Yu-Gi-Oh! - Dead Zone [FINISHED]

[Vector Nightmare]

While I understand the reluctance to comment on something that looks alright, and not wanting to look like a jerk by seemingly little details, something I've done myself in the past... it's a different story when noone's posting anything. That's a massive motivational killer. Even a couple of simple "good work" comments are much better than nothing.

 

About Christina, yeah, her late introduction probably caused a lot of damage when it came to people empathizing with her. I guess we'll have to see if it becomes less of a problem in the ending.

 

But Matt, the thing with Hikari was that she popped up an entirely different, separate personality, that clearly had its own sense of identity. That kind of plot device usually leads to a, typically arc-long, personal quest which culminates in a confrontation of 'self versus self'. You kickstarted that plot, pretty decently I might add, but then nipped it right in the bud before anything substantial could be made of it.

 

On the other hand, with Christina, it wasn't about developing a dark personality, it was about the dark sides of her existing personality, that were born from what she went through in her past) taking the reins (and those aspects had been alluded to much earlier, the main purpose of chapter 44 was to hint that both Christina and Kiishiro were fighting for 'wrong' reasons or with the 'wrong' attitude, and were treading some dangerous lines because of it). These darker aspects manifested in a more physical incarnation because card games, but it never went beyond Christina simply letting her dark / vengeful emotions get the better of her. So while these two situations had a lot of similarities, Christina's was a "light" version and as such didn't require as much time to build up and resolve, which was the problem with Hikari.

[Canopy Star - Eon Sphere]

I think that the problem with Christina is that, if I remember correctly, she hadn't done anything of note outside of flashbacks until she dueled Lee. Therefore, she ended up being a bit blank, with nothing really to distinguish her from any other character. So her going all dark and evil doesn't really matter if we don't know what she's supposed to be like.

 

With Kiishiro and the other main characters, they've been dueling and taking part in the action for the entire story, so it's easier to see who's slipping and who isn't. With Christina it felt like it just happened, and then stopped. The end. No build-up or resolution of any kind.

 

Also, I hate to be the duel-fixing guy, but Spirit of the Breeze being in face-up Defense Position on Lorelei's field would have let her gain 1000 LP during her Standby Phase. Normally I would overlook it cause it isn't really relevant, apart from the fact that it would have caused her to not lose the duel on what was Yenma's final turn. After that she could have won easily.

[Reinforce]

Good Work, I haven't been posting much because I've been busy, but here's some inspiration to keep posting chapters then. I'm still enjoying them when they come out, and the ending of the duel between Fergusson and Yliadus was interesting to read. Not much else to say here, except that just getting all three Simurgh out at once is kinda awesome.

[Vector Nightmare]

...urgh about duel errors. I'm gonna activate my Cheap Excuse Trap card, and say that when I wrote that Extra Chapter, I had just started getting back into writing and wasn't even sure if I was going to write this to the end, so some sloppiness can be attributed to that.

Noted about Christina. Obviously not much I can do now, except hope that the ending I give her makes up for things somewhat, but good to know what went wrong so I can be careful in the future.

New chapter time (hopefully without any duel errors), the penultimate chapter of the penultimate arc. Some things are cleared up, as our heroes try to plow through the last few obstacles that stand between them and the final battle...

Fair warning: Long chapter, but the next one will be even longer, the longest in the story so far. And you'd better get used to that because the final arc chapters are even longer than that.

[spoiler=Chapter 71]

Chapter 71: Altar of Tribute

"Wh - what is going on here..." Christina muttered, observing the dreadful situation spread out in front of her. Yenma shrugged helplessly.

"It's a trap." He said. "They're chained to that... that monster. But the thing isn't physically here. I can't free them... and I can't get to it. Not without..." He trailed off.

"I see." Christina muttered. "And... that person?"

"Enemy." Yenma replied. Lynette chuckled. "But... she doesn't seem to intend to get in our way. Not yet at least."

Christina glared at the blonde woman. She had never met her before. But something about her felt... it was difficult to describe. But if she had to, with one word... evil. They certainly needed to do something about her, before setting the plan that had just begun to formulate in her mind in motion.

"Listen, I have an idea." She muttered. "It's... I don't even know if you can call it a plan. But it's our only chance... the only way to destroy that monster and rescue the people imprisoned here..." Yenma looked at her expectantly.

"...but, we can't risk it with her here. If she interferes, she could kill us both easily. For all we know, that is the opportunity she's been waiting for... we need to get rid of her first." Seeing Yenma hesitate, she grabbed him by his shoulders. "She's a killer, damnit! Open your eyes! Just because she hasn't attacked you yet, you think it's fine to leave her alone? She and her... accomplices, they are the ones who created this disaster!"

"No, you're right." Yenma said grimly. "We'll... I should do this alone. You can't fight again, not so shortly."

"You... you are right." Christina admitted resignedly. She paused for a moment, listening for anything Dryad might have to say, but the spirit seemed to only offer her silent agreement. For what she had in mind, both her and Dryad would need all their strength and then some. They couldn't afford to battle now.

"You seem to have it all figured out." Lynette laughed suddenly, a clear, mirthful sound, completely at odds with the oppressive atmosphere. "But, I wonder - how do you plan to force me to fight?

She had a point. Christina and Yenma couldn't enforce duels like she could. Unless they wanted it to turn into a full-scale battle, which would be a fairly risky option, they couldn't force her out.

But there was someone who could.

Dryad assumed her physical shape beside Christina - she felt energy seeping from her deck as the elemental guardian took form. Lynette's eyes snapped to her - but it was too late. An iridescent ring of light formed around them, trapping them inside its boundary. Dryad was a spirit born of this world, and as such, had the ability to enforce the rules that governed it. Yenma had already activated his Duel Disk, and from here on out, Lynette would not be able to call upon the power of her monsters, or escape that bounded field, unless she fought fairly.

"...quite cunning." The blonde woman admitted, looking at the makeshift prison. "It's clear that we should have been more careful with what we allowed to exist in this reality... nevertheless, it looks like I don't have a choice." Despite saying this, her grin only widened. She raised her hand, and out of pure golden light, five cards arrayed themselves in front of her.

"I will have to devour you here." Yenma clenched his teeth. Whether their plan worked or not, whether they could get to Dunkan in time at all - it would rest on this fight.

"Duel!!"

---

The second floor was surprisingly empty. It seemed that Dunkan had concentrated most of the tower's defenses to the top floors by now. Which begged the question, why wasn't Kiishiro moving upwards? Yuko had no answers to this, however, using the map ZONE had provided, she was able to easily navigate the empty corridors. Only two times so far had she encountered enemy Cataphracts, and she was able to avoid both quite easily. She finally found the steps to the bottom floor, nervously glancing at the clock.

Time left: 0:23:26

My god... time's running out. What... what is going to happen if... She firmly pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind. She climbed down the stairs to the floor where Kiishiro was and -

If her reflexes had been even one second slower, she would have been dead that instant. A mass of flames washed over the spot she had been standing just a second ago, barely having rolled out of the way. The staircase was undamaged, of course, but she was fairly certain she wouldn't be, had she been there when the flames struck.

In front of her floated a massive dragon, its upper body a silvery blue, while its legs and arms were coated in crimson armor. Its wings were literally on fire. The name of the monster vaguely registered in the back of her head. Koa Kimeiru Valafar. And behind it, the golden gladiator, Koa Kimeiru Urnight, the mechanical flying robot, Koa Kimeiru Speed, and the aquaborne giant, Koa Kimeiru Full Barrier. It was a trap. The first floor was swarming with Cataphracts - she could see a lot more behind the duelists that had summoned the Koa Kimeiru monsters to guard the staircase. Kiishiro was trapped in here. And she was dead. She barely had any energy left, certainly not enough to break through, or even survive, against this many monsters. Valafar opened its jaws, another sphere of scorching flames surging from within. Yuko mechanically reached for her Duel Disk, even though she knew she wouldn't make it in time, even though she knew that even if she did, it would be futile with her strength. The flames jumped out of the dragon's mouth, forming a stream that was hurled forward -

Ice met fire, causing a massive explosion. Yuko blinked. She did not know how Trishula had appeared in front of her. But her breath attack had stopped and overpowered Valafar's, and now the solid beam of ice had already reached the enemy dragon. Before the fire creature could react, it was already wrapped in a frozen tomb. Trishula howled, and the ice shattered, destroying the creature within. The duelist that had summoned it screamed and fell on the ground - Yuko tried not to see what happened to him.

Even as Valafar fell, though, at least a dozen other monsters were dashing forward, approaching Trishula from a wide angle. Yuko stepped back, but she would not make it in time. The ice dragon unleashed a wide-arc pulse, freezing several of the weaker monsters - however, those that were fast enough dodged it, and those that were strong enough simply plowed through it. Yuko screamed as her monster's pain resonated within her, feeling each blow to Trishula as if it was delivered on her own body. Her monster should be gone by now - it had certainly received more than enough damage to be destroyed. But Trishula was still standing there, unmoving. With a roar, she released another pulse. This attack caught several monsters off-guard, and they were knocked backwards, slamming into their allies. Some shattered. A lot. But not enough. Trishula's body was already beginning to slowly break apart, icy flakes scattering around in the wild gales released by its wings - still, the dragon fought on. But it would not last.

Suddenly, a silver dragon with a lean, almost snake-like body, covered in robotic scales, approached from the side. Yuko gasped - that was Koa Kimeiru Maximum, a monster equally strong to Valafar. Trishula saw it, too, and began to turn - but it would be too late. Maximum had already bared its fangs, and was about to sink them into one of the ice dragon's three necks.

"No!" Yuko screamed desperately.

As if it had understood her cry, Maximum paused, staggering slightly. With a low, almost mournful growl, it fell on its side, its body shattering into particles. Yuko looked around, bewildered - then she saw its summoner, crouching on the ground a few feet behind the fallen monster. At first, she thought the Cataphract - a boy, not older than her - had exhausted his energy. But then she saw the pool of blood slowly forming underneath. And then she noticed Scar Warrior, which had just retrieved its bloody blade from the Cataphract's stomach, and was preparing to fight off a couple more of the Koa Kimeiru monsters. On the other side, Mist Wurm had just uncurled its gigantic body, unleashing a powerful hurricane that knocked away a dozen attacking monsters.

Kiishiro was dashing towards her, under cover by the powerful monsters. Snapping to her senses, Yuko drew on strength she didn't know she had left. As Trishula, unable to maintain its form any longer, disappeared, Brionac and Gungnir materialized to replace it. With their powerful frozen breaths, they stopped the remainder of the Koa Kimeiru forces dead in their tracks.

"Let's hurry!" Kiishiro panted as he dashed close to her, almost losing his balance. He seemed... exhausted was too mild. It was a miracle he was even standing. Behind him, Mist Wurm and Scar Warrior grunted, slowly disintegrating as well. Yuko began running alongside him, jumping up the stairs as she retraced the path she had taken. The clatter of numerous monsters trying to scale the narrow staircase at once echoed behind them - but it seemed likely that they would manage to lose most of their pursuers, when suddenly...

"N - no way - !!"

"How did he get there so fast - !!"

A man had appeared in front of them. He had not run past them. He had not arrived from one of the side corridors. He had simply appeared out of nowhere, as if he was moving along a different...

"...time..." Yuko muttered. Beside the man appeared a tall caped humanoid, completely dressed in black, with a number of diamonds protruding from its cloak and armor, matching the color of his pure silver hair and vizor that was covering its eyes. Destiny HERO Diamond Guy - the monsters that could control time... she turned to Kiishiro.

"Listen to me. No, listen." She raised her hand preemptively as he opened his mouth. "I won't pretend to like you, or approve of what you did. But they need you. I won't be able to duel again." With great effort, she summoned Dewdark of the Ice Barrier in front of her, which intercepted Diamond Guy's crystal flurry attack - but the ice monster's strength was fading rapidly, along with Yuko's endurance. "The others will catch up soon. The only thing I do... I'll hold them off here. You must go up. Climb the tower. Find the others, and fight with them."

For one long second, he looked at her. For one long second, Yuko had to grind her teeth to stop herself from crying out, clench her fists as hard as she could, to prevent her whole body from trembling. She didn't want to die. She wanted to run and flee and hope for some miracle, to leave everything to someone else, hope that someone somehow would save them all. But there was noone else. She understood that, and Kiishiro understood it as well. At last, he nodded, and without a word, turned around and began running.

I guess... this is it. Yuko mustered all her feeble, remaining strength. The Cataphract in front of her made as if to chase, but Dewdark jumped in his way. In the distance, the horde of Cataphracts were already rushing towards them. This was the end. Summoning more strength than she had, she raised a single card overhead. Trishula. She didn't have energy for more - she didn't have energy for this either. Please... just stopping them is fine. She knew she wouldn't survive.

The spirit heard her pleads. The arctic winds began gathering around her, and with an otherworldly roar, the three-headed dragon deity began manifesting, ready for the final battle.

---

"...they finally made it." Eizan was looking at a series of projectors arrayed before him. One of them was currently displaying his two 'guests', Kirizaki Maya and Aizawa Yuusuke, as they made their way to the Crimson Sanctum, having freed themselves from the subspace he had placed around his fortress. It had been, partly, due to Ylaidus' reckless use of Accel Synchro that they had been able to breach through, but Eizan didn't mind all that much. His designs were falling seamlessly into place - just a little sooner than he had expected.

He needed a distraction.

"It is time." He whispered softly, almost tenderly. The recipient was the statue of a woman that stood beside him, quiet and unmoving. Black hair, silken white skin, clad in regal black clothing. A wooden stake was positioned on the back of her neck, chaining her two hands and binding together the pair of angelic wings that sprouted from her back. Her eyes were pure white without irises, and silver streaks of tears were running from them. The God Mode that was called Lilith. And right now, his obedient servant. "Go. Stop them." She was most loyal to him, more than she had ever been while she was still Nakahara Inoue. That was because she was only a corpse now, a reanimated dead thing that operated only thanks to, and according to, his will.

Thinking like this, Eizan was quite surprised to find Lilith not immediately warping to meet the two intruders he had set her against. Instead, her head craned slowly to face him, the rest of her body eerily still.

And then her eyes ignited with a pure black flame, and her frozen mouth twisted into a smirk.

---

"You can have the first move." Lynette allowed, studying the five cards that stood in a row in front of her. Yenma drew his sixth card. I have to focus. I can't let everyone down...

Greyblade - LP: 4000
Lynette Rayleigh - LP: 4000

Turn 1 - Greyblade

"I discard a card from my hand, in order to Special Summon Quick Synchron!" The gunslinger tuner monster appeared on his field, cocking its gun. "And then, I summon a new monster... Synchron Explorer!" A small robot with an oversized round torso, and comparatively short arms and legs, appeared next to the cowboy monster. "When Synchron Explorer is Normal Summoned, I can select a monster with 'Synchron' in its name in my Graveyard, and Special Summon it. So I'll revive the monster that was used for Quick Synchron's summon! Turbo Synchron!" Cords appeared from within the robot's hollow body, sinking into the ground and dragging a tiny green-and-silver android to the surface.

[spoiler=Quick Synchron]Quick Synchron
WIND / Machine / Tuner
Level 5
700/1400
You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) by sending 1 monster from your hand to the Graveyard. For a Synchro Summon, you can substitute this card for any 1 "Synchron" Tuner monster. This card cannot be used as a Synchro Material Monster, except for the Synchro Summon of a monster that lists a "Synchron" monster as a Tuner.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Synchron Explorer]Synchron Explorer
EARTH / Machine
Level 2
0/700
When this card is Normal Summoned, you can select 1 "Synchron" monster in your Graveyard and Special Summon it. Its effects are negated.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Turbo Synchron]Turbo Synchron
WIND / Machine / Tuner
Level 1
100/500
When this card declares an attack, you can change the attack target to Defense Position. When you take Battle Damage while this card is attacking, you can Special Summon 1 monster from your hand with ATK equal to or less than the Battle Damage you took.[/spoiler]

With these three monsters... my field is ready. Lynette watched impassively. "I tune the Level 2, Synchron Explorer, to the Level 5, Quick Synchron! Due to Quick Synchron's effect, it can be used as any Tuner monster that has Synchron in its name!" The two monsters began glowing, their structure falling apart and forming orbs of light that spiralled into an array of five silver rings, into which two bright stars flowed. "Synchro Summon!" With an earth-shattering roar, a robot in bulky red armor burst into existence, brandishing a gigantic axe. "Junk Berserker!"

[spoiler=Junk Berserker]Junk Berserker
WIND / Warrior / Synchro
Level 7
2700/1800
"Junk Synchron" + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
You can remove from play 1 "Junk" monster from your Graveyard to select 1 face-up monster your opponent controls. That monster loses ATK equal to the removed monster's ATK. If this card attacks a Defense Position monster, destroy that monster at the start of the Damage Step (without damage calculation).[/spoiler]

"Not bad." Lynette said appraisingly. "But you're not done yet, are you?"

"No, not yet." Yenma breathed. Here goes. He raised his arm, and the wings of the Crimson Dragon blazed, pulsing with a deep scarlet light. "I tune the Level 7, Junk Berserker, to the Level 1, Turbo Synchron!" A storm of pitch-black feathers swallowed the field, coruscating into a pillar of energy. "Synchro Summon!" Seven black stars filed into a single ring, and from within, the lithe form of the steel-feathered dragon rose into the sky.

[spoiler=Blackfeather Dragon]Blackfeather Dragon
DARK / Dragon / Synchro
Level 8
2800/1600
1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters.
Whenever you would take damage from a card effect, place 1 Black Feather Counter on this card instead. This card loses 700 ATK for each Black Feather Counter on it. Once per turn, you can remove all Black Feather Counters on this card to have 1 face-up monster your opponent controls lose 700 ATK for each Black Feather Counter, and inflict damage to your opponent equal to the ATK lost by that monster because of this effect.[/spoiler]

"Turn... end." Yenma panted slightly. With Blackfeather Dragon on the field, effect damage wouldn't work, and he should be able to hold out in battle for a while... furthermore, his Graveyard was set up for what would follow next.

Turn 2 - Lynette Rayleigh

"So you brought out your Signer Dragon in your first turn. Perhaps you will do for some entertainment, after all." Lynette's sixth card materialized in front of her. "However..."

"I activate Trade-In. I discard a monster whose Level is exactly equal to eight, and then I draw 2 cards." Warily, Yenma's eyes followed one of Lynette's cards as it sank underground, replaced by two new ones, which brought her hand size back to six. What is it... that ominous feeling...

[spoiler=Trade-In]Trade-In
SPELL / Normal
Discard 1 Level 8 monster; draw 2 cards.[/spoiler]

---

"You've fallen right into my trap, Miyataka Eizan."

The voice that came out of Lilith's mouth was similar to Nakahara Inoue's voice, when she was still alive. However, it was not just that. Echoing those same words was another voice, the voice of a man, one filled with confidence in his victory. And so, it did not take long for Eizan to realize just what had happened.

"Dunkan." He almost smiled. Well, that was a bit unexpected. "So that's how it is."

"You thought I wouldn't see through her betrayal? I have known where her loyalty fell for a long time." Dunkan continued speaking through Lilith's mouth. "But I needed her, and so I made the best out of her treachery. I tampered with the code of her God Mode program, causing it to trigger itself upon the death of her virtual avatar. And I also made it so that it would lie dormant, until the time came for me to take over. Just like I had planned, you fell directly into my plan, thinking you had actually placed her God Mode under your control - my creation." He sneered. "Now everything has fallen into place. You are a pest, Eizan, a very persistent thorn in my side, but in the end, you are merely a distraction. I have to thank you for falling for my plot so easily - now I can deal with you here, quietly, away from any place you could cause trouble in."

Eizan sighed. "Do you really think it will be that easy?" He armed his Duel Disk, a basic white model. No need to overcomplicate things. He had to hand it to Dunkan - he had not anticipated something like this. But then again, I can never anticipate everything. I must always anticipate anything. That was the only way to survive when wading through the treacherous depths of the infinite mire of chaos. Lilith had already engaged her Duel Mode, a pitch-black aura manifesting around her, shaping the cards that appeared before her.

He just had to adapt.

"Duel!!"

Lilith - LP: 4000
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 4000

Turn 1 - Lilith

"The first move belongs to me." A sixth card took form in front of Lilith, as Dunkan's will guided the obedient corpse into action. "I discard two copies of Shadow Ritua in my hand to the Graveyard, and activate their effects - each adds a copy of Ritua's Ceremonial Water Mirror from my deck to my hand." Eizan knew Nakahara Inoue's deck in-and-out, but that didn't mean it wasn't dangerous. "Then, I set a monster, and four cards behind it. Turn end."

[spoiler=Shadow Ritua]Shadow Ritua
WATER / Sea Serpent
Level 4
1200/1000
If you Ritual Summon a WATER Ritual Monster, this card can be used as the entire Tribute. You can discard this card; add 1 "Ritua" Ritual Spell Card from your Deck to your hand.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Ritua's Ceremonial Water Mirror]Ritua's Ceremonial Water Mirror
SPELL / Ritual
This card can be used to Ritual Summon any "Ritua" Ritual Monster. You must also Tribute monsters from the field or your hand whose total Levels equal the Level of the Ritual Monster you Ritual Summon. You can shuffle this card from the Graveyard into the Deck to target 1 "Ritua" Ritual Monster in your Graveyard; return that target to your hand.[/spoiler]

Turn 2 - Miyataka Eizan

"A full backrow, including the Ritual Spells that you didn't need to set." Eizan chuckled inwardly. "It's so hard to figure out what you've planned." No matter how clever Dunkan was, there was one thing that was still going to throw a wrench in his plan.

Eizan was simply beyond that level.

"Still, I'll bite." He slid three of his cards to the Spell and Trap card zone, before placing a fourth on his field. "I summon Psycho Witch of Silence." One of his psychic monsters, a female clad in white-and-pink, slightly revealing armor, materialized before him. "She attacks your reverse monster!"

[spoiler=Psycho Witch of Silence]Psycho Witch of Silence
EARTH / Psychic
Level 3
1400/1200
When this card on the field is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard: You can banish 1 Psychic-Type monster with 2000 or less ATK from your Deck. During the next Standby Phase, if this card stays in the Graveyard: Special Summon the monster banished by this card's effect.[/spoiler]

The psychic user's arms shot forward, palms facing outward. A powerful psychic wave burst across the field, enveloping Lilith's monster. But, predictably...

"Metamorpot." The strange mechanical jar was revealed, only to be instantly blasted away. "Both our hands are replaced with five new cards." Eizan had seen this coming, of course, which was why he had placed everything he could on the field before attacking. Still, he was forced to abandon the two cards that had remained in his hand. Likewise, the single card still standing vertically before Dunkan dissolved into black smoke - and as it did, Eizan felt the pitch-black aura emanating from it. Well, well. Looks like he has a couple of tricks up his sleeve. Let's see how it plays out.

[spoiler=Metamorpot]Metamorpot
EARTH / Rock
Level 2
700/600
FLIP: Both players discard their hands, then draw 5 cards.[/spoiler]

He looked over his refreshed hand, but nothing there warranted immediate use. "I end my turn." He said calmly. Opposite to him, the God Mode's horribly misplaced grin widened.

"Then it's time to crush you."

---

"Are you worried?" Lynette asked. "You should be. Even you should feel the power lurking in this deck... I'm not like the others. They all built their decks upon feeble visions and fragile ideals, but those ephemeral things are only figments of the future, an unstable reality that can crumble to dust in the blink of an eye. True power is timeless. Eternal." Yenma watched, an increasing feeling of dread creeping up to him as one of Lynette's cards turned outwards, and he recognized the game's trademark revival card. "I activate Raise Dead... this allows me to Special Summon a monster from either of our Graveyards. In this case, I will choose the one sleeping in mine." A pillar of holy light rose from the ground, reaching up to the tall ceiling and the very air seemed to part, unveiling a realm beyond all worlds, a reality where an unimaginable power slept through the ages...

[spoiler=Raise Dead]Raise Dead
SPELL / Normal
Target 1 monster in either player's Graveyard; Special Summon it.[/spoiler]

"Release yourself from the clutches of legend." Lynette whispered. "It's time to force the world to its knees with your holy power! Arise!"

Two broad white wings spread from either side of the brilliant column. A pair of terrifying azure eyes stared back at him from the abyss of light, and the rest of the dragon's body soon emerged. Lustrous scales like liquid silver that looked like they could withstand the mightiest attacks, mighty jaws, a sublime form that was at once breathtakingly beautiful and terrifying. Behind him, Christina gasped softly. This monster...

"Blue-Eyes... White Dragon..." He muttered. "That's... a legendary monster... noone can obtain these cards..."

[spoiler=Blue-Eyes White Dragon]Blue-Eyes White Dragon
LIGHT / Dragon
Level 8
3000/2500
This legendary dragon is a powerful engine of destruction. Virtually invincible, very few have faced this awesome creature and lived to tell the tale.[/spoiler]

"You are under a misconception. I had these cards from the very beginning." Lynette said coolly. "And now you, too, will experience their mythical power. But first I summon Lord of Dragons to the field." A human sorcerer covered in a cloak reminiscent of a dragon's claws and skull appeared underneath the majestic creature.

[spoiler=Lord of Dragons]Lord of Dragons
DARK / Spellcaster
Level 4
1200/1100
Face-up Dragon-Type monsters cannot be targeted by Spells, Traps, or card effects.[/spoiler]

"Now, let's see which one is stronger... your dragon or mine." She's enjoying this... Yenma realized suddenly. This is completely different from how she acted before... The two airborne creatures, black and white, snarled at each other, baring their fangs. But for this battle...

"Blue-Eyes! Attack!" Lynette commanded. A sphere of white light materialized within the dragon's jaws, forcing Yenma to look away from its intensity. And then it burst forth, a swathing white torrent that consumed all in its path, honing in on his monster, which bravely attempted to defend itself by defensively raising its powerful wings. Even the steel feathers were ripped and torn apart before the white lightning, though, and Yenma groaned in pain as his creature was obliterated, his entire arm burning as if aflame.
 

Greyblade - LP: 3800
Lynette Rayleigh - LP: 4000

"You don't have time to relax just yet." Lynette said suddenly. "Lord of Dragons, direct attack!"

"I activate the effect of Junk Defender from my hand!" Yenma panted, still reeling from the impact. "When... the opponent attacks directly, I can Special Summon this monster!" A bulky floating robot with two powerful arms emerged suddenly, blocking the attack with its superior defensive power.

[spoiler=Junk Defender]Junk Defender
EARTH / Warrior
Level 3
500/1800
When an opponent's monster declares a direct attack: You can Special Summon this card from your hand. Once per turn, during either player's turn: You can have this card gain 300 DEF.[/spoiler]

"In that case, I'll call off my attack. One card face-down... and I'll end my turn, but not before activating the Instant magic, Greed Grado. With this, I can draw two cards." Lynette's voice did not waver at all, as the number of cards in front of her increased to five again.

[spoiler=Greed Grado]Greed Grado
SPELL / Quick-Play
Activate only if you destroyed a face-up Synchro Monster controlled by your opponent this turn, either by battle or by a card effect. Draw 2 cards.[/spoiler]

Turn 3 - Greyblade

Alright... calm down. Yenma forced his mind to focus. Blue-Eyes is a legendary monster, but in the game it has no effects... its 3000 attack will be a problem, but I can destroy it easily with a card effect! "Draw!" Alright! "I activate Reinforcement, adding a Level 4 or lower Warrior-type monster from my deck to my hand! And the card I choose is Junk Synchron!" The designated monster slid out of his deck, and he picked it up.

[spoiler=Reinforcement]Reinforcement
SPELL / Normal
Add 1 Level 4 or lower Warrior-Type monster from your Deck to your hand.[/spoiler]

"I summon Junk Synchron!" The new Tuner monster appeared, revving its engine. "With Junk Synchron's effect, I revive the Level 2, Synchron Explorer!"

[spoiler=Junk Synchron]Junk Synchron
DARK / Warrior / Tuner
Level 3
1300/500
When this card is Normal Summoned, you can Special Summon 1 Level 2 or lower monster from your Graveyard in face-up Defense Position. That monster's effect(s) is negated.[/spoiler]

Three monsters... that is enough, but... Yenma's intention was to summon Junk Destroyer, which, when summoned, could destroy a number of cards on the opponent's field depending on the number of materials used. Right now, if he used Junk Defender and Synchron Explorer, he would be able to destroy two cards. However, as long as Lord of Dragons was on the field, Blue-Eyes White Dragon couldn't be targeted by that effect, and Junk Destroyer would simply be overpowered next turn. Then, the only option was to try and destroy Lord of Dragons now, and then Synchro Summon Junk Destroyer. He eyed that reverse card warily. What if it can power up Lord of Dragons, or lower my monster's attack? If I lose Junk Synchron now... no! He glanced back, where Christina was sitting in a praying stance, eyes closed as she was mustering as much strength as she could. The bracelet on her hand was proof of her trust. He couldn't afford to hesitate. He clenched his fists.

"Battle! Junk Synchron, attack Lord of Dragons!" He tensed, but the retaliation never came. The warrior punched the black-clad sorcerer, causing it to explode instantly, before retreating back to Yenma's side. Lynette didn't even flinch.
 

Greyblade - LP: 3800
Lynette Rayleigh - LP: 3900

"Now, my Main Phase 2, and I - "

"Trap card, open." His opponent interjected smoothly. What, with this timing - ?! "Call of the Living Dead revives Lord of Dragons."

[spoiler=Call of the Living Dead]Call of the Living Dead
TRAP / Continuous
Select 1 monster from your Graveyard and Special Summon it in face-up Attack Position. When this card is removed from the field, destroy the monster. When the monster is destroyed, destroy this card.[/spoiler]

Damnit! She read me completely! Yenma winced. There was no reason for Lynette to play Call of the Living Dead at this moment, unless she had already predicted what strategy Yenma would use. "I..." There was little choice. Even if his target was limited to one monster, the only thing he could do was go ahead. "I tune the Level 3, Junk Defender, and the Level 2, Synchron Explorer, to the Level 3, Junk Synchron!" The three monsters spiralled into the Synchro array once more, giving birth to a grey-armored robot with four arms and four razor-sharp wings. "Synchro Summon! Junk Destroyer!"

[spoiler=Junk Destroyer]Junk Destroyer
EARTH / Warrior / Synchro
Level 8
2600/2500
"Junk Synchron" + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
When this card is Synchro Summoned, you can select and destroy cards on the field, up to the number of non-Tuner monsters used as Synchro Material Monsters for this card.[/spoiler]

"Junk Destroyer's effect activates! When it is Synchro Summoned, I can destroy any cards on the field, as long as their number doesn't exceed the number of its Synchro Materials other than the Tuner. Right now I can select two cards, so I will destroy Lord of Dragons!" Junk Destroyer launched an artillery volley from its arms, blasting through the opposing monster. Hopefully, this will not be in vain... "Turn end..."

Turn 4 - Lynette Rayleigh

"So this is what you choose to hide behind? Pathetic." Lynette sneered. "Just like before, your monster will disappear like dust before mine. Draw! This time, I activate Treasure Cards of Harmony! Again, I have to discard a monster from my hand... specifically, a Dragon-type, Tuner monster which has 1000 attack points or less."

"Such a card..." Yenma frowned. The only monsters that filled the criteria... Debris Dragon, Guard of Flamvell... somehow, he did not think Lynette was going to use something so simple, though.

[spoiler=Treasure Cards of Harmony]Treasure Cards of Harmony
SPELL / Normal
Discard 1 Dragon-Type Tuner monster with 1000 or less ATK; draw 2 cards.[/spoiler]

"I discard a card called White of Legend!" A card in front of her shattered, but the fragments began shining a brilliant white, and slowly reformed into a new card. "When this card is sent to the Graveyard... I then get to add a certain monster from my deck to my hand. Can you guess which one?" Yenma gasped as a second Blue-Eyes White Dragon card materialized in front of her.

[spoiler=White of Legend]White of Legend
LIGHT / Dragon / Tuner
Level 1
300/250
When this card is sent to the Graveyard: Add 1 "Blue-Eyes White Dragon" from your Deck to your hand.[/spoiler]

"Finally, because of Treasure Cards of Harmony, I draw twice." Her hand keeps increasing...

"You survived against one of my dragons. Do you think you can do so against two?" Lynette asked. Another of her cards turned around. "Magic, Ancient Rule. A Level 5 or higher Normal monster in my hand is Special Summoned."

[spoiler=Ancient Rule]Ancient Rule
SPELL / Normal
Special Summon 1 Level 5 or higher Normal Monster from your hand.[/spoiler]

"No!" Yenma shouted, but it was too late. Beside the first dragon, the identical, overwhelming form of a second Blue-Eyes emerged from a dimensional portal, announcing its dominion with its mighty roar. Stared down by the two legendary monsters, Yenma tried to stop himself from trembling.

How... how am I supposed to overcome this?

---

Turn 3 - Lilith

"Your death will not be painless, but I will give you the honor of a grand funeral." Dunkan spoke as a card in Lilith's field flipped itself face-up. "So it begins... I activate the Water Mirror, in order to initiate the first ceremony! Sacrifice yourself!" One of the cards before her turned around, revealing the Level 6, Eviritua Gustkraken, which was absorbed into the ground, the monster's shape reflected in the ceremonial mirror. Then, the aquamirror shattered, allowing a new monster to emerge - a female sea ogre riding what appeared to be a giant amphibian moth. "I Ritual Summon Eviritua Mind Ogress!" Ritual Summons were the cornerstone of the deck Dunkan was using right now, inherited from Nakahara Inoue - though evidently, with a few tweaks. One was sacrificed for the other. However, that deck also had another characteristic - the ability to almost infinitely recycle its resources, given the proper setup. Nakahara Inoue would cling onto every little thing, make use of everything and anything, to achieve her goals. A crude approach, compared to the reckless abandon that chaos entailed - no, demanded. But Dunkan was likely to make full use of it.

The interesting part had only just begun.

[spoiler=Eviritua Mind Ogress]Eviritua Mind Ogress
WATER / Aqua / Ritual
Level 6
2500/2000
Cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. Must first be Ritual Summoned. You can Ritual Summon this card with any "Ritua" Ritual Spell Card. When this card is Ritual Summoned: Target up to 5 cards in any Graveyard(s); shuffle those targets to the Deck.[/spoiler]

"First, the effect of Mind Ogress activates, returning up to five cards from either of our Graveyards to our decks. I'll just return the two you sent there." The cards that Eizan had been forced to discard with Metamorpot had been Final Psycho Ogre and Necro Gardna, the latter of which he could have used to negate one attack, but that was soon nullified as Dunkan's monster cast a powerful whirlpool that forced the fallen cards to resurface, before sliding back into his deck. Oh well. "Then, I activate the secondary effect of Ceremonial Water Mirror." Dunkan stated. "By placing it back into my deck from my Graveyard, I can then recover one of the Ritual monsters in my graveyard, as long as they belong to the Ritua group. Such as the Gustkrake I sacrificed." The golden-framed mirror appeared again, but this time, instead of shattering, it dissolved into particles that left behind the shape of a card, that floated back in front of Lilith.

"Moving on, I activate another of the cards I set before. Salvage lets me return two Water monsters from the Graveyard to my hand, if their attack power doesn't exceed 1500. The pair of Shadow Rituas I sent there earlier make the perfect targets." The cards arrayed in front of Lilith now numbered seven. "I'm going to reuse the effect of one of them, taking back the Ceremonial Water Mirror I just returned. But I'll keep that in my hand for now, and instead activate the second copy from the field. My other Shadow Ritua becomes the sacrifice, and when I Ritual summon a Water monster, I need no other Tributes even if the Levels don't match. Appear before me, Gustkrake!" Finally, the true form of the armored warrior, riding an octopus-like monster, was released from the mirror.

[spoiler=Salvage]Salvage
SPELL / Normal
Target 2 WATER monsters with 1500 or less ATK in your Graveyard; add those targets to your hand.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Eviritua Gustkrake]Eviritua Gustkrake
WATER / Aqua / Ritual
Level 6
2400/1000
Cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. Must first be Ritual Summoned. You can Ritual Summon this card with any "Ritua" Ritual Spell Card. When this card is Ritual Summoned: Look at up to 2 random cards in your opponent's hand, and shuffle 1 of them into the Deck.[/spoiler]

"Its effect activates immediately. I can look at two random cards in your hand, and return one of them to your deck." A pair of cards floated up from Eizan's hand, turning around to reveal themselves to his opponent. Lilith's smirk widened. "Black Hole and Psycho Sword, eh? I guess we're gonna have to do without that Black Hole, won't we?" The designated card flew back into Eizan's deck, which automatically shuffled itself. "Of course, I'm far from done. It's time for the second round of sacrifices. I activate the effect of Vision Ritua in my hand - like Shadow Ritua, I can discard it, only instead of a Ritual Spell card I can instead retrieve a Ritual monster. I choose this one." Eviritua Soul Ogre joined Lilith's hand. "And I'm going to activate my last Set card, Meditation Technique of the Ceremonial Water Mirror. To activate it, I have to reveal a Ritual Spell card in my hand - but you already know which one I have." The Water Mirror revealed itself to Eizan. "Then, I can return two Ritua monsters from my Graveyard to my hand, like Vision Ritua and Shadow Ritua."

[spoiler=Vision Ritua]Vision Ritua
WATER / Sea Serpent
Level 2
700/500
If you Ritual Summon a WATER Ritual Monster, this 1 card can be used as the entire Tribute. You can discard this card; add 1 "Ritua" Ritual Monster from your Deck to your hand.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Meditation Technique of the Ceremonial Water Mirror]Meditation Technique of the Ceremonial Water Mirror
TRAP / Normal
Reveal 1 Ritual Spell Card in your hand to target 2 "Ritua" monsters in your Graveyard; return them to the hand.[/spoiler]

"Well, that deck sure is as obnoxious and boring as the woman who used it." Eizan yawned slightly, not concerned at all that the number of cards on the opposing field and hand was increasing with every step of this prolonged turn. The God Mode's smirk seemed to slip for one second.

"Nakahara Inoue might have been a traitor, but her original feelings were genuine." Dunkan spoke through the God Mode's mouth, his voice less composed than before. "I will not disregard her contributions. Your defeat at her hands will be my way of honoring her sacrifice."

"Oh. That's unexpected - you actually care about your subordinates." Eizan noted. "How amusing."

"I care about those who entrusted me with their hopes and wishes." Came the calm response. "Even if they themselves lose their path, even if they lose their lives, I will continue pursuing the goal that was, from the beginning, bigger than any single one of us. And you're just a stepping stone in that path, Eizan! I activate Ceremonial Water Mirror once again, discarding Eviritua Soul Ogre to Ritual Summon Eviritua Levianima! And then return the Mirror to my deck, to return Soul Ogre to my hand!" The third of the Eviritua series, a winged dragon-like scaly beast brandishing a giant sabre, appeared beside the others. "And then I discard Shadow Ritua again, to get back and reactivate the Water Mirror. I sacrifice my second Shadow Ritua, which counts as the whole tribute! Join the fray, Eviritua Soul Ogre!" A bipedal amphibian monster, tall and bulky, with the head of a sea horse, broke through the mirror.

[spoiler=Eviritua Levianima]Eviritua Levianima
WATER / Aqua / Ritual
Level 8
2800/2800
Cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. Must first be Ritual Summoned. You can Ritual Summon this card with any "Ritua" Ritual Spell Card. When this card declares an attack: Draw 1 card, and if you do, reveal it, then if it was a "Ritua" monster, look at 1 random card in your opponent's hand.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Eviritua Soul Ogre]Eviritua Soul Ogre
WATER / Aqua / Ritual
Level 8
2800/2800
Cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. Must first be Ritual Summoned. You can Ritual Summon this card with any "Ritua" Ritual Spell Card. Once per turn: You can discard 1 "Ritua" monster to target 1 face-up card your opponent controls; shuffle that target into the Deck.[/spoiler]

"...he's gone and done it now." Thanks to the continuous recovery of both the Ritual monsters and that accursed mirror card, Dunkan had assembled four Ritual monsterson his field, altogether, enough power to wipe out Eizan's Life Points in one move. But he wasn't stopping there. There was still, one more move to make.

"For all this, I haven't Normal Summoned yet." Lilith's bound hands seemed to tremble slightly, as if some unseen force, perhaps some inner reflex, was fueling some sort of response even into that dead body. But Dunkan's voice was resolute. "Before that... I activate the Ceremonial Water Mirror's effect one more time, returning it to the deck..." The ominous card that Dunkan had originally discarded floated back up before Lilith, and its pressure increased tenfold. Oh my... "Then, Normal Summon, Ritua Chain!" A lesser creature, a reptilian alligator carrying a chain as a weapon, appeared amidst the Ritual monsters. "I get to look at the top three cards of my deck, and if there's a Ritual monster or Spell card among them..." Eizan had already predicted Dunkan's goal, and was not surprised when Ritua's Ceremonial Water Mirror revealed itself among the three. "...it goes to my hand." The rest disappeared back into the deck.

[spoiler=Ritua Chain]Ritua Chain
WATER / Sea Serpent
Level 4
1800/1000
When this card is Normal Summoned: Look at the top 3 cards of your Deck. If there is a Ritual Monster(s) or Ritual Spell Card(s), you can reveal one of them to your opponent and add it to your hand. Then return the other cards to your Deck in the order of your choice.[/spoiler]

"...in the end, Nakahara Inoue was merely someone that had to be sacrificed." Dunkan admitted. "You and I would both sacrifice others without a second thought. But we are different. You are just a madman who lives only for sacrifice, who pursues only sacrifice. For you, sacrifice is the endgoal in itself. Me... I'm going to put an end to all that."

"...well, I can't say you're entirely incorrect." Eizan admitted freely. It entertained him to no end, having his very own thoughts arrayed so accurately in front of him. Dunkan was truly an astute man - but then again, if he wasn't, Eizan would have never picked him as the person to help him carry out his own plan.

...in the end, everything had gone exactly as they had to. His own grin widened in madness. It was time for chaos to reign.

"I activate the Ceremonial Water Mirror one last time!" The chamber was bathed in a dark azure light, almost black. The golden mirror appeared, larger than ever before, towering almost to the ceiling - but its surface was hazy, ominous clouds rolling behind the glass. "I sacrifice Ritua Chain from my field, and Eviritua Tetrogre from my hand!" Eizan frowned - ten Levels worth of monsters? The two designated creatures were sucked into the mirror, dissolving into a blood-red mist as they vanished. "The power of the God Mode, drawn from Nakahara Inoue's final, dying resolve - it has all been compressed into this one card." The mirror shattered into a million pieces, and darkness rolled out like a rising tidal wave, threatening to overwhelm everything, consume everything -

"Rise from the abyss!! Eviritua, Zealgigas!!"

[spoiler=Eviritua Zealgigas]Eviritua Zealgigas
WATER / Aqua / Ritual
Level 10
3200/0
You can Ritual Summon this card with any "Ritua" Ritual Spell Card. Once per turn: You can pay 1000 Life Points; draw 1 card, and if you do, reveal it, then, if it was a "Ritua" monster, shuffle 1 card from the field into the Deck.[/spoiler]

Even Eizan had to admit, this looked pretty ominous. The darkness parted to reveal a literally massive monster, a behemoth that, contrary to the common theme of the Ritua deck, was covered in grey mechanical armor, with giant wings spreading behind it. It looked more like a golem than a living thing, but that didn't make it any less terrifying - especially given that its stats were the highest among the five powerful Ritual monsters that now stared him down.

"This is the end for you." Dunkan declared, returning the Ritual Spell to his deck once more, to reclaim Tetrogre. "I activate the effect of Zealgigas! By sacrificing a thousand of my Life Points, I can draw and reveal one card, and if it is a Ritua monster, one card goes from your field to the deck!" A black aura surrounded Lilith, allowing her lifeforce to flow straight into her monster, empowering it. A new card appeared in her hand, but -

"...not a Ritua monster, then." However, Pitfall of Hades, which had been revealed and subsequently placed in front of Lilith's hand, which previously contained only the retrieved Tetrogre, was a very useful card.

Lilith - LP: 3000
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 4000

"Let's try this again. Soul Ogre's effect activates, discarding Tetrogre. At a cost of a Ritua monster from my hand, Soul Ogre can forcibly activate the same effect as Zealgigas!" The Ogre raised its fists, unleashing a powerful tidal wave.

"Sorry, but - " Eizan chuckled. "I'm gonna have to disappoint you here. Sub-Space Matter Device! This Trap card will remove a target monster from the field, until the end of this turn!" Psycho Witch of Silence was enveloped in an interdimensional orb that phased her out of reality before she could be struck.

[spoiler=Sub-Space Matter Transfer Device]Sub-Space Matter Transfer Device
TRAP / Normal
Target 1 face-up monster you control; banish that target until the End Phase.[/spoiler]

"...either way, you're wide open now." Dunkan was unfazed. "I'm not going to hesitate to strike you down! Levianima attacks, and when it declares an attack, I can also draw a card and reveal it, and if it is a Ritua monster, I can look at one card in your hand!" As the dragon's body uncurled, another card appeared before Dunkan. Again, it was not a Ritua monster - but the effect wasn't of much consequence at this point, and Holy Barrier - Mirror Force was quite a useful draw for Dunkan. Of course, the main attack was still underway, but Eizan had just the right card.

"Instant magic, Emergency Teleport!" He flipped open the second of his face-down cards. "I can Special Summon a Level 3 or lower Psychic monster from my deck! I summon Clairvonce, in defense mode!" A lithe being clothed like a jester, with a spiralling ring of various numbers and symbols surrounding its body, appeared out of thin air.

[spoiler=Emergency Teleport]Emergency Teleport
SPELL / Quick-Play
Special Summon 1 Level 3 or lower Psychic-Type monster from your hand or Deck. During the End Phase this turn, remove from play that monster.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Clairvonce]Clairvonce
DARK / Psychic / Tuner
Level 2
1200/400
When this card is selected as an attack target, you can pay 800 Life Points to negate the attack.[/spoiler]

"Then I'll just attack that!" Dunkan snarled. Lilith pointed a finger at the psychic jester, and Levianima flew downwards, ready to devour the smaller creature in one fell swoop.

"Clairvonce can sacrifice eight hundred of my Life Points, to negate one attack." Eizan explained. He felt a slight sting as his Life counter took a dive. He revelled in the pain. The jester cast a hexagonal barrier in front of it, that easily repelled Levianima's charge.

