Kamen Rider GX

by KR Duelist

Kamen Rider. Whether through magic, technology, the supernatural or a mixture of these three, one can transform into a powerful armored warrior. They are the symbols of justice, defending the common man, and fighting evil wherever they may be. This is the tale of a boy who sought out a truth he never knew and would go on to become the hero his world needed.

37. Turn 37

KRD: Hey guys! Kamen Rider Duelist here for another chapter of Kamen Rider GX and oh boy! Fasten your seatbelts everyone! We're in for a big one!

HEX: Folks, this chapter got way bigger than expected.

KRD: Dang straight it is, almost double the amount of words that are written in this chapter! My gosh, we had so much content written out for you readers.

HEX: Alongside, and yeah if you saw the previous chapters, this fic's signature Extra Deck monster type.

KRD: Also, wanna give a quick shoutout to Gundam-Knight-Chris for helping out a little bit in this chapter. Still appreciate ya, no matter how small you contributed. Just wanna put that out there.

HEX: But yeah, trust us, once we finally get to the third and actual final part of this triple-header, you'll see that this long wait will be worth it.

KRD: So let's get going! We have a three-on-one Duel to show!

Disclaimer: We do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters GX. All creative rights go to Kazuki Takahashi, first and foremost, Hatsuki Tsuji, Norio Yamakawa, Naoki Sasada, Teruaki Jitsumatsu, Junki Takegami, Shin Yoshida, and Yutaka Minobe. All creative rights go to them. We also do not own the Kamen Rider franchise. All creative rights go to Shotaro Ishinomori. Also any and all Decks created from something already made, doesn't belong to us either. All rights go to their respective creators and any and all insert songs in this story don't belong to us at all. In other words, we don't own anything except our OCs and all other OCs © original creators.

---

"SENSEIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!" Kuromu yelled out in grief, falling to his knees, as they all cried aloud for the passing of their teacher, Daitokuji, formerly the Seven Star Amanael.

"No… Sensei…" Rika sobbed as she cling onto Asuka, who was also crying.

"DAMMMIIIIITTTT!" Rex roared in anger at the heavens.

"Daitokuji-sensei…" Judai muttered as he looked towards where the late Osiris Red headmaster laid. He then let out a loud scream of both anger and sorrow. The Duel that would end this madness, had also ended his teacher's life. And Judai dealt the final blow. He had killed the man he had respected and looked up to for so long.

It was also at this moment that the Spirit Keys all returned to the original holders, indicating their victory.

"Yo."

Kuromu, Judai, and Rex went from sorrowful to vengeful as they and the others ratcheted their heads towards Oogumo, smugly looking upon them. It was then that Kuromu let out a furious roar.

"OOGUMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Almost immediately, the three summoned their ace monsters. Flame Wingman, Gyzarus, and W rushed at the eyeless cyclops. However, Oogumo merely waved his hand and a crescent wave of dark energy flew across, striking all three ace monsters, sending them flying, before shattering into pixels.

"Damn you, you monster!" Judai shouted.

"Did you really think your silly cardboard images could save you?" the eyeless cyclops laughed.

"Leave us alone!" Rika shouted. "Haven't you done enough already?! How much longer are you going to keep harassing us?!"

"Either you go, or I'll tear that eyeball right out your head!" Rex roared before his eyes began to flicker in between normal and pink glow.

"Oh, your rage is quite potent. I like that." the eyeless cyclops complimented the mutt, "But not as much as your heroic friend over there. I'm especially delighted in his despair."

*BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!*

Several gunshots rang out, as Tsukasa shot Oogumo several times from his RideBooker, sparking flying off the latter's body. "You need to leave… now."

"Very well. It seems I overstayed my welcome." the eyeless cyclops chuckled, "But know this Kururugi Kuromu, Yuki Judai. In every heart, the seed of darkness abides. The makings of a lord when watered well… With hate. Sweet hate. She springs eternal. Sings… all-tempting draught."

With that, he vanished, with his parting words being, "We'll drink of her again."

"Gh…" Kuromu gritted his teeth, clenching his fist.

"Hey," Tsukasa placed a hand on Kuromu's shoulder, snapping him out of it. "You're okay."

"…" Kuromu remained silent, looking downward.

The gem on the Emerald Tablet then shattered, revealing the last red stone fragment, being absorbed into the Shadow Charm Pendant.

*BA DUMP!*

"Kuromu?" Asuka gasped as the Rider Duelist clutched his heart.

"Ergh… argh! ARRRRRRRGH!" Kuromu cried out, before his eyes widened. He felt his head throbbing in pain prompting him to hold onto his head tightly. "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!"

---

Within the Rider Duelist's mind, images were flickering in and out at such speeds that he could barely keep up. It was the same vision he had when he first picked up the Shadow Charm Pendant. Everything was blurry, the scenery was dark and dank, as if he were in some cave. He saw a silhouette of a human figure. This human saw a group of other silhouetted monsters rushing towards the former, and this lone human seemed to be fighting these monsters off.

However, that cave seemed to have brightened up, and the figure was now visible. This figure wore something similar to that of a karate gi, but… there was something on his waist, which revealed to be… the Arcle?!

This man then did the various movements that Yusuke would do, before shouting, "Henshin!" and transformed… into Kuuga!

But this Kuuga looked nothing like Yusuke's Kuuga. It looked more organic.

---

Kuromu finally collapsed to his knees as he began breathing rapidly.

"KURO!" Asuka gasped, holding him close. "Are you okay?! What's wrong?!"

"I… I…" Kuromu panted heavily. "I saw… a vision…"

"A vision? Of what?" Koji asked.

"That vision I saw… when I… haaaaa… haaaa… first picked up the pendant… it was… more clear now… haaaaaa… haaaaaa…"

"What happened?" Judai asked.

"I… saw… I saw…" Kuromu gasped. "I… I saw the person fighting those monsters… transform into Kuuga!"

"Nani?" Tsukasa gasped, definitely caught off-guard.

"Oh my…" Woz muttered in complete shock.

"Kuuga?!" Yusuke asked, as he suddenly appeared. "You're sure of this?!"

"Yeah. Are you sure you saw yourself transform into Kuuga?" Judai asked.

"At least… I think that was Kuuga." Kuromu admitted, "He looked like Kuuga but at the same time, didn't…"

Everyone looked at each other with confusion and worry. Tsukasa, Woz, and Yusuke were definitely disturbed by what they had heard. How was it possible that a version of Kuuga existed in the World of Duel Monsters? It didn't make any sense. Granted, it was the multiverse, but there were no records indicating a Rider existing anywhere from the present day to the ancient past.

"Let's… head back for now." Tsukasa suggested. "All of you need rest and need to gather your bearings."

"We might also need to inform the other Osiris Red students of his passing as well." Woz added, "It is the best we can do to lessen the pain."

"And what about… what we just heard?" Hotaro asked.

"I'll talk to Hongo-san about this. He needs to know." Tsukasa said.

Soon, the others soon solemnly went towards the Osiris Red dorm with their heads hung low. Sho, Misawa, Ryo, Junko, Momoe, and Annette all saw that everyone was fine… apart from the lack of the alchemic professor.

When they heard about the fate of Daitokuji, they joined in mourning his death. The thief, while not knowing the alchemic professor that well, shared her condolences with the grieving Duelists.

---

Turn 37: Battle Against the Sacred Beasts! Kagemaru Goes Against Duel Academia's Best First Years!

"…I see." Samejima lowered his head as he gave a moment of silence for the fallen professor, Daitokuji's letter of resignation in hand.

Tsukasa and Woz had arrived at the Principal's office and told Samejima of the events that took place. To say he was shocked that the last Seven Star was Daitokuji had been an understatement. How could he have not seen this? It made his attacks on Rex, Jun, Koji, and Rika make so much sense. He knew who the real Spirit Key holders were because he was there when they were chosen.

"This is all my fault…" Samejima said, with his head down. "To think that Daitokuji-san was a spy for the Seven Stars… right under our noses."

"None of us had any idea he was with them." Tsukasa reassured the principal. "He hid it well, sure, but Daitokuji had his reasons. One of them being that he was preparing everyone for the real danger ahead."

"I see… How are the Osiris Red students handling his passing?" Samejima asked.

"They're still processing it." Woz answered. "They've been holding somewhat of a vigil, having a makeshift funeral for the man. We made sure to gather his ashes to put in an urn before we left the Abandoned Dorm."

"Judai, Sho, Rex, and Jun though… they're taking it the hardest." Tsukasa added, "Judai especially…"

"I can imagine why, given his position." the principal guessed. "And Kururugi?"

"Yeah… about that…" Tsukasa went from sad to nervous, as he began to tell what happened.

---

Kuromu was in his room, trying to process everything that had transpired, Pharaoh curled up in his lap. From Daitokuji's death, his last words and will, and the revelation of Kuuga existing in his world. That was what bothered him the most.

Never mind Oogumo's threats. Forget the warning of the imminent danger that will come in the near future. How did a version of Kuuga exist? What's also strange, was that he didn't seem to look like Kuuga either.

His skin was black as iron, with red beetle-like armor on his chest and shoulders, accented with golden bone-like collar and armbands, his belt having fused with his body and leaving behind a red gem at the center, and finally he had red gems on his knees and golden anklets protecting his new bestial feet. His head also resembled that of a ground beetle with golden horns, a silver mouth guard, and red segmented eyes.

'I just don't get it…' Kuromu shook his head.

"Kuromu?" Yusuke said as he appeared. "Are you alright?"

"Yusuke-san…" Kuromu muttered, before looking outside his window, while sitting in his chair. "No… I'm not. There's just… too much going on. My brain can't handle everything."

"I can imagine. I remember hearing about a world where I became Kuuga much later but… I didn't think this version of me also existed here too." The first Heisei Rider posited.

"How did Kuuga in your world come to be?" Kuromu inquired.

After trying his best to recall it, Yusuke gave the story of the first Kuuga.

"Many years ago, there lived a tribe of humans known as the Linto. At first, they prospered in peace. That was until another tribe known as the Grongi had obtained the power to transform into monsters by an unknown meteorite: The Amadam Stone. Desperate for a savior, the Linto turned to their shamans for answers. They would soon find one in a man simply known as Riku, a humble man. Using the Amadam Stone, the very one used to turn the Grongi Tribes into monsters, the Arcle was forged. And that man would become the first Kuuga."

"So there were Kamen Riders before Hongo?" Kuromu asked.

"Very much. In terms of the timeline, Agito and Saber come after me." Yusuke explained.

"I see…" Kuromu muttered.

*KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK*

The Kamen Rider duelist carried Pharaoh to put him on the bed, and went to his door and opened it, revealing the first Kamen Rider. "Hongo-san." He gasped in surprise.

"I see that you're troubled, shonen." The first Rider observed.

"W-When did you-"

"Just now. May I?"

"H-Hai," Kuromu said, letting the man inside. Closing the door behind him, Kuromu sat on the edge of the bed next to Pharaoh. "I'm going to assume that Kadoya-sensei filled you in on what's been happening."

"He did." Takeshi nodded. "And he told me of your vision. To think that Kuuga would exist in your world… meaning that the Cross of Fire has already been set ablaze in this world."

Kuromu nodded, as he petted the tabby cat, giving him ear scratches. "Hongo-san… have you ever been scared of your own power? Fearing what would happen if you ended up being tempted to embrace something darker?"

"Many times…" Takeshi answered, sitting next to him. "After all, the monsters that S.H.O.C.K E.R create are modified to be stronger than the average human in every aspect. Yet who they used to be had long been snuffed out. I would have been the same had Midorikawa-sensei not saved me."

"Who was that?"

"He was a scientist, much like your mother, who was forced to work for S.H.O.C.K.E.R." Takeshi said. "In fact, he was the one that, unwillingly, recommended me to partake in the experiment that would eventually make me a Kamen Rider."

"What?" Kuromu gasped, "Why did he help you escape?"

"He couldn't bear his remorse." Takeshi answered. "He had also planned to reveal S.H.O.C.K.E.R to the public, but was killed before he could. And his daughter initially blamed me for his death before learning the truth days after." He then turned to Kuromu, "Shonen, know this. Power doesn't corrupt, it only reveals. What you do with that power, ultimately, is all up to you. Will you be a savior, or a destroyer?"

Kuromu could tell what that question meant to him.

"With great power comes great responsibility." he quoted, looking towards the pendant, clenching it. "All I wanted is to be a Duelist who could make everyone smile while having fun. Yet… time and time again, I have to put aside my goal for the sake of protecting our world, for protecting those I love… I'm not saying that I don't want to do that, but…"

"There is a way to achieve both." Takeshi said, "You just have to seek it out."

"Really? Is such a thing possible?" Kuromu asked.

"Mm. After all, endless possibilities present themselves before you at your age." The first Rider posited. "When an opportunity of realizing your dreams arise, don't be afraid to take it. It only takes one step."

