barrett spoke through deep breaths. "That said, by choosing to fight with the Lancers…you have chosen defeat."
"Maybe so." Serena replied with a calm gaze, her eyes holding a hint of sadness for her former guardian. "But, I have no regrets joining them."
"Academia will not stop coming after you… Hiragi Yuzu…or Kurosaki Ruri…" Barrett said, his Duel Disk glowing with a light blue hue. Academia's forced return program was now activated due to his defeat.
"Then we will protect them." Shun answered, resolutely stepping forward, glaring at Barrett. "If you or anyone else comes for Serena, Yuzu, or my sister, then we will crush you all!"
"Heh…even with such a target on your back you are still insistent on protecting those you care about…even when it means ending this battle." Barrett chuckled. "I respect that about you."
Shun gave no response in return. He would not accept such words from an Academia soldier.
"Serena-sama, I wish…" Barrett began as the surrounding area shined with a bright light. "I wish I could have taken you…back to the Professor…"
Academia Duelist near the area noticed the light, coming to the horror that it was coming from the Duel Disk of Barrett.
When the light disappeared, Barrett was gone. All Traces of him were gone.
Silence rang throughout the battlefield for painstaking moments. The Duels that had commenced between both sides had halted. And, to the Academia students, the reality of the situation had just dawned on them.
And the words of one Academia Duelist marked the turning tides of the battle…
"Captain Barrett has been defeated!"
Meanwhile - With Allen and Rin - Xyz Dimension
"DUEL!" The voices of both Duelists resounded throughout the battlefield.
"The first turn is mine!" Allen announced, removing a Card from his Hand. "From my Hand, I Summon Heavy Armored Train Rail Destroyer!"
A black metal train appeared in front of Allen, chugging gray polluting smoke out of its chimney as it did, filling the air with a resounding honking sound.
Rail Destroyer: Level 4, 1000 Atk, 2000 Def
"Now, I'm gonna use Rail Destroyer's effect!" Allen raised his hand, "When Summoned, I can target a Monster on the Field and have it lose 600 Attack!"
"Hmm?" Rin hummed with confusion, before a taunting smile appeared on her face. "Are you stupid? I have no Monsters. All you're doing is weakening your own Monster."
Upon her statement, the Attack of Rail Destroyer went down by 600.
Rail Destroyer: 1000-400 Atk
"My point exactly." She sneered. "How are you expecting to defeat me when you make dumb plays like that?"
"Like this!" Allen roared, holding out a Magic Card. "I activate the Magic Card, Machine Duplication, targeting my Rail Destroyer with less than 500 Attack! Now, I can Special Summon up two more copies of Rail Destroyer from my Deck! Appear, now!"
Two flashes of light glowed on Allen's Field, giving birth to two more copies of Rail Destroyer. Allen opted not to use their effects upon Summon, as he found it pointless because of his next move.
"And now, I Overlay my three Level 4 Rail Destroys to construct the Overlay Network!" Three wisps of yellow light descended into the portal that opened before Allen. A pillar of light shot out from the center upon entry as Allen recited the chant for his Monster. "Train that travels at the speed of sound, and arrive here and now faster than a blink of an eye! Xyz Summon! Show yourself! Rank 4! Heavy Armored Train Sound Breaker!"
A blue train with a red metal lion face at the front appeared to the Field, taking the place of the three duplicates.
Sound Breaker: Rank 4, 2600 Atk, 1600 Def
"I set two Cards! Turn end." Allen concluded, his two Cards appearing in front of him.
"My turn!" Rin yelled, removing a Card from her Deck. "I activate the Magic Card, Pot of Greed! With it, I draw two Cards! And now, I Summon Wind Witch - Ice Bell!"
A mystical field of snow obscured Allen's vision. And, appearing from beneath the shield of snow was a young girl with dark and light blue hair. She wore a snow white witch outfit, a pointy purple hat topping off the look.
Ice Bell: Level 3, 1000 Atk, 1000 Def
Rin motioned to her Monster. "When Ice Bell is Normal or Special Summoned, I can use her effect to deal 500 damage to you!"
A strong gust of wind struck Allen, throwing back into the steel gates of the cage behind. He let out a cry of pain, gagging as the metal dug into his back. His body hit the ground, the boy moaning as he writhed from the pain.
Allen: 4000-3500 LP
Rin grinned, feeling gleeful seeing her opponent suffer and the pained expression he was making. She was going to have a lot of fun with this one. She raised another Card from her Hand, slamming it onto her Duel Disk.
"If all the Monsters on my Field are Wind Witch Monsters, I can Special Summon this Monster from my Hand!" She explained. "Come to me, Wind Witch - Freeze Bell!"
Joining Ice Bell was a pink-haired girl wearing a nearly identical attire with a green hat on top. The usual Wind Witch motif of a bell was also strapped to the collar of her dress as well. Like Ice Bell, she sat atop a broom. Though, unlike her counterpart, who wore a bright smile on her face, Freeze Bell looked significantly more bloomy, as if she had never smiled for a second in her life.