Lilith - LP: 3000
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 3200

"Then I'll keep attacking! Mind Ogress!" The aquatic insectoid marched forward, ready to slam its bulk into the designated target. "And Soul Ogre! Also, Gustkrake!" Soul Ogre unleashed an almost solid pillar of boiling water, while Gustkrake also opted for a physical approach, but from safe range, using its tentacles as makeshift spears. However, each time, Clairvonce generated barriers with its psychic energy, repelling one attack after the other.

Lilith - LP: 3000
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 2400

Lilith - LP: 3000
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 1600

Lilith - LP: 3000
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 800

"You don't have enough Life Points to use that effect again!" Dunkan snarled. "Zealgigas!" The golem simply brought its fist down, crushing the smaller creature under its weight, leaving no trace behind.

"..." Eizan had to spend a few moments to right himself, the continuous drain on his Life Points taking a toll on his endurance. He glanced at his hand, which was trembling - was it pain, or excitement? He felt ecstasy run through his entire body. This pain... it is a priceless reward in itself!

"I set two cards." It did not take a genius to deduce their identities. "Turn end." Psycho Witch of Silence appeared again through a dimensional vortex, taking her place in front of Eizan. "You made it past this turn... but everything is set up for your defeat. You can't do anything in this situation."

"Draw..." Eizan wasn't really listening. His heart was racing, his mind was jumping into overdrive. That feeling of fulfillment, when he drained and cast away his own life in a battle to the death... he had enjoyed that with Takizawa. To think this woman, even if she was merely a proxy, could give him that kind of feeling... I wish I could enjoy this for a little while longer, but unfortunately... there are more pressing matters right now.

Turn 4 - Miyataka Eizan

"I equip Psycho Witch of Silence, with two Psycho Swords." Eizan breathed. Twin blades of pure mental energy appeared in each of the sorceress' hands. Dunkan's eyes widened in shock. "Each Psycho Sword raises the attack power of the equipped psychic monster, by the difference in our Life Points, if mine are lower than yours, or by 2000 - whichever is lower." Right now, 2200 points separated them, so from the double boost, the power of the Silent Witch rose from 1400 to a massive 5400.

[spoiler=Psycho Sword]Psycho Sword
SPELL / Equip
Equip only to a Psychic-Type monster. If your Life Points are lower than your opponent's, the equipped monster gains ATK equal to the difference (max. 2000).[/spoiler]

"Ch, this is..." Dunkan must have realized that, as things stood, Psycho Witch of Silence, originally far weaker than any of his Ritual monsters, could end the game in Eizan's favor with a single blow by attacking Gustkrake. But he quickly regained his composure. After all, as long as Mirror Force existed on his field, any attack would backfire. Even knowing this, though...

"Battle. Psycho Witch of Silence, destroy Eviritua Gustkrake." The sorceress, too, went for a physical approach this time, charging at the aquatic beast with her newly-acquired weaponry.

"Hmpfh. You've lost your mind!" Dunkan quickly flipped open his Trap. "Holy Barrier - Mirror Force!" Threads of shining white light surged forth to defend Gustkrake and punish the attacker - but then they simply vanished in mid-air. "No!" But it was too late. Dark Shrine Bribery had activated on Eizan's field, negating Mirror Force, and even though Dunkan could now draw one card, there wasn't anything that could put him out of this predicament.

[spoiler=Holy Barrier - Mirror Force]Holy Barrier - Mirror Force
TRAP / Normal
When an opponent's monster declares an attack: Destroy all Attack Position monsters your opponent controls.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Dark Shrine Bribery]Dark Shrine Bribery
TRAP / Counter
Negate the activation of an opponent's Spell or Trap Card and destroy it. Your opponent draws 1 card.[/spoiler]

"So long." Eizan muttered cheerfully, as his monster delivered a devastating dual slash that completely incinerated Gustkrake, and took away the rest of Lilith's Life Points in a massive blast.

Lilith - LP: 0
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 800

"..." Once the light cleared, the God Mode came into view. She was still standing, surprisingly enough. But most of her body had vanished, including her entire left arm and the wooden plank that bound her hands. The rest was slowly melting away into black particles that disappeared into the wind. "Heh." Only a cracked echo was left of her voice, as she used her remaining hand to point at Eizan. "That was... quite skilled resistance. But the only one at risk here was you, and this corpse..." Of course, even though it had been Dunkan dueling through Lilith, even now that Lilith was defeated and killed, Dunkan himself, in the safety of the Aria Tower, wouldn't feel a thing besides perhaps a minor backlash. "You don't have time to do... anything... any more..." And with those last words, the last remnants of Lilith vanished from the world, leaving Eizan alone to ponder.

"...time?" He mused. "Oh, no." He chuckled, bringing the screens that had shut down during the duel back up. His two guests were nearly upon him - he had to prepare.

"The one whose time is running out, is you."
[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Afterword]Hopefully the two duels in the same chapter weren't hard to follow, especially since one was only 4 turns long (even if one of those turns was the longest turn anyone's had in this story). But I guess after the Machine Emperor duels, this should be pretty simple. Also, retro deck time![/spoiler]

[Dr. Cakey]

Alright, since it's been so long, I'm going to treat myself and read this whole thing from the beginning. Wish me luck, and I'll see you on the other side!

[Canopy Star - Eon Sphere]

Alright, great, loving this chapter. Everyone's characters seem to be developing, with Eizan still in control, and Dunkan equally mysterious. It's nice that he doesn't fall into the cliche of many villains that use their lackeys as fodder. Well, I guess he did, considering that he built the code into her God Mode in order for her to become under his control. But still, the fact that he at least thinks that he carries the feelings of the others is a nice switch from the norm.

 

Lynette's deck is interesting, and not entirely unforseeable, if recent support is anything to go by. She hasn't used any of the new cards yet, but I'm sure we'll see...

 

The bit with Kiishiro and Yuko seemed a bit... forced, I guess? Maybe it's just because nothing like that has happened to any of our main cast of protags so far that it feels a bit out of place, but I can't really judge that yet, and depending on the direction you're going to take this, it might be entirely par for the course.

 

The duels were fine, Gishkis are always hard to keep track of, so I can't point out anything beyond the obvious there. The fact that everyone and their mother seems to play Morphing Jar seems slightly lazy, but if that's how it's got to be, I don't mind it as much as really situational cards in other fics (*cough* Super Junior Confrontation *cough*).

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

I don't mind it as much as really situational cards in other fics (*cough* Super Junior Confrontation *cough*).

 

Hey. Is this mentioned because I used in at the end of 24? :(

 

Anyway, comments are to be made. And they are to be made on a chapter I've read before (a while ago) and much has changed. ie. Lilith's opponent has changed. Completely. I was under the illusion you were taking the duel out altogether.

 

Although I am... I understand what Dunkan did and it does resolve things that happened with Inoue back when she duelled Lee quite neatly. But...

 

Eizan vs Dunkan? That's... well now, even though it's interesting to see the big bads fighting each other and there was nothing else that could be done with it. But now Eizan is, because he won whether you like it or not and even though he was using Inoue's deck and not his own, put over Dunkan. Okay obviously one will be fought and finished before the other in the final arc and it probably be Dunkan then Eizan anyway. But, I dunno. They're trying to get one over on each other and "You just played right into my plan as I expected you to" "No, you played right into my plan by thinking I was playing into your plan" back and forth (which also gets tiresome after a while), but, I dunno. The duel couldn't end in a draw or interference, so... I guess the only way to avoid it was not having the duel.

 

So... sorry, I'm not sure I'm all for this amendment. It was like Eizan needed a duel anyway. And Dunkan certainly didn't need another loss of any kind, given everything has pretty much been going wrong for him so far. :(

 

Although having said all that, summoning five Ritua monsters in one turn was awesome.

 

Rest of the chapter is good as usual. Love Lynette.

 

Plus hooray for new material for me to read from this point forth! :D

[Vector Nightmare]

Alright, since it's been so long, I'm going to treat myself and read this whole thing from the beginning. Wish me luck, and I'll see you on the other side!

 

Ohai thar. Been wondering where you'd vanished to. Good luck, hope you don't find it too terrible.

 

Alright, great, loving this chapter. Everyone's characters seem to be developing, with Eizan still in control, and Dunkan equally mysterious. It's nice that he doesn't fall into the cliche of many villains that use their lackeys as fodder. Well, I guess he did, considering that he built the code into her God Mode in order for her to become under his control. But still, the fact that he at least thinks that he carries the feelings of the others is a nice switch from the norm.

 

Lynette's deck is interesting, and not entirely unforseeable, if recent support is anything to go by. She hasn't used any of the new cards yet, but I'm sure we'll see...

 

The bit with Kiishiro and Yuko seemed a bit... forced, I guess? Maybe it's just because nothing like that has happened to any of our main cast of protags so far that it feels a bit out of place, but I can't really judge that yet, and depending on the direction you're going to take this, it might be entirely par for the course.

 

The duels were fine, Gishkis are always hard to keep track of, so I can't point out anything beyond the obvious there. The fact that everyone and their mother seems to play Morphing Jar seems slightly lazy, but if that's how it's got to be, I don't mind it as much as really situational cards in other fics (*cough* Super Junior Confrontation *cough*).

 

Glad you like Dunkan. Yeah I'm trying to steer him to some interesting / less explored directions as a villain. Compared to Eizan's more stereotypical "mad scientist" type.

 

I don't plan on abusing the new stuff, tbh. This was written for pre-Zexal things, and I'll generally keep it that way. Maybe some exceptions. And actually most people thought she'd be using Gusto although that's probably my fault

 

Hmm. I wasn't aware Morphing Jar was becoming a thing in the story. I was thinking it was under control. Well, rest assured, no more Morphing Jars happen from here on out.

 

Hey. Is this mentioned because I used in at the end of 24? :(

 

Anyway, comments are to be made. And they are to be made on a chapter I've read before (a while ago) and much has changed. ie. Lilith's opponent has changed. Completely. I was under the illusion you were taking the duel out altogether.

 

Although I am... I understand what Dunkan did and it does resolve things that happened with Inoue back when she duelled Lee quite neatly. But...

 

Eizan vs Dunkan? That's... well now, even though it's interesting to see the big bads fighting each other and there was nothing else that could be done with it. But now Eizan is, because he won whether you like it or not and even though he was using Inoue's deck and not his own, put over Dunkan. Okay obviously one will be fought and finished before the other in the final arc and it probably be Dunkan then Eizan anyway. But, I dunno. They're trying to get one over on each other and "You just played right into my plan as I expected you to" "No, you played right into my plan by thinking I was playing into your plan" back and forth (which also gets tiresome after a while), but, I dunno. The duel couldn't end in a draw or interference, so... I guess the only way to avoid it was not having the duel.

 

So... sorry, I'm not sure I'm all for this amendment. It was like Eizan needed a duel anyway. And Dunkan certainly didn't need another loss of any kind, given everything has pretty much been going wrong for him so far. :(

 

Although having said all that, summoning five Ritua monsters in one turn was awesome.

 

Rest of the chapter is good as usual. Love Lynette.

 

Plus hooray for new material for me to read from this point forth! :D

 

Hmm. Maybe it didn't come off very clear, but Eizan did not actually foresee or counter Dunkan's plan (in this chapter). He thought he had the God Mode under his control, and planned to use it to stall for time, but Dunkan had prepared for that. Even if he lost the duel, Dunkan made sure Eizan couldn't use Lilith as a weapon and also delayed him, whereas even if he was defeated, he didn't take any risks.

 

Even if some things have not gone according to his plan, Dunkan's still up there, basically untouched, ready to get his hands on the Nexus. I wouldn't say that everything has been going wrong for him. There have been unexpected factors but he mostly worked through them.

 

While you are right that this does put Eizan more or less over Dunkan in terms of card games... gonna have to pull the "he wasn't at full strength" card there. Dunkan pretty explicitly mentions he has a hax deck ready, and it's not like he was fighting for his life or anything. Plus when you think about it, doesn't Eizan need some edge there? Dunkan has his Tower, he's basically one step away from finishing his plan and obtaining Unlimited Power (TM), he still has Lynette as an ally and the army of Cataphracts... if anything it was Eizan who needed to look more threatening, and that was partly the reason for the duel (next to it being a shocker thing and of course wanting to use Ritua in a second duel). Well, next chapter has a pretty extensive Dunkan scene so maybe it will be better.

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

Hmm. Maybe it didn't come off very clear, but Eizan did not actually foresee or counter Dunkan's plan (in this chapter). He thought he had the God Mode under his control, and planned to use it to stall for time, but Dunkan had prepared for that. Even if he lost the duel, Dunkan made sure Eizan couldn't use Lilith as a weapon and also delayed him, whereas even if he was defeated, he didn't take any risks.

 

Even if some things have not gone according to his plan, Dunkan's still up there, basically untouched, ready to get his hands on the Nexus. I wouldn't say that everything has been going wrong for him. There have been unexpected factors but he mostly worked through them.

 

While you are right that this does put Eizan more or less over Dunkan in terms of card games... gonna have to pull the "he wasn't at full strength" card there. Dunkan pretty explicitly mentions he has a hax deck ready, and it's not like he was fighting for his life or anything. Plus when you think about it, doesn't Eizan need some edge there? Dunkan has his Tower, he's basically one step away from finishing his plan and obtaining Unlimited Power (TM), he still has Lynette as an ally and the army of Cataphracts... if anything it was Eizan who needed to look more threatening, and that was partly the reason for the duel (next to it being a shocker thing and of course wanting to use Ritua in a second duel). Well, next chapter has a pretty extensive Dunkan scene so maybe it will be better.

 

Oh no, it was very clear that Eizan wasn't expecting Dunkan to attack him here with his servant he'd procured seemingly by the gift of Chaos! (Sorry) It's about the second thing during the fic that hasn't been exactly as he planned, the other being said servant acquisition. But at times it has all seemed a bit like "You played right into my trap just as I expected." "Well I was expecting you to try something like that, so I set my own trap for you to fall into." "Ah, but I was expecting you to do that too, so planned accordingly." "Ah, but that to was part of my plan that I'd expected you to expect that." "Well I was bluffing." "Oh, but I double bluffed!"

 

"WELL I WAS EXPECTING THAT, AND I PLANNED ONE MORE MOVE AHEAD OF YOU, THAN YOU CAN EVER SAY! SO THERE!!!"

 

*Dunkan in a rage there, in my mind* :mellow:

 

His allies: Six directors, three Machine Emperors users, and countless others minions dead. Total number of enemies defeated amongst the persistant rebel party and Eizan: Zip. Yep, things are going just swimmingly for old Greg I'd say. :D (I say that in a playful sense)

 

Did Dunkan say that? You mean in this chapter or before? Trying to find it. Eizan has the Crimson Sanctum, and some access to the Road to Tomorrow being siphoned in IIRC? Eizan kinda gets built up as super powerful through Yladius anyway (even though he lost, which I thought was one of the points of Yladius anyway) as well as being all-knowing mastermind with all the power of chaos on his side. I know you're trying to make them very evenly balanced, but for me Eizan has been one step ahead of Dunkan and above him on the villian scale for quite some time. That will probably be the case in the end anyway. The catching him out with Lilith did swing it back for a moment, but losing the duel weighted the pendulum back again. Maybe a free-for-all would have felt better as was mooted. But if you had to ask me who I thought was the bigger more intimidating and graver threat, I'd say Eizan without a second thought. :mellow:

 

But then this is all just me and my thoughts and may well be in the minority, so don't worry about it.

[Vector Nightmare]

Oh no, it was very clear that Eizan wasn't expecting Dunkan to attack him here with his servant he'd procured seemingly by the gift of Chaos! (Sorry) It's about the second thing during the fic that hasn't been exactly as he planned, the other being said servant acquisition. But at times it has all seemed a bit like "You played right into my trap just as I expected." "Well I was expecting you to try something like that, so I set my own trap for you to fall into." "Ah, but I was expecting you to do that too, so planned accordingly." "Ah, but that to was part of my plan that I'd expected you to expect that." "Well I was bluffing." "Oh, but I double bluffed!"
 
"WELL I WAS EXPECTING THAT, AND I PLANNED ONE MORE MOVE AHEAD OF YOU, THAN YOU CAN EVER SAY! SO THERE!!!"

*Dunkan in a rage there, in my mind* :mellow:

Isn't that what YGO is all about =P
 

His allies: Six directors, three Machine Emperors users, and countless others minions dead. Total number of enemies defeated amongst the persistant rebel party and Eizan: Zip. Yep, things are going just swimmingly for old Greg I'd say. :D (I say that in a playful sense)

Heh. Well, yeah, his kill list isn't very high, but then again he doesn't exactly need to kill anyone as long as he gets his hands on the Nexus. But I understand where you're coming from.
 

Did Dunkan say that? You mean in this chapter or before?

If you're talking about the deck, he makes a mini-rant about it in chapter 68.

Trying to find it. Eizan has the Crimson Sanctum, and some access to the Road to Tomorrow being siphoned in IIRC? Eizan kinda gets built up as super powerful through Yladius anyway (even though he lost, which I thought was one of the points of Yladius anyway) as well as being all-knowing mastermind with all the power of chaos on his side. I know you're trying to make them very evenly balanced, but for me Eizan has been one step ahead of Dunkan and above him on the villian scale for quite some time. That will probably be the case in the end anyway. The catching him out with Lilith did swing it back for a moment, but losing the duel weighted the pendulum back again. Maybe a free-for-all would have felt better. But if you had to ask me who I thought was the bigger more intimidating and graver threat, I'd say Eizan without a second thought. :mellow:

Well. I'd say they both have shown their strengths and weaknesses (alright, maybe Dunkan has shown more in the area of weaknesses). But... it's not necessarily a bad thing, that you feel Eizan is more threatening right now. I mean, with Dunkan we know his plan. With Eizan we don't really know anything, except that he wants bad things to happen - it always has more impact when you don't know what to expect, and Eizan is definitely that type of villain.

But remember that there's still a lot to find out about both of them, and things might be stirred up several times by the time everything finally comes to a close.

[Vector Nightmare]

Ladies(?) and gentlemen, it's time for the 72th chapter of the story, which closes the sixth and penultimate arc. From here on now, we're counting down to the end. This chapter is fairly important, both plot-wise and character development-wise, so I hope it delivers.
 
[spoiler=Chapter 72]

Chapter 72: Allure of Darkness

"Ugh..." Dunkan pushed himself up, rubbing his temples. He had banked on the experience being less draining on his mental fortitude. Then again, he had also banked on winning. I guess Nakahara's deck I was using had its limits, after all.

He did not concern himself further, though. Miyataka Eizan's plan had been disrupted, and it was too late for him to do anything now. It was too late for anyone to do anything.

Dunkan looked around him. He was in the innermost chamber of the top floor of the Aria Tower - the portal chamber. The swirling mass of energy in the middle of the room was raging, stronger than ever before. The proximity of the Nexus was exhilerating.

In front of him lay a three-dimensional projection, detailing the layout of Dunkan's plan. The Nexus was portrayed as a gigantic white sphere - it was impossible to put something that exists outside the logic of this world into a coherent shape that conforms with the laws of geometry, but Dunkan had thought a sphere was the best possible approximation. Underneath, the virtual world was positioned, directly between the Nexus and their original, physical universe. A necessary connection between them. Each reality had a defining consistency factor, its tendency to conform to its confined 'order'. That factor determined the strength of the metaphysical barrier that had been dubbed the 'Outer Sphere'. Dunkan knew the physical world's consistency factor was low, which was why they were able to perceive the worlds beyond, through the Gap - the points where the Outer Sphere was breaking apart. Such a world would be wiped out of existence long before it drew close enough to the Nexus. That was why Dunkan had built this virtual reality, a strictly ordered reality with a powerful Outer Sphere that could withstand the enormous pressure of the energy output of the Nexus. And this Aria Tower, this topmost chamber, was the only point where one could breach the Outer Sphere.

Dunkan had chosen the sphere as a representative shape for the Nexus because it was uniform. No corners, no edges. No discernable beginning or ending, no points of access. Except for one. It could be called a miniature universe in itself, a small space, nearly undetectable. Its existence was a mystery, because the Nexus represented lack of order, chaos, a state of existence where such things as boundaries and laws were meaningless. Yet it was there. A tiny piece of order orbiting a sea of chaos. The Original Sin. The name had been Jacqueline's idea - Dunkan had to admit it sounded poetic enough. According to theology, the Original Sin was the act that had severed man from God. The act that had been the transition from an ideal, all-encompassing state of existence, 'Paradise', to a structured, limited state of existence, 'Earth'. That which had separated mankind from the world of infinite possibilities, and confined him in his singular, barren realm. Dunkan did not believe a word of that, of course, but symbolically speaking, if the Original Sin represented the pathway from the limitless to the limited, it stood to reason that one could also use it to reverse that journey. And that was exactly what Dunkan planned to do. The Original Sin was the 'platform' he would use to access the Nexus.

Time left: 0:11:29

In little more than ten minutes, the virtual world would be aligned with the Original Sin. At that time, Dunkan could use the portal to breach through the Outer Sphere, and transport himself physically to the precipice of the Nexus. Once that was accomplished, there was very little anyone could do to stop him until he could gain access to the full power of the Nexus itself. And even if one of the many enemies that had reared their head in this final hour found a way to interfere, there was one final safeguard, one last precaution Dunkan had taken that would render all their efforts futile.

But in the meantime, such interference seemed unlikely. The two Signers had been stopped in the Aria Tower's last layer of defense. Lynette was there, too, although Dunkan had told her not to get herself involved unless absolutely needed. Nonetheless, she seemed to be in control of the situation. That girl always liked to play around a little.

---

"Don't forget... I haven't Normal Summoned yet." Lynette said, her voice dangerously sweet. "I call forth Eclipse Wyvern!" Yenma gasped as a strange silver dragon, its flesh marked with red rune-like stripes, materialized in front of his opponent. Another monster I've never seen before - !! On his field was the defense position Junk Destroyer, which seemed suddely quite insufficient as a barrier, whereas on Lynette's side, there were the two fearsome Blue-Eyes White Dragons, and the unknown monster she had just summoned. This was a very unfavorable situation...

[spoiler=Eclipse Wyvern]Eclipse Wyvern
LIGHT / Dragon
Level 4
1600/1000
If this card is sent to the Graveyard: Banish 1 Level 7 or higher LIGHT or DARK Dragon-Type monster from your Deck. If this card in the Graveyard is banished: You can add the monster banished by this effect to your hand.[/spoiler]

"Battle." Lynette ordered. "Blue-Eyes! Wipe out that poor excuse of a defense! Attack Junk Destroyer!"

"I won't give up!" Yenma retaliated, grabbing one of the two cards in his left hand. "I discard the monster card, Stronghold Guardian! With its effect, Junk Destroyer gains plus 1500 defense power for the turn, which means it can withstand your dragon's attack!" A muscular warrior, bearing a large fortress with three towers on its powerful shoulders, appeared in front of the grey robot. The white stream of death pierced through the castle walls, but the monster protected within remained safe. More than that, catching an opening, Junk Destroyer launched a fierce counterattack, barraging Lynette with heavy artillery fire.

[spoiler=Stronghold Guardian]Stronghold Guardian
EARTH / Warrior
Level 4
0/1500
If a Defense Position monster you control is attacked, during the Damage Step, you can send this card from your hand to the Graveyard to have that monster gain 1500 DEF until the End Phase.[/spoiler]

Greyblade - LP: 3800
Lynette Rayleigh - LP: 2900

Yenma sighed, placing the card in the Graveyard. Stronghold Guardian's effect lasted until the end of the turn, so for now, he was safe. That's right. Everyone... they are relying on me. I can't let them down here! Lynette was looking at him, her expression unreadable.

"I set a card. Turn end."

Turn 5 - Greyblade

Alright... I've bought some time, but if this keeps up, I'm a goner. I need to turn this around, here and now. And for that... He glanced at the top of his deck. I need a miracle draw here... please!! He snatched a card, barely daring to look.

Yes!

"Magic, Synchro Cancel!" He declared triumphantly. "Junk Destroyer returns to my Extra Deck, and in exchange, I get to Special Summon its Synchro materials from the Graveyard!" Junk Synchron, Junk Defender, and Synchron Explorer all lined up in front of him. "And now, one more time! Synchro Summon! Appear again, Junk Destroyer!" The released monster materialized immediately, flexing its iron muscles.

"Junk Destroyer's effect activates!" Yenma shouted, not waiting for Jacqueline to react. "When summoned, I can destroy up to two cards on the field - of course, I will target your two dragons!" The twin majestic behemoths snarled menacingly, snapping their jaws, but Yenma's monster paid them no heed - its two robotic fists burst from its arms, spearing straight through each of its targets. With mirrored roars of pain, the two white dragons burst into particles that dissolved into pillars of light.

"So you're finally showing a little backbone." Lynette was completely unpertrubed, despite the destruction of her two strongest monsters. "Don't get cocky, though. My monsters are eternal. It won't be long before they descend upon the field again."

"Maybe." Yenma acknowledged, fully aware that Lynette's deck was probably full of cards that could revive her ace monsters. "But until then, Junk Destroyer attacks Eclipse Wyvern!" Heeding his command, the Synchro monster charged, blasting away the defending runic dragon. Lynette's Life Points took another dive, falling to half his own score.

Greyblade - LP: 3800
Lynette Rayleigh - LP: 1900

"Eclipse Wyvern's effect activates when it is sent to the Graveyard." Lynette said smoothly. "I can select a Level 7 or higher, Light or Dark, Dragon-Type monster from my deck and remove it from play." The image of a card appeared between them, its back to him, only to vanish in a black vortex. Yenma tensed. This move was not simple. He was very certain it led up to something... and he knew he would find out what that was soon.

"Turn end."

Turn 6 - Lynette Rayleigh

"My turn. Draw." His opponent's composure had not faded. "I will commend you for bringing about a retaliation against overwhelming odds with a single card. It seems your deck has responded to your faith, and earned you a brief respite. I set a monster, and end my turn."

Turn 7 - Greyblade

Yenma exhaled, relieved. For the first time, he had managed to put his opponent to the defensive... of course, that didn't mean he could let his guard down. He only had two cards between his hand and field. But I'm not going to let her beat me. Whatever it takes, I'll protect Christina... together, we'll save all these people. And then...

"My turn!" Nothing that can finish her off this turn... can't be helped. I have to set my field up. "I attack your reverse monster with Junk Destroyer!"

"So be it. My reverse monster is a second White of Legend." Lynette informed him moments before Junk Destroyer's fist smashed through the ancient stone. "This means that I can add my third Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my deck to my hand."

"Fine... I set a monster of my own. Turn end." Yenma muttered.

Turn 8 - Lynette Rayleigh

"I gave you a free turn, and this is all you can do?" Lynette sneered. "Where is your bravado from earlier? Come on. You and your friends barged in here, going on about saving the world. Don't you think you ought to start doing a slightly better job at it?"

"Ugh..." Yenma cringed, as his opponent voiced the very doubts that were beating down on his own morale.

"Yenma, don't let her get to you!" Christina shouted from behind him. "Her field is empty now! You can do it!"

"Is that so?" Lynette asked coldly. "Well, then it's time to rectify that. I activate Hand Obliteration, forcing us both to discard all cards in our hand, and then draw as many cards as we discarded." Lynette's three cards revealed themselves to him, before vanishing into nothingness. Yenma cringed - three Dragon monsters, including a second Eclipse Wyvern. On the other hand, he glanced thoughtfully at the single card in his hand, before throwing it away. He had seen little point in setting it, but just maybe... he glanced at his new card, and his heart fluttered slightly. A new path had just opened. But first...

[spoiler=Hand Obliteration]Hand Obliteration
SPELL / Normal
Each player discards their hand and draws the same number of cards they discarded.[/spoiler]

"The effect of Eclipse Wyvern activates." A second card dissolved into black mist before him, its identity still unknown. What was she planning with removing those monsters from the game? But Yenma did not have time to dwell on it. From the three new cards that reappeared in Lynette's hand, one flipped around immediately, and despair gripped him as he recognized its identity.

"Dragon's Mirror." Lynette announced slowly, savoring the moment. "You know what this card does, don't you? I remove five Dragon monsters in my Graveyard from the game..." The two copies of Eclipse Wyvern, the two copies of White of Legend, and additionally Totem Dragon which had been discarded earlier, appeared between them, only to be sucked into a large golden mirror, surging with unimaginable energy.

[spoiler=Dragon's Mirror]Dragon's Mirror
SPELL / Normal
Remove from play, from your side of the field or your Graveyard, Fusion Material Monsters that are listed on a Dragon-Type Fusion Monster Card, and Special Summon that Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck. (This Special Summon is treated as a Fusion Summon.)[/spoiler]

"You know what monster will appear now." Lynette stated. The sky above them turned black, clouding the distant ceiling. From within the chaotic Fusion vortex, the shape of a monster began taking form - a beast so large that it almost rivalled Raviel on the far end of the chamber. "A heretic god that spreads fear even among his own kin... the pitch-black dragon tyrant that reigns over hell! Appear from the everlasting darkness!" Heeding her command, the terrible behemoth descended, landing nimbly behind her. Its five heads, each the governor of a different element - fire, water, lightning, earth and darkness - all roared in unison. "Five God Dragon!"

[spoiler=Five God Dragon]Five God Dragon
DARK / Dragon / Fusion
Level 12
5000/5000
The Fusion Material Monsters for this card are any 5 Dragon-Type monsters. This monster cannot be Special Summoned except by Fusion Summon. This card does not take any Battle Damage, and cannot be destroyed by battle with an EARTH, WATER, FIRE, WIND, or DARK monster. (Battle Damage is still inflicted to players.)[/spoiler]

"I'm not done with you yet." Lynette sneered. "When it is removed from the game, the secondary effect of Eclipse Wyvern activates, letting me add the card I removed with its effect to my hand." The two unknown cards reappeared in Lynette's hand, which now returned back to four. "Moving on... I summon God Dragon Apocalypse." A dragon whose entire serpentine body was a stream of deep scarlet flames materialized beside her. "This creature has a useful effect, but I'm not going to bother with that now. I remove Apocalypse from play, in order to summon one of the monsters I reclaimed! Behold, Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon!" Yenma cursed as the dragon vanished, replaced with a much larger beast coated in shiny black metal armor. This was bad news...

[spoiler=God Dragon Apocalypse]God Dragon Apocalypse
DARK / Dragon
Level 4
1000/1500
Once per turn: You can discard 1 card, then target 1 Dragon-Type monster in your Graveyard; add that target to your hand.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon]Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon
DARK / Dragon
Level 10
2800/2400
You can remove from play 1 Dragon-Type monster you control to Special Summon this card. Once per turn, during your Main Phase, you can Special Summon 1 Dragon-Type monster, except "Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon", from your hand or Graveyard.[/spoiler]

"Following, I activate the effect of Red-Eyes, reviving Blue-Eyes White Dragon from the Graveyard." Lynette continued, taking obvious pleasure in Yenma's squirming. One of the three great beasts sleeping in her Graveyard materialized again, completing the fearsome array.

"And now, battle." Lynette commanded. "First, Five God Dragon... wipe out Junk Destroyer."

Helpless to do anything to defend his monster or himself, Yenma watched five sets of eyes converge onto the robotic warrior, while five jaws opened simultaneously. A barrage of power surged forward, five elemental streams of destruction that completely annihilated his hapless monster. Screaming, he was tossed backwards by the impact of the strike and the Life Point damage, which felt like fire searing straight through his body. In one shot, the tables had completely turned.

Greyblade - LP: 1400
Lynette Rayleigh - LP: 1900

"And now, Red-Eyes! Wipe out his last defense!" The metallic dragon unleashed a stream of crimson and black fire.

"My monster is... Shield Wing..." Yenma panted. "Twice per turn... it isn't destroyed by battle..." The attack subsided, leaving the small silver dragon unharmed.

[spoiler=Shield Wing]Shield Wing
WIND / Winged Beast
Level 2
0/900
Up to twice per turn, if this card would be destroyed by battle, it is not destroyed.[/spoiler]

"So you survived." Lynette mused. "I wonder how long you can last. I set one card. Turn end."

Turn 9 - Greyblade

Probably... not long. Yenma glumly drew his next card. An opportunity had opened... he had to make the best of it.

"I activate Jar of Avarice, returning Blackfeather Dragon, Junk Destroyer, and Junk Berserker to my Extra Deck, and Junk Defender as well as Stronghold Guardian to my deck. Then, I can draw twice." He glanced at his new cards, and sighed with relief. "I summon Debris Dragon! And using its effect, I revive a monster with 500 or less attack from my Graveyard, namely Synchron Explorer!" The shining silver dragon materialized on the field, followed by the round robot creature.

[spoiler=Debris Dragon]Debris Dragon
WIND / Dragon / Tuner
Level 4
1000/2000
When this card is Normal Summoned, you can Special Summon 1 monster with 500 or less ATK from your Graveyard in Attack Position. That monster's effect(s) is negated. This card cannot be used as a Synchro Material Monster, except for the Synchro Summon of a Dragon-Type Synchro Monster. The other Synchro Material Monster(s) cannot be Level 4.[/spoiler]

"Debris Dragon cannot Synchro Summon monsters that are not Dragon type." Yenma breathed. "However, that doesn't matter now! I tune the Level 2, Synchron Explorer, and the Level 2, Shield Wing, to the Level 4, Debris Dragon! Hear my call once more!" Sharp silver feathers sprouted out of the Synchro array, followed by the nimble body of the black creature. "Synchro Summon! Blackfeather Dragon!" The reborn creature roared, its anger resonating throughout the mark on its controller's arm. It was ready to take revenge for its earlier defeat.

"So what?" Lynette asked coolly. "Your monster is barely strong enough to trade blows with Red-Eyes, and then you'll be left defenseless!"

"Not exactly." A card slid from Yenma's Graveyard, the same one that was discarded earlier by the effect of his opponent's card. "I remove from play Necro Defender in my Graveyard, and target Blackfeather Dragon. With Necro Defender's ability, Blackfeather Dragon is now immune to battle and battle damage, until the end of your next turn!" A dark aura wrapped around his monster, forming a ghastly armor. "And now, let's go! Blackfeather Dragon, attack Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon! Noble Stream!" The two dragons fired similar black-and-red beams which slid past each other. However, Red-Eyes' attack dissipated harmlessly against Blackfeather Dragon's ghastly armor, while Lynette's monster was blown to shreds.

[spoiler=Necro Defender]Necro Defender
DARK / Fiend
Level 2
0/800
During your Main Phase, you can remove from play this card from your Graveyard to select 1 monster you control. Until your opponent's next End Phase, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle, and you take no Battle Damage from battles involving it.[/spoiler]

"Turn end!"

Turn 10 - Lynette Rayleigh

"Draw. I activate the permanent Trap card, Dark Dimension Release." Lynette said immediately. "This allows me to Special Summon a removed from play Dark monster and equip it with this card - and when either is destroyed, the other is gone, too. But that won't be a concern. I revive God Dragon Apocalypse." The burning wyrm returned to her side. "Now, I use Apocalypse's effect, sending a card from my hand to the Graveyard. In exchange, the fallen Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon returns to my hand."

[spoiler=Dark Dimension Release]Dark Dimension Release
TRAP / Continuous
Target 1 of your banished DARK monsters; Special Summon that target. When this card leaves the field, destroy and banish that target. When that target is destroyed, destroy this card.[/spoiler]

"Oh no!" Yenma exclaimed, prompting a sinister smirk from his opponent.

"I remove from the game Apocalypse once more. Appear again, Red-Eyes! And using its effect, I Special Summon my second Blue-Eyes White Dragon from the Graveyard!" Yenma cringed as the previous turn essentially replayed itself, and somehow he was stared down by four powerful monsters. At the very least, Blackfeather Dragon was still invincible in battle. He had bought one more turn...

"Battle." Lynette said suddenly. "Blue-Eyes White Dragon, attack Blackfeather Dragon!" The first of the mighty dragons prepared to unleash its attack.

"What?!" Yenma exclaimed. "But Blackfeather Dragon can't be destroyed, and I won't take battle damage!"

"Maybe so." Lynette's smirk widened cruelly. "But your monster will still feel the attack!" A white stream of destruction consumed his vision, engulfing his monster. Blackfeather Dragon spread its wings, absorbing the brunt of the attack - but it screeched in agony as the impact shot through its body. The red mark began pulsing, and Yenma cried out in agony, falling to his knees.

"That's right." Lynette laughed. "Through that mark of yours, you will also feel your monster's suffering. Kneel before my dragons! My second Blue-Eyes, teach him pain!" The first attack had hardly dissipated than the second struck, and the pain doubled. Yenma's vision was getting blurry, his courage and resolve tearing apart before that overwhelming power. He heard Christna anxiously shout behind him, but he could barely make out the words.

"I don't think you've tasted enough just yet." Lynette raised her hand. "Five God Dragon!" This would kill him. It surely would. He closed his eyes, accepting the inevitable.

---

As if in a dream, Yuko watched the fight unfold before her. To defend her, Trishula had been called out and now the three-headed god dragon of the frozen north floated before her, snapping its jaws menacingly.

Sensing the imminent danger, the brainwashed duelist in front of her slapped a card onto his Duel Disk, and a rock golem appeared before him, kneeling in a defensive stance. She recognized that monster as Destiny HERO - Defendguy, a monster that, as its name implied, posed a formidable defensive force. However, Trishula's arctic breath quickly enveloped it, freezing the stone solid. Dewdark and Diamondguy disappeared before those arctic wings, and when they finally subsided, the defensive monster, too, shattered into fragments. However, while its cover had lasted, its controller had not stayed idle.

A muscular red-haired, bare-chested warrior wielding two giant objects, similar to shields but with dangerous spikes protruding from their edges, a lean, masked fighter covered in black armor and a tattered red cloak, and a heavyweight boxer with blue dreadlocks materialized from behind the explosion radius. Diehardguy, Devilguy and Dunkguy. There was no way Trishula could take them all on at once. Even as the ice monster was recovering its strength, Diehardguy was already slamming its weapons on its chest, causing it to reel backwards. Devilguy began chanting a spell, causing dark lightning to cackle around her monster, and Dunkguy jumped, ready to ram its mighty fist on her monster's central head.

As if responding to her wordless prayer, three cards floated out of her deck, dissolving as they materialized into their respective monsters. The tanned cryomancer - the Practicioner of the Ice Barrier - cast an ice spell that blocked the attacking Dunkguy dead in his tracks, then the Royal Knight threw its mighty white lance, stabbing it straight through. The Cataphract reeled from the impact as his monster vanished, while the young, azure-clad Raiho, Brave General of the Ice Barrier, dissolved Devilguy's spell with his own magic. But the opponent had quickly followed up - a lean, robotic black warrior with wheels attached to its feet, and a businessman clad in a black suit, wearing sunglasses and a black hat, while his mouth was covered by a scarf, appeared between them. Yuko gasped as Dashguy sped past her monsters with amazing speed, aiming for her directly. While Doubleguy was intercepted by the Royal Knight, seemingly effortlessly cut down by the warrior's lance, its corpse suddenly transformed into a bestial form with thick muscles and a wild mane. The beast roared, grabbing the Royal Knight and tossing him onto the Practicioner of the Ice Barrier. Both her monsters were obliterated, but Yuko felt no pain. She realized that Trishula had taken over completely, and was commanding the monsters in her deck, its own servants, as well as sharing their pain. But that, too, would end once Dashguy, and the charging bestial form Doubleguy reached her.

Two more portals of ice opened to her sides, and the last two generals emerged. The copper-skinned monk, Gantala, his mighty fist encased in a gauntlet of ice, met the attacking Doubleguy, fist against fist. The impact of their attacks meeting caused both duelists to stumble backwards. In the meantime, Grunard, encased in his glacial armor, had little trouble cutting Dashguy in half with a single swipe of his ice blade, and Raiho had moved in, preparing to unleash its own attack upon the opposing Cataphract.

A loud sound like a bell's gong resonated through the large chamber, causing the rest of the incoming Cataphracts to halt. Filled with a creeping fear, Yuko watched as the ground burst open between them, and a behemoth of a monster jumped out. Wearing nothing but tight-fitting shorts, doing little to conceal its overwhelmingly muscular physique, its face covered by a steel mask and chains bound to its arms and legs, their other ends buried deep underneath the earth. Destiny HERO Dreadguy. Diehardguy and Devilguy disappeared to fuel the energy needed for its summon. Dreadguy roared and with a single strike, it rammed its fist through Raiho's chest, obliterating it and charging forward to meet Grunard. Gantara and Doubleguy, exhausted from their struggle, finally gave in and collapsed, disappearing simultaneously.

Trishula, having recovered from the previous attack, moved in, riding the wind to float upwards. Rearing its heads, it prepared to attack, its target the defenseless Destiny HERO user. However, its efforts were fated to be cut short. Yuko barely caught sight of a figure with black wings, hanging upside-down from the ceiling like a bat, before it descended upon her monster, pushing Trishula's bulk downwards with its sheer physical strength. Her heart clenched. Dogmaguy, the blade-wielding aerial HERO that was even stronger than Dreadguy, which had now bested Grunard and was tossing the General's battered body aside. With a sweeping motion of its arm, Dogmaguy made to slash at Trishula's three necks. Meanwhile, the horde of the Cataphracts was approaching rapidly, and were now surrounding her.

No! I'm not... I'm not... ready to give up yet!! Yuko's trembling hands shifted through the cards in her deck, snatching three. Hoping against hope that her strength would hold, she raised them, and they were engulfed in a cold, brilliant white light.

The golden-armored azure Tiger King, Dewloren, followed by the crystal serpent Dragons, Brionac and Gungnir, appeared from within the frozen, surging gales. Dewloren rammed its body into the attacking Dogmaguy, forcing both onto he ground. A massive battery-shaped monster, wielding twin overcharged cables, an old man in white-and-black robes, carrying an odd golden rod, a mechanical samurai coated in dark grey armor, and a massive demonic figure in black armor made of scrap metal all appeared around her, summoned by the Cataphracts that had arrived. Batteryman - Industrial Use, Gravekeeper's Chief, Karakuri Shogun Burei, and Scrap Demon. Seamlessly, they launched their attacks.

Brionac dove in front of the large Batteryman. The opposing monster halted for only an instant - it was enough. Brionac's powerful gale caught the monster, lifting it afloat. Gravekeeper's Chief attempted to cast a counter spell in order to calm the raging winds, but it was too little, too late - he too was enveloped in the freezing maelstrom, and the two monsters were rammed against the wall, destroyed instantly. Their controllers collapsed on the ground, unable to move. On the other side, Gungnir's skin, made from frozen crystals that were harder than steel, was able to hold off Burei's and Scrap Demon's vicious strikes. It had no room for counterattack, though, and its endurance would soon give way. Just as Yuko tried to command Brionac to turn its attention to its companion's struggle, however...

The Destiny HERO user had stepped backward, one hand raised to the sky. Scarlet energy surged through the air, enveloping his fallen Dreadguy. Additionally, two scarlet tendrils snuck their way behind the Scrap and Karakuri monsters, surrounding them and forcefully dragging them to Dreadguy's side. The three monsters screeched as their bodies slowly melted away, forming a pool of blood that continuously expanded, and from within...

Yuko gasped in terror. She had only heard rumors of this monster. She had thought it had never actually made it into the game, because of its controversial nature. She could see why, now. Formed out of the blood of the sacrifices, the demonic visage of a tall, lean warrior, coated in black and sporting twin broad wings and a demonic tail, rose into the sky. The name of that monster was Destiny HERO Bloo-D. And its power...

"Get away!" Yuko tried to shout. But it was too late. Bloo-D's wings spread wide, and a strong inwards gravity pulse caught Dewloren, which was still struggling with Dogmaguy, in its clutches. The ice beast snarled and struggled, trying in vain to resist the pull, but it was nonetheless dragged into the Destiny HERO's left wind. Yuko almost threw up, as her monster was liquefied, its blood absorbed into the demon's body. From the membrane of its wing, a grotesque visage of the absorbed Dewloren appeared, and Bloo-D was surrounded by a surge of energy.

Brionac and Gungnir snarled, ready to counterattack. Bloo-D was too strong, though. The tips of a thousand crimson spears formed from its wings, shooting forward like  a rain of death. The two dragons could only place their bodies between the onslaught and Yuko, whose tear-streaked eyes watched them be torn apart and blasted to shreds.

The retaliation was instant and furious. A breath of ice so strong that Yuko felt her own blood freeze in her veins shot forward from behind her. The very air turned to icicles, and the crimson liquid in Bloo-D's wings crystallized, rendering him motionless. In fact, the icy breath had frozen many of the Cataphracts dead in their tracks. Trishula advanced, ready to deliver the finishing blow.

Behind his twisted expression, Yuko caught Bloo-D's owner expression, an arrogant smirk, as he held out a card.

Fusion.

The half-frozen Bloo-D and Dogmaguy were dragged into the spiralling vortex, their bodies merging together. Trishula paused, its heads turning to the direction of the overhead storm, from which a new warrior descended. Black-and-red, sporting wings similar to Bloo-D's but significantly larger, and brandishing a blade akin to Dogmaguy's, with its armor forming a giant dragonhead in front of its chest, it landed nimbly on its feet, fearlessly challenging the ice dragon. If Bloo-D was a legend, this creature was nothing but myth - and yet here it was, standing before her.

Dragoon D-End.

It was the final clash. Yuko hoped she had bought Kiishiro and the others enough time. She would not die sprawled on the floor, though. Pushing herself on shaky feet, she managed to stand tall, defiantly glaring at her opponent. Dragoon D-End and Trishula howled. Ice formed in Trishula's mouths, frozen death ready to be unleashed. Around them, more monsters were summoned. Dozens of them - Yuko could barely bring herself to count and register them. And at the same instant, the two monsters moved.

A massive pulse of ice shot in all directions. Before her sight was coated by the blaring white, Yuko saw the black dragoon vanish, only to reappear behind Trishula. Her dragon's mournful cry echoed, followed by a sickening sound, as each of its three heads, severed cleanly from their necks, fell to the ground. In that fraction of a second, Dragoon D-End had closed the gap between its target and itself, and delivered three devastating slashes, before moving away again.

However, even for a warrior of its caliber, it was not enough. Trishula's final effort had unleashed a torrent of frost, an eternal wave of sheer cold that would not allow anything to escape its clutches. The warped Destiny HERO, its controller, and all the Cataphracts along with their monsters were encased in pillars of ice. Strangely enough, Yuko was not feeling cold at all. Instead, a warm, pleasant feeling reached her heart, as her consciousness gave way and she closed her eyes...

