Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc V: The Six Dimensions

by BlaiseCandell

Before the invasion of the Xyz Dimension, scans done by the Fusion Dimension reveal two more dimensions. The Ritual Dimension, and the Link Dimension. Within those two dimensions, Chiaki, Yuji, Miharu and Yuno have their lives turned upside down, and are tossed into a vicious war. Also, why are there five people with the same faces as them? (M for discussions of trauma.)

116. Selfishness and Sympathy

Starting Notes:

Welcome back! There's a small list of trigger warnings in the end notes, so scroll down if you need them. Otherwise… enjoy!

---

Chapter 116: Selfishness and Sympathy

Two years ago:

The plane ride to Arctus City had been very long, but when Reiji got there, he didn't waste much time resting. He immediately took a taxi to the hospital in question, and when he got there, it only took some careful speaking before he was directed to a doctor by the name of Griselda, who spoke in a very strongly accented tone but eventually directed him to the room in question.

Lying in the sickbed was a girl with a mask over her face. She was extremely pale, and Reiji could see bandages all over her skin. The medical records had mentioned third degree burns, along with brain trauma from falling rubble—

The girl had been hospitalised a year ago, and moved to this hospital six months before by Reiji, once he'd found out about her. (He hadn't let his mother know about this decision.) The hospital staff had warned him that there was likely no way that she would wake up, but he'd insisted on paying for the continued care of this girl anyway.

A certain sense of responsibility.

No improvement at all in her condition…

And, noticeably, her parents had not come to visit her once.

Reiji sat there for one hour, carefully writing down details in a new page of a notebook. Seven more sat on the shelf behind the girl's sickbed. He scrawled down days after days of how Reira was spending her time, recording it all down. When he was done, he put the notebook on top of the stack and stood up.

Someday, he thought, Reira might remember her past. When that happened, he would be perfectly willing to bring her here.

But she needed to be the one to remember it first.

---

In the present:

Miharu had recorded down all the information from the first piece of data they had found. Now, as they began to download yet another part of the database and Yuno was chatting with Poppy, she took the chance to borrow Yuno's duel disk and speak to Pandor.

"Show me the list of errors," she said immediately. Pandor nodded, and the file was sent to her laptop immediately. She started reading through it.

… what she had done to allow Pandor to duel was entirely experimental code of her own making. It wouldn't just be useful for the war and allowing Yuno to have an aide to help him with dueling at any point—if she got it to work, if she was capable of making a duel disk construct another one from scratch so delicately, it could mean that it would work on a greater scale—that people wouldn't need to carry around physical duel disks when their phone or laptop could just construct one on the spot and then deconstruct it after the duel.

… but…

She surveyed the warnings and errors that had emerged in the duel disk's programming during the duel, and frowned.

"... the two Main Monster Zones on the right didn't form properly," she noted. "I suppose that's why you went for the straightforward move of summoning Superroot Directia." Pandor had quite literally only had three monster zones to work with in that duel. "... the joint broke on the piece that was supposed to form the Field Zone…"

"And father's duel disk would have struggled to process new cards entering the banished zone after my turn," Pandor said, analysing the data too. "... I can still use father's duel disk if he is not dueling, but I do not recommend that simultaneous dueling again. What do you think, mother?"

"... I agree," Miharu said. She leaned back, staring at the duel disk. "... I'll just have to try again another time." She saved the error log to her laptop.

"... is it really okay for us to be working on our own projects in the middle of a war, mother?" Pandor asked, leaning over her shoulder. Miharu turned to look at her.

Perhaps, she thought, she'd made an AI with a greater capacity for devotion to a cause than her.

Miharu would gladly take on as many foes as possible, if it meant that the rest of the Lancers remained unhurt. But that was not what she was doing right now.

… right now, it was more important to learn everything.

"I'm worried about the possibility of Academia having installed a kill switch in their machines here, one to wipe out all their information instead of letting it fall to us" Miharu finally said. "I would rather ensure that there is nothing they can hide from us. Our comrades are strong enough to win—I'm preparing for what comes after."

… she had been preparing all this time, after all.

"… if you say so, mother."

Miharu nodded, but before the AI turned away, she spoke up. "Pandor."

"Yes, mother?"

"… do you remember the Code of Conduct for the Knights of Hanoi?"

Pandor nodded. "They're a part of the Declaration that your brother wrote," she said—referring to the small speech that Miharu had given before she'd dueled Sergey (amongst others). Carefully, she started to list them out.

Manage and Manifest the Future.

Order in the Eye of the Storm.

Unjust Violence must not be Permitted.

Clear away the Haze for Truth.

And…

Annihilate Evil to the Root.

"Why do you ask, mother?"

"… because I believe in that mission more than anything else." Miharu leaned back. "I wanted to hear someone else say it to me."

So that she could be sure that she was still doing what was right.

---

Reiji had not been idle during Reira's duel. He had observed, and he had considered, and in his head, he'd built up a certain profile of the opponent that he was now facing.

Rui Shingetsu. Vector.

"What do you want to bet?" Reiji asked, when Vector turned back to look at him. "You said that there aren't a lot of secrets I have that you would want."

"And I'm right about that." Vector put a finger on his cheek. "... hmm. Got it. Let's play a different game." He grinned. "Your sister's was an exchange. This will be a boss rush of sorts!"

"... elaborate," Reiji said.

"How about this?" Vector gestured forward. "I have a favour to ask for. You fulfil it no matter what. And then, during this duel, each time you destroy one of my monsters, I'll give you a little something to chew on. What do you think?"

"... what's the favour?"

"... just something simple. Promise it won't go against your moral sensibilities—but I'm keeping it close to my chest for now. Do we have a deal, Reiji Akaba?"

Reiji frowned. But…

I have suspicions from everything I've heard so far in this dimension. This may be the only person who can clear that up for me.

"You have a deal," he decided. "Don't make me regret it, Rui Shingetsu."

"Of course not." Vector raised his duel disk. "Well, shall we?"

Reiji stared at him. This boy… had to know about the fate that awaited him if he lost to Reiji, correct? He seemed far too confident in himself for someone putting everything on the line… then again, Reiji supposed that most of the Xyz Dimension would be used to that by now.

… your goal, then is…

He raised his duel disk.

… something I'll have to figure out.

[DUEL!]

Reiji Akaba: 4000LP

Rui Shingetsu: 4000LP

[Turn 1: Vector] [H:5]

"... hmm. I drew a pretty different set of cards this time!" Vector smirked. "Let's get going then! I'll activate the Continuous Spell, Onomatopickup! When I activate it, I can add an "Onomat" card from my deck to my hand!" He revealed it. "Spell Card, Onomatopaira! I'll send one card from my hand to the graveyard and add two monsters to my hand, each from one of the different archetypes in the Onomatopoeia gang! So, that would be—"

"I've heard the list from when you dueled my sister," Reiji said, folding his arms. "You can save both of us the time."

"... hah." Vector shook his head. "You know, I kinda pity you guys from the other dimensions. Waking up at eight to watch the eight-thirty Onomatopoeia Gang show is a time-honoured tradition here. I bet you don't even know the Onomatopoeia theme song, that's the saddest thing in the world." He revealed two cards. "... well. Here's Gagaga Ganbara Knight and Dodododo Warrior!" He slid both cards into his hand. "I'll activate Dodododo Warrior's effect! I'll send Dodododwarf Gogogoglove from my deck to the graveyard, and then I can Special Summon Dodododo Warrior himself from my hand!"

The warrior in coppery-bronze armour appeared on the field, holding up an axe and a circular shield.

[Dodododo Warrior (6*/2300/900/EARTH/Warrior/Effect)]

"Then, Dodododo Warrior's attack points become 1800, and his Level becomes 4!" The monster glowed as its stats changed.

[Dodododo Warrior: 2300 → 1800ATK; 6* → 4*]

"Then, since I control a "Gogogo" or "Dododo" monster, I can Special Summon Dodododwarf Gogogoglove from my graveyard!" The warrior in a green cloak appeared on the field, holding up his dark gauntlets.

[Dodododwarf Gogogoglove (4*/0/1800/EARTH/Rock/Effect)]

"I'll overlay the Level 4 Dodododwarf Gogogoglove and the Level 4 Dodododo Warrior!" Vector grinned. "Warrior that leads the charge, round 'em up for our attack! Xyz Summon! Rank 4! Gagaga Cowboy!" The same cowboy that had defeated Reira appeared on the field, pointing a gun towards Reiji. He was in Defense Position.

[Gagaga Cowboy (R4/1500/2400/EARTH/Warrior/Xyz/Effect) (OU:2)]

"I'll detach an Overlay Unit from Gagaga Cowboy to activate his effect!" One of the orbs flew down into Cowboy's gun. "Since he's in Defense Position, I can inflict 800 damage to you!" The gun fired, and the bullet flew right past Reiji's face, hitting the dirt behind him.

Reiji: 4000 - 800 = 3200LP

However, Reiji simply pushed up his glasses with a neutral expression. "... is that all you have?"

"... heh. Cool your jets, almighty CEO-sama," Vector said, smirking. "The duel's just begun. Dodododo Warrior's effect! Since I detached him as material, I can add a "Zubaba" monster from my deck to my hand." He revealed the new card. "I'll Normal Summon Zubababa Knight!" The lion-like warrior in colourful yellow, green and blue appeared on the field, orange hair blazing through the air.

[Zubababa Knight (3*/1600/900/EARTH/Warrior/Effect)]

"Zubababa Knight's effect! When he is Normal Summoned, I can add a "Zubaba" monster from my deck to my hand, and then Zubababa Knight copies its Level! I'll add the Level 4 Zubababancho Gagagacoat to my hand, and then Zubababa Knight becomes Level 4."

[Zubababa Knight: 3* → 4*]

However, he didn't Special Summon the monster, even though Reiji knew that it could Special Summon itself. "Since there's an Xyz Monster on the field, I can bring out my brother's favourite monster—Astraltopia!" A blue-themed warrior appeared on the field, glowing brightly.

[Astraltopia (4*/0/0/LIGHT/Warrior/Effect)]

"Astraltopia's effect. I'll discard a card and add a Spell or Trap from my deck to my hand which fits in one of a few specific archetypes."

"If it's your cartoon show again, you can skip the explanation," Reiji said calmly.

"... man, you sure do make a lot of assumptions," Vector said with a shit-eating grin. "Why would you think that's the case? Don't assume things about people!"

Reiji barely avoided twitching.

"Anyway, it just has to be a "Xyz", "Onomat", "Zexal" or "Number" card." Vector picked up a card. "And now, I'll overlay the Level 4 Astraltopia and the Level 4 Zubababa Knight! Dystopia that lies within the heart of horror! Rise up now and drain all hope from this world! Xyz Summon! Rank 4! Number 98: King of Despair - Hopeless!"

In front of him, a dark warrior appeared, holding up his sword as his brilliant white wings spread out behind him, the metal sharp and reflective. His entire body was made of ghastly white muscle, and he was mostly colourless.

[Number 98: King of Despair, Hopeless (R4/2000/2500/DARK/Warrior/Xyz/Effect) (OU:2)]

"King of Despair, Hopeless," Reiji repeated, narrowing his eyes. "... what an odd name."

"Odd?" Vector quipped. "I happen to think it's just fine."

"... did you have this monster before the invasion?"

"Oh, don't psychoanalyse me." Vector snapped his fingers. "Listen. This guy? This is the Number I always wanted. The adventurer, the one who takes on the weight of the world's hope, finally breaking under it and falling into despair for a brief moment, under the influence of something that's insidious, and yet—he gives up entirely of his own will. It's still his responsibility. I like that. Can't have flawless heroes, you know?"

