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[Max Darkness] Timeless Darkness (Chapter 6 Up)

Max Darkness

By Max Darkness
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[spoiler=[b]Author's Notes[/b]]

Time and Setting: Neo Domino City - YGO 5D's Episode 092 (Approx.)

 

Since I've hit writer's block with my Emissaries fic, I've decided to write something else until I can overcome it. I realise this has probably been done before, but considering the filler Konami has been churning out recently, this could probably be considered ground-breaking.

 

Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=[b]Prologue[/b]]

Darkness is eternal, as is light. One cannot exist without the other to balance it. And each relies on the other to survive. Light creates shadows and darkness is swallowed by radiance. This great equilibrium has held true for millennia, perhaps even from the beginning of time; and as such, it is often overlooked, ignored and taken for granted.

 

Such a delicate balance must always be preserved, lest the world becomes bathed in light or engulfed in darkness. As such, whenever a great light is born, an equally powerful darkness comes into being.

 

Five thousand years ago, it was the Crimson Dragon. Its existence forced the birth of the Earthbound Immortals, and they then initiated the creation of the Five Dragons; the very instruments of their demise. Now, when the Immortals rose again, fuelled by the Signers’ light, they once again clashed with their nemeses.

 

However, they were once again defeated, and their hosts, the Dark Signers were released. Yet the fact the Signers continued to exist meant the dark gods searched for new minions to continue the fight...

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=[b]1. An Immortal Slain[/b]]

Clustering stars will enlighten a new miracle. Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Arrive in light, Savior Star Dragon!

 

The divine dragon servant of the Crimson Dragon appeared in a wave of light, descending towards the battle field. As it flew towards the final Earthbound, Wiraqocha Rasca, it was surrounded by a glorious blue aura and accelerated. It tore through the once-invincible beast, and as it came around for a second pass, the ancient condor was reduced to cursed earth.

 

Saviour Star Dragon banked round and lunged at the King of the Underworld, becoming enveloped in the Crimson Dragon’s power. The monster from the netherworld attempted to counterattack, but was overpowered and destroyed as the dragon cut a path straight through it. With that, the area was coated in light and the final remnants of the Earthbound Immortals disappeared, the last being the final Nazca geoglyph.

 

Yusei’s victory over Godwin had great consequences for Neo Domino and Satellite, as years of prejudice and hatred were replaced with a feeling of mutual prosperity. It was several months later that the first of several meteorites landed near to the city, always removed quickly by the newly-reorganised Public Security Bureau.

 

Following these incidents, the Signers faced the challenges of the Machine Emperors, monsters that were designed to destroy the Five Dragons. This represented an imbalance of light and darkness. An ancient power had to step in and restore the equilibrium.

 

***

Hiro lay on the hospital bed, barely conscious. He had been in this condition since the Fortune Cup final, when he had been hit by flying debris thrown by Aki Izayoi’s intense psychic powers. Two men then entered the room, one in a doctor’s coat and the other a business suit.

 

“I’m sorry Mr. Mira. But I’m afraid there hasn’t been any improvement. I hate to suggest this, but it may be kinder to withdraw his life support.”

“...I see. You say there has been no change?”

“I’m afraid not. His pulse and breathing are barely registering. In many ways, your son is already dead.” The suited man sat down, holding his head in his hands. After what seemed like hours of silence, he finally stood up.

“If you are sure that there is no chance of recovery...then do it.” The doctor obliged and moved to the machine keeping the young man alive. Changing a few dials and switches, the lights of the machine faded and the pulse reading dropped to zero.

“You did the right thing.” The doctor said, trying to comfort the grief-stricken father. The pair left shortly afterwards.

 

During that night, the corpse began to stir. The right arm dropped off the bed and a purple glow covered it, before focussing into an arcane birthmark. The mark of the ancient god Ccapac Apu. A stream of purple light penetrated the thin sheet covering the body before throwing it off. Hiro opened his eyes, now black with sky-blue irises. Now a Dark Signer, born from Savoir Star Dragon’s light.