"Hey, wake up, sleepyhead! How long do you intend on lazing around like that?"

Wearily, Yuko opened her eyes. She blinked, again and again, to confirm that she wasn't just seeing things. She was in her room, comfortably snuggled underneath her covers. Her mother was sitting by the bedside, idly prodding her with her finger in order to get her to wake up. More than anything else, this was too confusing.

"Wh - what's going on?" She muttered, rubbing her eyes. Something was definitely wrong with this picture. The last she had seen of her mother, she had been gravely injured, and Yuko was certain her mother would never act like this around her. She had never come to wake her up, much less called her 'sleepyhead' or anything to that extent.

"Are you still asleep?" Iseya Ayami looked at her curiously. "Your friend, that Sugita fellow, is coming to pick you up in less than an hour. Isn't it about time you started getting ready?"

"Sugita..." Yuko muttered, tilting her head. This still didn't make any sense. "Wait... what happened to... I mean, the virtual world, the Nexus..."

"That? Oh, silly, you were having a bad dream again." Her mother laughed. "All that ended three years ago! You and your friends managed to prevent the worst from happening, and everything's been going well since then! All the people who were trapped inside the virtual world were saved, and everyone has been helping rebuild!"

"Is that so..." Yuko muttered. Her heart fluttered with relief, but at the same time she was tired, so tired. Why did her memory have so many gaps? "Mom... I feel a little sleepy. Can I just sleep a bit longer?"

"Fine." Ayami sighed. "Five more minutes, though! You have to be presentable when your friend comes!" Gratefully, Yuko closed her eyes again, surrendering to sleep...

The silence was absolute. The winds and hail had subsided, leaving the walls, ceiling and floor coated with a thick, glistening layer of frost. The ground was filled with scattered pillars of ice that would never melt, tombstones for the corpses of the Cataphracts caught in Trishula's final, desperate attack.

And at the very center, a little further apart from the others, the brave young girl who, trapped in a blissful, fleeting illuson, was spared, in her final moments, the horror of this frozen graveyard, fell into eternal slumber.

---

"She's... gone..."

Glancing in disbelief at the fading blue dot, whose pulse had weakened and eventually disappeared over the last few minutes. Unable to move, he kept looking at the quiet signal, the painful bell toll for Yuko's demise. Takechi stood next to him, his head hung low.

"What... should we do?" He asked quietly. "Do you want to go back?" Sugita paused for a moment, trying to register the words.

"...even if you say all that, this is all I have now." She said. "Finish it. Just make sure, if you see that friend of yours again, to tell her what you told me right now."

"I will." Sugita breathed. "Lone Silver Wind..."

He clenched his fists. It seems, I won't be able to live up to that promise...

"No." He said firmly, eyes staring dead ahead. They were at the second-to-last floor now, past the gate that had been sealed by the Infinity Gearframe that they had helped unlock, where Yenma and Christina were located. "No. We... we move forward. Once and for all... we'll settle this."

---

I'm... alive?

Yenma blinked, trying to clear away the light that had blinded his vision. Last he remembered, his Blackfeather Dragon had been attacked by Lynette's Five God Dragon... but, then...

He jumped to his feet. Before him hovered not only Blackfeather Dragon, but Christina's Ancient Fairy Dragon as well. Together, the two creatures had managed to create a barrier that had softened the blast. Engulfed in a gentle blue light, Ancient Fairy disappeared. Beside him, Christina was standing defiantly, glaring at Lynette, even though it was clearly taking up all her strength just to stand. On the other hand, the blonde woman had resumed her unreadable expression as she regarded them quietly.

"Why are you doing this?" Christina demanded angrily, trying to suppress the shaking in her voice. Lynette tilted her head.

"What do you mean?" She asked, as if she was genuinely unable to understand Christina's question.

"She means, why are you trying to destroy the world!" Yenma snapped, his patience wearing down. "Surely you can see by now the madness of your plan! You and your allies, what you are doing is pure insanity! Everything will be destroyed! Why... what reason could you possibly have to want to do this, to kill everyone?!"

A long moment passed, with neither side speaking. Then, completely unexpectedly -

"...I guess, curiosity?"

Yenma and Christina, who had been prepared for virtually any kind of answer, gaped in shock. "Curiosity... you said?" Christina asked numbly. "Are you saying... you did all this... because you were curious?"

"More or less." Lynette replied off-handedly, as if it was unimportant. "But you really don't need to be worrying about why I'm here. You should be more concerned with why you are here."

"We know why we are here." Yenma growled. "We've come to put an end to you and your crazy ambitions."

"How noble." Lynette mused. "And, how naive. Is that how you view yourselves? As some sort of heroes, chosen by some arbitrary destiny, on a quest to save the world from destruction?"

"We may not be chosen by destiny." Christina admitted. "However, there are people... not just people, who've chosen us." The spectral image of Dryad's spirit formed beside Christina, nodding softly, and the marks of the Crimson Dragon blazed on their arms. On the holographic display, the colored orbs that represented the rest of the group, scattered in the Tower, glowed softly, reminding them of their presence. "They've chosen us to be their allies, their partners, their friends... and together with all of them, we'll win this fight!"

That's right. Yenma realized. As long... as long as I have people believing in me, fighting alongside me... there's no need to hesitate! I...

Turn 11 - Greyblade

"I... draw!!" So this is it. My deck's answer...

"I remove from the game the Dark monster, Junk Synchron, and the Wind monster, Shield Wing!" The selected cards were flung out of his Graveyard slot, the spirits of the two monsters briefly appearing before vanishing in the void between dimensions. "Descend, the king of the black sky! I summon Dark Simurgh!" The wind sharpened into a pitch-black tornado, breaking apart to reveal the majestic ebon form of the raven god. Yenma's memory flashed back to the time when this card had come to his possession.

[spoiler=Dark Simurgh]Dark Simurgh
DARK / Winged Beast
Level 7
2700/1000
While face-up on the field, this card is also WIND-Attribute. You can banish 1 DARK monster and 1 WIND monster from your Graveyard; Special Summon this card from your hand. You can banish 1 DARK monster and 1 WIND monster from your hand; Special Summon this card from your Graveyard. Your opponent cannot Set any cards on the field.[/spoiler]

Between light and shadow... where do you stand?

I have not found the meaning behind this question yet, and I have not found the answer. He gazed at the god bird floating overhead. But, together with this monster, at the very least, I will win this fight!

"First, I switch Blackfeather Dragon to Defense Position! And then, magic, activate!" He shouted. "Synchro Gift! This Spell card targets a Synchro monster and one non-Synchro monster on my field, and allows the Synchro monster to transfer its attack power to its companion!" Blackfeather Dragon was engulfed in dark purple flames, which absorbed its energy before flowing into Dark Simurgh. Blackfeather Dragon's power fell to 0, while Dark Simurgh's power rose to a formidable 5500. Simurgh howled with its reinforced strength, ready to take on the array of dragons standing opposite to it.

[spoiler=Synchro Gift]Synchro Gift
SPELL / Normal
Select 2 face-up monsters you control (1 Synchro Monster and 1 non-Synchro monster). Until the End Phase of this turn, reduce the ATK of the Synchro Monster to 0, and the other monster gains ATK equal to the Synchro Monster's original ATK.[/spoiler]

"This attack will settle it! Dark Simurgh, along with Blackfeather Dragon's power, attack Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon! Black Hurricane!" Dark Simurgh spread its wings, and a black storm exploded outwards, expanding across the entire field. "Dark Simurgh's power is 5500! Against your monster's 2800, it will be enough to drain away the rest of your Life Points!"

"Not if I activate this." Lynette retaliated coolly. "Trap card, Guard Block. Battle damage is negated, and I draw one card." The slashing wings tore at her metal dragon, clawing away at its armor and tearing it to shreds before biting into flesh. The creature cried out in agony before being obliterated, however, a spherical barrier surrounded Lynette, protecting her from all damage.

[spoiler=Guard Block]Guard Block
TRAP / Normal
Activate only during damage calculation during your opponent's turn. The Battle Damage you would receive becomes 0. Draw 1 card.[/spoiler]

Yenma cringed. His attempt to settle the game had been shut down, and now his options were limited to the single card in his hand. The Trap card, Godbird Attack. If he set it now, during his opponent's next turn, he could use it to tribute Dark Simurgh and destroy two of her monsters. Blackfeather Dragon would be able to hold off one attack. If Lynette somehow didn't summon a fourth monster, at least not one with 1400 or more attack points, Yenma could just barely make it past her turn. In that case... even though he would be left with nothing, even though it would all hinge upon the card he drew next... I'll bet... on this possibility!

"I set a card face-down. Turn end!"

Turn 12 - Lynette Rayleigh

"You are still clinging on? But this turn, it will be over." Lynette promised. "This turn, I will show you exactly the rift that exists between your pointless, fleeting ideals and aspirations, and the cold, hard reality that governs all of existence. Draw. I activate the Spell card, Advance Draw. I release the Level 8, Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and draw two cards." The majestic white creature dissipated into particles of light that vanished into the heavens, and two more cards appeared in front of Lynette. She released her own monster?! Then, just maybe, there is a chance...

[spoiler=Advance Draw]Advance Draw
SPELL / Normal
Tribute 1 face-up Level 8 or higher monster you control. Draw 2 cards.[/spoiler]

"It seems you've regained some hope, because the number of monsters on my field has decreased." Lynette commented. "Let's see if you can maintain that hope, after this. I activate a second Spell card, Dark Factory of Mass Production. This lets me add two Normal monsters from my Graveyard to my hand. Of course, I target the two Blue-Eyes sleeping there." Her hand size increased again? But...

[spoiler=Dark Factory of Mass Production]Dark Factory of Mass Production
SPELL / Normal
Select 2 Normal Monsters from your Graveyard and add them to your hand.[/spoiler]

"The time has come. I activate one more Magic card from my hand." Yenma and Christina gasped in shock, recognizing the identity of the revealed card. It was - !!

"Fusion sends the two Blue-Eyes from my hand, and the one from my field, to the Graveyard." Lynette explained as all three massive dragons disappeared, flying into a vortex of chaotic energy. "And in return..." A behemoth descended from the sky, almost rivaling the overwhelming presence of the Five God Dragon - only this one was pristine white, the same as its components, and had three heads, each born from one of its Fusion materials.

[spoiler=Fusion]Fusion
SPELL / Normal
Send Fusion Material Monsters that are listed on a Fusion Monster Card from your hand or your side of the field to the Graveyard, and Special Summon that Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon]Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon
LIGHT / Dragon / Fusion
Level 12
4500/3800
"Blue-Eyes White Dragon" + "Blue-Eyes White Dragon" + "Blue-Eyes White Dragon"[/spoiler]

"Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon." Lynette spread her arms, indicating the two massive dragons of light and darkness under her command. With an overwhelming 5000 and 4500 attack power respectively, they were more than a match for Yenma's own, but... This is good. Godbird Attack can get rid of both her monsters. That way, I can still keep Blackfeather Dragon. On my next turn, I will attack directly... it will be over!

"When I was only a child, and Duel Monsters was only starting to spread, this monster was one of the first to be showcased in a public duel, which was partly the reason for its legendary status." Lynette said, her voice almost... nostalgic? But the moment was gone quickly. "I will now show you the new form of a legend that survived the test of time! Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon! Cross the boundaries of evolution, and advance to a new level!"

"No way!" Christina shouted behind him, as the three-headed dragon vanished in a massive pillar of light. She... released it?

"Descend! Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon!!"

They tried to shield their eyes from the blazing light, but were dragged backwards by the massive sonicboom that heralded the arrival of a new beast. Between half-shut eyelids, Yenma tried to take in the form of the monster that was emitting a light so brilliant everything around them was beginning to look dark. It had a form similar to the original Blue-Eyes, although it had clearly undergone some form of mechanical reconstruction - its scales had been replaced with deep blue metal plates, which lent its body a leaner, more serpentine appearance, and two horns protruded from either side of its head. A core filled with bright emerald energy pulsed in its chest.

[spoiler=Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon]Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon
LIGHT / Dragon
Level 10
3000/2500
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card cannot be Special Summoned except by Tributing 1 "Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon" you control. This card gains 300 ATK for each Dragon-Type monster in your Graveyard. You can negate the effects of Spells, Traps, and Effect Monsters that target this card.[/spoiler]

She... sacrificed her Ultimate Dragon to summon a monster with only 3000 attack points? No... most likely, this is the monster she added to her hand by the effect of Eclipse Wyvern. There must be something more -

"The effect of Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon activates." Lynette announced. "For every Dragon sleeping in the cemetary, plus 300 attack points. Currently, there are seven - my three Blue-Eyes, as well as Ultimate Dragon, Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon, and the Masked Dragon and Light and Darkness Dragon I discarded earlier. Therefore, its power becomes - " The shining dragon unleashed its mechanical roar, lines of raw energy surging through its frame, as its attack score rose to 5100. Now it's even stronger than Five God Dragon!! Yenma forced himself to calm down. I can still do this. I can still -

"Battle!" Lynette shouted. "First, Five God Dragon! Attack Blackfeather Dragon! I will give you another taste of your monster's agony!"

"Not this time!" Yenma retorted triumphantly, raising his card. "Trap card, open! Godbird Attack! I release Dark Simurgh!" The black winged creature vanished into a black hurricane, which shot towards the enemy field. "Then I can destroy two cards on the field! My targets are obviously your two monsters!" It's finally... done.

[spoiler=Godbird Attack]Godbird Attack
TRAP / Normal
Tribute 1 Winged Beast-Type monster to target 2 cards on the field; destroy them.[/spoiler]

But Lynette merely shook her head. "Do you honestly expect something like that to work here? Think again!" Astounded, Yenma watched Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon fly at such speed its movement was almost invisible, intercepting Dark Simurgh's suicidal flight. Spreading its wings, it released a light so strong that the very fire surrounding Simurgh melted away, dissolving into plasma. "When Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon is targeted by a card effect, I can immediately negate it."

"No - but that means - !!"

"Yes. Dark Simurgh, which was released for the cost of your Trap card, disappears, and both Five God Dragon and Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon survive. Battle resumes." She pointed her finger at his sole monster. "Do it!" Five ruinous streams converged upon Blackfeather Dragon, which tried hopelessly to defend itself. Yenma screamed as the wave of destruction obliterated his creature. It felt as if every fiber of his body was being incinerated by those destructive flames. He was flung backwards, slammed against the wall. Horrified, he tried to look at where his monster had been. Only a few charred feathers remained, slowly falling onto the floor.

"And so, your delusion ends." Lynette declared. "Don't think you can get out of this alive. Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon!" It must be because I'm about to die. Yenma thought. How else could he have perceived the fluid, impossibly fast motion of the majestic beast as it flew forward to hover only a few feet before him? The brilliant, glorious light filled his vision, and he prepared to give up...

---

Christina shouted something, but her own words barely registered in her head. She knew she had to move - unconsciously, she had begun moving even before she realized it - but it was already too late. Nothing she could do or summon could match the speed of that Shining Dragon. Helplessly, she could only watch the evolved Blue-Eyes stand before Yenma, ready to incinerate him at a moment's notice...

"Call it back. Now."

Christina turned to Lynette, who was standing perfectly still - understandable, given the long, silver blade that was suspended mere inches from her neck. She followed the length of the sword back to its wielder, a lean warrior with the face of a bird, sporting short ebon wings and a wild mane of black hair. Behind Black Feather - Lone Silver Wind stood Ryusaki Sugita. Christina was startled by the furious expression on his face. What happened?

"So, a few more children arrived." Lynette said, not losing her composure. A few feet beside Sugita was also Bando Takechi, the cannon-bearing golem, Laval Stellaid, also had its weapon locked on Lynette. Even assuming Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon was fast enough to preemptively block one of these monsters, the second would surely be able to land a hit. Lynette seemed to realize this as well, because her monster backed away from the unconscious Yenma.

"So be it." She said finally. "Admittedly, you've all done well to get this far. As a reward, I'll make sure to watch your struggle until the very end."

"Wait - !!" Christina called out. But Lynette was already gone, having warped away through a spontaneous portal. Her monster simply vanished in a blur of light.

As soon as she was gone, Takechi rushed to Yenma's side. "Are you two alright?" He asked anxiously. "What happened here?" He waved his hand to indicate the looming Raviel that towered at the far end of the chamber.

Christina explained events as well as was possible to do so in about thirty seconds. Thankfully, Yenma was only unconscious - even as it disappeared, Blackfeather Dragon had absorbed the majority of the impact, mitigating the residual damage. Utilizing Dryad's healing powers, he soon began stirring into consciousness. Through all this, Sugita had remained grimly silent, his expression clouded.

"What... what happened?" Christina asked, although she knew she didn't want to hear the answer. Takechi sighed.

"It's... our friend, Iseya Yuko." He said, choking slightly on the words. "She... she didn't make it."

Tears welled up in Christina's eyes. "That... that can't be true..."

"It is true." Sugita said suddenly. He had taken a few steps forward, facing the Phantom Devil directly. There was something in his eyes, something wild and dark. "She went down fighting. And now... now we have to make the best of her sacrifice." He turned to her. "You said you have a way to get rid of this thing?"

"Well, I have this card." Christina admitted, taking out the phantasm that she had gotten from Lee. "But... I'm not sure if it will - "

"It will." Sugita interrupted her. "It has to." He walked towards her, placing his hand on hers, with Takechi following suit. "We'll pool all our power together... and create a miracle!" They glanced at the clock.

Time left: 0:06:05

"Let's go."

---

Kiishiro stumbled his way over the top four steps, before falling to his knees just as he reached the sixth floor. His stamina, mental and physical - whatever physical meant in this place anyway - was long gone now. He felt like he was pressing on on sheer desperation. Desperation, and whatever power coursed through his body via the mark on his arm.

He glanced at the holographic display that ZONE had installed in their Duel Disks to keep track of each others' condition. The fighting seemed to have died down for now. Maya and Yuusuke were somewhere outside the bounds of the Aria Tower now, but they were still alive at least. Christina and Yenma were still on the eighth floor, with Takechi and Sugita steadily making their way up. He could sense them through their Signer marks, too - whoever Yenma had been fighting for a while now, that duel was over, and as far as Kiishiro could tell, Yenma had made it through unharmed. Yuko... his heart clenched. The blue dot that marked her position a few floors underneath had vanished. He had known, of course, what fate would befall her - he had known as soon as he had left her down there to fend for herself against an army of Cataphracts, while he escaped upwards to...

To do what?

It was not the first time he had asked himself this question, since they had broken into the Aria Tower. It had been many more times, since he had been trapped in the virtual world and recruited by ZONE. Just what was it that he could do? Just what was it, that he had been chosen to do?

Kiishiro supposed ZONE had come to him because of the Signer mark, but that didn't explain why the Signer mark was his. Out of the billions of people on the planet, he could hardly believe that the Crimson Dragon or whoever had decided he was the most suitable candidate to save the world. Why? Kiishiro had been given a direction, but no purpose. He had been given a task, but not a goal. A justification, but not a reason. And again and again he seemed to stumble and fail at every step, every victory he won bearing a hard price, always having to choose between the lesser of two evils and usually making the wrong choice. He had been tasked to save the world, and he had thrown that away, almost condemning everything, in a mad attempt to save his mother - and then he had failed to do as well. He had taken point at their collective offense, but ended up behind everyone else, and a girl had to give up her own life to save him. I'm not a hero. The exhileration, the sense of self-importance that had carried him through the first days, when he trained with ZONE in order to defeat the as of yet faceless enemies he felt he was be destined to prevail against, had all disappeared, stripped from him by the overwhelming reality he was faced with. And now I'm going to fail... again.

And then he felt it.

It built up slowly, like a surging wave, originating from the mark on his arm, and spreading through his whole body. It wasn't long before he could physically sense it, too - the enormous amount of energy that had exploded somewhere near the top of the tower. Despite its sheer volume, Kiishiro's whole body felt as if it was literally heated up by it, invigorated. In one instant of clarity as the wave washed over him, Kiishiro felt his emotions - his fears, his worries, his despair - resonate with those of the others. Yenma, Christina, and Sugita and Takechi too - they felt the same as him. But there was more than that, he realized now. Deep underneath the oppressive blackness, something he hadn't even known was there. An iron-hard resolve, courage, that wasn't something any one of them had - but it was something they all had, something that was only born because they fought together.

He pushed himself up, and limped toward the next floor.

---

Perhaps sensing that something was off, Raviel made its move. A huge wave of pressure swept across the field. Barely in time, a golden sphere, courtesy of Dryad's magic and their combined energy flowing into it, rose around them to deflect it. "We have to do this now!" Christina yelled. "If Raviel attacks us in earnest before we can summon it, then - !!" Their three hands clasped each other, forming an unbreakable bond. A bond that was hopefully strong enough to tear apart the dimensional rift, and call for the power they had been entrusted with.

Lightning streaked across the air, lances of thunder as thick as human bodies. Errant bolts struck the ground, incinerating the floor tiles. And in the eye of the storm, Christina, Sugita and Takechi were making their stand, holding on as well as they could.

Another phantasmal wave struck out from Raviel's location. The attack, much more powerful than the last, caught them by surprise, and their barrier shattered instantly. They had neither the time nor the energy to forge it again. The third strike appeared. This time it wasn't a wave. It was a moving, phantom grey cloud. Christina felt like vomiting. In that cloud, she could clearly discern shapes - ghastly, otherworldy shapes, which she somehow knew were spirits from some other reality, forever bound to the tyranny of the Lord of Phantasms. The cursed souls howled as they surrounded them, and if they reached them, then their souls, too, would be eviscerated, forced to join the ranks of the damned for all eternity.

Thunder struck straight through the converging souls, causing them to howl in agony as they dissolved into nothingness, returning to whatever realm they were called up from. The storm cleared, revealing a massive, golden form overhead. Golden armor and wings encasing the black form of a demonic dragon, its skeletal body wreathed in lightning discharges. They watched the phantasmal creature in awe.

"This is... King of the Descending Thunder, Hamon..." Christina muttered. It was almost as large as Raviel, and its power equalled that of the blue-skinned demon, too. Despite their similarities, however, it was clear that the two Phantom Demons did not consider the other an ally. With a howl of fury, Hamon flew forward, aiming to direct its lightning strikes against Raviel.

"We must restrain it so it doesn't hurt the people trapped under there!" Christina shouted, to be heard above the noise of the breaking storm.

That was easier said than done, though. The moment they tried to impose their will and direct the summoned beast, they were met with an incredible backlash. Hamon would not let itself be controlled so easily. Angered by their attempts, it began lashing out, and the three duelists stumbled backwards, to avoid being struck by the errant lightning. Raviel, detecting the opening, unleashed its counterattack. Threads of phantom energy materialized from its body, forming tendrils that coiled around Hamon. Christina, Sugita and Takechi screamed - through its phantasmal appendages, Raviel was sucking Hamon's energy, and, by extension, their own lifeforce. The golden dragon screeched and tried to free itself, but its struggles were in vain. Christina could already feel her energy depleting - her very life, fading away...

No.

Their hands were still clasped together. No. We won't fall here. Because... Supporting each other, they pushed themselves upright, tightening their grip.

Because, we are not alone.

---

Through bleary eyes, Yenma watched the scene unfold before him. He thought he might still be trapped in some form of blissful hallucination that his mind had conjured up to protect itself from the agonizing reality. Because... in front of him stood Christina, Sugita and Takechi, glowing with a brilliant golden light that connected them to the massive monster they had summoned. However, the strange part was, atop their three connected hands was another one, and then one more. He blinked, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. It couldn't be... why was Iseya Yuko standing next to Sugita? When had she gotten here? And furthermore... wasn't that Abraham Lee next to Christina? But he was... then he blinked again, because instead of five, there were now ten figures standing in a semi-circle before him, people Yenma did not recognize, yet all lending their power. And then there were twenty, and thirty, and the stream of golden energy grew thicker and thicker.

And, empowered with the wishes and hopes of all the souls gathered here, Hamon broke free from its unholy restraints, and with a mighty cry, shot forth a thousand, ten thousand spears of lightning. The foremost shots struck the chains binding the imprisoned humans to Raviel, cutting them apart and releasing the prisoners - then more and more struck, biting at the flesh of the fearsome demon. Raviel snarled and lunged, but cut off from its power supply, it was no match for the opposing Phantom Demon. With one last surge of power, Hamon unleashed a storm of lightning. The blast exploded throughout the chamber, and when it cleared -

"We... did it." He heard Christina whisper, as if she couldn't believe her own words. But it was true. The room was now empty, barring the four of them, who were all sprawled on the ground after having spent just about every last ounce of stamina they had and then more, and the people who had been fueling Raviel's presence, who were all lying unconscious. And behind them, the gate that Raviel had been guarding...

"Let's hurry, we don't have time to rest." Sugita was panting heavily, but he was already rushing towards that door, that revealed yet another staircase. That one led to the last floor, they knew - where the portal to the Nexus, and the last enemy, was waiting.

"Hold on."

To say the least, everyone jumped out of their skin at the sudden interjection. They whipped their heads around. ZONE had appeared in the room without anyone noticing, as always floating on his unicycle. It was almost impossible to tell, but he seemed even more serious than usual. His vehicle floated quietly forward.

"Are you serious?!" Sugita exclaimed in disbelief. "Why should we wait? We're almost out of time!" Yenma glanced at his display. Sugita's words were fairly true.

Time left: 0:03:53

"I have finally finished analyzing the structure of the Aria Tower." ZONE said calmly. "I have fully deciphered the system that will be used to attempt to control the Nexus. Three Pylons, three points. Defeating Dunkan is not going to be enough. We need to take control of a Pylon, if we are to have any hopes at navigating the Nexus away from this world, and your world. And that, I cannot do alone. I need two of you with me."

Yenma didn't have to look around. He knew, at that moment, what this meant. For all their incredible vigor, Sugita and Takechi were exhausted. From the beginning, they had been running on their own energy alone, unlike Yenma and the other two Signers, who had the backing of the marks that seemed to fuel more and more energy into them every time they thought they were about to run out. But for all that, Christina, too, looked like it was taking all her energy to remain standing - the summoning of Hamon had taken a lot out of her.

"I will go." He said. Surprised, he realized the trembling he had expected to hear in his voice was not there. He glanced at his own arm, where the wings of the Crimson Dragon blazed fiercely, resonating with his resolve. No more hesitation. No more weakness. I'm not going to lose again. The rest glanced at him, ready to protest, but ZONE forestalled them.

"Then Christina will remain here, and recover her energy." ZONE said, as if he had anticipated this. "Sugita, Takechi and myself will locate the Pylon. Remember - everything hangs on this. If Dunkan obtains the power of the Nexus, there will be nothing we can do to stop him. And even if he is defeated, if we do not find a way to move this world away from the Nexus, we will be destroyed."

"Take these." Sugita approached him, plucking out three cards from his deck and handing them to him. Yenma recognized three Black Feather monsters, including a white-outlined Synchro monster. "It is not much, but... please. For Yuko... and for everyone else who died already... get out there, and stop that murderer."

"I will." Yenma replied, adding the two cards to his deck. He looked at each of them briefly. Takechi nodded to him, an unspoken declaration of trust and respect. He paused as he met Christina's green eyes, glowing with unshed tears. He opened his mouth, as if to say something, but closed it again without a word. Instead, she walked up to him and put her hand in his.

"Please... don't die." She whispered. He tried his best to smile at her.

"Then, I'll go." And as the seconds to the end counted down, he pushed onward.

Time left: 0:03:11

---

"..." Dunkan watched the clock push through the final few minutes. Irritatingly enough, the Signers and their friends had broken through his trap, and one of them was making his way up to the final floor. At this late hour, interference..."

Time left: 0:02:33

He considered briefly using the monsters in his deck to tear the boy apart, but decided against it - those creatures would be too dangerous in such close proximity to the portal. Instead, another deck appeared in his hand, the deck that had been originally prepared for Lynette - but she had been insistent on using her own, so it had been left unused. It would have to do.

Time left: 0:01:46

The room shook as something rammed against the heavy gate blocking entrance. Dunkan knew it could not be breached easily - but he also knew the power that could be mustered at the brink of despair, at the border between courage and madness. Again and again, the door shook, until a crack finally appeared, running from top to bottom.

Time left: 0:01:02

"Fine, then..." He muttered. "If you want to die so badly, come."

---

Crimson and black speared through the door after what seemed through an eternity, tearing it to shreds. Yenma burst forward under the cover of Blackfeather Dragon.

The attack came immediately. A surging blue wave sprang forth from the staff of a green-haired maiden riding a large bird, striking his monster which reeled backwards in pain. Pain that Yenma ignored as he charged forward, summoning Shield Wing in front of him to absorb the second attack.

"You people just don't know how to quit, do you."

In front of him stood a figure he easily recognized. Tall and well-build, with a stark, austere stance that was filled with unwavering confidence and eyes blazing with ruthless determination, the true mastermind behind Duel International, and the one who had orchestrated the mad scheme that was steadily leading to the end of the world, and potentially much worse, had turned to regard him. Faced with the bottomless abyss of those black eyes, though, Yenma didn't back down.

"Dunkan - !!" He snarled. Dark Simurgh appeared before him in a flurry of black feathers, while his dragon was pushing back the winged beast and its steed. Before his opponent, a humanoid monster bearing a strange rod materialized, instantly struck by the razor-sharp feathers. But Yenma screamed as he felt pain searing through his head - he raised his arms, burning as if they had been cut down. That thing, it reflects damage to me - !!

"It's time to die." Dunkan said coldly. The same green plumage as its lesser counterpart, but a massive bulk and wingspan, backed by gigantic talons and argent wings forming something like armor on its chest - Yenma knew that the monster that appeared now was too strong for him to face head-on. Time... is running out...

Time left: 0:00:37

The monster spread its wings, but the attack wasn't physical - it was a psychic shockwave that felt like it was ripping through the very core of his existence. Yenma fumbled for a card and held it up - Junk Gardna appeared, slamming its shields together, which not only blocked the attack but caused the thing that was attacking him to retreat, stumbling backwards from the backlash. Now Yenma could see the gate, radiating light and energy - a chaotic white mass that dominated the center of the room. Dunkan was there now - the monsters were merely a distraction, Dunkan only needed to stall him. Damnit!

Time left: 0:00:15

Gritting his teeth, he pushed forward. He rolled on the floor, barely dodging the first creature's talons. Blackfeather Dragon appeared beside him, deflecting the magic cast by the psychic sorceress. Dunkan's eyes widened in outrage - a fourth creature took form between them, a smaller falcon with a sharpened beak steered by its rider - it flapped its wings, producing a whirlwind that threatened to toss him backward. At this rate, I - Dunkan's hand was hovering in front of the portal, as the last few seconds vanished one after the other.

Time left: 0:00:06

A powerful gale sprang from behind him, countering the one Dunkan's monster had wrought. Dark Simurgh's wings flapped fiercely, storm against storm, and for a brief instant, there was stillness, as Yenma found himself in the eye of the breaking cyclone. One instant...

Time left: 0:00:03

He leapt forward, dashing to the side to avoid the cutting winds, jumping instinctively to avoid a spell cast from behind. Dunkan's attention was turned to the portal now, and he had not seen him overcome that last obstacle. Just, a little - !!

Time left: 0:00:02

The portal churned and surged, energy cracking and pulsing. Yenma knew, just as Dunkan did, that the window of opportunity would be extremely narrow. That one second, the fraction of a second, that separated them... Move, damnit...!!

Time left: 0:00:01

Dunkan's hand touched the portal just as Yenma grabbed his other arm. Turning around angrily, driven by instinct, Dunkan forcefully yanked his arm free. But that had been what Yenma needed. Pulled forward by the momentum and Dunkan's force, at the very last second, he crashed into him, and they both stumbled into the gateway. For an instant, everything was pure white. And then...

Time left: 0:00:00

[/spoiler]
 
[spoiler=Post-Chapter Notes]Yes, perhaps you may have expected... more. Not in the sense of volume (I hope not, at least, this chapter was by far the longest yet), but in the sense of more stuff happening, being wrapped up, more perspectives etc. The reason I didn't include all them, space aside, was that I wanted to keep the dynamic of the chapter to a high point, focus directly on the struggle and keep the pace up.
 
Rest assured, though, noone will be left neglected. To be more precise, before we get into the final battle(s) proper, we'll get a proper segment exploring this last half-hour in more detail. But let's not get ahead of things.[/spoiler]
 
Now, within the next 10 days or so, Extra Chapters 11 & 12 shall be posted, closing down the Extra Chapter arc. I will also post the fifth Interlude, once again detailing all the characters of any importance, this time with decklists and other goodies. I had originally planned to post that after the story ended, but I realized that wouldn't make much sense, so instead you get it now. Card lists will be updated with the info from the final arc once it is finished.
 
Afterwards, there is going to be a 1-month hiatus, as I have to focus on some real life stuff, and then go through the final arc again, rewriting and fixing things as needed, and also giving everyone the chance to catch up / refresh / prepare themselves for the ending. But more on that later.

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

Yes yes, we all want lady readers. It's just not gonna happen here mate.

 

(As probably intended) read all that in a furious blur, just responding quickly before I go back to work.

 

I wonder if you noticed there was a section in that duel where the filed presence was very similar to something you've read from me... *smirk*

 

I appreciate Destiny Heroes getting extended coverage. You put Wind instead of Wing when Dewloren was absorbed though.

 

I... should probably point out the last sentence on Yuko, with so many comma's, was really broken by them. It's something that was pointed out to me for being bad for doing and it did make what should have been a lovely beautiful final sentence slightly jarring. It's a minor critisism of your writing skill for once and I can see why you'd want one long sentence there, but I couldn't read about Yuko's final moment with any kind of flow :(

 

The duel was very good, and as for how it ended... well, we'll see where it ends up. Although it's different to 'all bad guys and girls must die'. Dunno how nearly being beaten by Lynette sets up Yenma to face Dunkan particularly goes well, but again we'll see. Kiishiro and Christina can't be done though, and neither can the others (see below). Good way to include the Gusto in though. Hamon was pretty cool, even if 'all the dead spirits of our friends unite againt you' was cliche, but who cares? :D Given the Nexus being so close and everything it's not wildly out there like some things that happen in YGO and is halfway justifiable. Sugita and Bando being pulled by Z-One at the last minute... hmm... well something had to go wrong, but this sort of felt... anti-climactic, all things considered? I dunno, I just struggle to see how Z-One needs their help doing something, although yes it's a bit more justified to say me pulling Dai out of a final battle, before that response comes <_< I dunno how I feel about it. Maybe I just expect more death and disaster and want it all now, even if that would take away from Yuko's death.

 

As for the chapter's end...

 

... holy crap 0.o

 

You're so awesome.

 

Dunno where this will go now, but wherever it does, I'll follow you to the end. Spellbound as ever. Hope the next month goes okay for you and don't worry about stuff. I look forward to the end when it comes.

[Canopy Star - Eon Sphere]

Brilliant as usual, I really am enjoying this, and I'm sad that there's going to be a hiatus, but I'm not going to demand unreasonable things. I'd much rather have a happy writer who is more encouraged to write in future than an unhappy writer who throws out chapters at the speed of light.

 

I very much enjoyed Lynette's duel against Yenma, though I did feel sorry for the kid. He's not exactly the most confident, and basically being defeated by her won't have done wonders for his self esteem. Him going against Dunkan though... not sure how I feel about it being just him, but the more people you add to a duel, the harder it is to write, and generally the worse the quality is. Again, I'd rather a well written one-on-one than a shoddy all-on-one clusterfest. I suppose we have Maya and Yuusuke vs Eizan to look forward to as well.

 

Keep up the good work!

[Reinforce]

That was epic. I'm glad the Gustos got to have at least some part in this, and the fight leading to Yuki's death was magnificent. Also, just gotta say that I was right about the pillar point which was removed by Lee, I did guess that it would be Hamon back after the chapter it was removed in. The fight was good, and its awesome to see a Dragon Deck being used, though I'm very curious as to what Dunkan's deck is now. Judging by the comments he's made about it and what we still haven't seen, I'm gonna guess he uses the Nordic Aesir as his deck. Thanks for another good chapter and I'll look forward to the extra chapters and the final arc once you're ready to release them.

[Aerion Brightflame]

Hmm... Well I must say these few chapters were brilliant. Again I'm in the position where there's not a lot else to say.

 

I suppose a few things:

Whilst I loved the duel there... I almost feel like it was a bit of a weak one because it really didn't help Dunkan's issues. What with him having felt like a much weaker villian for a very long time. Coupled with him essentially having the outright better deck there, losing in the manner he did just really makes him see weak (Even if the premise of out maneuvering Eizan was very nice). But the issue is I'm not sure how else I'd have liked to see it... Hmm... Either way, I think it Dunkan in a bit for my tastes, even with you pointing out Eizan needed a win more

 

Yuko's death scene was very beautifully written I have to admit.... Can't really say a lot more to it than that, but still worth pointing out.

 

The duel with Lynnette... I could see Shinning Dragon coming before it did, because it was fairly obvious (Though that -4 play o.o), it was a good duel, just unexpected because who expects BEWD to make an appearance this late in the game. I like it, it's just going to be interesting for the all but guaranteed reappearance. Otherwise I did really enjoy it.

 

And then the ending... It was unexpected, but I pity poor Yemma, who I think is going to wind up with a sudden case of death for reasons of getting in the way of Dunkan's Ascension. Which is a shame, because I will miss him. I'm probably totally wrong, but I don't see Dunkan going down easily by anymeans.

 

And I look forwards to the return in about 3 weeks I think it is now? For now Barty signing off~

[Vector Nightmare]

Alright. On the positive side; four comments, which is amazing. I'm glad Yuko's scene, as well as the duel, came off well. Originally I didn't plan to do anything the Gustos, which were supposed to be Lynette's deck but she chose to use her own thing, but because there was quite a bit of talk and speculation about which DT decks would be used, I thought it best to resolve it, so I gave them a small showing.

On the negative side... the opinions on Dunkan in general probably mean this extra chapter might not be the best I could've put here. But nonetheless, I hope it works out. Either way, get ready for Nostalgia The Duel.

[spoiler=Extra Chapter 11]

 

Extra Chapter 11: Primal Seed

February 13th, 2013.

It was a unique day for New York University. Today was the day when Gregory Dunkan, the well-known genius who had managed to enroll when he was only sixteen years old, and complete the main program as well as a great variety of secondary curriculums at record time, would present the final project he was to design for the Applied Sciences class. Though ordinarily, the final project was a team effort, Dunkan had opted to undertake it himself. This fact, along with the great secrecy with which he had worked, refusing any support from professors and fellow students alike, had aroused great interest in this presentation - despite his at times radical ideas, Dunkan was reputed as one of the brightest minds of the decade. To attend this event, seventeen professors from various different fields - some from completely unrelated departments, too - and an astounding four hundred students had gathered at NYU's massive central amphitheater.

Gregory Dunkan himself, the man of the day, stood at the center of the well-lit stage. He was a good one-eighty tall, with the athletic figure of a sportsman, and a charming smile. His pitch-black eyes showed maturity way beyond his age - and the mind that lurked behind them certainly surpassed even that. Intelligence and charisma - gifted generously with both, it was easy to see why he'd been able to attract such a large crowd based on reputation alone.

Beside him stood the obvious object of this presentation - essentially, what everyone had assembled to see. Its form drew many puzzled looks, though. It resembled two old, black arcade game engines glued at their backs, merged into a compound item. From afar, there seemed nothing even remotely unique or special about it. The only vaguely special feature seemed to be the two large metal helmets, attached by a long thick cable to each of the consoles - but even they seemed just like some fancy decoration, nothing that couldn't be found in practically any conventional gaming engines. Many began muttering among themselves, wondering if this whole thing wasn't some kind of extremely elaborate prank or practical joke. Geniuses were eccentric, after all, and any adjective you'd attach to geniuses in general went double for Gregory Dunkan.

The young man seemed unfazed by the understandable feelings of doubt rising among his spectators. He smiled pleasantly, waiting until everyone was seated, before he cleared his throat and moved towards the stationary microphone positioned near the edge of the stage.

"Thank you all for coming here today." He addressed the crowd. "I understand some of you have already begun queestioning whether what you are going to see is worth your time. I can't say I wouldn't share that sentiment - every person present in this room is among the brightest, most sophisticated minds on the planet. So I'm simply going to ask - please bear with me a little longer."

That's Gregory Dunkan, alright. He knows what to say and when to say it. The way he's flattering them - they don't see it. That he still considers them, at the very best, his equals. Abraham Lee stroked his chin, watching with interest. He was one of the very, very few in the room who had any inkling about what they were going to witness, but his knowledge was no more than sketchy fragments. He was very intrigued to see exactly what his friend's brilliant mind had developed.

"I will be demonstrating the specifics of my creation shortly." Dunkan said. "But before we start, I need a volunteer." His eyes wandered across the room, as if he was a magician asking for a person to throw knives at. "Is there anyone here who knows how to play Duel Monsters? Anyone is fine, as long as they know the basic rules."

Now that was met with a great deal more disconcerted rumors than before. There they were, at one of the world's most respected universities, and after showering them with all that praise, he was actually asking them about a card game? There were many who outright laughed or jeered, and some actually stood and left the hall. Even though Dunkan's confident posture never wavered, the seconds passed and it seemed noone was going to answer his call, which would probably end the whole thing in quite a disastrous way.

However, suddenly, from the very front rows where the professors were seated, one person rose. Around him, numerous gasps and whistles echoed, and Lee found his own breath caught. He did not know who this female professor was, dressed in formal black academic attire that fit snugly around her hourglass figure, with the rich blonde hair and the full, sensuous features, but she was beautiful. The hushed discussions around him seemed to agree.

"Hey, who is this chick?"

"Is she from our department?"

"No way, dude!"

"Idiots! She's Marie Rayleigh from the Theology department!"

"Theology? Are you serious? What the hell's she doing here?"

"Who cares, she's hot!"

"I heard she keeps taking leaves of absence though..."

"It's about her daughter, right? I heard she keeps catching some sickness or the other practically every week. So she has to stay home and watch after her."

"...you guys know a whole lot, given she's not even in your department..."

"It's called research, research!"

The woman in question reached the stage. Dunkan smiled at her, inclining his head politely. "It's a pleasure, miss Rayleigh." He said, still sounding miraculously at ease. "I'm glad you have agreed to help me with this understandably obscure demonstration." The professor nodded, removing her glasses and setting them on the flat surface on the side of the console.

"So I assume we're meant to use these?" Without waiting for a response, she took a seat on the attached chair. Even Dunkan seemed finally a little fazed by her assertiveness.

"Yes." He said belatedly. "I have dubbed this system 'V-Terminal', and I will soon show you - " He cut off as the sounds of rapid clicking behind him rose. Marie Rayleigh had somehow activated Dunkan's system, and was now using a touchpad panel to insert some orders. "Uh... what are you doing?"

"Building my deck, what else." The professor didn't even look away from the screen or stop her clicking. "That's what you called me out for, isn't it?"

"Well... indeed." Amazing. So there's someone that can actually faze Dunkan. He caughed slightly. "As you must have realized by now, this V-Terminal prototype's purpose is playing Duel Monsters. Nothing very original or revolutionary, I'm afraid, but it will do for the purposes of this exhibition." As he spoke the last word, the professor clicked a final button on the screen, and a soft beep and her head turning to glance at Dunkan indicated she was done with the process. Wait, she finished making her deck that fast in a system she's using for the first time? I don't know much about Duel Monsters, but...

"I just put this on, right?" The professor didn't wait for an answer. Dunkan shook his head, apparently undecided between amusement and irritation.

"Yes." He admitted. "Now, even though the system has been tested and proven perfectly safe, I have an obligation to warn you that - "

"Save it." She cut him off. "I doubt anyone in the world would be stupid enough to bring anything dangerous here, and people seem to think you're somewhat smart." She placed the helmet on her head, which automatically locked, securing firmly in place.

"Alright. Now lean back." Dunkan instructed. In the meantime, he seated himself on the other chair, going through a quick series of input commands. Suddenly, a massive projected image appeared on the wall behind them. Lee observed, surprised. The image depicted a large circular arena made of hard rock and sand, seemingly suspended atop a sea of clouds. The sun was blazing over the floating island, illuminating it brightly. Dunkan and the professor positioned themselves comfortably, resting on the backs of their chairs. Just what is going to happen... Finally, Dunkan punched in one more command.

Instantly, their bodies fell limp, and two bright flashes of light burst on either side of the arena. From within, two figures emerged. Lee recognized them instantly - they were none other than Dunkan and the professor. Except, they had changed clothes - Dunkan was wearing a black robe that made him look like a young wizard out of some fantasy book, while professor Rayleigh's body was covered in white armor. Duel Disks - that was the device that was supposedly used to play Duel Monsters, Lee recalled - were attached to each of their arms, ornate black for Dunkan, and sharp white for miss Rayleigh.

Everyone in the spectator seats had gone numb. "Is this... some kind of hologram?" Someone asked doubtfully.

"Idiot. How could it be?"

"This is just manipulated image!"

"Yeah, it has to be!"

Dunkan - no, the image of Dunkan on the projected screen - turned to face them. As comfortable in his bizarre clothes as in his uniform, he smiled at them broadly, spreading his arms. "What you see is indeed only a projection." He admitted. Lee heard that underlying, barely contained enthusiasm that often was in Dunkan's voice when he talked about things only he seemed to fully understand. "But for us here... this is reality. Isn't that right, professor... professor?"

But Marie Rayleigh obviously wasn't interested in any of that. She had activated the Duel Disk she was wearing, which automatically shuffled her deck and presented her with five cards. Lee had to brush up on his dueling knowledge. Come to think of it, Dunkan had insisted he learned how to play a couple of years back... just how long had he been planning this?

"This is good." She called out. "You actually managed to come up with a software-based virtual reality system... so there was a point to all these theatrics after all. But." She shot her hand forward, pointing her arrayed five cards at him. "Right now, we have a duel to get to!"

---

"Did she just say... virtual reality?"

"Is what we're watching really - ?"

"Of course it isn't! Look, all virtual reality engines are like, huge right? The one we have down in the labs is half as big as this hall!"

"Even if it's Dunkan, there's no way he could have built something like this!"

Couldn't he? Lee wasn't so sure. He talked to Dunkan often and... there was something about him that suggested nothing was impossible, once he set his mind to it. Of course, this was still taking it a little too far. Virtual reality engines had existed for a while, but they were cumbersome, hardware-based, took up entire room to generate semi-complete environments that still had a lot of flaws, and certainly required much more preparation and resources than what they had witnessed right now. He turned his attention to the screen. Just what... is going to happen?