Freeze Bell: Level 3, 1200 Atk, 1200 Def
"I am not finished yet! When I control two or more Wind Witch Monsters, I can Special Summon this Monster from my Hand! Join us, the Tuner Monster, Wind Witch - Snow Bell!"
A light blue bell with yellow linings, patterns, and blue beads for eyes appeared to the Field in a gust of wind. The chime of a bell played throughout the area as the Monster made its appearance.
Snow Bell: Level 1, 100 Atk, 100 Def
"Tuner Monster?" Allen uttered with confusion. He had never heard of such a Monster before. Was this something exclusive to Duelists of the Synchro Dimension?
"And now, I Tune the Level 3 Ice Bell and Freeze Bell with the Level 1 Tuner Snow Bell!" Rin declared, raising her hand into the air.
As she declared the Summon, her two non-Tuner Monsters turned into bright white stars, totaling six. On the other hand, Snow Bell turned into a large green ring. The six stars flew into the center of the ring as Rin recited a chant.
"Midwinter wind. Make ice and snow my power and blow through!" A beam of white light shot through the six stars and ring, enveloping the seven objects. As that occurred, the form of Rin's Monster took shape. "Synchro Summon! Appear! Level 7! Wind Witch - Winter Bell!"
Out of the light from her Synchro Summon was a female Monster with wings and a rudder-like blade protruding out of its bell-shaped core.
Winter Bell: Level 7, 2400 Atk, 2000 Def
"A Synchro Summon already, huh?" Allen muttered to himself upon seeing the Monster. "Well, if she's anything like Ruri in terms of skill, I suppose it is to be expected."
Ignoring Allen's words, Rin jabbed a finger toward her Monster.
"I activate the effect of Wind Witch - Winter Bell!" The aqua-haired girl proclaimed, a torrent of snow swirling around her new Monster. "I can target a Level 4 or lower Wind Witch Monster in my Graveyard. Until the end of the turn, this Monster gets the effect of the targeted Monster! I choose the Ice Bell lying in the Graveyard. Take 500 more damage!"
The gust of wind and snow cycling around Rin's Monster shot out towards Allen. The Machine user cried out in pain as the wind struck him like a punch to the gut. Once more, he was thrown off his feet and into the hard metal gate.
He groaned as his body slid down the gate, both the front and back of his body aching. Despite the pain his body was in, he kept the strength to stay standing.
Allen: 3500-3000 LP
"The pain isn't over yet!" Rin grinned, holding out a Magic Card, a Card depicting the shadows of two Wind Witches flying under the night of the crescent moon sky. "I activate this Magic Card, Bell Chime of the Wind Witch, targeting Winter Bell! Now, I Special Summon a Wind Witch Monster with a different name from my Deck in Defense Position! I'm bringing out another copy of Wind Witch Snow Bell!"
With a flash of light, the blue bell from earlier appeared to the Field.
Allen narrowed his eyes inquisitively. That Tuner Monster…could she be going for another Synchro Summon?
As if on cue, Rin motioned towards her two Monsters. Like last time, Snow Bell turned into a green ring while Winter Bell turned into seven bright white stars.
"I Tune the Level 7 Wind Witch - Winter Bell with the Level 1 Wind Witch - Snow Bell! Witch of midwinter wind, glide through the storm and bring forth a new storm! Synchro Summon! Show yourself! Level 8, Wind Witch - Storm Bell!"
A torrent of snow and wind appeared on the Field, taking the place of the previous two Monsters. Taking the place of the two Wind Witch Monsters was a female Monster similar in appearance to Winter Bell. However, this Monster was a light blue color with red accents going across its bell-shaped core.
Storm Bell: Level 8, 2900 Atk, 2450 Def
"I use the effect of Storm Bell!" Rin announced, a gust of snow and wind gathering around Storm Bell. "When Synchro Summoned, I can target a Wind Witch Monster in my Graveyard and return it to my Hand. Then, you take damage equal to that Monster's Level times 200! I return Wind Witch - Freeze Bell! Freeze Bell's Level is 3, so you take 600 damage!"
The gusts of snow and wind smashed at Allen's body. Like the previous two times, he was thrown into the cage behind him with a groan.
Allen: 3000-2400 LP
"Time to battle!"
"Still?!" Allen muttered out of exasperation, bracing himself.
"Wind Witch - Storm Bell, attack Heavy Armored Train Sound Breaker!"
Torrents of wind thrust themselves toward Allen's Monster, enveloping it. However, upon the declaration of Rin's attack, Allen thrusted a hand towards his Monster.
"I activate the effect of Sound Breaker!"
"On my turn?!" Rin gasped.
"Damn straight! Once during either player's turn, I can detach an Overlay Unit from Sound Breaker to activate one of three effects!" Allen explained as an Overlay Unit disappeared in front of the train. "I choose the second effect! I banish a Monster from my Grave and increase the Attack of Sound Breaker equal to the Attack of the banished Monster! I banish Rail Destroyer!"
"I don't think so!" Rin yelled, thrusting a hand at her Monster. "Another one of Storm Bell's effects, once per turn, when you activate a Card or effect, I can send a Wind Witch Monster to the Graveyard from the Field or Hand. From my Hand, I send Wind Witch - Freeze Bell to negate Sound Breaker's effect and destroy it!"