Kuromu nodded before looking towards his Extra Deck. Ever since the pendant gained the last of the Amadam Stone fragments, his Extra Deck seemed to stop glowing and changing. Now it was a simple Fusion Deck. Kuromu wondered if that weird change stopped now that the stone was complete, or if an additional trigger was needed. Either way, he would need to start searching for those answers.

---

*DONK!*

At the private onsen, the sound of streaming water echoed in the Girls' Bath. Currently occupying it were Asuka, Rika, Junko, Momoe, and Annette (who was out of her disguise). Everything had been stressful ever since the passing of Daitokuji. While they managed to get over their tears, the sadness still lingered in their hearts.

Asuka figured to offset the current gloom, she decided to have a girl's night out to help keep everyone in good spirits. Now normally, the private onsen is exclusive to only her and Kuromu. But… given the current situation, Asuka was sure that Kuromu would understand. They would want to at least have some sort of privacy of healing in their own way.

Besides, the moment she told him "Girl's Night", he understood immediately.

"Wow, this place feels nice…" Annette sighed in relief.

"Yeah, and Asuka gets to use it with Kuromu for some alone time." Junko smirked. "Makes me kinda jealous."

"H-Hey! We don't do that!" Asuka stammered.

"Are you sure?" Momoe smirked with half-lidded eyes.

"Need I remind you two that you always end up leaving me restless any time you sneak Koji into your room?" Rika grumbled. Junko and Momoe flinched before laughing sheepishly.

"Sérieusement?" Annette asked in surprise. "The two of you are dating him at the same time?"

"Trust us, we make it work." Junko chuckled, "Still, it's so romantic that Jun helped you out of your shell."

"Even if it gave Kuromu and Rex hell in the process…" Asuka giggled, still remembering the mad chase the two had with the ace.

"I do apologize for that." Annette said to Asuka. "I had no idea that Jun-kun was doing that to you."

"And it's likely Jun had no idea either. I had no idea he could be so loyal." Asuka added, recalling how attentive the ace had become of his fiancée.

"Makes me wish I had a gi-I mean, guy like that." Rika muttered.

"Hm? What was that?" Annette tilted her head.

"It's nothing!" Rika stammered, before submerging the bottom half of her face into the warm water, blowing bubbles.

"Come now, mon ami. No need to be shy." Annette smiled. "I didn't forget how red you looked when you first laid eyes on me."

Rika sank a bit deeper, refusing to let the girls see her blush.

"Rika, you're going to overheat if you do that." Junko said.

Asuka merely rolled her eyes before letting out a sigh. She just hoped that a certain HERO could also get his spirits back up.

---

Meanwhile, at the Osiris Red dorm, Judai was simply sitting out on the beach; watching the waves crash by as the image of Daitokuji crumbling before him repeated endlessly in his mind.

"You mind some company?"

He looked up and saw Sho and Rex were standing there, both looking worried for the Elemental HERO Duelist.

"Y-Yeah, I guess so." Judai muttered.

The two then sat by his side and the trio sat in silence for a few moments, unsure of what to say or do. The mutt looked towards Judai and could see just how broken he was. Out of their little friend group, Rex knew how Judai was feeling.

"It's not easy, is it?" the mutt muttered, getting Judai's attention. "You keep wishing there could have been another way, that maybe if you did something different then maybe things could change."

The Elemental HERO Duelist let out a chuckle, "Nothing seems to get past you, can it?"

He then looked to Sho who was just as sad about the affair, "I'm sorry, aniki…"

"For what? Neither of you did anything wrong, I did." Judai affirmed, placing a hand to his heart. "I killed Daitokuji-sensei."

"What happened with the professor wasn't your fault, and I'm sure that if he were here right now, he'd likely tell you the same thing." Rex stated, "He knew the consequences, and likely accepted that he was going to die either way." The mutt then placed a hand on the Elemental HERO Duelist's shoulder, "Look dude. There's no changing what could have happened. That's something we'll have to accept. So let's live on, and make sure that no one ends up like him ever again."

The mutt soon offered a fist bump to Judai, which surprised him.

"Come on. Don't leave me hanging." Rex said, "All for one…"

Judai smiled as he and Sho soon shared a three-way fist bump, "And one for all." The trio soon let out a chuckle before the Elemental HERO Duelist quickly remembered something, "Oh right! I think I still got something for you guys."

After digging into his pocket, he quickly pulled out two deck boxes.

"What are these?" Sho asked.

"Open it." Judai insisted.

Confused, the two quickly opened up the deck boxes and were surprised. Judai watched as his friends' eyes widened at the sight of these.

"Dude, these are-" Rex gawked as the two took out a pair of new decks.

The Elemental HERO Duelist nodded as he quickly began to explain as he took out three cards from Rex's new second deck, which were brand new versions of Gazelle, Baphomet, and Chimera, "It took me a while, but I was able to create a brand new deck based on your old one. There's even a new Monster type I asked Kyoshiro-san to make based on your old ace. I call it the Illusion type."

"Woah…" the mutt muttered

"And Sho, I wanted to grab some brand new Vehicroids for you so I went and sifted through as many of the spare cards that Asuka-san turned in when she was searching for her new Cyber Angel cards. This includes two new boss monsters too."

"I… but aniki…" the Roid Duelist muttered as he looked upon his new second deck.

"Bro, you didn't have to do this." Rex said as he looked at the three key cards in his new deck.

Judai shook his head, "I thought that since you two did a lot to help my deck grow, I'd try and do the same." he chuckled. He then looked at his own Elemental HERO deck. "You know, technically Featherman, Burst Lady, Sparkman, Clayman, and Bubbleman, aren't technically my monsters."

This surprised the two.

"They're… not?" Sho asked with incredulity.

"But you use them all the time!" Rex pointed out. "How is that not your Deck?"

"It's… it's a long story." Judai said as he let out a sigh, "There's actually someone I look up to a lot. And no, it's not Yugi-san."

"Now there's a surprise." the mutt muttered.

"Ever heard of the name Hibiki Koyo?" Judai asked.

That made the Roid Duelist and mutt do a double-take, "Wait, what?!"

"You mean the three-time Duel World Champion?!" Sho gasped.

Judai nodded, "I remember meeting the guy like it was yesterday. I had just broken my leg as a kid and I was kind of struggling. But then, when I fell, I ended up meeting the guy since he was also in the hospital for something. We ended up talking a lot about Duel Monsters and stuff." He smiled, "It was through Koyo that I got to hear about Yugi."

"Dude must have had quite the impact on you, didn't he?" Rex asked.

"Yeah, and I'd always go visit him after I was out of the hospital, always Dueling with him." Judai affirmed, "Yet, for whatever reason, Koyo-san always stayed in the hospital."

The mutt kept silent, as he recalled that Koyo Hibiki was afflicted with some kind of unknown affliction that kept him weak. It was then that Judai looked down, "He promised me he would recover and show me what a Pro Duelist would really look like…"

---

Flashback

"Crap! I overslept!" a kid Judai gasped as he rushed towards the large arena, 'And on such an important day too!'

The future Duel Prince soon heard the chatter of the arena staff as he tried to make his way towards the arena entrance.

"Hey, I heard a pro collapsed."

"The ambulance is here!"

"Quick! Get him on!"

However, as he stopped in his tracks, the young boy's heart sank as he looked and saw a young man with brown hair, on the gurney whilst his sister, a woman with long brown hair, was by his side.

"K-Koyo-san!" he gasped before making a break for the ambulance.

"Hey kid! Back away!" A guard said, trying to hold Judai back.

"Koyo-san! Midori-san!" he called out.

The young woman, Midori Hibiki, looked to see Judai who gasped, but the door to the ambulance closed right then and there. The ambulance then revved the engine and had left.

Later that night at the hospital, the woman saw Judai arrive.

"I see, you're here too." she muttered.

"It was my fault…" Judai cried, "It was my fault Koyo-san collapsed…"

She shook her head, "You've got it all wrong, Judai. It's not your fault."

However the boy begged to differ, "But… it's because I wanted to see him in the tournament. So he pushed himself too far!"

---

Judai soon tried to pep the two back up, "Don't worry, he woke up soon after but… he had to retire as a Pro Duelist due to the doctors finding him medically unfit to continue competing."

"Shit…" Rex muttered.

"So how did you end up getting his Deck?" Sho asked.

"Well, Midori-san ended up gifting me a Duel Disk after I drafted up a deck of my own, and I ended up dueling Koyo!" Judai revealed, "We went back and forth until Koyo-san ended up finishing the Duel by playing Flame Wingman with only 450 Life Points to spare."

Sho was amazed, "You got Hibiki-san down to 450 Life Points?!"

"Dude, that is sick man!" Rex cheered.

"It was nothing, really." Judai played it off.

"That's nothing to snuff at! You almost beat a Pro Duelist with only 450 LP to go! Do you know how unprecedented that is?!" The mutt shouted, "You must have had a wicked good deck to stand up to him!"

Judai's smile briefly wavered at that, but he didn't want to let his friends see that.

---

"Here I come, Judai! This is the end!" Koyo declared, "Battle! Elemental HERO Flame Wingman attacks your monster! Flame Shoot!"

Just like that, the little Judai was defeated as he ended up on the receiving end of what would soon be his favorite HERO's signature attack.

Judai: 0

Koyo: 450

"I… I lost… but it was so awesome!" Judai cheered.

He then looked towards Koyo, who was looking to the sky, "Yeah. it was a fun Duel, huh Judai?"

As the boy got up, the future Hero King soon made his declaration, "I've decided! I'm eventually going to be a Duelist just like you, Koyo-san!" He shook his head, "No, even better! I'm going to become the next Duel King!"

"Is that so?" Koyo chuckled as he removed his jacket and adjusted his glasses.

He then approached the young boy with his Deck in hand and jacket on his arm, "Judai, I'm entrusting this Deck to you."

Judai was left shocked, "Huh? W-Why? You can't do that. This is yours."

"It's okay." the Duel World Champion reassured him, "Today, I'm stepping down as a Duelist."

He then placed his jacket onto the little Judai's shoulders, "Judai, no matter who you go up against… be a Duelist that enjoys Dueling. Do your best, Judai!"

---

"After that, he fell into a coma not long after I left." Judai sadly finished his story, "That's why I want to become Duel King; to help keep Koyo-san's legacy alive. To show that there's more to life than just winning no matter what."

Sho and Rex couldn't help but smile at this as Judai looked towards his deck.

"And now, with Ossan's deck and my own monsters in this, I feel like I'm carrying not just Koyo's legacy, but also Ossan's crushed dream, and my own hope."

"That's good on ya man." Rex gave a thumbs-up.

Judai then smiled, "Sho? Rex? Thanks for looking out for me."

"Hey, that's what friends are for?" the mutt pointed out.

---

Oogumo walked through the halls of his base, on his way towards the chamber where David and Reggie were being held. However, one more person of interest is also being held there. Before Amanael, or rather Daitokuji, went off to take the Spirit Keys, they had managed to transport the leader of the Seven Stars to the facility.

When the eyeless cyclops had heard of Daitokuji's demise and the Spirit Keys' reclamation, he decided to go ahead with the plan as scheduled. This was regardless of the outcome. Whoever lost, Oogumo won anyway… to an extent. After all, he has a plan for multiversal conquest, and this little detour is just the first of many steps towards that goal.

"Tell me, has the process been completed?" He asked the facility's computer.

"Information: The fusion of Subject Tragedy and Shadow is at 65%. Estimation of process completion: Seven days."

"Heh, fitting." The eyeless cyclops chuckled, "Continue the process."

"Affirmative."

Oogumo soon reached the chamber and the doors slid open. It revealed a large computer screen with controls, buttons, and keyboards that littered the control pads. There were several connected desks, littered with laptops and wires that littered the floor.

But the main attraction was what was in front of the supercomputer. It was a large glass tube sealed from top to bottom, both hooked up by numerous cables, tubes, and everything else. But inside was an extremely elderly fragile man with sharp facial features, a top bald head and thick white hair and beard flowing down past his shoulders. He was wearing an oxygen mask over his face while floating inside this clear liquid, his body had wires all over him as well.

Of course, what was disturbing was the fact that Tragoedia, the Duel Spirit that was captured, was attached to this old man, infused into the latter's body in a very disturbing way, as various parts of the Duel Spirit's body stuck out of the old man's body.

'Phase 1 of my plan will soon be complete. And then, all worlds will fall to the might of S.H.O.C.K.E.R.' He thought to himself.

"You're certain this plan of yours will work?" A voice asked, as Oogumo turned to see Narutaki standing there.

"I am very certain, good man." Oogumo affirmed. "Though I must admit, why ally yourself with me again despite your prior hatred for my organization? Even during your time as Colonel Zol and Doctor G, you-."