He grinned.

"Setting a card facedown. Your move—Reiji Akaba."

[Turn 2: Reiji] [H:6]

… what is my goal here? I suppose it's to get this man to speak up. It's to make him abide by his end of the deal. With every monster I destroy, he must say more to me—and yet, he clearly doesn't have the intention to hide from the responsibility of that, considering that he summoned two monsters to the field.

No. He longs to speak his poisonous words. That much is obvious.

Then, Rui Shingetsu—

I'll open the gates for your poison—but it'll entirely be on my terms.

… let's take it slowly. This man's playstyle is not prone to extreme aggression—I saw that against Reira. He aims to gain control by suppressing the opponent's moves.

Thus—I simply have to outpace him. To focus on gathering resources so that no matter what he does, he cannot drain them away.

"Draw," Reiji said calmly. "Continuous Spell—Dark Contract with the Gate. With its effect, once per turn, I can add a "D/D" monster from my deck to my hand. I will add D/D Swirl Slime to my hand. And with D/D Swirl Slime's effect—I can perform a Fusion Summon using it and other cards in my hand! I will fuse D/D Swirl Slime with D/D Gryphon in my hand!"

It was a perfectly normal starting move for him—the kind of move that he could make only if he saw both Swirl Slime and Gryphon early.

"Grotesque God, drink the blood washed away by time, and now become one and give birth to a new king! Fusion Summon! Be born! D/D/D Flame King Genghis!" The blazing king of fiends appeared on the field, holding up his stone-like blade.

[D/D/D Flame King Genghis (6*/2000/1500/FIRE/Fiend/Fusion/Effect)]

"I will then Normal Summon D/D Savant Copernicus." The golden sphere appeared on the field, the orbs on it whirling around, orbiting the centre of it—a bright, golden sun.

[D/D Savant Copernicus (4*/S1/0/0/DARK/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect)]

"I'll use Copernicus's effect. I'll send a "D/D" or "Dark Contract" card from my deck to the graveyard. I will send D/D Lamia from my deck to the graveyard." He slipped the card in. Vector watched him—despite the other boy's playfulness, he had a certain sharpness to his eyes, as though he was staring straight into Reiji's soul.

… Reiji didn't know what he'd see. He still wasn't sure if Rui Shingetsu was telling the truth when he said that there was something that he could see in others—it could still all be an elaborate lie. Regardless—he would simply get what he wanted. This duel was not a matter of passion—it was a transaction.

Reiji understood transactions well.

"I'll send my Dark Contract with the Gate from my field to the graveyard to Special Summon D/D Lamia from the graveyard." The small snake woman appeared on the field, a passive expression on her face.

[D/D Lamia (1*/100/1900/DARK/Fiend/Tuner/Effect)]

"Since a "D/D" monster was Special Summoned, I will activate D/D/D Flame King Genghis's effect. I will Special Summon a "D/D" monster from my graveyard! Return, D/D Gryphon!" On the field, the brown bird appeared, letting out a loud caw as winds stirred up around them.

[D/D Gryphon (4*/S1/1200/1200/DARK/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect)]

"Since Gryphon was Special Summoned from the graveyard, I can activate its effect too—I will add a "D/D" card from my deck to my hand." Reiji put the card in his hand, a calm expression on his face. "I will tune the Level 1 D/D Lamia to the Level 6 D/D/D Flame King Genghis! Gain the swiftness of a gale and become the cries of a newborn king! Be born! Synchro Summon! Level 7! D/D/D Gust King Alexander!" His main Synchro Monster appeared on the field, his verdant green energy spinning around the area, creating a gale that blew through all of their hair.

[D/D/D Gust King Alexander (7*/2500/2000/WIND/Fiend/Synchro/Effect)]

"Then, I will overlay the Level 4 D/D Gryphon and the Level 4 D/D Savant Copernicus! In order to subjugate all that resides in this world, now, descend onto the peak of the world! Xyz Summon! Be born! Rank 4! D/D/D Wave King Caesar!" His Xyz Monster appeared on the field, next to Alexander.

[D/D/D Wave King Caesar (R4/2400/1200/WATER/Fiend/Xyz/Effect) (OU:2)]

"And then, I will activate the effect of D/D/D Gust King Alexander. Since a "D/D" monster was summoned to my field, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "D/D" monster from my graveyard. Return—D/D Swirl Slime." In Defense Position, the small green slime appeared, its eye swivelling around and fixing on Vector.

[D/D Swirl Slime (2*/200/200/DARK/Fiend/Effect)]

"Battle Phase. D/D/D Wave King Caesar attacks King of Despair, Hopeless! Tidal Torrent!"

"... too bad! Hopeless's effect!" The dark king rose up—their monsters glared at each other, both just as intimidating. "Since you attacked him, I can detach an Overlay Unit from him to change your monster to Defense Position! New Moon Barrier!" One of Hopeless's Overlay Units flew down, forming a shield. Caesar bounced off it, falling to the ground—and when he fell, he was forced down into a defensive stance.

[Number 98: King of Despair, Hopeless: OU:2 - 1 = OU:1]

"Zubababa Knight's effect! Since it was detached as material for a Xyz Monster's effect, I can add a "Gagaga" monster from my deck to my hand!" Vector grinned, picking up a card. "So? Are you going to come at me again when you know that it's not going to work?"

… in the event that Hopeless could negate an attack on another monster… well, he might as well take away that other Overlay Unit too. There was a reason why he'd attacked with Caesar first instead of Alexander—specifically to see if Vector had a way to deal with attacks. Alexander might only have 100 more attack points, but those 100 attack points meant that Alexander was capable of defeating Gagaga Cowboy, unlike Caesar.

The important thing was to test out the limits of Vector's effects. He didn't really care if Caesar or Alexander was switched to Defense Position. So, then…

"D/D/D Gust King Alexander attacks Gagaga Cowboy!" The green-themed king threw forward a large tornado, straight towards Vector's monster.

Vector smirked. "Well," he said, "I guess you can have a second Overlay Unit." Hopeless slashed his sword forward again, knocking Alexander down as well. "Looks like you're not taking either of my monsters down this turn, huh? If you go at this pace, you'll learn nothing at all, y'know."

"… I'm not the one who has something to prove here," Reiji said. "You're the one that wants me to learn, aren't you? In that case, this is a duel you're determined to lose—what does that have to do with me?"

Vector froze, before he laughed. "That obvious? I'm still not gonna make it easy for you though. Is your turn done?"

… Reiji briefly considered another move, but then he shook his head. "I'll set a card. Go ahead," he said.

"Hah, okay." Vector reached for the top card of his deck. "My turn, then!"

[Turn 3: Vector] [H:6]

"Draw! I'll detach Gagaga Cowboy's other Overlay Unit!" The gunslinger loaded up his gun yet again, sending a shot across the field that knocked more dust into the air.

[Gagaga Cowboy: OU:1 - 1 - OU:0]

Reiji: 3200 - 800 = 2400LP

"You say I'm determined to lose, but to be honest, that's a bit of a war to me." Vector grinned, all teeth. "I don't like losing to those unworthy! I'll activate the effect of Zubababancho Gagagacoat in my hand! I'll Special Summon him from my hand!" The dark warrior in a thick coat appeared on the field.

[Zubababancho Gagagacoat (4*/1800/100/EARTH/Warrior/Effect)]

"Zubababancho Gagagacoat 's effect. I can Special Summon a "Dododo" or "Gogogo" monster from my graveyard. Come back, Dodododwarf Gogogoglove!" The green-themed warrior reappeared, standing to the left of Zubababancho—the two of them looked surprisingly similar in appearance. "And then, I'll activate the effect of Gagaga Ganbara Knight in my hand! By revealing Gagaga Samurai in my Extra Deck, I can Special Summon it from my hand!"

"I'll chain the effect of Caesar," Reiji responded. If Vector was going to summon that ace of his—Masquerade Magician - Shining—then, Reiji couldn't afford to wait until the Battle Phase to activate the effect. "By detaching an Overlay Unit, at the end of the Battle Phase, all monsters I control that were destroyed this turn are Special Summoned back to the field, but during the next Standby Phase, I take 1000 damage for each one."

"... huh. Interesting. Then let's see if you shoot yourself in the face, shall we?" Vector placed the card down—Gagaga Ganbara Knight emerged, holding up his green and bronze shield-like arms.

[Gagaga Ganbara Knight (4*/0/1800/LIGHT/Warrior/Effect)]

"Gagaga Ganbara Knight's other effect! I'll change your D/D/D Wave King Caesar to Attack Position!" The king let out a groan, shifting upwards.

Reiji saw through the move immediately, of course—if Vector only destroyed two monsters this turn while they were still in Defense Position, then Reiji would still have enough life points to survive Caesar's effect. But if Vector could deal him at least 400 more damage, then it would improve his odds of taking out Reiji in a single turn.

"Overlaying the Level 4 Gagaga Ganbara Knight, the Level 4 Dodododwarf Gogogoglove and the Level 4 Zubababancho Gagagacoat! Foolish insects, kneel before this dazzling light! Xyz Summon! Rank 4! The one, the only, Masquerade Magician - Shining!" His ace took to the field, just as Reiji had expected—its dramatic appearance casting a bright shimmer through the air.

[Masquerade Magician - Shining (R4/2700/1200/LIGHT/Spellcaster/Xyz/Effect) (OU:3)]

"Spell Card, Xyz Import," Vector continued, smirking. "I'll target a monster on your field with lower attack points than Shining… and that monster becomes Shining's Overlay Unit. I'll choose your Gust King Alexander!"

Reiji narrowed his eyes. Alexander was dragged over to Vector's field by chains of light, before it turned into a single spinning orb.

[Masquerade Magician - Shining: OU:3 + 1 = OU:4]

"Gagaga Cowboy moves to Attack Position," Vector continued. "Now, Masquerade Magician - Shining attacks your D/D/D Wave King Caesar!" The magician tossed out a ring, which expanded and spun around Caesar—before shrinking in and destroying it.

Reiji: 2400 - 300 = 2100LP

"Since D/D/D Wave King Caesar was sent to the graveyard, I can add a "Dark Contract" card from my deck to my hand."

"Fine by me! Cowboy attacks D/D Swirl Slime!" The bullet tore straight through the small slime. "And Hopeless attacks you directly!"

Reiji revealed his set card. "Trap Card, D/D/D Contract Change. When you declare an attack—I can add a Level 4 or lower "D/D" Pendulum Monster from my deck to my hand."

"... huh. Interesting. You're not negating the attack." Vector smirked. "... nice."

Reiji: 2100 - 2000 = 100LP

"I'll end my turn—that means my Battle Phase's ended."

Reiji nodded—Wave King Caesar and Swirl Slime reappeared on the field.

"Well, let's see what you got. Hopefully—" Vector grinned mockingly. "You don't lose before you do anything to me, huh?"

[Turn 4: Reiji] [H:6]

"Draw," Reiji said. "During my Standby Phase, Wave King Caesar's effect activates. I take 1000 damage times the number of monsters Special Summoned by his effect."

"I'm guessing you're not shooting yourself in the face?" Vector said, still smirking.

"You're correct. During either player's turn, I can Special Summon D/D Jackal from my hand!" In front of him, a small, slender blue and grey beast appeared, its fur wispy like mist—

Who was Reiji kidding?

