Yu-Gi-Oh! Dragon Knight Reborn!
Created by: DragonKnight15
Hello to all, this is Chapter 25 of the fourth Arc of Volume 6: War in Karakura Town!
Intro: The Earth... is a great place where humanity and all other creatures live and learn to evolve little by little, but this great world has Darkness in it too. Evil beings who wish to conquer this world and everyone.
Only one being stood against them to show everyone the power of light and hope, but this great mythical dragon wasn't able to stop them. He gave his powers and hope to a human that was known by his name, the Dragon Knight!
Before this hero also met his end, he gave the legendary Dragon Sword and his hopes and dreams to the next knight, his youngest son who is destined to become a legend by the sides of his comrades and his love. This hero... is the Dragon Knight of Light!
(OPENING 2: BLESS YoUr NAME by Choucho from Highschool DxD)
Volume 6: Chapter 25: Bonds that You Protect!
Previously in DKR:
As Ryan and Danny were trying to handle the Primera Espada on their own, Ichigo and the girls, mainly her and Alicia, were shocked to find Selvaria alive after the last time they confronted. Both happy to see her friend alive yet sad as they were enemies again, Alicia confronted her fellow Valkyria in combat once more, opposing Selvaria's new mindset.
Ichigo and the others go ahead as they must get past Harribel's Fracción which Usagi, Ruby and Taichi would handle as the cat girl confronts their leader. The three did well with Taichi's leadership, however; the Tres Bestias are forced to use their trump card, summoning the powerful Hollow Ayon. Even MetalGreymon needed help from the two heroines to overcome this titan.
Ichigo finally confronted Harribel in her Resurrección form, vowing to fight her to protect her friends and even her and her Fracción. She tried to talk her out but Harribel could not, still loyal to Aizen. The two clashed as the cat girl was in a losing battle even with her Evolution form and refusing to depend on the Inner Tiger's power. Even so, Ruby and even Alicia toss their weapons to help the Mew Mew and the support of the arrival of the Mew Mews, the Sailor Guardians and the rest of Team RWBY; Mew Ichigo overcame it with her strange holy power and bested Harribel.
Ichigo smiled, accepting the Espada's hand as all she wanted was to protect her too. Harribel began to reach out until she was stabbed across the gut and penetrated away by the arrival of Mew Blackberry, cooing at the chaos and destruction going on and missing her beloved "Little Sister". Enraged to see the witch that brought her and her friends such pain; Ichigo immediately gave in to the Inner Tiger's powers until Blackberry nullifies it much like she did with Erika. It was a more hopeless situation until Sasuke and the other Executioners engaged the dangerously powerful evil Mew Mew?
What will happen next?
And now the conclusion... last left off:
Komamura and Hisagi watch as the Dragon Knight is engaging Tosen in this monstrous insect-like Hollow form, awe yet disgusted by the form.
"Tosen…'' The dog man utters, snarling to see his friend reduced to the very thing they were supposed to oppose.
Tosen just begins laughing at Yugi, feeling all this power coursing through him. ''Do you see now how much my evolution has given me!'' He laughs more than he's pointing out as he has regained his eyesight and laughs out like a psychopath, even calling Komamura ugly and filthy.
''NOW NOT EVEN THE DARKNESS WILL ESCAPE THOSE FROM MY JUSTICE! I-'' He begins to announce his supremacy over all… only to be quickly interrupted by Yugi, speaking out with a scowl face. ''… Your friend isn't ugly.''
The transformed former Shinigami hums, narrowing his hundreds of bug eyes towards the Dragon Knight who staggers, seeing the boy glaring with such a look that as if his firm, narrowed dragon eyes were gazing upon his very soul.
''How petty. One who just regain their light; would mock those who care for him.'' Yugi begins muttering out, seeing disgusted how power corrupted him. He was afraid at the idea he would end up like him, worried about wanting more power but through his training with Shadow Knight; he learned that was afraid of an outcome that would never come true because Yugi has seen the value of what true power is and how one uses it to become better. Those who cannot are trash or misguided. In this case, it's the first especially about this guy's speeches of justice.
''Justice this and justice that.'' He begins ranting, plenty annoyed by that concept before insulting it. ''If justice is blind then I call justice worthless!''
Those words stroke Tosen in such a way that he snaps, shouting as he flies at him at top speed. ''What did you say, HUMAN?!'' He vanishes through his speed but misses Yugi entirely who flies a bit to the left, just evading him.
''Impressive that you dodged my-'' Tosen begins praising him, turning around for a U-turn attack only to be stomped across the face by Yugi's shoe, grinding his bug Hollow face before Yugi pressures the foot and it sends him flying backwards and crashing through a building.
The two Shinigami watching are speechless, not even seeing Yugi moving.
Biting his lip for a moment, reminded of Light and L, Yugi yells out furiously. ''What's the point about having justice if the only thing you care for is power?!''
Blasting out of the building is Tosen, flying at top speed at Yugi only for his attack to be missed by the Dragon Knight as he proceeds to slam his left fist nearly halfway through his chest. Tosen gags up in agony by the impact, feeling that it was enhanced with Dragonaun Knuckle as Yugi follows it with a roundhouse kick, enhanced with the Dragonaun Impact, that blasts the transformed Hollow backwards. He stops himself though, breathing heavily as he has a large wound from the kick and punch. However, Tosen's high-speed regeneration kicks in to heal the damage only to be slashed across the chest by Yugi's Dragon Blade.