"Counter Trap, activate! Cancel Schedule!" Allen countered, revealing one of his set Cards, which depicted a board of train departures, with one having the word "canceled" placed over it. "When you activate a Card or effect, I can detach an Overlay Unit from a Machine Xyz Monster I control to negate the effect!"
"What?!" Rin widened her eyes with shock.
One of the Overlay Units orbiting Sound Breaker dispersed into mini particles. The body of Wind Witch - Storm Bell was shaded over with a gray color, its effects negated.
Allen grinned madly. "And now, since your Monster's effect is negated, Sound Breaker's effect finishes!"
"Shit!" Rin cursed as the Attack of Sound Breaker increased by Rail Destroyer's Attack, 1000.
Sound Breaker: 2600-3600 Atk
Rin could do nothing but watch as her Monster engaged in battle with Sound Breaker. The attack of Storm Bell struck Sound Breaker. However, due to the power difference the torrents simply passed through, leaving the train unfazed like a steel wall.
In response to Storm Bell's attack, Sound Breaker unleashed a blast of energy from its caboose. The attack connected, incinerating Storm Bell.
"Kuh!" Rin grunted, covering her face to protect herself from the shockwaves of the attack.
Rin: 4000-3300 LP
"Rgh!" Rin grunted, recovering and thrusting her hand at the remains of her Monster. "If Wind Witch - Storm Bell is destroyed, I can Special Summon another Wind Witch Monster from my Hand, Deck, or Graveyard. Appear once more, Wind Witch - Winter Bell!"
A portal opened where Storm Bell was destroyed. A portal to the Monster Graveyard. Appearing from inside the portal was the previously tributed Winter Bell.
Rin grimaced, looking at the two Cards in her Hand. Since she had used the Magic Card, Bell Chime of the Wind Witch, she would not be able to Special Summon any Monsters for the rest of the turn unless it was a Wind Monster. The Monster she wanted to Summon…was a Dark Monster.
Entering her Main Phase 2, Rin looked to her ace Monster. "Since Winter Bell had left the Field earlier, I can use her effect once more! Like last time, I will copy the effect of Wind Witch - Ice Bell, and use it to deal 500 damage to you!"
"More?!" Allen cried out of frustration as he was hit by the fourth gust of wind of the match, lowering his Life Points even more.
Allen: 2400-1900 LP
"Hehehehe." Rin chuckled maliciously, feeling a rush of joy pumping through her veins. "I like that look on your face. I set two Cards facedown. Turn end. And now, at this moment, the effect of your Heavy Armored Train Sound Breaker ends, and its Attack returns to normal."
Sound Breaker: 3600-2600 Atk
"Tch." Allen grunted, placing a hand on his Deck. "My turn, draw!"
He narrowed his eyes, looking hard at Rin.
Damn! She is vicious. He thought to himself. Over half of my Life Points gone in a single turn…no wonder she survived a Duel with Kaito. Her style of fighting is merciless. A grim smile appeared on his face. That said, I have no intention of backing down!
"I swear I'll bring you back…" Allen muttered. "If it's the last thing I do…I will…"
"Allen!" A familiar voice shouted.
Both Allen and Rin turned to the source, coming from behind the former outside of the cage. Coming into the scene was a white-clad boy with blue and blond hair.
"Yugo…" Both Rin and Allen identified the boy, grimacing. This was the worst time for Yugo to show up.
"What happened?! Why are you trapped in the cage?! Who…" Yugo trailed off, looking past Allen and widening his eyes at the sight of his opponent.
The words left his mouth, the very sight of the person before him leaving him in awe. It was the last person he had expected to see. He was supposed to have more time. This was too soon. He wasn't ready.
He wasn't…
"Rin…" He whispered, his body trembling, remembering the last time they had met.
The way she had completely dismantled and defeated him. He had stood no chance. Despite how much Yugo had thought he had gotten stronger, to Rin it had meant nothing, especially in her current state.
His mind then quickly drifted to the true horror…
In a flash, Yugo was at the metal bars, clenching them. He grit his teeth, desperately trying to pry open a hole in the gate.
He had to get inside! He had to get in the gate!
"Allen! Allen! Let me in!" Yugo roared with both anger and fear. "You can't face Rin alone! She'll destroy you!"
Allen gave a sad smile. "I'm sorry, Yugo. But, there is nothing that can be done. Those gates can't be lifted until the Duel is over."
"Heh." Rin grinned, "Don't worry, Yugo. Once I'm done with him, I'll move on to you~!"
"Like hell you will! I'm going to take you down and bring you back to Yugo." Allen proclaimed, continuing with his turn. "I activate the effect of Heavy Armored Train Sound Breaker! I detach an Overlay Unit to activate the third effect! Since your Monster's original Attack is lower than Sound Breaker's, I can destroy it! Say goodbye to Wind Witch - Winter Bell!"
A ball of energy erupted out of Sound Breaker, smashing into Winter Bell. However, blades of wind appeared in front of Sound Breaker, protecting the Monster from destruction.