The monster that looked almost exactly like Mion's Mythical Beast Jackal took to the field. There were chains surrounding its limbs, connected to shattered padlocks on the ground. The blue of its fur was a bit darker than the original version. The dark armour on its body had since shattered and fallen to the ground, and now instead, on its back was an odd set of runes that branded it and glowed an eerie white-red, like scars that were on the cusp of healing but never quite did.

[D/D Jackal (1*/S4/0/1400/DARK/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect)]

"Then, all effect damage I would take for the rest of this turn heals me instead," Reiji concluded. A wave of energy pulsed over the field, but his life points shot up instead of falling.

Reiji: 100 + 1000 x 2 = 2100LP

"Damn. That's a cheat code if I've ever seen one."

Reiji shrugged. "... in a deck like this, it's important to be prepared." He already knew the effect of Vector's ace, and the other monsters no longer had Overlay Units—in other words, it was perfectly fine for him to push further this turn.

… Vector still had one set card, but Reiji could work around that.

"And I," Reiji continued, "have always been prepared. You chose Alexander to deny me another revival of a monster on this turn—but he is not the one you should have been wary of. I will activate the Continuous Spell, Dark Contract with the Entities. Then, I will overlay the Rank 4 D/D/D Wave King Caesar on himself!"

"Huh?" Vector grinned. "Hah, that's a Rank Up! Who taught you that, huh? Didn't expect Standard to know that trick!"

Reiji pushed up his glasses. "I gather wisdom, and never stop learning," he said. "But this specific move? I suppose I learned it from your comrades. Or should I call them… ex-comrades of yours?"

Vector didn't even tense up—he just kept on grinning. "Yeah? I guess with how much Kurosaki likes to make that bird of his bigger and bigger, it makes sense that a genius like you picked up our signature that quickly."

This monster had already been a part of his deck since they were in Standard—he'd even used it back then, directly Xyz Summoning it instead of Ranking Up. Still…

This was more efficient.

"One bestowed with the name of a hero, possessing profound justice, pierce through all things! Rank-Up-Xyz-Change! Descend! Rank 5! D/D/D Marksman King Tell!"

A warrior with dark grey skin appeared on the field, wearing a red tunic and green shorts, with spiky grey-green hair. He was holding onto a golden gun in the shape of a beast's maw.

[D/D/D Marksman King Tell (R5/2300/2000/DARK/Fiend/Xyz/Effect) (OU:1)]

"I will then activate the effect of Dark Contract with the Entities. Since a "D/D/D" Xyz Monster was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck to my field, I can banish a card on the field or in the graveyard. I'll banish Masquerade Magician - Shining!"

"... seriously? That's rough." Vector frowned. "... does it target?"

"No," Reiji said. "So if you have an effect to chain, I'll just select a different card to banish."

"... dang it." Vector laughed. "Well, fuck. This isn't how I was expecting to lose him…" Shining vanished from the field, all of his Overlay Units exploding.

"... do you count that as getting rid of one of your monsters?" Reiji asked.

"You got a point," Vector said. He shifted his feet slightly, turning them outwards—betraying a strange hesitation that seemed at odds with the rest of his demeanour. "... okay. Let's spill a little. So let's save some time, rich boy, and not repeat things we both know… tell me, what do you know about how Academia planned their invasion of our city, huh?"

Can it still be considered your city when you've spent over a year seeking to help destroy it? Reiji didn't voice the thought, but he certainly thought it. He spoke up after a moment, when he'd neatly gathered his thoughts. "According to what I've heard from Nue Kamisoka, Shun Kurosaki, Yuto Kamisoka and Tsubaki Nagare, Academia's invasion was very well planned out," he said. "They knew the vulnerable points of Heartland and managed to take down most of its leaders immediately… amongst them the mayor, Ryutaro Izumi, or Mr. Heartland, as well as the Kamisokas and Byron Arclight, one of the main members of the School Board for Heartland Duel School and in charge of most of the research facilities in Heartland."

… perhaps it was callous to be able to speak of the death of others so easily. Reiji wouldn't know.

"The evidence suggests that they did a lot of research on Heartland beforehand, likely done by Dennis Mackfield. And—"

A sharp laugh.

"I guess we can start there," Rui Shingetsu said, his head held high. "No. Dennis Mackfield isn't the reason that Academia knew so much about us. In fact, he never had the chance to know much about us at all, even if he thought he did."

… oh?

"From what I've learned," Vector continued, "his one and only goal was to find Ruri Kurosaki and get her trust. That's all he had to do here. Not that it's that hard—from what I've heard about Ruri, she's way too nice to people who don't deserve it. Hope that hasn't changed about her. But yeah. That was his purpose. I suppose you know what that means?"

"... it means that there was another mole in the Resistance," Reiji said. "But I already knew that much. If Kurosaki didn't recognise him, there's very little connection he could have had to the rest of the students as a whole. Certainly not enough for Academia to have as good of a grasp on you all as it does." He didn't try to soften the blow—it was true, after all.

"Despite their best efforts, their numbers also started to fall over time—and they began to group together more and more, convinced that they needed to depend on each other and only each other. And…" Tsubaki glanced away. "Izumi particularly distrusted me, for reasons that I myself am not clear about, at this point… Nue was the only one who really managed to keep them in check and convince them to cooperate with the rest, but they had a very strong 'us versus them' mentality that not even she could shake. Still, I believe that at some point, Izumi got in touch with Academia and made a deal with them."

That did actually make Reiji consider another question.

"In that case," he said, "if Academia knew all of you so well through their mole…"

The obvious question was 'who was the mole', but Reiji suspected that Vector was dying to give that answer anyway. So then, the other question would be…

"Did Tatsuya Izumi approach Academia with a deal because he'd learned something about them… or did the mole approach Tatsuya Izumi because they'd learned something about him?"

"... slow down there, genius," Vector said, but he was grinning now—there was something brighter to his eyes. "You haven't earned that much yet."

"Then I suppose I should," Reiji said. "... I will open my circuit. Arrowhead confirmed. The conditions are two "D/D" monsters! I will set D/D Jackal and D/D Swirl Slime in the Link Markers! Subjugating those unworthy, rise forth now, king of the nothingness! Circuit Combine! Link Summon! Link 2! D/D/D Abyss King Gilgamesh!" The king surrounded by multiple weapons landed on the field, a regal expression on his face.

[D/D/D Abyss King Gilgamesh (L2/1800/DARK/Fiend/Link/Effect, ↙, ↘)]

"Abyss King Gilgamesh's effect. I will set two "D/D" monsters from my deck in the Pendulum Zones and take 1000 damage—also, I cannot Special Summon monsters for the rest of this turn, except "D/D" monsters."

"Oh no," Vector said in a falsetto voice. "The only light I can use this morning is the sun. Woe is me."

… for some reason, it was mildly amusing coming from him. "I will set the Scale 6 D/D Savant Thomas and the Scale 3 D/D Dog in my Pendulum Scales." The two pillars of light shot up, revealing two familiar monsters—one, the stone-like, almost sarcophagus-like monster—the other, a large red dog. "Then, I take 1000 damage. With D/D Jackal's effect, that becomes an increase of 1000 life points instead."

Reiji: 2100 + 1000 = 3100LP

"D/D Savant Thomas's effect. I will add D/D Jackal from my Extra Deck to my hand. Then, I will Normal Summon D/D Lilith." A pink and blue demonic woman appeared on the field, glaring directly at Vector.

[D/D Lilith (4*/100/2100/DARK/Fiend/Effect)]

"I'll activate Lilith's effect—I'll add a "D/D" monster from my graveyard to my hand." He picked up the card carefully. "... with my current Pendulum Scales, I can Pendulum Summon Level 4 and Level 5 monsters. Swing, pendulum. Cast your light across the aether. Come from my hand, my monsters—D/D Gryphon! D/D Orthros!" The brown bird reappeared on the field, along with a large grey two-headed dog.

[D/D Orthros (4*/S3/600/1800/DARK/Fiend/Pendulum/Tuner/Effect)]

"Since D/D Gryphon was Pendulum Summoned, I can discard a "D/D" or "Dark Contract" card from my hand and draw a card!" He swapped out a card from his hand. "... tuning the Level 4 D/D Orthros to the Level 4 D/D Lilith. Climb over the corpses of heroes, carrying your bloodstained blade! Synchro Summon! Be born! Level 8! D/D/D Cursed King Siegfried!" The pale king appeared on the field, heaving up his dark blade in the air. Obviously, the resemblance to Reiji himself was there—a red scarf, long enough to wrap around the man's entire body. Sharp eyes. A cold detachment to his appearance.

… Reiji had designed this monster himself—one of the first monsters he'd designed for his Extra Deck after the three main elemental kings and d'Arc. He still wasn't sure what had motivated him to make it—

Perhaps, defiance.

[D/D/D Cursed King Siegfried (8*/2800/2200/DARK/Fiend/Synchro/Effect)]

The figure of Siegfried, or Sigurd—the same character, with two names that meant different things. One meaning 'peace' and the other meaning 'to ward'. But always, always 'victory'. The warrior that knew no fear, one with nature, who cut through all scheming opposition and evil—even his own father figure, as much as that man had himself become something corrupted by greed and fright of death. Come to think of it…

In the main opera that most people were thinking about when speaking about Siegfried, the hero was greeted by his eventual lover with a cry that Reiji had never quite forgotten, since the first time that he'd heard the opera. "Heil dir, Sonne! Heil dir, Licht!" 'Hail to you, Sun—Hail to you, Light.' Glory and hope—that was what the character represented.

… perhaps this monster had been a message then. But, for who…

Reiji could never be quite sure.

(My father.) Me. (Mion?) Mother.

… maybe all of them at the same time.

"Dark Contract with the Entities triggers," Reiji said. "Since I Special Summoned a "D/D/D" Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck—I can render that monster permanently untargetable by effects." He narrowed his eyes.

… take things slow, I said.

Regrettably, I'm still not very good at that.

"I will activate the effect of D/D Necro Slime in the graveyard," Reiji continued, narrowing his eyes. "I can perform a Fusion Summon by banishing monsters from my graveyard."

"Whew. You sure do have a lot of Extra Deck monsters!"

"... I'm not sure I want to hear that from you," Reiji countered.

"Hah. Fair enough…"

"Chaotic king who watches over this world's fate. Drink the blood washed away by time, and become a dragon slaying hero! Fusion Summon! Be born! Level 8! D/D/D Dragonbane King Beowulf!" The bestial king appeared, his blue-silver fur as impeccable as ever. He growled, his fangs briefly flashing. He took a step forward on his claws, his tail swinging through the air.

[D/D/D Dragonbane King Beowulf (8*/3000/2500/DARK/Fiend/Fusion/Effect)]

"Battle," Reiji ordered—a general ordering his soldiers to war. Only, if his soldiers were themselves tyrant kings… he supposed that made him something even greater than that. "D/D/D Cursed King Siegfried attacks Gagaga Cowboy!"

"Trap Card, Draining Shield—"

"It's useless," Reiji said, swiftly cutting him off. "... D/D/D Cursed King Siegfried's effect. Once per turn, I can negate the effect of a Spell or Trap on the field. I will choose your Draining Shield." The card fizzled out, vanishing from the field.

"... you can activate it during the Battle Step, but not the Damage Step… ugh." Vector winced as his monster was destroyed. "You're so competent it's almost nasty…"

Vector: 4000 - 1300 = 2700LP

"Save your stories for the next monster too. D/D/D Dragonbane King Beowulf attacks King of Despair, Hopeless." Reiji's monster let out a howl, slamming its weapon down and cleaving Vector's other monster in half.