Blood erupts across Tosen's chest as Yugi charges and delivers a barrage of slashes, punches and kicks; mixing them in a fast pace across his whole body. Tosen shrieks in pain as Yugi extends back his left hand, forming a Dragonaun Rasengan, and slams it across his chest. It explodes, sending Tosen backwards again as he hits another building and this time blasting through it and emerges on the other side. He stops himself, midair, out of breath as his body is regenerated but still in such anguish pain.
''This is your evolution?'' Tosen raises his shaken eyes and stares upon Yugi who looks at him with such firmness and disgust at his form. ''Then I am disappointed.''
Breathing heavily as his vision feels off, Tosen, for a moment, stares at Yugi but changes into seeing someone else, grinning evilly; the man who took his master's life. It's always been that man that has haunted Tosen, even if he cannot describe what he looked like. All he felt was that pain, that hate and now it's driven him to insanity.
Tosen lets out a Hollow-like shriek, so strong it shatters all the windows across 10 blocks of the empty, fake city. Yugi holds his guard as he wields his Dragon Blade to protect him.
''LOS NUEVO ASPECTOS!'' Using his claws to draw lime-green circles in the air, Tosen shouts as the strange traced energy releases a massive burst of concussive soundwave force. This sound technique is tremendous, shattering all windows near the range of the attack and most of all Yugi as he yelps in pain, withstanding it while his ears, eyes and mouth bleed out as his body is internally torn apart, bleeding and breaking his whole body. Komamura sweats in horror as such a fatal attack.
''THIS IS WHAT YOU GET, HUMAN!'' Tosen shrieks out furiously as he flies at the seemingly paralyzed Dragon Knight with the final blow. Komamura has seen enough, about to use Shunpo but Tosen vanishes with Sonido, moving in much faster as he thrusts his claw towards Yugi's face to rip it off… only to be staggered as that same claw is caught by Yugi's hand, squeezing it and crushing it.
He shrieks in agony as Yugi then swings his Dragon Blade and slashes that claw's arm off. This forces him to fly backwards, bleeding heavily as his arm is regenerating.
''What the hell are-'' Tosen tries to utter, confused how he's moving again. Yugi breathes, wiping off the blood off his lips as his eyes and ears' blood dries up instantly. His internal system has been healed instantly by Yin-Yang Dragon's powers like he never took it.
''Is that the best you got?'' He asks him, unimpressed by his attack. Tosen is speechless, not believing this child was able to oppose him like that. No… this isn't possible; he thought. He can't allow him to live.
''This next attack…'' Tosen begins to declare as he yells furiously. ''WILL KILL YOU!'' As he screams that, lime-green Cero energy builds up in front of both of his eyes directly to Yugi.
Yugi sighs as he raises his Dragon Blade forward, moving it to trace a circle leaving behind purple flames across the air. He then extends back his blade, immediately wrapped in purple flames as they burn and grow hotter.
Tosen cares little of this as the boy will not survive this and will end his existence as the green energy charges and builds up massively.
''LA MIRADA!'' He shouts out, firing the beams as they twirl between each other, fusing and becoming a larger blast coming at the Dragon Knight.
''DRAGONAUN…'' Breathing out the single word, Yugi's eyes glow red as he thrusts his blade through the circle that expands wider and then he roars as the flames across his blade glows. ''BURST!'' The flames fade away and soon the blade glows and fires through the traced fiery circle a massive blast of super-heated, purple energy beam.
The two beams collide, clashing but Yugi's Dragonaun Burst instantly consumes Tosen's fused Cero beam and then the super-heated attack moves with such speed that it too consumes Tosen entirely. He screams in horrible agony, burning his entire body before the beam explodes upon him and he instantly crashes onto the ground.
''A-Amazing…'' Hisagi utters, astonished how strong the Dragon Knight is. Komamura doesn't say a word, more awe by the fact that he held back in his attack to not kill Tosen.
Yugi breathes, showing steam coming out from his mouth and his blade, as he looks down at the badly burned foe. He stands over his burned body as it reverts back to Tosen's real form.
''How… is this… possible?'' Breathing weakly, he tries looking up, still blinded, at the blur of the tricolor head young man. ''H-How…''
Yugi frowns, saddened, looking at him. ''I-I don't…'' He tries to utter out, hesitating for a moment but ultimately responds strongly. ''I really don't like justice because if I want to help those I care for, I have to confront the many corrupted laws of the world and those who follow them with their twisted ideals. If I do that, I would be unable to protect anyone. Besides…''
Looking at his hand as he remembers touching his mother's hand, Yugi smiles as he answers kindly. ''I fight for a future, not to behold the law. That is what I want, a future that everyone can be happy!''
''…'' Tosen is silent, at first calm but he's really shaken by the boy's words. To fight for a future for everyone? Is that really injustice? No. What he has… is something that he once thought was impossible.
