Yugioh Arc V: Legends of the Red-Eyes

Legend of the Red Eye

Authors note I don't own Yugioh or any of its characters. This Fanfic follows a boy with a red eyes deck.

Hope you enjoy

Last Chapter: Chapter 16

She froze as a faint sound reached her ears, a low rustling like someone shifting in the shadows. Her heart raced, but she steeled herself, stepping forward cautiously.

"You've finally shown up," a familiar voice called out, cold and mocking.

Yuzu's eyes snapped to the source of the voice, and her breath hitched. Emerging from the shadows was Shay, his expression as sharp and dangerous as ever. His duel disk was already strapped on, the red glow from its activation illuminating the smirk on his face.

"So, the girl decides to come here on her own," Shay continued, his voice laced with sarcasm. "What are you doing here, Yuzu? looking for someone to blame? Or." A smirk suddenly appeared on his face, as he activated his duel disk.

"You come here to fight?"

Chapter 17: A clash to remember!! Hidden emotions part 5

Flashback: Two days ago

Yuzu Boyle walked briskly, her thoughts preoccupied with someone she couldn't quite get out of her head—Kai, her teacher. Or rather, the man who was supposed to be her teacher.

"Preached so hard to get him to train me, and now I'm avoiding him like the plague," she muttered to herself, her tone laced with frustration. The memory of her own stubbornness made her cringe. She kicked a small rock along the road, venting her irritation. "So lame," she added under her breath, annoyed at how childish she had been, all because Kai had secrets he wasn't willing to share.

The rock bounced ahead of her, but instead of flying off into the distance, it clinked sharply against something solid. Yuzu blinked, realizing she was no longer on her usual route home. She looked up to find herself standing in front of a large, abandoned building, its cracked walls and shattered windows giving it a menacing presence.

"How did I even get here?" Yuzu asked herself, shaking her head. She had been so caught up in her daydreaming that she'd completely wandered off her usual path.

But before she could think of turning back, faint voices drifted to her ears, muffled but clear enough to pique her curiosity. Yuzu froze, tilting her head to listen. The voices seemed to come from the other side of the building, their tone sharp and urgent, like an argument.

"What the...?" she whispered.

Her body moved on instinct, her feet carrying her closer to the building. Just as she reached a broken corner of the wall, the low rumble of a motorcycle engine broke through the silence. The sound grew louder, roaring to life, and before Yuzu could process what was happening, the motorcycle sped off, its rider disappearing into the distance.

Yuzu stepped back in surprise, her heart racing. She stared after the sound, the echo of the engine fading into the quiet night. Her mind raced with questions. What was going on in there?

"TCH!"

Her eyes snapped toward the direction of the sound, her heart pounding in her chest. Yuzu gasped. Two of the three mysterious boys standing there, she recognized as the ones who had attacked her and Kai the day before. It was them. Yuma and Yuto.

Yuma was as fiery as ever, his face twisted in frustration as he stomped his foot on the ground. His finger jabbed toward the direction where the motorcycle had sped off moments ago, his anger practically radiating off him.

"Those little fuckers! I can't believe they ran away like that!" Yuma shouted, his voice sharp and venomous. "Duel Academy truly has no shame or honor!"

The other two boys stood in tense silence, their faces expressionless, but their body language betrayed their unease. They didn't dare challenge Yuma in his current state—not when they knew what he was capable of. Yuzu shivered at the memory of his ruthlessness, her eyes flickering briefly to Yuto, whose conflicted expression said everything he couldn't.

Yuma spat on the ground and whirled around. "Tch, come on, Yuto! We're going to find them." His words were more of a command than a suggestion.

Yuto hesitated for a brief moment, glancing toward the tall man standing nearby, before reluctantly nodding. "...Alright," he muttered, his voice low and almost defeated, as he begrudgingly followed behind his leader.

"What about me?" the tall man asked, his voice deep and steady, though there was a sharp edge to it. He stood with his arms crossed, his blue trench coat billowing slightly in the cool night breeze.

"Stay here and keep those two cards company," Yuma snapped, barely glancing in his direction as he stormed off. His words carried an air of dismissal, as if the man's presence wasn't worth any more of his time.