"Do not be mistaken." Narutaki said, curtly. "This is merely a temporary alliance, a means to an end. While I may be an ally to the other Riders, Decade will always be my archnemesis. As long as he exists, I will do whatever it takes to stop him."

"Very well." Oogumo sighed before the pair looked towards the man in the tube with a smirk.

---

A week has passed by since the last Seven Star was defeated. There had been no activity whatsoever, other than wrapping up the remainder of the year, as well as putting Daitokuji's urn in a designated grave at the front of the Osiris Red dorm. The third-years were finally going to graduate soon and hopefully go pro, Ryo being no exception. As for the missing students of the Abandoned Dorm, Fubuki included, they were going to have their long-awaited graduation day alongside the current third-years.

"I still can't believe that I'm finally gonna go pro." Fubuki told Ryo.

"You've long earned it." The Kaiser affirmed, "We both earned it."

Fubuki nodded before looking towards his ace, the legendary Red-Eyes. "I just wonder if I'll be able to wield the Red-Eyes as well as Jounouchi still does."

"I'm sure you will." Ryo assured him. "Although…"

"Hm?"

"What are you going to do, when it comes to Reggie?" The Kaiser inquired. "Oogumo still has her prisoner."

This made the young man's fists curl up, "I'll try my best to find her; and free both her and her brother." He stated. "I may not have my Legendary Planet monster anymore, but that doesn't mean I can't fight in a Duel."

"I see…" Ryo nodded.

It was at that moment the eyeless cyclops' laugh began to echo all throughout the island.

---

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"What the-!" Judai got out, looking up in the sky and around, as did the others.

"What's going on?" Sho asked, surprised.

"And who's laughing their ass off?" Jun added.

"I don't know, but I don't think it's any good…" Rex muttered.

---

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Okay, who's laughing the Thriller laugh?!" Koji demanded, looking up at the sky.

"Kuromu, you don't think…" Misawa said, turning towards the Rider Duelist and the first Kamen Rider.

"Oogumo…" Kuromu growled.

"Mm… there's no doubt about it." Takeshi frowned. "He's calling us out."

---

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Kya!" Junko and Momoe screamed as they held each other once they heard the laugh.

"Who's laughing?" Annette wondered.

"Asuka-chan…" Rika looked at the Obelisk Queen with worry.

"C'mon, let's meet up with the others." Asuka suggested.

---

Soon, everyone gathered at the school entrance, all packing their Duel Disks in case of a Duel. No doubt that the laughter was from Oogumo. It all made sense as to why there was no activity for that whole week. It was all for this day.

"Okay, his laughing is starting to piss me off." Rex grumbled, covering his ears.

"What the heck is he planning this time?" Rika snapped. It was then that the sky turned dark, making the group even more confused.

"That's not a good thing…" Sho whimpered.

"Guys! Look! Our Spirit Keys!" Judai cried out.

It's then that the others looked and saw the keys were reacting to this oncoming storm. That was when a green light suddenly shot out from behind the school as the whole island shook, almost losing their footing.

"Earthquake!" Misawa shouted.

"Kids!" Samejima called out as he and Instructor Chronos, Ryotaro, Tsukasa, and Woz ran towards them.

It was then that the keys began to glow and fly up, shooting towards the sky… after being ripped away from the thin lanyards.

"After them!" Kuromu shouted.

The group then ran through the woods, and soon arrived at what looked to be a monument composed of seven obelisk pillars, all arranged in a circle, surrounding the ground that had collapsed in a circle.

"Those pillars… are those…" Ryo began.

"The Spirit Gates." Takeshi answered.

"But how? We stopped the Seven Stars!" Jun gasped.

The Spirit Keys then floated towards the pillars who then absorbed said keys.

"Oh no, the keys!" Sho panicked.

"Everyone!" Samejima gasped as he, Instructor Chronos, as well as Tsukasa, Ryotaro, and Woz arrived on the scene. "What happened?"

"The Spirit Keys got absorbed into the Spirit Gates," Asuka answered. "Principal, I thought we'd win after the last Seven Star was defeated and the cards would stay locked. How is this possible?"

"Perhaps the Duels must have supercharged the Keys with enough Duel Energy to activate them." Woz guessed. "In other words…"

"We were screwed either way!" Rex snarled in realization. "They played us right from the start! You gotta be fucking kidding me!"

Soon, there was another rumbling and the source came from the center of the circle. The dust and dirt billowed as a black hexagonal pedestal rose from the ground. The surface of this pedestal had a pair of doors that opened themselves up and a smaller pedestal rose out, revealing three cards.

"Those are…" Rika gasped.

"The Three Phantom Demons." Tsukasa said.

"Yes, and you will not go anywhere near them." a new voice shouted via loudspeaker.

The group looked up and saw some kind of plane in the sky. The cargo door of this plane opened up revealing a large container, which then slid and dropped from the plane, free falling until-

*BOOOOOOOM!*

When the dust settled, the container opened itself up revealing a large spider mecha with four, curved legs on the corners, what looked like a huge battery on the back, and in the front… was a very large tube. Inside, there lay the old man from before, only now his lower half was a six-legged insect-like thorax, his left hand now being replaced with a claw, and several spikes ran down his back. When he opened his eyes, they were pure yellow with no iris.

"What is that monster?" Samejima asked before the creature laughed.

"Principal Samejima, have you forgotten my voice?"

"No… it can't be…! It's Chairman Kagemaru!"

"WHAT?!" Everyone shouted.

"What has happened to you?" Samejima asked.

"I have been… enhanced with the power of an ancient demon." Kagemaru declared with a wicked grin. "While it is not an ideal youthful body, this will most certainly do."

"Have you gone mad?!" Samejima snapped. "Why would you resort to-"

"You two…" He turned towards Jun and Judai, ignoring the Principal. "I sense power within you both."

"KURI! KURI!" Winged Kuriboh shouted.

"GRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOAAAAAGH!" Light and Darkness Dragon roared with anger.

"Winged Kuriboh/Light and Darkness Dragon?" Judai and Jun looked surprised and confused. Why were they angry at Kagemaru?

"Tsk, those blasted spirits. We meet again." he snarled before turning to Rex, and seeing Alexander and Vespasius before him, "And my ka are here too."

"The hell are you on about?!" Rex snapped.

"It is a long story, young one." The leviathan gladiator told him.

"We were lap dogs, forced to keep only one man protected while he created his monsters." The lion gladiator snarled, "I see that you have found a new host, Tragoedia."

"HUH?!" Now this caught everyone who could see Duel Spirits off guard.

"Tragoedia?! As in that Tragoedia?! The one that Daitokuji-sensei told us about?!" Judai gawked.

"As well as the creator of not only the Three Phantom Demons, but the Planetary monsters." Kagemaru… or rather Tragoedia revealed. "Though you banished the others to the heavens, only Terra Firma remains in this mortal realm."

"Damn it, how did you escape!?" Vespasius snarled.

"I merely transferred to this body thanks to a certain… benefactor, if he could be even called that."

Kuromu snarled, he had a feeling that Oogumo was behind this if his island-wide laughing fit was anything to go by.

"So what happened to-" Ryo got out.

"In a coma. My benefactor still finds him useful enough to keep alive and sedated." The demon posited.

"Niisan, who are you talking about?" Sho nervously asked.

"Reggie's father…" Fubuki gritted, answering for Ryo. "The Principal of West Academia…"

"Oh… oh shit…" the mutt realized.

"As for the body of Kagemaru… Well, he and I shared some interests and as such, we melded our minds into one. But enough rambling on." Tragoedia mouthed off, "The time has come. Here and now, I shall conduct the ritual to revive the three Phantasms and finally exact my vengeance."

"Still mad about what happened all those years ago, are you?" Judai got into a defensive position as did the others.

"KURI! KURI!/GRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAOGH!" Winged Kuriboh and Light and Darkness Dragon shouted.

"Tsk. Begone, foul vermin!" Tragoedia snapped as he swung his arm. A forceful wind imbued with dark energy rushed towards the group, hitting them fast and hard.

Seeing Annette fly towards a tree alongside Sho and the others, Jun, Rex, Fubuki and Ryo thought fast.

"Go, Light and Darkness Dragon/Bestrouli/Red-Eyes/Cyber Dragon!" They called out. They summoned their monsters to block the trees, cushioning the crowd to prevent them from being heavily injured. Strangely enough, only Judai, Kuromu, and Asuka were left standing their ground as, when Jun went to go back to the three, a strange mystical barrier prevented anyone else from entering the area.

"W-What?" The Obelisk queen asked before the three noticed three minor lights appearing before herself, the Rider Duelist, and the Elemental HERO Duelist.

"What in-" Kuromu got out.

"What… what's this?" Judai finished.

The lights themselves were that of a black and white, red, and blue that kept them safe from the demonic superintendent.

"So… you three are the ones left standing. I'm to assume that this is the best Duel Academia has to offer?"

"Why? Why did the Spirit Gate open on its own?" Kuromu demanded, snapping out of the confusion of seeing that red light protect him.

"Because I have it set up from the beginning." Tragoedia answered, "It was I who sealed the three Phantasm cards here, it was I who created their very spirits, and it was I who entrusted those keys to Samejima."

"Mm…" Samejima glared harshly at the possessed chairman.

"The battles between you and the Seven Stars were merely tools I employed to fill this island with enough Dueling energy. I was surprised that the process was sped up by the usage of such futuristic summoning techniques." Tragoedia mused.

"No thanks to Oogumo introducing them…" Kuromu grunted. "He had no business screwing with the timeline!"

"The ends justify the means. Regardless, when I came upon these cards, I realized I needed to harness enough power to revive the Phantasms. I needed an environment that could be saturated with Dueling energy." the possessed chairman declared, "That is why I built this school and raised Duelists who could create an appropriate environment for the Phantasm's revival. With that goal completed, it is time I reawaken these phantasms and finally achieve eternal life and world domination."

Rex snarled at that, he was more on the money than he thought.

"Stop feeding us that nonsense!" Asuka called out. "You mean to tell us that you were using us from the beginning?!"

"She's right! Don't talk so selfishly!" Sho added.

"We're the ones who forged our own paths! Not you!" the mutt snapped.

"If you're so confident, have your friends prove it. Showcase to me that power, Yuki Judai, Kururugi Kuromu, Tenjoin Asuka." he challenged them.

"Us?" Judai asked.

"Indeed. The Duel will serve no purpose if it is not with you three. He who has the strongest will over the Spirits, he who is at the cusp of awakening a new power, and she whose light shines above all else."

Suddenly a large blue electric ring formed between the obelisks.

"If you three refuse my challenge, you will all be trapped here whilst I sink you and everyone on this island." he threatened them.

"Once Kaiba hears about this, you are so fired!" Rex growled.

Tragoedia then snapped his fingers as the three Phantasm cards flew to him

"The cards!" Rika gasped.

Tragoedia then decided to break free of his tube prison, smashing the glass as the water came rushing out of the pod. Once he was free, one part of the machine opened up, revealing a Duel Disk and Deck. After catching the Phantasm cards and grabbing the rest of his equipment off the machine, he lifted up said machine with incredible strength, much to their shock, and threw it as hard as he could. The machine flew into the electricity current surrounding the area, exploding on contact afterwards.

"Show that jive-turkey who's boss, Kuro!" Koji added.

"Yeah, give him a good wallop!" Rika shouted.

"Everyone…" Kuromu got out, before nodding. "Got it. Kadoya-sensei, Ryotaro-san, ikuzo!"

"Ah!" They nodded.

"Let's kick his ass!" Momotaros said, as he possessed Ryotaro. Ryotaro-Red and Tsukasa then turned into Duel Spirits who then flew into his Deck.

That was when Judai noticed something in his pocket, what looked to be a Spell Card of some sort.

'Daitokuji-sensei, do you want me to use this card?' he thought. He then quickly read the effects. 'Alright, I'll believe in the power of the card you left behind.' He then inserted it into his Deck and shuffled it.

"Good luck, young ones." Takeshi said.

"So, shall we begin this Game of Darkness?" The possessed chairman asked them.

"We're ready when you are!" Kuromu affirmed.

"So, what's the game plan?" Asuka asked.

"We'll likely be facing the same situation as PaniK." Judai guessed. "Each of us have our own field, and Kagemaru/Tragoedia will have triple the amount of Life Points we start with. The only question is…"

"You three shall have 8000 while I start with 24000. And for safety reasons, none of us are allowed to attack until we have each had our first turns."

'Well, here we go.' Kuromu thought.

"Good luck, young ones." Takeshi said.

"Alright, bring it on bug man!" Judai declared, before the players activated their Duel Disks and drew their starting hands.

"DUEL!"

---

Judai: 8000 Kuromu: 8000 Asuka: 8000

Tragoedia: 24000

"The first turn shall go to you, Yuki Judai."