''Is this his sense of justice? To show mercy, to fight for a future?'' He questions, finding all of that impossible and yet all of it the truth. His eyes are still blurry and yet they seem blurrier the more he thinks about it, questioning himself. ''Do these eyes… make me more blind?''
… No, he has yet to be beaten. Not until true justice is brought to those who killed his true friend. He cannot forgive them and he won't accept the world the way it is.
Tosen looks weakly up at the sky, to Aizen who smirks, still able to see a fire in his servant's eyes. Getting the message, he narrows towards Gin and orders him. ''Gin, return to Las Noches with Tosen.''
''… Yes sir.'' Gin replies with a small smirk, vanishing as he suddenly grabs Tosen in front of Yugi and they vanish up in the sky.
''Tosen!'' Komamura barks out, growling as he refuses to let him leave but Yugi stops him, gazing up as Aizen is watching them and waiting for any of them to attempt to reach him.
A Garganta opens up as Tosen begins to speak to Yugi. ''Dragon Knight; you are naïve to not accept justice.''
Yugi just looks at him, frowning as his words didn't get through.
''Next time…'' Tosen begins to vow as Gin takes him inside the dark portal and it closes up not before he finally adds. ''I will show you my true justice.'' The portal shuts closed as if it never existed. Komamura growls before narrowing his eyes, upset, too weak to even reach or stop Tosen without help. Hisagi feels the same but worse, wishing his former captain would listen to those pleads and return back to their side.
''…'' Silent, Yugi gazes up, one of his eyes covered by his hair bangs, as he glares towards Aizen who stares down with an amusing small smile.
''… You two will reach him.'' Yugi suddenly expresses, shocking both Shinigami. He turns to them and smiles, nodding to that vow as he further says. ''I know so. I can feel it! For now, take everyone away from here.''
Komamura looks at the young man, realizing he still has much to learn and improve. No, he will reach that level and show Tosen's ways are wrong. He nods as does Hisagi, feeling the same desire to reach out to his captain.
Yugi smiles before he turns around and shoots upward into the sky, right towards Aizen until. However, multiple Ceros are fired towards that he swirls around the beams at the last second. He stops and turns, facing Starrk who fires those shots with a firm expression.
''Starrk-kun!'' Yugi utters as the Espada looks at him and then to Aizen, pleading a request. ''Aizen-sama, please let be the one to fight him.''
''…'' Aizen stares at him quietly yet opposing until he smiles and allows his respect. ''As you wish.''
Starrk bows to him before he gazes towards the Dragon Knight and fires a barrage of Cero blasts from his gun. Yugi quickly evades around the beams, forced to fight him now.
Panting heavily, Kurosaki breaks heavily while gripping on Tensa Zangetsu with both hands. He's been trying to fight Dark General Knight and not able to scratch him. The black clad knight does not say a word, his deep red eyes gaze upon the spiky orange headed.
Ichigo scowls, needing to focus but everytime he tries; he just sees visions of what the Vasto Lorde did to his friends. Just seeing the destruction he's committed lowers his spirit each passing moment. Is he… is he really-
''Focus on our fight, boy!'' Startling, Kurosaki is grabbed by the face by the dark knight and slam head first through a building. Ichigo screams in horror, gritting his teeth as he focuses his Spiritual Energy and explodes it, pushing the Dark General off him.
''GETSUGA-'' Raising his jet black blade that was quickly engulfed in his black-red outline energy, Kurosaki attempts to swing his signature but then he freezes up, seeing a vision of Orihime's terrified expression of the monster that wasn't him. His arms shake violently as his expression is completely unfocused.
The Dark General narrows his eyes and vanishes, slamming a fist across the unfocused Kurosaki that sends him flying and crashing onto a rooftop.
Kurosaki grunts, stirring back on his feet as his vision has become blurry. He shakes his head rapidly, regain composure as he has to-
''You hesitate again.'' Ichigo panics as the dark knight is hovering above him. He turns around fast and charges up in the air, swinging his blade rapidly almost like unseen blurs but the Dark General easily evades them, finding each swing predictable and slobby.
The dark knight soon swings his dark claymore and with that 1 swing; he repels the Substitute Shinigami backwards, spinning around like a somersault before he grinds the soles of his feet on the air to stop himself. He pants again, sweating as he looks at the dark knight who already raises his large sword, dark energy gathering from within.
''DARKNESS BLADE SLASH!'' Dark General shouts, swinging downward and fires a dark wave of energy at the orange headed youth. Ichigo grits his teeth, not even thinking of firing a Getsuga or summoning his Hollow Mask, as he uses his blade as a shield against the wave. It connects as the Substitute Shinigami tries fighting through the attack but it begins pushing him back. He growls in suspense, needing to beat this.
Sighing, the dark general lowers his sword and waves his hand. His attack suddenly expands and explodes upon the Shinigami.
''GAAAWWW!'' Kurosaki yells in agony, slamming across the air but he stops himself again. His body steams of the damage he took, breathing louder until Dark General suddenly appears in front of him to his dismay.
''DARKNESS NIHIL!'' He shouts, thrusting his free hand and fires a burst of dark energy like a mini arrow wave. The attack is fired too fast as it flies past the Substitute Shinigami's unfocused defenses and stabs across his chest. Kurosaki screams in agony as he's paralyzed by the attack as the energy vanishes.