The man's jaw tightened, a flash of irritation crossing his face. But he didn't respond, though his clenched fists spoke volumes. Yuzu felt the tension in the air thickening, the dynamic between these three far more complicated than she'd realized.

As Yuma and Yuto disappeared into the night, Yuzu's eyes remained fixed on the tall man. His back was to her now, but she could see the way his shoulders rose and fell with each frustrated breath.

She took a cautious step back, her mind racing. What were they doing here? And who was on that motorcycle?

SNAP!

Unfortunately for her, her cautious step back wasn't cautious enough. The snap of a twig beneath her foot echoed in the otherwise quiet space, sharp and unmistakable. Yuzu froze, her breath catching in her throat. Slowly, the tall man's head turned toward her, his movements deliberate and precise, like a predator locking onto its prey.

His piercing eyes, cold and unrelenting, snapped onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. The faint moonlight glinted off his sharp features, casting shadows across his face that made him seem even more menacing. His jaw was set, his expression unreadable, but his body language radiated danger.

Shay's broad shoulders stiffened as he straightened to his full height, the faint billow of his blue trench coat adding to the sense of power he exuded. His gaze bore into her, a mix of suspicion and annoyance flickering in his steely eyes, but beneath that lay something deeper—an edge of weariness, perhaps even anger, barely held in check.

The weight of his presence was suffocating, and the air around him seemed heavier, charged with unspoken threat. His stance was firm and ready, like a lion preparing to pounce, and every part of him screamed that he wouldn't hesitate to act if he deemed her a threat.

However, everything took a sharp turn the moment his eyes fully took in her face. The man's expression froze mid-smirk, his eyes widening slightly as a mix of emotions flickered across his face—confusion, disbelief, and something that almost looked like happiness.

"Lulu?" he breathed, his voice softer now, almost trembling. It wasn't the cold, mocking tone he had moments ago. Instead, it carried a rawness, as if the word had escaped him before he could stop it.

Yuzu blinked, completely thrown off guard. "What?" she asked, her voice cautious but tinged with confusion. Her duel disk lowered slightly as she stared at him, her mind racing. Who's Lulu? Why is he looking at me like that?

Shay took an involuntary step forward, his hardened expression cracking as he studied her face, searching for something—recognition, familiarity, anything. His once-predatory demeanor softened into something more vulnerable, his eyes lingering on hers as though trying to confirm what he was seeing.

"Lulu... it's you, isn't it?" he murmured, his voice laced with hope and uncertainty.

Yuzu took a step back, her confusion deepening. "I don't know who you're talking about," she said firmly, though the unease in her voice betrayed her. "My name is Yuzu."

Shay's brows furrowed, his happiness flickering into frustration as he shook his head. "No... no, that can't be right. You look just like her." He pointed at her, his voice rising slightly as he tried to make sense of what he was seeing. "You're her. You must be!"

Yuzu's heart raced, her mind spinning with questions. Who was Lulu? Why was he so certain she was this person? And why did the look in his eyes—a mix of joy and desperation—make her stomach twist uncomfortably?

"I don't know what you're talking about," she repeated, her voice sharper now. "I'm not Lulu. You've got the wrong person."

"If your not Lulu then what are you doing her?" Said the man. His voice back to the same cold chill it had before, though this time it seemed less threatening then it did before.

"Those two people that were with you just now," Yuzu said, stepping forward cautiously, her voice wavering slightly but firm enough to push through the tension. "Can you tell me what their problem with Kai is? What's Duel Academy, and what does it have to do with him?"

Shay didn't move for a moment, his back still partially turned to her, the tension in his shoulders visible. When he finally glanced over his shoulder, his expression was cold, unreadable.

"Give me one good reason I should tell you anything," he said, his tone sharp and dismissive, as if her questions weren't worth his time.

Yuzu opened her mouth, but no words came out. She faltered, her mind scrambling for something—anything—that would convince him to talk. But nothing came. Her lips pressed into a thin line as frustration bubbled up inside her.

Shay's eyes narrowed slightly as he turned to face her fully, his imposing presence making her feel small under his intense gaze. "That's what I thought," he said coldly. "You don't have a reason. You're just another clueless bystander sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."