"Alright. O-re no ta-n! Draw!" Judai declared before drawing his sixth card and looking at his hand. He then nodded, "I'll start by using Fusion to merge Elemental HERO Featherman, Elemental HERO Sparkman, and Elemental HERO Bubbleman!"

Suddenly, the three heroes quickly flew up into the sky, with the latter two becoming nodes of yellow and blue energy that flew into the avian hero.

"Through the waves and voltage, spread your wings to unleash a great storm!"

Featherman soon gained a set of blue and gold armor akin to Sparkman, complete with his visor, alongside a large arm cannon akin to Bubbleman's blaster.

"Fusion Summon! Elemental HERO Tempester (8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2800)!"

"Not holding back on making another Fusion, is he?" Koji observed.

"I'll set one card facedown. Ta-n endo."

"Now it's my go! O-re no ta-n! Draw!" Kuromu declared, drawing his sixth card. "I activate Dual Summon allowing me to summon twice this turn! I summon Kamen Rider Kuuga and Kamen Rider Wizard in ATK mode!"

A sound akin to a turbine running echoed as slowly, a man began appearing on the field from the holographic card before forming into the stag-beetle red armored warrior (4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1200).

SHABADOOBIE, TOUCH TO HENSHIN! SHABADOOBIE, TOUCH TO HENSHIN!

FLAME! PLEASE! HII! HII! HII, HII, HII!

The magic rune soon appeared as the ring Wizard appeared (4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1100).

"Now I activate Kamen Rider Wizard's effect! Since he was Normal Summoned, I get to add 1 Level 8 or lower "Kamen Rider" monster or 1 "Henshin" Spell/Trap from my Deck to my hand. And I choose to add Final Henshin from my Deck!" He said, as he searched the card, adding it, and shuffling after.

"Alright! He can upgrade them!" Sho cheered.

"Now I activate Final Henshin! This lets me choose a Kamen Rider on my field and have them upgrade to their final form! Haruto-san!"

"Right!" Wizard said as he then flipped the Hand Author and immediately placed the new ring in front of the WizarDriver.

INFINITY!

As the Driver kept repeating the word 'INFINITY' a giant silver-white column of light with a magic circle appeared, the clear-diamond shaped European dragon came out as it flew around before going back inside Wizard The magic circle then rose up through him as the magic-themed Rider was encased in diamond.

PLEASE!

HII SUI FUU DO! BOU JABA BYUU DOGON!

Once the magic seal disappeared, the diamond that encased Wizard shattered into glitter and sparkles as it revealed his brilliant new form.

"Henshin Shōkan! Kamen Rider Wizard - Infinity Form (8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2000)!"

"O-retachi ga saigo no kibou da…" Wizard quoted.

"So, this is the hidden power of Transformation Summoning?" the possessed chairman asked.

"I'm still not done! Kamen Rider Wizard - Infinity Form's effect activates! When he's summoned via Final Henshin, I get to activate another one directly from my Deck, but I have to banish it after! Yusuke-san!"

"On it!" the first Heisei Rider affirmed.

Placing his hands over the belt, the Arcle crackled with yellow and black electricity as the center of the belt now had a golden brace materializing, surrounding the core of the belt. Afterwards, he did the motions of posing hand movements.

"Chō Henshin!"

With that declaration, Kuuga's form began to change, his armor changed to a complete black with large spikes on his forearms and legs. The only color that was there were his red eyes.

"Henshin Shōkan! Kamen Rider Kuuga - Ultimate Form (8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000)!"

"That's the last of the final forms." Misawa mused.

"No, there's one more." Woz said. "And unfortunately, that card isn't made."

"That's Zi-O's form, right?" Rex asked, recalling all the final forms everyone has seen.

"Yes."

"I'll place one card face-down. Ta-n endo." Kuromu concluded as a reverse card appeared on the field. He turned towards the Obelisk Queen. "Asuka."

She nodded as she prepared her next turn. "Watashi no ta-n! Draw!" Asuka drew her sixth card. "I activate my Machine Angel Ritual! I offer my Level 4 Etoilé Cyber and my Level 6 Cyber Angel - Benten!"

Quickly, the two monsters went into the altar and were engulfed in flames.

"Angel of light hiding eternal power! Show your form to this vast world and illuminate all creation!"

From the pillar of flames, Asuka's strongest monster made her arrival.

"Ritual Summon! Descend, Cyber Angel - Vishnu (10/ATK: 3000/DEF:2000)!"

"Everyone's going all out." Annette murmured.

"I mean with the fate of the world at stake, wouldn't you?" Rika said.

"I'll place one card face-down. Ta-n shuuryou." Asuka declared, as a reverse card appeared on the field.

"Tsk, so this is the power you three wield?" Tragoedia scoffed. "This will be easier than I thought. Draw!" He drew his sixth card. "I will start by placing three Trap cards face-down." He said, as three reverse cards appeared on the field.

"Strange, why would he announce that those three face-downs are traps?" Misawa frowned.

"Nothing good, I'm guessing!" Rex yelped.

"There's no need to intentionally declare Trap or Spell when you set a face-down card." Fubuki frowned, also disturbed by the way he was playing.

"There is a reason for it." Tragoedia said. "This in itself is a condition that is needed to call out a Phantom Demon. So I will sacrifice my three Traps cards to summon the first one!"

Suddenly, the sky began to darken as the three trap cards that were face-down revealed them and burned into ashes, and a pillar of fire erupted from the ground.

"Sky dragon of the heavens, unleash on my foes the flames hotter than the depths of the Underworld!"

The three Trap Cards flew into the air and ignited into three columns of fire, shooting into the sky before merging together into a big vortex of flames. Then, in a massive explosion, Judai, Kuromu, and Asuka avert their eyes, covering their faces with their arms as the spectators ducked. A monstrous, ear-splitting roar echoed as the flames dispersed to reveal a monstrous beast that looked like Celestial Dragon of Osiris, but a more corrupted and evil version of it .

Come, Uria, Lord of Divine Flames (10/ATK: 0/DEF: 0)!"

"KYAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! WHAT IS THAT?!" Junko and Momoe cried out, holding each other in fright.

"Sacrébleu…" Annette murmured in shock. "That's… a Phantom Demon?"

"Ho… ly… shit…" Rex muttered in horror.

"Uria's effect activates! It gains 1000 ATK for every Trap Card in my Graveyard." Tragoedia declared.

Uria - Lord of Divine Flames (ATK: 0-3000)

"Furthermore, once per turn, I can destroy one Spell or Trap card you control that is face-down. And once it's activated, none of you can respond to it." The possessed chairman then eyed Judai. "And I'll destroy yours, Yuki Judai. Trap Destruction!"

With a deafening roar, Judai's face-down was shattered.

"Oh no, Aniki…" Sho said worriedly.

"Gh…" Judai gritted his teeth in frustration.

"Now, who amongst you three shall suffer the wrath of Uria's flames?" Tragoedia glanced between the trio while the red Phantom Beast growled with an unnatural hunger. It then chose its target. That being Judai. "Ah, but of course. With no face-down to protect you, you're just a sitting duck. Battle! Uria, Lord of Divine Flames will attack Elemental HERO Tempest! Hyper Blaze!"

The corrupt version of Osiris opened its large maw and unleashed a hellish flame that washed over Elemental HERO Tempest, destroying him. As a result, the flames have also licked Judai.

"ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!"

"Judai/Aniki!" Everyone shouted.

Judai: 7800 Kuromu: 8000 Asuka: 8000

Tragoedia: 24000

"Painful, isn't it? Those flames are tinged by the very fires of Hell." Tragoedia taunted with dark joy at the sight of Judai in pain. "And soon, you will spend eternity in those flames. I'll end my turn there."

"Judai, you alright?!" Kuromu called out, as the Elemental HERO Duelist tried to catch his breath.

"Never better…" Judai managed to say. "We're just getting started. O-re no ta-n! Draw!" He drew his next card to increase his hand to two. "I activate Hero's Legacy! Since I have two or more Elemental HEROes in my Graveyard, I get to draw three cards!" He drew until he now had four. He smiled at what he got. "Alright, this is looking good! Now I activate Fusion Recovery! I bring Fusion and Elemental HERO Bubbleman back to my Hand!" He retrieved the card, and his hand was now at five. "Now I'll summon Elemental HERO Bubbleman!"

The water-themed HERO appeared, with his blaster at the ready. (4/ATK: 800/DEF: 1200)

"And when he's summoned and being the only monster on my field, I get to draw two more cards!" He then drew them, increasing his hand to six.

"He's going for Absolute Zero." Rex realized, "Since its destruction effect could take any of his Special Summoned Monsters."

"Now I'll activate Fusion! By Fusing Elemental HERO Bubbleman on my Field and Elemental HERO Liquidman in my hand!" Judai said. The two WATER-themed HEROes then jumped into the vortex.

"Break the ice and freeze those who plan harm on the innocent!"

When the ice ball shattered, the ice knight-like superhero appeared.

"Fusion Summon! Elemental HERO Absolute Zero (8/AK: 2500/DEF: 2000)!"

"So far so good." Jun muttered.

"Now I activate Elemental HERO Liquidman's second ability! Since he was used as Fusion Material for a "HERO" monster, I get to draw two cards, then discard one!" He drew his two cards to increase his hand to six, then discarded one, now having five. "Finally, I activate my Field Spell! Skyscraper - Skyscraper!"

The arena soon became the familiar cityscape that boosted all HEROes.

"With this on the field, if an Elemental HERO attacks a monster who has higher ATK points than them, then that HERO gains 1000 ATK!"

"Alright! Get' em Judai!" Rika cheered.

"Battle! Elemental HERO Absolute Zero attacks Uria, Lord of Divine Flames! Blizzard Break!"

After conjuring a large blade of ice from his hand, Absolute Zero leaped up as it powered up. (ATK: 2500-3500) He then jumped down and sliced the corrupted sky dragon in two, the halves freezing in place before being destroyed.

Judai: 7800 Kuromu: 8000 Asuka: 8000

Tragoedia: 23500

"Booyah! One Phantom Demon down!" Koji cheered, but Tragoedia chuckled.

"Don't be so sure…" Ryo frowned.

"Foolish boy. Uria can't be defeated so easily. Thanks to you destroying him, I can now activate this Continuous Trap card from my hand! Phantasm Reborn!" He revealed the trap card depicting the three Phantom Demons' emerging from the ground. "Every time you destroy one of my Phantom Demons, regardless of who's turn it is, I can revive them by banishing one Monster, Spell, or Trap card from my hand, Deck, or Graveyard, depending on who gets destroyed."

"Oh c'mon, that can't be legal!" Rex cried out.

"All fair in war." Tragoedia retorted, "Now I banish a Trap card from my Deck. Revive, Uria!"

Soon, the corrupted sky dragon reappeared from the pillar of fire, completely fine. (ATK: 3000-4000/DEF: 3000-4000)

"We need to get that card off the field!" Kuromu snapped.

"Unfortunately for you three, as long as one Phantom Demon is on the Field, it can't be destroyed by card effects."

"Yare yare…" Jun groaned.

"That is so broken!" Sho cried out.

"So that means… in order to get rid of it, all three Phantom Demons need to be destroyed." Instructor Chronos mused. "But even then…"

"They'll just be revived." Samejima frowned.

"This is like the KC Grand Championship Incident a few years back." Kuromu grunted. "Yugi-san couldn't get rid of that Golden Castle of Stromberg so easily, and now here we are with that same situation via a different type of card."

"All we need to do is to draw a card that can take down two cards at once." Judai hoped. "For now I'll place this card face-down. Ta-n endo." He then turned to Kuromu, "Here's hoping, right?"

"Yeah. Let's hope. O-re no ta-n! Draw!" Kuromu declared, drawing his next card. "I hate to do this, but we need a chance. I activate Treasure Cards from the Heavens! All of us draw until we have six cards!" All players drew until they had six.

"That's a huge risk he's taking." Misawa said. "While Ichiban-kun and Tenjoin-san can draw cards for themselves, it gives Tragoedia a replenished hand as well."

"And worse, could give him the next Phantom Demon." Koji added.

"Next I activate Final Henshin's second effect in my Graveyard! By shuffling it back into my Deck, I can draw an additional card!" He said, doing the card instructed and his hand increased to seven. "Yosh! Get ready Tragoedia, you're in for a world of hurt! First, I summon Kamen Rider Ghost in ATK mode!"

EY~E!

A ghost-like entity with a black hoodie jacket with orange highlights and orange ghostly eyes came out flying around.

BACCHIRI MINA! BACCHIRI MINA! BACCHIRI MINA! BACCHIRI MINA!

KAIGAN: O-RE!

Orange motes of light gathered on the Monster Zone while lines formed before forming the armor. The Parka Ghost then hunched over the armored person letting the latter wear the hoodie before the orange mask flipped upwards. (4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1400)

LET'S GO! KAKUGO! G-G-G-GHOST! GO! GO! GO! GO!