The dark knight scoffs at such performance he's been doing, expressing harshly and taciturnly. ''What a disappointment. What made you degrade to such a pathetic state?''
Ichigo just glares, trying to break through this pain but his body refuses. Even now, this only confirms the dark knight's suspicions as the boy is not into this. Just merely looking at his eyes; he sees enough as he reveals this fact. ''I no longer see that fire that burn within those eyes.'' His red glowing eyes narrowing, irritated as what he sees is a scared child. ''All I see a lost little boy.''
''SHUT UP!'' Offended as it reminds him of his childhood, Ichigo yells out as his spiritual energy wraps around him, finally breaking free. He comes charging, swinging his blade that the dark knight evades around the aggressively fast but wild, predictable swings.
''I can still fight! I can still-'' He begins telling the evil knight who clenches his fist and swings it across Kurosaki's gut, silencing him by shouting out. ''DARKNESS BLOW!'' The fist released a burst of dark energy, impacting across his body but not enough to penetrate through him and kill him. Instead, it sends him blasting away before crashing through multiple building before hitting inside of the 5th one.
The dark general watches, knowing his attack wouldn't kill him but hit him harder than a truck. Slowly walking out, Kurosaki gasps out blood from his mouth, nearly throwing up as he staggers back and drops on one knee. He breathes heavily, gritting his teeth as it's too much for him.
The dark knight looks down at him, letting him have a moment to breathe as he's not done with him yet. Kurosaki breathes a bit more, calming himself down. He had some time to reflect, realizing how pathetic he really was with his attacks and how he's been fighting. With his sneak attack against Aizen to this; he's not… he's not himself.
''I-I am still me!'' Protesting out loud at such an idea, Kurosaki refuses to admit it as he can't let himself become that monster again. ''I am not- I will not become a monster! I will protect those who can't!''
The Dark General stares at him, silent at first before he lets out a snarl and finally speaks up. ''… How naïve.'' He's never heard such nonsense as he approaches him and tells him firmly. ''You are wrong, boy. We are all monsters.''
Kurosaki widens his eyes in alarm, looking at him and demands angrily. ''What the hell do you mean by that?!''
Once more scoffing at his naivety, the dark knight walks away for a few inches before stopping… and reflects on his past; his life before becoming this immortal-living weapon. His life as a man with a wife and a family, his righteousness and chivalry to be part of the greatest knights in his land… only to be killed by those envious and greedy; even… taking away those he loved all while he watched. If not for Darkus, that part of the Dark Lord from whom the one possessed goes by, he would likely become a Hollow with the pain, grief, fury and hate in his very soul. Instead, he is an undying warrior who will slay those his master deems to be killed and all those who cursed him.
He turns back at the naïve, young human and tells him with a firm, stone-cold voice. ''You assume humans aren't monsters? We are all monsters, that is our nature. Our greed, our desires, our wants, our lust of battle, our ambitions stomp on others; isn't that what monsters are?''
Ichigo looks at him and looks away, reflecting how people are like that but not everyone.
''Wrong!'' He protests loudly. ''Not all humans are like that! What I fight is for my friends and family and everyone I-''
''And that is what a warrior is'' Ichigo startles as the dark knight looks at him firmly, straight towards his eyes as if piercing through him. ''A monster and a warrior are no different other than what one stands for. A monster seeks nothing but what I've stated but a warrior is a monster tamed by a belief, something grounded by a foundation or a sense of loyalty such as myself. But with you, it is a crossroad and more. Would you deny your nature, your desire to fight and protect, because you are afraid?''
''Afraid…?'' The young man utters, not understanding what he's referring to. The dark knight nods his head once as he clarifies it to him. ''That is the difference between what a monster is and a warrior. A monster is afraid, uncontrollable, lacks true power but a warrior has no fear, full control and possesses limitless potential.''
He points with his free hand at Yugi and the others are still fighting. ''Look at the Dragon Knights and your comrades. They fight for the same thing you do. They do so with no hesitation, no doubt in themselves.'' He tells the orange-headed before looking with a gaze of disappointment towards him.
''You wish to protect others? Then why believe Sosuke Aizen's word, a man who will kill everyone in this city for his own goal?'' Dark General Knight questions him for dropping his guard against the very man who will kill his own home. ''Are you that much of a fool, one who will protect as many as he can, to let that man's word to doubt who you are?''
Kurosaki is silent, narrowing his eyes downward. He… he was actually going to do that, wasn't he? He was going to let Aizen get in his head.
''You wish to hate him? To find a reason to fight him? You don't; you simply must fight on your own beliefs. If you can't, then you should just discard that weapon and leave.'' The dark general simply tells him, wanting his fighting spirit to return as a necessity. ''Have the instinct to fight and get over your weakness. Show me that you are not a monster or a boy but a warrior with purpose!''
Gritting his teeth at all of this pep-talk, Kurosaki now questions him, irritated. ''Why the hell do you care?!''
''…'' The dark knight looks at him, quiet, before replying. ''If I didn't care then I wouldn't want to fight you.''
Ichigo is both dumbfounded and in awe, not even sure what to say to that.