Yuzu's fists clenched at her sides, anger rising in her chest, but before she could lash out, her eyes caught something lying on the floor just behind Shay. She froze, her breath hitching in her throat.

The two carded duelists dressing in blue uniform.

Her stomach churned as she stepped closer, her eyes fixated on the glossy cards propped against the wall. Even from a distance, she could see their faces—frozen in sheer terror, their eyes wide with fear and disbelief. The sight sent a chill down her spine, and for a moment, she couldn't breathe.

"You... what… What is that?" Her voice cracked as she pointed toward the cards, her hand trembling. "Are those… people?"

Shay didn't respond immediately, his gaze following hers to the cards. His expression darkened, but he said nothing, his jaw tightening as he crossed his arms.

"They're just... sitting here?" Yuzu continued, her voice rising with a mix of anger and disbelief. "You're keeping them like this? Like trophies?"

Shay's eyes snapped back to her, his expression hard and unyielding. "They're not trophies," he said, his voice low and firm. "They're reminders. Of what happens when you're not strong enough to survive."

Yuzu's eyes widened as his words sank in, her chest tightening with a mix of shock and rage. "Reminders?" she repeated, her voice shaking. "Those people! They had lives, families! And now they're just... just cards because of this stupid fight you're all in!"

Shay took a step toward her, his gaze piercing. "This 'stupid fight' is the reason you're still standing here," he said, his voice sharp and cutting. "You don't get it, Yuzu. This isn't a game. If you don't fight, you lose everything. That's the reality of Duel Academy, of this war."

Yuzu's hands trembled, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to make sense of Shay's words. She glanced around, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. The room felt smaller now, suffocating, as if the walls themselves were closing in.

"Duel Academy... what does that even mean?" Yuzu whispered, the confusion still evident in her voice, despite the anger bubbling under the surface.

Shay's eyes softened for a moment, but the hardness never fully left. He sighed, running a hand through his hair as though considering how much to reveal. "Duel Academy isn't just a school, Yuzu. It's a system. A breeding ground for fighters, for warriors. They don't teach you to duel for fun. They teach you to fight for your life. If you're not strong enough to fight against them, their way, you end up like them—lost, forgotten, discarded like some... some card that no one wants to play with anymore."

Yuzu shook her head, tears stinging at the corners of her eyes. "How can you just accept that? How can you stand there and act like this is normal? Like this is, okay?" Yuzu pointed at the cards as tears began to pour down.

"It's not about being okay," Shay snapped, his voice rising as his frustration boiled over. "It's about doing what needs to be done. Those two knew the risks. They chose to fight, and they weren't strong enough. That's all there is to it."

Shay turned around and picked up the cards preparing to leave. "Now I know you're not Lulu, because she would understand that in this world, the only way u get what you want, is by fighting."

End Flashback

Those had been the words he left Yuzu with. Now, standing in front of Shay once more, she was determined to follow through on them. She wasn't just here for a fight—she was here for the answers she so desperately needed.

"Damn right, I'm here to fight," Yuzu declared, her voice strong as she inserted her deck into her Duel Disk. The familiar hum of the machine was a welcome sound, but the weight of the situation was heavy in the air. "And when I'm done, you're going to tell me everything!"

Shay's gaze was cold and unyielding as he watched her, the sharpness of his words cutting through the tension between them. "Okay, but if you lose," he said, his voice laced with menace, "I won't hesitate to card you before I hunt down your friend Kai."

The words hit Yuzu like a slap. Her breath caught, her heart pounding at the thought of Kai being caught up in this. He can't get to Kai. Not like this. Not if I can stop it.

Her fists clenched, but she didn't back down. The anger she felt was only adding fuel to her resolve. She'd come too far to hesitate now, no matter the stakes. "I'll do whatever it takes," Yuzu responded, her voice steady, the fire in her eyes unmistakable. "Even if I have to fight you to the very end."

Shay's expression hardened, his eyes flickering with something darker. "You sure about that?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Because when this duel ends, you might wish you hadn't made that promise."