"Inochi… moyasu ze!" Ghost quoted.

"And it's going to burn brighter! Because I activate Final Henshin! Ghost goes into his final form! Takeru-san!"

"Right!" Ghost pulled out his Mugen Eyecon and pressed the button on the side. A brief choir noise sang, before he opened up the GhostDriver, taking out his Eyecon before inserting the new one and closing it.

MUGEN SHINKA!

EY~E!

The large, bright white trench coat park appeared, large shoulder pads protruding from its shoulder.

BACCHIRIMINNA~ BACCHIRIMINNA~! BACCHIRIMINNA~ BACCHIRIMINNA~!

Ghost then pulled and pushed the lever revealing Ghost Mugen's faceplate.

CHOU KAIGAN! MUGEN!

KEEP GOING! GO-GO-GO! GO-GO-GO! GO-GO-GO! GOT TO GHOST!

The Mugen Parka flew around, motes of light encased his previous armor. The Parka then enveloped Ghost, enveloping him in a bright, rainbow colored light. Feathers exploded from the light, revealing the legendary form as his faceplate lifted upward.

"Henshin Shōkan! Kamen Rider Ghost - Mugen Form (8/ATK: 2900/DEF: 2200)!"

"Another transformation?" Tragoedia scoffed.

"Don't be so dismissive of my Riders just yet! I'm activating Kamen Rider Ghost - Mugen Form's effect! When he's special summoned to the field, the ATK points of one of your monster's become 0! In this case, Uria, Lord of Divine Flames!"

Uria, Lord of Divine Flames (ATK: 4000-0)

"And here's where this is gonna hurt! I'm activating the Spell Card, Triple Rider Kick! Since I have three Kamen Rider on my side of the Field, all their ATK points get added up! And right now, the total ATK is 8200! But more importantly, if Kamen Rider Kuuga - Ultimate Form attacks while I control another Fusion Monster, any Battle Damage you take is DOUBLED!"

"Doubled?!"

"Wait, so how much is that?" Sho asked, as he tried to add.

"He's dealing 16,400 Damage to him!" Rika gawked.

"16,400?!" The group cried out in shock.

"Do it guys!" Kuromu shouted.

"Ah… it's time for the finale." Wizard said, putting on his Kick Strike Ring and switching the Hand Author on his belt before scanning it.

CHO II NE! KICK STRIKE! SAIKO~!

"Human potential is infinite!" Ghost shouted as he pulled and pushed the lever, making the eye of the GhostDriver 'blink' and the iris now showed a kicking foot in a rainbow color.

CHOU DAI KAIGAN! MUGEN: GOD OMEGA DRIVE!

Ghost then performed a few hand signs and an energy sigil of Ghost Mugen appeared behind him.

Kuuga merely took a deep breath as he prepared to land his attack. Yellow electricity crackled around his belt before it traveled towards his kicking foot.

As the three Riders leaped into the air, they quickly landed a powerful Triple Rider Kick onto Uria, once more shattering him. Not only that, the three Riders continued diving downwards, striking the possessed chairman square on the chest, who roared in pain, before being sent flying towards the ground, tumbling on its dirt surface after.

Judai: 7800 Kuromu: 8000 Asuka: 8000

Tragoedia: 7100

"Mama mia!" Instructor Chronos exclaimed.

"That's 2/3 of his Life Points already taken out!" Rex shouted in surprise.

"Kamen Rider Ghost - Mugen Form's second effect activates. Since I attacked with him, while using Triple Rider Kick, I'll add a "Kamen Rider" to my hand from my Graveyard. And I choose Kamen Rider Wizard." He said, retrieving the card from his Graveyard, increasing his hand back to five. "Ta-n endo. And now my three Kamen Riders are destroyed." He said, as Kuuga, Wizard, and Ghost disappeared.

"Grrrrrrrrrrrrk, how dare you…" Tragoedia snarled, slowly getting up. His yellow eyes now had blood vessels around the edges. "HOW DARE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"

As he roared, a burst of dark energy moved through the area. Not only that, he quickly discarded a Trap from his Deck thanks to Phantasm Reborn. (10/ATK: 4000-5000/DEF: 4000-5000)

"Uh-oh…" Kuromu muttered.

"He's mad now…" Sho whimpered.

"HOW DARE YOU PUT ME ON EQUAL FOOTING WITH YOU MORTALS!" The possessed chairman roared. "YOU WILL PAY FOR YOUR INSOLENCE!"

"You're going to have to wait, because I'm up next." Asuka said. "Watashi no ta-n! Draw!" Asuka declared, drawing her seventh card. "I play the Forbidden Holy Grail! While your dragon gains 400 ATK, its effects are negated, ergo, it will only have 400!"

Uria - Lord of Divine Flames (ATK: 5000-400/DEF: 5000-0)

"Insolent vermin!" Tragoedia snapped.

"Battle! Cyber Angel - Vishnu attacks Uria, Lord of Divine Flames! Ascension Burst!"

Soon, the corrupted sky dragon faced destruction a third time as it was demolished by the lead Cyber Angel's barrage of light blasts.

Judai: 7800 Kuromu: 8000 Asuka: 8000

Tragoedia: 4500

"You mortals are starting to anger me!" Tragoedia said, as he abruptly discarded yet another Trap to revive Uria. (10/ATK: 5000-6000/DEF: 5000-6000)

"Crap, any more Traps and he'll be able to one shot any of them." Rex realized.

"I'll place one more card face-down. Ta-n shuuryou." Asuka said, as she now had two face-downs.

"It is time I tear you down next, boy!" He pointed right at Kuromu. "It's my turn! Draw!" He said, drawing his seventh card. "First, I shall be rid of these buildings to activate this Field Spell! Paradise Lost!" The area then began to change as the buildings went away. Now it was replaced with a desolate wasteland. "With this card on the field, you can't target the Phantom Demons with card effects, let alone destroy them with card effects."

"But that means they're untouchable at this point!" Momoe pointed out.

"Not really, the only way they can overcome them is by attacking." Junko said. "But even then…"

"Whatever new abilities they have, it certainly won't make it easy for them." Annette added.

"In addition, this Field Spell allows me to draw an additional two cards every turn." Tragoedia said, using its effect, to draw two more cards, his hand now at eight. "Now I set down these three Spell cards!" He said, placing them face-down, reducing his hand five and eventually four.

"Oh great, which of them is it this time?" Rex immediately sensed a pattern.

"I will sacrifice them to unleash the second Phantom Demon!" Tragoedia said as he revealed the three Continuous Spell cards which then froze before shattering into pieces, converging to another part of the field.

"Winged skeleton dragon, call on the heavens to bring divine judgment onto the land!"

Lightning bolts struck down on the cluster of ice crystals, which spiked upwards, before the huge creature emerged from the ground, breaking out of the crystal cluster. Like Uria, it had a great pair of wings. This new beast had a golden body, lengthy limbs that ended up in slightly curved feet and hands, and his huge claws glinted in the light as his bony tail swayed from side to side which then let out a horrid screech.

"Strike hard, Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder (10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000)!"

"Boss… help us… please…"

"Huh?" Jun took out his Deck and Ojama Yellow looked very thin and pale. "Ojama Yellow? What's going on?"

"Those thing… it's absorbing our energy… it's… killing us…"

"Everyone! Check your cards!" Jun shouted.

Quickly, the group soon began checking their decks.

"No way!" Rika gasped as she saw her Foodon rotting. "Fried Ricer, Omelet!"

"Fried… Ricer…"

"Omelet…"

"What's going on?!" Sho cried out.

"My Gem-Knights!" Annette gasped.

"Our cards too!" Junko and Momoe cried out.

"All of our monsters are disappearing!" Misawa gasped.

"Guys! Are you okay?! Talk to me!" Rex said to the Gladial Quartet, who were barely holding on while Alexander and Vespasius, likely due to being Tragoedia's former servants, were just fine as they helped the four gladiators up.

"Grk, w-we're fine… I think…" Besturouli growled.

"Have you all realized by now?" Tragoedia asked them. "Ever since the Phantom Demons appeared on the field, they have been sucking up the life energy of your monsters. All except the three of your friends that are Dueling me in this Game of Darkness."

"Of course, they're absorbing their spirits to manifest their power…" Ryo gasped in horror.

"Mama mia…" Instructor Chronos got out.

"Tsk, always ruthless are you?" The leviathan gladiator snarled.

"However, my power to control the Three Phantom Demons is not yet complete. It's impossible to control them unless it's within this barrier. To control I need the power to control spirits that dwell within Yuki Judai. When I win this Game of Darkness and absorb your power… no… when I absorb your soul, I will take the three Phantom Demons out of this barrier, and they will start to take the spirits dwelling within Duel Monsters all around the world! And with this, I will be granted eternal life and become a God of this world!"

"But if that's the case, what does all of this have to do with Kuro and Asuka?!" Judai demanded.

"While you hold the power of pure darkness, I also need a source of pure light and one in between." Tragoedia chuckled.

"Gh…" Kuromu gritted his teeth.

"Kuromu is not beholden to the darkness!" Takeshi suddenly shouted, getting their attention.

"Hongo-san…"

"But he's at that perfect crossroads, one that is ripe for the taking." Tragoedia observed, "Will he ascend to the light like her, or perhaps fall to the darkness like him?" He gestured to Asuka and then Judai.

"That is not for you to decide, demon." Hongo stated firmly, his eyes glaring being met by the possessed chairman's smug grin.

"Indeed, which is why I am curious to see which path he may choose." Tragoedia said. "But alas, he will need to hasten that decision. I activate Uria's effect! I will destroy his face-down card and none of you can do anything to stop it! Trap Destruction!"

With a deafening roar, the card Kuromu had face-down was Kamen Riders' Dramatic Entry, and it was shattered into pixels.

"Gh…" Kuromu gritted his teeth.

"Now it is time for me to exact my revenge! Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder will attack you directly! Thunder of Lost Paradise!"

The Ra impostor demon roared, pointing its head up in the sky and unleashed a bright blue bolt of lightning into the darkened sky. There was a brief flash, before the same lightning bolt came crashing down on Kuromu, shocking him.

"GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"KUROMU!" Everyone shouted.

Judai: 7800 Kuromu: 4000 Asuka: 8000

Tragoedia: 4500

Kuromu fell to his knees, his body feeling numb while crackling with electricity, trying to catch his breath.

"Errrrrrgh… Ahhhhhh…" Kuromu panted heavily.

"You're next, Yuki Judai! Uria, Lord of Divine Flames will attack Elemental HERO Absolute Zero! Hyper Blaze!"

Wanting revenge, Uria let out a stronger version of its typical attack to outright incinerate Absolute Zero. Judai was also left getting hit by the resulting blast but he held strong.

"I activate my face-down! Hero Barrier!" He called out through the pain. "This negates your attack if I have an Elemental HERO on the field!"

At that moment, a turbine-like metallic fan appeared, spinning rapidly to block the hellish flames from destroying Absolute Zero, dispersing to other parts of the field, thankfully away from his friends. That didn't mean he got out unscathed as he fell to his knees in pain from the blast.

"I end my turn." Tragoedia snarled.

"O-re no ta-n! Draw!" Judai then drew his next card to increase his hand to seven and examined it. At the moment, he had another copy of Fusion, Elemental HERO Ocean, Elemental HERO Forestman, E-Emergency Call, as well as a couple of spare cards. But the card he drew was probably something that could turn the tide. He'll have to take that chance.

"I activate Fusion to fuse Elemental HERO Ocean and Elemental HERO Forestman in my Hand!" Judai declared.

As the two heroes flew into the Fusion portal, Judai once more began to chant.

"Arise, champion of Mother Nature!"

Soon, the lone Legendary Planet Monster appeared on the battlefield, ready to battle against its creator.

"Fusion Summon! Elemental HERO Terra Firma (8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000)!"

"Oh yeah, he's in trouble now!" Rex cheered.

"Ah, so you plan on using one of my own against me?" Tragoedia snarled.

"It's the only one against you, and he chose to fight for what's right!" Judai said. "He may have been born from your evil desires, but he decided to do something good with the life you've given him!"

"Then he shall suffer my wrath and burn with the rest of you." Tragoedia snapped.

"Now while we're around! I activate Elemental HERO Terra Firma's effect! By Tributing Elemental HERO Absolute Zero, he gains his ATK until the End Phase! And when the latter leaves, your Phantom Demons are gone!"

"Except that it doesn't matter since Paradise Lost prevents your card effects from destroying them." Tragoedia pointed out, as the cold-themed HERO disappeared and his energy was transferred to Terra Firma's core (ATK: 2500-5000).

"That doesn't say anything about smashing them in Battle though!" Judai pointed out. "Battle! Elemental HERO Terra Firma attacks Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder! Earth Magma Slash!"