Sighing at his reaction, Dark General Knight decides he must make him determined by threatening him. ''If you don't… then I will kill your little sisters and your father.''
That gets to Ichigo, widening his eyes angrily and squeezing his blade's grip.
''Then I will kill your friends who don't have powers, I will kill everyone you've saved…'' The Dark General begins threatening more, wanting him more strongly to care. ''I will destroy the grave of your mother who died protecting you. And then I will kill every person, every single being you've met, helped and care for.''
This only enrages Kurosaki even more. He means it and yet he's saying it to force him to fight. But most of all, he's angry as a part of him is still hesitating.
''Now, are you ready to-'' Dark General Knight begins to question him only for Ichigo to finally move and then raises his blade. The dark knight widens his red eyes to see Kurosaki stab his gut with his own blade.
''Thy is the meaning of-'' He utters surprised by this action only to be interrupted by the very boy, speaking nonsense. ''Have I… become a coward? Am I afraid?''
The dark knight doesn't follow what he's saying.
''Answer me already, Zangetsu!'' Kurosaki yells madder, stabbing his blade deeper before the world encloses in darkness.
Commercial Break:
Ichigo finds himself surprised that he's in an underwater world, a mirror image of Karakura Town than the bright sky skyscrapers inner world.
He looks around him before his eyes widen and he sees the white Vasto Lorde, floating in front of him. It reaches and pulls off his mask to reveal it is Hollow Ichigo, grinning. ''Yo, king.'' Taunting him on the last part.
Kurosaki glares as he yells at him. ''I asked for Zangetsu!''
''And here I am too.'' Hollow Ichigo taunts him, still assuming he's referring to him. He then scowls, questioning him. ''Did he told you, Ichigo?''
Kurosaki glares, recalling what Haruto told him of his inner Hollow's threat.
''Haruto did.'' He responds annoyed, looking down madly. His Hollow smirks as he walks to the left and behind him is old man Zangetsu, questioning him. ''Ichigo, just your feelings of despair right now; has changed this world fill with tall, bright possibilities into one that you are afraid of facing the unknown.''
''…'' Ichigo becomes quiet, not wishing to admit such a thing but… he's right; he has become afraid after his loss against Ulquiorra and with his Hollow. He doesn't want to rely on power he can't wield if it will reshape him into a mindless monster that will devour, destroy or kill everyone and everything. He… he never wants that.
''… I want to become stronger, so much so that I can protect them better…'' He begins to express, desiring strength that he grasps on without losing himself, never to feel that emptiness of despair like he felt against Ulquiorra. ''That his despair- no, that no one's despair will ever break me again.''
He then gazes towards his Inner Hollow and proclaims in a vow. ''And that I can surpass you and control that power as the way I want it, to protect everyone!''
Hollow Ichigo cracks a smirk, seeing a small flame building in his eyes.
''You satisfied then?'' He asks the long coat Zangetsu who nods and then questions his wielder. ''Ichigo, will you raise yourself above these depths?'' He looks across this depressive world. ''Will this world touch the sky again?'' He doesn't want to, but right now… he must not be picky with him.
Ichigo looks around him, frowning as this isn't the same place and just nods, promising. ''I… I will try. I have to.''
Zangetsu looks at him and nods as does the Inner Hollow. Ichigo stares at them as he can't let his fear conquer him or the world around him will truly crumble and sink into the depths of despair. He must fight and surface from the darkness in his heart.
A second in real life passes as Dark General Knight staggers back that the blade is no longer through Ichigo and his wound is gone.
"When did he-'' He begins to question this, surprisingly what even happened until the Substitute Shinigami stands up and proclaims. ''I'm done…'' He looks up at the dark knight and begins saying. ''Letting my fears get to me. I don't…'' Squeezing the grip of his blade, he raises it with a fiery gaze in his eyes, going to overcome the despair in himself and never lose like that again. ''Ever want to hesitate when others are counting on me!''
Dark General Knight looks at him, confirming it from his eyes that a spark has ignited within him.
''… Then show me with your power.'' He orders him, raising his claymore once more.
Kurosaki doesn't say a single word as he places his left hand over his face. A vision flash of the Vasto Lorde but Ichigo glares at it, not going to let that image, these flashes, her sadness break him. He will become a warrior, someone who protects everyone then to become a monster. He clenches his hand on his face, manifesting his Hollow Mask as a rush of black energy. His piercing golden, Hollow eyes shine fiery to the Dark General's approval. He responds to such determination by entering his Aggression Mode, its red power flowing throughout his body.
''Come and clash with all of your will, Shinigami.'' He orders him as Kurosaki wields his blade with both hands and vanishes instantly. The dark knight scoffs as he too vanishes and the two clash up in the sky. Sparks fly from their blades, twirling around in their clashing blades before pulling back. Kurosaki howls, coming at him with multiple thrusting sword strikes that are like blurs and each one precise, forcing the dark knight to deflect with the front of his claymore. He then swings and fires a Getsuga that slams and sends backwards if not for the dark general to slash the energy wave in half in the last moments before being consumed.
''Excellent. Now this is a fight.'' Dark General Knight proclaims, firing a Darkness Blade Slash and Ichigo counters with a Getsuga Tensho; both energy waves collide and clash.