Vector: 2700 - 1000 = 1700LP

… interesting.

Reiji had actively chosen not to summon Kali Yuga, even though the thought had crossed his mind—but if Vector somehow had a way to preserve his stronger monster without 'activating' an effect, in other words, if Hopeless had a Continuous Effect that could protect it, then he would have wasted Kali Yuga for nothing. Neither King Tell nor Gilgamesh had enough attack points to get it done.

Even if nothing had happened, he was still sure that Vector would likely have wiggled out of it somehow.

This was not an opponent he could attempt to crush without any caution.

Even so, if Vector couldn't stop this next attack, it would be the end of him…

"What? Are you pausing so I'll give you the information I'm supposed to give you before they kill me?" Vector snorted. "Your generosity knows no bounds, sure, why not." He glanced at his empty field. "Cowboy, Hopeless, Shining… you've taken out all three of my most iconic monsters in a turn. Guess that deserves something special."

He breathed out—and then, serious purple eyes made direct eye contact with Reiji.

"Fine. I'll give you the big one."

"... I'm waiting," Reiji said.

This time, Vector didn't make a joke. He took a deep breath—

And spoke.

"I said I learned this information—as though I got that knowledge from someone else. I didn't learn it. No one told me about it—I figured it out myself." There was a wild rage in his voice. "Don't you think there's something real interesting about what you said just now? Kaito Tenjo's dad survived, even though any spy worth their salt would have told Academia to target him."

… he was implying that…

"Oh no," Reira murmured quietly next to him. She seemed to have understood it too.

"Isn't it funny that Academia struck our school on the exact day all our parents were there?" Vector said deliberately. "Isn't it funny that the Arclights' father was hunted down by Academia's members, all directed towards his location? Isn't it funny that Tatsuya Izumi's father was carded so quickly even though he holed himself up in his office and had to be flushed out of it? Isn't it fucking funny that apparently, according to what I overheard from Tatsuya Izumi's conversations with that girl, out of all of the parents at our school, Nue Kamisoka's parents were supposed to die no matter what?"

His breath was shaking.

"They attacked our school even more wildly than the others, and wiped out all but our strongest. We barely stood a chance to escape. We lost everything—and that's something that happened unlike the others. At first I thought it was a coincidence, but then I started to think more, and I started to eavesdrop, once Tatsuya made the deal with that girl. And I heard more and more that confirmed it."

He drew in breath. Reiji watched him, silent.

"Our situation. Alone and having lost most of our comrades. Having barely any family left." Vector let out a laugh—his voice broke mid-laugh, making him sound as though he was going mad. "It wasn't just misfortune. Academia chose us to ruin! So that we would be desperate, so that they could later approach us and…"

He didn't finish the sentence. He didn't have to.

"Which means they knew. They studied all three schools and decided that the one most important to ruin was ours. They chose to make us the villains! That's what I've learned, way too fucking late, now that there's no chance for me to change any part of the choices we've made! All this time, all of us have been nothing but pawns dancing in the palm of Academia's hand—and someone else has been the player moving our pieces. Do you know how awful that is to know?"

… Reiji took a moment to look at him properly.

This was an enemy. By his usual logic, that should be the end of it—an enemy that had to be defeated. It was a waste to sympathise with a foe that would not be changed.

But…

A softer part of his heart did not agree.

This man is wretched.

… it was strange. Reiji had certainly not dueled as much as the rest of his Lancers since they'd begun this journey—after all, he'd spent much of his time setting things up and planning. Even as his Lancers had been preparing for this battle, discussing their strategies and more importantly, deciding the battles that they wanted to face, Reiji had simply been discussing logistics with Tsubaki.

Really…

None of this was personal to him in the same way. He was not driven in the same way as the rest. It couldn't even be said that he led them into battle—they charged in, driven by their own emotions and purpose, and Reiji watched them from behind, only stepping in when he absolutely needed to.

Or at least… that was how it was supposed to be.

And yet…

My calmness, my detachment.

At a certain point during this war, some part of it has slipped away.

It had still been there when he had faced Yuno and Miharu in the Standard Dimension. It had been there before that, when a girl had come to LDS claiming to be from a different world, and he'd thought to himself that it was finally time for him to begin selecting the warriors he needed for this fight. So, the time that it had changed…

It must have begun with Reira.

When he'd watched Reira force herself to fight for the sake of being useful. When he'd watched Reira be hurt by that monster of a man. When he'd seen her barely alive, having to be carried back to safety. When she'd gotten up after all of that and decided that she was going to keep going in the war—with the kind of bravery that people twice her age didn't have.

And of course…

Of course, there was always Mion Myojin to think about. But she was… similar to him, in this specific case. Neither of them were the type to allow themselves to get… overly attached. They both held themselves at a distance from other people, and yet Mion had a casualness to her social skills that Reiji himself had never seen the use of grasping.

And…

Maybe it was exactly that which had drawn him to her in the first place.

Maybe it was that which had taught him of 'want'—the want to empathise.

Maybe that was the reason why he could lower himself to see the pain of his enemy now—something that could only be a weakness.

"... that's what I have for you," Vector said. He shook his head. "... pathetic, huh? What is there to say? She played us like a fiddle and we ate out of her hand. We were set up to be the villains from the start. We thought we made the choice out of desperation, but even that choice was manufactured for us—we never stood a chance. Nue's choice to take on everything by herself, leading to Tatsuya slipping out of her sight. Me, having someone I needed to save… no matter what, we'd have ended up here. And, I think this person… expected Nue to end up with us too. Also working for Academia."

"That wouldn't work."

Vector snapped his head up.

"... Nue Kamisoka has a stronger moral code than most people," Reiji said. "... she would not have broken to manipulation like that."

"How would you know? You didn't see her at her lowest." Vector narrowed his eyes. "... manipulation? We didn't even know there were strings."

"I didn't see her at her lowest. But she is one of mine." His Lancers, the soldiers from multiple dimensions that he had brought together. His people. "I don't believe in judging people by their lowest."

"... fuck. I say all of that and your first instinct is to defend your Lancers." Vector laughed mockingly. "... unbelievable. I didn't think I'd ever hear something like that. You know, if you took that stick out of your ass, I'd think you're surprisingly a lot like Nue."

Reiji narrowed his eyes.

"But we are at our lowest. If you deny that… you deny us!" Vector jabbed a finger at him. "That's all. So? Make your call!"

He'd ask for the mole's name when he won. But right now…

He had to win.

"D/D/D Abyss King Gilgamesh attacks you directly!"

"... I'll activate the effect of Gagaga Gardna in my hand!" Vector revealed the card. "When you declare a direct attack, I can Special Summon him from my hand!" A red-haired warrior in an orange shawl and a black longcoat appeared on the field, holding up an enormous shield in his hands.

[Gagaga Gardna (4*/1500/2000/EARTH/Warrior/Effect)]

"... Gilgamesh stops his attack." He didn't have enough attack points to conquer the new monster. "King Tell attacks. And D/D/D Dragonbane King Beowulf's effect allows all of my "D/D/D" monsters to deal piercing damage while I control him."

King Tell fired his weapon—a blast hitting Gardna and destroying it.

Vector: 1700 - 300 = 1400LP

"I'll end my turn." Gryphon was still in Defense Position, after all.

Vector glanced at the two cards left in his hand. Then, he swiped up the top card of his deck.

"Not much I can do but keep going," he said.

"... hmm?"

"See, all I am is desperation." Vector narrowed his eyes bitterly. "... and frustration. So all I know how to do now is keep throwing myself forward!"

[Turn 5: Vector] [H:3]

"Draw! Spell Card, Gagagadraw. I'll banish Gagaga Cowboy, Gagaga Gardna and Zubababancho Gagagacoat from the graveyard to draw two cards!" He picked up the new cards. "I'll Normal Summon Gogogo Goblindbergh!" The goblin in a red plane appeared on the field, spinning around in the air.

[Gogogo Goblindbergh (4*/1400/0/EARTH/Warrior/Effect)]

"Gogogo Goblindbergh's effect! I'll Special Summon a non-Warrior "Gogogo" monster from my hand, deck or graveyard! Come from my deck! Gogogo Gigas!" A large warrior made of various different brick and metal parts appeared on the field.

[Gogogo Gigas (4*/0/2200/EARTH/Rock/Effect)]

"Then, Goblindbergh changes to Defense Position!" The red plane shifted its gears, landing on the ground. "I'll activate the effect of Dodododwarf Gogogoglove in my graveyard and Special Summon it to the field!" The warrior in a green cloak reappeared. "I'll overlay the Level 4 Gogogo Gigas and the Level 4 Gogogo Goblindbergh! Magician's apprentice, graduate now and lead with style! Xyz Summon! Rank 4! Gagagaga Girl!" The blonde female magician appeared on the field, her pink ribbons swirling around her.

[Gagagaga Girl (R4/1500/1800/DARK/Spellcaster/Xyz/Effect) (OU:2)]

"Gagagaga Girl's effect! I'll detach an Overlay Unit from her and add a "Gagaga", "Onomat" or "Xyz" card from my deck to my hand. And Gogogo Goblindbergh's effect! I'll add a "Dododo" monster from my deck to my hand." He filled up his hand. "... I'll activate the effect of Dodododwarf Gogogoglove! I can Special Summon a "Gagaga" monster from my hand—come! Gagaga Mancer!" A spellcaster in a dark cloak appeared on the field, holding onto a staff.

[Gagaga Mancer (4*/100/100/DARK/Spellcaster/Effect)]

"Gagaga Mancer's effect! I'll revive Gagaga Ganbara Knight from my graveyard, but I can only Special Summon "Gagaga" monsters this turn!" The warrior reappeared, holding up his shields. "I'll overlay the Level 4 Gagaga Ganbara Knight, the Level 4 Gagaga Mancer and the Level 4 Dodododwarf Gagagaglove!"

He revealed a card with a dark border, a cold look in his eyes.

"You know, in the show these cards are based on," Vector said, "their main villain for the first two seasons is the Dark Vector." There was something… bitter to the way he said the words. "This shadowy demon that Gagaga Mancer accidentally summons from the ground. Eventually, the demon redeems himself and becomes an ally of the gang—you know him as Masquerade Magician - Shining."

He laughed.

"But you know! The kids need angst and edge, they slurp that stuff down like nothing else. So Shining finds that he always slips to violent methods anyway, that he can't quite escape his own 'nature'. And he still feels a certain distance from the group. It's not until Season 3, Episode 11, when the new villain nearly kills the entire gang, that he lets loose and becomes his original self for a moment—and afterwards, he thinks he's going to get rejected, so he tries to flee. However, Gagaga Magician chases him down and finds him in his true form, snarling for the others to get away."

"... and what happens?" Reira asked—his sister seemed to be caught up in the story.

Vector waved his hand in a flourish—he seemed to enjoy it, storytelling. Once again, Reiji was uncomfortably unable to detach those simple, clear signs of a 'person' from the enemy in front of him. "Well, Gagaga Magician approached and then, he took off his hat and put it on the demon's head. He told the beast that there was nothing wrong with defending his own… that he had tried too hard to force himself into being something bright, shining and blameless when none of them had ever expected him to be something like that. And then, he christened him with his title in the gang—making him a real member of it. Confirming that he had the right to stay."

He placed the card on his duel disk.