---

"Miss Rayleigh, you'll excuse me for a moment, but I have to at least explain the basics of my project, otherwise it won't be much of a demonstration." Dunkan turned to face the crowd again, still smiling bemusedly. "As miss Rayleigh said, this is a mostly software-based virtual reality environment. Of course, I've made use of many existing VR technologies, such as the helmet, but adapted them to fit the needs of a compact system, relying mostly on direct brain stimulation rather than external signals to produce the desired effect. Right now, I've set up the system to allow sound through, and of course I've used a simple function to project the image to you, but if I chose, this would be an entirely isolated space." He said enigmatically. "Now... you may be wondering why I chose Duel Monsters to demonstrate this engine. Well, there are a few features that I want to show you." He turned his attention back to the professor. "I apologize, miss Rayleigh, but would it be alright if I took the first move? I'd like to explain the basics to some of our less genre-savvy spectators."

"Go ahead." Marie Rayleigh stated indifferently. Given the situation she's in, she's way too calm. Dunkan nodded gratefully, before drawing his own cards. Two indicators appeared on the screen.

Gregory Dunkan - LP: 4000
Marie Rayleigh - LP: 4000

Turn 1 - Gregory Dunkan

"Above us, you can see our Life Points." Dunkan explained. "They are an important value in this game, for they are the primary method of determining who wins and who loses. As you may have guessed by the name, if your Life Points reach zero, it's game over for you. Also, it's my turn, and at the beginning, I draw a card from my deck." He did so. "Once during my turn, I can summon a monster from my hand in attack position, or set it in defense position. Set means to place it face-down, so that the opponent cannot see what it is. I'll do that just now." He placed a card horizontally on one of his Duel Disk slots, and the concealed back of a card physically - so to speak - materialized on the arena in front of him.

"With that, I end my turn."

Turn 2 - Marie Rayleigh

"It's my turn. Draw. I summon Kaiser Sea Horse." The professor, it seemed, didn't care in the least whether anyone was following through. She placed a card in face-up, vertical position on her Duel Disk, and a replica materialized before her. Only this time, a beam of light shot up from the card, and a creature emerged. It was a bipedal warrior covered in azure armor, brandishing a lance. Its figure somewhat resembled its namesake.

[spoiler=Kaiser Sea Horse]Kaiser Sea Horse
LIGHT / Sea Serpent
Level 4
1700/1650
This card can be treated as 2 Tributes for the Tribute Summon of a LIGHT monster.[/spoiler]

"Now this is just a hologram." Dunkan hurried to explain before his opponent could deny him the chance. "I've simply incorporated some basic, pre-existing holographic system for Duel Monsters that's been around for a while - nothing too fancy. However, in here, it definitely enhances the atmosphere..."

"Battle. Kaiser Sea Horse, attack that face-down monster!" She... she isn't letting up at all...

"Here we go." Dunkan called. Rayleigh's monster dashed forward on its sturdy legs, lifting its spear. As it approached, Dunkan's card was flipped face-up in the same orientation. A blue-skinned female in green robes appeared, her arms united in prayer. "My monster is the Holy Elf! When a monster in defense position is attacked, the attacker's Attack score is compared with its Defense score! In this case, Holy Elf has 2000 Defense!" The elf sorceress was surrounded by a golden aura, and the sea serpent's weapon bounced harmlessly off its protection.

[spoiler=Holy Elf]Holy Elf
LIGHT / Spellcaster
Level 4
800/2000
A delicate elf that lacks offense, but has a terrific defense backed by mystical power.[/spoiler]

"And now..." Dunkan's grin grew somewhat dark. "Since my monster prevailed in battle... even though the attacking monster won't be destroyed in this case, retaliation damage goes through!" The elf held out her hands, and a pulse of light speared through the arena, striking the professor.

Marie Rayleigh gasped, holding her chest. Everyone suddenly tensed, rising from their seats. "What - what happened?"

"Could it be... she actually felt that?!"

"No way! It was a hologram, right?!"

Dunkan... what the hell did you do?

Gregory Dunkan - LP: 4000
Marie Rayleigh - LP: 3700

"To increase the realism involved in this VR environment, I added a feature called Pain Controller." Dunkan explained, addressing as much his opponent as the crowd. "This little thing can affect the brain's pain sensors, and either set them off with the appropriate triggers, or dull them so that any possible impact received in the virtual reality will be guaranteed not to leave any form of trauma. Basically, if protection is set to maximum, even dying in virtual reality will be harmless. For now I've tampered with the settings slightly, so that a small amount of pain is felt when your Life Points receive damage, proportionate to the damage dealt."

The silence that fell was almost palpable.

"Pain... sensors he said...?"

"Can something like that really exist...?"

"Isn't this kind of scary now?!"

"Of course, this level is completely safe." Dunkan went on. "In fact this system doesn't even have the capacity to cause lasting pain or any form of physical damage. However, since it's understandably unpleasant, now that I've displayed its use, I will deactivate it - "

"Stop right there." The professor demanded. She glanced at him with an unreadable expression. "Leave it as is. The duel continues." Dunkan's hand, which had stretched out to apparently manipulate some yet-invisible panel, hovered in mid-air for a few seconds, before returning to his side.

"I set a card face-down, and end my turn."

Dunkan... you're definitely a genius for coming up with something like this but... this woman is a match for you. Indeed, Dunkan's motions had lost much of their confidence, as he began his next turn.

Turn 3 - Gregory Dunkan

"Miss Rayleigh summoned a monster with 1700 attack points... among the monsters that can be brought out like that, only a handful have more... however, there is a way to call stronger ones." He explained darkly. "Holy Elf becomes a sacrifice!" He declared, taking the card from the Duel Disk and moving it to a side slot. The elf shimmered into brilliant light that reformed into a new, darker shape. "I summon Curse of Dragon!" A bronze, skeletal dragon appeared, hovering over the spot where Holy Elf was just standing.

[spoiler=Curse of Dragon]Curse of Dragon
DARK / Dragon
Level 5
2000/1500
A wicked dragon that taps into dark forces to execute a powerful attack.[/spoiler]

"And now it's my turn to attack! Curse of Dragon!" The dragon's jaws opened, unleashing a red-and-black sphere of flame. However, his opponent didn't flinch.

"Trap, activate." She declared. The card she had previously positioned in vertical face-down position, on the back slot of her Duel Disk, turned face-up, and a circular vortex materialized in front of her monster, in which the fiery attack completely disappeared. "Attack Nullification will assuredly stop one attack, no matter its strength."

[spoiler=Attack Nullification]Attack Nullification
TRAP / Normal
Activate only when a target opponent's monster declares an attack. Negate the attack and end the Battle Phase.[/spoiler]

"Ah, yes." Dunkan sighed. "Trap cards can be set from your hand during your turn, and activated whenever appropriate. There's no limit to setting them, unlike monsters. As you can see, they can have a pretty big effect. I end my turn."

Turn 4 - Marie Rayleigh

"My turn. And now... I'll also sacrifice my monster." Her aquatic warrior disappeared in a column of light. For the first time, then, she smirked, and that smile was ominous. Dangerous.

"Can you guess it... what I'm about to unleash?" She asked rhetorically, holding up a card. "When Kaiser Sea Horse is used as a sacrifice, if the monster I intend to summon is of the Light attribute, it counts as two sacrifices at once! Release yourself from the clutches of legend! Be enveloped in your holy fury... and descend!" The sky over the battlefield opened, and a light so strong burst forth that even the spectators had to shield their eyes. The monster that appeared... Lee gasped. The purity of the unblemished white scales... the deep blue eyes, shining like shards of crystal... the majestic form, supported by broad, proud wings... 'monster' was a misnomer. This thing was closer to 'God'.

"Blue-Eyes White Dragon!!"

[spoiler=Blue-Eyes White Dragon]Blue-Eyes White Dragon
LIGHT / Dragon
Level 8
3000/2500
This legendary dragon is a powerful engine of destruction. Virtually invincible, very few have faced this awesome creature and lived to tell the tale.[/spoiler]

"Haah... alright, I admit." Dunkan spread his arms, maintaining his smile. "You made this flashier than I ever could... Blue-Eyes, you have a really good taste in cards, miss Rayleigh."

"I wonder how long you will be able to keep that smile." His opponent challenged. "Blue-Eyes... it's time to strike! Burst Stream of Destruction!" The dragon's jaws opened, and lightning surged between them, a sphere of raw white energy. It exploded into a practically solid stream, tearing the air apart as it struck Dunkan's monster, which was incinerated without a trace. The beam plowed straight through, spiralling downwards to strike Dunkan. Lee watched anxiously as his friend grunted slightly, wavering in his posture. His Life Point counter sharply descended to three quarters of its original value.

Gregory Dunkan - LP: 3000
Marie Rayleigh - LP: 3700

"W - Whoa..."

"Wasn't that kinda awesome?"

"I'm definitely trying out this Duel Monsters game after this!"

"I wonder if I can get the professor to play with me..." Lee thought Dunkan's presentation might be having some considerably unanticipated side-effects on the student body.

"Turn end."

"...in all honesty, that was quite the blow, professor." Dunkan resumed his stance, dusting himself off airily. "You're kinda hogging all the attention though... so I have to retaliate with something just as impressive. My turn!" He drew a card with a flourish.

Turn 5 - Gregory Dunkan

"I set my monster, and I also set a card. Turn end!"

"Hmpfh. For all your talk, all you did was set up some defense. But anything is meaningess before my dragon!" His opponent declared, raising her arm. Blue-Eyes roared, accentuating her speech. "My turn! Draw!"

Turn 6 - Marie Rayleigh

"Now then... I summon Lord of Dragons!" Another monster appeared beside the towering white dragon, human in form, but clad in an armor whose shoulderpads resembled a dragon's claws, with a hood shaped like the skull of one of the airborne creatures.

[spoiler=Lord of Dragons]Lord of Dragons
DARK / Spellcaster
Level 4
1200/1100
Face-up Dragon-Type monsters cannot be targeted by Spells, Traps, or card effects.[/spoiler]

"I should warn you... while Lord of Dragons exists on the field, any of my dragons can't be targeted by your card effects." She said. "So if that reverse card is meant to somehow stop my beast, you can forget about it. Blue-Eyes! Unleash your power once more!" The dragon prepared to release its devastating breath.

"I'm sorry, but this time, it's not going to be so easy!" Dunkan declared. "Trap card, open! Magical Silk Hat!" A single black gentleman's hat, marked with a question mark on front, shot down from the sky to hide Dunkan's concealed monster. Then, two more appeared on either side of it, and the three hats were shuffled, making it impossible to tell which was which once they resumed their positions. "Magical Silk Hat targets a monster I control, then lets me choose two Spell or Trap cards from my deck. All these cards are set on the field as monsters!" The professor frowned. "You can continue to attack, of course... but you only have a one-in-three chance of actually hitting my monster!"

[spoiler=Magical Silk Hat]Magical Silk Hat
TRAP / Normal
During your opponent's Battle Phase: Choose 2 non-Monster Cards from your Deck and 1 monster you control. Shuffle those 3 cards and Set them on the field in Defense Position. The 2 cards chosen from your Deck are treated as Normal Monsters (ATK 0/DEF 0) and are destroyed at the end of the Battle Phase.[/spoiler]

"As if that's going to stop me." His opponent growled. "Blue-Eyes! Annihilate the hat on the left! Burst Stream of Destruction!" The dragon obliged, and the white beam pierced through the hat, revealing a face-down card hidden within. When that card turned open, though, a purple outline indicated that it had missed its intended target.

"Looks like you hit one of the Trap cards I set." Dunkan said. "And it's not just any Trap card, either! This one is called Golden Wicked Idol and activates when it is destroyed! I special summon a Wicked Token to my field!" An egyptian-styled golden statue, with a decidedly off-looking demonic face, appeared in front of Dunkan, its defensive power standing at 1000.

[spoiler=Golden Wicked Idol]Golden Wicked Idol
TRAP / Normal
When this face-down card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, Special Summon 1 "Wicked Token" (Fiend-Type/DARK/Level 4 /ATK 1000/DEF 1000) on your side of the field.[/spoiler]

"So be it. In that case, Lord of Dragons will target and destroy that token." The mystical spellcaster released a dark blast from his hands, annihilating the newly-appeared statue. "I end my battle phase, and don't think I don't know about your Magical Silk Hat's effect. The other card you set from your deck is destroyed!" The central hat exploded, while the third one faded away, revealing another copy of the previously-seen Trap card, and the intact concealed monster respectively. Another golden statue formed in front of Dunkan, to replace the shattered one. "So you set two of the same card... clever. Turn end."

Turn 7 - Gregory Dunkan

"Your dragon is troublesome... it seems I cannot afford to hold back much longer." Dunkan said with a grin. "I use both my concealed monster, and my Wicked token as sacrifices!" The two cards disappeared in pillars of black light. "This allows me to summon... the strongest of magicians!" Swirling black mist rose from the ground, parting to reveal a tall figure clad in a purple robe with a tall, pointed headpiece, wielding a green staff. "Black Magician!"

[spoiler=Dark Magician]Black Magician
DARK / Spellcaster
Level 7
2500/2100
The ultimate wizard in terms of attack and defense.[/spoiler]

"That's an improvement, I guess... but it's still too weak to touch my dragon." Rayleigh declared.

"Its servant, though, isn't so secure." Dunkan noted. "Black Magician! Attack Lord of Dragons! Black Magic!" The sorcerer pointed its spear-like staff at the opposing monster, obliterating it with a solid magical pulse. The professor groaned as the aftermath of the attack struck her, sniping away about a third of her remaining Life Points.

Gregory Dunkan - LP: 3000
Marie Rayleigh - LP: 2400

"I set a card." Dunkan said, satisfied. "Turn end."

Turn 8 - Marie Rayleigh

The professor silently drew her card, her eyes focused on the field. Lee realized everyone was equally absorbed in the fight - what had begun as a demonstration of Dunkan's system, had now turned to a dueling showcase.

"You are holding up reasonably well with your tricks... but all will evaporate before my Blue-Eyes." She proclaimed. "I activate a Magic card, Raise Dead! This allows me to Special Summon any monster in my Graveyard, such as my Kaiser Sea Horse!" Noone bothered explaining anything any more. The aquatic warrior of light reappeared from beyond the grave. "And now... another Magic! Summoner's Skill! This moves a Level 5 or higher monster with no effect from my deck straight to my hand! Such as..." She smirked ominously as she revealed the card that had been released from her deck for her. Even Dunkan growled in frustration.

[spoiler=Raise Dead]Raise Dead
SPELL / Normal
Target 1 monster in either player's Graveyard; Special Summon it.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Summoner's Skill]Summoner's Skill
SPELL / Normal
Add 1 Level 5 or higher Normal Monster from your Deck to your hand.[/spoiler]

"You know Kaiser Sea Horse's effect... when I Tribute summon a Light monster, it becomes a double sacrifice! So begone, my creature! Pave the way for the holy dragon's descent! I summon my second Blue-Eyes White Dragon!!"

Lee winced as another copy of the sacred dragon materialized next to the first, howling ferociously. Two of this beast... and they both outclass Dunkan's magician!

"Now, kneel before the power of these divine beasts! Blue-Eyes! Annihilate his Black Magician!" The creature obeyed its master's order, releasing its destructive attack. Dunkan braced himself, but made no move to protect his monster, which was extinguished in an instant.

Gregory Dunkan - LP: 2500
Marie Rayleigh - LP: 2400

"This will be the final blow! Blue-Eyes White Dragon! Direct attack!"

"Not so fast!" Dunkan shouted. "Trap card, open! Call of the Living Dead! With this card, I can revive a monster from my Graveyard!"

[spoiler=Call of the Living Dead]Call of the Living Dead
TRAP / Continuous
Activate this card by targeting 1 monster in your Graveyard; Special Summon that target in face-up Attack Position. When this card leaves the field, destroy that target. When that target is destroyed, destroy this card.[/spoiler]

"Maybe, but whatever you summon will just be destroyed, and Call of the Living Dead summons in attack position." The professor pointed out. "Curse of Dragon, Mystical Elf, Black Magician... it was clear you wanted to revive your Black Magician after it was destroyed in order to stop further attacks and build up to your next turn, but the appearance of my second Blue-Eyes makes all of your plans pointless."

"Not quite." Dunkan smirked. "There's another monster in my Graveyard... one that you never had a chance to see, because I sent it straight to the Graveyard while it was still face-down! I use Call of the Living Dead to revive Retrained Elf Swordsman, in attack mode!" A swordsman with long pointed ears appeared, brandishing his blade fearlessly against the charging dragon.

[spoiler=Retrained Elf Swordsman]Retrained Elf Swordsman
EARTH / Warrior
Level 4
1400/1200
This card cannot be destroyed by battle with a monster that has 1900 or more ATK.[/spoiler]

"But it has only 1400 attack points!" Lee exclaimed in dismay. "If it's going to be destroyed anyway, isn't it better to summon Black Magician, which will at least minimize the damage taken?"

"That Elf Swordsman... I see." Rayleigh commented. "Still, it makes no difference. Blue-Eyes, attack!" The second dragon launched its devastating strike... but miraculously, though the white light passed through the warrior and struck Dunkan, who cried out in pain, the swordsman himself remained intact, blocking the brunt of the attack with his sword. Dunkan's Life Points fell to less than a thousand.
 

 

Gregory Dunkan - LP: 900
Marie Rayleigh - LP: 2400

"Retrained Elf Swordsman's... ability." Dunkan panted, swaying slightly. "It cannot be destroyed by battle... if the other monster has 1900 or more attack points." I see! So he sacrificed his Life in order to maintain a monster... that's just like him.

"So you kept a useless monster on the field." The professor shrugged. "If you think of hiding behind its defense, rest assured - by my next turn, it will be obliterated. I'd surrender now, while you can still save face."

"Who's going to surrender?" Dunkan demanded. A fire had lit up in his black eyes, which were glaring at his opponent defiantly. "I'm sorry, miss Rayleigh... but I'm not good at losing! I will fight, and I will win!"

"Turn end." His opponent said simply, her expression unreadable now.

Turn 9 - Gregory Dunkan

"Draw!" Dunkan said forcefully. He's actually getting fired up... it's so rare to see him in such a state. Out of all of Dunkan's features, one stood out the most. He really, really hated losing. "I pay half my Life Points... and by also forfeiting my ability to summon any more monsters this turn... with this Magic card, I can call out my strongest monster once again! I activate Black Magic Curtain, and Special Summon a second Black Magician from my deck!" A closet-like object, covered by a purple curtain, appeared before him - the curtain was drawn aside to reveal a copy of the purple-clad sorcerer, floating out with a smirk on his face.

[spoiler=Black Magic Curtain]Black Magic Curtain
SPELL / Normal
Pay half your Life Points; Special Summon 1 "Dark Magician" from your Deck. You cannot Summon other monsters the turn you activate this card (but you can Set).[/spoiler]

Gregory Dunkan - LP: 450
Marie Rayleigh - LP: 2400

"What a waste of time. Even though you brought him out again, he doesn't stand a chance against my dragons." The two Blue-Eyes roared, confirming that claim.

"I wouldn't be so sure!" Dunkan shouted, sliding another card into his Duel Disk. "I activate another Magic, Thousand Knives! With this card, if I control a Black Magician, I can destroy a monster on the field regardless of its power!" The professor growled angrily as a thousand daggers formed around the spellcaster, all aimed at one of her dragons. "Go! Thousand Knives!" At once, all the weapons stabbed into the magnificent beast's flesh, causing it to shatter violently.

[spoiler=Thousand Knives]Thousand Knives
SPELL / Normal
If you control a face-up "Black Magician": Target 1 monster your opponent controls; destroy that target.[/spoiler]

"And then, I activate the Equip Magic, Incantation Book of Black Magic!" Dunkan exclaimed. "I equip it to Black Magician, and with it, he gains an extra 700 attack points, enough to surpass your dragon!"

[spoiler=Incantation Book of Black Magic]Incantation Book of Black Magic
SPELL / Normal
Equip only to "Black Magician" or "Black Magician Girl". It gains 700 ATK. When this card is sent from the field to the Graveyard: Gain 1000 Life Points.[/spoiler]

"So you had that, too, up your sleeve..." Rayleigh grunted.

"Battle! Black Magician, attack! Destroy her Blue-Eyes!" With a shout of resolve, the sorcerer, now carrying a heavy magical tome, aimed its staff at the flying creature. The book shone with arcane energy, and a violent blast disintegrated Rayleigh's last line of defense. She cringed as her Life Points fell, but soon recovered herself.

Gregory Dunkan - LP: 450
Marie Rayleigh - LP: 2200

"Well?" She demanded. "My field is open now. What will it be?" It took a few seconds for Lee to understand Dunkan's hesitation. If he attack with Elf Swordsman now... with as little Life Points as he had left, if his opponent could summon any reasonably strong monster in her next turn, it would be over.

"I... end my Battle Phase." Dunkan murmured. "Retrained Elf Swordsman switches to defense mode. Turn end." Rayleigh nodded.

"A wise choice." She commented. "But not enough."

Turn 10 - Marie Rayleigh

"I activate a Magic card called Dark Factory of Mass Production. This allows me to bring two monsters from my Graveyard to my hand, as long as they possess no effects. I obviously target my two Blue-Eyes White Dragons." Lee frowned. What does she plan to do with them now? But Dunkan seemed to have understood, a look of horror on his face.

[spoiler=Dark Factory of Mass Production]Dark Factory of Mass Production
SPELL / Normal
Target 2 Normal Monsters in your Graveyard; add those targets to your hand.[/spoiler]

"That's right." The professor smirked. "This card I'm holding... it is the key to awaken the true power of the Blue-Eyes! I activate... Fusion!!"

A spiralling vortex appeared in the sky, drawing energy into its central points. Rayleigh held up three cards from her hand, all copies of the same monster - her prized white dragon. Spectral images of the three formed, drawn into the core of the vortex. "Fusion combines monsters from my field or hand... into something new. In this case... I fuse all three Blue-Eyes White Dragons together! Fusion Summon!!"

[spoiler=Fusion]Fusion
SPELL / Normal
Send, from your hand or your side of the field to the Graveyard, the Fusion Material Monsters that are listed on a Fusion Monster Card, then Special Summon that monster from your Extra Deck.[/spoiler]

"Wh - what the hell - is that?!" Many shouts of awe and fear resounded across the hall. The creature that appeared seemed so real, so powerful, Lee felt afraid. Afraid of the terrible three-headed monstrosity, which, as its fusion cost implied, possessed a large version of the white dragon's body, and all three of their heads. They roared in unison, causing the entire virtual arena to shake.

"Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!!"

[spoiler=Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon]Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon
LIGHT / Dragon / Fusion
Level 12
4500/3800
"Blue-Eyes White Dragon" + "Blue-Eyes White Dragon" + "Blue-Eyes White Dragon"[/spoiler]

"It's over." Marie Rayleigh declared. Dunkan was simply watching her with glazed eyes. "Let this be a lesson for you, kid. When you step onto the battlefield... always be prepared to lose. Always. Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon... end it." All three pairs of eyes converged onto a single target. Though empowered, it was clear that the practicioner of black arts was grossly outmatched. However, he bravely stood his ground, forming a magical barrier. Three jaws opened, and at once, three streaks of white lightning shot forward, forming a path of ruin. The barrier held up for an instant - only an instant - and then everything was consumed in the pure white light of judgment.

Gregory Dunkan - LP: 0
Marie Rayleigh - LP: 2200

---

"Man... I really hate that woman." Dunkan complained. "Here I had this awesome thing prepared, and she hijacked all the action."

"On the flipside? Everyone's talking about Duel Monsters now. I think you two started a new trend." Lee said, attempting to cheer his friend up.

"Maybe..." Dunkan sighed. "I don't care about that, though. Ultimately, it's just a means to the end. Just like the virtual reality system itself."

"What is the end, then?" Lee inquired. "What do you seek? What drives you?"

Dunkan looked at him seriously for a few moments, as if debating whether to answer or not. He seemed to be struggling with himself. Finally, he shrugged.

"I'm not ready to tell you yet, my friend. Not yet. But rest assured... in time, you will find out. You... and others... and then the rest of the world."

"And when they do... finally, the door to a new world will open..."

---

Marie Rayleigh sank in her comfortable armchair behind her desk. Her fingers were trembling as she picked up the phone, intent on making a few important calls. It's... it's hard to believe but... I felt it. That child... Lynette, I think I've finally found someone that can help you...

[/spoiler]

The last Extra Chapter will probably be posted along with the final character profile archive as a nice little double pack before the break, sometime within the next week.

[Canopy Star - Eon Sphere]

When you said nostalgia, I didn't realise that you were going that far back. It's always nice to see old cards used in their intended context. We were also given some insight as to the reasoning behind the deck choice of a particular character, which was very well thought out in my opinion.

 

I also liked how they both got so into it; I can imagine myself being a bit like that if ever equivalent technology ever comes out. It was also good to just get little tidbits of backstory for some of the less developed characters, especially at this point in the story where the cast has been whittled down to the relevant few (sorry Yuko) and so it's easier to pick out their defining moments.

 

As always, keep up the good work, I'll wait for the end for as long as you need.

[Vector Nightmare]

Alright.

This last hiatus took around a month and a half more than planned, for various reasons, which I'm not going to bore anyone with. But all things come to an end, and so now its curtains for the very last of the, admittedly too many, hiatuses Dead Zone has faced.

Originally I had intended to post the ending gradually, like normal chapters. However, I decided against doing that. Frankly... there isn't enough total interest in this story any more, not by readers, and not by me. This is perfectly justifiable, given that this is an old story that took two ridiculously long breaks. So instead of pushing it further any more, I'll be speeding things up.

The ending will come in three major updates. The first two updates will contain Extra Chapter 12 and the entirety of the final arc. The third update will be the epilogue, as well as a few more goodies. The interlude I said I'd make isn't going to happen now - frankly, when I started writing it, I saw very little point in it, because everyone who follows the story pretty much knows where all the important characters are right now that the field is clear, and for decklists and such, better to leave them for after the ending.

Today, you will get the first of those updates. This update contains Extra Chapter 12, as well as chapters 73, 74 and 75 (originally the content of those chapters was compressed in 2 chapters, but I had to spread it to three due to [i]massive[/i] size). Extra Chapter 12 is also actually one of the longest chapters in the whole story even though it doesn't contain a duel, which typically buff length up quite a bit.

Speaking of Extra Chapter 12. This is a special chapter for me, and one that I'm dedicating to the guy all of you (should) know as Matt Bahamut. Simply put, he is the guy you should thank for reading this now. If it hadn't been for his encouragement, dedication and persistence, I'd never have gathered the energy and motivation to finish this story. To express my thanks for this, the character who is starring in this chapter (which is, in essence, a retelling of the ~2 weeks that Dead Zone has lasted in-universe from a perspective on the outside world, covering all important events) is named in his honor. Also, the most observant of you who have read Armageddon will notice quite a few references to that story. While I'm at it, I'm going to say that if you're reading this and have read Armageddon, you should also be reading this story by him and commenting on it.

An additional piece of information: it probably won't happen. But I have plans for a Dead Zone sequel, and [i]if[/i] it happens (massive emphasis on [i]if[/i]), its protagonist is name-dropped here.

Without further ado, I present to you the 12th and last chapter of the Extra Chapter arc. Due to size issues, I'll be putting up the next set of chapters in (a) new post(s).

[spoiler=Extra Chapter 12]

Extra Chapter 12: Chaos Zone

[i]Journal Entry: May 8th, 2037[/i]

Matt's pen hovered over the empty page. Truthfully, writing this entry didn't seem so important right now, even for the man who had kept a detailed account of just about every day of his life for the past fifteen years. Not because he didn't have things to write about. But because, in a few hours, there might be noone left alive in the world to read any of it.

Matthew Reed put down his pen, looking around the empty office. It was in better state that most places, admittedly, but the signs of reckless abandon and despair that were overwhelming the world were clear here, too.

Matt worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. While the title of U.S. Federal Agent might sound imposing next to his name, his work was really lackluster, and it was only until very recently that it had grown exponentially in importance - but before he could enjoy his moment in the spotlight, the world went to hell.

Basically, the Bureau needed money. And when the money of the good American taxpayers didn't suffice, which was more than often since most of that money tended to mysteriously vanish into certain high-profile pockets, the Bureau needed to improvise. Using its extensive information network and significant competence in finding things that others did not want found, the FBI conducted discreet investigations into high-grossing corporations and organizations, companies bound to have a few skeletons in their closet. And when they dug up enough dirt, they blackmailed those companies into an arrangement - the Bureau keeps quiet, as long as enough pocket money appears in some clandestine bank accounts.

Following a certain unfortunate incident five years ago where Matt inadvertently pissed off the wrong pockets, he had been thrust into this job, which was little more than a glorified private investigator - albeit with access to federal resources, which was always a plus. But the company he'd been assigned to track was Duel International, which everyone knew was a dead chase - those guys were too smart, they covered their tracks well. Stuck in a virtual mire, his disgruntlement over this demotion led to Matt's divorce with his wife, Katherine, and the estrangement with his daughter, Victoria. His life had become an increasingly irritating, pointless routine, but he could never have expected how it was eventually fated to be broken.

Absently, he flipped back a few pages in his diary, entries that covered the past two weeks. The further back he went, the more obvious it was that those pages initially contained only a few scarce notes - he had only seen fit to expand on them later, when the importance of the events that had transpired became clear.

Finally, he stopped once he reached a page marked with a black clip. The day it all begun.

[i]April 27th, 2037[/i]

A prominent entry near the top of the page read: [i]Teenager falls into a coma after Duel Terminal session.[/i] That was the headline of the day's evening news and even though he had immediately jumped on the issue, it was pretty much all the information he had managed to gather that day. It was only until a week later, when the events had begun spiralling out of control, that he was finally given permission to begin a proper investigation. One of the first things he had done after that was travel to Japan, where he got in touch with one of the police officers that had handled the on-scene investigation. The man, Kaoru Watari, had agreed to meet him over a cup of oolong tea, and had proven surprisingly cooperative.

"So I followed standard procedure, you understand, our hands were tied pretty bad, we had to be careful with all the big heads involved." Watari said in slightly broken English. Matt could only nod ruefully - he knew very well what the man was talking about. In those cases, there was a great deal of effort spent [i]not[/i] to incriminate people who had money - exactly what had done Matt in a few years back.

"I went to the store, talked to the cashier, and the customers." Watari continued. But it was a bust - noone had been paying attention to what the kid was doing, and by the time he collapsed, the Terminal screen had gone blank. "Many knew the guy, he went to the store often, but usually alone. Bit of a loner, didn't stand out. But I did get the names of two people, the last ones to talk to him a bit before the accident. Classmates. Not a major lead, but I did look them up. Even then, it looked like a mighty coincidence... now I don't know what to think about the whole situation, really."

"Who were they?" Matt asked, quickly taking notes.

"Aizawa Yuusuke, Kirizaki Maya" Watari responded. "Like I said, pretty strange coincidence... Aizawa Yuusuke is the son of a Duel International employee here in Japan. The girl..."

"Kirizaki..." Matt frowned, the name seemed familiar. "Don't tell me - she's related to [i]that[/i] Kirizaki Ryouga..."

"That's right." Watari sighed. "One of the most persistent criminal masterminds in the country. Nothing sticks on him, he keeps slipping through our hands like an eel. Smart old fox, he is. Even now in his retirement days he still causes us trouble. Poor girl is his granddaughter. Her parents died in a plane crash, so she moved in with him, but she quickly left to live on her own. Can't say I blame her for that.

"What did they tell you?"

"Me? Nothing." Watari chuckled glumly. "You should've seen the looks on their faces. That girl looked like I could put a gun in her mouth and she'd still not tell me anything she didn't want to. And the guy looked like he'd jump right in front of that gun, if I were to point it at her. Honestly, it felt more like they were interrogating [i]me[/i], rather than the other way around. Scary little monsters, those two. I miss the good old days when you would just flash your badge at someone and they'd start spilling their life stories for you."

"At any rate, there was nothing to get from those two." He continued, after putting down his empty cup and signalling for a refill. "And since Duel International kept their mouths shut and noone had the balls to pry them open, this thing went nowhere. It really looked like an isolated incident back then, for all we knew caused by hardware malfunction or just a health issue, and the boy could wake up literally any moment with no harm done. We pretty much had to shelve things. Only the boy's poor mother - Sanjou Kotomi was her name - kept at it. Now I don't have children, so I can hardly imagine how she must have felt... far as I could see, she was going through the hospital, the police station, and her work nonstop. Last I saw her, she looked like she hadn't slept in two days."

"I can understand." Matt muttered. His thoughts went to his own daughter. Last he had checked, she was fine... then again as far as he knew, Victoria didn't play the stupid game anyway.

"Aside from that, things were quiet, until..." Watari's face darkened. Just a few days earlier, what they had thought of as a single isolated incident... had spread like wildfire. Not just in Japan, but across the entire world. Dozens, maybe even hundreds, of Duel Terminal users had fallen into comatose states after using the system. And noone was any closer to figuring out why than they were six days ago, when the first official victim of this case, Sanjou Kiishiro, had collapsed.

"Duel International claims that their system works as well as ever, and they're sparing no effort in determining the cause of this mess, and of course thanks to an absurd amount of red tape, there's nothing we can do to them yet... still, with so many kids in the hospitals, this is not something we can take lightly. But there's a million procedures and hurdles to go through before we can really open a full investigation against one of the biggest international companies..." He lowered his voice anxiously. "But we haven't seen the worst of it yet. Sooner or later, some of these kids are going to die... and that's when the gates of hell will open on us."[/i]

Neither Kaoru Watari nor Matt himself had any idea back then, just how literal this prediction was going to turn out.

---

After looking around for several more hours and asking a few more people involved - none of whom had been as cooperative as Watari - Matt had returned to his hotel, where he had finally been able to rest for a bit after running around almost nonstop since the plane landed. However, this rest was meant to be short-lived as well, because only two hours after he had managed to lie down - it was past ten - his cell phone rang. He was expecting the call to be from his superiors in the States checking up on his progress, but much to his surprise, it was Watari, and very nervous at that. Wasting no time, he went straight to the chase.

"Mister Reed, someone called for you." He said quickly. "Here, at the police station. They knew there was a Federal Agent here handling this case... they demanded that we bring them to contact with you."

Matt frowned. Someone knew he was in Japan, on authority to investigate this case? Officially, there was no international investigation, and while it wouldn't take a huge stretch to assume FBI involvement, there was definitely something wrong here, especially given how whoever was looking for him had known to ask at the right place.

"Who was it?" He asked slowly, trying to get his bearings. Even as he put the phone on speaker, he ruffled around for a fresh shirt to wear.

"...it was the general director of the Japanese Medical Association." Watari said slowly. Matt froze. He knew the Medical Association was one of the most powerful non-governmental institutions in Japan. "Her name... Aizawa Hikari."

Matt made a mental note to pick up his fifth coffee of the day on his way to the cab stop. It was going to be a long night.

About an hour later, Matt found himself in the topmost floor of the Central Hospital, where his meeting was scheduled to take place. Even though he did not stall around on the way through the hospital, he still felt haunted by the number of teenagers or even younger children who had been admitted there. These kids... they all had to be put on life support just to survive. There was nothing [i]too[/i] wrong with their medical conditions - no brain damage, no radiation activity... nothing. And yet they were all catatonic, with no signs of waking up.

There was a hustle of activity on the top floor, with half a dozen people moving about. The director seemed to be busy. Still, the moment he announced his identity to the control panel, the automated doors slid open to admit him, closing softly behind him after he walked into the room.

Matt was tired, but Aizawa Hikari looked three times as tired as he felt. There were three laptops set peripherally on top of her desk, and she was quickly alternating typing between them - despite this, there was also a ton of paperwork practically spilling onto the floor. It took her a full thirty seconds to acknowledge his presence, and when she did it was only to motion him to sit on one of the two empty chairs on the other side of her desk. Smiling ruefully, Matt did so - he recalled Watari's earlier comments. Aizawa Hikari definitely was not a person who would be intimidated by a position of authority. He had, of course, connected the dots - the woman in front of him was the mother of Aizawa Yuusuke, whom Watari had questioned as one of the last people to talk to Sanjou Kiishiro while he was conscious, and the wife of Aizawa Taihito, an employee of Duel International. No wonder she had her hands full.

At last, the director finalized her work on each of her three computers, and turned to look at him.

"Matthew Reed, Federal Agent, specialized in corporate espionage. You are here in Japan to investigate the comatose cases and Duel International's involvement... correct?"

"We don't actually call it corporal espionage." Matt said lightly. "But the rest is correct, if a bit blunt. How did you know I would be in Japan?"

"I don't have the luxury or time for subtleties, mister Reed." Hikari said flatly. "As for how I know what I know, I have my sources. You undoubtedly know who I am, so we can skip that part. I called you here because I have certain information to share with you, information that I could not easily publicize or release to the police." She leaned forward slightly. "Mind you, I place no trust in the integrity of the Federal Bureau either, but the situation is out of control, and we need to move quickly."

"I understand." Matt said solemnly. Hikari stared at him for a few more seconds, eyes locked on his, before finally nodding.

"Then I will tell you what I know." She began. "One day after Sanjou Kiishiro fell into a coma, my son, Aizawa Yuusuke, who happened to be personally acquainted with the unfortunate boy, entered the Duel Terminal network in hopes of finding some clue about what happened to him. At that time, he found himself in a peculiar situation. I trust you are familiar with the inner workings of Duel International's virtual reality system. Yuusuke faced an unidentified opponent, masked as an artificial intelligence program, using unregistered cards, and during their duel, the area they were in started to undergo a forced system shutdown. My husband, who as you are likely aware works for the company, theorized that such an event might be enough to cause a shock similar to those Sanjou Kiishiro must have suffered before he fell unconscious. Needless to say, the story was covered up quite nicely, both within and outside the company. But..."

"...it is suspicious." Matt finished her sentence. He was already scribbling furiously on his notebook. "The situation that we see escalate now, was planned well in advance."

"That much is obvious." Hikari said sternly. "Duel International's reaction and response confirms there is something going on behind the scenes, but as I'm sure your Bureau understands well, suspicions alone will not suffice in this case. There is, however, an additional element to take into consideration." She produced a thick stack of papers, that Matt warily took into his hands.

"These are..." He studied them briefly. "Records on the kids who fell into a coma... and some charts?" He flipped back to a thick packet of pages and frowned. "I see. The recorded times of the actual incidents in a timeline. But I don't see how this - "

"Take a closer look." The doctor snapped impatiently. "We know that the incidents began occuring sometime yesterday afternoon, with a few isolated cases earlier. They continued throughout the night up until the morning, when Duel International announced a global shutdown of the system, supposedly for maintainance and to investigate for any issues. Now this shutdown process was reported to be concluded by this time." She indicated two separate points in the timeline, which she had marked as such. "Now given what I said earlier, these can be explained away..." She pointed at the dots that indicated the incidents that had occured before and after that period. "But [i]these[/i], on the other hand..." Matt gasped, as he saw what the director was getting at.

There were numerous dots placed on the chart [i]during[/i] the supposed Duel Terminal shutdown. "But this means..."

"This means, that the company is feeding us a load of bullshit and they don't even care much any more about covering it up properly." Aizawa Hikari said. "These people fell into a coma during the time the Duel Terminal system was not operational... of course, they were all still logged in at the time. Now you could write off a few of these cases as inaccuracy in recording the exact time, but this is a stretch. In other words... the supposed shutdown was nonsense. The Duel Terminal world was still operating, and something happened to the people who were still logged in, something that gives them enough of a sensor shock to make their brains shut down. Something like what almost happened to my son. And if my suspicions are correct, this has been happening all along, and continues even now."

"That... is quite a serious situation." Matt sighed. "How many people are still logged in to the Duel Terminal then?"

"That'd be impossible to gauge without the company's cooperation." She responded. "But however many they are, one thing is confirmed. They cannot log out now. Forcefully logging people out of the system from the outside... that has proven impossible as well. In short..."

"There's pretty much nothing we can do..." Matt concluded.

"And that is why it is of utmost importance that you get these files to the Bureau, and make them realize just what is going on here."

"Understood. I'll send them as soon as possible." It would be easy enough to scan the official documents and transfer them to his superiors via a safe route once he got back to his hotel. From there on, an investigation could be launched immediately. They should at least have enough to get the system shut down indefinitely. "I will be staying in Japan for the following days. Please don't hesitate to contact me if anything happens." He handed her his card, which contained his private phone number.

"I will." The woman said steadily. "Likewise, I expect no effort spared in resolving this issue. I despise corporate politics in the best of days, but when innocent lives are at stake... there's no telling when one of those children might die."

---

And unfortunately that prediction, too, was meant to be fulfilled sooner rather than later. After a few hours of restless sleep, Matt was woken up by his phone, his superiors calling in to alert him that the processing of the data he had sent had been completed, and that they had been given the greenlight for a proper investigation. That was good news... but Matt, stuck in Japan as he was, did not have any real authority to look into anything, and it was only with a great deal of string-tugging that he was able to squeeze in the formal police investigation of the Duel International HQ.

"In the complete absence of any concrete data indicating wanton action, or even any part of actual responsibility, of our company in these tragic incidents, we request that you cease these absurd accusations." Matt's mastery of Japanese wasn't quite up to par, so he was grateful for the automated translation device he had been provided by his hosts - one of the welcome little tidbits of relatively new technology. The man speaking was Sarunoki Moboro, a high-ranking director for Duel International's Japanese branch, and a rather weasly little man in Matt's opinion. "We assure you that we are taking every possible measure to ensure the safety of our customers. This outbreak of unfortunate incidents is a plague on us too, but as you understand, we are talking about a system that has functioned seamlessly for years and frankly, still continues to function as intended. We have already submitted extensive evidence that the Duel Terminal virtual world is operating as ever. It is up to the discretion of the users whether to access the Terminal in this situation, but we will refuse to shut down the system when the actual cause of these incidents is undetermined!"

"Excuse me, could you tell me where the bathroom is?" Matt interrupted with one of the Japanese phrases he had memorized well. Moboro looked at him incredulously for a second, as if not knowing how he should react to this foreigner being involved in this case, but pointed at a vague direction before turning his attention to the officers. Nodding, Matt followed the route to the indicated restroom. Once alone, he locked himself in the cabinet for additional privacy, and withdrew a small, watch-like object from an inner pocket of his shirt.

When they had entered the building, he had been asked to leave his cell phone at the entrance and went through a scanner for electronic devices - it was obligatory practice in major companies to avoid infiltration into their core network, and since he couldn't exactly play his Federal Agent card here, there was no way he could avoid it. But one of the benefits of working in the FBI was having access to a bit more advanced technology than your average corporate hacker. As such, the device in his hands had already established a subtle connection to Duel International's network and was transmitting data from it.

Of course, what Matt was interested in wasn't the barrage of random data it kept receiving. His first priority was to place a tracker on a few of the top-level system accounts, something he quickly accomplished. He wasn't sure how well that would work or how soon it would be discovered, but with it in place, it'd notify the FBI when a system administrator logged in or out of the virtual world, as well as, to some extent, what directives he gave the system from this side. The FBI hoped that this way, they could incriminate one or more of the system operators and move the case forward. Matt very much doubted it would be so easy. His second task here felt more important.

He had to find a way to get people out of the system. If what Aizawa Hikari had told him was true, and he trusted the woman, then the people who were currently logged in the Duel Terminal system could not log out on their own. But if there was one thing you learned in politics was that there were always exceptions, and Matt was now waiting for one of those to pop up. He had set his tracker to intercept and copy any log-out code it detected. A minute passed, then two. How long did he dare wait? How long before they started to suspect something was up? If they looked, it wouldn't be impossible to find the tracker...

Just as he was starting to sweat, though, his device beeped affirmatively. Someone had just logged out. With a sigh, Matt quickly confirmed his suspicions - the account that had logged out had administrative privileges. Just as they had thought... they was definitely something wrong here. And with the data he quickly secured, he hoped he could start getting to the bottom of it.

"You took an awfully long time in the bathroom, mister..." Moboro addressed him in English after he returned, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Matthew. Matthew Reed. And I have to apologize, but it seems my stomach is not quite used to Japanese cuisine just yet." He kept an innocent smile. Moboro scrutinized him for a few more seconds, before he shook his head in disdain and turned around again, ignoring him for the rest of the visit.

"Well, that was a bust..." A few hours later, Matt was back in his hotel room. The investigation hadn't taken that long, but the headquarters was in a different city, and even with the high-speed police airmobile that had carried him, the whole event had still taken most of his day. As expected, they had gathered virtually nothing from the investigation. Matt's only hope rested in the data he had been able to retrieve...

He had not realized when he had fallen to a dark, uneasy sleep, until he was woken up again by someone calling. He wearily picked up the phone, but shook himself into awakening upon seeing the caller's identity.

"This is Reed." He answered quickly. On the other line, Aizawa Hikari's voice, which had remained firm and solid throughout their discussion yesterday, now trembled slightly, and that was enough confirmation that something bad had happened, even before he heard the actual words. An hour later, he was again seated with the director in the top floor of the massive hospital complex.

"So we've had the first death..." He muttered. "And they are actually holding your husband responsible for it..."

"They framed him, and are holding him prisoner." Hikari replied between clenched teeth. "My son... they want something with him. I don't know what, but they're keeping Taihito hostage."

"This... is a difficult situaton." Matt sighed. "This is the part where I'd normally advise keeping quiet and letting us work things out but... I have a feeling you are not the type to do that." Hikari's glare confirmed this. "Here." He handed her a small data disk. "I managed to get this data from Duel International earlier... it contains code for log out sequences. It's only partly deciphered and I can't make heads or tails out of it, not until the boys back home finish working it out... but it might be useful for you."

"Thank you." Hikari took the disk in her hand and tucked it safely in her pocket. "We must... end this nightmare as quickly as possible, mister Reed."

Three hours later, Matt was on a flight back to the States - with the situation escalating into a worldwide emergency as more and more deaths were recorded by the hour, he had been immediately recalled. He was in the middle of what felt like his millionth coffee over the past three days, when suddenly screams erupted throughout the craft. Alarmed, he looked outside... and rubbed his eyes, certain that the tiredness had finally gotten the better of him. He had to be hallucinating, because it was pretty impossible to explain the lean black serpent that glided gracefully beside them, its long, scaly body shining under the starlight. The plane swerved to avoid it, but the creature seemed to - thankfully - ignore it, instead, it continued its flight over the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

"Just what the hell..."