"What?! But how is your Monster….?"
"Still alive?" Rin finished. With a smirk, she continued, motioning at her now revealed Trap Card. "It's simple. I activated the effect of the Continuous Trap, Shield of Wind. When a Wind Attribute Monster I control would leave the Field, I can shuffle a Wind Monster in my Graveyard to my Deck instead. To prevent Winter Bell's destruction, I shuffled Wind Witch - Snow Bell to my Deck."
"How annoying!" Allen growled, throwing his hand to the side. "Battle! Heavy Armored Train Sound Breaker, attack Wind Witch - Winter Bell!"
"In that case, I will do this!" Rin shouted, revealing her last set Card. "Quick-Play Magic, Call of the Wind Witch! During either player's Battle Phase, I can target a Wind Witch Monster I control and Special Summon a Monster whose Level is less than or equal to the targeted Monster's."
"Special Summoning a Monster now?!" Allen questioned, wondering what could be coming out.
"This play…" Yugo mumbled. His eyes widened, practically on the verge of popping out. "Don't tell me…that Monster!?"
Rin grinned maniacally, seeing the panic and fear that was on Yugo's face. An unhinged laugh escaped her lips.
"You remember this, don't you Yugo? Well then, say hello once more to this beautiful Monster. Come, Parasite Fusioner!" Rin shouted, slamming the final Card in her Hand onto her Duel Disk.
Joining Winter Bell was a disgusting red insect with green legs. It made a small hissing sound, its creepy legs slowly inching towards Winter Bell.
Parasite Fusioner: Level 1, 0 Atk, 0 Def
"That bug…" Yugo growled, his anger rising. "The one that's inside Rin's head…"
"I activate the effect of Parasite Fusioner! When Special Summoned, I can Fusion Summon a Monster from my Extra Deck using Monsters I control or in my Hand as Materials. Furthermore, while face-up on the Field Parasite Fusioner can be substituted for any one Fusion Material. Now, I fuse both Wind Witch - Winter Bell and Parasite Fusioner!"
"Academia has her Fusion Summoning?!" Allen cried out in shock.
Rin's two Monsters jumped into the air. The parasitic insect chirped, its form latching onto Wind Witch - Winter Bell. Their combined form converged in a vortex formation, their beings combining into something completely new.
"Sound of the wind running through a snowfield of midwinter. Become one with the inner voice, and give a more violent echo! Fusion Summon!" Rin yelled, clasping her hands together and bringing them down with energy. Above Rin, a blue-skinned Monster shaped like a bell with a silver, purple, and gold metallic design came into existence, descending onto the Field as Rin finished her chant. "Appear, bell of crystal echoing solemnly! Wind Witch - Crystal Bell!"
Crystal Bell: Level 8, 2800 Atk, 2400 Def
"Parasite Fusioner isn't finished yet!" Rin grinned as a purple portal opened in front of her. "Now, it equips itself to Crystal Bell!"
Parasite Fusioner rose from the dead, immediately latching itself onto Crystal Bell. A red aura of malice leaked out of the combination of the two Monsters as a cold feeling brushed over Yugo's body. He didn't know if it was the aura coming off of Rin's Fusion Monster, or if it was just him getting chills remembering what happened the last time he saw that Monster.
"Allen!" He called out with a shaky voice. "Be careful! That Monster is dangerous!"
"The other Monsters weren't dangerous already?" Allen mumbled, frustrated.
He looked at the newly Summoned Monster, noting its stats. Rin's new Monster boasted an Attack of 2800. As a result, with no Overlay Units, it far outclassed his Sound Breaker.
"I end my turn." He breathed quietly. However, he wasn't able to relax for long…
"At the end of your turn, I activate Crystal Bell's effect! Once per turn, during either player's turn, I can target a Wind Witch Monster in the Graveyard and replace their effects to Crystal Bell's. I replace Crystal Bell's effects with Ice Bell, letting me deal 500 damage to you!"
"What?!" Allen gasped as another gust of wind smashed into his body, throwing him back once more.
Allen: 1900-1400 LP
"Allen!" Yugo screamed with concern, pulling at the bars that kept them so close but so far.
"I'm fine!" He called out to his comrade in an attempt to reassure him. With an exhausted exhale, he turned back to his opponent. "Rin, wake up! Don't you see what Academia is making you do? You're hurting people, scarring them! You're using Dueling as a weapon to hurt and separate people!"
"Allen…" Yugo whispered, in awe that the Train Duelist was making an active commitment in trying to save his friend.
"Dueling is supposed to let people feel free and united!"
"Feel…free?" Rin repeated, her expression wavering briefly.
What was that? Allen wondered, narrowing his eyes. That…hesitation. I must be getting through to her somewhat!
"I don't really care what you think Dueling is about." Rin spoke up, removing any sign of a loss of composure on her face. "The winners win, and the losers lose!"
Yugo frowned from the sidelines. "No, that's wrong…Rin would never say something like that."