"That's this guy, anyway—though he's not the best performer in this form, compared to the self you usually see. Creature that stalks the shadows of his comrades, now emerge and unleash your deathly power! Xyz Summon! Rank 4! Gagaga Umbral!"

In front of Vector, a pool of black, tar-like liquid formed on the ground. Slowly, it rose up—in front of them, it seemed to solidify, to something glimmering like dark marble. Dark, bloody red wings emerged from behind the forming creature, as its body shifted into something more… humanoid in the top half, yet serpent-like below—its bottom half never fully emerged from the tar-like shadows, but what did appear was a long, slender abdomen that slipped around like a snake. Its eyes were cold, emerging from within as the black shadows melted away to reveal white and purple flesh, forming the creature's arms and its mask-like face. The red eyes glowed.

Finally, the creature raised a clawed arm. He dug into his own chest—and retrieved apointed black hat. He placed it on top of his head.

[Gagaga Umbral (R4/2700/1000/DARK/Spellcaster/Xyz/Effect) (OU:3)]

"Gagaga Umbral's effect! When Xyz Summoned—I can check the top five cards of your deck, and arrange them however I like!"

Reiji raised an eyebrow—manipulating the opponent's deck? Interesting. Five cards floated up, facing towards Vector as the images of them magnified. Vector pointed to each of them in order, and they floated back to the top of his deck.

"Then, I can detach an Overlay Unit and send the top card of your deck to the graveyard." Reiji picked up the card, slipping it into his graveyard—Kepler. Interesting choice.

[Gagaga Umbral: OU:3 - 1 = OU:2]

"Then, depending on the type of card sent to the graveyard, I can apply a specific effect. For a monster—I can reduce the attack points of all monsters you control with the same Type by 1000!" King Tell, Siegfried, Beowulf, Gilgamesh and Gryphon all glowed—an aura that perfectly cloaked and weakened every monster Reiji controlled.

[D/D/D Marksman King Tell: 2300 - 1000 = 1300ATK]

[D/D/D Cursed King Siegfried: 2800 - 1000 = 1800ATK]

[D/D/D Dragonbane King Beowulf: 3000 - 1000 = 2000ATK]

[D/D/D Abyss King Gilgamesh: 1800 - 1000 = 800ATK]

[D/D Gryphon: 1200 - 1000 = 200ATK]

"And this one's permanent, Reiji Akaba," Vector said. "Since a card was sent from the deck to the graveyard, Gagaga Umbral then Special Summons a "Gagaga" monster from my deck in Attack Position! Come! Gagaga Magician!" In front of him, a spellcaster in black and red-brown robes appeared, swinging chains through the air as he stood in front of Vector. He was wearing a hat that looked identical to Umbral's—they both nodded at each other.

[Gagaga Magician (4*/1500/1000/DARK/Spellcaster/Effect)]

"Then, the detached Gagaga Ganbara Knight lets me add a "Gogogo" monster from my deck to my hand. Battle Phase," Vector said. "I won't be wiping out your field the way you did mine—but you won't escape this turn unscathed! Gagaga Magician attacks D/D/D Marksman King Tell!" The magician tossed a chain forward, lashing it across the skin of King Tell and destroying him.

Reiji: 3100 - 200 = 2900LP

"When King Tell is sent to the graveyard, I can send a "D/D" or "Dark Contract" card from my deck to the graveyard," Reiji said, not flinching from the attack. He dropped another card into his graveyard—and more importantly, shuffled his deck, rendering Vector's earlier knowledge obsolete.

"Hah, do all your monsters have an extra effect when sent to drop? As if they're not busted enough!"

I could say the same about you. Reiji held in the snide thought.

"Gagagaga Girl attacks D/D/D Abyss King Gilgamesh!"

… got you.

Reiji: 2900 - 700 = 2200LP

"And—"

"D/D/D Abyss King Gilgamesh's effect," Reiji said, cutting him off. "Since it was destroyed by your attacking monster, I can Special Summon a "D/D" monster from my Extra Deck or graveyard in Defense Position."

"… so that one floats too."

Reiji picked up a card from his Extra Deck. "I did not say that the monster had to be face-up in my Extra Deck," he explained. "So this does not extend to only Pendulums. Come to my side! D/D/D Flame High King Genghis!" On his field, the blazing king reappeared, standing tall.

[D/D/D Flame High King Genghis (8*/2800/2400/FIRE/Fiend/Fusion/Effect)]

"Dark Contract with the Entities's effect. I will gain 1000 life points."

Reiji: 2200 + 1000 = 3200LP

Vector stared at the monster for a moment. Reiji saw the exact moment when he made his decision—after all, he only had one attack left, and too many targets for that.

"It's really Genghis or Siegfried," Vector said. "That previous one Special Summoned a monster back, didn't it…" He frowned. "... well. Better the devil you know than not. Attack D/D/D Flame King Genghis!" The dark monster smacked Genghis down. "... I'll set two cards!" He held onto the four cards left in his hand, smirking at Reiji. "Your move."

[Turn 6: Reiji] [H:4]

"Draw." Reiji looked forward—and then, he spoke words that he never thought he would say. "I think I understand you now."

"… that's a new one." Vector arched an eyebrow. "I might get upset."

Strangely, Reiji meant what he'd said. Somehow, between all of the cutting words and sarcasm, he'd found something that he could trace back—some genuine part of Rui Shingetsu that had seeped through all of that.

"But we are at our lowest. If you deny that, you deny us!"

"You've already accepted," Reiji said stoically, "your crimes. What you've done to the people around you, all for the sake of your own goals." His face was the perfect image of a CEO, speaking from above, ready to give an order.

Vector was about to argue—

And then, Reiji lowered his head. Not much—just a small amount, making eye contact with the man on the other side of the field. Yet, the subtle motion caught Vector's eye—the protest died in his throat. The image did not shatter, but it shifted.

Reiji Akaba looked at an enemy, and spoke with empathy, rather than superiority. "I, too, am the same," he said.

… the battles around them raged, but for a moment, it all seemed to go silent.

"Sometimes, I wonder what might have become of the people I recruited if I had not recruited them for this war," Reiji said. "I am… not a fool in that regard. I have lied, manipulated and obscured the truth for my own benefit, and claimed that it is for the greater good of the world. And perhaps it is, but… I have committed sins of my own, too."

Erasing the memories of people without their consent, to force them to serve as an alibi for a person they had hated beforehand.

Sending a man through an experimental machine, resulting in his disappearance, and not explaining it for three years, even when he'd had the opportunity to.

Sacrificing the students that had trusted him, all because he had intended to test their strength and whether they could truly face Academia. (The answer had been no.)

He knew a thing or two about sinning.

But he had accepted his own crimes. And he had accepted the right to be judged. When all of this was over… then, if those people were desperate to speak their anger, Reiji would listen.

It would not stop him now.

So maybe he and Vector were the same in that way.

"You're joking," Vector scoffed. "You don't know what it feels like to be brought low. How could you? Someone like you only knows how to be the best!"

"To be brought low? To long for revenge?" Reiji said callously. "... I've felt that twice." He did not look at Reira, but when he spoke, he heard her breath hitch. "There was a monster of a man who hurt the person that…" He paused. "The people that I hold dear. When I dueled him, I did not intend to defeat him for the sake of the greater good. I wanted to ruin him."

"... what about the second time?" Vector said, narrowing his eyes.

"... the time with that man was the second," Reiji said offhandedly. "The first time was when I met my father again, before he abandoned me completely."

Vector stared at him. "... huh," he said.

Reiji took a moment to look at the field. He had Gryphon, Siegfried and Beowulf on the field right now, while Vector had Gagagaga Girl, Gagaga Magician and Gagaga Umbral, as well as two set cards and his Continuous Spell, Onomatopickup.

Well… Reiji did have a backrow of his own. His Scales, and…

Dark Contract with the Entities glowed ominously.

"D/D Jackal's effect," he said. He Special Summoned the monster that he had added back to his hand, and his life points shot up instead of falling.

Reiji: 3200 + 1000 = 4200LP

"Well, damn. Looks like I'm not taking you down in any way other than battling, huh…"

"I already saw your main tactics against Reira." Reiji shook his head. "... it would be ill-advised not to correct my playstyle to address them. I will…"

What did he want?

1400 life points left to remove…

The answer seemed obvious.

"You will answer," Reiji corrected his own words, "all of my questions. I'll overlay the Level 8 D/D/D Dragonbane King Beowulf and the Level 8 D/D/D Cursed King Siegfried!"

No matter which monster Vector would have chosen to attack at that moment, it would have left Reiji with two Level 8 monsters on the field.

This was what he needed. And, if it failed…

There were other things.

"When two suns rise, the horizon of a new world shall open up! Xyz Summon! Appear and come forth, Rank 8! D/D/D Duo-Dawn King Kali Yuga!" In front of him, his strongest Xyz Monster emerged, dressed in dark red armour, sitting on a throne.

[D/D/D Duo-Dawn King Kali Yuga (R8/3500/3000/DARK/Fiend/Xyz/Effect) (OU:2)]

"... well, if you're going to be that ominous about it, I'll take your word that it's your strongest card!" Vector flipped over his set card. "If Siegfried's not around, there's no need to bait you any longer! Counter Trap! Black Horn of Heaven!" The sound of a loud, low-pitched horn echoed around them. "I'll negate your monster's summon and destroy it!"

… there it was.

Kali Yuga shattered on the spot.

… it looked like he would have to chance the other set card, then. But this was still within parameters.

All that he had left were Gryphon and Jackal, of course… but that was hardly enough for him to give up. He hadn't even considered it for a second.

"You can only have so many Extra Deck Monsters," Vector said—there was something uneasy in the air between them now.

"I suppose you're correct on that. But… I have not yet run out of them. I will banish D/D Swirl Slime from the graveyard to Special Summon a "D/D" monster from my hand. Come! D/D/D Oblivion King Abyss Ragnarok!"

Another king on a throne emerged, wearing ancient-looking golden armour. Dark mist floated around the king and seeped under his armour, surrounding his body and forming tentacles that slipped everywhere. Bloody red eyes stared at Vector.

[D/D/D Oblivion King Abyss Ragnarok (8*/S5/2200/3000/DARK/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect)]

"I'll then activate the effect of D/D/D Oblivion King Abyss Ragnarok. I can Special Summon any "D/D/D" monster from my graveyard!" Genghis hadn't been summoned properly, and Kali Yuga had been negated. The answer was regrettably obvious. "Return to the field—D/D/D Gust King Alexander!" The green-themed king reappeared, surrounded by bright gusts of wind. "And I will Normal Summon D/D Ghost."

A yellow crystal appeared on the field, the shadow of a dark cat floating within it, ominous in appearance.

[D/D Ghost (2*/600/300/DARK/Fiend/Tuner/Effect)]

"D/D/D Oblivion King Abyss Ragnarok's effect!" Reiji pointed forward. "I'll tribute another "D/D" monster and target one of your monsters—and I can banish it. I will tribute D/D Jackal and Gagaga Umbral!"

"Gagaga Umbral's effect," Vector said, snapping his fingers. "I'll detach an Overlay Unit and send a card from the top of your Deck to the graveyard!"

The top card flipped over.

"A monster," Vector said. "Guess I'll be weakening all your monsters more…"

[D/D Ghost: 600 - 1000 = 0ATK]

[D/D/D Oblivion King Abyss Ragnarok: 2200 - 1000 = 1200ATK]

[D/D/D Gust King Alexander: 2500 - 1000 = 1500ATK]

[D/D Gryphon: 200 - 1000 = 0ATK]

Then, his monster vanished from the field.