---

And hell was exactly the right word for what had only just begun. By the time his plane landed, everyone had forgotten about Duel International, and was instead focusing on the absurd phenomena that were taking place all over the world.

Just like the serpentine dragon that had appeared in the skies above the ocean, thousands of otherworldly creatures were appearing, seemingly out of thin air, all over the world. Some of these incidents were harmless, like a girl in Ohio who claimed a white-furred kitten with long golden ears had come to her after she lost her cat, or a short figure clad with distinctive red hair shooting out behind its black helmet that had suddenly jumped in the middle of a football match, scoring three goals in less than a minute before disappearing, leaving players and spectators alike stunned. Some were a little more serious - for example, in Paris, a girl had been lifted up to the air by half a dozen golden spheres sporting pink wings and a heart on their foreheads. The small creatures had seemed rather innocent and excited with their game, but their small wings weren't enough to support the girl's weight and had the fire brigade not prepared a net in time, the fall could have caused her serious injuries. Then there was a strange, small blue dragon that had almost flown head-first into a plane's turbines, forcing it to abruptly change its course and narrowly avoid crashing into the Donauturm in Vienna.

And then there were the [i]serious[/i] incidents. Right before he succumbed to his injuries, a half-dead man in Germany claimed that a tall, skeletal-faced demon covered in black and white armor, and brandishing a heavy double-faced axe, had appeared in his village and unleashed some form of energy wave that annihilated everything in the entire area. The people who found him after he had allegedly crawled several miles in his state thought he was delirious - until they saw the scorching ruins and the mangled, unidentified corpses for themselves, of course. And far more frightening were those incidents that they [i]didn't[/i] learn about. People found dead - mangled, charred, frozen, or just dead without visible reason - some killed in their beds while sleeping, others wearing such an expression of terror that you'd think it was fear that killed them. People going missing, things like cars, buildings or even entire villages and towns destroyed without trace. And the scariest part of it was, these creatures that caused them seemed to vanish into nothingness just as suddenly as they had appeared.

It did not take long for people to figure out the origin of those sightings, at least. Every single creature or phenomenon that happened in the real world was represented by a card in the Duel Monsters game - the very same game that Duel International's virtual reality was based on, which had by now caused hundreds of people worldwide to collapse into comatose states. But even after making this connection... what could they do? They could not suddenly accuse the company of causing this, not without any form of tangible evidence, and certainly not when every group of authority already had its hands full dealing with those incidents in the first place. So Matt's work once again led nowhere, and he and the others were tossed into the center of the mess, trying to mitigate it.

With the appearance of these otherworldly monsters all over the world, it was little wonder that people ignored the changes in the weather, at first. But soon, they became too drastic to ignore. Natural disasters spread throughout the globe - tidal waves of massive proportions wrecked the coastlines, earthquakes laid waste to entire cities, volcanic eruptions filled the sky with ash, followed by torrential rains that flooded what was left.

"Please, Katherine." Matt pleaded with his ex-wife on the phone, not for the first time. "You and Vicky need to come here. It's far safer than wherever the hell you are right now!" Indeed, through the phone line, Matt could hear the deafening screech of a windstorm, and cries - human and otherwise - in the distance.

"I don't think so." Katherine was nothing if not stubborn, though, and her voice was cold and calm. "I don't believe anywhere is safe. Plus, you should be doing your best to be fixing this mess - it's your job after all."

"Kathy - " But she hung up on him.

"Damnit!" Matt's anger was justified, moreso because he actually thought Katherine was right on both counts. There was indeed no real safe place to hide from the disasters sweeping the surface of the planet - even from the Federal office, he could hear the riots outside, riots that the police was falling grossly short of being able to control. People panicking in the face of what could well be, by the looks of it, the end of days was only expected, though. What irked him more was that he felt it [i]was[/i] his job, as Katherine had said, to fix this. He did not know why, but he felt certain that this had something to do with these bastards at Duel International. But the fact did not change that he had no way to pursue this line of thought. And so a few more hectic days passed, days that brought about more and more chaos...

---

[i]May 4th, 2037[/i]

Matt had chosen to sleep in the office - it was far safer to stay there, than try and return to his house through the riot-filled streets. His few hours of sleep were brutally interrupted, though, by the screams and shouts of his co-workers. His eyes snapped open and he shot up in alarm - what now? But those who were awake were glued to the windows, looking at something outside with faces frozen in horror, and those that woke up and rushed to them soon joined them. Matt crossed the distance to the nearest window in a few quick strides, and nearly fell back in shock.

"What happened... to the sky...?" He managed to mutter. Noone answered him. What could anyone say to explain why the sky, a faded light blue as far as the eye could see, was cracked, as if the atmosphere was a glass bowl about to shatter? And why the sun had disappeared, and in its place there was a massive crimson sphere, seemingly at the center of all those cracks?

---

[i]May 7th, 2037[/i]

The world had various reactions in the face of those developments. Most were actually relieved. Once the sky had become like that, the extreme meteorological phenomena had calmed down, and even the terrifying monster attacks had severely lessened. All FBI agents were recommisioned to the restructure of a coherent information network, in order to assess the damage and start bringing the situation under control - Matt lost count of how many cups of coffee he had downed in those three days. It was only around midday of the 7th of May that he was finally able to catch a small breather, back in the office in DC.

"How're you holding up, Ted?" He asked one of his friends, an agent specialized in electronic data sorting, who was currently lodged in front of his PC. Ted turned to look at him.

"How do I look?" He asked snidely. Matt knew they both looked and felt like they were just about to drop dead. "Well... as good as anyone can be these days, I suppose." Ted continued in a more serious tone. He glanced out. "I know things have calmed down, compared to the chaos from before, but still... that sky gives me the creeps, man."

"I know what you mean." Matt murmured. Even though the disasters had stopped, with that sky and sun overhead... he couldn't help but feel that something worse was at hand. "Listen, Ted... did you grab anything from that data I gave you? The Duel International stuff."

Ted looked at him as if he had lost his mind. "Dude, no offense, but noone cares about Duel International right now." He sighed. "Do they have their hands dirty? Hell yes, but unless you can somehow blame them for this mess, the director is going to have my bottom fired before you can say 'coffee' if I waste even ten minutes on them right now. You know all resources are going towards the - "

A scream.

No, that wasn't right. It wasn't a scream. It was a [i]song[/i], a constant, high-pitched, blood-curling melody, a wordless rhapsody of death and destruction. The two agents stared at each other, then around them. But they couldn't find the source. That - wasn't surprising. Because they knew, the moment it began, that that, final, requiem... it was coming from somewhere [i]else[/i].

"What... the hell..." Ted's voice trembled. Matt had no response to the unfinished question. They could only sit there, transfixed, listening to the otherworldly song of the apocalypse.

How much time passed since the song began - minutes, hours, days or years - noone could tell on their own. It was as if time had frozen, as if the end had already come, and was just waiting for the world to catch up. Only thanks to digital time recording could they tell, that the song had lasted around five hours. When it ended, a deep, impossible silence fell on the earth, as people tried to reaffirm whether they were still alive, or whether they had finally perished, drawn into the afterlife by that melody.

"How - did we survive - [i]this?[/i]" Ted choked. Matt knew how he felt. It was as if certain, inescapable death was staring them in the face - and then, suddenly, without reason, it went away.

"Alright, everyone, we're back on schedule!" The director burst into the room, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention - most jumped at the abrupt sound, as if thinking themselves deaf. "Tech team, anything new on that... song?"

"Nothing, boss." One of the tech agents said, lowering the headphones he was wearing. No satellite - of those that are still working anyway - picked up anything. Our systems couldn't even pick up the frequency." Matt glanced at Ted. Outside the frequency spectrum. That means - that logically, humans shouldn't have been able to perceive the sound with their hearing sense.

"What are you saying, Johnson?" The director demanded. "Are you telling me that that... thing was in our heads?"

"Boss, I'm telling you exactly what I know, which is - absolutely nothing." Johnson shrugged. "But hey, if you want to hear something even stranger? We've had numerous reports of [i]deaf[/i] people, people who were [i]born[/i] deaf, hearing this thing. Make of that what you will."

The director's mouth opened and closed, likely unable to find the words to express the complete confusion in his head. He shook his head a couple of times. "Alright." He said finally. "Whatever it was, it's over for now, and we have a crisis to deal with. So back to business!" They immediately obeyed, likely as much out of discipline as out of a desire to start thinking about something else.

Barely an hour later, Matt had just finished sorting out what felt like the trillionth stack of reports, when once again, the director burst into the room. "Reed!" He shouted, shaking everyone out of their trance-like focus. The man was looking as if he had ran a hundred kilometers today, which could actually be true. He leaning heavily against the doorframe to support himself. "Main office... now." He breathed. Sensing that there was no time to ask questions, Matt ran after him.

"..."

A few moments later, he was staring at a computer monitor, speechless. "This is..."

"Yeah." The director nodded. "These bastards, they played us for fools - but here is where it ends for them."

On the screen was the image of a man. With a grave voice and expression, he was reciting a speech.

"[i]Citizens of the world, I am Gregory Dunkan, Duel International's CEO.[/i]" He announced. "[i]As you are aware, our world is faced with a dire crisis. In the dawn of these events, I must reveal the truth of you - Duel International has been aware that these cataclysmic events would occur.[/i]"

"This bastard, what is he saying..." Matt exclaimed, but was silenced by the director.

"[i]Despite our best efforts and technology, and despite our cooperation with many sources, we have found ourselves unable to prevent or contain the disaster. Therefore, we have been forced to operate under a worst-case scenario - the complete and utter destruction of the world."[/i] He looked up. Matt gulped audibly. Even though he should know better - he almost [i]believed[/i] what this man was saying. He found himself willing to [i]trust[/i] him - such was the power hidden behind those words, and those eyes. [i]This man, is a very skilled manipulator![/i]

"[i]What rumors you have recently heard about our company, were all in preparation for that.[/i]" Dunkan continued. "[i]We assure you that everyone you've heard of who has fallen into a coma is perfectly safe and out of danger. The same is not true for the rest of you, though. As I said, the world is ending. You have seen it - the climate falldown, the phantasms that have entered our dimension. In the face of total annihilation, we turned, in desperation, to the only method available to us... virtual reality. With its advanced technology, we have managed to surpass the final frontier, and create a virtual world in which the human mind can survive, even after the physical body dies... forever.[/i]"

"[i]This, is a privilege we extend to everyone in the world. Enter the virtual reality using the Duel Terminal systems - we have removed all limitations for accessing them. There, you will be able to survive the imminent apocalypse, and live forever in a world that we will shape into a new paradise.[/i]"

"This is insane..." One of the agents present muttered as Dunkan concluded his speech. "How... is anyone supposed to believe this..."

"Normally, noone would." The director replied, his voice heavy. "But people are desperate, dying. They do not know if they will live to see another hour. At this rate, isn't it better to believe in some faint hope, than in no hope at all?"

"He wants them." Matt clenched his fists. "I don't know what for, but they have some use for the people they trap in their system. And I'm betting anything they are, one way or the other, responsible for everything! Damnit, director, we have to do something!"

"...I agree." He responded. "Now is not the time to get stuck on bureocracy. Thanks to the code you've managed to retrieve, and the tracer you've installed, we've managed to track down all their central servers. An arrest warrant has been issued for Gregory Dunkan and every other Duel International employee - we can sort out who's innocent and who isn't later. We'll shut these guys down for good, and get everything fixed."

Matt fervently hoped it would work like that. However, that, too, proved wishful thinking.

Three hours later, after a simultaneous operation on all of Duel International's offices, subsidiries, and empoloyee private residences - they had managed to arrest a grand total of fifteen people, about one percent of the company's total workforce. The rest had vanished - probably killed or hiding, and there was little way to track them down. And of course, the directors were all nowhere to be found. So they had to focus their efforts on the biggest fish they [i]had[/i] managed to catch.

The guy's name was Howard Rowen. An office director for the American branch, high enough in the food chain to know something. The SWAT team that had arrested him had reported him blabbering about things noone could understand. Without ado, they had brought him to the FBI headquarters for interrogation. Matt had been called there, as a supervising agent for Duel International's case, along with many high profile members, overlooking the interrogation through the one-way looking glass.

The interrogation area Rowen had been brought to was a small, cube-shaped room. The only furniture were a table and two chairs, one of which was occupied by Rowen, under handcuffs and looking the worse for wear. On the opposite one, agent Maria Hawks, a veteran agent who had lost both her eyes and left arm in a terrorist attack ten years back. Though she had replaced them with glass eyes and an artificial arm, she had refused the more recent type of replacements that looked entirely natural, resulting in her frightening, almost half-cyborg appearance. Looming over the prisoner, with the bulging, unblinking blue eyes transfixed on him, the claw-like fingers of her robotic arm tapping the table - Matt decided that there were few people in the world more suitable for the job of an interrogator.

However, it seemed her intimidating persona wasn't needed here. Howard Rowen looked just about ready to tell them everything.

"So, start from the beginning." Hawks rasped. As a result of the same accident, her voice had become hoarse and she couldn't shout, which made it all the more intimidating. When asked why she hadn't accepted the boons of modern medical technology to fix those deficiencies, she had responded simply 'because I need to remember'.

Rowen took a deep breath, and started talking.

"It all began about a week ago, I suppose." He said. His tone was that of a defeated man, a man with no hope left. A man awaiting a fate even worse than a lifetime in federal prison, Matt thought with alarm. "These people that started falling into comas - I don't know what exactly happened - none of us did. But we knew there were... 'things' inside the virtual world, things that we hadn't designed or known about, hunting people down. Of course, we were threatened not to speak. Then therewere some... 'accidents'. People died or disappeared during testings with no cause... Mike Nicholson was one of those I personally oversaw. When he was testing the new Riding Duel system, he died during some form of system crash that caused us to lose sight of what was happening inside the virtual world." [i]I knew it![/i] Matt clenched his fists. Mike Nicholson was a boy allegedly killed in a motorcycle accident after a session with Duel International, but Matt always suspected there was something more to it, and now he had a full-blown confession! unfortunately, that paled in comparison to what else the man had to say.

"The director... Gregory Dunkan... was there during Mike Nicholson's test, as well. He was the one who had us cover it up. And later on, even stranger things happened... the virtual world was barraged with huge volumes of foreign data practically every minute. Of course, with everything that was going on, most employees abandoned their posts... I wish I had joined them." He gulped audibly.

"A few hours ago... Dunkan gathered us, those who were still in the company grounds, and explained... just what was going on." He took a deep breath. "He said... that this world is one of many, infinite realities that coexist. He said that... there is something called the Gap, that lets people reach out to different realities... and that between the world exists the Nexus, a huge mass of energy, enough energy to create and destroy worlds at will." Everyone, even the interrogator, had frozen in place, speechless. Rowen continued without prompting. "He said that his goal was to reach that Nexus through the virtual world, and that because his efforts were weakening the Outer Sphere - the boundary that separates us from the other worlds - the real - the physical world was going to be destroyed. And that we were supposed to shut down all access to the virtual world at a certain time - then we were free to do whatever we wanted, until one way or the other, the world ended... he said that if we wanted to, we could tell you all this."

"And you believed all that?" Maria Hawks asked, her voice quieter than usual. "This story, you believed it?" Rowen shook his head.

"We wouldn't have believed it, no. But thing is... Dunkan wasn't even there. What told us this story, narrating everything I just told you, including all the things that had happened out there in the real world, from the disasters to the appearance of monsters... all of this, it was in a recording that Dunkan had made and stored in the company servers, in a file that had not been touched... in three months."

The agents looked at each other. The same thought had passed through their heads. [i]It was all - planned.[/i]

"So let's assume this is all the truth." The interrogator pressed. "What do we do? How do we get into the virtual world and stop Dunkan?"

"You don't." Rowen responded flatly. "The reason why we shut down access to the virtual world as Dunkan told us, was because of a simple truth. He... we... this world... it's already too close to the Nexus now. If Dunkan doesn't use his system to take control of the Nexus, then the world will be destroyed. At least, this way... there is a... chance..."

"..."

Half an hour later, a general meeting was called. But, noone knew what to say. They had not been able to get Dunkan's recording that Rowen had mentioned, since all data had been automatically erased before it could be replicated, but Rowen had conveyed everything in it, including some disturbingly accurate and detailed information. With this state of affairs... "What... should we do?"

"...it seems that, right now, we have no choice except to treat this information as truth." The director said heavily. "And also... accept the fact that we can do nothing about it." He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples fiercely.

"We can't find Dunkan. We can't get into the virtual world. And according to Rowen's statement, we have about an hour and a half before... whatever Dunkan has planned, reaches its final, irreversible stage. As it is - "

" - you are all dismissed." He sighed finally. "Go... be with your family, do what you want... because these may well be the world's final hour."

---

[i]Journal Entry: May 8th, 2037[/i]

Matt's pen hovered over the empty page. In a few minutes, he would probably find out if there was going to [i]be[/i] much of a May 8th to write about. The office was deserted. The director had told them to go be with their families, but Matt couldn't even reach his ex-wife and daughter on the phone. He didn't know if they were still alive. All he could do was pray for them. And for the rest of the world.

He looked outside. The sky had changed. It was now an ocean of blackness, dominated by a single, massive white sphere, growing larger and larger. The time Dunkan had specified was drawing closer and closer.

The city had fallen to chaos. Burning buildings, wrecked cars, corpses. But it was quiet now. It was as if everyone had sensed what was coming. Everyone was bracing themselves for the end.

Could he have done something more? Something different? Could he have put a wrench in Duel International's plans somehow? Matt doubted that. But still, the questions, the responsibility, they gnawed at him. The timer - was almost zero.

His fleeting thoughts reached out to his daughter, whom he would never see again, one last time, his eyes fixed on the white spectacle overhead. The white mass pulsed -

- and exploded.

It was as if all the black in the universe had become white in an instant. A violent shockwave spread across the earth. And then - images. The sky was filled with them. Like staring at a wall with thousands of monitors attached to it, Matt could see them - different places, different times, different worlds, all merged together in one massive kaleidoscope. A man riding a crimson motorcycle that was somehow flying in the night sky between a city and what looked like a flying fortress, backed by a massive silver dragonic creature, faced with a figure covered in metal white armor atop a flying unicycle, a tree of light with ten illuminated points at its root and branches behind him. A desert filled with pyramids, where a man in ancient Egyptian garb was raising a golden disk, summoning forth three beasts - a massive scarlet dragon, a blue giant soldier, and a golden phoenix - against a pure black demon. A teenager dressed in red facing a skeletal, black-cloaked creature, a gold-and-silver winged figure emerging from a vortex behind him. Riding a magnificent white dragon, a black-clad figure dashing across a sky of hell and death, against a sinister warlock mounted atop a pitch-black dragon, sword at hand - a massive black sphere hovered in the sky, but the silver dragon plowed through it without stopping - the opponent raised his hands, but before he could react, the man's sword of light was thrust into its chest. Standing atop a giant altar, a blue-haired woman looking at the sky, tears streaking down her beautiful face. And others, many others, countless worlds that intertwined and melded together.

A movement behind him shook him from his trance. Tearing his eyes from the spectacle in the sky, he turned around to face the intruder. It was a warrior clad in thick, dark plate armor, black hair flowing behind him, a tattered red cloak on his back. A metallic visor was placed above the red scarf that covered the lower part of his face, shielding his eyes. In his hand was a rapier. He was advancing towards him.

Mechanically, Matt pulled his gun from its holster, aimed, and shot. Two, three, four shots - but all bullets were deflected against the warrior's armor, and soon, he was too close. Jumping instinctively to the side, Matt barely dodged the swift sword slash, but dropped his weapon in the process.

It was as if time had slowed down to a crawl. Before he could recover, the sword, that was already being moved into position with unnatural expertise, would sever his head from his shoulders. He reached out behind him desperately, trying to grab something, anything. [i]I'm not - giving up like this - !![/i]

He managed to arch his neck back enough in time, that the blade didn't completely decapitate him. And at that time, his fingers clasped around something - it was a pen. Blood exploded from his neck that had a cut about half as deep as its width. Matt groaned, clutching at his wound. He was dead. He knew that. But at the same time - something, perhaps anger, perhaps lingering old pride, jolted him into motion. He jumped forward, one hand clutching the pen, the other his neck.

With a sickening sound, the sword went straight through his chest, missing his heart by inches. Agony screamed throughout his whole body, pleading with him to give up, to die.

[i]Not - yet - !![/i]

On the previously emotionless dark warrior's face, a brief look of surprise appeared - why was this human still moving, even after being injured by the black blade wielded by the Knight of the End? Matt couldn't tell him the answer even if he could speak. All he could do - was gather his last force in his right arm, and thrust it forward.

The pen went straight through his attacker's neck. Taking a step back, the knight's sword fell, and without it, Matt collapsed, too. Darkness was quickly wrapping around the edge of his vision. As he fell, he saw the strange warrior, choking on his own blood as he dispersed into black particles. [i]I - took him down - with me.[/i]

Somehow, it was as if that fact had numbed the pain, and eased his mind. If he had accomplished that, then certainly, there was hope for the world to overcome whatever was coming. Hope... for his daughter. He turned his quickly numbing eyes to the window. The sky now looked like a blurry mass of colors, although Matt couldn't tell if it was really so, or if his eyes were just unable to process what they were seeing. Whatever the case, though, Matt thought as he sank into nothingness, it was -

[i]- beautiful.[/i]
[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Monsters in order of appearance]Note: only monsters that appear during the series of events described happening around the world are mentioned here. If you can't figure out the ones that appear near the very end, I'll be extremely surprised.

Evil Knight Dragon

Lightlord Thief Rinyan

Attack Gainer

Happy Lover

Decoy Dragon

King of the End - Demise
[/spoiler]

[Vector Nightmare]

As mentioned above, here are chapters 73 to 75, the first part of the 7th and final arc of Dead Zone. Whether you want to read them all at once or take your time, it's up to you. Just be warned, that the whole thing is quite long.

So read, enjoy, and please review. Tomorrow I'm leaving on a short vacation, and will be back around Monday. Expect the next bulk update somewhere during the first few days of June.

[spoiler=Chapter 73]

Chapter 73: Purgatory of Nothingness

They stepped into a world of black and crimson. The area around them had been entirely decimated and its ruins left to rot, but it was clearly not so within the walls of the temple that stood in the middle. Floor and ceiling were grafted out of alternating black and red tiles. Distressingly enough, there were no walls. The corridor they were walking along was a narrow patch of floor, covered by the suspended ceiling, and where it ended on either side, an unending, looming black void beckoned.

Kirizaki Maya ignored it. She strode forward with large, determined steps. Her thoughts were racing. From the shadows of the past, to the dreadful present, to the uncertainty of the future... everything converged into this one single point. To one single person.

Miyataka Eizan. Although she had only met him once, when he revived the sundered fragment of her self that was Sinclair and transformed her into his obedient servant, he had been responsible for so many of the things she'd been through.

"You're being awfully quiet. Don't tell me you're scared?" Yuusuke, walking a few steps behind her, asked lightly.

"No way. Don't forget who you are talking to."

"Ooh, you're in scary miss European champion mode." He laughed.

"You, can't you read the atmosphere even a little?!" Maya angrily whipped her head around, preparing a scalding retort.

But the eyes she met weren't weren't laughing at all. Steeled with resolve, those blue eyes - so similar to the ones the real Yuusuke had - were focused and hard. He, too, had suffered much because of what Eizan had done. She wasn't alone. Together, we'll settle this. But they didn't have much time.

Time left: 0:27:32

"Time's flying by too fast." Yuusuke complained. "This past hour... as well as the time since this whole mess began..."

"Hey, I should be the one complaining, since I was thrust into this mess because of you."

"So cruel..."

"Be quiet. We're here."

Before them, ceiling and floor were connected by a huge ornate door, at least three times their height. It was painted in the same black-and-red pattern, and many geometric shapes had been carved along its surface. Triangles, rings, squares, and thousands more. But they were all in a completely random assortment, and they all had a single flaw each in their otherwise perfect proportions. A mockery of symbols of 'order'.

Chaos.

The door's two handles were shaped like snakes biting their own tails, a red and a black one. Beyond... her hand trembled as she touched the coiled serpent, felt the metal brush against her skin. It was cold and hot and it felt wrong, like it was solid and liquid at once. She trembled, but Yuusuke's hand firmly gripped the other handle. They nodded to each other. Together. There was nothing to fear.

Without a sound, the doors slid open.

"..."

"...not sure what I expected, but..."

The room that spread out in front of them seemed to have a simple, square shape. However, Maya couldn't follow its perimeter with her sight - her eyes seemed to slide off one wall into the next seamlessly, missing the corner that was supposed to be there. It was a nauseating feeling. She didn't allow herself to focus on this strange phenomenon for more than a few instants, though. Because there, in the center of the pure white marble floor, sitting on top of a massive throne made from black metal, was the person they had come here to eliminate. His appearance was exactly the same as what Maya knew through memories recollected from Sinclair.

"Miyataka... Eizan."

"In the flesh, so to speak." The man replied pleasantly. He rose. Due to the stark plainness of the surrounding room, or maybe a trick of the unseen light in there, his features were sharply clear even from this distance. He was a bit shorter than Stiyel Crystal's form, with a deceptively youthful, yet regal appearance, haphazardly clad in a rich crimson cloak and white shirt and pants, looking like some prince of old. His piercing blue eyes were locked at theirs, and his lips were curved in a wild smirk. "I'm glad... glad you managed to make it here. You are here a little earlier than I had anticipated, but no matter."

"Cut the pleasantries." Yuusuke snapped beside her. "We've come for one reason only - to beat you, and stop whatever mad plan you're hatching! You've toyed with us long enough!" But despite these brave words, she could feel him trying to drown the shaking out of his voice, to stop his hands from trembling. And it was the same with her.

Th - this man... he's radiating an insane level of strength! It's like I'm being burned just by his stare! This... this is the person who shamelessly toyed with the lives of so many people - !! She gritted her teeth. They had no time to hesitate. She stepped forward, materializing the Rod of Dominion in her hands.

"Let's settle this, Miyataka Eizan." She said sharply. "I promised that I would personally see your end... fight me, face-to-face!"

"Don't even think about taking him on only by yourself." Yuusuke had not missed a beat, standing resolutely on her side. "Too many grudges need to be laid to rest here. There are some things I need to pay this bastard back for myself!"

"...as you wish." Eizan rose from his grandiose seat, his youthful appearance starkly contrasting the ominous aura that surrounded him. "You went through all the trouble to get here, so the least I can do is honor your request..."

"There is two of us, and only one of you." Maya pointed out. "If you want to duel, you probably want to set some handicap, or we'll completely decimate you."

"..." Eizan remained silent for a few seconds. Then, he started laughing. The crystal clear sound resonated through the chamber for several seconds, causing both of them to shudder. Finally, he spoke.

"...handicap? Did you say... 'only one'?" He chuckled darkly. "How little you know... how much less you have come to understand. Very well. If you're so concerned about me... I'll even the numbers." A thin white fog surrounded him, rising up from the floor. Then it seemed to draw away from him to the side, taking a definite shape that became more and more solid... a human shape. Gradually, the gaseous substance materialized, shaped by an invisible hand into a man. He was tall, taller than all three of them, and had waist-length pale crimson hair, maintained in precise straight bangs. His eyes were black, but they were glowing, as if the very inside of his head was illuminated. He was clad in plain, loose white robes, tailored in traditional Japanese style.

"Who... who are you?" Maya muttered. Another accomplice, at a time like this?! No - !! Because the moment he looked at them, she knew. That expression, it was exactly the same - !!

"He is me." Both sets of lips moved at the same time, curved in the same grin. Even the voice was exactly the same. "What's wrong? Weren't you coming to get me?"

Maya and Yuusuke looked at each other, the same thought running through their minds. These two decidedly different people... it was difficult to believe, but Eizan was probably telling the truth. Behind those mirrored eyes, those sinister grins and the voice that sounded as if echoed... the same entity was hiding. What is this guy up to...?

"Now that there's two bodies on each side, it should be simple, right?" Eizan inquired. "We'll split into two teams, each will start with 8000 Life Points. We'll share every card on the field, in the Graveyard and that is removed from game with our teammate, and they'll be treated as controlled by both duelists in the team. So that we can all fight without holding back, the limit of monsters and spell and trap cards is ten for each side, rather than five. And we'll take turns alternating between the two teams. Is that clear?"

"Crystal." Maya responded icily. "I don't need to know the details. As long as you stand before me, I will crush you."

Yuusuke armed his Duel Disk. Surprisingly enough, their two opponents produced Duel Disks of their own, though slightly more gaudy than necessary. They took their positions - Maya would take the first move, followed by the black-eyed man that had somehow appeared out of that mist who stood opposite to her, then Yuusuke on her right would follow up, tailed by the original person they had recognized as Eizan. The rules were set up so that the Battle Phases of the first three turns were skipped, allowing only the last person on the first turn cycle to attack. Furthermore, since there were two duelists on each side, starting Life Points would be 8000. Overall, a pretty standard affair. Without some insidious meddling, all that separated doom from triumph was their ability. Yuusuke nodded to her with a confident expression. Alright. Let's do this!

"Duel!!" Four - or rather three - voices shouted simultaneously.
 

Stiyel Crystal & Galahad - LP: 8000
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 8000

Turn 1 - Stiyel Crystal

Six cards had materialized in front of her. She examined them carefully, then closed her eyes. Don't allow your mind to waver. Think. The cards that are in your hand right now, the cards sleeping in your deck - go through all possible permutations, and without fail, select the path that leads to victory - !! Her eyes shot open. This is it - !! This was the final battle. And she was going to win it!

"I activate the magic card." She declared, pointing at one of the cards with the Rod of Dominion. "One for One. I discard Demon Roar God Kushano from my hand, in order to choose any Level 1 monster from my deck and Special Summon it. I choose Level Stealer." One of her green-outlined cards turned around, and then a second card dissipated into nothingness, to be replaced by the appearance of a small ladybug-like creature.

[spoiler=Level Stealer]Level Stealer
DARK / Insect
Level 1
600/0
If this card is in the Graveyard: You can target 1 face-up Level 5 or higher monster you control; reduce its Level by 1, and if you do, Special Summon this card from the Graveyard. This card cannot be Tributed except for a Tribute Summon.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=One for One]One for One
SPELL / Normal
Send 1 monster from your hand to the Graveyard; Special Summon 1 Level 1 monster from your hand or Deck.[/spoiler]

"Following, I summon a second Level Stealer." The insect's twin materialized next to it. "And then I activate Foolish Burial, to send the third into the Graveyard straight from my deck. Turn end."

[spoiler=Foolish Burial]Foolish Burial
SPELL / Normal
Send 1 Monster Card from your Deck to the Graveyard.[/spoiler]

Turn 2 - Miyataka Eizan #1

"So you used four cards from your hand to bring out two weak monsters?" Eizan laughed. It was really creepy, hearing the exact same thing in the exact same voice at the exact same time from two different mouths. "Nonetheless, I know exactly what you are planning. My turn! Draw!" Even if it was the one in front of her who performed the action, both continued speaking at the same time. "Let me show you two... the supreme power of chaos! I summon Arcana Force III - The Empress!"

Maya and Yuusuke stepped back in shock as a pillar of pale, otherworldly light exploded from the ground. Wh - what is that?! A monster emerged from the light, a humanoid female figure clad in purple and blue, with long clawed arms and grey skin. Its face was featureless barring the crimson eyes, and a tiara-shaped crown. Large spikes protruded from its back, which was covered in a translucent cloak.

[spoiler=Arcana Force III - The Empress]Arcana Force III - The Empress
LIGHT / Fairy
Level 4
1300/1300
When this card is Summoned, toss a coin: • Heads: Each time your opponent Normal Summons or Sets a monster, you can Special Summon 1 "Arcana Force" monster from your hand. • Tails: Each time your opponent Normal Summons or Sets a monster, send 1 card from your hand to the Graveyard.[/spoiler]

"Arcana Force..." Yuusuke muttered. "I've never heard of this thing before... plus, it feels..."

"...wrong." Maya finished the sentence. It was easy enough to feel the wrongness, but it was more than that. The very space around it seemed distorted, small black cracks running through it like cracks on glass. "It's so alien it's even distorting reality..."

"One of my earlier experiments." The pair announced proudly. "Back when I was researching manipulation of the chaotic expanse of probability and possibility, I created these engines. They are avatars of chaos, even their existence is a noncomformistic fact that is rejected by every possible reality, because they embody uncertainty. It's too late to worry about that here, though. I activate the effect of The Empress! When it is summoned, a coin is flipped... and depending on the outcome, destiny will be decided!" A large golden coin materialized in the center of the field, flung into the air by an invisible force.

"...what the hell, so it's just a gambling deck?" Yuusuke muttered. Eizan laughed.

"It is a deck that can control destiny. That can create destiny! You will see that, before long... each coin toss is a branch, and each branch leads down a different path. No matter which path you take, you will sink deeper and deeper into chaos, until all that is you is no more, and only nothingness remains!" The coin landed with a dull thud, featuring a creepy masked face on the upper side.

"...what happens now?" Maya asked, not sure she wanted to know. But Eizan only grinned.

"You will see. I set a card from my hand. Turn end."

Maya eyed the monster uncertainly. This isn't going to be easy... but I'll have to trust Yuusuke.

---

Turn 3 - Galahad

Yuusuke sighed, drawing his card. More unknown monsters... that's just my luck. He frowned. There's something's strange here... I mean, even stranger than everything else. I've had this feeling for a while... the king-wannabe guy in the coat is fine and all, but I'm pretty sure I've seen that red-haired fellow before somewhere. Only, it makes no sense. It's a virtual avatar, if I'd seen it in here I'd certainly remember it. Damnit! We're fighting with so much at stake here, and we barely know anything! Hell, we don't even know exactly what is at stake here!

"Yuusuke, what are you doing?" Maya's impatient voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "We have to move fast, we don't have time!" She's right. Yuusuke glanced at the display. Only a couple of minutes had passed since they got in this room... but every single one counted. Their opponents watched them impassively, a small smirk mirrored on their faces.

Time left: 0:23:12

"First, I switch Level Stealer to defense. Then, I summon Lightlord Magician Leila!" He declared. The black-haired sorceress appeared before him, surrounded by an aura of light. He prepared to activate her effect, but at that time, the enigmatic Arcana Force monster began emitting a fierce glow.

[spoiler=Lightlord Magician Leila]Lightlord Magician Leila
LIGHT / Spellcaster
Level 4
1700/200
During your Main Phase: You can target 1 Spell/Trap Card your opponent controls; change this card you control from face-up Attack Position to face-up Defense Position, and destroy that target, but this card's battle position cannot be changed until the end of your next turn, except with a card effect. During each of your End Phases: Send the top 3 cards of your Deck to the Graveyard. You must control this face-up card to activate and to resolve this effect.[/spoiler]

"Earlier, a coin was flipped." Eizan explained in his creepy dual-voice. "And a path was chosen. Now, that path unfolds before you. Once 'heads' was chosen as a result of her coin toss, The Empress gained a new effect. When my opponent Normal Summons a monster, I can Special Summon a monster from my hand with Arcana Force in its name." Ugh great, more of them. Just what we needed. Cracks began appearing in the air next to the Empress, and another form began materializing through the shadows. This one was a bulky floating robot covered in grey armor, supported by two black wings, with dozens of cords protruding from its arms, all ending in black spheres with red gems entrenched in them, looking eerily like eyes. "Arcana Force IV - The Emperor!" ...yeah, I'm seeing the pattern...

[spoiler=Arcana Force IV - The Emperor]Arcana Force IV - The Emperor
LIGHT / Fairy
Level 4
1400/1400
When this card is Summoned, toss a coin: • Heads: All "Arcana Force" monsters you control gain 500 ATK. • Tails: All "Arcana Force" monsters you control lose 500 ATK.[/spoiler]

"Like the Empress, the Emperor also represents a fork in destiny. Two more paths open before you... and the one you will follow is - !!" Once more, a coin appeared and was tossed, this time landing on the opposite side as before, where the latin number IV - four - was engraved.

"Since the Emperor's 'tails' effect was determined, it activates immediately. All Arcana Froce monsters under my control lose 500 attack points." The Empress and the Emperor sagged slightly, wrapped in a sickly pale light, and their power fell to 800 and 900 respectively. Well if these two are anything to go by... 'heads' means positive effect, while 'tails' means negative effect. Yuusuke frowned. Although losing 500 attack isn't a big deal now, since I can't attack...

"At any rate, I activate Leila's effect! I can move her to Defense Position, and destroy one of your Spell or Trap cards. My target is the single face-down card you have on the field!"

"I activate that card immediately." Eizan countered. "It's a simple Trap card called Bottle of Greed... when activated, I can draw one card." Damnit, that's a bust.

[spoiler=Bottle of Greed]Bottle of Greed
TRAP / Normal
Draw 1 card from your Deck.[/spoiler]

"During my End Phase, Leila sends three cards from the top of my deck to the Graveyard." He glanced at the cards before tossing them into the discard pile. Could be better, but they were going to work for now. "Turn end."

Turn 4 - Miyataka Eizan #2

"Then I'll start." Eizan announced haughtily. "You two seem troubled by something. I feel rather generous, since you've made it all the way here, so I'm willing to answer any questions you want."

"Shut it, you bastard." Maya growled. "Do you think you can buy time with some cheap trick like that? Make your move!"

"Time?" Eizan inquired pleasantly. "Time is not my concern and it shouldn't be yours, either. Whether the Nexus comes crashing down on us or not, it all depends on how your friends fare up there."

"..." He has a point. "Fine, we'll bite." Yuusuke said, grinding his teeth. We've got to at least find out something here. "What is your purpose for all... this?" He waved his hand, indicating the entirety of the room. "And don't start with the chaos nonsense. I want something real here."

"Chaos is real." Eizan frowned slightly. "It is very much more real than you or me or anything that exists, because it is the state in which everything and nothing can exist. All beings, all things, from birth, for the entirety of their lifespan, and until and beyond death, swim in the primordial sea called chaos. Chaos is the natural state. It is our unnatural, imposed 'order' that is the abberation, the violation, the wrongness that gives birth to the Nexus."

"So you're saying that it's not crossing over the void between worlds that creates a Nexus?" Maya asked suspiciously.

"Yes. The Nexus is merely a manifestation of chaotic, pure energy. You can view them as a counterpart, an antithesis, to the various worlds. A natural phenomenon beyond all others, proof that order exists only to be consumed by chaos."

"That's awfully grim and all, but why do you care so much about all that?" Yuusuke demanded. "We've looked you up... seen some of the things you've done while dabbling with your vaunted chaos. What do you stand to gain out of all this?"

Again, Eizan frowned, as if unable to understand the question. "Gain? There is no gain, except, perhaps, fulfilling the dream of an existence shaped the way it was always meant to. However, I understand your misconceptions. After all, this is only the final stage that I've reached after nearly seventy years of research and experiments. It's a long story, but as I said earlier, we have time... so I will begin my narration from the year 1965. I don't think I need to give you a history lesson. Japan came out of the second World War that dominated the middle of the 20th century devastated, with the impact of the atomic explosions still weighing heavily over it. Foreign occupation formally ended around 1952, although recovery took a lot longer. Around that time, a bright young mind, unfortunate enough to be born in the midst of the chaotic war, was growing into adulthood. Said mind had an unnatural affinity for understanding the still-primitive world of computers and cyberspace, and a fascination with the wonderful implications lurking within."

"During that era, Japan was very different from the technological colossus of the 21st century. An impoverished country barely stumbling along the flow of history could hold no future for someone like him and at age 18, he was absorbed into Soviet Russia's main technological facility. There was a great interest in the field during those years in Russia, and several people, important people, who were willing to throw a large amount of money at anything even remotely promising with the word 'virtual' in it. Consider a generation with the threat of a global nuclear apocalypse bred in it, and combine it with the fact that noone had any clue what the limits to the new appearing technologies could possibly be. You can't possibly fathom what ideas people came up with, ideas that even after seventy years we are nowhere lose to realizing with all our technological advancement, and yet they somehow seemed feasible back then. One persistent idea was..."

"...prolonging life in a virtual environment." Yuusuke muttered. He had connected the dots. Maya simply glared at Eizan.

"Precisely. They wanted a world where their minds, their sense of 'self', could continue to live on, even if the outside world was destroyed by nuclear warfare and their real bodies perished."

"So that's why... with Ryouga..." Maya muttered.

"Yes, your grandfather's experiment was the culmination of what began during that era. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Of course, it's glaringly obvious that what they wanted was impossible to achieve given the era's technological limitations. However, we took several large steps of progress, and around 1970, we created the first 'virtual reality' world."

"Of course, even though I say 'virtual reality', there was nothing virtual about it since the thing was a combination of electrical brainwave stimulators, sensor pads, and, well, drugs. And even though I say 'world', the 'imaginary' space was the same size as the space that the equipment took in the real world - in other worlds, a room. Today, you'd laugh. We're talking about basically giving the brain a 'feeling' of walking and other, very limited, interactions in a closed space, when in fact the body was confined to a chair inside said space. The 'illusion' was feeble and could be seen through easily, there was significant danger involved in prolonged usage of the system, and the whole experience was underwhelming and deemed unable to compensate the significant resources required to realize it. However, it was nonetheless a big step, and it's not an exaggeration to claim it was the very first V-Space, and the basis for everything that followed."

"People back then did not see it this way, of course. After another decade of little apparent progress, the experiment was declared a failure, and the major faces of the Cold War era saw their power and influence decline. Many were questioned and condemned for obscure spending of government funds. Most scientists involved in the research of V-Spaces were quietly used as scapegoats, with the lucky ones being treated to a long-term vacation in the Siberian prison facilities. The career of the boy who had come from Japan, now a man in his thirties, would have likely met a rather painful end here too. But he had thought ahead and worked to create an independent portfolio, enriched with personal accomplishments that impressed the right people, who were convinced to move him into their employment."

"Of course, all virtual reality projects had been shelved indefinitely. But from the shadows, I continued pursuing... pursuing a dream that went far beyond even the most farfetched concepts. The idea of making a fake world to live in was mundane, a means to the ultimate end. That's right." He smirked as he saw the pair's shocked expressions. "Even back then, I was aware... aware of the 'reality' that lurks beyond ours, the infinite black eternity stretching out beyond the thin barrier of perception. And even back then, my only thought was to reach out to it and embrace it. I suppose the remainder of the story isn't too difficult for you to visualize. After a while, virtual reality became a trend again, this time approached from a much broader scope with mass production and availability to the general public in mind. I resumed my work back then... and around 2010, I encountered Gregory Dunkan."

"So that was when you two began working together..." Yuusuke muttered, but Eizan shook his head.

"Hardly. At that time, Dunkan was merely a university student. But I realized his potential. He already was aware of the concept of the Gap and the worlds beyond our own, though he did not quite understand it yet. Through our discussion, I was able to plant the seeds... the inspiration needed to create all this." He indicated the world around him. Those seeds bore fruit almost ten years later, when Dunkan took over Duel International and began setting the plan for the virtual world's creation into motion, that I approached him again, under a different name and appearance. I quickly rose to a respectable position in his company and thanks to my immense experience and knowledge, as well as knowing what Dunkan was really after, I played an integral part in the creation of the first and only fully structured virtual world."

"However, success made me careless. I had underestimated Dunkan, whose keen instincts and almost supernatural ability to see through people were his greatest strengths. He had already taken the necessary steps, and when I was no longer needed, I was removed. And once I was safely out of the picture... he killed me."

"What?!" Yuusuke and Maya exclaimed in unison. "That's - !!"

"Impossible? Hardly. It was unexpected, but nothing I hadn't taken precautions against. You see..." His smirk widened, and the two sets of eyes glinted dangerously. "At that point, I had already accomplished, to some extent, the original objective behind virtual reality... death wasn't going to stop me."

"Are you trying to say that you became immortal?" Maya demanded. "How?"

"You haven't figured it out yet?" Eizan retorted mockingly. "It's simple, really. It's the exact reverse of what I did to you."

"What you..." Maya left the sentence hanging. Yuusuke frowned - Eizan was talking about how Maya, who had created an alter-ego within the virtual reality, had had a very real part of herself severed and grafted onto that avatar as a completely different entity. We still have no clue why he orchestrated the whole thing... how does it relate to - He started as a sudden thought entered his head. No... no way...

"It seems you finally caught on." Eizan was evidently enjoying the impact of his revelations. "Yes... severing a personality into different pieces... how about if you tried the opposite? Like..." Yuusuke almost stepped back, faced with that terrible, diabolic smirk. Maya simply stared at him, tranfixed.

"...merging different personalities into a single one, for example..."

Complete silence reigned for a few moments. Finally, Yuusuke spoke, the words coming out choked.

"Merging... that... that can't be possible... that can't be real..."

Eizan turned to him. "Hmpfh. And you're supposed to be the son of a virtual reality employee. It is very possible. Don't you understand already? This body you are using right now, it moves by filtered electric signals that are remotely sent by your brain. But that's the case for your body in the real world, as well. Taking this a step further, the mind itself is stimulated by signals - that's the principle of virtual reality. In that case... isn't it correct to say that the body, the mind... everything that makes someone 'human', is a systemic structure that can be isolated, studied, controlled... and in this case, fused together with another similar structure?" Yuusuke shivered at the cold rationale behind these words. They were the truth, he realized. And their dreadful implications were just beginning to creep up on him...

"Of course, such a process isn't casually achievable within the premise of the real world, so my progress on the subject was purely theoretical until the first real V-Spaces were created. You must have heard of unfortunate 'accidents' befalling some of the people involved in the testing of these early systems. Those were failed experiments. But it wasn't long until I succeeded, thankfully in time so that, even though my original physical body was terminated by Dunkan, I was able to live on."

"Wh - what happens to the people you..." Maya was barely able to formulate the question. Eizan shrugged.

"They become part of me, and I become part of them. It is not a one-sided process, so discard any naive concepts of possession or 'taking over'. Those were never what I was after. The two separate entities are drawn together and form a new one, with elements of both, although the resulting, conglomerate 'consciousness' typically results from the dominant original personality. What results is a superior being, whose capacity expands more and more with each consciousness grafted on it... what you see before you has long surpassed the boundaries of the entity 'Miyataka Eizan'. So when Dunkan killed my original body, I remained in the body of a man called..."

"Yakuta Honzou!" Yuusuke shouted suddenly. "That's where I've seen you!" He jabbed his finger at the red-haired man in front of him. "Your picture was in the cover of an old magazine promoting Duel International's virtual world... you are the virtual avatar of Yakuta Honzou!"