"My turn, draw!" Glancing briefly at the Card she drew, Rin inserted the Card. "From my Hand, I activate the Magic Card Wind Witch Hurricane! I can banish a Wind Witch Monster in my Graveyard and inflict 100 damage to you for each Level the banished Monster had! I banish Wind Witch - Storm Bell, whose Level was 8! So, take 800 damage!"
"GAH!" Allen groaned in pain as he was struck by another cruel gust of wind, this time coming from the Magic Card, which depicted Ice Bell casting a spell that released wind in the formation of a hurricane.
Allen: 1400-600 LP
"Battle!" Rin wasted no time, entering her Battle Phase and declaring her attack. "Attack, Wind Witch - Crystal Bell!"
Rin's Monster released a powerful cyclone at Heavy Armored Train Sound Breaker, enveloping the Monster and destroying it.
Allen shivered as both the cold and the particles of his destroyed Monster rained down onto him.
Allen: 600-400 LP
"I end my turn." Rin concluded, giving an unsettling smile. "Now then, why don't you take your final futile turn so we can end this. Or, you could just surrender and let the pain be over quicker."
That bug…Allen analyzed, ignoring Rin's taunts, It seems so out of place with the rest of her Deck. Plus, there is her using Fusion…and her current attitude being so drastically different from when I first met her. That settles it, then…that freaky bug must be the thing controlling her…
Allen glanced back at Yugo with a sad and apologetic expression, a gesture that confused the Speedroid user. Why was he looking at him like that? He didn't like this one bit…
"Yugo, I'm sorry for not believing you back then." He said with full humility. He took a deep breath, "I was so angry by what we had lost I was blinded by the fact that Rin could have been another victim of Academia."
Yugo scrunched his eyebrows. "Allen…why are you talking like that?"
"That Parasite Fusioner Card…and that Crystal Bell," Allen continued, "She's never used those Cards before her kidnapping, has she?"
"N-No, of course not!" Yugo exclaimed. "She didn't even know what Fusion Summoning was back then…but what does that have to do with anything?!"
Allen turned back to Rin, his suspicions all but confirmed. Now, all he had to do was test this guess.
"Just a hunch…"
It stands to reason that if Rin is being controlled by that Parasite Fusioner…Allen surmised, Then stomping out that repulsive bug will free her!
"I will save you! I will make up for casting you away back then…just watch! My turn!" Allen cried out, drawing the Card he had put all of his hope into. He glanced at the drawn Card, his lips falling into a grin at the sight.
Perfect!
Allen returned his attention to what was in front of him. He swiped his arm across his Duel Disk, revealing a Trap Card.
"I activate the Trap Card, Delay!" He announced as a portal opened in front of him. "With this, I can Special Summon a Machine-Type Monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position. Return to the frontlines, Heavy Armored Train Sound Breaker!"
Allen's ace Monster reappeared in front of him. The boy held up another Card in his Hand, showing it to Rin before placing it on his Duel Disk.
"Next, I activate the Quick-Play Magic Card, Cyclone! Using it, I destroy your Shield of Wind Trap Card!" Allen explained, his Magic Card appearing in front of him.
As Allen's Card appeared, a vortex of wind and lightning erupted, enveloping Rin's Trap Card, shattering it.
"Kuh!" Rin grunted, digging her nails into her hand out of frustration.
Satisfied, Allen continued with his turn.
"I can Summon this Monster without releasing it. Appear, Midnight-Express Knight - Night Express Knight!"
A white knight with a shield and lance appeared, its body attached to the train.
Night Express: Level 10, 3000 Atk, 3000 Def
"When Summoned without releasing, the Attack of Night Express Knight becomes 0!" Allen said as a red aura appeared around his Monster.
Night Express: 3000-0 Atk
"And now, since an Earth Machine-Type Monster was Summoned to the Field, I can Special Summon this Card from my Hand: Heavy Freight Train Derricrane!" A yellow, rusted train with a crane out the back appeared to the Field, joining Allen's other two Monsters.
Derricrane: Level 10, 2800 Atk, 2000 Def
"When Summoned this way, Derricrane's Attack and Defense gets halved."
Derricrane: 2800-1400 Atk, 2000-1000 Def
"Two Level 10 Monsters…" Rin murmured, seeing the two Monsters on her Field.
"That's right. And now, I Overlay the Level 10 Night Express Knight and Derricrane! With these two Monsters, I construct the Overlay Network!" Allen said, his two Monsters descending into the portal before him.
A pillar of multi-colored light shot out of the portal in front of him.
"Xyz Summon! From beyond the railway, arriving here and now, alongside the tremors of the earth. Appear, Superdreadnought Cannon Train - Gustav Max!"
A gigantic red train car carrying a supreme green fortress with a large metal cannon protruding out of its side appeared before Allen. Its sheer size towered over Sound Breaker as well as Crystal Bell.
Gustav Max: Rank 10, 3000 Atk, 3000 Def
"We're not done just yet. I'm going to wipe that bug off the face of the earth!" Allen declared, holding out another Card. "From my Hand, I activate Rank-Up-Magic Speed Force! With this Card and Sound Breaker, I Xyz Summon a Monster from my Extra Deck whose Rank is 1 higher than Sound Breaker!"