Leaping into the air, the Earth-based hero quickly slashed through the corrupted Ra, sending more damage the possessed chairman's way.

Judai: 7800 Kuromu: 4000 Asuka: 8000

Tragoedia: 3500

Tragoedia activated Phantasm Reborn, discarding a Continuous Spell to revive Hamon (10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000)

"We just need to take down his Phantasms a couple more times and he's through." Kuromu said.

"Well you guys better hurry up, our cards are starting to turn blank!" Rex called out as he saw that his deck was starting to deteriorate save for Alexander and Vespasius, which was true of the others' decks as well.

"Alright… let's do this- ergh…!" Kuromu gritted, as he shakingly stood up, only to fall on one knee.

"Kuro, are you alright?" Asuka asked, worriedly.

"I'll be fine… it just looks worse than it really is…" Kuromu tried to reassure, before standing back up again. "O-re no ta-n… Draw!" He declared, drawing his next card, increasing his hand to six. "Awesome! Just what I need to solve the Uria problem for the moment! I activate Soul Release! This lets me banish up to five cards! And I choose to banish the five Trap cards in your Graveyard, Tragoedia!"

Suddenly, Uria felt its power begin to weaken.

Uria, Lord of Divine Flames (ATK: 6000-1000/DEF: 6000-1000)

"Brilliant! Now Uria is vulnerable enough to be attacked!" Misawa gasped.

"Now I summon Kamen Rider Wizard back to the field!" Kuromu declared, as the ring-themed Rider returned (4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1000). "And with his effect, I'll add the last Final Henshin to my hand from my Deck!" He said, adding the card. "But he's not sticking around for long, because now I'll sacrifice Kamen Rider Wizard, for someone stronger! Haruto-san, make way for her!"

"You got it!" Wizard called out as Kuromu, realizing his chance, decided to do his own summoning chant.

"Mage of unspoken magic, unleash the power of the arcane arts and render your foes speechless with awe and splendor!"

Wizard then changed into of motes of blue light, which then formed a magic circle, and stepping out of it was the mature silver-haired female mage, staff at the ready

"Mystify, Magician of Silence - Silent Magician (4/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000)!"

Despite the situation the group was in, Kuromu couldn't help but smirk as Judai gave a thumbs up.

"Finally got to do one, eh?" the Elemental HERO Duelist commented.

"Better late than never." Kuromu chuckled, before turning towards the mage. "I hope you're ready, Shizuka-sensei. The fate of our world is at stake and we need to do everything in our power to avert this crisis."

"I will do my utmost best." She said as the mage prepared for battle.

"That's all we can do." Kuromu said. "Now then, since my mage is on field, she gains 500 ATK for each card in my hand! I hold three, so her ATK has increased by 1500!"

Magician of Silence - Silent Magician (ATK: 1000-2500)

"And it's more than enough to destroy Uria!" Kuromu declared. "Battle! Magician of Silence - Silent Magician attacks Uria, Lord of Divine Flames! Silent Burning!"

Once more, the corrupted sky dragon was decimated, this time by the silent mage's magic. After recovering from the attack, Tragoedia quickly revived Uria using Phantasm Reborn, and it was clear that the corrupted sky dragon was growing more and more agitated of being destroyed. (10/ATK: 1000-2000/DEF: 1000-2000)

Judai: 7800 Kuromu: 4000 Asuka: 8000

Tragoedia: 2000

"I'll place one card face-down. And Silent Magician's ATK is reduced to 2000. Ta-n endo." Kuromu declared as the silent mage's ATK lowered (ATK: 2500-2000).

"I don't like the look Uria is giving us." Judai pointed out.

"Well we have been constantly attacking it." Kuromu pointed out.

"We should be careful in case it decides to attack out of turn." Asuka observed. "Speaking of… Watashi no ta-n!"

The moment the Obelisk Queen drew her next card to increase her hand to six, the card she drew glowed briefly, before looking at it, seeing that it was a blank Ritual Monster card. She was left confused, as was Kuromu and Judai. It was then that the three quickly remembered something.

"Hey, I remember finding three blank cards in Daitokuji-sensei's office when we were preparing for his funeral." Judai recalled.

"Huh?" Kuromu said, confused. "Really?"

"Yeah, a Ritual Monster, a Fusion Monster, and a… mmmmm…" Judai frowned, as he tapped his head, trying to think of it. "Actually, I don't know what the third one was. I was in a hurry when the funeral was about to start."

"Well, I guess better late than never. Right?" Asuka observed as she soon saw the blank card gain its name, artwork, and effect. Her eyes widened as she showed the now evolved card to the Elemental HERO and Rider Duelists.

"That's-" Judai got out.

"Do it, Asuka!" Kuromu said.

She nodded, "I use Machine Angel Ritual to sacrifice my second copy of Etoile Cyber and Blade Skater to perform a Ritual Summon!"

Rika quickly caught on, "Wait, that's the components for Cyber Blader." She realized.

"There's a Ritual Monster version of Cyber Blader?" Momoe asked, surprised.

"First I've heard of it." Junko answered.

Soon, the two components flew into the altar as the pillar of flames erupted.

"Skater of the digital realm, be reborn as an angel flying under the stars!"

What emerged from the flames was what looked to be Cyber Blader, but now she was much more armored with a red chest plate, red and silver armguards, a silver battle tutu, shin guards that had wings at the anklets, and a new headset that showcased the blue eyes underneath the red visor.

"Ritual Summon! Cyber Angel Blader - Konohana (8/ATK: 2100/DEF: 800)!"

The group was surprised to see this newly evolved version of Asuka's original Fusion monster.

"Whoa! Since when did she have that?" Sho said in awe.

"Judai? Kuromu? Sometimes I forget you two have some pretty good connections." Rex said.

"Hah, what a weak monster." Tragoedia scoffed, unimpressed.

"That may be the case, but you're about to learn a little trick I have. But for now, let's battle!" she declared. "Cyber Angel - Vishnu attacks Uria, Lord of Divine Flames! Ascension Burst!"

The corrupted sky dragon soon roared as it was destroyed once again.

Judai: 7800 Kuromu: 4000 Asuka: 8000

Tragoedia: 1000

And once again, the same process of Tragoedia of reviving Uria with Phantasm Reborn occurred and this time, the corrupt Osiris has finally lost its patience. (10/ATK: 2000-3000/DEF: 2000-3000)

It soon let out a powerful burst of energy straight at Asuka, forcing Kuromu to jump in and take the blast dead-on.

"GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"Kuromu!" Everyone gasped as the Rider Duelist writhed in pain, forcing to bend a knee while Tragoedia chuckled.

"Excellent. It seems Uria's temper has not been quelled even eons after his sealing…" the possessed chairman observed as Uria let out an angered roar at the group's monsters.

"Kuro!" Asuka said worriedly, holding his face.

"Are you okay, Asuka…?" Kuromu panted heavily.

"Idiot, why did you do that?" Asuka asked.

"Haha… What kind of a man would I be if I can't protect the ones I love?" He smiled weakly, despite being in pain.

"Come on, dude. You can't die on us today!" Judai said as he helped the Rider Duelist back on his feet.

"None of you will survive after I'm through with you!" Tragoedia said, drawing his next three cards due to Lost Paradise increasing his hand from four to seven. He then chuckled as he looked at his hand.

"Uh-oh…" Kuromu muttered, already seeing the pattern.

"So what? The last one needs three monsters to be Tributed?" Judai asked the Rider Duelist, after he also caught on to what was about to happen.

"To begin I shall activate this card! Phantasmal Life Drain!" he declared as it depicted the Three Phantom Demons glowing, due to sucking the energy off of various Duel Monsters gathered. "If my Life Points are lower, I can swap Life Points with my opponent! But since there are three of you… I'll take all of them!" Suddenly, Kuromu, Asuka, and Judai yelled in pain, feeling their life force drained, forcing them to their knees, while Tragoedia felt himself getting stronger.

Judai: 1000 Kuromu: 1000 Asuka: 1000

Tragoedia: 15800

"What the?! That's not fair!" Rika gasped.

"Now, it's time I summon the last of the Phantom Demons!" Tragoedia declared. "I activate this Spell Card: Phantasmal Demon Martyrs! When Uria and Hamon are on the field, I can discard two cards to special summon three Phantasmal Demon Martyr Tokens!"

Suddenly three dark purple skeletal monsters with bat-like wings emerged on the battlefield (1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0) x3

"And now, I shall release them to perform a Tribute Summon!"

The dark clouds above them swirled before a large beam of blue light shot towards the ground, shaking the very ground they're standing on, prompting everyone but the possessed chairman to hold their ground as the three tokens disappeared.

"Tormenting divine soldier, spread your wings and bring for demons the likes of which man has never seen!"

From that ground, the last of the Phantasms escaped, and like its fellow Phantasms, Racial looked like a corrupted version of Obelisk.

Instead of the blue rock body, this one looked as if Obelisk shattered most of it to reveal its flesh underneath. The framework was left behind to make it appear more skeletal. Even the wings were organic with the rock framework. And its face was similar but the flesh was exposed to reveal the vicious true form underneath and its head crest was oversized to emphasize that.

"Descend, Raviel, Lord of Phantasmal Demons (10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000)!"

"Now he has all Three Phantom Demons out at once," Ryo grunted.

"And with Uria currently pissed, there's a chance he'll attack out of turn too." Rex added.

"Now, it is time to take care of these three meddling brats once and for all!" Tragoedia declared, "But before I enter my Battle Phase, I shall play my last trick! The Spell Card, Black Core! By discarding my last card, I can choose one face-up Monster on the battlefield and banish it! So I shall get rid of that traitorous Elemental HERO Terra Firma!"

A dark portal suddenly appeared in the middle of the field, and it sucked up the Elemental HERO.

"Terra Firma! NO!" Judai cried out.

"Now that that's taken care of, it's time I end you three once and for all!" Tragoedia declared, "Battle! Uria, Lord of Divine Flames attacks you, Yuki Judai, directly! Hyper Blaze!"

"JUDAI!" Sho, Rex, and Jun all screamed in fear as Uria reared its head and fired a stream of flames.

"Sorry, but I activate my face-down! The Instant Magic: The Flute of Summoning Kuriboh! I either add a Kuriboh or Winged Kuriboh to my hand or Special Summon it! And I choose to Special Summon my Winged Kuriboh in DEF mode!"

The winged critter quickly flew in and blocked the incoming stream of flames for his friend, before being destroyed.

"Grr, that blasted furball! Ruining my plans just like all those centuries ago!" Tragoedia snarled.

"Thanks, aibou." Judai said.

"Kuri, Kuri!" Winged Kuriboh said, before a card popped out from Judai's Deck.

"Huh?" Judai got out, before taking it out. His eyes widened significantly. "Daitokuji-sensei's card…"

"What's up, Judai?" Kuromu asked.

*MEOW~!*

"Huh?" They got out, before looking to see Pharaoh coming into view. He seemed to be chasing… a ball of golden light?

"Pharaoh?" Kuromu got out.

"Wait… what's…" Asuka got out. They soon saw the golden light fly towards the Elemental HERO Duelist.

"Judai-kun… Judai-kun…"

"Masaka… Daitokuji-sensei?!" Judai gasped, as did the others.

"Sensei?!" the other students gasped.

"Judai-kun, you must use the card that you found in the Emerald Tablet-nya." Daitokuji said. "That card is a card that only the ultimate alchemist will be able to use-nya. You must call to your mind a card that lies in your Deck-nya. Do so, and the card will resonate with your imagination, creating a miracle by granting your wish three times-nya."

"I…" Judai looked down before turning to Konoha, the result of Asuka's power evolving.

"I'm sure you'll be able to-" Whatever Daitokuji was about to say was cut off, when Pharaoh jumped up and ate the golden ball of light.

"O-Oi! Pharaoh!" Kuromu cried out, before the tabby cat ran off.

"Are you finished?" Tragoedia snarled. "Because it's now time to destroy your other friends! Battle! Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder attacks Magician of Silence - Silent Magician! Thunder of Lost Paradise!"

"KUROMU!" Rika and Koji cried out, as the Ra counterfeit roared and a thunderbolt came crashing down.

"I also activate my face-down!" Kuromu declared, revealing that it was an Instant Magic! "Silent Burning! During your Battle Phase, if Magician of Silent - Silent Magician is on my field, and I have more cards in my hand than you, we draw until we have six cards! That means my Silent Magician's ATK shoots up to 4000! And this effect can't be negated!" He then drew four which was now at six, while Tragoedia also drew until he had six.

Magician of Silence - Silent Magician (ATK: 2000-4000)

The silent mage then raised her staff, and unleashed her arcane magic to block the thunderbolt, pushing it back towards the middle, struggling to overpower each other.

"Shizuka-sensei…!" Kuromu called out, as the silent mage looked over her shoulder.