"Correct." Eizan retorted. "A scientist of significant renown, focused on the development of artificial intelligence. And the first successful merging. I had worked with him in the past, so it had been easy to set up my plan. After the body that had belonged to Miyataka Eizan perished, I was able to retain my combined consciousness into the virtual world... and then step outside it, inside Yakuta Honzou's body. Not long afterwards, that body died, too, in an unfortunate accident. But by then I had already merged twice more... and afterwards I did it again..." His grin deepened. "...and again..." His eyes widened dangerously. "...and again!"

"You - you are - " Yuusuke couldn't find the appropriate words.

"Insane?" Eizan laughed. "Yes. That is the point, though. Insanity is the opposite of rationality. You are looking at a world beyond human understanding, and the materialization of what you considered impossible miracles is the very definition of its existence. When faced with a reality that transcends all logic, madness is the only path to understanding. This is chaos. A state where logic, thought, perception, analysis all vanish, and all that we have left is our bare, raw emotions. This is my world, Aizawa Yuusuke, Kirizaki Maya! This is my madness! You believe you stand a chance, with your feeble 'bonds'? Before you stands the perfect unified consciousness of seven different people. I am the being closest to chaos in the entire world. You, and everyone else - everyone - have done nothing but dance to my tune from the beginning. I have already achieved immortality, and now it's time for the next step. The Nexus, too, is only a step in the grand design. I have set my sights on something far greater. But before I go for that, I'll settle things with you two. Remember, you are the ones who pursued this fight, and now you will experience the full terror of the one you chose to make your enemy! Draw! I sacrifice Arcana Force IV - The Emperor, in order to summon this! Max Teleporter!" A tall man with spiky black hair, coated in a futuristic white cloak and armor, materialized in place of the alien creature.

[spoiler=Max Teleporter]Max Teleporter
LIGHT / Psychic
Level 6
2200/1200
This card cannot be Special Summoned. You can pay 2000 Life Points to Special Summon 2 Level 3 Psychic-Type monsters from your Deck. This effect can only be used once while this card is face-up on the field.[/spoiler]

"Psychics..." Yuusuke grimaced. "Figures..."

"Max Teleporter's effect! I pay 2000 Life Points!" Eizan's two bodies were enveloped in a deep crimson aura, which spiralled into the unseen ceiling overhead. "In exchange, I summon two Level 3 Psychic monsters from my deck, namely two Psycho Commanders!" Two identical soldiers, mounted on top of disk-shaped floating tanks, appeared on either side of the Teleporter, warped in through beams of white light.

Stiyel Crystal & Galahad - LP: 8000
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 6000

[spoiler=Psycho Commander]Psycho Commander
EARTH / Psychic / Tuner
Level 3
1400/800
When a Psychic-Type monster you control battles, during the Damage Step you can pay Life Points in multiples of 100 (max. 500) to have the monster it's battling lose that much ATK and DEF, until the End Phase.[/spoiler]

Not good. Yuusuke groaned inwardly. Psycho Commander is a Tuner and the way this is going...

"I tune the Level 4, Arcana Force III - The Empress, to my first Level 3 Psycho Commander, and the Level 6, Max Teleporter, to my second!" Eizan proclaimed, both sets of monsters disappearing into spiralling streams of energy, four and six stars respectively filing into two columns of three green rings. "Appear now! Psycho Health Trancer! Hyper Psycho Gunner!" A female blue-armored android and a large mechanical supersoldier clad in a full silver suit, carrying twin blaster guns, one black and one white, materialized on the field.

[spoiler=Psycho Health Trancer]Psycho Health Trancer
EARTH / Psychic / Synchro
Level 7
2400/2000
1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
Once per turn, you can remove from play 1 Psychic-Type monster from your Graveyard to gain 1200 Life Points.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Hyper Psycho Gunner]Hyper Psycho Gunner
EARTH / Psychic / Synchro
Level 9
3000/2500
1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner Psychic-Type Monsters
During battle between this attacking card and a Defense Position monster whose DEF is lower than the ATK of this card, inflict the difference as Battle Damage to your opponent's Life Points. If this card attacks a Defense Position monster whose DEF is lower than the ATK of this card, gain Life Points equal to the difference at the end of the Damage Step.[/spoiler]

"Now, I first activate Psycho Health Trancer's effect! I banish Max Teleporter from the Graveyard, and restore my Life Points by 1200 points." Yuusuke and Maya watched warily. With this, even the hefty 2000 Life Point cost was almost neutralized.
 

Stiyel Crystal & Galahad - LP: 8000
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 7200

"And now, since its the fourth turn... battle!" Eizan commanded. "Health Trancer, erase that monster!" He pointed at Leila, and the android formed a sphere of black energy between her hands, launching it across the field. The Lightlord monster did not last long, despite her desperate magical defense. Yuusuke scowled. But it was what came next that he was worried about...

"Hyper Psycho Gunner, attack one of those two Level Stealers." Eizan commanded. "And, a reminder... Psycho Gunner does piercing damage!" The mechanical soldier pointed its guns at the small insect and fired. Yuusuke and Maya tried to shield themselves, but the blast exploded over their entire side of the field, pushing them back and knocking them to their knees.

Two screams, mirroring the same agony, echoed through the chamber. This was pain, pain unlike what he'd ever felt before, not against the Ghosts, or Death_T, or Jacqueline. It felt like every fiber of his being was absorbed in the agony, like everything he was existed only to experience that hell that burned, seared, cut, hacked, crushed all hope.

He rose to his feet, trembling and panting, as Maya beside him did the same. To his mild surprise, they were unharmed physically. Yuusuke didn't think Eizan would pull any punches. Something else was going on.

"Surprised?" He asked, as if reading his thoughts. "Don't worry. Your physical health is not in imminent danger here. No, the stakes are... your sense of 'self'." Maya gasped, though Yuusuke was a second later in understanding what that meant. When he did, he felt like vomiting. Eizan's eyes glowed with pleasure.

"Exactly. Ultimately, you managed two things that I had never been able to accomplish, two very crucial things to my plan. First, once your consciousness was severed, you were able to operate completely independently in both separate forms, which Ylaidus couldn't do. And second, you were able to reintegrate with that severed portion of yourself... I've been experimenting for years to find someone who could simply maintain more than one independent consciousness, but being able to reform a shattered sense of self on top of that is quite the bonus. That's why..." His smirk turned predatory. "I've set all of this up. When your Life Points reach zero, you two will become part of this entity, and you will submit to me completely! And then... I will be able to realize my final dream. For as much damage as you took from Gunner's attack, I also heal an equivalent amount of Life Points." The sickly green aura manifested around them once more. "I set two cards face-down. Turn end."
 

Stiyel Crystal & Galahad - LP: 5000
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 10200

Horrified, Yuusuke turned to look at Maya. This... this demon has been planning this all along... But to his shock, Maya had completely regained her composure. His friend was staring at her opponent with a steel glare.

Turn 5 - Stiyel Crystal

"My turn. Draw. I activate the Continuous Spell card, Treasure of Dark World." The card that had just appeared before her set itself on her field. "As long as this card exists, each time we Advance summon with two or more sacrifices, we can draw twice. And I already have in my hand what I need to capitalize on this right now. I switch my surviving Level Stealer to attack position and activate another Spell card, Forced Transition! Each of us chooses one of our monsters to give to the opponent... as you can see, there is only Level Stealer on ours. What about it?"

"I will give you Health Trancer, then." Eizan responded coolly, the two monsters floating to their opposite side of the field as if drawn by invisible strings. "Let's see it now... the power of darkness you inherited."

[spoiler=Treasure of Dark World]Treasure of Dark World
SPELL / Continuous
When you successfully Tribute Summon or Set a monster that required 2 or more Tributes, draw 2 cards from your Deck.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Forced Transition]Forced Transition
SPELL / Normal
Each player chooses 1 monster they control and switches control of those monsters with each other. Those monsters cannot change their battle positions for the rest of this turn.[/spoiler]

"Oh, you will." Maya said, her voice trembling dangerously. "By reducing Health Trancer's Level by 1, I Special Summon Level Stealer from my Graveyard. And since Health Trancer remains a Level 5 or higher monster, I can use this effect again, summoning my second Level Stealer." The two tiny insects materialized on either side of the android. Yuusuke tensed. He knew what was about to happen... what Maya had been planning to do all along, what she had redesigned her deck for in preparation for this final confrontation. And he didn't like it at all. Damnit... He watched warily as the last card in front of her slowly floated upwards. Do we have no other choice...

"You can keep ranting about chaos all you want, but in truth, you are the abberation, the plague." She said coldly. "You are an abomination, and you and every one like you will face the same judgment. Even if I have to rely on the power of devils... I will put an end to you right here! I sacrifice the lives of my three monsters!" The ground shook, and tendrils of blackness emerged, grabbing Psycho Health Trancer and the two Level Stealers and dragging them down into the depths below, despite their frantic resistance. The sky overhead turned pitch-black, errant lances of thunder rumbling ominously. From where the three monsters had been standing, streams of scarlet energy flowed upwards, feeding an invisible power that lurked beyond the raging storm.

"Appear from the everlasting darkness!" She cried out, and lightning struck, causing the earth to shatter and splint in front of them. "I summon THE DEVIL'S DREAD-ROOT!!"

The world exploded in black, and through the cataclysmic maelstrom, a towering figure emerged from the ground, a demon spawned from the darkest nightmares. Dark green, muscular torso, covered by a skeletal frame, a horned skull for a head, and two black wings. The thing was massive, over ten times as tall as any of them. It roared, an unearthly, furious cry that caused the entire chamber to shake violently.

[spoiler=THE DEVIL'S DREAD-ROOT]THE DEVIL'S DREAD-ROOT
DARK / Fiend
Level 10
4000/4000
This card cannot be Special Summoned. This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set except by Tributing 3 monsters. Halve the ATK and DEF of all monsters on the field, except this card.[/spoiler]

---

Maya closed her eyes, revelling in the tremendous energy that flowed from the devil god into her. She felt alive with power. With this much, she could certainly beat Eizan, and then everyone else who stood in her way. This abyssal ocean... this torrent of dark power... this is what we need right now.

"Because I summoned a monster with two or more sacrifices, I draw two cards. And while DREAD-ROOT is on the field, the attack and defense of all other monsters falls to half." A voice that was and was not her own declared as the scores of Hyper Psycho Gunner and Level Stealer fell to 1500 and 300 respectively. "Now, attack. Obliterate." Through hazed eyes she watched the devil god raise its arm, and a charred, black tree rose from the ground underneath Psycho Gunner. The corrupted branches dug into the creature's armor and skin, tearing it to shreds and poisoning what was left, until it shrieked and perished, reduced to nothing but dust. She felt a wave of pleasure wash over her as both enemies reeled and snarled in pain. She'd have liked to target Level Stealer for even more damage, but Psycho Gunner was more dangerous to leave on the field like that.
 

Stiyel Crystal & Galahad - LP: 5000
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 7700

"Main Phase 2." She breathed. "I set one card face-down... and end my turn." Ugh... She tried to steady herself, as she began feeling dizzy. She glanced down at her hands. Why is my vision getting blurry... She frowned as threads of black smoke began crawling around her arms, like deadly vipers.

"M - Maya..." She heard Yuusuke call out hoarsely beside her. She turned to him, to tell him that she was alright, but he, too, seemed to be behind a dark haze. It's... my eyes... She grabbed her head as a searing pain shot through her vision. What... the hell is going on...

"You bastard, what did you do to her?!" She heard Yuusuke demand. Eizan laughed.

"Myself, nothing in particular." He said casually. Even the words seemed to be reaching her from beyond some deceptively immaterial, yet impregnable wall of shadow. "The monsters she's using, though, are a different story. In a world that has long ceased to exist, the people, who until then believed in no gods, were coerced by a tyrannical religious monarchy to begin worshipping fake deities. With a harsh belief system based on human sacrifice, the empire kept its populace into a constant state of fear. Thousands upon thousands were sacrificed every year in the name of these faceless, dreadful gods, and over the ages, the sacrifices piled up into the millions and billions, with fear and superstition only growing and expanding. Eventually that collective, blind fear, and the endless sacrifices that piled up on top of the altars gave birth to something real, something more terrible than anything the people who worshipped and trembled before their false deities could have envisioned. These gods, born of fear, hatred and death, took over and destroyed the world with their blind madness and power. Someone like you could never carry the weight of so much power. Remember that this is a battle where your very existence is at stake. The Devil Gods will tear your mind and soul apart if you try to use them, and I will salvage the remains."

"Kh... what the hell..." Yuusuke glanced at the towering DREAD-ROOT, his expression a mixture of frustration and terror. But Maya's mind lingered on what Eizan had said. She gathered her thoughts, straigthening herself as best as she could.

"You... why do you know all that?" She growled. The smirk mirrored on both of Eizan's faces widened so much, it almost reached their ears.

"Why, I was the one who set everything up." He claimed coolly. "The fact that the Devil Gods were chosen to build a Pylon, as well as the fact that right now, they are in your possession - it was all part of my plan."

"So you were working with Klein all along!" Maya shouted, but she immediately stopped dead in her tracks as she realized the other, more likely, and more terrifying possibility. "No... not that..."

"Yes, that." Eizan whispered sinisterly. "I'm frankly surprised it took you so long to figure out... I thought your senses were sharper. But you realize it now... from before the moment you first met, Cornelius Klein and myself... were the very same person."

Cornelius Klein... he was Eizan all along... then everything... everything... Klein... Jacqueline... Ryouga... Sinclair... it all leads back to him. This bastard ruined everything again and again. Raw hatred surged up in her brain. She snarled, a sound more animal than human, and made to lunge forward, only to be stopped by the realization that she could barely move her body. Eizan just laughed at her powerlessness.

"My turn! Draw!" He announced. Maya had almost forgotten they were dueling, but her opponent certainly hadn't, as he added a fifth card to his hand.

Turn 6 - Miyataka Eizan #1

"I hope you are not too angry to notice the implications." Eizan said mockingly. "I knew that you were going to use these monsters here - no, I was counting on it. Countering them will be a simple thing. For now, I switch your Level Stealer to defense position, and set another monster in defense. Turn end."

I... I have to calm down. Maya blinked furiously, trying to clear her vision. It will be over soon... before I give in, we must defeat him. For all his big talk, he can't do anything except defend right now. With DREAD-ROOT on our field, Yuusuke might even be able to settle this on the next move... But looking at her friend, he looked far less confident than she felt.

---

Turn 7 - Galahad

This... is not going well. Yuusuke thought as he drew his next card. From one glance at Maya he could tell she was severely affected by the summoning of the Devil God, just as he had feared. Furthermore, she was losing her nerve after Eizan's revelations and taunts. He glanced up, to see DREAD-ROOT towering over them. He knew that, due to the rules of their tag battle, that thing was under his control as well. But could he really use it? He wasn't afraid for his safety - he had long since decided to put his life on the line. But...

Before he had even properly considered it, a searing pain in his head almost forced him to his knees. He knew it. There was no way the Devil God would obey him. He could feel the thing already resisting, trying to break loose. I can't believe Maya will have to contend against so much power...

"Yuusuke!" Maya asked anxiously. He saw her trying to focus on him, but her eyes were filled with black specs. "Are you alright?"

You should worry more about yourself. He wanted to say, but instead, he smiled ruefully. "Don't underestimate me so much. I have a bone to pick with this guy too, you know... and with or without your Devil Gods, I'm not gonna lose! I activate Reinforcements of Light, and send three cards off the top of my deck to the Graveyard!" Now we're talking! He regretted losing one copy of Solar Recharge, but the other two cards landing in the Graveyard was just what he needed. "Now, because Lightlord Beast Wolf was sent to the Graveyard from the deck, I get to Special Summon it! And with Reinforcements of Light, I add Lightlord Summoner Luminous to my hand!" A werewolf with thick white fur, brandishing a golden mace, appeared on his field. However, its attack quickly fell to 1050, due to the effect of DREAD-ROOT.

[spoiler=Reinforcements of Light]Reinforcements of Light
SPELL / Normal
Send the top 3 cards of your Deck to the Graveyard. Add 1 Level 4 or lower "Lightlord" monster from your Deck to your hand.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Lightlord Beast Wolf]Lightlord Beast Wolf
LIGHT / Beast
Level 4
2100/300
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. When this card is sent from your Deck to the Graveyard, Special Summon it.[/spoiler]

"Now I summon Luminous and activate her effect, discarding a card from my hand in order to revive Leila." The dark-skinned summoner appeared next to Wolf, followed by the previously destroyed sorceress, with their attack power collapsing to 500 and 850 respectively.

[spoiler=Lightlord Summoner Luminous]Lightlord Summoner Luminous
LIGHT / Spellcaster
Level 3
1000/1000
Once per turn, you can discard 1 card to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Lightlord" monster from your Graveyard. During each of your End Phases, send the top 3 cards of your Deck to the Graveyard.[/spoiler]

Alright... first things first. I can't make a real breakthrough with just these cards, but hopefully I can clear the field and allow Maya to attack... if she can just hold on until we win this... "Battle! Luminous, destroy Level Stealer!" His monster shot two bolts of white light from her hand, incinerating the parasitic insect. "Next, Wolf, attack that face-down monster!" His next creature charged across the field, slamming the reverse card with its stave just as it turned face-up. But even though Yuusuke did not feel the backlash that the damage from a superior defense would have caused, instead of disintegrating, the target, a bipedal, humanoid alien of similar pattern to the previous Arcana Force monsters, clad in what seemed to be baggy pants and with hair that extended into tentacles, remained on the field unharmed. Yuusuke noticed that its attack and defense were both zero. So it has battle invincibility...

[spoiler=Arcana Force 0 - The Fool]Arcana Force 0 - The Fool
LIGHT / Fairy
Level 1
0/0
This card cannot be destroyed by battle. This card cannot be changed to Defense Position, except with a card effect. When this card is Summoned: Toss a coin and gain the appropriate effect. • Heads: Negate your card effects that target this card, and destroy them. • Tails: Negate your opponent's card effects that target this card, and destroy them.[/spoiler]

"You can't destroy The Fool by battle." Eizan seemed to enjoy pointing out the obvious. "Looks like your attack will have to stop short here."

"Then I move to my Main Phase 2 and activate Leila's effect, switching her to defense mode in order to destroy one of your face-down cards!"

"But, that card is also Bottle of Greed." Eizan did not miss a beat. "With this, I can draw once." The Psychic user took advantage of this effect. Yuusuke cringed.

"Guh... I end my turn. And during the End Phase, Leila and Luminous send the top 6 cards of my deck to the Graveyard." Looking at their contents, he smiled, satisfied - now they would both have a lot to work with. Of course, right now, it was Eizan's turn again.

Turn 8 - Miyataka Eizan #2

"Draw. It's been an interesting exchange so far... but now I will show you. A little bit of me... when I'm serious." His grin turned diabolical as he surveyed the cards in his hand. "I activate Miracle Synchro Fusion! Using this card, I can merge together the monsters in my Graveyard in order to Fusion Summon a monster with at least one Synchro monster designated as a Fusion material! So I will Banish Psycho Health Trancer, which is a Psychic type Synchro monster, and Psycho Commander, another Psychic type monster." Terrified, Yuusuke and Maya stepped back. They knew full well the overwhelming power that card held...

[spoiler=Miracle Synchro Fusion]Miracle Synchro Fusion
SPELL / Normal
Remove from play, from your side of the field or your Graveyard, the Fusion Material Monsters listed on a Fusion Monster Card that lists a Synchro Monster as a Fusion Material Monster, and Special Summon that Fusion Monster from the Extra Deck. (This Special Summon is treated as a Fusion Summon.) If this Set card is destroyed by an opponent's card effect and sent to the Graveyard, draw 1 card.[/spoiler]

"When you fought against me the first time, you used Miracle Synchro Fusion to turn the tables." Eizan addressed Maya as a vortex of chaotic energy formed overhead. Spectral visions of the two designated monsters appeared, floating into the spiralling chaos. "Now you will cower before its might. Fusion Summon! Appear now, Ultimate Psykicker!"

A dragon descended from the vortex, a massive serpent coated in silver exoskeleton that seemed to protect a core of pulsing green energy hidden in its chest. The creature's golden-gilded wings spread out as it roared, tremendous shock waves shaking the entire chamber to its core.

[spoiler=Ultimate Psykicker]Ultimate Psykicker
LIGHT / Psychic / Fusion
Level 10
2900/1700
1 Psychic-Type Synchro Monster + 1 Psychic-Type monster.
This monster can only be Special Summoned by Fusion Summon (from the Extra Deck). This card cannot be destroyed by card effects. During battle between this attacking card and a Defense Position monster whose DEF is lower than than the ATK of this card, inflict the difference as Battle Damage to your opponent. When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, you gain Life Points equal to the destroyed monster's ATK.[/spoiler]

Despite how powerful the monster was, though, it still fell far short of reaching the Devil God, and with DREAD-ROOT reducing its attack to a mere 1450, it wouldn't be able to do so much damage. However...

"I activate the Spell card, Psychokinesis! As long as I control a Psychic monster, I can then target and destroy any card on the field! Naturally, my target is the Devil God, DREAD-ROOT!"

[spoiler=Psychokinesis]Psychokinesis
SPELL / Normal
Activate only while you control a face-up Psychic-Type monster. Destroy 1 card on the field and take 1000 damage.[/spoiler]

"Keep dreaming!" Maya snapped as her hidden card turned face-up. "Instant magic, Forbidden Holy Spear! I target THE DEVIL'S DREAD-ROOT and though it loses 800 attack points for the turn, it becomes immune to any other Spell or Trap card effects!" A white veil surrounded DREAD-ROOT which, even with its power falling to 3200, still remained by far the strongest monster in play, defending it from the incoming psychic wave.

[spoiler=Forbidden Holy Spear]Forbidden Holy Spear
SPELL / Quick-Play
Target 1 face-up monster on the field; until the End Phase, it loses 800 ATK, but is unaffected by the effects of other Spell/Trap Cards.[/spoiler]

"Since your monster wasn't destroyed, I take no damage from Psychokinesis either." Eizan frowned slightly. "I summon Psycho Wizard of Silence and use its effect, Banishing Hyper Psycho Gunner in my Graveyard." A stave-wielding sorcerer in futuristic blue-and-silver armor covering its head appeared on the field, its original attack of 1900 falling to 950.

[spoiler=Psycho Wizard of Silence]Psycho Wizard of Silence
EARTH / Psychic
Level 4
1900/0
When this card is Normal Summoned, you can select 1 Psychic-Type monster in your Graveyard, and remove it from play. When this card is sent from the field to the Graveyard, Special Summon that removed monster.[/spoiler]

"And now battle! Ultimate Psykicker will attack Lightlord Summoner Luminous!"

"Like I'd let you widen the gap even more!" Yuusuke snarled. "I banish Necro Gardna from the Graveyard to stop your attack!" The dragon found its path blocked by the spirit of the ghostly soldier, which resisted its powerful energy beam before disappearing.

[spoiler=Necro Gardna]Necro Gardna
DARK / Warrior
Level 3
600/1300
Remove from play this card in your Graveyard to negate 1 attack this turn from a monster your opponent controls.[/spoiler]

"So be it. Psycho Wizard will finish the job, then." Yuusuke gritted his teeth, but he had no more defense. A stream of psychic energy obliterated the tanned spellcaster, and they cringed as the breakthrough damage ran through their bodies. "Turn end."
 

Stiyel Crystal & Galahad - LP: 4650
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 7700

Turn 9 - Stiyel Crystal

"My turn... draw." Exerting visible effort, Maya waved her scepter, causing a second card to appear before her. Even through the black specs, Yuusuke could see the look of fear, of desperate resolve, in Maya's eyes, and instinctively, he knew what she was going to do. "I... by reducing the Level of THE DEVIL'S DREAD-ROOT by 3... all three Level Stealers are summoned from the Graveyard..." The trio of tiny insects shuffled around the feet of the giant beast.

"Maya." He said, trying to steady his voice. "Listen to me. Don't do this. These Devil Gods, you can't handle them. I know you want to win, but at this rate, you'll die before that!"

"Yuu... su... ke..." Maya's voice came out in short breaths, rasp, and distant, as if she wasn't focusing on what she was saying. "He... we have to... beat him... this turn... I can do it..." She raised the card overhead.

"No!! Don't do this, Maya!"

"SHUT UP!" Yuusuke recoiled. That voice... it wasn't hers. It was a sharp, deep, terrible voice, whose echo boomed across the chamber... They're... taking over her...

"I SACRIFICE THE LEVEL STEALERS TO SUMMON... THE DEVIL'S ERASER!!"[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Chapter 74]

Chapter 74: Chaos Infinity

"I SACRIFICE THE LEVEL STEALERS TO SUMMON... THE DEVIL'S ERASER!!"

The skeletal winged dragon god spread its wings, rising to the air above their heads and unleashing an unearthy screech. Yuusuke shivered. The second... Devil God...

[spoiler=THE DEVIL'S ERASER]THE DEVIL'S ERASER
DARK / Fiend
Level 10
?/?
This card cannot be Special Summoned. This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set except by Tributing 3 monsters. The ATK and DEF of this card are each equal to the number of cards your opponent controls x 1000. When this card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, destroy all cards on the field. During your Main Phase, you can destroy this card.[/spoiler]

"Ugh..." Maya wavered, looking about to collapse. Yuusuke watched, frozen in horror, as the black specs that had appeared in her eyes broke through and began expanding across her face and skin, forming web-like patterns. Two more cards had appeared before her due to the effect of her Continuous Magic card, but she paid them no heed. "ERASER... has 1000 attack for every card you have out... it cannot be reduced by DREAD-ROOT..." The evil dragon's power rose to 4000. "Eizan... we will... kill you..."

Eizan... he said earlier that the Devil Gods were born out of fear and sacrifice... this must be it! Maya's fear and hatred for Eizan... they must be feeding the Gods, and warping her mind! Yuusuke realized, but he was powerless to act as Maya raised a shaking hand, pointing at Eizan with her staff. "From the Graveyard... I remove AD Changer to... change the battle position of one of your monsters... The Fool..." One of the monsters that Yuusuke had sent to the Graveyard from his deck earlier disappeared from view, and the alien creature was forced to move to an offensive stance.

[spoiler=AD Changer]AD Changer
LIGHT / Warrior
Level 1
100/100
You can banish this card from your Graveyard, then target 1 monster on the field; change its battle position.[/spoiler]

The Fool cannot be destroyed by battle, but it is only a zero attack monster. If it remains in attack... Maya can keep attacking it and deal full battle damage! Yuusuke had known what Maya was aiming for, but... Eizan had expected her to use the Devil Gods... given the situation, he probably wasn't bluffing about that at least. Will it really be so easy...? He glanced at his opponent, who looked as calm as ever in both his forms.

"Battle..." Maya mumbled, her hand shaking so much that she had trouble even pointing at the target. "ERASER... attack... The Fool..." The dragon's elongated body uncoiled itself, and a horrific screech escaped its jaws as it readied its attack.

"Hmpfh. Naive." Eizan scoffed, but there was obvious satisfaction in his voice. "Instant Magic, Book of Moon!" This bastard, everything's going as he planned... The Arcana Force monster returned to a face-down, defense position, before the wave of destruction rained over it - naturally leaving both it and its owner unharmed.

[spoiler=Book of Moon]Book of Moon
SPELL / Quick-Play
Target 1 face-up monster on the field; change that target to face-down Defense Position.[/spoiler]

Maya remained still and silent for several seconds. Yuusuke watched anxiously. He had seen this before. It's like... with Jacqueline. When Jacqueline Devereaux had used her God Mode, recovering from counters had taken her time. It wasn't exactly the same situation now, but... The more Eizan counters our moves, the more Maya's fear and hatred for him compounds... making it easier for the Devil Gods to break her mind! This is bad, we must do something fast!

"DREAD... ROOT..." She whispered finally. "Attack... Psykicker..." With the Fool placed safely in defense against, Maya had to turn to Eizan's other monsters. DREAD-ROOT obliterated the fused Psychic monster with a dark energy wave, but Eizan didn't as much as flinch, and his Life Points remained untouched as well despite the 2550 point difference between the two monsters' attack power. Instead, a long-haired, vaguely female alien creature with gigantic clawed arms covered in grey armor had taken form before him, absorbing the energy of the attack before disappearing.

"Arcana Force XIV - Temperance." Eizan stated. "If I discard it during damage calculation, damage becomes zero."

[spoiler=Arcana Force XIV - Temperance]Arcana Force XIV - Temperance
LIGHT / Fairy
Level 6
2400/2400
During damage calculation, in either player's turn: You can discard this card; you take no Battle Damage from that battle. When this card is Summoned: Toss a coin and apply this effect. The effect lasts while this card is face-up on the field.
• Heads: Halve all Battle Damage you take.
• Tails: Halve all Battle Damage your opponent takes.[/spoiler]

"Wolf..." Yuusuke's Lightlord jumped across the field, landing a clean blow to the only viable target - Psycho Wizard dispersed into particles. Yuusuke knew that Psycho Wizard of Silence would revive the monster it Banished, namely Hyper Psycho Gunner, when destroyed, but that effect was better triggered earlier than later, and besides, weakened by the DREAD-ROOT's presence, there wasn't too much it could do. Indeed, the armored psychic shooter rematerialized out of the fragments of the destroyed monster, taking its place on the field.
 

Stiyel Crystal & Galahad - LP: 4650
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 7600

"..." Once again, Maya remained quiet for a few moments, staff pointed at one of the cards in her hand. Finally, that card set itself on the field, and her turn ended, with Leila's effect sending the top three cards of her deck to the Graveyard. Damn... what do we do here...

Turn 10 - Miyataka Eizan #1

"So you've summoned two of the strongest monsters in the world, and yet you still cannot touch me." Eizan taunted them. "Perhaps I overestimated you..."

"Your defenses won't last forever!" Yuusuke snapped. This guy... we need to keep it together...

"Won't they?" Eizan was unfazed. "We'll see about that. I set a monster, and then I set two cards face-down. And Hyper Psycho Gunner then attacks Lightlord Magician Leila." The android gunsman charged his weapon, but another skeletal warrior appeared between it and its target, this time from Maya's Graveyard. Necro Gardna vanished, having absorbed the blast.

"So be it. Turn end."

Turn 11 - Galahad

Alright, here goes. Somehow... I have to make this turn count. If this duel goes on much longer, we'll be in serious trouble... Yuusuke glanced at Maya, who looked the worse for wear - she was breathing heavily, and the black stigmata had spread over a large portion of her visible skin. "My turn! Draw!" Damnit! But of all the cards, it had to be Destiny Hero Diabolic Guy, which was one of the most useless things to get in his hand right now!

"Yuu... suke..." Maya mumbled suddenly. "My... face-down card..." Yuusuke's attention snapped to the reverse card Maya had set last turn. He had assumed it would be a defensive trap card, but... Yes! With this card, we can - !!

"I activate Maya's Dark World Dealings, forcing each of us to draw one card, then discard one card from our hand!" He declared. Yuusuke and the two incarnations of Eizan each snatched the top card of her deck, while Maya materialized a new card in front of her with her scepter. Then, each allowed one of their cards to sink to the Graveyard, Yuusuke choosing, of course, the Destiny Hero he had just drawn.

"The effect... of Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel..." Maya declared. "When discarded, it can be Special Summoned..." The small plushie cerberus materialized between the Devil Gods and the two Lightlord monsters, completing Yuusuke and Maya's field of five monsters. More importantly, with the card Yuusuke had just drawn, they could begin their counterattack.

[spoiler=Dark World Dealings]Dark World Dealings
SPELL / Normal
Each player draws 1 card. Then each player discards 1 card.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel]Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel
LIGHT / Beast / Tuner
Level 2
1000/400
When this card is discarded to the Graveyard, Special Summon it.[/spoiler]

"I offer Lightlord Magician Leila as Tribute!" He announced. Leila disappeared in a pillar of bright golden light, replaced by the brilliant white-winged angel. "And since a Lightlord monster was offered as Tribute, I can then send the top four cards of my Graveyard to destroy up to two of your cards!" With this, he could clear out The Fool and Hyper Psycho Gunner, then proceed to destroy whatever Eizan had set. But no sooner had he sent the cards to the Graveyard, than one of Eizan's reverse cards took form.

"Wrath of God." Eizan announced calmly. "I discard one card, and negate the effect of your monster. It is then destroyed." Should've seen this coming... Yuusuke noted that the Eizan using Yakuta Honzou's avatar, who had set the card before, opted to keep the one card in his hand, and the cost was paid by the other one.

[spoiler=Lightlord Angel Cherubim]Lightlord Angel Cherubim
LIGHT / Fairy
Level 5
2300/200
When you Tribute Summon this card by Tributing a "Lightlord" monster, you can send the top 4 cards of your Deck to the Graveyard to destroy up to 2 cards your opponent controls.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Wrath of God]Wrath of God
TRAP / Counter
Discard 1 card. Negate the activation of an Effect Monster's effect and destroy that Effect Monster.[/spoiler]

"Don't think I'm done with just that!" Yuusuke's field was set up now. "I activate the effect of Destiny Hero Diabolic Guy from my Graveyard! By removing it from the game, I can Special Summon a second copy from my deck!" The clawed dark hero rose from a pool of shadow. "And now... I tune the Level 6, Dark monster, Destiny Hero Diabolic Guy, to the Level 2 Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel!" Diabolic Guy shattered into a flurry of six shadowy stars that filed into an array, crossing two concentric green circles formed out of Cerburrel's body. "Synchro Summon!" The malformed pitch-black dragon appeared through the Synchro column, roaring with all its might. "Dark End Dragon!"

[spoiler=Destiny Hero Diabolic Guy]Destiny Hero Diabolic Guy
DARK / Warrior
Level 6
800/800
You can remove this card in your Graveyard from play to Special Summon 1 "Destiny Hero - Diabolic Guy" from your Deck.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Dark End Dragon]Dark End Dragon
DARK / Dragon / Synchro
Level 8
2600/2100
1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner DARK monsters
Once per turn, you can have this card lose 500 ATK and DEF, and send 1 monster your opponent controls to the Graveyard.[/spoiler]

"So you presume to use against me a deck of Light and Darkness that people foolishly call Chaos." Eizan shook his head. "How insolent. The true nature of chaos goes far beyond a simple merging of opposites."

"Even so, Dark End Dragon is enough to put you in your place!" Yuusuke growled. "I activate its effect! By permanently reducing its attack by 500 points, I can then send a monster from your field to the Graveyard! My target is Arcana Force 0 - The Fool! Black Burial!" Dark End unleashed a corrosive wave from its mouth that reduced the alien monster to nothing but black wisp. Its attack power had been reduced to 1300 by the effect of DREAD-ROOT, and further fell to 800, but that did not matter now. "Following, I attack your face-down monster with Lightlord Beast Wolf!" The beastly fighter howled, jumping across the field and ramming its mace onto Eizan's concealed card.

"So you do." Eizan retorted, his voice betraying only amusement. "But your target is this." Yuusuke cursed as a brown squirrel whose hands and legs formed wing-like membranes allowed it to float in the air. The monster was instantly crushed by Wolf despite its reduced attack strength, but... "Nimble Momonga gives me a thousand Life Points when destroyed, and Special Summons two copies of itself from my deck, both face-down." A healing green aura surrounded their opponents, further increasing their already ridiculous health count. Even worse, two more concealed cards appeared on Eizan's field. This guy... everything we do backfires against him!

[spoiler=Nimble Momonga]Nimble Momonga
EARTH / Beast
Level 2
1000/100
When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, gain 1000 Life Points. You can also Special Summon any number of "Nimble Momonga" from your Deck in face-down Defense Position.[/spoiler]
 

Stiyel Crystal & Galahad - LP: 4650
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 8600

Better do this now than leave his monster alive... "Dark End... attack." He snarled. The dragon flew up to one of the hidden creatures, slashing it apart with its claws. Predictably, the second Momonga materialized briefly, increasing Eizan's Life Points even further, now climbing to over twice as much as theirs.

Stiyel Crystal & Galahad - LP: 4650
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 9600

Yuusuke glanced at the remaining four cards in his hand. There wasn't much he could do with them, and he'd rather just keep what he had, just in case it was needed. I did clear the field of that indestructible monster. Cold sweat was running down his back. We should be able to survive Eizan's next turn... if we do, Maya can use my monsters and the Devil Gods to end this.

At least, he hoped that would be the case.

"Turn end."

Turn 12 - Miyataka Eizan #2

"Well then... I think I've let you two play around long enough." Eizan smirked. "I summon Psycho Whorled!" A grotesque blue-skinned humanoid bearing a golden snail shell on its back materialized on Eizan's field. "And then I activate its effect. I have to give up 800 Life Points and Snail's own attack during this turn... but in exchange, one of my other Psychic monsters, like Hyper Psycho Gunner, gets the ability to attack twice!" Oh no! Waves of blue static power surged through the android's body. "Get rid of his monsters!" Fist, Psycho Gunner took aim at Dark End Dragon, unleashing a bolt of pure lightning that incinerated the abyssal monster. Then it aimed its second firearm at Wolf, releasing a second shot. The proud white beast howled in defiance, smashing the bolt aside with its mace - but its opponent was already charging towards it, and slammed its armored mass against its body. Wolf shattered into particles. Yuusuke and Maya screamed as the waves of psychic damage struck them.

[spoiler=Psycho Whorled]Psycho Whorled
EARTH / Psychic
Level 4
1900/1200
You can pay 800 Life Points and target 1 other Psychic-Type monster you control; that monster can attack twice during each Battle Phase. This card cannot attack during the turn you activate this effect.[/spoiler]
 

Stiyel Crystal & Galahad - LP: 3500
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 8800

"And now, something interesting." The two enemies each withdrew a card from their Graveyard. "You will remember of course the cards we discarded with the effect of your Dark World Dealings. Now it's time to bring them back." Two Level Stealers materialized on either side of Hyper Psycho Gunner in defense position, each draining one of its Levels. "Turn end." Kh, now he has five monsters! Somehow, we have to -

"My... turn..."

---

Turn 13 - Stiyel Crystal

Her voice came out a hoarse whisper, a rasping sound. A card appeared before her. She couldn't see what it was - she could see almost nothing, with the black stigmata having covered most of her eyes already. But she knew it, she knew full well the pitch-black power residing inside.

Eizan... we have to destroy him. He has caused us so much suffering, so much pain... Even though Eizan had built a complete defensive wall, Maya knew it wouldn't be able to last once she unleashed the full power of the Devil Gods. We have to destroy him. She repeated to herself. I knew this from the beginning... that even if I died here, as long as he was stopped... I'm sure... She glanced beside her. Yuusuke was saying something, motioning frantically with his hands, but she could neither see nor hear him, because the world around her was covered by a veil of black.

I'm sure... he will forgive me...

"I... reduce the Level of THE DEVIL'S ERASER by 3, to Special Summon three Level Stealers from the Graveyard." She whispered in that dying voice that was not hers, that was condemning her to her own burial. As long as she dragged Eizan down with her. "To summon..."

No. A voice suddenly echoed in her head, a voice that was loud and firm, in contrast to all other sounds she could barely hear. She recognized that voice. It was Sinclair, the part of herself that had once been severed. No. This isn't the way. The voice repeated. You can't allow them to take over. If you do, everything will be over.

"Oh? She's actually resisting..." She heard a voice from somewhere.

Gh... Maya ground her teeth, shaking her head. Sinclair... was right. She desperately tried to lower her arm, as more rational thoughts surfaced in her head. No, not three at once! I can't break Eizan's defense like this, I have to... If I summon all three, Yuusuke will...

"But..."

It was too much, though. No sooner had she stopped moving than a pure force of blackness exploded inside her head, her soul, and like a spider's web the black tendrils reached out and surrounded her, restrained her. She felt her arm move against her will. No! She thought desperately, weakly, trying to restrain the thing that was in control of her, manipulating her body, her mind, her very sense of self through the stigmata.

But it was too late. The blackness overrode her thoughts, and her hand rose, forcing the cursed card to turn around.

"I SUMMON THE DEVIL'S AVATAR."

She screamed, a wordless, desperate howl that echoed through her mind as her last defenses were worn down, her last pieces of consciousness were stripped away, and she was left naked and alone, battered by the darkness. The last thing she saw was the an abyssal sphere rising to the sky, fueled by the sacrifice of her monsters. The last thing she heard was Yuusuke's desperate plead.

And then there was nothing.

[spoiler=THE DEVIL'S AVATAR]THE DEVIL'S AVATAR
DARK / Fiend
Level 10
?/?
This card cannot be Special Summoned. This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set except by Tributing 3 monsters. Your opponent cannot activate Spell or Trap cards until the end of their second turn after this card is Normal Summoned. The ATK and DEF of this card are each 100 points higher than the highest face-up monster's ATK on the field (except "THE DEVIL'S AVATAR").[/spoiler]

---

"Maya!" Yuusuke called out, his mind dreading what he knew was going to happen as soon as that card appeared before her. "Stop! Please, you have to stop!" But it was too little, too late. Wrapped in that black aura, she summoned the third of the Devil Gods, a gigantic sphere of black covered by runic shapes that took to the sky, floating over the field.

And then, the black lines that had formed on Maya's arms and face began rapidly contorting and expanding. He could only watch, petrified by fear, as the black veins slipped out of her body, wrapping her in a dreadful spectral cocoon. Powerless, he watched as she rose, apparently unconscious, dragged by those black tendrils that carried her all the way to where THE DEVIL'S AVATAR was hovering. Before his disbelieving eyes, the cocoon merged with the wicked deity - and Maya disappeared entirely inside that black mass.

It looked as if everything was frozen in time and space. Nothing moved. The other two Devil Gods slumped slightly, as if they had regressed in a dormant state. Two more cards silently materialized before the spot Maya had been standing, a gift from the Treasure of Dark World card - not that she would be able to use them, now. And a soft, haunting chuckle, emerging from two mouths at once.

"Eizan - !!" Yuusuke growled as he turned around, clenching his fists. "I will - !!"

"Before you go spouting threats you won't be able to make good of, give the situation some consideration." Eizan cut him off, his mocking voice enraging him even further. "I had nothing to do with this outcome - though of course, I had predicted it completely. It is entirely your friend's own fault. She grossly overestimated her own abilities. What a joke. She was only a simple, fragile human being - and she thought she had the power to command these deities. She actually thought that she had what it took to keep them under her control, to use them as a weapon. And to think that you two kept calling me a megalomaniac. That arrogance was her undoing. The Devil Gods broke her. Like I said, they will completely extinguish her sense of self - and after that she will be mine to do as I wish." Yuusuke cringed. "Of course, that includes putting the Devil Gods under my control. That is my ultimate purpose - even though I had been able to briefly wield them as Cornelius Klein, they were never truly under my control, and they would have broken me, too, had I not relinquished them. But after this duel is over, I will be able to use their true power free of all limitations! With them, seizing the Nexus will be child's play."

"Yeah?" Yuusuke snapped. "Well, you're forgetting one thing... I'm standing here, too! Even without the Devil Gods, I'm going to put you down! Then I'll free Maya myself!"

"No, you won't." Eizan retorted, his voice frozen steel. "Because from now on, you won't be able to do anything!" Surprised, Yuusuke noted that while they were talking, the turn had automatically passed to the Eizan who wore the guise of Yakuta Honzou. Apparently Maya was in no position to make a move now. If she is still alive. He tried to dispel that trail of thought. Right now... I have to find a way to beat this bastard!

Turn 14 - Miyataka Eizan #1

"Right now... I have to find a way to beat this bastard!" Yuusuke's head snapped to Eizan. "...that is what you're thinking, right?" Eizan inquired. He's mocking me... Yuusuke clenched his fists. "It seems you still don't quite understand... everything up till now, and the reason why you are still alive, is because I had planned for events to unfold this way. Now that your friend summoned the three Devil Gods, that part of my plan is complete." He pointed at the black sphere in the sky. "Therefore, I have no reason to hold back any longer." Despite himself, Yuusuke stepped back. That card he drew just now... what a terrible power.

"I sacrifice the two Level Stealers." Eizan commanded. The two insects disintegrated into particles that rose to become two columns reaching to the sky, gold and dark grey like iron. "And now, behold." A vortex of energy, bright blue and silver, formed between the two pillars, twisting to give shape to a new creature. "The power of chaos that is the origin of time and space!" A floating iron halo with a robotic head in its center, two thick clawed appendages supporting it from underneath, manifested on the field. Orbs of golden energy ignited in its body. In the gap inside the ring, behind the metallic monstrosity's head, Yuusuke could see a different world - the emptiness of space filled with myriads of stars.

"Arcana Force XXI - The World!"

[spoiler=Arcana Force XXI - The World]Arcana Force XXI - The World
LIGHT / Fairy
Level 8
3100/3100
When this card is Summoned, toss a coin: • Heads: During your End Phase, you can send 2 monsters you control to the Graveyard to skip your opponent's next turn. • Tails: During your opponent's Draw Phase, add the top card of their Graveyard to their hand.[/spoiler]

"This... is serious..." Yuusuke cringed. The Arcana Force monsters were unknown to him, sure, but so far their user had handled the defense and setup, while the offense consisted mostly of Psychic type monsters he was familiar with, so he mostly felt like he could anticipate the pace of the duel. But now things were different, he sensed an unfathomable power inside that thing...

"The twenty-first of the Arcana monsters, The World." Eizan announced. "Like the name implies, it is an absolute existence that encompasses the entirety of an isolated 'reality' - put simply, it is not something you can even begin to comprehend, let alone defeat. But there is one silver lining for you. The World's effect, like all the Arcana Force monsters, requires a coin toss. Because of the effect of THE DEVIL'S AVATAR, my Spell and Trap cards are sealed until after my second End Phase, so I cannot interfere with destiny. Therefore, whether The World will be able to unleash its power or not is entirely up to luck..."

He smirked. "...or, I'd like to say that. But in the end, even 'luck' is not an objective value, rather, it also falls within the constraints of the 'world'..." A coin appeared and spun rapidly. "Therefore, the outcome is - "

It landed on heads.

" - already predetermined." The World glowed with a brilliant golden luster. Yuusuke tensed - but no effect or attack came. However... I can't shake that bad feeling...

"I activate the effect of Level Stealer, further reducing the Level of Hyper Psycho Gunner from 7 to 5 to Special Summon two of them." Eizan continued. "And now... I end my turn."