 

Getting up, and crossing the room, a cloudy dark aura surrounded him, transforming his appearance. His hospital gowns were replaced with the black and blue robes of a follower of the evil immortal and the dark mark was emblazoned onto his face. Smiling mildly sinisterly, he walked out into the rest of the ward.

 

Pacing quickly, he moved to a room not far from his own and entered. There on the bed was his old childhood friend Erika. She too had been involved in the accident that day, and had also been rendered comatose. Seeing Erika’s motionless body, Hiro became confused. The being that had approached him had claimed anyone wanting life would be granted the same powers as his own.

 

Hiro knew Ekira extremely well. Her will to succeed her parents was her main driving force. What puzzled Hiro was why she had not progressed to the same state as he had. The Earthbound inside him answered his question.

 

“She is yet to pass on.”

“What do you mean?”

“She still lives. She still breathes this world’s air. She has not yet crossed over to my realm.” The dark god continued.

“Not...passed on...” Hiro said, slightly taken aback. “So, if she dies, will you turn her into the same as me?”

“No. One of the others shall.” The voice replied. “The one that represents her life-force will inhabit her.”

“What do you represent?” Hiro asked.

“Look into your heart. What do you feel?”

“Anger. Anger at the fact I wasn’t able to protect her. You are that anger given form...”

“Indeed. When she passes on, her soul will choose her god.” With that, Hiro turned and left; slipping out of a fire escape before disappearing into the night.

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=[b]2. To Live You Must First Die[/b]]

Despite her comatose state, Erika’s mind continued to be raked with strange images. The doctors had told her parents that this extra activity in her brain was draining the rest of her body, and that it was only a matter of time before she died.

 

Unaware of her quiet surroundings, inside her mind she was surrounded by lights and visions. She saw the original battle between the Earthbounds and the Five Dragons, unsure what it was. This eventually faded to a different setting. A building she recognised as the Arcadia Movement’s headquarters.

 

The scene quickly changed as a pair of gigantic burning geoglyphs in the shapes of a stylised hummingbird and gecko appeared and damaged the surrounding area. She was then put in the eyes of someone, albeit with no control of her actions. She was in what looked like an office, a man with distinctive hair evidently facing off against her.

 

The body she was inhabiting drew a card out of a bizarre, dragon-inspired duel disk and summoned a monster; Fortune Lady Fire. The turn shifted to the other side. He summoned numerous monsters, including Magical Android and Storm Caller. Fortune Lady Light and Fire returned and the body summoned a monster Erika had never seen before, a Level 10 hummingbird-esque monster.

 

At this point, Erika’s point of view changed again, this time to a dark brown and black area. Quickly though, the area was consumed by orange light, and she seemed to rise out of the ground and soar up alongside the building, before drawing level behind the man 'she' had previously been duelling.

 

Erika looked down and her eyes widened, seeing the gigantic monster in all its dark glory. It moved forward and into the building causing multiple explosions. As the building was consumed by flames, a deep voice echoed in Erika’s mind.

 

“This is my power. You desire this power do you not?”

“This is...your power? What fuels this?” Erika asked confused.

“The fury of those slain by the light; their lost hopes and dreams; and their continuing lusts for dominance. You want that...I can provide it.”

“What are you talking about?” Erika questioned the voice.

“Your strength came from your wish to succeed your parents and those around you. You pushed yourself to gain that power. You yourself may have missed that goal, but I can give you what you need to achieve what you desire.”

“You can...give me what I want?”

“I am the embodiment of lust. The drive of many men. And I sense a drive inside you. I can help you.”

“I want that. I want you to help me...” Erika said, and the visions faded into blackness.

 

Outside Erika’s room, a second doctor was solemnly approaching an anxious couple.

 

“I’m sorry. She passed away late this evening. Her pulse steadily decreased and we were unable to stabilise her.” The couple stood in silence, taking the information in.

“Thank you doctor; I’m sure you did everything you could.” The couple slowly walked away to grieve in private.

 

Later that night, that room was bathed in a similar purple light as the dark god Aslla Piscu returned from his banishment in the earth. Erika gained the robes of a dark signer and Piscu’s mark, a simple dark red triangle underneath her left eye. She walked out of her room and moved to Hiro’s. Finding it empty, her awakened link with him flared and told her where he was. Climbing out of a different fire exit, she set off in pursuit.