If his monsters were weakened, then… it didn't make sense to continue with his original plan. Reiji shifted gears immediately. "Swing, pendulum. Pendulum Summon—D/D Cerberus!" A three-headed blue dog appeared on the field, letting out a loud set of barks.

[D/D Cerberus (4*/S6/1800/600/DARK/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect)]

"Since D/D Cerberus was Pendulum Summoned from the hand while I control another "D/D" monster, I can add a Continuous Spell from my graveyard to my hand. I'll add Dark Contract with the Gate back to my hand." He played the Spell, filling up another zone. "I will tune the Level 2 D/D Ghost to the Level 4 D/D Gryphon and the Level 4 D/D Cerberus! King of the swiftest gales, ascend now into a new form, and tear through the night with your power! Synchro Summon! Level 10! D/D/D Gust High King Alexander!" Alexander's evolved form appeared on the field, his cape majestically spreading out behind him in the shape of wings.

[D/D/D Gust High King Alexander (10*/3000/2500/WIND/Fiend/Synchro/Effect)]

"D/D Ghost's effect triggers. I can target a "D/D" monster in my graveyard and send a monster with the same name from my deck to the graveyard. I will mill another copy of D/D Lilith. Then, the original Alexander's effect triggers as well. Since a "D/D" monster was Special Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "D/D" monster from my graveyard. Return to the field—D/D Lilith!" In Defense Position, the pink and blue demon reappeared.

"Comboing off pretty well," Vector said. "Not bad…"

"D/D Lilith's effect. I will add a "D/D" monster from my graveyard or face-up in my Extra Deck to my hand. I'll add D/D/D Wave King Caesar back to my 'hand', and with that, it will return to the Extra Deck." He simply needed to recycle his cards… "I will then activate D/D Savant Thomas's Pendulum Effect. I will add a "D/D" monster from my Extra Deck back to my hand—I choose D/D Jackal."

"It's just a never ending loop that stops you from paying your own costs," Vector said. Then, his eyes widened and he smirked. "… capitalist."

"I am a CEO."

"Yeah? And maybe I was some kind of rich guy in my past life too, but who cares? Eat the rich."

"… I suppose. I will activate the Continuous Spell, Dark Contract with the Gate." He placed down the card that he had retrieved earlier—the same card he'd sent to the graveyard for Lamia's effect earlier. "I can add a "D/D" monster from my deck to my hand—I choose D/D Scale Surveyor! And now, since I control a "D/D" Pendulum Monster Card, I can Special Summon D/D Scale Surveyor from my hand!" A white mummy-like monster with orange orbs embedded in its body appeared on the field, with a long ruler attached to the front of its body, longer than the height of its body.

[D/D Scale Surveyor (2*/S9/0/1000/DARK/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect)]

"When Special Summoned, Scale Surveyor's Level becomes 4." The ruler shifted—the fiend behind it let out a hiss.

[D/D Scale Surveyor: 2* → 4*]

"I'll overlay the Level 4 D/D Scale Surveyor and the Level 4 D/D Lilith! Xyz Summon—return to the field, D/D/D Wave King Caesar!" The water-themed king reappeared on the field. "When I control at least three "D/D/D" monsters, D/D/D Gust High King Alexander gains 3000 attack points!"

[D/D/D Gust High King Alexander: 3000 + 3000 = 6000ATK]

"I summoned an Xyz Monster," Reiji continued. "I can banish a card on the field or in the graveyard—I will banish your set card!"

If he got rid of that card and a single hit landed this turn, there was a good chance that Vector lost anyway—

The set card flipped over. "Like I said, you don't have Siegfried anymore," Vector said, grinning. "Let's try this! Quickplay Spell—Rank-Up-Magic Umbral Dystopia! I'll target Gagagaga Girl and Rank Up my monster by a single Rank!"

… interesting…

"In this chaotic world, descend and bring death to all that oppose me!" Vector flicked a hand through the air. "Rank-Up-Xyz-Change! Rank 5! Number 5!"

He had another Number?

Vector seemed to read his thoughts. For a brief moment, there was something sad on his face—then, it was gone, as though it had never existed at all. "Perishing Gloom Dragon! Death Chimaera Dragon!"

A large purple dragon appeared. There was a silver frame around its body—looking almost skeletal, surrounding its torso and head and extending outwards to frame its form. Its wings were formed from ghastly, detached feathers, in a spectrum of purples and greys. It let out a loud roar that was nothing close to majestic—instead, it resembled a screech, one that was monstrous and sharp.

[Number 5: Perishing Gloom Dragon, Death Chimaera Dragon (R5/0/0/DARK/Dragon/Xyz/Effect) (OU:2)]

"... you're foolish," Reiji said. "I already told you that my Continuous Spell does not target."

"Try me," Vector challenged.

"I'll banish Death Chimaera Dragon."

"Perfectly fine." The monster vanished. "Did you know that my Xyz Summon still happened—so Umbral Dystopia's effect still triggers?"

… then, what he meant was…

Vector clenched a fist. "I can destroy all other monsters on the field that were Special Summoned from the Extra Deck!"

"Caesar's effect," Reiji countered, detaching one of the Xyz Monster's Overlay Units.

[D/D/D Wave King Caesar: OU:2 - 1 = OU:1]

All of Reiji's monsters shattered—but it didn't really matter.

"Caesar's other effect. Since he was sent to the graveyard, I will add another "Dark Contract" card from my deck to my hand." He picked up the card. "And D/D Count Surveyor's effect. Since it was sent to the graveyard, I can return a "D/D" Pendulum Monster Card I control to the hand. D/D Savant Thomas!" He picked up his own monster.

Summoning his other Number just as a way to destroy my field, despite knowing he won't get to use it any further…

How… utilitarian. Still, I can't hesitate to cut him down.

"Continuous Spell, Dark Contract with the Swamp King!" A third Dark Contract appeared on the field. "Once per turn, I can perform a Fusion Summon of a Fiend Fusion Monster using materials from my hand or field—or, if I am summoning a "D/D/D" Fusion Monster, I can banish materials from the graveyard as well! I will banish D/D Ghost and D/D Lilith from the graveyard!" The two monsters disappeared into a vortex behind him. "Proud genius, be absorbed into the arcane swirl that takes in all forms! Be reborn into a new king! Fusion Summon! Come forth, ruler who carries the glory of God! D/D/D Oracle King d'Arc!" The pale, vampiric king appeared on the field, red and blue wings spreading out behind him.

[D/D/D Oracle King d'Arc (7*/2800/2000/DARK/Fiend/Fusion/Effect)]

"D/D Ghost's effect. I can return a banished "D/D" monster to the graveyard. I choose D/D Lamia." He put the card back in his graveyard. It wasn't like he could use Lamia now, but it was good as set-up for now. "D/D/D Oracle King d'Arc attacks Gagaga Magician! Oracle Charge!"

His monster dove forward, slicing straight through the spellcaster.

Vector: 1400 - 1300 = 100LP

"... I'll end my Battle Phase," Reiji said. "Caesar's effect. Return to my field!" Both forms of Alexander and Caesar reappeared on his field—at their original strength, though the evolved form of Alexander powered up a moment later, back to 6000. "I will end my turn."

"... seriously. What a disaster of a duel." Vector stared at his field. "You're… unbelievably hard to deal with, y'know."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Reiji said with a shrug.

Vector frowned, and then he let out a jackal-like laugh. "... it is! Boy. I didn't expect that. To compliment someone like you, I mean. What's wrong with me nowadays…"

"A lot," Reiji said bluntly.

"Nii-san…" Reira said, sounding somewhat appalled.

"No, your brother's right." Vector shook his head. "Well. You did just wipe my field again. What do you want to hear?"

… Reiji knew what the last blow of the duel would lead to—the burning question of who was your traitor this entire time? However, he still wasn't going to ask that now.

What did he want to hear…?

"Tell me honestly," he said. "You say now that you were used. But let's say that you knew what they were doing from the start. You seem intelligent enough to at least have a sense that something's not right—so then, why did you fall for it anyway? Were you truly able to muster up the hope for it?"

"... isn't hope the most poisonous thing?" Vector quipped. "Hah. Asking about me, instead of the bigger picture… you're not what I thought you were. Well, it's simple. It's because it was the only way for me to guarantee my victory, no matter the result of this war."

Reiji nodded.

… he thought so.

"If I'm strong enough, then I can stay alive. If Academia wins, then it just means that I was strong enough—and I can use the things they give me to stay alive, too, no? And they'll return Yuma to me—or I can learn about the way that they revive people from their cards and use it. And if you guys and the Resistance win, I'll get Yuma back. But let's say that I stayed with you goody-two-shoes. If you won, I get him back. But if I lose… I don't get that chance."

He shook his head.

"What's the point of doing something right if I don't guarantee that I get what I want?"

"... ridiculous," Reiji said.

"I win no matter what." Vector grinned. "That's the game I want to play… even if it drags me all the way down. That enough truth for you?"

"... it's truthful, if immoral."

"Please, you told me what you think already too." The orange-haired boy made eye contact. "Just because it's selfish, just because it's more personal than your lofty goals… doesn't make me wrong, Reiji Akaba. And you know what? If it takes me back to the point where I can see that person again, I won't care what sin I have to be stained with!"

[Turn 7: Vector] [H:4]

"Draw! It's my Standby Phase—gonna bring out that jackal of yours?"

"This time, there's no need," Reiji said indifferently. "While I control D/D/D Oracle King d'Arc, all effect damage a player takes becomes life points for me. I would take 3000 damage from Caesar's effect—thus, I gain 3000 life points."

Reiji: 4200 + 1000 x 3 = 7200LP

"... you really are a bit disgusting with those cards," Vector said. "What's a guy supposed to do, huh… it's not like I can just lie down and lose."

He twirled around a card between his fingers, before revealing it.

"Spell Card, Rank-Up Return. I'll add a "Rank-Up-Magic" card from my graveyard to my hand. I'll add Rank-Up-Magic Umbral Dystopia back to my hand!"

So he had that field nuke again, huh…

"I'll activate the Spell Card, Pot of Avarice! I'll shuffle Number 98: King of Despair, Hopeless into the Extra Deck, along with Gagagaga Girl, and I'll shuffle Gogogo Goblindbergh, Gogogo Gigas and Astraltopia into the deck to draw two cards!" He cycled out the two cards. "I'll then Normal Summon Dododo Witch!" A female warrior in a helmet with horns on it appeared on the field.

[Dododo Witch (4*/1200/1600/EARTH/Warrior/Effect)]

"With her effect, I can Special Summon another "Dododo" monster from my hand, in either face-up Attack Position or facedown Defense Position! I'll Special Summon Dododo Driver!" A warrior wearing mechanical brown and grey armour appeared, its helmet similar to Dododo Witch. It was pulling on a heavy caravan.

[Dododo Driver (4*/1800/200/EARTH/Warrior/Effect)]

"Overlaying my two Level 4 monsters!" Vector declared. "King of Despair - Hopeless!" His monster emerged on the field, his white and black armour as imposing as ever. "Then, I'll activate my Rank-Up-Magic again!"

"You're Ranking Up your Number?"

"... I heard that the Arclight brothers were planning on doing something to give their Numbers evolutions," Vector said with a shrug. "I don't have it though. Just using it as material." His main Number vanished from the field. "Ranking Up my monster by one Rank! Incarnation of despair governing all darkness and chaos, emerge now and take charge of this field—and restore control to your cruel hands! Rank-Up-Xyz-Change! Rank 5! Despondent King of Dystopia, Hopeless V!"