Darkus watches the fight and smirks, amazed his general would want a fair challenge than to slaughter the boy in one fell swoop. Can't be helped, he was born with a sense of chivalry, the last thing that remains of his humanity. Oh well, not his concern as he gazes towards Kojan.
''Let's get back to your death!'' The Dark Lord roars viciously, rushing up at him as Kojan glares and manifests his armored Susanoo, shrieking furiously.
Jonouchi and the others are still watching, looking at how the Mew Mews along with the Sailor Guardians and Team RWBY are taking down the remaining Hollows while Mew Blackberry laughs excitedly, thrusting her spear against Sasuke's Susanoo and then she's nearly impaled by Selvaria's lance and Metal's claw. The lion Mew Mew smirks, cracking her neck as this is actually fun.
''…'' Worried about her brother, Mew Plum turns to the direction of the multiple beams being fired in the horizon and for a brief moment, sees Yugi evading them. The dog girl frowns concerning him, biting her lip as she wants to help him.
''Jenny, he has this.'' She turns to Mew Erika, smiling, as she's seen how this fight will end and she ensures her. ''Yugi will win. Believing in him is all you need to do.''
''… Sometimes believing is worse than not doing anything.'' Mew Plum comments, still bothered. That kind of thinking is what her father and mother were like and they died.
''I know how you feel…'' Mew Erika responds, knowing that kind of sensation when one could do something but even doing that ends badly, like her confronting Deep Blue alone the first time. She knows that she's strong but even if she doesn't have the same resolve as Yugi when he did the impossible to save Masaya. Right now, it's no different as he's taking on the toughest of the enemy so none of them get hurt; to protect those he loves. ''But he's fighting the harder fights so we don't have to.'' She looks at Jenny, pleading with her with a firm glance. ''Trust him. He won't give up.''
The dog girl Mew Mew looks back at her before lowering her head down, wondering about that but ultimately nods. She just hopes he doesn't let himself get hurt.
Mew Ichigo is silent, turning to see if Yugi is doing better than her.
Yugi continues evading around the multiple Cero Metralleta beams, flying upward as the beams are like heat-seeking missiles but he swirls around them to dodge them before diving downward and still dodges the attacks. Starrk keeps firing over and over but Yugi still evades around them, smirking.
"You know; I was hoping we wouldn't fight!'' The Dragon Knight taunts the Primera Espada with a small smirk. Starrk sighs as he comments in agreement. ''Likewise.'' He's gotten to know the kid, liking his company, but he cannot let any harm happen to Aizen. He gave both he and Lilynette a home; he can't betray him. ''But Aizen-sama expects us to try. I cannot fail him."
Yugi stops moving, looking at the Espada who stopped firing and frowns, questioning him. ''Do you really respect him that much?''
Starrk nods honestly, still remembering how he approached them to join the Espada, to help control their power and to gain "friends". Sure, they never get along but he felt… happy just not being alone.
''He was the first to approach us, to give us a place… To give us people we didn't need to be alone now.'' Starrk admits to the young man, squeezing the grip of his guns and takes aim with them. ''That is why I cannot fail him!''
The Dragon Knight still frowns, not wanting to fight him but he doesn't have a choice. He raises his Dragon Blade forward, coming at him.
''CERO METRALLETA!'' Starrk shouts, firing multiple if not even more Cero shots at him. Yugi quickly places his left index and middle finger over his forehead, vanishing before the multiple Cero beams from hitting him. Starrk panics as he loses track of him until a dragon tail smacks him across the face and sends him crashing through a building wall. Starrk stops himself in midair, looking up to see the Dragon Knight, floating above him and frowning rather sadly.
''I understand. I figure you and I wouldn't be different.'' Yugi begins proclaiming, getting the pain of loneliness… he knows it all too well. ''After all, I was alone too and only wanted company.''
Starrk makes a stunning expression before quickly becoming serious and questions his logic. ''I really don't get you. We're Hollows. Why care?''
Yugi just smiles as he responds kindly. ''Because anyone can have a friend. They just need to accept that hand. And not all Hollows are the same too, right?''
''…'' Starrk is silent with a small frown, looking at him.
''Oi, kiddo.'' Yugi blinks, turning to see Shunsui floating before them as he looks at the Espada with a calm gaze. ''Talking him out wouldn't change much. He's still loyal to Aizen.''
The Dragon Knight scowls, about to protest but Starrk agrees with the Shinigami. ''You're right, I am still loyal to Aizen-sama and that won't change.''
Shunsui, agreeing, as he raises his Shikai blades and proclaims. ''Then I guess I will have to use my full strength.'' He smiles, twirling his swords in such a way. ''Fair warning, Katen Kyokotsu isn't going to pull her punches this time with these games.''
''Games?'' Yugi utters, not following. Both Espada and Captain vanish, clashing with their speed based powers across the battlefield. The Dragon Knight looks up, seeing Starrk firing more shots while Shunsui spins around and releases a wave of wind like a spinning top that cuts through the Cero shots.
"You win, you live. You lose, you die. She's a fickle one, all right." The captain taunts the Espada who scowls, not following. They keep slashing until Starrk gasps out blood from his mouth, taken back when the Shinigami calls out white and the slash that is part of his outfit.