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=[b]3. The Fury of an Earthbound[/b]]

Hiro walked quickly through Neo Domino’s darker streets, his robes cloaking him for most of the journey. As he walked, it began to rain, causing Hiro to smile. He imagined the sky weeping for the power he now carried. Strength the Signers thought they had vanquished, but due to their very existence, had allowed to grow.

 

Hiro continued, not completely sure where he was headed, but the voice inside him was willing him on. A sudden movement caught Hiro’s eye. He looked back and there were two ruffians standing in front of him, one brandishing an iron bar.

 

“I have no interest in you.” Stated Hiro flatly and moved to go around them.

“But we have an interest in you.” Retorted one of the pair. Hiro remained silent.

“If you want to pass, you’ll have to duel us!” The second commanded, revealing a Battle City-spec duel disk, the other doing the same. Hiro’s dark mark flared briefly, and his emotionless expression was replaced by one of sadistic malevolence.

“Very well. I will duel you. Just be prepared for the consequences.” Hiro pulled back his sleeve to reveal his dark signer duel disk, which automatically activated.

 

“Duel!”

 

Turn 1

 

“I’ll start things off.” Said the first thief “I activate Flames of the Alter. This spell inflicts 400 damage to all players each time a monster is Normal Summoned or Set.”

“Next, I use Hand Destruction. We all discard 2 cards and then draw 2 new ones.” All three players complied with the card’s effect. “Now, I activate Cocoon Party. So I Special Summon Chrysalis Pantail from my Deck in face-up Defense Position. I’ll end there.”

 

“Okay, my turn.” The second thief started. “I activate A Hero Arrives. By paying half my Life Points, I can Special Summon 1 Elemental Hero monster from my Deck. And I choose Elemental Hero Stratos.” The blue and silver-coloured hero flew up before slowly taking its position. “Elemental Hero Stratos’ effect. When this card is Summoned, I can add an “Elemental Hero” monster to my hand.”

 

“But that’s not all. I now activate Contingency Fee. You draw until you hold 6 cards and I gain 1000 Life Points for each one drawn.” Hiro drew one card and smiled at the drawn card. At this, the thief’s Life Points rose from 2000 to 3000. “I’ll put two cards face-down and end my turn.”

 

“Very well. My turn. Draw.” Hiro began as he calmly drew his card. “Firstly, I’ll activate Mausoleum of the Emperor from my hand. This card allows all players to Normal Summon or Set monsters without tributes by paying Life Points in exchange. As such, I now pay 2000 Life Points to summon a beast from the very earth. The behemoth that will claim your souls as sacrifices!

 

Sealed in the earth by blinding light, I shatter the chains restraining you. Incarnation of hate and anger! Arise Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu!

 

The area was swallowed in dark purple flames as the earth shook and cracked. The two thieves could not move; stunned by what they were seeing. Moments later, the ground was hewn in two and the god’s arm thrust itself into the sky, pulling itself free of its eternal prison.

 

“Now, since I Normal Summoned a monster, we all lose 400 Life Points. (Hiro LP: 1600 ; Thief 1 LP: 3600 ; Thief 2 LP: 2600) I now equip United We Stand to Ccapac Apu, increasing its ATK by 800. (Ccapac Apu ATK: 3000 → 3800). Ccapac Apu, attack my opponent directly!”

 

The colossal beast looked down at its opponent and reached forward, its hand glowing with accursed energies. The thief screamed horribly as the attack made contact. (Thief LP: 3600 → 0) The second thief was blown off his feet by the shockwave of the immortal’s attack and called out his accomplice’s name, not knowing what he was up against.

 

“He’s dead.” Hiro said coldly. “He was killed and his soul was absorbed by my Earthbound Immortal.” The thief swallowed hard.

 

“At least I’ve still got a turn left...” The man started.