Turn 15 - Galahad

Alright. Yuusuke grimaced. I don't know what this thing does, but I know just what I have to do to get rid of it, and at the same time blow up those Devil Gods and free Maya. I just have to -

Something was wrong.

He did not know what, but something felt wrong, out of place. A feeling as if the entire world had skipped a beat... he glanced around, but nothing had changed. Just what - But then he noticed one thing that had changed. On that bastard's field, the two Level Stealers are gone... He narrowed his eyes, and placed his hand on top of his deck. Whatever, I -

But he couldn't draw. The Duel Disk refused him the right to draw his next card, even though it was his Draw Phase. Even though it was his Draw Phase... what? Yuusuke glanced at the system display.

Turn 16 - Miyataka Eizan #2

"Wh - what the hell?!" Yuusuke exclaimed. "My turn - "

"Why are you surprised?" Eizan asked airily, drawing his card. "I already explained to you. The World... that means, an isolated space of existence bound by 'rules'. And a being that can control those 'rules'... for example, 'time'..." His smirk turned sinister. "In other words, The World's 'heads' effect - during my End Phase, I can send two monsters to the Graveyard, and your next turn is skipped." What?!

"As you see, you no longer have the ability to win." Eizan explained further. "It is incredibly easy for me to keep sacrificing monsters in order to make you skip your turns. From now on, you will not be able to do a thing."

"E - even if that's true, aren't you forgetting something?" Yuusuke replied, rather unsteadily - but confidence still existed in his voice. Even with The World, Eizan could not violate the rules of the fight, and as long as the overwhelming Devil Gods existed on their field, even if they could not use them, Eizan could not deal damage to them. Even taking into account that Yuusuke's deck contained fewer cards than Eizan's right now, due to the effects of the Lightlord cards, as long as Yuusuke was prevented from drawing, even a deckout victory was impossible. "You can't win like this! Are you only trying to stall for time?" But Eizan merely laughed.

"Have you seriously not listened to a word I've said? Everything has unfolded exactly according to my plan. Do you really think I have overlooked something as simple as that, or are you desperately grasping at straws now? I summon Magic Hole Golem!" A large gold-and-blue mechanical contraption, circular in shape and empty in the middle, appeared in front of Eizan's other monsters. No, this is - !!

[spoiler=Magic Hole Golem]Magic Hole Golem
DARK / Rock
Level 3
0/2000
Once per turn, you can select 1 face-up monster you control. Its ATK is halved until the End Phase, and it can attack your opponent directly this turn. During the turn you activate this effect, only the selected monster can attack.[/spoiler]

"You turned out a little slower on the uptake than I expected, so let me break down how this works for you." Eizan mocked. "Once per turn, I can choose a monster with Magic Hole Golem, and it can attack directly for half its attack strength. Hyper Psycho Gunner is still affected by the effect of Psycho Whorled, allowing it to attack twice during the same battle phase. Even though Hyper Psycho Gunner's attack is reduced by half due to the effect of DREAD-ROOT, I will still be able to deal 1500 damage to you per turn, and you can do absolutely nothing to stop that - your friend is out of commission, and I can keep sacrificing my monsters to force your turns to be skipped, which will be no problem since I can easily revive my Level Stealers for as long as I need to deplete the last of your Life Points. In other words... checkmate."

No... Yuusuke gritted his teeth. I won't accept what this bastard says, there still has to be a chance! Maya... I'm sure she can break through whatever hold the Devil Gods have on her right now. If it's her, she can definitely do it!

"No, that's not going to work." Eizan said suddenly, causing Yuusuke to look up, startled. "I can see what you are thinking... but Kirizaki Maya is the one who summoned the Devil Gods. She used her own power to bring them to this realm, and as long as they exist, they will keep feeding on that power - no matter how much she musters, she will only make them stronger... it would have been accurate to say that the more she struggles, the harder it will be for her to break free, but well. Escaping was impossible in the first place. As long as The Devil Gods exist, she cannot free herself, and as things stand, the Devil Gods will remain, until they've devoured every last bit of her. And then, all of that power will become mine."

"Guh..." Is it really... over?

"Well, for now - Psycho Gunner, attack directly twice!" The android charged two shots, both of which surged through the Magic Hole Golem's body, only to disappear from sight - then Yuusuke was suddenly struck from behind. With a cry, he fell forward, feeling as if his back had been charred.
 

Stiyel Crystal & Galahad - LP: 2000
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 8800

"And now, turn end. But of course..."

Turn 17 - Stiyel Crystal

Even though the turn passed to Maya, and a fifth card was added to the array of cards before her... turns would timeout if a player failed to complete their move within a certain time limit, and they would end a lot sooner if there was no reaction from the duelist at all. The seconds passed by agonizingly slow, Yuusuke hoping, praying against all odds... but inevitably -

"...so it is my turn, then."

Eizan declared, satisfied. No... damnit, is there nothing more we can do...

Turn 18 - Miyataka Eizan #1

"Magic Hole Golem switches to Defense Position and activates its effect... and, attack!" Warped across space, twin energy bolts struck Yuusuke in the back - but it was as much the impact as the weight of the situation, the imminent loss, that forced him to his knees this time.
 

Stiyel Crystal & Galahad - LP: 500
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 8800

We can't win.

"Two Level Stealers are revived, by bringing Hyper Psycho Gunner's Level down to 4, and The World's Level down to 7." Eizan stated. "And then..." It's... over.

---

Darkness.

Around her existed only the abyss of nothingness. No, even words like 'exist' or 'around' lost their meaning. In this black emptiness, she was denied even a sense of 'self'. Where did her own soul end, and where did the blackness begin? No, to begin with, more important information was missing. Why was she here? Who was she? The answers to those questions had been left behind that endless black wall. Inside, there was only a memory of her consciousness. And the screams.

She did not know where the screams from, but there were millions, billions of them, and they were all directed at her - screaming with anger and hatred and scorn, at the one who had - what had she done?

It was only a weak, frail part of her consciousness that pursued those answers. They were not needed. Here, in this black abyss, with the faceless cries - she could rest. She had no memory of 'outside', she did not even know how she knew it existed, but she knew it hurt. No, here, she could let things end, accompanied only by the requiem of screams.

But that persistent part of her kept struggling, searching for a way out. Why? What was 'out'? She didn't remember. But it was pointless, wasn't it? Even if there was a way 'out', even if 'out' existed in the first place - there was no way to reach it. Because, that blackness, you couldn't break it. That was the 'truth' of this world. It was less of a 'fact' and more like a 'truth' that you felt things would be pretty stupid if it wasn't truth, like trying to break the sky or the air. Yeah, that sounded like a good analogy, even though she did not know what the sky or the air was supposed to be.

...so why keep trying? She felt annoyed. That part of her, it wouldn't let her rest with its pointless struggles. Wandering around that field of nothing, how could you try to break through its boundaries, when it had no boundaries to begin with? To try so hard to do something stupid, in the end...

...she was probably, pretty stubborn.

So she waited, without understanding, observing the futile efforts of that 'fragment', while waiting for the black infinite world to assimilate the rest of her...

...

...it was, pretty annoying.

Why was she - trying so hard? She could not rest if she didn't solve that puzzle. So she strained herself, to peer into the darkness, to see -

" Ma ya "

What was that strange word? It felt like something she had heard before. Annoyed, she tried to puzzle out its meaning. It sounded like - a name.

Her - name?

Somehow, the darkness was less black now. She reached out for more. For a few moments, nothing came, but then -

" It i s n ot o ve r "

It is not over? No, it certainly was over. Whatever 'it' was. That was why she was here. Wasn't it? But the voice persisted.

" D o n ot g iv e u p "

And then she saw it. Clad in shadows, a shillouette in front of her - a white-haired woman with four wings sprouting out of her back, black and white - it was hard to distinguish colors, but she somehow knew. She was wielding a long white scepter. It was only for a moment, and then she was gone. Where she had been - the person - Maya - widened her eyes in surprise. In the middle of the darkness, there was a single spot, shining with a pure golden light.

- she could not reach it.

That, was easily understood. The 'rules' had not changed. But looking at that light, little by little - some 'memories' appeared.

Her name, was Kirizaki Maya. Her parents died when she was little. She lived in Japan, after running away from her grandfather. She was the European champion in Duel International's virtual reality Duel Monsters game. And - she was - where? - with - who?

The screams grew louder and louder in protest of her newfound memories. What right did she have to have memories, to have 'self', when they were all nothing but mutilated souls, souls which had lost everything, absorbed into the same nothing? And then, there it was.

Pain.

Pain so strong it threatened to tear whatever was left of her miniscule existence apart. But she welcomed that pain, clung to it, like a sinking woman clinging to a piece of wood. Because that pain was proof, proof that that which she felt was 'real'. The black world tried to suffocate her, eradicate her existence, and the voices howled. Give up! There is nothing! Just die with us and let it all end!

...give up?

"No." Maya finally found her voice.

She stretched her hand. The rules had not changed. She could not go 'out', not without help. But - there was still something she could do - !!

She howled, and her voice, bursting with resolve, drowned all others.

"Give up, I don't even know how to do that!!"

---

Yuusuke froze.

He had felt it.

It was brief, it was only for an instant - but he had felt it.

And he was not the only one - opposite to him, Eizan was frowning slightly - but throughout the entire Tower, seven other people felt it, too. Kiishiro, who was still struggling to get to the uppermost floor, Christina, who was resting, gathering her strength for the final fight, Sugita and Takechi, who, together with ZONE, were scouring the hidden chambers of the Aria Tower to find the last missing piece of the puzzle, the control room, they all felt it as their indicators flashed for that one moment, with the pitch-black dot that represented Chaos Goddess, Maya's signature monster, materializing on the display, even though Maya and Yuusuke had both left the range of the detection field when they had forced their way underneath the Dead Zone. That - was enough.

"Hmm, it seems something interesting has happened." Eizan mused. "No matter - it is too late now. End Phase..."

But, nothing happened. The 'displacement', the nauseating feeling he had experienced before, was not there. The two Level Stealers, that Eizan had obviously intended to use as fuel, were also still there. Judging by the slight frown in Eizan's expression, this was finally - not something he had planned for.

And then they both saw it. The cards in front of Maya - there were only four. Just before Eizan had moved to the end of his turn, Effect Veiler had been discarded from Maya's hand, negating The World's effect - and breaking Eizan's otherwise foolproof strategy.

That was enough proof. She is alive. Yuusuke felt like shouting in relief. Maya, whose consciousness had been devoured by the darkness of the Devil Gods - was alive, and had somehow managed to regain enough control, to give them this chance, to save them from that desperate situation. The rest -

Turn 19 - Galahad

"I - " He slammed his hand on top of his deck.

" - DRAW!!"

Brilliant light exploded from his hand, a miniature sun that was reflected throughout everyone's displays. It's here.

"I activate the effect of the second Diabolic Guy in the Graveyard, removing it from the game in order to summon a third one." Yuusuke said quickly, allowing the third copy of the Destiny Hero to materialize on the field. "Then, I summon Sunny Pixie!" The yellow-clad, pink-haired fae appeared, happily flying around the gigantic dark monsters. "I tune the Level 6, Diabolic Guy to the Level 1, Light monster, Sunny Pixie! Synchro Summon!" Dissolving into a ring of light and six black orbs that speared through it, a new creature was born from the union of the two, a long-bodied silver serpent with a golden mane. "Ancient Holy Wyvern!"

[spoiler=Sunny Pixie]Sunny Pixie
LIGHT / Fairy / Tuner
Level 1
300/400
If this card is sent to the Graveyard for the Synchro Summon of a LIGHT Synchro Monster, gain 1000 Life Points.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Ancient Holy Wyvern]Ancient Holy Wyvern
LIGHT / Dragon / Synchro
Level 7
2100/2000
1 LIGHT Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
While your Life Points are higher than your opponent's, this card gains ATK equal to the difference. While your Life Points are lower than your opponent's, this card loses ATK equal to the difference. When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, you can pay 1000 Life Points to Special Summon this card.[/spoiler]

...of course, because Ancient Holy Wyvern's attack power would be determined by the difference between Life Points, which now heavily favored Eizan, right now - the Synchro monster's attack had fallen to a useless zero. But Yuusuke's true aim was - "The effect of Sunny Pixie activates - because it was used to Synchro Summon a Light monster, we gain 1000 Life Points!" He felt strength return to his body as he was enveloped in a healing golden aura. And even though he could not see her, he hoped Maya could feel it, too. Just hang in there for a bit more.

Stiyel Crystal & Galahad - LP: 1500
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 8800

"It seems, for a while now, everything has been going as you wanted it to." He stared at Eizan evenly, while holding the card he had just drawn earlier in front of him, parallel to the floor. Eizan was looking at him impassively, having regained his composed expression. It wouldn't last. "But now, it's about time we stopped playing around as well!"

He slammed the card on his Duel Disk, and the chamber ignited with the light of a great rage.

"I SUMMON JUDGMENT DRAGON!!"

Broad feathered wings and a pitch-black body glistening underneath the primordial golden light, the antithesis, a reminder that the light of justice can be as cruel as the depths of the abyss. The form of a dragon materialized, roaring fiercely. The mightiest weapon in the Lightlord arsenal, an absolute decree of destruction from the heavens.

[spoiler=Judgment Dragon]Judgment Dragon
LIGHT / Dragon
Level 8
3000/2600
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card cannot be Special Summoned except by having 4 or more "Lightlord" monsters with different names in your Graveyard. You can pay 1000 Life Points to destroy all other cards on the field. During each of your End Phases, send the top 4 cards of your Deck to the Graveyard.[/spoiler]

Even though, by game rules, the Devil Gods had been placed on the field which Yuusuke and Maya shared, Yuusuke could not control the otherworldly phantasms that had a will of their own, and could only be forced to obey by their summoner. Being able to neither command them to attack nor tribute them or otherwise use them as a cost, then the only way to get rid of them was -

"Judgment Dragon... annihilate everything!"
 

Stiyel Crystal & Galahad - LP: 500
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 8800

- the ultimate final judgment, the explosion of light capable of evaporating all in its range. That was what Yuusuke's monster unleashed now, feeding on the Life Points he had regained to fuel it. Light arched against the sides of the chamber, culminating into a giant pillar of destruction that rivaled the birth of creation -

- even the three giant demon gods shrieked and fell back before that light. But, it wasn't like they were going to go down easily.

DREAD-ROOT's long arms rose to the air, gripping Judgment Dragon's tail and cutting off its flight. ERASER flew upwards, coiling its skeletal body around the enemy's. Finally, THE DEVIL'S AVATAR, the strongest of the demonic deities, hovering above all others - its form changed, warped, shifted to become the same as its target. Where Judgment Dragon's body was a pure, noble black, this duplicate was an abyss darker than black, its crimson eyes shining with the fires of hell. Its jaws opened, and a darkness exploded that was equal to the light surrounding them. Yes, this was 'Judgment' too - but the judgment of Gods born of a world drowned in blood.

However...

"Our strength, won't stop here - !!" As if responding to Yuusuke, who was holding his hand high overhead, Judgment Dragon roared, the length of its body pulsing with even more intense light. Its wings spread, pushing away the ERASER despite the demon's death grip. The only way to overwhelm the Devil Gods' power, to match it with equivalent force, leading to mutual destruction. A light brighter than the sun, and then a deafening explosion, an all-encompassing blast that threw him against the wall -

When he could see and hear again - it was all gone. Judgment Dragon, the Wyvern, the Devil Gods, Eizan's Hyper Psycho Gunner, The World, Magic Hole Golem, the face-down Nimble Momonga and the two Level Stealers - even Treasure of Dark World and Eizan's face-down card had vanished, leaving a room that suddenly seemed too empty. But none of that was important to Yuusuke, whose mind was set on one thing only.

"Maya - !!" He shouted, blinking to clear the white-and-black spots from the aftermath of the explosion. He could not see or hear her - what if - no -

"U... ugh..."

On the ground, weakened, clutching her head - but alive, pushing herself up, even with difficulty. Yuusuke finally breathed. He rushed to Maya's side, helping her steady herself. But, hold on -

"H - hey, where are your clothes?!" Yuusuke did not want to dwell on just what had happened to Maya while she was fully taken over by the Devil Gods, but she had come out of it looking exactly like she did in the real world, without Stiyel Crystal's features - and more importantly, wearing no clothes whatsoever.

"..." Maya regarded the situation for a brief instant.

"...don't look." Wryly, Yuusuke obeyed that commanding voice. After a few seconds of presumably navigating through panels, Maya managed to select an appropriate uniform. Once told it was safe, Yuusuke turned around. Maya was clad in her Sun Priestess' Yukata garb, a rich oriental dress with imagery of the sun. Coincidentally, it was the same outfit Sinclair had worn, during their first encounter after they had been split into two entities.

"...it seems, I caused you some trouble." Maya sighed finally, managing to settle into her position. She had also materialized a Duel Disk on her arm - it was a simple, nondescript white model.

"Hey, that's kind of an understatement here!" Yuusuke protested. "Do you even know how worried I was? Plus, that guy almost beat us!"

...'that guy' - was staring at them from across the field, with mirrored muted expressions.

Freeing Maya from the Devil Gods was fine and all - but if they couldn't defeat Eizan, it was meaningless.

"Our field is empty, and we only have five hundred Life Points left..." Maya observed. "And you've used up your Normal Summon for the turn - I'll say this straight, what the hell were you doing, this is beyond embarassing..."

"H - hey, cut me some slack here!" Yuusuke complained. But the truth remained - their chances looked slim.

"...Yuusuke." He turned to her, but Maya's eyes were entirely focused on Eizan now. She might be almost two heads shorter than Stiyel Crystal, and far less imposing physically - but the aura that he sensed from Maya right now - it was not one inch less overwhelming than before. She had allowed herself to play into the opponent's hands - but that was over and done with. Now it was time to counterattack.

"Thank you for saving me." She smiled. "Now, let's win this."[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Chapter 75]

Chapter 75: Convening of Light

"Now, let's win this."

"...only you could be so gaudy after being saved from the stomach of a demon god." Yuusuke chuckled. "Ah well, whatever. That settled - I set two cards. Turn end."

Turn 20 - Miyataka Eizan #2

"..." Eizan had not spoken at all, since the field had been cleared by Judgment Dragon's and ERASER'S effects. He quietly drew his card, glancing at it briefly.

"I set a monster, and I set two cards face-down." He declared. "Turn end." Yuusuke frowned. Why didn't he attack? Was he wary of my face-down cards? Or did his monster not have even 500 points of attack power? Whatever the case, this was an opening - and with Maya finally back in the game...

Turn 21 - Kirizaki Maya

"Before the end, I'm going to ask you one last question, Miyataka Eizan." Maya drew her card, glaring steadily at their opponent. Eizan turned to her, same expression on his face.

"...the madness, how did it start?"

Maya was asking just when and how Miyataka Eizan had taken the first step on the path that led, through a grueling, long road, to today's battle. What had been the original motive for the man, who had blatantly declared the annihilation of all that humans knew as 'existence' to be his end goal? And the answer -

"...who knows?"

Those words, spoken in a nonchalant voice, with a mocking smirk - they were precisely the essence of this person. Reasons were of no consequence. No, more than that - as far as he was concerned, there were no 'reasons' to begin with. Motivations, reasoning, a coherent path that lead from a beginning to an end - they were all meaningless, void. There was only chaos.

---

"...I see." Maya said finally. She did not know what had compelled her to ask. This person, was too far gone for her to understand. "Then, you are nothing but a mad dog... and the only end that awaits you, is to be put down like one!"

She was wary of Eizan's reverse cards, but at the same time, everything in her field and hand was ready. She would break through, no matter what. There were two warm voices in her mind - Stiyel Crystal, and Sinclair. Her 'light' and her 'darkness'. They both had a right to be there. They both had a right to be her.

Let's go.

"I Normal Summon Demon Roar God Raven." The black-winged devil, face covered in a sinister mask, appeared before her. "Following, I activate its effect - by discarding two card from my hand, its Level increases by 2, and its attack by 800." The creature roared, enveloped in red energy. Two more pieces are set.

[spoiler=Demon Roar God Raven]Demon Roar God Raven
LIGHT / Fiend / Tuner
Level 2
1300/1000
Once per turn, you can discard any number of cards from your hand and increase the Level of this card by the number of discarded cards, until the End Phase. This card also gains ATK equal to the number of discarded cards x 400, until the End Phase.[/spoiler]

"Yuusuke, I'm going to need your card." One of the set cards Yuusuke had left was Convening of Light, which would exchange her hand with an equal number of Light monsters from the Graveyard.

"Go for it!" Yuusuke seemed to understand. She nodded.

"I activate Convening of Light, discarding my hand." Maya dropped the two cards she was holding to the Graveyard, but immediately, one of them was ejected, and then a different one. "This activates the effects of Demon Roar God Beast Ganashia and Demon Roar God Krus. Ganashia is Special Summoned, and Krus revives a Level 4 or lower Demon Roar God monster from the Graveyard, such as Demon Roar God Grimro. Then, I return two Light monsters from the Graveyard to my hand." She held up Cerburrel and Krus. A creature looking like a bipedal toy elephant appeared before her, followed by a female bearing dark feathered wings, which had landed in her Graveyard earlier due to the effect of Yuusuke's Leila.

[spoiler=Convening of Light]Convening of Light
TRAP / Normal
Discard your entire hand, then for each card you discarded to the Graveyard by this effect, add 1 LIGHT monster from your Graveyard to your hand.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Demon Roar God Krus]Demon Roar God Krus
LIGHT / Fiend
Level 2
1000/800
When this card is discarded to the Graveyard, select 1 Level 4 or lower "Demon Roar" monster in your Graveyard, except this card, and Special Summon it.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Demon Roar God Grimro]Demon Roar God Grimro
LIGHT / Fiend
Level 4
1700/1000
If you control a face-up "Demon Roar God" monster, you can send this card from your hand to the Graveyard to add 1 "Demon Roar God" monster from your Deck to your hand, except "Demon Roar God Grimro".[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Demon Roar God Beast Ganashia]Demon Roar God Beast Ganashia
LIGHT / Beast
Level 3
1600/1000
When this card is discarded to the Graveyard, Special Summon it. If this card was Summoned this way, it gains 200 ATK. In that case, remove it from play when it is removed from the field.[/spoiler]

"Next, I activate the effect of Demon Roar God Kushano in my Graveyard, discarding a Demon Roar God from my hand to return it to my hand. Cerburrel is discarded, and Special Summoned." The three-headed crimson puppy joined Maya's field. "And now - I tune the Level 3, Demon Roar God Beast Ganashia, to the Level 2, Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel! And the Level 4, Demon Roar God Grimro, to the, now Level 4, Demon Roar God Raven! Double Synchro Summon!" All her monsters disappeared into golden light, forming two separate Synchro arrays. From within, a bulky black motorbike, mounted by a two-headed lizardman in police uniform, and a broad-shouldered figure, covered in black-and-gold armor with wings similar to Raven's, only much larger, emerged, landing heavily in front of her. "Hell Twin Cop! And Demon Roar God Valkyrus!"

[spoiler=Hell Twin Cop]Hell Twin Cop
DARK / Fiend / Synchro
Level 5
2200/1800
1 Fiend-Type Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, it can gain 800 ATK (until the end of the Battle Phase) and attack once again in a row.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Demon Roar God Valkyrus]Demon Roar God Valkyrus
LIGHT / Fiend / Synchro
Level 8
2900/1700
1 "Demon Roar God" Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
Once per turn, you can discard 1 Fiend-Type monster to draw 1 card.[/spoiler]

"Now, the effect of Valkyrus activates." Maya glanced at one of the cards in her hand. "I discard Krus, which activates her effect, reviving Cerburrel. Then I draw one card." She glanced at it briefly. "I'll set this." She placed it face-down. "And then I activate the effect of Hellway Patrol in my Graveyard, removing it from the game in order to Special Summon Demon Roar God Kushano from my hand! And finally, I revive Level Stealer by reducing Valkyrus from Level 8 to 7." With the return of the cerberus and the addition of the white-winged devil and the dark insect, Maya's field now had five monsters, which she intended to put to good use. "I tune the Level 1, Level Stealer, to the Level 3, Demon Roar God Kushano!" She announced. A single white star blasted through three golden rings, and a magnificent silver horse, bearing a giant horn on its forehead, jumped out.

[spoiler=Hellway Patrol]Hellway Patrol
DARK / Fiend
Level 4
1600/1200
When this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, inflict damage to your opponent equal to the Level of the destroyed monster x 100. You can remove from play this card in your Graveyard to Special Summon 1 Fiend-Type monster with 2000 or less ATK from your hand.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Demon Roar God Kushano]Demon Roar God Kushano
LIGHT / Fiend / Tuner
Level 3
1500/800
You can discard 1 "Demon Roar God" monster to the Graveyard except "Demon Roar God Kushano" to add this card from your Graveyard to your hand.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Demon Roar God Beast Unicore]Demon Roar God Beast Unicore
LIGHT / Beast / Synchro
Level 4
2300/1000
1 "Demon Roar God" Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
While both players have the same number of cards in their hands, negate the activation of the effects of your opponent's Effect Monsters, Spell Cards, and Trap Cards, and destroy those cards.[/spoiler]

Demon Roar God Beast Unicore - a monster that would negate the effects of Spells, Traps, and monsters alike, if 'both players' have the same number of cards in their hand. Because this was a team duel, the rules were a little more complicated, but as long as Maya and one of her opponents held the same number of cards - and right now, Maya had no cards left in her hand, just like the Psychic-using form of Eizan - it should work - unless...

"Counter Trap, Black Horn of Ascension." Eizan finally reacted, revealing his Trap card. Maya gritted her teeth. Well, not entirely unexpected, but still... Unicore neighed violently as it was struck by a deafening sound wave, produced by a massive horn that hung overhead, suspended from the unseen ceiling by black chains. Black Horn of Ascension would negate the summon of a monster, preventing it from even appearing on the field, therefore Unicore's effect couldn't counter it. The white beast dispersed into particles. Eizan had likely anticipated her summoning Unicore, which was why he had not used this card earlier, even though Maya had attempted to bait it out with her previous two summons.

[spoiler=Black Horn of Ascension]Black Horn of Ascension
TRAP / Counter
When your opponent would Special Summon a monster: Negate the Special Summon, and if you do, destroy it.[/spoiler]

"So be it." She had a surprise of her own, though. "I activate the effect of Level Stealer in my Graveyard, Special Summoning all three of them." Three more insects appeared, having drained three Levels from Valkyrus. Unfortunately, Maya only had one Unicore in her deck, as it was a monster she did not use often. But that would not matter soon.

"I tune the three Level 1, Level Stealers, to the Level 2, Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel!" All four monsters vanished into another Synchro vortex. Coated in gold, black and crimson, a larger, more muscular Raven with broader bat-shaped wings jumped out, landing gracefully next to Valkyrus. "Demon Roar God Reigion!"

[spoiler=Demon Roar God Reigion]Demon Roar God Reigion
LIGHT / Fiend / Synchro
Level 5
2300/1800
1 "Demon Roar God" Tuner Monster + 1 or more non-Tuner Monsters
When this card is Synchro Summoned, if you have 1 or less cards in your hand, you can draw until you have 2 cards in your hand.[/spoiler]

"Due to Reigion's effect, I draw twice." It's here. Maya's combo was almost completed. Now... the final step.

"I remove these three monsters from the game." Maya held up three cards that had been forced out of her Graveyard. An immense black aura expanded from them. Eizan narrowed his eyes, and Yuusuke gasped. The blackness surrounded her, threatening to devour her.

But she was not that weak now.

Shouting with all her strength, she raised her hand, and tossed those cards away. Screams resonated with hers, exploding throughout the dark chamber, as the three cards burst into darkness. Even Eizan shielded himself against the pure, abyssal mass that formed from them. But there was nothing there, no substance. They could no longer entice her with their power. Unable to draw any energy, the three Devil God cards dispersed into nothingness.

Maya exhaled, a breath she did not know she had been holding. It had been a risky move - but it had been the right one. With renewed confidence and vigor, she held up her card. "I Special Summon Dark Necrofear!" The grisly visage of the cybernetic mother clutching her deceased infant rose from the abyss. "Then, once more, I summon Level Stealer, this time reducing Dark Necrofear's Level by 1. And I discard my second Cerburrel, to once again return Kushano to my hand! Of course, this means..." Once again, the faithful three-headed beast appeared on her field. "Finally, I tune the Level 1, Dark monster, Level Stealer, and the, now Level 7, Dark monster, Dark Necrofear, to the Level 2, Light monster, Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel!"

[spoiler=Dark Necrofear]Dark Necrofear
DARK / Fiend
Level 8
2200/2800
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card can only be Special Summoned by removing from play 3 Fiend-Type monsters in your Graveyard. If this card is destroyed by battle, or by your opponent's card effect while it is a Monster Card, equip it to a monster your opponent controls during the End Phase of this turn. Take control of the equipped monster.[/spoiler]

She had tried to run from her memories. She had tried to confront her memories. She had tried to destroy her memories. She had tried to accept her memories.

None of these things, was the right answer.

Memories were - simply, who she was.

And if Eizan's empty world of chaos rejected those memories, merged everything into one faceless machine -

- then she would tear down that world with her own hands!

Pure white and pure black, two wings spread out. Silver hair like the shine of the stars, a dress black as the heart of midnight, and an angelic white scepter held aloft in one hand, surging with the power of dark and light combined - Chaos Goddess rose to the air, surrounded by a halo of pure energy. The angel turned to her, and nodded imperceptibly. This memory had saved them earlier, when Maya had been consumed by the power of the Devil Gods. Now, it had come to their aid one last time.

[spoiler=Chaos Goddess]Chaos Goddess
LIGHT / Fairy / Synchro
Level 8
2500/1800
1 LIGHT Tuner + 2 or more non-Tuner DARK monsters.
Once per turn, you can send 1 LIGHT monster from your hand to the Graveyard to select 1 Level 5 or higher DARK monster from your Graveyard. Special Summon that monster. It cannot be used as a Synchro Material Monster.[/spoiler]

"I activate the effect of Chaos Goddess!" She proclaimed. "By discarding Kushano from my hand, I can revive a Level 5 or higher DARK monster from the Graveyard! Come forth, Dark End Dragon!" The goddess raised her scepter, and Kushano appeared, dispersing into particles. Then, the motes of light turned pitch-black and expanded, reforming into the shape of the abyssal dragon Yuusuke had summoned earlier. It roared with renewed strength, eager to extract revenge. "Dark End Dragon's effect activates!" Maya was not taking any chances. The beast unleashed a cloud of black particles that devoured Eizan's defensive monster, which appeared briefly, a panda covered entirely in metallic armor, before vanishing into nothingness. Pandaborg... Maya noted. If I destroyed that by battle, it would have summoned more copies of itself - for a cost of 2400 Life Points, he could absorb four of my attacks.

[spoiler=Pandaborg]Pandaborg
WATER / Psychic
Level 4
1700/1400
When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, you can pay 800 Life Points to Special Summon 1 Level 4 Psychic-Type monster from your Deck.[/spoiler]

Eizan was a frightening opponent, but that defense, too, had been torn down, and now -

" - you're wide open!" Faced with 5 direct attacks, total of 12000 attack points - it was time to settle this! "Attack, Reigion!"

But as the gold-armored demon rushed across the field to deliver the first strike -

"Trap, activate." Eizan retaliated without flinching. "Holy Barrier - Mirror Force." An explosive white wave burst outwards, a force of destruction with enough power to obliterate any offense. ...figures.

[spoiler=Holy Barrier - Mirror Force]Holy Barrier - Mirror Force
TRAP / Normal
Activate only when an opponent's monster declares an attack. Destroy all Attack Position monsters your opponent controls.[/spoiler]

Luckily, thanks to Yuusuke, Maya had a backup method.

"Instant Magic, Book of Total Solar Eclipse." The second card Yuusuke had set last turn, the one intended to defend them in case Eizan attacked, was revealed, and all five of her monsters suddenly disappeared, replaced by face-down cards right before the white wave rushed over them. Like this, they were saved... of course, her attack had been cut short. She ground her teeth.

[spoiler=Book of Total Solar Eclipse]Book of Total Solar Eclipse
SPELL / Quick-Play
Change all face-up monsters on the field to face-down Defense Position. During the End Phase, flip all face-down Defense Position monsters your opponent controls face-up, and your opponent draws 1 card for each.[/spoiler]

"..." Either way, they had obtained an overwhelming advantage. A wall of five powerful monsters - besides Black Hole, there weren't many options that could get rid of them in one turn, and they just had to hope Eizan didn't draw into that. But... her hand hovered uncertainly over her reverse card. It was one she'd rather leave for Yuusuke, given the state of the field. Something nagged at her, though. I've trusted my instincts so far.

"I activate Allure of Darkness." It was a card that could open up a new possibility, but could result in a heavy drawback, if she failed to draw something she could remove to fulfill its condition. With her hand empty, it wasn't that much of a risk, but... she snatched two cards.

[spoiler=Allure of Darkness]Allure of Darkness
SPELL / Normal
Draw 2 cards, then banish 1 DARK monster from your hand, or, if you don't have any in your hand, send all cards in your hand to the Graveyard.[/spoiler]

"...I remove Chaos Sorcerer from the game." She said slowly, looking at the second card she had drawn. "Turn... end."

Turn 22 - Miyataka Eizan #1

"..."

Eizan did not speak for a few moments, absently drawing his cards. He simply stared at them and -

- started laughing. Maya and Yuusuke remained still before this outburst. We have him. There's no way he can retaliate from this position.

...was what they wanted to think, but...

"Truly a magnificent joke." Eizan clapped his hands, as if applauding them. "I am grateful to you for entertaining me up to this point - frankly, that part where you almost thought you could win last turn was very amusing. But here..." Both of them took a step forward, moving closer to each other.

"...is where the fun ends."

Even though they did not take their eyes off the scene for even one second, to Maya and Yuusuke, it still appeared completely seamless - at one moment, there were two, and then there was one. They had merged entirely into one body again - but that body was...

"Cornelius... Klein." Maya gritted her teeth as the aging figure of Duel International's former European branch director appeared before them. But in a flash, it was no longer that - instead, it was the skeletal form of 'King of Dead', Klein's God Mode. And then it was a boy barely fifteen years of age, and then a middle-aged woman, and then it was Eizan again, or at least, the young man in royal outfit who had originally appeared before them. He had abandoned all pretense now and his Duel Disk had disappeared, the three cards in his hand instead floating before him.

"Let's start." Eizan said quietly, pure malice lurking in his smirk. "I summon The Agent of Creation - Venus!" They gasped as an angelic maiden, skin, hair and wings of light bronze and hands crossed in front of her chest, eyes closed in focus, appeared before them. What is that monster? Maya sensed an entirely new power emanating from it.

[spoiler=The Agent of Creation - Venus]The Agent of Creation - Venus
LIGHT / Fairy
Level 3
1600/0
You can pay 500 Life Points; Special Summon 1 "Holy Shine Ball" from your hand or Deck.[/spoiler]

"One of the pillars of the primordial structure of the universe - the envoy of creation and birth, Venus." Eizan stated. "With her effect, I can pay 500 Life Points to Special Summon a certain monster from my deck - I activate this effect three times." Venus spread her arms and opened her eyes, which shone with an inner white glow, and three silver spheres appeared by her sides and above her head, each one shining with an azure glow.
 

Kirizaki Maya & Galahad - LP: 500
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 7300

[spoiler=Holy Shine Ball]Holy Shine Ball
LIGHT / Fairy
Level 2
500/500
A soul of light covered by mystical shine. When you see its beautiful shape, your dream will come true.[/spoiler]

No effects? Maya narrowed her eyes. I have a bad feeling about this...

"Next, I activate the Spell card, Jar of Avarice." Eizan's second card turned outwards, displaying the commonly-used draw card. "With this card, I can recycle used-up power... I return the five Arcana Force monsters. Zero - The Fool, three - The Empress, four - The Emperor, fourteen - Temperance, and finally, twenty one - The World." The five designated monster cards flew up, glowing faintly, and disappeared, and a fierce golden aura surrounded Eizan.

[spoiler=Jar of Avarice]Jar of Avarice
SPELL / Normal
Select 5 Monster Cards in your Graveyard. Return those cards to the Deck, then draw 2 cards.[/spoiler]

"And now - " He held up his hand.

"DRAW - !!"

"What - ?!" Maya and Yuusuke stumbled backwards, trying to keep their balance as the entire chamber shook with unfathomable power. The two cards that had appeared in Eizan's hand - one glowing white, the other black. What the hell are those cards?! Ultimate Psykicker or Arcana Force XXI - The World didn't as much as hold a candle in front of the power emanating from those. No, this energy - It is comparable... to the Devil Gods...

"The spheres of light, disappear!" He shouted, and the three monsters exploded in light, a rising tidal wave of particles that reached upwards, a bridge between heaven and earth. "I SUMMON - !!" A maelstrom of energy, and then a monster - a monster towering to a size comparable to the three evil deities, a black, floating mechanical construct with red runic lines surging through its upper body, lower torso ending in a long serpentine tail, two short arms, and two giant dragonheads projected from its shoulders via neck-like appendages.

"ARCANA FORCE EX - THE LIGHT RULER!"

[spoiler=Arcana Force EX - The Light Ruler]Arcana Force EX - The Light Ruler
LIGHT / Fairy
Level 10
4000/4000
Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must be Special Summoned (from your hand) by sending 3 monsters you control to the Graveyard, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. When this card is Special Summoned: Toss a coin and gain the appropriate effect.
• Heads: When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard: You can target 1 card in your Graveyard; add that target to your hand.
• Tails: During either player's turn, when a Spell/Trap Card, or monster effect, that targets this card is activated: This card loses exactly 1000 ATK and you negate the activation, and if you do, destroy it.[/spoiler]

"Th - this monster - !!" Maya choked.

"Attack power... 4000..." Yuusuke muttered.

"Arcana Force EX - The Light Ruler." Eizan stated, spreading his arms, as the creature unleashed a ferocious, mechanical roar. "The apex of the force you call 'destiny', which is nothing but the primordial 'rule' that governs the chaotic universe... like before, a coin is spun, but this creature is the embodiment of fate. Both sides of the coin empower it, but furthermore - " The coin spun but halted in mid-air, suspended by an unseen force in a precise vertical position. "There is no longer any randomness. Chance-based results become a universal constant - from a sea of chaos that contains infinite possibilities, the one who governs that chaos can choose the desired one! For example..." He extended his arm forward. "Heads!" And the coin rammed on the ground, drawn by a force of gravity much larger than the Earth's, to land with a malformed, golden dragon's head on the upper side.

"And, it's too early to despair just yet." Eizan continued upon seeing the frightened looks on their faces. "I activate the effect of the Level Stealers in my Graveyard, Special Summoning both of them by reducing the Light Ruler's Level by 2." The two sinister insects reappeared on the ground. "And now, Level Stealers, as well as Venus - begone!" Once more, the three creatures dispersed into particles - only this time they were pitch-black, culminating into a vortex, a black hole that drained the essence of all living things, before imploding into an abyssal tornado. "I SUMMON - !!" And another creature materialized, similar to the first, only this time based on the ground on the clawed appendages protruding from its lower body. It had two tails instead of one and the two dragonheads had larger, more defined horns - one of them had curled horns similar to a goat.

"ARCANA FORCE EX - THE DARK RULER!"

[spoiler=Arcana Force EX - The Dark Ruler]Arcana Force EX - The Dark Ruler
LIGHT / Fairy
Level 10
4000/4000
Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must be Special Summoned (from your hand) by sending 3 monsters you control to the Graveyard, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. When this card is Special Summoned: Toss a coin and gain the appropriate effect.
• Heads: This card can make a second attack during each Battle Phase, but if it does so using this effect, change it to Defense Position at the end of the Battle Phase. Its battle position cannot be changed until the end of your next turn.
• Tails: If this card is destroyed, destroy all cards on the field.[/spoiler]

"...another... form?" Maya whispered. These two monsters looked similar, besides a few distinct differences, but...

"Hey, hey, this is a bit too much..." Yuusuke muttered. "But as long as they can't break through our defense, then..." We should be safe... right? Why didn't it feel this way?

"Like the Light Ruler, the Dark Ruler is also a monster born from the primordial sea of chaos." Eizan explained. "Light and dark, creation and destruction, probability and certainty, matter and anti-matter, everything and nothing - the duality of antithesis that exists at the core of chaos. Rather than two sides of the same coin - they are two coins that completely dominate every path and possibility! The Dark Ruler also draws power from both possible paths." A second coin was flung to the air. "And like, before, it can determine which possible path will become reality! Heads!" The coin landed on heads again, the head of a similar dragon, only black, coming out on top. "And - "

Chills ran down her spine. That ominous feeling - It's not over yet!

"Like those amateur contraptions Dunkan made, I also created a Pylon of my own." The last card in Eizan's hand rose, glowing as if made from pure gold. "To control the Nexus, it'd be much easier if I used the plan Dunkan conveniently set up for me - that was what I had planned, but due to certain unforeseen circumstances, you two got here earlier than you should have, so I wasn't able to set it up properly. It does not matter, though, it will do just as good a job at destroying you instead. These two monsters you see before you are two of its parts... and now I'm going to summon the third." A spectral visage of The Agent of Creation appeared on the field again, but this time, cracks were running through her metallic skin, and a brilliant light was emanating from those cracks, as if within her body was -

"A - sun..." Yuusuke whispered.

"Even a world of chaos needs a source of power, a central force strong enough that can govern all infinity, with nothing capable of escaping its field of command... that's right." Venus vanished into the brilliance, a massive star of gold that dominated the entire room. "Just like the 'Sun'. I remove from the game one of the primordial pillars, namely, The Agent of Creation, to summon..." And then it exploded.

Out of the gigantic nova, the corona formed first, a ring of flames inside of which a new entity was born... a body like that of a human, no, a giant, only clad in ornate gold armor with a massive ruby engraved on the fore of its helm, and within its hands, a centrifugal forcefield with enough power to offset the gravity needed to control an entire solar system -

" - MASTER, HYPERION."

[spoiler=Master Hyperion]Master Hyperion
LIGHT / Fairy
Level 8
2700/2100
You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) by banishing 1 "The Agent" monster from your hand, field, or Graveyard. Once per turn: You can banish 1 LIGHT Fairy-Type monster from your Graveyard to target 1 card on the field; destroy that target. While "The Sanctuary in the Sky" is face-up on the field, you can activate this effect up to twice per turn.[/spoiler]

"..."

There was nothing to say. In front of them, stood the 'proof of power'. Three great creatures with powers rivalling those of the Devil Gods. And of course, Eizan had them fully under his control. Before that strength -

"Now then." Eizan cocked his head. The fingers of the hand that he still held outstretched clenched into a fist, except the index finger, that locked onto Dark End Dragon, which was hiding in face-down position. Master Hyperion mimicked this motion.

"Burn."

The next thing she knew, Maya was flung against the wall, as the monster that had been targeted exploded in burning particles. Wh - what - ?!

"And that was only Hyperion's ability." Eizan gloated. "By removing the appropriate monster from the game, any card on the field is instantly erased." He pointed at one of the Holy Shine Balls that was just dissipating from between Hyperion's hands. "And now... for its attack." A wave of flame sprang from the corona around Hyperion's body, engulfing Reigion, which vanished without a trace. Maya and Yuusuke had to shield themselves from the heat of the solar flare. Even though it can't reach us - what incredible power -

"The Light Ruler, attack." Another command. With unbelievable speed, the two dragonheads converged onto Valkyrus, and the hapless Demon Roar God exploded instantly. A powerful shockwave once again knocked them flat on their backs. "And also, when The Light Ruler destroys a monster by battle, if 'heads' has been decided - I can then retrieve any one card in the Graveyard." He held up a card, which shone gold. What - did he get?

"Finally... The Dark Ruler also attacks." Twin breaths of dark flame exploded from the mechanical monstrosity's jaws, incinerating Hell Twin Cop." He left Chaos Goddess? Maya frowned. Of all our monsters, she was the most dangerous, so why - no, unless - !!

"And, after The Dark Ruler attacks, if 'heads' has been decided..." Eizan's hand moved to point at their last surviving monster. "One more attack can be declared!"

Chaos Goddess materialized before them, holding her scepter up horizontally, as the two dragonic heads shot out, the necks growing to impossible lengths. Each set of jaws grabbed one side of the white rod, their momentum pushing its wielder backwards - but she held her ground, and by releasing a wave of energy through her hands, the staff exploded violently. The Dark Ruler howled in frustration, withdrawing its necks, with the two heads - completely unharmed.

Chaos Goddess turned to them. Be safe. They felt those words resonating in their heads.

"No!!" Maya screamed. But it was too late. A powerful blast of black flames shot forward, covering all in their field of vision, and then -

Nothing. Just like that... the five monsters Maya had summoned were gone.

"After the second attack, The Dark Ruler will switch to defense position." Eizan explained. "Now then... amuse me, for one last turn. If you can stand, that is..."

Maya pushed herself up. Her whole body was shaking - and it was not just from the continuous impacts. It was fear. How... do we even fight this?

A groan to her side drew her attention. Yuusuke was also pushing himself up with visible effort, but once he stood upright - Maya blinked a couple of times, to ensure her eyes weren't playing tricks on her.

He was smiling.

---

Turn 23 - Galahad

"I was starting to wonder... if there was no end to your blabbering." He was panting heavily, and his vision was getting blurry. He couldn't last much longer, and neither could Maya. But...

"When it comes down to it..." He placed his hand on his deck. A warmth filled his fingers.

"Stop - " He drew.

" - UNDERESTIMATING US!!"

A sheet of white and black light formed in the air, a curtain that spread into an array of particles, forming first a sword, then a shield, then their wielder, covered in dark blue and gold armor with a three-horned helmet.

[spoiler=Chaos Soldier - Envoy of Creation]Chaos Soldier - Envoy of Creation
LIGHT / Warrior
Level 8
3000/2500
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card can only be Special Summoned by removing 1 LIGHT and 1 DARK monster in your Graveyard from play. Once during each of your turns, you can select and activate 1 of the following effects:
• Remove 1 monster on the field from play. If you activate this effect, this card cannot attack during this turn.
• If this card destroyed your opponent's monster as a result of battle, it can attack once again in a row.[/spoiler]

"That monster..." Eizan frowned slightly.