The Magic Card and Allen's Xyz Monster transfigured into two purple streams. These two beacons of light flowed into the Overlay Network.
"Train that travels at the speed of sound, go beyond the sound barrier, and reach those breakneck speeds the light runs at! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Show yourself, Rank 5, Heavy Armored Train Light Breaker!" Allen roared, slamming the new Monster onto his Duel Disk as the form of the mechanical train appeared, replacing Sound Breaker.
Light Breaker: Rank 5, 3200 Atk, 2300 Def
"Woah…" Yugo gaped with awe.
He didn't know Allen was this strong. He had just Summoned two behemoths of Monsters in a single turn. A Rank 10 and a Rank 5…
He might be able to defeat Rin!
"If you think I'm done, you're sorely mistaken!" Allen retorted, making a motion towards Gustav Max. "I activate the effect of Gustav Max! Once per turn, by detaching an Overlay Unit, I can deal 2000 damage to you!"
"2000 damage?!" Rin widened her eyes. "Just like that?!"
"Go, Gustav Max!" Allen punched forward with vigor as the barrel of his Monster churned red. "Firing All Right, Big Cannon!"
The cannon burst, releasing a ball of energy that smashed into the ground Rin was standing on. The Wind Witch user let out a scream of agony as she was thrown backwards by the force of the attack, the gates of the metal cage digging into her back.
"GAH!" She gasped, the wind being knocked out of her as she fell to her knees, breathing heavily.
Rin: 3300-1300 LP
Rin's body froze up, a sharp pain running through her head. The girl clutched her head, moaning from the pain of her now throbbing head.
"Damn you…" She hissed, gritting her teeth in a failed attempt to dull the pain.
"I activate Light Breaker's effect!" Allen announced, an Overlay Unit detaching itself from his Train Monster. "Once per turn, by detaching an Overlay Unit, I can destroy a Monster you control and deal damage to you equal to the difference between the Attacks of our two Monsters. I'll destroy Wind Witch - Crystal Bell!"
Light Breaker burst forward towards Crystal Bell at high speeds. It was moving so fast that it was generating afterimages each second.
Rin thrusted her hand out in defiance.
"Like I would let you! When a Monster equipped with Parasite Fusioner would be destroyed, I can destroy it to negate the destruction!"
Parasite Fusioner leaped from Crystal Bell's breast, intersecting Light Breaker's assault. Light Breaker cleaved through Parasite Fusioner, eviscerating the insect and destroying it.
Rin smiled. "Since the target, Crystal Bell, was not destroyed I do not take any damage."
"It's not over yet!" Allen declared, his tone becoming more desperate. "Using Gustav Max as Material, I reconstruct the Overlay Network!"
His second Xyz Monster turned into a yellow stream of light alongside its singular Overlay Unit. As a pillar of light imploded in Allen's face, a large, green battle tank with red trimming took shape.
"Xyz Change! Bring it to 'em! Rank 11! Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Juggernaut Libe!"
Libe: Rank 11, 4000 Atk, 4000 Def
"4-4000 Attack?!" Rin exclaimed, finally rising to her feet fully after the last attack.
"Unreal!" Yugo bellowed, a grin on his face at the sight of the train. "And that train looks so badass too! You're so awesome, Allen!"
Said Duelist couldn't help but smirk from Yugo's compliment.
"It ends now, Rin! I activate the effect of Juggernaut Libe!" Allen proclaimed, an Overlay Unit dispersing from the Rank 11 Monster. "Once per turn, by detaching an Overlay Unit, I can increase the Attack and Defense of Juggernaut Libe by 2000 for the rest of the turn!"
Libe: 4000-6000 Atk, 4000-6000 Def
"You were shitting yourself from 4000 Attack? Now, how about 6000!" Allen held his fist into the air. "Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Juggernaut Libe, attack!"
A large missile burst out of Juggernaut Libe's barrel. The explosive device soared in the air towards Wind Witch - Crystal Bell.
"No!" Rin yelled with the most amount of emotion Allen had seen on her face thus far. "It won't end like this! From the Graveyard, I activate the effect of Wind Witch Hurricane! By banishing this Card from my Graveyard while I control a Wind Witch Monster, I can negate the effects of a Monster on the Field. I negate the effects of Juggernaut Libe!"
"Shit!" Allen cursed as Juggernaut Libe gained a gray shade over its entire body.
"And since the effect of your Monster has been negated, it loses its Attack and Defense boost!" Rin chimed in, causing Allen to grimace as he looked to his Monster, who was losing power.
Libe: 6000-4000 Atk, 6000-4000 Def
Allen's worried expression quickly vanished. The smile returned to his face. "That may be so, but Libe is still stronger!"
"Tch!"
"WAKE UP, RIN! COME BACK TO US!" Allen shouted at the top of his lungs.
Boom!
The attack connected, destroying Crystal Bell. The shockwaves from the destroyed Monster threw Rin off her feet.
"AAAAAHHHHHHH!" Rin shrieked, her body tumbling into the bars behind her face-first.
Rin groaned, hitting the ground hard as she writhed in pain, holding her throbbing face.