 

“Unlikely.” Retorted Hiro. “I activate Earthbound Fury. This card allows my Earthbound Immortal to attack once again during my turn, but I must give up any number of Life Points between 0 and 2000. How many I don’t give up is drained from my Immortal. I pay 1000 Life Points to use Earthbound Fury. (Hiro LP: 1600 → 600) (Ccapac Apu ATK: 3800 → 2800). Ccapac Apu attacks directly!

 

“Noooo!” The thief’s scream would chill anyone who heard it. From a nearby rooftop, Erika watched with interest.

 

“So that is the power of the Earthbounds?” Erika asked.

“Indeed. And now you have that power. For eternity.” The voice in her mind replied. Erika let a cold smile cross her face and moved off the roof as the sun began to rise over the city. Hiro stood amongst several piles of debris, with most of the surrounding area heavily burnt. He was looking down at the monster’s card he had summoned.

 

“The fury of an Earthbound...and my anger...the two fuel each other...becoming every greater.” Hiro looked up and his eyes glowed with malevolent fire. As the sun continued to rise, the pair of Dark Signers continued to the destination desired by the gods, Old Momentum.

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=[b]4. A Debt to Repay[/b]]

Chilling flames engulf the entire world. Pitch-dark flower, set into bloom! Synchro Summon! Appear now, Black Rose Dragon!

 

The red and black beast roared and took flight as it was called, throwing debris into the air and surrounding stands. The Black Rose Witch had summoned her most powerful monster and it was about to unleash its wrath on her opponent.

“When it is Summoned, Black Rose Dragon can destroy all cards on the field. Black Rose Gale!” The dragon roared again, building up a powerful gust before releasing its anger on its foe.

 

The shockwave spread out and the Witch’s powers amplified it further, as it tore concrete and metal plates from the stadium before scattering them at high speed into the stands. Hiro watched in horror as people rushed to escape the destruction caused by the psychotic woman’s monster. As the blast wave neared his position, a large shard of concrete was hurled in his direction. He dived to escape it, but pain filled his mind before deep blackness.

 

Hiro awoke with a visible shock as he remembered the day his life was utterly changed. His initial fear was quickly replaced with anger as he visualised the suffering his situation had caused to those because of the Black Rose Witch. As his desire for vengeance grew, his dark mark glowed into life, as his negative emotions brought Ccapac Apu nearer to his conscience.

 

“You wish to harm this Black Rose Witch?” The evil deity inquired, already knowing the answer.

“Yes. So she can feel the pain I felt and inflicted.” Hiro replied, the lust for vengeance growing.

“Then do so. Unleash your rage on her as she did on you.” Hiro stood up, and the same black aura swallowed him as his Dark Signer robes re-materialised. Climbing out of Old Momentum, he strode to his Duel Runner before riding into the night.

 

As he rode, some of Hiro’s initial rage faded and a small amount of reason began to set in.

“How will I have any idea of where to find her?”

“She is a Signer. Your instincts will guide you.” The deep voice responded. Eventually, Hiro reached Aki Izoyai’s home and simply waited. After some time, his Earthbound’s mark glowed brightly, reacting to the Signer’s Mark of the Dragon. Seeing curtains part on the first floor, Hiro looked up at his next opponent; the Black Rose Witch.

 

Her face was hidden by shadows, but Hiro could discern a look of shock, possibly horror. This excited him, knowing he was able to make his foe feel what he did. A sneer appeared on his face as he contemplated the coming battle. It was not long before the front door opened and the Signer approached her antithesis, duel disk ready.

 

“Black Rose Witch...how good it is to see you again...” Hiro started. His statement clearly took Aki by surprise, since she had not been called that since she had defeated Misty Lola.

“Do I know you?” Aki asked, unsure of her connection.

“I guess I should refresh your memory. In the Fortune Cup, you commanded your dragon to wipe out the field. Your powers of course, made that effect real. And that attack almost killed me and the one I vowed to protect!” Hiro’s voice became angrier and he clenched his fist speaking his final words. Aki remained silent, refusing to believe she was responsible for such an act.

“Your attack left me in a coma, and as my life force faded, I was saved by an ancient deity. One who promised to let me get revenge on you, Black Rose Witch.”

“I am not the Black Rose Witch! That persona is dead! I am Aki Izoyai now! I’ve changed!” Aki shouted, becoming agitated at Hiro’s constant use of her old name.