"D-Do not worry about me!" Shizuka gritted while she held her ground against the Phantom Demon. "You must… end this madness! For all of our sakes! I believe in you, my apprentice!"

The overwhelming power between thunder and magic grew larger causing a bright light to overshadow them, blinding them briefly. Neither Hamon nor Shizuka remained from the clash.

"Tsk, a pitiful attempt." the possessed chairman clicked his tongue as he used Phantasm Reborn's effect, removing a Spell card from his Deck to revive him (10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000). "That magician's efforts were in vain."

"WRONG!" Kuromu snapped. "Her efforts made sure that we get another chance to finish this fight!"

"We'll see about that! Battle! Raviel, Lord of Phantasmal Demons will attack Cyber Angel - Vishnu! Celestial Ravaging Fist!"

"ASUKA-CHAN/ASUKA-SAMA!" Rika, Junko, and Momoe called out as the corrupt Obelisk counterfeit, reared back his arm and his claws glowed before moving towards the strongest Ritual Monster.

"Not so fast! I activate my two face-downs!" Asuka declared, activating her two cards. "Doblé Passe and Strength Enhancement Drug - Super Z! With Doblé Passe's effect, it changes to a direct attack, but thanks to Strength Enhancement Drug - Super Z, I get 4000 Life Points since I'm about to take 2000 points or more Damage!"

Judai: 1000 Kuromu: 1000 Asuka: 5000

Tragoedia: 15800

"But you'll still take damage!" Tragoedia reminded her as the monster quickly swung his claw at the Cyber Angel queen. However, Vishnu was able to block the attack, resulting in a sudden gust of wind that nearly sent Asuka off-balance as she slid back from the force.

Judai: 1000 Kuromu: 1000 Asuka: 1000

Tragoedia: 15800

"Now Cyber Angel - Vishnu can attack you directly! Furthermore, my Cyber Angel Blader - Konohana's effect activates! Her effect is akin to Doblé Passe but you take 500 points of Damage equal to the number of "Cyber Angel" and/or "Cyber Girl" monsters in my Graveyard. There are four in total. That's 2000 Points. Meaning, you take 5000 Damage altogether! Glissade Ascension Burst!"

As Vishnu prepared her attack, Konoha quickly dashed in and delivered a double slashing kick against the possessed chairman. Then she leaped out of the way of the incoming blasts that came from her queen.

Judai: 1000 Kuromu: 1000 Asuka: 1000

Tragoedia: 10800

"You curs!" Tragoedia snarled. "WHY WON'T YOU DIE?! "

Kuromu merely scoffed, "Heart of the Cards, old fart."

"Grrrrrrrrrr! I'll place this card face-down and end my turn!" Tragoedia said, placing said card face-down, his hand reduced to five due to having drawn cards until he had six, with Silent Burning's effect.

Kuromu then turned to the Elemental HERO Duelist, "Judai, you're up. Don't let Daitokuji-sensei's last wish be for naught."

"Got it!" he declared as he placed his hand on his deck, "O-re no ta-n! Draw!" He declared, drawing his next card, increasing his hand to five, due to adding Daitokuji's card previously which was four at the time. He then eyed said card, "The card that I want… and what I want is…" He closed his eyes, before the card glowed, changing its artwork. "This is it… I can turn this around!"

Judai: 500 Kuromu: 1000 Asuka: 1000

Tragoedia: 10800

"Alright, here goes!" Judai declared, "I activate Fusion Recovery! This lets me add Fusion and a Fusion Material Monster from my Graveyard to my hand! So I bring it and Elemental HERO Featherman!" He said, bringing the cards back to his hand. "Now for my second wish…" He said, closing his eyes thinking of it. And then… "It's here!"

Judai: 250 Kuromu: 1000 Asuka: 1000

Tragoedia: 10800

"First, before I activate this card of my second wish, I play Fusion to fuse Elemental HERO Featherman and Elemental HERO Burst Lady in my hand!"

Soon, the familiar Fusion vortex appeared as two of Judai's key monsters flew into it.

"Rise up, my favorite HERO!"

From there, the familiar Fusion HERO emerged, ready for battle against the Phantasms.

"Fusion Summon! Elemental HERO Flame Wingman (6/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1200)!"

"Tsk. What's that supposed to do to me?" Tragoedia scoffed. "Not that it matters. You activated Raviel's effect, allowing me to summon a Phantasmal Token on my Field!" A smaller copy of Raviel appeared crouched down in DEF mode. (1/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000)

"It's all going according to plan. Now I activate the second card of my wish, Resurrection of the Dead! To bring back… Elemental HERO Terra Firma!"

Suddenly, the Legendary Planet HERO emerged, back for more (8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000)

Another Phantasmal Token appeared. (1/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000)

"And now my last wish…" Judai said, as he thought of the card.

Judai: 125 Kuromu: 1000 Asuka: 1000

Tragoedia: 10800

"I activate the card of my third wish, Miracle Fusion! Fusing Elemental HERO Flame Wingman and Elemental HERO Terra Firma together!"

"WHAT?!" Kuromu and Asuka gasped.

Suddenly, both Flame Wingman and Terra Firma flew into the vortex to merge into one being.

"Arise and take on the power of Mother Nature, my favorite HERO!"

It was then that Judai saw the blank Fusion Monster fly to his hand. With a smile, the Elemental HERO Duelist slapped the card onto his Duel Disk as it transformed like Konohana's card.

What flew out of the vortex was Flame Wingman, but now adorned with a large white chest plate that housed the central red gem of Terra Firma, two spiked shoulder blades, a set of armor around Flame Wingman's dragon head, and to everyone's surprise there was an arm-mounted version of the Legendary Planet HERO's Magma Blade on his other arm.

"Fusion Summon! Come forth, Elemental HERO Terra Wingman (9/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2000)!"

"Whoa… aniki…" Sho said, amazed.

"Holy shit dude! You've been holding out on us?!" Rex gawked.

"I aim to impress!" Judai cheerfully laughed. "Alright, now for Daitokuji-sensei's card to reveal its true power." He said, as the card glowed a rainbow light briefly. "Now I activate The Philosopher's Stone - Sabatiel! When this is equipped to Elemental HERO Terra Wingman, its ATK is multiplied by the number of monsters on your side of the field! And I count five!" He said, as Terra Wingman's sword and dragon head popped out and merged into a double-bladed weapon, the dragon head, creating a fire-shaped second blade, for the burning Planet HERO to wield.

Elemental HERO Terra Wingman (ATK: 2800-14000)

"14000 ATK?!"

"Also, when he attacks, any monster he destroys gets banished face-down! Meaning even if you had a card to target banished Monsters, you won't be able to revive them!" Judai added.

"Alright! That means they can't come back!" Sho cheered.

"Battle! Elemental HERO Terra Wingman attacks Uria, Lord of Divine Flames! Plasma Slash!"

The new Elemental HERO brandished his weapon and jumped towards the corrupted sky dragon.

"I will not be denied my victory! I'll activate my first face-down! Reduction Barrier! For this battle, the Damage I take in battle becomes 1/10th of the total!"

"But you'll still take damage!" Judai declared as the new hero swung his sword and sliced the dragon in half destroying it.

Judai: 125 Kuromu: 1000 Asuka: 1000

Tragoedia: 9800

"And now for his other effect! When he successfully attacks a monster and banishes them, it can make a second attack!"

"IT WHAT?!"

"You heard me! Battle one more time! Elemental HERO Terra Wingman attacks Raviel, Lord of Phantasmal Demons! Plasma Smash!"

"I activate my other facedown! Damage Diet!" Tragoedia declared, revealing the other face-down, "With this, any and all Battle Damage I take will be halved!"

As the corrupted tormenter went to avenge it's fallen comrade, Terra Wingman effortlessly sliced through the monster like it was paper.

Judai: 125 Kuromu: 1000 Asuka: 1000

Tragoedia: 4800

"Yeah, two down, one to go!" Rika cheered.

"We're in the final stretch! Bring it home!" Koji added.

"Ta-n endo." Judai said, before looking at Kuromu and gave him a thumbs-up, "It's all up to you, buddy!"

"Right!" Kuromu nodded, before looking at his hand. He knew that one of his cards would be Final Henshin, but the rest of his hand wasn't what he needed. What he needs is that one card that can turn it around… but even with that card, that specific card's upgrade wasn't made.

"Daitokuji-sensei… if that third you were trying to make is what I think it is, then…" Kuromu muttered.

He then placed his hand on his Deck. When he did, everything went black.

---

He found himself in the darkness, a lone light shining down on him, and in front of him, another light shone down on what he could have sworn was Zi-O, his back turned away from the Rider Duelist. Yet at the same time, he couldn't tell that it was Zi-O outside of the back of the two tell-tale clock hands on the helmet.

"Who… are you…?" Kuromu trailed off.

"Do you seek power?"

"Huh?"

"Do you wish to carve your own path to strength?"

Kuromu stood there in silence, before looking at this Zi-O. "Power… strength… no, that is not what I seek. What I seek is a path towards a bright future. A future where, with everyone's hand supports one another, through good times and bad. A future… where everyone can smile. And our bonds cannot be shaken so easily."

"…I see. If you wish to reach that future, then march forward and claim what is rightfully yours. But know this. Once you obtain it, the trials that await you will attempt to rip it from you and those you hold dear."

"I'm not afraid of what comes next." Kuromu declared. "After all… there's no point in living in a world without my friends. The hands of a clock can only move toward the future. They spin… They may look like they're returning to where they began… but they're headed towards the future."

…

…

…

"Hmhmhmhmhmhmhmhm… Hahahahahahahahahahaha…! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Omoshiroi!" The unknown clock Rider laughed heartily, "That seems to be a good answer. Now step forward, claim what is hidden within your soul, Kururugi Kuromu!"

The Rider Duelist silently reached out for this Zi-O as he slowly turned, the light the new Zi-O was in front of began to shine brighter and brighter as if to obscure the unknown clock Rider's form.

---

Kuromu's eyes opened. "O-re no ta-n! Draw!" Kuromu shouted, drawing his next card, increasing his hand to seven. His eyes widened at what he drew, leaving everyone in suspense. He then looked back at the possessed chairman, "Tragoedia, you have lost this Duel!"

"What?!" He gasped while Judai and Asuka felt a sense of determination wash over them.

"Hehe!" Judai smirked, "Let's see what we got."

"I summon the card that will win us this Duel! Kamen Rider Zi-O!"

ZI-O!

There was a mechanical-like sound before a low humming note played out alongside a ticking sound, before a chime sounded out after a resounding boom of a clock.

RIDER TIME!

A transparent clock revealed purple katakana lettering. Metal bands begin to shroud the Monster; purple light enveloping it. When the bands burst along with the light, It showed the clock-themed Rider. The katakana lettering then burst before solidifying towards the helmet, completing the transformation. (4/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1000)

KAMEN RIDER~ ZI-O!

"And now, I activate Final Henshin! Meaning, I'm evolving Kamen Rider Zi-O to his final form!"

"You lie! I've seen the card database! There is no Final Form card for Zi-O!" Tragoedia snarled in anger.

That's when the third blank card came flying in from out of nowhere and revealed that this particular card sported a new red gem-like border rather than the typical Fusion purple.

That's when his Extra Deck reacted to this blank card, glowing like before, but stronger than ever. When Kuromu quickly took out his Extra Deck, each and every one of his Fusion Monsters all shed their borders to take on the same red gem-like border as the blank card.

"This is…!" Kuromu gasped. The next thing he knew, holographic emblems of the respective Riders came out of the Extra Deck and flew into the blank one, revealing the hidden art as the white faded away.

"Huh, normally activating Final Henshin doesn't result in a new card popping up." Asuka observed.

"Forget new card, how about a new Extra Deck type!" Rex called out.

Kuromu then looked at the card with amazement, seeing the word Transformation replace the Fusion part of its effect text. Judai, wanting to check something himself, briefly took out his Masked HERO cards from his Extra Deck and side deck to find them also sporting the new red border indicating they were now Transformation Monsters.

"Well then, I guess that makes Grand Zi-O a Kuromu creation." Judai cheerfully noted.

"Sougo!"

Sougo looked over his shoulder and nodded at Kuromu, he shouted "Right!" before he took out a large golden Ridewatch that, once the button was pressed, had two sides flare out to reveal the faces of the 19 Ridewatches; the 19 Final Form Ride cards quickly flew out and shed their purple borders for the new red ones. Their symbols appeared briefly before being absorbed both into the watch and into the card, Zi-O's symbol appearing a second later before disappearing as the cards returned to Kuromu's Extra Deck.

GRAND ZI-O!

"Grand Zi-O?" Ryo muttered.

Rex held his head, seeing an image of himself with a different hairstyle and outfit wearing Sougo's belt as he took out the same watch.

"Rex, what's wrong?" Misawa asked.

"I… I don't know…" the mutt admitted as Sougo inserted the two watches in.