Yugi notices it in surprise, realizing what he just happened mentally. ''Whatever game he calls, it becomes life and death.'' He keeps watching that the captain's attacks are game based, very old, traditional ones but dangerous with this life-and-death situation.
Starrk breathes heavily, struggling to hit the Shinigami as he keeps disappearing within his own shadows. Not even his fast Cero shots can't hit them.
''Hey, Starrk.'' The Espada eyes his right gun as Lilynette suggests to him. ''Let's use it. We have to win.''
''…'' Silent, Starrk debates that idea but it seems he has little choice now. Sighing, he nods. ''Fine.''
Sighing again as he'll regret this, Starrk's Spiritual Energy erupts as pistol guns vanish and shooting out from his bandoleers are a large pack of energy-like wolves, all of them howling loudly.
Shunsui stares at them, not liking them while Yugi can feel their auras and they're all Starrk.
''He split his energy into those wolves.'' Yang Dragon also concludes to his partner's senses. The wolves then all charge, hunting at the captain who leaps above them like a hop, smiling a bit.
''Ah, so you're taking me ser-'' The Shinigami Captain begins taunting the Espada as he hops across each of the wolf like he's playing hop-skip until one of the wolves launches and bites on his leg… almost if he didn't dodge it with a swift kick up. However, it did bite on his colorful robes and watches with widened eyes as the wolf began to glow, very fiery, before exploding.
Yugi braces himself, feeling the intense blast as it's so much stronger than any of his Cero blasts.
''Guess they explode upon they bite onto their target.'' Yin Dragon comments, finding that really strong. Maybe they can do something similar with that.
''It's not just that!'' Atem suddenly warns the dragons and Yugi who also realizes it too in shock. He immediately yells at Starrk to stop fighting. ''Stop it, Starrk-kun! If you use that technique, you are-''
Starrk eyes the human kid, surprised he figured out that if his wolves continue to explode, a piece of him goes with it and that can include Lilynette who's among the wolves. But, they don't care.
''We are prepared for any outcome. Death means nothing compare to our loneliness.'' Starrk proclaims, willingly to die for Aizen who gave them something.
Yugi grits his teeth as he suddenly vanishes and intercepts one of the wolves.
''You're wrong!'' He protests as he guards with his Dragon Blade as the wolf bites onto his blade. ''Dying to avoid that, even for Aizen-kun, is not true friendship!'' He twirls around once but fast and launches the wolf flying backwards.
The wolves try to attack him now but Yugi creates 5 Dragon Clones in a row beside the original as they all start spamming Dragonaun Burst, purposely missing each shot at the energy wolves as the real Dragon Knight flies at Starrk. The Espada manifests an energy blade to engage him alongside the Lilynette wolf who charges at the knight.
Yugi still charges, timing it and vanishes as soon as Lilynette gets close and reappears behind it to its shock. He now dives right at Starrk as he comes at him.
''What do you intend to do?!'' He demands, irritated as Yugi swings his blade defensively and blocks his slash as he holds his left hand and forms a Dragonaun Rasengan.
''Not let you both die!'' Yugi shouts as he thrusts his attack right at his unguarded chest. However, Lilynette howls coming at his back. Yugi knows his attack will connect before he could do anything else, the corner of his eyes spots a strange shadow underneath her. Realizing who it is, Yugi fades his attack and vanishes. Starrk startles as he then sees Yugi reappearing and grabbing the energy wolf as he twirls around to the left and uses his back and wings as a shield to intercept an unexpected slash from blades that emerge from the shadows that was the captain.
''When did he-'' Shunsui questions in surprise and also that his attack didn't do that much damage to the young man. Yugi turns around and shows his grin as he tells him. ''I called green! So your attack did barely a scratch to me!''
This surprises the captain again before he smiles, praising that. ''Oh? I wasn't aware you liked old games like that.''
Starrk doesn't care as he went to protect Lilynette. He stops his other wolves from attacking the clones who pop away.
''Why?'' He demands, wanting an answer. Yugi just smiles as he releases the wolf who runs up beside Starrk's side and answers kindly. ''Because Starrk-kun and Lilynette-kun… are my friends!''
This overwhelms Starrk as well as Lilynette by whining.
''I won't let them die. I promise!'' Yugi vows not to risk the life of any of his friends. No matter what, he will reach out and save them one way or another. Even if he has to fight, he will not give up on them, ever.
''You…'' Starrk utters, not sure what to say. Yugi stares at him honestly before asking him. ''Call your wolves away, including Lilynette.''
''Why?'' The Espada questions him but Yugi just glares calmly, affirming his decision. ''I'm not going to repeat myself. I only ask that you two don't fight anymore.'' As he raises his left hand towards Aizen, watching all of this including the other fights with a smug smile. ''And let me handle him. After all, I don't like how he manipulates anyone to do his dirty work.''
Starrk can't just do that. Yugi reads his face and asks him once more, pleading firmly. ''Trust me. Please.'' His voice, no, his very soul was as pure and kind as his voice.