"It's not just the two of us standing before you, Eizan!" Yuusuke shouted. He turned to Maya, who was looking at the warrior who had now appeared on their field. "There's many souls, many grudges that need to be laid to rest! And one of them, this is the strength she entrusted me with!" Chaos Soldier raised his weapon, which glowed with a light that rivalled Hyperion's. Just, a little more -

"I activate my own Allure of Darkness." He had chosen to hold onto that card during his previous turns, but now it was all-or-nothing. With his hand otherwise at zero, the risk was minimized - but if this was going to work, he needed to draw the right cards. "For both Maya and me, this card is fitting." He placed the Spell on his Duel Disk. "We both faced 'darkness'... I was forced to kill a friend, a living human who had been turned into a drone... and then I was forced to kill again, and again." His mind turned to Shugo, then Dread_T, then the dozens of nameless Cataphracts blocking their way inside the Aria Tower. "It almost broke me." The dreams, the nightmares. "And Maya, you literally tore her apart." His voice grew steady now, as anger rose in his heart. "What we faced, what we had to endure, whether it was because of you or not - in the end, we had to overcome it, and make it part of our own strength." Just like Maya, he placed his hand on his deck. That's why, I'm sure, my deck will respond to these feelings.

"DRAW - !!"

One glance, and -

"...I remove Chaos Sorcerer from the game." He slid a card into the appropriate slot, and look at his friend again. Maya was smiling, now. They both were.

Our path, won't end here - !!

They moved closer, and placed their hands on each others', feeling the strength that flowed between them. And even though it was faint, it was as if another hand was lightly touching theirs. And on top of that bond - the trust and hopes of those fighting above them, they also became part of this power. They took a deep breath.

"BATTLE!" With their commanding shout, Chaos Soldier jumped across the field. They thrust their hands forward, their voices as one. "Chaos Soldier attacks Arcana Force EX - The Light Ruler!!" Even though it was outmatched, the brave warrior marched towards the much larger engine of destruction. In retaliation, the two heads shot downward, aiming to crush the pest that had dared to challenge them.

Now.

"From my hand, I activate the effect of Honest!" Yuusuke shouted. "A Light monster in battle gains strength equal to its foe - namely - !!" Chaos Soldier's attack rose to a formidable 7000. The warrior raised his weapon, which was ignited with a massive aura that towered to the heavens. In front of Yuusuke, the spectre of the feathered angel stood, its strength flowing into the attacking hero.

[spoiler=Honest]Honest
LIGHT / Fairy
Level 4
1100/1900
During your Main Phase, you can return this card from the field to its owner's hand. During either player's Damage Step, when a face-up LIGHT monster you control battles, you can send this card from your hand to the Graveyard to have that monster gain ATK equal to the ATK of the opponent's monster it is battling, until the End Phase.[/spoiler]

It seemed, that it was decided. Even The Light Ruler couldn't match up to this amount of strength, the towering inferno of destruction that surged towards it. It shied back, shielding itself from the wave of light.

But -

"...you are, truly deluded."

The retaliation was delivered in a flat tone, as the card that had been returned to Eizan's hand turned around. Yuusuke's eyes shot wide open in shock. This is - !!

"Earlier, when I paid the cost to activate Wrath of God in order to destroy your Cherubim, I discarded one card." Eizan explained. "That card is - " A copy of Honest now stood before the opponent, and even though its light was equally brilliant, it was tainted with a sickly black shadow. The Light Ruler roared, the runes engraved onto its body igniting with scarlet light, as its entire body was overcharged with energy. The two dragonheads bit into the wave of light, and - it shattered into fragments. "Now, counterattack!" Chaos Soldier had 7000 power. The Light Ruler - 11000.

"...you really weren't listening before, were you?"

Not just one. Not even two. Three of them right here. Dozens, hundreds of souls behind them. And a whole world hanging in the balance. As Maya delivered those taunting words, the card she held -

Light. There was nothing except light, a mass that filled everything, covered everything. Overcoming the darkness they each had faced, the two of them had arrived at this result. The card Yuusuke had given her so long ago, a symbol of what they shared, a hope that it would remain. Even through the virtual hell they had been pushed into - those precious things, survived.

"Honest's effect activates!" She shouted. "Chaos Soldier - !!"

And the light came down. A powerful shockwave tore through everything. But at the same time, for Yuusuke and Maya - it was warm, and calm. And when that light subsided -

The walls of the room had disappeared. Now all that existed around them was a black void, except for a dark grey, ascending path in the direction they had come from, disappearing into the horizon - and a similar path, only covered in all the colors of the rainbow, seemingly in constant motion, behind their opponent. And as for that opponent - what was left, could not be called 'human' any more.

"..."
 

Kirizaki Maya & Galahad - LP: 500
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 300

Only black tatters remained of his clothes. His body was blackened, charred and wounded, spilling dark blood. His face was disfigured, the left half almost completely incinerated. He had been pushed to the very edge of the room, right on the precipice of that road. Only the single eye remained, glaring at them with a look of unfathomable hatred, and its mouth that could no longer utter words, twisted into a horrific, savage smirk that defied them even until the very end -

"FINISH THIS!!" Maya and Yuusuke were not going to wait. Chaos Soldier could attack again after destroying a monster, and with its power raised to 18000 - Master Hyperion spread its arms, the light of a supernova born in its body, but Chaos Soldier's sword was shining brighter than a supernova, brighter than the dawn of creation itself. With a forceful vertical slash, the wave of light cut through the pulsing sphere of fire and energy, suppressing it, containing it, until it was pressured so hard it imploded. Raising its shield, Chaos Soldier offset the devastating blast, protecting the two of them as Hyperion was torn to particles, and in the end -
 

Kirizaki Maya & Galahad - LP: 500
Miyataka Eizan - LP: 0

"We... actually... did it..." Maya breathed. It was as if she couldn't believe her own words - Yuusuke could hardly believe it, either. Chaos Soldier vanished into motes of light - he could swear he heard a whispered thank you as it did. And when the light cleared once again, Miyataka Eizan, the man whose madness had torn so many lives to pieces, and had threatened to destroy the entire world - no, the entirety of existence -

- nothing remained of him. The only evidence that this deadly battle had ever happened was the crouching form of Dark Ruler, now drained of its power and deactivated, slowly disintegrating into particles.

"...it's really over, isn't it." Yuusuke whispered.

"No." Maya muttered. "Don't forget... there's still those bastards from Duel International to deal with. Preferably, that annoying boy Kiishiro and the others will have taken care of that problem by now, but somehow I doubt that..."

"Ever the optimist." Yuusuke chuckled. "Well, one way or the other - we're done here. Let's go." He briefly squeezed her hand that was still held in his, and she felt her gratefully respond, before they let go. Against all odds - they had won. Turning their backs to the ruins of the chamber, they started walking, heading to that grey road that led back to the Aria Tower. They -

- they froze.

Because throughout the area that now consisted of only a floor suspended in nothingness, which had become deathly quiet since the battle ended -

- a loud, piercing cackle exploded.

Just, as planned.

They spun around. That voice - had been Eizan's - but he did not exist any more! But then they looked again, and... the Dark Ruler was still hunched, powerless, but now some fragments of energy were running through the crimson lines carved on its armor...

As I had anticipated from the beginning... you two fell right into my trap.

Eizan's voice seemed to be coming from everywhere at once. Despite themselves, Maya and Yuusuke stepped back. He's bluffing. The same thought ran through their heads. He's just clinging on, stubbornly mocking us even at the end... That had to be the truth of it. They had defeated him - no, destroyed him. What could he possibly -

Did I not explain to you, from the very beginning, the stakes of this duel? Eizan's voice continued. Yuusuke looked at the Dark Ruler carefully. Despite the fact that power was running through it, it was clearly going to disappear any moment now - even if Eizan was using it to survive, it would not last. But... A battle with our sense of 'self' at stake... that did not only apply to you.

They glanced at each other. What does he... mean? It didn't make sense to them.

It looks like you still don't understand. Eizan continued to mock them. Earlier, I explained to you how a 'human', mind and body, is a systemic structure with basic input and output mechanisms that govern its functions... which is why you can do such a thing as 'merge' two of them together, under the proper circumstances. But not just that. 'Humans' are also conceptual fragments, entities whose existence is governed by the rules of chaos... and so, once again, if the proper conditions are met... there is no reason why you can't combine them with other conceptual structures. And that, was my goal. Bringing you here, the Devil Gods, even my own experiments with division and fusion of personalities - they were only pieces of my real plan, that I carefully presented to you in order to lure you into this final stage... to lure you, into calling forth a power so great, that can fulfill the conditions for a 'conceptual fusion' - that can reduce a human entity - mind, body, and soul - to nothing, so that the only surviving element becomes a weak concept... for this purpose, I kept you alive for so long, resulting in this attack just now that, just as I had intended, allowed one of my monsters to remain on the field, which I could use as a temporary vessel until the process is complete...

"What... the hell are you talking about...?" Maya whispered. They still did not understand what Eizan was getting at. What could he possibly do in that state? They didn't understand, and yet, deep dread was creeping up on them. We... missed something...

You still didn't get there? Well... Eizan's voice was growing fainter now, as the Dark Ruler was slowly losing its form. I went as far as to tell you that I had intended to use a Pylon for my plan to work, but even though that did not work out, that Fergusson boy worked hard to provide what I need.

What he - needs? Yuusuke turned to Maya. And in that instant, their eyes both widened in realization. He can't mean - !!

Finally, you understand. Even though it's too late. Even though it was too late from the very beginning... The Dark Ruler was almost fully gone now. That's right. I told you, a human is a conceptual structure, that can fuse with other conceptual structures - for example -

"Yuusuke - !!" Not even half a step behind her, Yuusuke drew a card, just as Maya drew hers - Judgment Dragon and Chaos Goddess formed before them, unleashing a wave of destruction that incinerated the remnants of Dark Ruler completely.

But -

- it was too late.

The 'energy' they felt had already fled, and was now dashing across the multi-colored road ahead of them, a black, sinister cloud...

Yes. The parting words echoed in the void, and Yuusuke and Maya fell on their knees in despair. A human - can fuse with the Nexus itself!!
[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Duel Transcript]For the finale duels, because they're pretty long and complicated, I'm adding transcripts to make it easy to read and understand them.

Note that the 0/0 monsters and 0/0 s/t indicate number of face-up/face-down monsters and s/t respectively.

TURN 1 - Kirizaki Maya [8000 LP, 6 hand, 0/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]
> Activate "One for One", discard "Demon Roar God Kushano" to Special Summon "Level Stealer" in DEF
> Normal Summon "Level Stealer"
> Activate "Foolish Burial", sending "Level Stealer" from her deck to the Graveyard
TURN 1 END - Kirizaki Maya [8000 LP, 2 hand, 2/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]

TURN 2 - Miyataka Eizan #1 [8000 LP, 6 hand, 0/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]
> Normal Summon "Arcana Force III - The Empress" and activate its effect, get Heads
> Set 1 card
TURN 2 END - Miyataka Eizan #1 [8000 LP, 4 hand, 1/0 monsters, 0/1 s/t]

TURN 3 - Aizawa Yuusuke [8000 LP, 6 hand, 2/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]
> Switch "Level Stealer" to DEF
> Normal Summon "Lightlord Magician Leila". The effect of "Arcana Force III - The Empress" activates. Eizan Special Summons Arcana Force IV - The Emperor" and activates its effect, get Tails
> Activate the effect of "Lightlord Magician Leila", switching it to Defense to target Eizan's Set card. Eizan activates it. It is "Bottle of Greed". Eizan #2 draws 1 card
> At End Phase, mill 3 cards due to the effect of "Lightlord Magician Leila"
TURN 3 END - Aizawa Yuusuke [8000 LP, 5 hand, 3/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]

TURN 4 - Miyataka Eizan #2 [8000 LP, 7 hand, 2/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]
> Tribute "Arcana Force IV - The Emperor" to Tribute Summon "Max Teleporter"
> Activate effect of "Max Teleporter" paying 2000 LP to Special Summon 2 "Psycho Commander" from the deck
> Tune "Arcana Force III - The Empress" to "Psycho Commander" to Synchro Summon "Psycho Health Trancer"
> Tune "Max Teleporter" to "Psycho Commander" to Synchro Summon "Hyper Psycho Gunner"
> Activate effect of "Psycho Health Trancer", Banish "Max Teleporter" to gain 1200 LP
> Attack and destroy "Level Stealer" with "Hyper Psycho Gunner". Activate effect of "Hyper Psycho Gunner" to gain 3000 LP and deal 3000 damage
> Attack and destroy "Lightlord Magician Leila" with "Psycho Health Trancer"
> Set 1 card
TURN 4 END - Miyataka Eizan #2 [10200 LP, 5 hand, 2/0 monsters, 0/1 s/t]

TURN 5 - Kirizaki Maya [5000 LP, 3 hand, 1/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]
> Change "Level Stealer" to ATK
> Activate "Forced Transition", giving control of "Level Stealer" to Eizan and taking control of "Psycho Health Trancer"
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "Psycho Health Trancer" Level by 1 (LV 7->6) to Special Summon it
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "Psycho Health Trancer" Level by 1 (LV 6->5) to Special Summon it
> Activate "Treasure of Dark World"
> Tribute 2 "Level Stealer" and "Psycho Health Trancer" to Tribute Summon "THE DEVIL'S DREAD-ROOT"
> Activate effect of "Treasure of Dark World, draw 2 cards
> Attack and destroy "Hyper Psycho Gunner" with "THE DEVIL'S DREAD-ROOT"
> Set 1 card
TURN 5 END - Kirizaki Maya [5000 LP, 1 hand, 1/0 monsters, 1/1 s/t]

TURN 6 - Miyataka Eizan #1 [7700 LP, 5 hand, 1/0 monsters, 0/1 s/t]
> Change "Level Stealer" to DEF
> Set 1 monster
TURN 6 END - Miyataka Eizan #1 [7700 LP, 4 hand, 1/1 monsters, 0/1 s/t]

TURN 7 - Aizawa Yuusuke [5000 LP, 6 hand, 1/0 monsters, 1/1 s/t]
> Activate "Reinforcements of Light", milling 3 cards to add "Lightlord Summoner Luminous" from deck to hand
> Special Summon the milled "Lightlord Beast Wolf"
> Normal Summon "Lightlord Summoner Luminous" and activate its effect, discarding 1 card to Special Summon "Lightlord Magician Leila"
> Attack and destroy "Level Stealer" with "Lightlord Summoner Luminous"
> Attack Eizan's Set monster with "Lightlord Beast Wolf", but it is "Arcana Force 0 - The Fool", which cannot be destroyed by battle
> Activate the effect of "Lightlord Magician Leila", switching it to Defense to target Eizan's Set card. Eizan activates it. It is "Bottle of Greed". Eizan #2 draws 1 card
> At End Phase, mill 6 cards due to the effect of "Lightlord Magician Leila" and "Lightlord Summoner Luminous"
TURN 7 END - Aizawa Yuusuke [5000 LP, 4 hand, 3/0 monsters, 1/1 s/t]

TURN 8 - Miyataka Eizan #2 [7700 LP, 7 hand, 1/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]
> Activate "Miracle Synchro Fusion", Banishing "Psycho Health Trancer" and "Psycho Commander" from his Graveyard to Fusion Summon "Ultimate Psykicker"
> Activate "Psychokinesis", tarageting "THE DEVIL'S DREAD-ROOT", but Maya activates "Forbidden Holy Lance", making "THE DEVIL'S DREAD-ROOT" immune to effects
> Normal Summon "Psycho Wizard of Silence" and activate its effect, Banishing "Hyper Psycho Gunner" from his Graveyard
> Attack "Lightlord Magician Leila" with "Ultimate Psykicker", but Yuusuke activates "Necro Gardna" in his Graveyard, Banishing it to negate the attack
> Attack and destroy "Lightlord Summoner Luminous" with "Psycho Wizard of Silence"
> Set 1 card
TURN 8 END - Miyataka Eizan #2 [7700 LP, 3 hand, 3/0 monsters, 0/1 s/t]

TURN 9 - Kirizaki Maya [4650 LP, 2 hand, 3/0 monsters, 1/0 s/t]
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "THE DEVIL'S DREAD-ROOT" Level by 1 (LV 10->9) to Special Summon it
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "THE DEVIL'S DREAD-ROOT" Level by 1 (LV 9-> :cool: to Special Summon it
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "THE DEVIL'S DREAD-ROOT" Level by 1 (LV 8->7) to Special Summon it
> Tribute 3 "Level Stealer" to Tribute Summon "THE DEVIL'S ERASER"
> Activate effect of "Treasure of Dark World, draw 2 cards
> Banish "AD Changer" from Grave to change "Arcana Force 0 - The Fool" to ATK
> Attack "Arcana Force 0 - The Fool" with "THE DEVIL'S ERASER", but Eizan activates "Book of Moon", changing "Arcana Force 0 - The Fool" to fd DEF. The attack continues and "Arcana Force 0 - The Fool" is not destroyed
> Attack and destroy "Ultimate Psykicker" with "THE DEVIL'S DREAD-ROOT". Eizan discards "Arcana Force XIV - Temperance" to reduce battle damage to zero
> Attack and destroy "Psycho Wizard of Silence" with "Lightlord Beast Wolf", but its effect activates, Special Summoning "Hyper Psycho Gunner"
> Set 1 card
> At End Phase, mill 3 cards due to the effect of "Lightlord Magician Leila"
TURN 9 END - Kirizaki Maya [4650 LP, 2 hand, 4/0 monsters, 1/1 s/t]

TURN 10 - Miyataka Eizan #1 [7600 LP, 4 hand, 2/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]
> Set 1 monster
> Set 2 cards
TURN 10 END - Miyataka Eizan #1 [7600 LP, 1 hand, 3/0 monsters, 0/2 s/t]

TURN 11 - Aizawa Yuusuke [4650 LP, 5 hand, 4/0 monsters, 1/0 s/t]
> Tribute "Lightlord Magician Leila" to Tribute Summon "Lightlord Angel Cherubim", but Eizan activates "Wrath of God", discarding a card to negate its effect and destroy it
> Activate the Set card Maya left, "Dark World Dealings". Now every player must draw 1 card and then discard 1 card from their hand. The effect of "Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel" that Maya discarded activates, and it is Special Summoned
> Banish "D-HERO Diabolic Guy" from his Graveyard to Special Summon "D-HERO Diabolic Guy" from his deck
> Tune "D-HERO Diabolic Guy" to "Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel" to Synchro Summon "Dark End Dragon"
> Activate effect of "Dark End Dragon", sending "Arcana Force 0 - The Fool" to the Graveyard
> Attack and destroy Eizan's Set monster with "Dark End Dragon". It is "Nimble Momonga", which when destroyed gives Eizan 1000 LP and Special Summons 2 copies from his deck in face-down DEF
> Attack and destroy Eizan's Set monster with "Lightlord Beast Wolf". It is "Nimble Momonga", which when destroyed gives Eizan 1000 LP.
TURN 11 END - Aizawa Yuusuke [4650 LP, 4 hand, 4/0 monsters, 1/0 s/t]

TURN 12 - Miyataka Eizan #2 [9600 LP, 3 hand, 2/0 monsters, 0/1 s/t]
> Normal Summon "Psychic Whorled" and activate its effect, paying 800 LP and targeting "Hyper Psycho Gunner"
> Attack "Dark End Dragon" with "Hyper Psycho Gunner" (1500-800=700 dmg)
> Attack "Lightlord Beast Wolf" with "Hyper Psycho Gunner" (1500-1050=450 dmg)
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "Hyper Psycho Gunner" Level by 1 (LV 9-> :cool: to Special Summon it
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "Hyper Psycho Gunner" Level by 1 (LV 8->7) to Special Summon it
TURN 12 END - Miyataka Eizan #2 [8800 LP, 2 hand, 5/0 monsters, 0/1 s/t]

TURN 13 - Kirizaki Maya [3500 LP, 3 hand, 2/0 monsters, 1/0 s/t]
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "THE DEVIL'S ERASER" Level by 1 (LV 10->9) to Special Summon it
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "THE DEVIL'S ERASER" Level by 1 (LV 9-> :cool: to Special Summon it
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "THE DEVIL'S ERASER" Level by 1 (LV 8->7) to Special Summon it
> Tribute 3 "Level Stealer" to Tribute Summon "THE DEVIL'S AVATAR"
> Activate effect of "Treasure of Dark World, draw 2 cards
TURN 13 END - Kirizaki Maya [3500 LP, 4 hand, 3/0 monsters, 1/0 s/t]

TURN 14 - Miyataka Eizan #1 [8800 LP, 2 hand, 5/0 monsters, 0/1 s/t]
> Tribute two "Level Stealer" to Tribute Summon "Arcana Force XXI - The World" and activate its effect, get Heads
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "Hyper Psycho Gunner" Level by 1 (LV 7->6) to Special Summon it
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "Hyper Psycho Gunner" Level by 1 (LV 6->5) to Special Summon it
> During the End Phase, send two "Level Stealer" to the Graveyard to make opponent skip their next turn
TURN 14 END - Miyataka Eizan #1 [8800 LP, 1 hand, 4/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]

TURN 15 - Aizawa Yuusuke [3500 LP, 4 hand, 3/0 monsters, 1/0 s/t]
TURN 15 END - Aizawa Yuusuke [3500 LP, 4 hand, 3/0 monsters, 1/0 s/t]

TURN 16 - Miyataka Eizan #2 [8800 LP, 3 hand, 3/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]
> Normal Summon "Magic Hole Golem" and activate its effect, targeting "Hyper Psycho Gunner"
> Attack directly twice
TURN 16 END - Miyataka Eizan #2 [8800 LP, 2 hand, 4/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]

TURN 17 - Kirizaki Maya [2500 LP, 5 hand, 3/0 monsters, 1/0 s/t]
TURN 17 END - Kirizaki Maya [2500 LP, 5 hand, 3/0 monsters, 1/0 s/t]

TURN 18 - Miyataka Eizan #1 [8800 LP, 2 hand, 4/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]
> Change "Magic Hole Golem" to DEF
> Activate effect of "Magic Hole Golem", targeting "Hyper Psycho Gunner"
> Attack directly twice
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "Hyper Psycho Gunner" Level by 1 (LV 5->4) to Special Summon it
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "Arcana Force XXI - The World" Level by 1 (LV 8->7) to Special Summon it
> During Main Phase 2, Maya discards "Effect Veiler" to negate the effects of "Arcana Force XXI - The World"
TURN 18 END - Miyataka Eizan #1 [8800 LP, 2 hand, 5/0 monsters, 1/0 s/t]

TURN 19 - Aizawa Yuusuke [1500 LP, 5 hand, 3/0 monsters, 1/0 s/t]
> Normal Summon "Sunny Pixie"
> Banish "D-HERO Diabolic Guy" from his Graveyard to Special Summon "D-HERO Diabolic Guy" from his deck
> Tune "D-HERO Diabolic Guy" to "Sunny Pixie" to Synchro Summon "Ancient Holy Wyvern". +1000 LP with effect of "Sunny Pixie"
> Special Summon "Judgment Dragon" and activate its effect, paying 1000 LP to destroy all other cards on the field. The effect of "THE DEVIL'S ERASER" destroys all cards on the field
> Set 2 cards
TURN 19 END - Aizawa Yuusuke [500 LP, 1 hand, 0/0 monsters, 0/2 s/t]

TURN 20 - Miyataka Eizan #2 [8800 LP, 3 hand, 0/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]
> Set 1 monster
> Set 2 cards
TURN 20 END - Miyataka Eizan #2 [8800 LP, 0 hand, 0/1 monsters, 0/2 s/t]

TURN 21 - Kirizaki Maya [500 LP, 5 hand, 0/0 monsters, 0/2 s/t]
> Normal Summon "Demon Roar God Raven" and activate its effect, discarding 2 cards (Raven LV2->4)
> Activate the set "Convening of Light", discarding "Demon Roar God Krus" and "Demon Roar God Beast Ganashia" from her hand and adding "Demon Roar God Krus" and "Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel" from her Graveyard to her hand
> "Demon Roar God Beast Ganashia" is Special Summoned with its effect, the effect of Krus Special Summons "Demon Roar God Grimro"
> Discard "Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel" from her hand to add "Demon Roar God Kushano" from her Graveyard to her hand, "Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel" is Special Summoned
> Tune "Demon Roar God Grimro" to "Demon Roar God Raven" to Synchro Summon "Demon Roar God Valkyrus"
> Tune "Demon Roar God Beast Ganashia" to "Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel" to Synchro Summon "Hell Twin Cop" (*)
> Activate effect of "Demon Roar God Valkyrus", discarding "Demon Roar God Krus" to draw 1 card, the effect of Krus Special Summons "Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel"
> Set 1 card
> Banish "Hellway Patrol" from her Graveyard, Special Summoning "Demon Roar God Kushano" from her hand
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "Demon Roar God Valkyrus" Level by 1 (LV 8->7) to Special Summon it
> Tune "Level Stealer" to "Demon Roar God Kushano" to Synchro Summon "Demon Roar God Beast Unicore", but Eizan activates "Black Horn of Ascension", negating the Summon
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "Demon Roar God Valkyrus" Level by 1 (LV 7->6) to Special Summon it
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "Demon Roar God Valkyrus" Level by 1 (LV 6->5) to Special Summon it
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "Demon Roar God Valkyrus" Level by 1 (LV 5->4) to Special Summon it
> Tune the 3 "Level Stealers" to "Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel" to Synchro Summon "Demon Roar God Reigion" and activate its effect, drawing twice
> Banish "THE DEVIL'S AVATAR", "THE DEVIL'S ERASER" and "THE DEVIL'S DREAD-ROOT" to Special Summon "Dark Necrofear" from her hand
> Discard "Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel" from her hand to add "Demon Roar God Kushano" from her Graveyard to her hand, "Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel" is Special Summoned
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "Dark Necrofear" Level by 1 (LV 8->7) to Special Summon it
> Tune "Dark Necrofear" and "Level Stealer" to "Demon Roar God Beast Cerburrel" to Synchro Summon "Chaos Goddess"
> Activate effect of "Chaos Goddess", discarding "Demon Roar God Kushano" to Special Summon "Dark End Dragon"
> Activate effect of "Dark End Dragon", sending Eizan's face-down monster to the Graveyard
> Attack directly with "Demon Roar God Reigion", but Eizan activates "Holy Barrier - Mirror Force". Maya activates "Book of Total Solar Eclipse", switching all her monsters to DEF
> Activate "Allure of Darkness", drawing twice, then Banishing "Chaos Sorcerer"
TURN 21 END - Kirizaki Maya [500 LP, 1 hand, 0/5 monsters, 0/0 s/t]

(*) Yeah, I know I messed up there. I was tired, and didn't remember that the DRGBs aren't Fiends like the DRGs. But because it had no real gameplay impact - any other LV5 could've been summoned for much the same effect - I left it as is. I just wanted to get Hell Twin Cop there, because Maya had used it in the past.

TURN 22 - Miyataka Eizan #1 [8800 LP, 3 hand, 0/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]
> Normal Summon "The Agent of Creation - Venus"
> Pay 1500 LP to Summon 3x "Holy Shine Ball"
> Activate "Jar of Avarice", returning 5 monsters to draw 2
> Send 3 "Holy Shine Ball" to the Grave to Special Summon "Arcana Force EX - THE LIGHT RULER", activate effect, get heads
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "Arcana Force EX - THE LIGHT RULER" Level by 1 (LV 10->9) to Special Summon it
> Activate effect of "Level Stealer" in the Graveyard, reducing "Arcana Force EX - THE LIGHT RULER" Level by 1 (LV 9-> :cool: to Special Summon it
> Send 2 "Level Stealer" and "The Agent of Creation - Venus" to the Grave to Special Summon "Arcana Force EX - THE DARK RULER", activate effect, get heads
> Banish "The Agent of Creation - Venus" from Grave to Special Summon "Master Hyperion"
> Activate effect of "Master Hyperion", Banish "Holy Shine Ball" to destroy "Dark End Dragon"
> Attack and destroy "Demon Roar God Reigion" with "Master Hyperion"
> Attack and destroy "Demon Roar God Valkyrus" with "Arcana Force EX - THE LIGHT RULER". Effect of "Arcana Force EX - THE LIGHT RULER" adds a card from Grave to hand
> Attack and destroy "Hell Twin Cop" with "Arcana Force EX - THE DARK RULER"
> With the effect of "Arcana Force EX - THE DARK RULER", attack again and destroy "Chaos Goddess". It switches to DEF
TURN 22 END - Miyataka Eizan #1 [7300 LP, 0 hand, 3/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]

TURN 23 - Aizawa Yuusuke [500 LP, 2 hand, 0/0 monsters, 0/0 s/t]
> Banish "Dark End Dragon" and "Judgment Dragon" to Special Summon "Chaos Soldier - Envoy of Creation"
> Activate "Allure of Darkness", drawing twice, then Banishing "Chaos Sorcerer"
> Attack "Arcana Force EX - THE LIGHT RULER" with "Chaos Soldier - Envoy of Creation"
> Activate "Honest" from hand, "Chaos Soldier - Envoy of Creation" ATK 3000->7000
> Eizan activates "Honest", "Arcana Force EX - THE LIGHT RULER" ATK 4000->11000
> Maya activates "Honest" from hand, "Chaos Soldier - Envoy of Creation" ATK 700->18000
> Destroy "Arcana Force EX - THE LIGHT RULER", with effect of "Chaos Soldier - Envoy of Creation", attack and destroy "Master Hyperion"

Yuusuke & Maya win

(but regardless of who won or lost, the real hero of this duel is Level Stealer, who was featured in five different copies, Summoned a grand total of 23 times)[/spoiler]

EDIT: You may have noticed that my writing style has changed a bit lately. This is because I've adopted a style that is often seen in (visual) novels, manga-esque stories that exclusively use the written word as medium. (you may be familiar with some of those that got an anime adaptation, such as Fate/Zero, Sword Art Online, No Game No Life, Log Horizon etc) I find this style to actually be quite fitting for chapters without much description, that are focused mostly on action and conflict. It does tend to give the "show don't tell" rule the middle finger occasionally, but even so I feel it works quite well most of the time.

[Aerion Brightflame]

Well that was a fun return. I must apologise that this won't be my most coherant reply ever, but its' quite late, and I've had nowhere near a sensible amount of sleep recently. 

 

Hmm... Let's see - [spoiler='Spoilers']

For the most part I adored that duel. Like really, it was one of the best planned out duels I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Complicated as anything, and all the better for it. I do have to admit to despising the ending with a passion, it was just obvious and the rest of the duel had no plays like that. It was a joy to read until that moment where it was just like... Really? I get it's probably to do with them affecting the virtual world around them, but still... blergh. 

 

The Wicked God stuff was lovely. If not a slight detour from the rest of it, and so very damn much a link to my major gripe with the story as it stands. But it was a lovely element with quite a big bit of build up. I just think shoving it in here was a bit... excessive 

 

And that's Eizan just overplayed the damn Just as Planned card. Like I get it happening as a final reveal at the end of the duel (And weirdly I didn't guess that he'd just become a mass of Chaos to fuse with the Nexus despite it seeming obvious in hindsight), and that's fine, and honestly to be expected of a main villian. But uuurgh... It felt like he was pulling on that card every other play, and it's just so dull to read after a while. There's only so much disbelief I can have about the sheer detail of someones plot before it gets tiring. It was a gripe I had earlier, but I don't think I brought it up? 

 

I can't really say a lot about the character development in here, because if I'm honest I've forgotten a vast portion of details about them. Well everyone but Maya, whose situation I've basically commented on anyway. 

[/spoiler]

 

I'll probably like edit this in the morning or something to make it make more sense. But it's lovely to have this back I must admit. 

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

First of all: I drink tea, not coffee. If you're going to base a character on me do it properly :D

 

Second of all; muchly enjoyed everything about the Extra Chapter as you are already aware. Especially regarding the clean-up with Rowen and Hikari and other previous characters interactions, which although not entirely crucially necessary, is nice additional information. Who is Jaden fighting in the sequence though? That's the one guy I couldn't recognise.

 

Thirdly; I did intend to block out the outside world and have a Dead Zone marathon today, but I'm having someone come round shortly who I'm buying a car off, so only have time for Chapter 73.

 

[spoiler=So just to clarify]Eizan IS actually Klien under an assumed name, and not another of his mergings?[/spoiler]

 

That guy is... even more screwed up than I realised. Interesting backstory about him being a Soviet scientist and stuff. So he's selected Maya as a potential target for this since she became Euro champion then?

 

Duel stuff; I was expecting Dunkan to be handled first, as I've suggested in previous comments regarding the two big villians and also Maya and Yuusuke's standing compared to Yenma, but maybe I underestimate Dunkan and Yenma, and also can understand this is simply a chronological issue. As for Honzou; Arcana Force. Wouldn't have called it, but your logic, like Glad Beasts for Yladius and everyone else, makes sense. I guess I can see now where your 'eh' reaction comes from regarding my use of Arcana Force in Ice Queen. The duel as a concept makes sense and everything is going smoothly, and is fairly fitting regarding the shared field thing with 10 monster slots. Expecting shenanigans later that exploit this.

 

Maya going into Terminator Mode is awesome. Her actions in this chapter remind me of Lisbeth Salander in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which I'm two thirds of the way through the trilogy of. Dunno if you've ever read that, but might be too your dark f***ed up liking.

 

Looking forward to reading Ch74 tomorrow and will comment when I get chance.

 

Ps: I love you Dion, but you need help. Professional help. You are clearly too dark and fucked up as is apparent from your writing :D

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

Chapter 74 comments. Because I'm awesome and actually do that.

 

Pretty awesome stuff. Eizan with douchebaggy deck of the fic to contend with even Dryad for ridiculously complicated combo strategies. Mindreading seems... well he's probably not mind-reading and Yuusukes thoughts are just obvious. But Eizan is coming across as a chet with his crazy antics. Enjoying his ranting at Yuusuke "Before you go spouting threats you won't be able to make good of..." though

 

I... kinda suspected it was coming at the end there when Dark End appeared. When it did I checked the wikia to see if it could target monsters on the controllers side of the field and thought this might end up a bit Yuma Shark Don Thousand - like Yuusuke trying to get rid of the Dreadroot and Maya using Divine Wrath to stop it or something.

 

Couple of typos of note; you described Judgement Dragon as pure noble black when its effect went off and Avatar mimicked it, presumably you were already thinking ahead to the avatar's description. There was one or two others, if I can pick them out again I'll amend this bit.

 

I'm giving up trying to predict this. I had got to the point where I was beliving Maya wouldn't emerge from the Avatar alive and would be sacrificed for the win, but no. Bulletproof protagonists survive... for now...

 

Ps: InB4 Eizan "I knew this field-nuke was going to happen and is also all part of my plan" B)

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

Making it three in a row.

 

DARK and LIGHT Ruler appeared. Never really watched that period of GX or studied Arcana Force much, but now I really understand your point about The World's appearance in Ice Queen. I was going to compliment you on Eizan's other rant at Yuusuke's 'pathetic concept of Chaos just being light and dark combined' and forgot; now I say Eizan; hypocrite much? Just kidding ;)

 

So those and Hyperion made the earlier pillar that Klien stole. K, well I don't feel bad about not getting that. Also, Venus and Shine Balls use after the whole shifting between all his different mergings, made me think he was switching between different decks for a moment, and of... the you know what duel that's coming up soon. Finally; Bet you are sending flowers to the guy who invented Level Stealer after this much abuse in this duel. :D But seriously wow man, I'd never be able to write one with this much back and forth in huge swings...

 

But...

 

Um... Dion.... I hate to point this out to you after that duel but...

 

[spoiler=...]Dark Necrofear + Level Stealer + Cerburrel = Level 10 Synchro. Not Level 8 Chaos Goddess. Sorry man :([/spoiler]

 

Triple Honest... I had lost track of hands, so I genuinely thought people were through back and forth right to the end. Was like "f***..!"

 

Dat ending... literally out of seat from the moment BLS appeared, and the Maya and Yuusuke finally getting their feelings together, and then f***ing Eizan being the douche and still not dying and then THAT! I knew he wouldn't die, because I thought wouldn't he just make like he did when Dunkan off'ed his Eizan body, but I was thinking him going quiet for now for either potential sequel or coming back later. But he's always one step ahead and they keep walking straight into it. He can't possibly say he orchestrated losing that whole duel though. He can't be in that much control when his whole sthick is chaos and no order damn it!!!! :D

 

But seriously, out of my seat and mega hyped man, amazing job (one slip in the maths aside, although I can see why you did it and can understand that you don't care less at this point)

 

EDIT: Yeah, think I'm going to agree with Barty and say Eizan has definitely "This is exactly as I planned you fools" once too often now. I was going to say I'd have prefered a look of shock on his face to hatred at the end when BLS blasted him, but then what happened happened... so...

[Vector Nightmare]

[spoiler=Regarding Eizan's Just as Planned gimmick]In hindsight, it is my failing for not mentioning it here. However, Eizan has explained this in the past, and I was kinda building on that.

Basically, his MO is 'have no plans, and just make it so whatever happens, it benefits you'. Essentially, have an infinite number of plans to cover all possible scenarios, rather than have one plan and ensure it goes through. This is basically what happened there. No matter how the situation developed, Eizan would have won. If Maya and Yuusuke had lost the duel, or even if they had not appeared to challenge him at all, things would have still worked out in his favor, just in different ways. In a sense, this is one representation of his 'chaos instead of order' philosophy. Order; you follow one, distinct path. Chaos; infinite possible paths, but they all lead to the same eventual result. This is pretty much the difference between Eizan and Dunkan, and the reason why, for the moment, things seem to be going well for Eizan while Dunkan seems to be getting foiled at every corner. The way he expressed things was mostly meant to goad and frustrate his opponents. But I should have made it clear in these chapters.[/spoiler]

Now, onto more specific things. Responses in bold.
 

[spoiler=Spoilers]For the most part I adored that duel. Like really, it was one of the best planned out duels I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Complicated as anything, and all the better for it. I do have to admit to despising the ending with a passion, it was just obvious and the rest of the duel had no plays like that. It was a joy to read until that moment where it was just like... Really? I get it's probably to do with them affecting the virtual world around them, but still... blergh.

I assume you mean the heavy topdecking here? Well, there isn't much of an excuse I can throw at that. It was bound to happen.

The Wicked God stuff was lovely. If not a slight detour from the rest of it, and so very damn much a link to my major gripe with the story as it stands. But it was a lovely element with quite a big bit of build up. I just think shoving it in here was a bit... excessive

What is that major gripe? Also, do you mean they were excessive as in, too much stuff to fit in one duel, and should've been paced out throughout the story? If so I can probably agree with that, it probably would've been better spaced out.

[/spoiler]

First of all: I drink tea, not coffee. If you're going to base a character on me do it properly :D

Well, I did give him one tea drinking scene. Be content with it!

Second of all; muchly enjoyed everything about the Extra Chapter as you are already aware. Especially regarding the clean-up with Rowen and Hikari and other previous characters interactions, which although not entirely crucially necessary, is nice additional information. Who is Jaden fighting in the sequence though? That's the one guy I couldn't recognise.

Darkness. It's the endgame villain in season 4, which IIRC you haven't watched. Basically the embodiment of... darkness.

[spoiler=So just to clarify]Eizan IS actually Klien under an assumed name, and not another of his mergings?

Nope. Klein was a different person altogether, whom Eizan merged with at some point in time after Eizan's supposed death, and before his first meeting with Maya.[/spoiler]

That guy is... even more screwed up than I realised. Interesting backstory about him being a Soviet scientist and stuff. So he's selected Maya as a potential target for this since she became Euro champion then?

Yeah. Hints towards that were given sporadically, including the end of the extra chapters of the championship duel.

Duel stuff; I was expecting Dunkan to be handled first, as I've suggested in previous comments regarding the two big villians and also Maya and Yuusuke's standing compared to Yenma, but maybe I underestimate Dunkan and Yenma, and also can understand this is simply a chronological issue. As for Honzou; Arcana Force. Wouldn't have called it, but your logic, like Glad Beasts for Yladius and everyone else, makes sense. I guess I can see now where your 'eh' reaction comes from regarding my use of Arcana Force in Ice Queen. The duel as a concept makes sense and everything is going smoothly, and is fairly fitting regarding the shared field thing with 10 monster slots. Expecting shenanigans later that exploit this.

That was not really the reason I was bothered by the fact that you were going to use Arcana Force in Ice Queen; even though the card base is big, some overlap is unavoidable, and not really detrimental. But like I said, they just did not feel like the right archetype for the use you intended them for.

Maya going into Terminator Mode is awesome. Her actions in this chapter remind me of Lisbeth Salander in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which I'm two thirds of the way through the trilogy of. Dunno if you've ever read that, but might be too your dark f***ed up liking.

Watched the movie. Pretty good stuff.

Ps: I love you Dion, but you need help. Professional help. You are clearly too dark and f***ed up as is apparent from your writing :D

Pf. If I wasn't f***ed up, I wouldn't be a writer.

Pretty awesome stuff. Eizan with douchebaggy deck of the fic to contend with even Dryad for ridiculously complicated combo strategies. Mindreading seems... well he's probably not mind-reading and Yuusukes thoughts are just obvious. But Eizan is coming across as a chet with his crazy antics. Enjoying his ranting at Yuusuke "Before you go spouting threats you won't be able to make good of..." though

Actually, Eizan wasn't mind-reading, just... being very intuitive and good at seeing through people. The fact that he said the exact same words Yuusuke was thinking should be taken with a bit of artistic license.

Couple of typos of note; you described Judgement Dragon as pure noble black when its effect went off and Avatar mimicked it, presumably you were already thinking ahead to the avatar's description. There was one or two others, if I can pick them out again I'll amend this bit.

But... Judgment Dragon is black. Just more of a... Batman black, instead of f*** YOU AND YOUR WORLD THIS IS THE END DESPAIR DOOM NOTHINGNESS black that the Avvy was sporting.

Making it three in a row.

DARK and LIGHT Ruler appeared. Never really watched that period of GX or studied Arcana Force much, but now I really understand your point about The World's appearance in Ice Queen. I was going to compliment you on Eizan's other rant at Yuusuke's 'pathetic concept of Chaos just being light and dark combined' and forgot; now I say Eizan; hypocrite much? Just kidding ;)

*grin* you fell for it.

THE DARK RULER... is actually a LIGHT monster. Eizan's Pylon was three LIGHT monsters. In fact, he kind of specifically confirmed that Chaos isn't all about LIGHT and DARK with that combination, at least not in their commonly perceived sense. I admit that I would've written it exactly the same if THE DARK RULER had been DARK anyway, but it ended up as a nice Easter Egg as is.

So in the end...

Eizan trolled you.

So those and Hyperion made the earlier pillar that Klien stole. K, well I don't feel bad about not getting that. Also, Venus and Shine Balls use after the whole shifting between all his different mergings, made me think he was switching between different decks for a moment, and of... the you know what duel that's coming up soon. Finally; Bet you are sending flowers to the guy who invented Level Stealer after this much abuse in this duel. :D But seriously wow man, I'd never be able to write one with this much back and forth in huge swings...

Er, no? The Pylon stolen by Klein was the three Devil Gods. The two Rulers + Hyperion was a completely different Pylon that Eizan made, in order to hijack Dunkan's system, if it came to that. He was in the process of setting it up and needed more time, which is why he wanted to send Lilith to stall Maya and Yuusuke, but then Dunkan hijacked the God Mode, which resulted in that plan being scrapped, so in the end, Eizan just used the Pylon as regular monsters (this is tying in to both earlier comments about Dunkan's strike at Eizan being ineffective, and related to what I said earlier about Eizan and planning things out). For now, Eizan seems to have found a way to make things work regardless... but how things will eventually unfold remains to be seen.

But...

Um... Dion.... I hate to point this out to you after that duel but...

[spoiler=...]Dark Necrofear + Level Stealer + Cerburrel = Level 10 Synchro. Not Level 8 Chaos Goddess. Sorry man :([/spoiler]

So as probably everyone knows by now; I hate math with a passion. I just can't do math. No. Stay away.

Luckily, Level Stealer once again comes to the rescue. Just assume two more of them were summoned to bring Necrofear down to the appropriate Level, and then kind of disappeared from the field for DRAMATIC PURPOSES.

Even though they deserved to be around to see the end of things, with how much they contributed to this duel.

SEE IT ALL WORKS OUT -shot-

Triple Honest... I had lost track of hands, so I genuinely thought people were through back and forth right to the end. Was like "f***..!"

It would be literally impossible to keep track of hands, unless I kept mentioning hand sizes (which would be ugly). That was the reason I put up the script at the end, so that one could properly follow through the duel after reading it.

Dat ending... literally out of seat from the moment BLS appeared, and the Maya and Yuusuke finally getting their feelings together, and then f***ing Eizan being the douche and still not dying and then THAT! I knew he wouldn't die, because I thought wouldn't he just make like he did when Dunkan off'ed his Eizan body, but I was thinking him going quiet for now for either potential sequel or coming back later. But he's always one step ahead and they keep walking straight into it. He can't possibly say he orchestrated losing that whole duel though. He can't be in that much control when his whole sthick is chaos and no order damn it!!!! :D

Well actually, in the event that Eizan didn't have a backup plan, and was putting all his chips on winning the duel, if he were to lose, he'd be killed off completely. The reason for this is that none of the real world bodies of his 'personas' are alive any more to sustain him, and his virtual personas were all gathered into that one 'self' (which would have been risky if he didn't have a backup plan, but necessary for what he ultimately did). There wasn't any way to know that without this explanation, but it wasn't really crucial information, so just some background / hypothetical talk.

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

Not going to quote as will just be huge: So in short:

• All explanations regarding Eizan are satisfactory.
• Topdecking is to be expected and is honestly (ba-dum-*shot*) fine.
• I'm getting too confused by all this what makes up a Pylon s*** and am giving up guessing and trying to follow. :unsure:
• I will take that tea and drink it.
• The movie was a bit too long, and Henrik didn't come across as quite the almighty swine he was at the end, and Cecila got shunted to make Craig's character less of a whore, but otherwise it was a really good adaptation. Books are good man you should read if you ever get time.
• Helpful Amazon link to Arkham Asylum is helpful.
• That's what I meant about Arcana Force and your reaction to: They're too big/high-standing for the role they appear in (can't be bothered to change it though)
• All hail the heroic little Level Stealers!
• Yeah, like I said I reasoned he wasn't actually chet/mindreading and just being the all-knowing smug person. Also he is such a troll.
• Of course, but forgetting traps on field/hand are there to be used makes it a surprise when they are pinged.
• Good good

 

All in all, good stuff. Now GIMME THE DAMN ENDING YOU TANTALISING BASTARD!!!