GONG! VROOM! ADVENT! COMPLETE! TURN UP! BING! CHANGE: BEETLE! SWORD FORM! WAKE UP! KAMEN RIDE! CYCLONE-JOKER! TAKA, TORA, BATTA! 3 2 1! SHABADOOBIE TOUCH TO HENSHIN! SOIYA! DRIVE! KAIGAN! LEVEL UP! BEST MATCH! RIDER TIME!

As soon as Sougo tilted the belt, a large golden clock tower rose from the ground with a loud rumble, rising up from below the three Duelists' feet and golden confetti started raining down everywhere.

Four golden columns also accompanied the tower. And as this happens, twenty statues also rose up from the ground, ten on each side in a v formation with Sougo at the front. From the viewer's left, were the statues of Kuuga through Decade. On the viewer's right, were the statues of W through Zi-O. All of these statues were rusty but the rust simply broke apart and fell to the ground, revealing the statues in their clean form.

With determination, Sougo quickly spun the belt in time with Kuromu slapping the card down on the tray.

GRAND TIME!

The clock hands quickly spun around before landing on the familiar 2 o'clock and 10 o'clock positions.

KUUGA, AGITO, RYUKI, FAIZ, BLA~DE!

Suddenly, open golden doors appeared in front of the statues of the Heisei Riders and closed as they floated all around. Sougo transformed into Zi-O and the golden closed doors attached themselves to him, immediately changing the silver of his regular form into pure gold. He had obtained a set of two large shoulder pads as well as a collar on his chest plate.

HI~BIKI, KABUTO, DEN-O, KIVA, DECA~DE!

Then, one by one, each of the closed doors opened to reveal the Riders performing their signature poses before turning to gold and becoming part of the armor, starting with the legs as Hibiki, Blade, Faiz, Drive, Gaim, and Wizard revealed themselves.

W~, OOO~, FOUR~ZE! WIZA~RD, GAIM, DRI~VE!

On his left arm and side, OOO, Fourze, and Ghost emerged from the doors whilst on the right, Agito, Ryuki, and Kabuto appeared.

GHOST~, EX-AID, BUI~LD! IWAE!

Finally, on his new chest plate and shoulder pads, Kuuga, Kiva, Den-O, Decade, Build, Ex-Aid, and W all appeared in rapid succession while the clock tower vanished, right as the katakana letters flew out.

KAMEN RIDER~ GRAND~ ZI-O~!

The gold-lined katakana letters soon returned and attached themselves to his helmet, opening up the final door where Zi-O's base form appeared as if it was the crown jewel in his new crown-like helmet. With the transformation was complete, Grand Zi-O stood tall with a golden version of Zi-O's regular bodysuit, as well as golden armor that had different Riders depicted on his shins, his side skirts, his arms and his chest armor, with his helmet displaying his base form alongside it's new crown-like design.

"Henshin Shōkan! Arise, Kamen Rider Zi-O - Grand Form (12/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000)!"

"Shonen… omae…" Takeshi muttered with wide eyes.

Woz meanwhile smiled with wide eyes, almost crazed and fanatical at the sight. He then spread his arms out to proclaim.

"REJOICE! The Rider who rules the past and future, the one that has inherited all Rider powers as the King of Time! His name is Kamen Rider Grand Zi-O! For this momentous occasion, his majesty and glory shall bring victory!"

"Wow, uhh, thanks for that." Grand Zi-O chuckled while scratching the back of his head.

"Impossible! You cannot invent a new Summoning Technique from out of nowhere!" Tragoedia gasped.

Kuromu couldn't help but smile however as he stared down at him. "Given the situation, we're in, anything's possible! Kamen Rider Zi-O - Grand Form's effect activates! Since he was Special Summoned, I can Special Summon as many "Kamen Rider" Monsters from my Hand, Deck, Graveyard, or Extra Deck as possible, ignoring their summoning conditions!" Kuromu declared.

"WHAT?!"

"He can do that?!" Rika gawked.

"So I choose to summon Kamen Rider Den-O - Liner Form, Kamen Rider Decade - Complete Form, Kamen Rider W - Xtreme Form, , and Kamen Rider Ex-Aid - Muteki Form!"

Grand Zi-O, hearing this, quickly tapped the four Riders on each part of his armor.

DEN-O!

DECADE!

W!

EX-AID!

Suddenly, four doors showcasing the years 2007, 2009, and 2016 appeared before opening up to reveal the four summoned Riders.

"What just happened?" Asuka gasped.

"I just pulled them in from a different point in time." Grand Zi-O said casually.

"I'm sorry, what?" Misawa said, "But, that should be impossible, you cannot just pull someone in from a point in time into the present!"

"Trust me, it's fine." the golden clock Rider shook off, "Besides, they go back right at the same moment I pulled them in from."

"You say that like it's a common fact." Rex pointed out, "Something doesn't feel right about this."

"When these four Riders fill up the monster Zones on my field, Kamen Rider Zi-O - Grand Form gains half of their ATK points for the turn!"

"WHAT?!" Tragoedia gasped.

Kamen Rider Zi-O - Grand Form (ATK: 4000-5400-6900-8350-10100)

"And to finish it off I activate Kamen Rider Zi-O - Grand Form's other ability! Once per turn, I choose a monster and negate that monster's effect, but in turn, Zi-O gains that effect! So I choose Kamen Rider W - Xtreme Form, and activate the effect of taking half of Hamon's ATK and adding onto him!"

Hamon roared as it felt its strength leaving him, a golden aura being transferred over to Zi-O.

Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder (ATK: 4000-2000)

Kamen Rider Zi-O - Grand Form (ATK: 10100-12100)

Rex gasped, "OHHHHHHH MYYYYYYY GOOOOOOD!" he gasped while clasping his hands to his face.

"NOOOOO! THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING!" Tragoedia yelled.

"Battle! Kamen Rider Zi-O - Grand Form attacks Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder! ALL TWENTY TIME BREAK!"

Zi-O pressed the two buttons on his Ridewatches, his ZikuDriver at a slant.

FINISH TIME! GRAND ZI-O!

As the golden clock Rider leaped into the air, the gates of all 19 Heisei Riders opened to reveal them leaping through to deliver his own Rider Kick. He then spun the belt.

ALL TWENTY TIME BREAK!

Soon, the corrupted winged dragon was assaulted with Rider Kicks before Zi-O kicked straight through Hamon and straight for Tragoedia. When the kicked connected, Tragoedia roared in pain from the intense power, feeling the impact of all twenty Kamen Riders kicking in, before-

*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!*

Judai: 125 Kuromu: 1000 Asuka: 1000

Tragoedia: 0

---

The Solid Vision disappeared as the three Duelists fell to their knees, exhausted from the fight. Tsukasa and Ryotaro came out of the Deck afterwards in their corporeal forms. Not only that, multiple beams of light shot out from the possessed chairman's body, likely returning all of the Duel Spirits' energy.

"Ojama Yellow!" Jun gasped, as he saw the Duel Spirit back to his normal self, as he appeared.

"Awww, I knew you missed me, boss!" Ojama Yellow said happily while Light and Darkness Dragon roared happily.

"Omelet!"

"Fried Ricer!"

"You're back! I'm so happy!" Rika said, relieved, hugging her Fried Ricer and rubbing her cheek on Omelet's face. Meanwhile Alexander and Vespasius saw the Gladial Quartet were back to normal.

"Glad to still have you on board." the lion emperor gladiator chuckled.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Bestrouli said with a thumbs up.

"I'd be real shit to lose you guys after all we've been through." Rex said, arms crossed.

"How dare you…"

Everyone looked to see the possessed chairman slowly getting back up on his feet, but it was clear that whatever was keeping the fusion stable was now rapidly melting them.

"I'LL KILL YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU! I'LL KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU!" He said, as he was about to spring towards the Duelist who handed him his defeat, but once he leaped at him, he had already developed into a pile of goo.

Understandably, the three Duelists quickly got out of the immediate splash zone as what was left of both Kagemaru and Tragoedia splattered onto the ground.

"Chairman…" Samejima muttered.

"Mama mia…" Instructor Chronos said shocked.

"He's…" Sho got out. "He melted like…"

"The Wicked Witch of the West? Yeah, that sounds about right…" Rex muttered.

"Is he… dead…?" Rika got out.

"Seems like it." Koji observed as he looked at the goo pile, "I don't know about you; but if he was still kicking, he would still be moving around in that goop."

"So… does this mean…" Junko began.

"We won?" Momoe added.

"Oui. I think it's safe to say so." Annette nodded.

The Spirit Key Holders soon let out a sigh of relief as they finally had a chance to breathe.

"Finally…" Fubuki sighed.

"After all our struggles." Ryo said.

"It's over." Jun said.

"Indeed." Misawa agreed.

Kuromu managed to stand up and walk over to Asuka, helping her up. The moment he did, he suddenly embraced the Obelisk Queen, much to her surprise. "K-Kuro…"

"It's all over… It's all over…" Kuromu repeated, trying not to break down.

With a smile, Asuka hugged him back.

Meanwhile, Judai looked at the cards that Daitokuji left behind, Sabatiel, Terra Wingman, Konohana, and Grand Zi-O. The Sabatiel card then faded away into motes of golden light, floating up in the air as the Elemental HERO Duelist looked up. "Daitokuji-sensei…" He smiled softly. "Thank you…"

*CLAP… CLAP… CLAP… CLAP… CLAP… CLAP… CLAP… CLAP…*

"Ugh, what now?" Rex groaned.

They turned towards the sound and sure enough there stood Oogumo. The group soon got back up and stared at the eyeless cyclops. The battle… isn't over just yet.

---

Card Stats

Phantasm Reborn
Type: Continuous Trap
Effect: When a monster with "Uria, Lord of Divine Flames", "Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder", or "Raviel, Lord of Phantasmal Demons" in its name is destroyed by battle, you can activate this trap card in your hand. During your opponent's Battle Phase, if "Uria, Lord of Divine Flames", "Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder", or "Raviel, Lord of Phantasmal Demons" is destroyed by battle, you can banish a Monster, Spell, or Trap card from your Hand, Deck, or Graveyard, depending on that specific monster destroyed; Special Summon it. Furthermore, when this card effect is activated during your Battle Phase, that special summoned monster can't attack. This card cannot be destroyed by card effects as long as "Uria, Lord of Divine Flames", "Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder", or "Raviel, Lord of Phantasmal Demons" is on the field.

Phantasmal Life Drain
Type: Normal Spell
Effect: If you have "Uria, Lord of Divine Flames", "Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder", or "Raviel, Lord of Phantasmal Demons" on your field, and you have less LP than your opponent, switch your Life Points with your opponent's. You can only use this effect of "Phantasmal Life Drain" once per turn.

Cyber Angel Blader - Konohana
Level: 8
Attribute: LIGHT
Type: Fairy/Ritual/Effect
ATK/DEF: 2100/800
Effect: You can Ritual Summon this card with "Machine Angel Ritual". If this card is Ritual Summoned, when an opponent's monster declares an attack on a face-up Attack Position monster you control: Make your opponent's attack a direct attack instead and inflict 500 damage to your opponent equal to the number of "Cyber Angel" and/or "Cyber Girl" monsters in your Graveyard. Also, that monster you control can attack your opponent directly during your next turn.

Elemental HERO Terra Wingman
Level: 9
Attribute: LIGHT
Type: Warrior/Fusion/Effect
ATK/DEF: 2800/2000
Effect: "Elemental HERO Flame Wingman" + "Elemental HERO Terra Firma"
Must be Fusion Summoned. When this card destroys a monster by battle, banish that monster facedown. If you do; it can make a second attack. You can only use this effect of "Elemental HERO Terra Wingman" once per turn

Kamen Rider Kuuga - Ultimate Form
Level: 8
Attribute: EARTH
Type: Warrior/Fusion/Effect
ATK/DEF: 2500/2000
Effect: Must be Special Summoned by the effect of "Final Henshin". If this card attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing Battle Damage to your opponent. If this card attacks while you control another Warrior Fusion monster, any Battle Damage your opponent takes is doubled.

Kamen Rider Zi-O - Grand Form
Level: 12
Attribute: DARK
Type: Warrior/Transformation/Effect
ATK/DEF: 4000/4000
Effect: Must be Special Summoned by the effect of "Final Henshin". When this card is successfully summoned, Special Summon as many "Kamen Rider" Monsters from your Hand, Deck, Graveyard, or Extra Deck (ignoring summoning conditions) as possible. This card gains half the ATK of all "Kamen Rider" Monsters special summoned this way. Once per turn: target 1 monster; negate that target's card effect (if any) and this card gains the effect(s) of that card until the End Phase (if applicable). When this card is destroyed by battle or card effect, banish all "Kamen Rider" Monsters special summoned by this card's effect; gain Life Points equal to the original ATK of this card.