Hopeless reappeared on the field—but now, his wings were reaching outwards, made of black metal that shimmered, several dark sharp layers covering each other like feathers. It had six wings, reaching out behind it, shaped like the wings of a wyvern. He held up two swords in the air diagonally, pointing them upwards to form the shape of a 'V'. Shadows shrouded and wrapped around its legs. There was an enormous silver crown on the warrior's head—in the middle of the circlet was a black gem that pulsated oddly.

[Despondent King of Dystopia, Hopeless V (R5/2500/3000/DARK/Warrior/Xyz/Effect) (OU:3)]

"Of course, Umbral Dystopia attaches itself to that monster as an Overlay Unit!"

[Despondent King of Dystopia, Hopeless V: OU:3 + 1 = OU:4]

"I will activate Umbral Dystopia's effect. I will destroy all monsters on the field Special Summoned from the Extra Deck!"

Once again, Vector wiped out Reiji's entire field—Hopeless's attack points shooting up.

[Despondent King of Dystopia, Hopeless V: 2500 + 1000 x 4 = 6500ATK]

"Since Hopeless V was Xyz Summoned with at least one of the Onomatopoeia gang as material, he cannot be targeted or destroyed by card effects," Vector continued. He pointed directly at Reiji. "... attack directly, Hopeless V!"

Reiji considered summoning Jackal from his hand, but…

He shook his head—and took the attack head-on. Hopeless V raised its swords in the air and slashed down—Reiji was thrown back, hitting the ground. His scarf swung through the air in a frenzy as dust kicked into the air.

Reiji: 7200 - 6500 = 700LP

This force… Reira was right.

This man is gifted with something supernatural.

Reira took a step forward, as though to help him. Reiji shook his head and stood up by himself—barely hurt at all.

If I summon Jackal to protect myself now, I lose a card from my hand and still take all the damage from my Contracts next turn.

This is the only option.

Still. It stings.

"Ending my turn. If you can beat this guy…" Vector laughed. "I'll accept my defeat. So? Win against the monster, win my life. That's all there is to it. It's… about time for me to give up… anyway…"

Reiji stared at him.

"What? Aren't you starting your turn?"

"... I am." Reiji narrowed his eyes. "But… I think it's time that you tell me what you wanted me to do for you. At the start of this duel, you asked me for a favour. What did you want?"

"... hah." Vector shook his head. "... if you win. Please. Don't let them take any more from me. When you win, and I come back to life—"

His words tasted of defeat, and yet, of certainty.

"Please make it so that I come back to everything still here. Nue. Kurosaki. Hell, even Kaito. And the people who aren't in Heartland at all. I don't care if I die, but the idea of coming back and not having everyone here… I can't bear it. It's a selfish thought, but I want to keep it all. I need to keep it all." He raised a hand to his face—briefly, he turned away, as though to hide himself. Reiji couldn't see his eyes. "That's all I wanted."

Reiji heard Reira make a quiet sound. He thought that she might have cried—he did her the favour of not looking at her, so that she wouldn't be embarrassed.

The words left a heavy weight in Reiji's mind as well.

"... Rui Shingetsu," he finally said. "... you and your friends do not deserve this."

Vector didn't respond. He was still looking away.

"But," he continued, "you are still responsible for the decisions you have made."

And yet, it had become so difficult to judge these things, in this war.

"I know," Vector said. "That's why I came to die, isn't it?" He finally turned back, no trace of sorrow in his eyes.

"Do you think dying is your redemption?" It was harsh, but Reiji pushed anyway. "The hearts you break, the lives you take, can this selfish death ever be enough to make up for them?"

"You misunderstand." A dry chuckle. "My redemption isn't my death. It's the words I speak to you, Reiji Akaba. My death is just my only escape from this war." He looked in Reiji's eyes. "Do you pity me?"

Reiji examined his feelings. He responded honestly. "I do not," he said. "... pity would require me to think of you as a lesser person. I do not."

"... good." Vector just sounded… resigned. "... then… kill me without pity, at least."

He did not say 'please'. Reiji thought he heard the plea anyway.

"... alright, Rui Shingetsu," Reiji said. "I'll bring this to a close—against all the strength you have left to muster."

[Turn 8: Reiji] [H:3]

"Draw. During the Draw Phase, I can Special Summon D/D Jackal from my hand."

"... once per turn, when my opponent would Special Summon a monster with an effect, I can activate Hopeless V's effect." Vector pointed forward. "I can detach an Overlay Unit and negate that effect."

[Despondent King of Dystopia, Hopeless V: OU:4 - 1 = OU:3]

"Do you have a way to protect yourself," Vector said, "or are you going to be buried under your own contracts?"

"... I would never be," Reiji responded. "... that is the one way I refuse to lose, if I lose at all. These contracts…"

Are how I make my allies.

Every single Lancer I have is bound to me by silent contract. They are my investments and unknowing partners. They are the kind of investments that no wise man would give up.

I may not have taken good care of them in the past.

But I vow again and again to do so.

"Trap Card, Contract Laundering." He revealed the last set card on his field. "I'll destroy every "Dark Contract" card on my field—and draw a card for each one, while also gaining 1000 life points for each." One by one, every single Continuous Spell vanished from the field—Reiji's life points shot up, reversing back to the start of the duel.

Entities, the Gate, the Swamp King.

All of them swept away—three cards to Reiji's hand.

Reiji: 700 + 1000 x 3 = 3700LP

I'll defeat you—as you wish.

That is the only dignity left for you.

"I discard D/D Savant Newton from my hand," he said. "I will add a "Dark Contract" card from my graveyard to my hand. The card I choose is Dark Contract with the Swamp King—and I'll activate it. I will banish D/D/D Gust King Alexander and D/D/D Oracle King d'Arc from the graveyard to perform a Fusion Summon!"

How strange.

I never thought I would feel this way about dispatching an enemy.

"Crush the twilight of gods, and with the force of your surging wave, open up a new world! Fusion Summon! Come before me, autocratic god of limits!"

… this strange… regret.

"D/D/D Wave Oblivion King Caesar Ragnarok!"

A tall, armoured dark figure appeared on the field, spikes covering his armour. He had streaks of water floating in the air around him, mixed with odd, deformed shadows. A tattered green cape swept out behind him. Glowing orange lines flowed through his dark body.

[D/D/D Wave Oblivion King Caesar Ragnarok (10*/3200/3000/DARK/Fiend/Fusion/Effect)]

… this was this card's first time being used.

… he supposed it was on a worthy opponent.

"Erase it all," Reiji ordered. "D/D/D Wave Oblivion King Caesar Ragnarok attacks your vanguard! The End of Judgement!"

Vector watched him silently. Waiting for his next move.

"When D/D/D Wave Oblivion King Caesar Ragnarok battles a monster, I can return a "D/D" or "Dark Contract" card from my field to my hand." Reiji picked up Dark Contract with the Swamp King. Caesar Ragnarok slammed his fist into the ground. "Then… I can equip a monster on the field to him."

Vector closed his eyes.

No.

Rui Shingetsu closed his eyes.

"I equip Despondent King of Dystopia, Hopeless to him," Reiji said.

And Vector's monster… dissolved into shadows. They flew across the field, absorbed into the king's fist.

"... and because this happens on attack declaration, I am allowed a replay." Reiji pointed forward. "... D/D/D Wave Oblivion King Caesar Ragnarok gains attack points equal to the original attack points of the monsters equipped to it."

[D/D/D Wave Oblivion King Caesar Ragnarok: 3200 + 2500 = 5700ATK]

"Attack… directly."

Caesar Ragnarok raised his fist.

"The End of Judgement."

And it slammed down.

A cloud of dust emerged.

---

I regret it, you know.

… that's what I can never be honest about. I'll lie about it to my last breath.

I regret everything that I've done.

I think if Yuma saw me, saw everything I did in his name…

Maybe I'd go back to being alone. Maybe he has his limits. Maybe there are some darknesses that cannot be accepted after all. Maybe I'm just… not cut out to be a good person.

Hey, tell me.

Is this… okay?

I said I'd only use this deck, the one you love so much, the one I said I'd give to you when you enter duel school… when I wasn't shaming your name.

Hey. Is this okay?

I think right now… maybe I'm not shaming you.

Who am I kidding?

The fact that I've given up… maybe that is the greatest shame of all. Forgive me for being a coward, please…

Forgive me for not being strong enough to go on without you.

Even though I still had so much left to protect.

Like… Nue.

I'll never be able to say it, but I was a little in love with her once… but in the same way that a fish loves water. That 'love' can't be considered something romantic, because it's less a partnership than it is desperation. I needed her respect and dreaded her fragility. I demanded her leadership because it was a way for me to shirk responsibility.

I love Nue Kamisoka. But it's the exact same kind of toxic love that that man has for her, too. The kind of love that only ruins and destroys someone else.

… in fact, there's only one other person who's ever come close to her in that regard, in 'love', whatever amount of it I can feel…

And that person can never feel the same for me. In fact, she'd prefer that I never speak of it at all. She'd prefer I die than ever speak of it.

That person is not for me.

… hah. I'm so rotten. Maybe I'm doomed never to be loved.

… I think I know what it is. I'm broken—I do not love in the ways that other people love.

Aromantic, he remembered Nue mentioning once. A lack of romantic attraction. He'd told her about his feelings, and she'd responded—

"There's nothing broken about you. There's nothing wrong with not feeling that way. You're still you."

"People expect it, you know."

"Well, you're not going to hear me complain about you not being in love with me, are you kidding me?" Nue laughed. "Enough of this. You're my friend, you know. You don't need to figure out anything else until you want to."

… hah.

I'm so in over my head, but I still can't bring myself to dig a way out.

… I can't bring myself to dig that girl the hole she deserves, even though there's nothing between her and me other than the 'possibility' of affection.

Maybe I am pathetic after all.

If I deserve to be punished, doesn't she?

---

The smoke cleared.

Vector: 100 - 5700 = 0LP

Winner: Reiji Akaba!

Rui raised his head. He spoke a single name.

"... I thought so," Reiji said.

Rui snorted. "Then you should have stopped her." The bracelet on his wrist was beeping now, but… he seemed to accept it with dignity. "Well. I suppose you didn't even suspect her until we started this duel. I probably gave you the last hints you needed."

"You did." Reiji looked at him. "And, she is…"

Another sentence, one that made Reiji's eyes widen. But after a moment, he nodded stoically.

"... that's all I need from you. You can rest."

"Rest?" Rui shook his head, laughing. He sounded… relieved. "... not sure I'll rest easy."

He raised his head—his hands rising to the air, that one beeping bracelet's sounds getting faster.

"Can you give my Numbers to Nue?" He said. "She'll know who they should go to."

"... I will."

"Good." He glanced at Reira. "Take care, kid."

And then, he shouted towards the sky.

"That's all! Are you happy?"

He stomped a foot on the ground.

"That's… all. I dedicate this loss to the loss that Academia will suffer in the long run! And remember that I, Vector, Rui Shingetsu, Rui Tsukumo, will bloody well die on my own terms!"

And then, he turned his own duel disk on himself.

Before the bracelet activated—

… nothing more needed to be said about that.

A single card fluttered to the ground.

Reira moved forward. She picked up the card. She looked… sorrowful.

Reiji closed his eyes.

That was the closest anyone has ever come to defeating me. Even against Sergey, he never exceeded my plans and expectations in quite the same way.