“Not in my eyes it isn’t.” Hiro coldly replied. “In fact, I can still see that anger swirling in your own eyes now. As you grow angry, the Witch returns to the surface to wreak havoc on those you wish to harm.” A psychic aura began to grow around Aki as her emotions began to take control. Without saying a word, she drew a card from her Duel Disk and proceeded to summon it; Black Rose Dragon.

 

The dark dragon materialised and soared, eyeing its target, growling menacingly. Hiro softly laughed and shook his head.

“Black Rose, do you have no manners? If you wish to start a Duel, you must challenge me first...”

“I’ve heard enough, Dark Signer! Black Rose Dragon, Black Rose Flare!!” Aki screamed. As the attack homed in on him, Hiro didn’t move. The attack struck the area where Hiro’s Duel Runner had been idling and the other explosions from the blast flattened the trees surrounding the initial target. Before the smoke had cleared, a demonic screech was heard and from Hiro’s position, One-Hundred Eye Dragon flew up, trailing cinders.

“I’m not the only one who can play that game, Witch.” Hiro sinisterly said from within the cloud of dust. “One-Hundred Eye Dragon; Infinity Sight Stream!” The Dark Signer’s dragon gazed at the servant of the Crimson Dragon and roared, as it did so, every eye on its body opened and released ghastly purple light, before it launched a black-and-purple fireball from its mouth. Black Rose Dragon was engulfed by the attack and was promptly destroyed, falling to the ground in flames.

 

Aki couldn’t move. She had faced Dark Signers before, but this one was different; almost as if he had more control over the power he had accepted, and because of that, was more diligent. Aki released the gravity of the situation. Yusei was still in Crash Town, and Jack and Crow had departed earlier to help him. She and Ruka were the only Signers left; against a possible seven new Dark Signers.

 

As she did this, her dragon mark grew in luminescence. Hiro noticed this and sadistically mentioned that he only had business with Aki, he was not interested in defeating the other Signers. Only her.

 

“Black Rose Witch, I believe we have engaged in enough pleasantries. Now to business. You and I shall duel, tomorrow night, in an old haunt of yours. The Daimon Area. I do hope you can make it.” Hiro’s tone had switched from sadistic to purely disturbing. With that, he restarted his Duel Runner and sped off, leaving Aki stunned in front of her house.

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=[b]5. Tainted Light and Noble Darkness[/b]]

The Moon moved silently in the sky above the Daimon Area, clouds crossing it occasionally. Everything was so still, thought Hiro; comparing it to the mythical calm before the storm. He had been waiting since sundown, quietly contemplating the next few hours. Since showing up in his full Dark Signer attire would have resulted in severe problems, he was currently hiding it, waiting for his opponent.

 

The sound of an engine slowly broke through the tranquillity of the night, and Hiro instinctively relaxed, letting Ccapac Apu flow into his mind once again, transforming his appearance. Looking up, now with eyes black as the night sky, Hiro spied his opponent, Aki Izoyai.

 

“Good evening Black Rose; the pleasure is all mine.” Hiro stated flatly, the sarcasm evident in his voice. Aki didn’t respond at first, she simply removed her helmet and activated her duel disk. Soon after, she replied;

“How did you come back? We defeated you, and the King of the Underworld. You should all be gone.”

“If it were that simple...your existence allowed me to return.” Aki’s eyes widened at the line. “You see, currently there are two Signers in Neo Domino. Therefore, there is enough light for two Dark Signers to be created.” Hiro continued.

“Enough light? You are born from darkness.” Aki returned, clearly confused.

“That I am. Indeed, the reason I was chosen is because of the anger I hold in my heart. But it is because of the balance between light and darkness that I was reborn. Without that light, I wouldn’t have come back. Your light forced a dark counterbalance to be created. I am that darkness.”

“So as long as we live, you do too?”

“Indeed. Radiance creates shadows; eternally.”

“So are destined to fight also?”