"Ugh…ahh…" Rin moaned, rolling in the dirt, tears coming to her eyes thanks to the hard impact to her face.
Her body soon rolled to a stop, her movements going completely stiff.
Rin: 1300-100 LP
"Rin!" Both Allen and Yugo yelled out of concern.
Instinctively, Yugo ran, wanting to help his friend. Unfortunately, the gate was still in the way.
That had to have worked! Allen thought to himself. That bug is gone now!
"Rin, get up! Come to your senses!" He yelled.
"Yea, that's right, Rin! Remember me! I'm your friend, Yugo! We've been friends for years! We dreamed of reaching the top together and becoming free!" Yugo added, tears running down his cheeks.
He had been separated from the real Rin for so long. He couldn't take it anymore, especially knowing the state she was in now.
"Rin!" Both boys shouted once more.
"..."
"Rin!" They yelled again.
"..."
Once more, no response.
"RIN!" Yugo cried.
"Yu…go…"
Allen and Yugo's faces brightened.
Rin's body stirred, her face rising from the ground, her eyes blocked by her hair.
"Yes, Rin! It's me!" Yugo cheered. "It's me!"
Allen smiled. He was glad that he had been able to knock Rin out of Academia's control. It was the least he could do for casting her out before.
"Yugo…"
"Y-Yeah…" Yugo replied once more hesitantly.
Why was she speaking his name so oddly?
A giggle escaped the girl's lips as she fully rose to her feet, throwing her head back. A wide grin spread across her face.
"Since Crystal Bell was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard…its effect activates." Rin revealed her face, her eyes still filled with nothing but malice.
"What?!" Yugo held his breath, freezing on the spot.
"No way…" Allen whispered out of shock.
"Crystal Bell's Graveyard effect…I can Special Summon Winter Bell and a Level 4 or lower Monster from my Graveyard. Come back to me…Wind Witch - Winter Bell…and Parasite Fusioner…"
Snow filled the area as two shadows appeared. As the misty snow cleared out, the figures of Parasite Fusioner and Winter Bell appeared.
"Now that Parasite Fusioner has been Special Summoned, I can perform another Fusion Summon. I fuse Parasite Fusioner and Winter Bell to Fusion Summon another Crystal Bell!"
The forms of the two Monsters swirled together, combining into Crystal Bell once more as if the Monster was never destroyed.
"Another Crystal Bell?!" Allen repeated, shielding his face from the harsh winds lashing at his face.
Rin brought her face down, an emotionless expression on her features.
"I activate the effect of Wind Witch - Crystal Bell. Once per turn, during either player's turn, I can target a Monster in either player's Graveyards and copy the effects of that Monster until the end of the turn. I choose Wind Witch - Ice Bell!"
Yugo gasped with horror.
"Wait, Rin no! Don't do this!"
"Destroying that bug didn't work?" Allen questioned himself, still wondering why Rin had not been freed. "What is going on?"
"And now, the effect of Wind Witch - Ice Bell will activate. The opposing player…"
"RIN! PLEASE, STOP!" Yugo shouted at the top of his lungs, hoping desperately that at least one of his cries would reach her.
"I failed…" Allen whispered, shutting his eyes tightly.
"...takes 500 points of damage…"
The world slowed down as a gust of wind took Allen's body. The boy let out a cry of pain as he was picked off his feet flying into the bars behind. He hit the metal with a sickening thud.
Allen felt the air leave his lungs as his body hit the ground, aching all over.
Allen: 400-0 LP
"NO!" Yugo roared with fear, budging at the bars.
Despite the fact that he had lost, the metal cage surrounding him and Rin was still up. There was no way Yugo was getting in unless Rin let him.
"I have to admit, you're pretty strong." Rin complimented her defeated opponent, who glared at her fiercely. She spoke as she approached Allen, her hands on her hips."A lot better than the other trash I've come across thus far. Unfortunately, this is the end of the line for you"
Damn it…Allen cursed internally, trying to move his body, only to find a sharp pain running through his being when he did.
He glanced back, seeing the panicking Yugo. A sad smile made its way to Allen's face. He was truly touched by the concern that Yugo was showing for him. He was truly like Yuto in that regard…always looking out for other people no matter the situation.
Yuto…
"I'm sorry…I failed…Yugo." He whispered. "I'll leave the rest to you…"
He looked up to see Rin's figure standing above him, a merciless grin on her face. The very sight of it was sickening…especially knowing what had happened to the girl…as well as seeing Ruri's face.
Ruri…
His thoughts drifted to his comrades. The people he had met so recently…and the people he had known for years.
Sayaka…Ryoga…Rio…Kaito…Shun…I'm sorry everyone…
A bright purple light consumed Allen's body, much to Yugo's horror.
"STOP IT, RIN! PLEASE!"
His pleas went heard by deaf ears.
It seems like…I won't be able to see Heartland…restored…
Those were Allen's final thoughts as his body completely disappeared in the light. When the purple color dissipated, all traces of Allen's body were gone…as if he was never there in the first place.