Rui Shingetsu, your loss is… a shame. You could have done… so much more without sacrificing yourself.

In the end, it was still a selfish act in your last moments—this entire duel was your own selfish death.

"... come on, Reira," he said. "... we need to see what kind of damage control we can do now."

This senseless self-destruction…

I wonder if all of your kind are capable of it, Nue Kamisoka.

He focused on the name he'd heard.

… we've made a mistake. I hope we have time to fix it.

But at the very least, even if she's in danger and we didn't realise it…

I've never known her to go down without a fight.

---

When Nue came completely to a stop, Shun noticed.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

Nue's fists were clenched. "... I felt like… something went wrong," she said. "... like he just…"

She shook her head.

"... I can't think about that now."

She kept going.

---

Serena looked around—the four walls of a cathedral greeted her, impossibly white and golden. Above her was a crystal clear blue sky. Nearby, there were the sounds of birds chirping.

… of course, none of that was what Heartland should look like.

She glared at the figure in front of her. "I recognise this technology," she muttered. "Yuri had it… but it's only for high-ranking members of Academia. Who… exactly are you?"

At the front of the cathedral was a single piano—one taller than Serena. It stood in front of a stained glass window—the mosaic of glass forming the shape of angels that fought each other.

Sitting at the piano bench, a crow on one shoulder and a dove on the other, Mariko Ejiri watched her. There was no playfulness in that expression—only a strange apathy. Her earrings dangled and seemed to glow under the bright light.

She looked like some kind of holy figure, but…

This girl was Academia. Serena had no qualms about accepting that fact. (Only frustration, that she'd been tricked.)

"Who am I?" Mariko said. She did not smirk. "Are you still blind to it?"

"I'm not!" Serena snapped. "I know you're from Academia. But you said you were taking me by a more direct route. You tricked me? You tricked the Resistance?"

The silver-haired girl shrugged. "I tricked them," she said, "and I tricked you. I suppose that much is right."

She sighed. Then—

Mariko Ejiri turned back to her, adjusting one of her earrings. "A duel, and the priority target comes back to Academia. Is that the deal you've been offered all this time?" She did not smirk. There was no triumph, no arrogance, nothing like most of the people that Serena had met in this war.

In fact…

It just looked like a large burden had been taken off her shoulders.

"That's the deal I offer then." She drew a hand through her hair. "Win against me, and I'll let you go. Lose to me, I take you back. How… does that sound, Serena Akaba?"

"I'm not dueling you until I figure it out!" Because… this girl had looked like she belonged here. She'd smiled and joked, explained the Resistance's defences, even helped to strike against Academia. What reason could she have for doing all of this? How could she have been working with Academia all along?

What reason would she have to have spent two years lying to everyone here?

"Are you… a lieutenant? A spy like Dennis? Who are you?"

"Yes to the first," Mariko said, "and yes to the second." She tapped the bench. The birds around her flew away. "For the last… you're hearing me talk in this way and can't figure it out? My voice is exactly what it's supposed to be now—not higher, not lower."

"I don't. I don't understand what you're trying to tell me!"

"You want to know so badly?" Mariko flicked a finger towards herself. "Then look at me. Stop being blind and look at me."

Serena stared at her. "I don't see what you want—"

"You of all people have no excuse. And, I suppose, neither does Sora Shiun'in. But I said to look." She stood up. "To look at my hair." Silver. "My eyes." Blue. "What is my name, Serena Akaba? What is it?"

Mariko Ejiri.

Mariko… Ejiri…

"Distort it the way I distorted it," Mariko continued. "What do you get?"

Ejiri. That last name didn't have any meaning, but…

'Ji' was 'two'.

… the second.

Serena's mouth opened and closed.

"Have you figured it out?" Mariko said, as though she was just talking about the weather. "The truth that barely anyone else has?"

Serena breathed out slowly.

"Your name," she said, "was written… true glass child."

"It is," Mariko said.

"But your actual name…"

What a frightening truth…

"Is written… 'eternal glass', right?"

"You have it," Mariko said after a moment. "So? Does that make it clear why I've betrayed you?"

"You'd have had to be on our side first," Serena declared, absolutely furious. "And you're not. You've never been, Eri Phoenix!"

The First Lieutenant of the Heartland Occupation Force looked back at her—and Serena knew that she was correct. This girl, who had hidden her name and her origin—and even her true appearance, from her own comrades for so long…

This girl was exactly who Serena thought she was.

"I've never been," she agreed. "So? What will your answer be? Duel me… or surrender?"

---

OC Cards:

D/D Jackal

(1*/S4/0/1400/DARK/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect)

Pendulum Effect: If you control no cards in your other Pendulum Zone: You can destroy this card; add 1 "D/D" Pendulum Monster from your Deck to your hand, but you cannot activate cards in the Pendulum Zones this turn, except "D/D" monsters. You can only activate this effect of "D/D Jackal" once per Duel.

During either player's turn: You can Special Summon this card from your hand, and if you do, for the rest of this turn, any effect that would inflict damage to you makes you gain that much LP, instead. (Quick Effect) If you control a "D/D" monster: You can banish this card from your GY; target 1 Spell/Trap in your GY that mentions "D/D" in its card text, and if you do, Set it to your field. You can activate that card this turn. You can only activate each effect of "D/D Jackal" once per turn.

Gagaga Umbral

(R4/2700/1000/DARK/Spellcaster/Xyz/Effect)

3 Level 4 monsters

(This card is always treated as a "Umbral Horror" card.)

If this card is Xyz Summoned: You can look at the top 5 cards of your opponent's Deck (or their entire Deck, if less than 5), and if you do, place them on top of the Deck in any order. If a card is sent from the Deck to the GY: You can Special Summon 1 "Gagaga" monster from your Deck in Attack Position. During either player's turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; send the top card of your opponent's Deck to the GY, then apply the following effect depending on the Type of the card sent to the GY:

- Monster: All monsters your opponent currently controls with the same Type lose 1000 ATK.

- Spell: Add 1 Level 4 monster from your GY to your hand.

- Trap: Your monsters cannot be targeted or destroyed by card effects this turn.

You can only activate each effect of "Gagaga Umbral" once per turn.

Rank-Up-Magic Umbral Dystopia

(Spell/Quickplay)

Target 1 face-up Xyz Monster you control; Special Summon from your Extra Deck, 1 "Umbral Horror", "Hope" or "Number" monster that is 1 Rank higher than that target, by using that target as the Xyz Material, and if you do, attach this card to it as additional material. (This Special Summon is treated as an Xyz Summon. Xyz Materials attached to that target also become Xyz Materials on the Summoned monster.) The monster Summoned with this effect gains the following effect:

- If it is Xyz Summoned: Destroy all other monsters on the field that were Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, and if you do, this card gains 1000 ATK for each card you control that was sent to the GY by this effect.

You can only activate "Rank-Up-Magic Umbral Dystopia" once per turn.

Despondent King of Dystopia, Hopeless V

(R5/2500/3000/DARK/Warrior/Xyz/Effect)

2 Level 5 monsters

If this card is Xyz Summoned, if it has a "Hope", "Gagaga", "Gogogo", "Dododo" and/or "Zubaba" monster as Xyz Material: This card cannot be targeted or destroyed by card effects while it is face-up on the field. If your opponent activates an effect that includes Special Summoning a monster: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; negate that effect. If this card is destroyed by battle: You can Special Summon 1 "Hope" Xyz Monster from your GY, and if you do, attach this card to that monster as Xyz Material. You can only activate each effect of "Despondent King of Dystopia, Hopeless V" once per turn.

Trivia: Design-wise, a hybrid of Dystopia the Despondent (the ZEXAL manga final boss monster) and Antitopian. Fun monster! Everyone that thought that he would eventually summon a "Hope" monster was completely right—but it's a different kind of monster.

---

Different Card Effects from TCG:

Masquerade Magician Umbral - Treated as a "Umbral Horror" monster.

Rank-Up Return - Anime-only card from ZEXAL.

---

End Notes:

Trigger warnings: Suicidal ideation, hallucinations, implied assisted suicide

This man's so unwell. Then again, it is Vector.

This chapter is full of events that don't need to happen. Rui could have told Reiji things and it would all have been settled there, and he could have turned over a new leaf, worked with the Lancers, been a good guy. But he doesn't do any of that. That's the point of it, of course! In ZEXAL, it's not until the very end when he's willing to swallow his pride and accept even a sliver of redemption—and even so, he does not want to live. That's the energy that this Vector is written with—even if he's become a better person and got his chances earlier, he's squandered them all the same—and he knows it. He can't live like that. From the start, when I put his character in this fic, I never had any expectations that he would live past this arc.

I did a tier list once on which canon characters I like writing the most, and Reiji ranked around the middle. He's really interesting to me because 6ARC Reiji straddles the line between that cold, insensitive asshole that is canon Reiji and something… softer. To be honest, if I met canon Reiji, I would punch this man in the face, even if I would also think he's the coolest guy ever.

But this Reiji? This Reiji is what I wish canon Reiji was like. Someone whose flaws are addressed by the narrative in a way that has meaning and impacts the plot. We see in canon a lot that Reiji has passion, but it's specifically to do with his father—and he doesn't quite recognise that personal stake. He's incapable of recognising his own vulnerabilities—yet he is still intelligent, still skilled, still undeniably competent. In the end, what I wanted from him was someone 'more human'.

You can sort of tell that I think a bit too much about Reiji's deck because of that. Siegfried looking like Reiji has been something I think about constantly.

There are some things that I sort of lay the groundwork for in terms of character parallels, even before I'm sure that I'll get to show them off. These are usually smaller points, things that I want available for me later on. Vector and Mariko both having Xyz Import was one of those things—two people straddling both sides. The implication is that 6ARC Vector has some feelings for Mariko, though my personal headcanon has always been that Vector is somewhat greyromantic, so that's how he's written in the fic. The man's got enough issues that he's never quite figured that part out—obviously, I don't agree with what he says about himself here.

I try to keep Psychic Duelists and the like as smaller character-building details—because in a universe where Solid Vision exists, most people don't know the difference. :) Obviously there is a difference, but it's nice to just have it be something that a person can be.

In a very early version of this arc, Kaname and Vector were actually supposed to fight. They do both have the same… well. Feeling of never being able to be a good person.

On a lighter note, me to my partner while writing this chapter: "I think I'm one step away from accidentally writing Number 104/Gagaga Magician fic, help."

The Mariko reveal has been simmering for a while! I think most guesses were for her or Tsubaki, though no one's predicted this. We get a bit more elaboration on it next chapter, of course :) And once that's done, I'll put up a short list of clues for this too—because god, have I been obvious. Actually let's play a little game—list out all the hints you can find in this arc about the Mariko reveal. Trust me—I've given you plenty ;3 Person who finds the most gets to request a shorts chapter (my comfort level pending, of course! :)) But yeah. I've been waiting for 'her', for a while.

Review responses!

To TornadoXz825, apparently everyone was waiting for Cowboy for game, yeah! :)

To maryyassa523, yeah, they're pretty fun card names because of repetition to me though!

To Infernal Enby, yeah, I absolutely love the guy :)

To Oresama, yeah, she's not a bad sister, just... not as lucky as she was in her own fic, without her own plot armour. And yeah, I guess you could compare the similarities between the fic and the show!

To Yuzu Sasaki, I've heard about it!

To YuBoySalad, glad you're enjoying them so much!

Thank you to everyone who's read! Next chapter's going to be fun too, I just gotta write it fully :D