“Yes, for as long as the vengeance burns in my soul, I desire to defeat you and give you the pain I felt. But perhaps this conversation might flow better if we had a little action.” At that, Hiro’s duel disk activated. The pair walked to the far ends of the Daimon Area, purple flames surrounding the field as Hiro took his place.

“Ladies first.” He said, with more than a tinge of sadism in his voice.

 

“Duel!”

 

“Draw! I summon “Twilight Rose Knight! My knight’s effect allows me to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Plant monster from my hand. I choose Violet Witch!

 

Chilling flames engulf the entire world. Pitch-dark flower, set into bloom! Synchro Summon! Appear now, Black Rose Dragon!

 

“Very original Black Rose Witch.” Aki’s eyes narrowed at the scathing comment.

“I activate Seed of Deception to Special Summon my Dark Verger. I then destroy it with Fragrance Storm to draw 1 card. I put one card face-down and end my turn.”

 

“An impressive start, but then your Deck was built to swarm wasn’t it? Draw.” Hiro looked at the drawn card and smiled. “This might be quite a nice start to our duel.”

 

“How so?”

 

“We’ll both be able to Summon our ace monsters during our first turn. I activate Terraforming, adding a Field Spell Card to my hand from my Deck. I choose and activate Pseudo Space. Now, I activate Bronze Knight. I discard any number of cards from my hand and I Special Summon a number of Bronze Knight Tokens equal to that number. I’ll discard two, and Special Summon two tokens. This is where the fun begins, my dear...”

 

Sealed in the earth by blinding light, I shatter the chains restraining you. Incarnation of hate and anger! Arise Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu!

 

Once again, the ground shock violently as the ancient deity was released from its prison. Ccapac Apu climbed out and gazed at Black Rose Dragon, servant of the Crimson Dragon.

 

“Now, my Earthbound attacks Black Rose Dragon!” The evil god reached forward and clasped its hand around Black Rose Dragon, which was quickly crushed by its opponent. (Aki LP: 4000 → 3400). “Ccapac Apu’s effect activates. When it destroys a monster, it inflicts damage to my opponent equal to its ATK. (Aki LP: 3400 → 1000)

 

As the dust settled, Aki’s psychic senses involuntarily activated, alerting her to Hiro’s state of mind.

 

‘He definitely is different to Misty’ she thought, ‘She had anger in her heart but it was nothing compared to this.’ Looking at Hiro’s Earthbound Immortal, she saw a red aura surrounding it, the aura emanating from Hiro. ‘He has a much stronger link with his monster than the original seven, and that’s a problem.’

 

“To end, I’ll set one card face-down.”

 

“My turn, draw! I activate my face-down card, Synchro Spirits. I remove Black Rose Dragon from play and Special Summon Twilight Rose Knight and Violet Witch in Defence Position. Then, I put two cards face-down and end my turn.” Aki thought desperately for a way to end this, or at least gain an advantage over the evil god facing her.

 

“Interesting, very interesting...I draw. I set one card face-down. Aki’s mind burned with questions.

 

“Are you wondering why I didn’t attack? Because then this duel would be no fun. And you wouldn’t suffer enough.” Hiro’s tone becoming much darker as he went on “I want you to feel what I did. I want you to experience the pain and despair I did at your hand. This is my way of atoning for my failure that day.”

 

“Your failure?” Asked Aki.

 

“I failed to protect the one I loved because of you Witch. Because of you, I let the one I swore to protect get hurt. I had to put my existence in the hands of an ancient being because of what you did! Don’t you understand?! You killed me! You fuelled my rebirth! And for that, I will drag you into the vortex of hatred and rage I now exist in! Prepare yourself, Black Rose Witch, to drown in the very sorrow you created!

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=[b]6. One Man's Anger, One Woman's Regret[/b]]

“I’ll kill you! Just like you killed me and everything I cared about! Prepare yourself Black Rose Witch!” Aki was shocked at the words her opponent had exclaimed. The aura around him was growing stronger by the minute and Aki could sense his desire to destroy her. Unlike Misty, whose will to battle was driven by her grief and the Earthbound’s rage; this Dark Signer delighted in his anger and it seemed almost that he controlled the Immortal, which made him even more deadly.