A single Card dropped to the ground in front of Rin. The girl bent down, picking up the Card and looking at the boy's face that was imprinted on the Card. She smiled, satisfied. She flipped the Card between her fingers, and with a grin, showed it to Yugo…
The face of Kozuki Allen, who had been sealed wearing a defeated expression on his face. The face of a boy whose life and ambitions had been cut short.
Yugo felt a dark pounding in his chest. Black shadows filled the corners of his eyes as the moment of Allen's Carding replayed in his mind over and over…like adding fuel to the fire that was his fury.
"I'll leave the rest to you…"
Allen's final words played themself in his head…
And all Yugo saw was darkness…
Card Catalog
Beastborg Medal of Devotion, Trap: When a Beastborg Fusion Monster you control is attacked, you can banish another Beastborg Monster on your Field or in your Graveyard, and if you do, then the attacking Monster loses Attack equal to the banished Monster's Attack until the end of the turn.
Moonlight New Moon Dance, Trap, Continuous: While you control a Moonlight Fusion Monster, all damage your opponent would deal by Card effects become 0.
Beastborg Conglomeration, Magic: You can banish Monsters on your Field, in your Hand, or in your Graveyard as Materials for the Summon of a Beastborg Fusion Monster. If a Beastborg Fusion Monster you control would be destroyed, you can banish this Card instead. You can only use each effect of Beastborg Conglomeration once per turn.
Beastborg Centaur Scavenger, Level 9, 3200 Atk, 1500 Def, Earth, Machine: 1 Beastborg Fusion Monster + 2 Beast, Beast-Warrior, or Machine Monsters: If this Card was Fusion Summoned using two or more Beastborg Fusion Monsters, it can attack three times per turn. If this Card destroys an opponent's Monster by battle, you can target another Card on the Field, destroy it. If this Card is destroyed, you can target up to two Beastborg Fusion Monsters whose Levels are lower than this Monster, Special Summon them.
Moonlight Full Moon Dance, Trap, Continuous: While you control a Moonlight Fusion Monster, all battle damage your opponent's Monsters would inflict become 0.
Moonlight Jaguar Dancer, Level 8, 2500 Atk, 1700 Def, Dark, Beast-Warrior: Once per turn, release another Moonlight Monster you control, and if you do, increase the Attack of this Monster by the Attack of the released Monster until the end of the turn. If this Card is destroyed, you can target a non-Fusion Moonlight Monster in your Graveyard, Special Summon it to the Field.
Cancel Schedule, Trap, Counter: When your opponent activates a Card or effect, you can detach an Overlay Unit from a Machine-Type Xyz Monster you control, and if you, negate that effect, and destroy the activated Card.
Wind Witch Hurricane, Magic: You can banish a Wind Witch Monster in your Graveyard: inflict 100 damage to your opponent times the Level of the banished Monster. During either player's turn, except the turn this Card was sent to the Graveyard, you can banish this Card from your Graveyard while you control a Wind Witch Monster, negate the effects of a Monster on the Field. You can only activate each effect of Wind Witch Hurricane once per turn.
Finally, another chapter is done and in the books. And must I say, it feels like a Little bit of a turning point in the story, for obvious reasons.
So, in this chapter, we had the continuation of Barrett vs Shun…but with Serena involved. I find it insane how Serena went the whole show without facing off against Barrett. It seemed like a match that would have happened in the anime…just as much as I could have seen Shun vs Barrett. So, I decided to give the match to both of them, giving them both another solid win for the Xyz Dimension arc.
I hope you guys enjoyed the rest of that Duel. I actually really enjoyed making more of the Beastborg Cards. It was more entertaining than I thought. I feel like at some point they should print Beastborgs considering they are one of the last Arc-V archetypes not printed. Regardless, let us move on to the elephant in the room.
Allen vs Rin. Yes, I know this perhaps was a match up that no one wanted or expected. However, I felt like from a story perspective this gives Allen a chance to redeem himself for how he had treated Rin a while back. In his attempt to make amends, Allen tries reaching out to Rin, but fails and is Carded instead. This makes the first major Carding of the story thus far…at least one of an important character not already Carded in the anime. I hope y'all enjoyed Allen's final stand and are looking forward to the next Duel.
And obviously, we now have to update the current major players in battle.
Heroes: Yuya, Yuto, Yugo, Ruri, Serena, Sawatari, Gongenzaka, O'Brien, Ryoga, Shun, Sayaka, Rio, Ryo, Kaito, Jack, Crow, Aki, Reiji, Reira, Tsukikage, Sora
Villains: Edo, Noro, Titan, Darkness, Nightshroud, Doktor, Rin, Camula, Mr. T
Defeated Heroes: Allen
Defeated Villains: Grace, Gloria, Barrett
And now for the reviews…
Yea never mind.
Here's the preview…
Yugo's anger reaches an all-time high as his fury is directed at the one he swore to save. With his rage at Allen's Carding in full display, he vows to decimate Rin and the bug controlling her. Bewildered, Rin engages Yugo in a Duel…
That's all for this chapter. I hope you guys enjoyed this one. And leave a review down below once you're done. It really helps me motivation wise and it always helps to get feedback.
Take care, goodbye!