''…'' Sighing annoyed as he rubs the top of his head, Starrk focuses as his wolves all vanish and return back to him, being 1 whole as his guns also return into his hands. This surprises Shunsui again, telling himself. ''He actually-''
''Hey, Captain sir.'' He staggers, turning to face Yugi who smiles and asks him. ''There are evil Hollows but there's good ones too. Both Starrk-kun and Lilynette-kun are not like other Hollows no less the other Arrancar that Ichigo-kun befriended.''
Sure, a lot of Hollows he's fought were the enemy but like humans; there are good ones that don't want to fight for evil actions or minor evil actions.
"They're used by Aizen-kun and that pisses me off.'' Yugi expresses, not liking how Aizen has been able to manipulate others and now he's done with that as he then asks him. ''So I ask if they change sides at any time, would you spare them and let them live their lives in peace?''
''…'' Shunsui stares at him silently, not sure if that's his call but the Head Captain, but since the kid will try to stop Aizen, is worth a shot.
''I suppose if they don't try anything.'' He says, causing Yugi to smile. ''Thank you.'' With that, Yugi turns around and blasts flying to finally confront the one behind all of this.
''…'' Starrk stares silent at the direction he flew off to, questioning why he would do all this.
''You're lucky.'' He looks at the Shinigami who adjusts his large straw hat and expresses. ''Seems the current Dragon Knight is just as kind as the last one.''
''Kind?'' Starrk utters, looking back at where Yugi stood. He did all of this because he's that kind? So that is what this feeling is, a feeling of being wanted; kindness.
Alone, Aizen gazes at all the fights happening and soon his expression becomes a small smirk as he feels him coming.
''So you've come.'' He proclaims, turning as Yugi arrives in front of him, hovering in the air. The Dragon Knight glares firmly as Aizen smiles, a bit thrilled as he's wanted to fight him since their last confrontation. This time though, he won't be holding anything back.
Evangeline watches this with a smirk, going to like this part.
''This should be interesting.'' Arkham proclaims, eager to see this fight and its outcome.
The time has finally come. Will Yugi finally take Aizen down?
To be continued…
(ENDING 2: Vision by Kuso Iinkai from Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V)
Next Time…
Annoyed by all that's happening, Yugi declares he will end this pointless war by defeating Aizen. Grinning eagerly, Aizen accepts his challenge. Can a stronger, more confident Dragon Knight defeat the man that has surpassed all Shinigami, now intending to use his full power?
Jonouchi: This is finally it!
Ryan: Yugi is actually-
Sonic smirks: And he sure wants to fight him alone too.
Danny: This is between him and that guy. We got to trust Yugi that he's got this.
Aizen smiles: Shall we begin, Yugi?
Yugi glares: Let's, Aizen-kun! Next time in Yu-Gi-Oh! Dragon Knight Reborn: The Depths of Reality and Illusion! Dragon Knight Yugi Vs Aizen!
Mew Ichigo: Yugi-kun… Please remember to read, enjoy and review. See you all next time Nya!
Author's Note: … So does Yugi not believe in Justice? I think the better question is does he want to know what true justice is? In Death Note, people have their own twisted ideals of what true justice is. Examples are Light's Justice which is the righteous, godly one that judges the crimes and sins of others while L's Justice is the locking up those who do awful crimes, regardless of the outcome (unless it's the criminal killing themselves). Light is willingly to become a God to make the world a better place, killing those who have done terrible actions (which he would eliminate everyone, 1 tier at a time from murderer to jaywalking) while L will arrest and put any criminals to pay for their actions, not caring what methods he must use or those he would put in danger. For Yugi; he wants to protect those he loves and now the future they and everyone can have. If Justice, or the ''corrupted'' justice of others, stands in his way from doing what he does best and it's being someone who puts everyone in front; he won't stand for it and will oppose it.
Also the beatdown he was giving Tosen and insults were brutal even for Yugi. That's how pissed he was.
Of course, Yugi is still Yugi and he'll fall back to kindness, reaching out to others with that belief. From Tosen to Starrk and Lilynette, he would oppose those who bring despair to others or will get himself hurt to protect those he can. Remember this for next time.
Like I've said before, Dark General Knight is an honorable dark knight; he won't tolerate weakness or fighting those like Kurosaki the way he was. He goes as far as to motivate him to fight for his loved ones, threatening their lives to bring back his warrior spirit. And yes, Ulquiorra is alive but Kurosaki still had this despair for the monster he became that hurt his friends. Also, I know it's weird to do an interaction between Kurosaki and him… Zanpakuto Spirits this soon but honestly; might as well now then later. And it worked!
Next time is the rematch between the strongest Shinigami and the Dragon Knight. You do not want to miss this!
SO... I've had a bad amount of weeks, less time to work on this and so I HATE doing this... For 2 weeks, no DKR. I really damn apologize about this. I don't have a choice and here I am saying it.
DKR will return on October 17th... and yea, the 16th is my Birthday but I'll upload for the 17th unless new junk occurs... I hope not. 2024 has been a bad year, so many bad stuff and new stuff happening that makes my life even that much harder. Once more, I'm sorry for everyone.
AND... WELL... I do hope most of you are exciting for Sparkling Zero hehe... YEA... Don't have a PS5 to you know SO YEA.
See you all there.