 

“My turn, draw! I summon Lord Poison. And then I activate Dimensional Regression, adding Black Rose Dragon back to my Deck; and Urgent Tuning, Synchro Summoning Black Rose Dragon once again!”

 

“When it is summoned, Black Rose Dragon can destroy all cards on the field. Black Rose Gale!” Hiro’s mind was suddenly filled with visions of that fateful day. The force of the dragon’s attack, the screams of people in the stands, and the final few seconds, as the concrete slab hurtled towards him and Erika. The visions ended as the dragon’s effect once again approached him.

 

“No! Not this time Witch!” Hiro screamed, his Dark Mark glowing ominously. “I activate Dark Illusion! If a card effect would destroy a DARK monster I control, this negates it and destroys the card in question: the Crimson Dragon’s servant, Black Rose Dragon!” A black mist spewed out of the card and consumed the Signer’s dragon, destroying it.

 

Aki looked at the few petals that fell to the ground, as the dark energy receded. In her heart, the fear of the inevitable began to grow. She looked at her opponent, and stared into his eyes. Black as pitch, except for the glowing blue irises; a vision of rage incarnate. “I set one cards face-down...and end my turn...” finished Aki, her mind filling with fear of her opponent.

 

“You would use the same effect on me to provoke a response?! Just like you, Witch! Now, I draw!” As he did so, the anger convulsing inside of him making his dark mark grow ever brighter. I activate Akashic Record, allowing me to draw two more cards. If, however, either has been played in this duel, they are removed from play. Luckily, neither of them have.”

 

“I guess I should get on with this. Ccapac Apu, destroy Lord Poison!” The cursed beast once again reached down.

“I activate Phantom Destruction! It flips your Pseudo Space face-down! And that of course activates your Earthbound’s effect, destroying it.”

 

Ccapac Apu began to lose form as the Field Spell’s image disappeared, before collapsing and turning to dust. “I end my turn...”

 

“Draw! I Summon my Witch of the Black Forest. Now, I’ll activate Shining Rebirth from my hand, allowing me to Synchro Summon my Black Rose Dragon from the Graveyard. I tune my Witch of the Black Forest and Rose Fairy!”

 

Chilling flames engulf the entire world. Pitch-dark flower, set into bloom! Synchro Summon! Appear now, Black Rose Dragon!

 

For the third time in the duel, the Signer dragon took flight, this time unhindered by Ccapac Apu.

 

“Black Rose Dragon! Direct attack! Black Rose Flare!” The dragon roared and launched the black and purple attack at Hiro, Aki’s psychic abilities turning it into a lethal force. Hiro was swallowed by the blast and howled at the pain. As the aftermaths of the attack cleared, Hiro looked up at Aki, eyes and mark glowing brighter than ever, but with evidence of the attack’s ferocity; his robes torn and his face scarred. (Hiro LP: 4000 → 1600)

 

“But I’m not done yet. Violet Witch, direct attack!” Hiro once again groaned with agony as the attack hit its target. (Hiro LP: 1600 → 500) “I end by placing two cards face-down.”

 

“Well, you might have been able to make this duel less one-sided, but I assure you, I will finish you during my next turn...and I’ll delight in your fear as you drown in my sorrow!”

 

“Draw! I’ll start by flipping Pseudo Space back up. I then activate Allure of Darkness. I draw two cards and remove 1 DARK monster in my hand from play. I choose Double Costen. That allows me to activate my face-down card Escape from the Dark Dimension, Special Summoning my Double Costen. I now send my Dark Tuner – Nightmare Hand to the Graveyard in order to Special Summon my Hardened Armed Dragon from my hand.”

 

“Next, I activate Earthbound Revival, adding two cards to my hand from my Graveyard. Specifically, a Field Spell Card and an Earthbound Immortal. I choose Mystic Plasma Zone and Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu! I tribute both Double Costen and Hardened Armed Dragon to Summon Ccapac Apu!”

 

Sealed in the earth by blinding light, I shatter the chains restraining you. Incarnation of hate and anger! Arise Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu!

 

The great god rose up again, taking its position, looking down at Aki’s dragon.

 

“Now, I’ll activate the Spell Card, Heavy Storm, to rid the field of any possible obstacles!” The wind picked up as the Dark Signer’s abilities converted the holograms into real weather. Aki’s face-down cards were ripped away, along with Pseudo Space. However, despite the lack of a field spell, Ccapac Apu remained where it was. Aki looked up as the squall died down, not believing what she was seeing.

 

“I take it you’re asking why my Earthbound is still standing. It’s simple, when Hardened Armed Dragon is tributed for a Level 7 or higher monster, the summoned monster becomes immune to destructive card effects, including its own. So, my Immortal no longer needs a Field Spell to exist! And now, just to make sure I end this, I equip Axe of Despair to Ccapac Apu, giving it 1000 more ATK. (Ccapac Apu ATK: 3000 → 4000) Now, Ccapac Apu! Direct attack!” The god raised its weapon and swung it down onto Aki. As it came towards her, Aki was frozen by fear. Just before the attack struck, her vision was coated in blackness.

 

When the darkness receded, she found herself on a small section of rocky land, surrounded by red and blue waters. She looked around, finding nothing. Just then, a deep voice called out from the thick mist covering the area.

 

“You, who fell in battle against an envoy of darkness; what do you hold in your heart?” Aki remained silent for a few moments, before finally replying softly,

“Regret. I know that man was telling the truth. My anger and despair at the world led me to kill him that day. And it’s too late to do anything about it...” Aki’s eyes began to fill with tears as she contemplated what she had done while with the Arcadia Movement. She had sat by, watching others tested to, and beyond, their limit by Divine; all the time, not caring for them. And she knew that more than a few of them had not survived. “I let my hatred cloud my vision. And now all I have in my heart is despair and sorrow. Nothing anyone would want.”

 

“Perhaps.” The voice replied. “But you can atone for your actions.”

 

“How?” Aki responded, anxious to find a way to repent for what she had done, the surrounding area amplifying her feelings of guilt.

 

“By giving yourself to me. I was born from those dark emotions. I thrive on them. I will take them from you, and you can gain the forgiveness you desire. Is that not what you want?” The voice continued.

 

“Yes...it is...”

 

“Then look upon my form and pledge yourself to me.” Behind Aki, the waters stirred and a form emerged, soaring gracefully in the crimson air. The Earthbound Immortal of hopelessness and sorrow, Chacu Challhua. Aki looked up and saw it, and with little emotion said;

 

“I give my soul to you, being of the Underworld. Allow me to gain atonement for my actions.” As she did, her Crimson Dragon birthmark faded and as the killer whale approached, her eyes darkened and the Immortal’s mark began to form down her left cheek.

 

“That’s enough!” A second voice pierced the air. Ccapac Apu rose from the waters, before dragging Chacu Challhau down with it, the latter hissing defiantly as it was pulled under. As the seaborne Earthbound’s presence faded, so did Aki’s blackened eyes and dark mark, her Mark of the Dragon reasserting itself. Aki turned around, to see where that voice had come from. Standing behind her was Hiro, eyes and mark ablaze, holding Ccapac Apu’s card, itself surrounded by a pitch-black aura. Quickly, Aki’s mind began to black out and soon she could see nothing but darkness.

 

Aki awoke lying face-up on the ground, with Hiro standing over her. Aki was breathing heavily, not completely sure what she had just experienced.

 

“I wanted you to suffer for your acts Witch; not die for them. At least I now know you regret what you did. And I guess that's some consolation.” With that, Hiro walked over to his Duel Runner, started the engine and left the Daimon Area, returning to Old Momentum.

 

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=[b]Card Reference[/b]]

[spoiler=Flames of the Altar]

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Effect: Each time a monster is Normal Summoned or Set, inflict 400 points of damage to each player.

 

 

 

[spoiler=Earthbound Fury]

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Effect: Activate only during your Battle Phase. Select 1 face-up "Earthbound Immortal" monster you control that has declared an attack this turn. Pay Life Points in multiples of 100 (Max. 2000). The selected monster loses ATK equal to the different between the amount of Life Points paid and 2000 and can attack again once during this Battle Phase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'll write more when I can.

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