Yuzu steeled herself. The challenge was laid before her, but so was the truth. She didn't know exactly what was going on, why Shay was so intent on turning her life upside down, but she was done questioning. No more waiting. I'm getting my answers, no matter the cost.

"Bring it on, Shay," she said, her voice unwavering as her Duel Disk powered up. "I'm not backing down."

Shay smirked; his hand poised over his cards. "We'll see about that."

"Duel!"

With Kai:

I was currently having a meeting with Declan Akaba. We where discussing the events of last night. Declan, being the man he was, had been watching the whole thing from start to finish.

"You know. I still find it creepy; you can see everything that goes on in this place any time you want."

Declan Akaba sat across from me, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever. His hands were clasped in front of him on the sleek, polished table, and his sharp eyes studied me like I was a puzzle he had already solved but enjoyed rearranging for fun.

"It's not creepy," Declan replied, his tone flat yet laced with subtle condescension. "It's necessary. Without a proper system in place to monitor these events, situations like last night could escalate beyond control."

I crossed my arms, leaning back in my chair. "Still doesn't make it any less unsettling," I muttered. "You knowing what I had for breakfast yesterday is probably considered overkill by normal standards."

Declan raised an eyebrow. "I assure you, I have no interest in your dietary habits."

I rolled my eyes, but his detached demeanor only made me more frustrated. "Then what about last night? You said you watched the whole thing. Why didn't you step in? You saw what Yuya turned into, what he was capable of. You could've stopped it before it got out of hand."

Declan's expression didn't change, though I caught the faintest flicker of something in his eyes—annoyance, maybe, or perhaps disappointment. "If I stepped in every time someone struggled, they would never learn to fight their own battles," he said coolly. "Yuya's actions—dark as they were—were necessary for his growth. He needs to face that part of himself, or it will consume him completely."

"Necessary?" I repeated, incredulous. "You call that necessary? He almost lost himself entirely, and it wasn't just him who was affected. Everyone around him—Yuzu, Yoko, even Sora—has been caught up in this mess. How is putting them through all this part of some bigger plan?"

Declan leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp and unwavering. "Because that's the reality of the world we live in, you should know that better than anyone" he said, his voice colder now. "This isn't a game, and it's not about protecting feelings. If Yuya, or anyone else, is going to stand a chance against what's coming, they have to face the truth. No matter how painful it is."

I clenched my fists under the table, biting back the retort that rose in my throat. As much as I hated to admit it, part of me knew he was right. But that didn't make it any easier to swallow.

"So what now?" I asked, forcing my voice to stay steady. "What happens next? Yuya's still shaken, Yuzu's digging into things she doesn't understand, and Sora—" I stopped myself, not wanting to go down that road. "What's your plan for all of this, Declan? What's your big strategy to fix everything?"

Declan's expression didn't waver. "Fixing things isn't the goal," he said simply. "Information is, we still don't know what exactly that was, with Yuya. What took over him, is it only just him and if so why? Could it have something to do with the xyz remnants and his lookalike. There are still millions of questions still yet to be answered."

I nodded, understanding exactly what Declan was referring to. The questions had been swirling in my mind ever since yesterday's events. I had come to this dimension to gather allies, to prepare for the inevitable confrontation with Duel Academy. But instead, everything had become infinitely more complicated. Every step forward seemed to uncover new layers of chaos.

Before I could dwell on it further, the door to the room burst open with a loud slam. A staff member stumbled in, panting heavily, his face pale with urgency.

"Sir! Massive bursts of Pendulum and Xyz energy have been detected!"

The words sent a jolt through me, my stomach sinking as I realized what this could mean. I clenched my fists as a name escaped my lips.

"Yuya," I muttered under my breath, the dread creeping into my voice. 'Oh no. not again'

"Where?" Declan demanded, his sharp tone cutting through the tension like a blade.

"At the location where Yuto and Yuma first appeared," the man answered, his voice still breathless but steady enough to convey the gravity of the situation.

Declan's eyes immediately shifted to me, his calm and calculating demeanor unwavering, though the unspoken urgency in his gaze was clear. I met his eyes, already knowing what he expected me to do. He gave a single nod, and that was all the confirmation I needed.

Without another word, I turned and bolted out of the room, my heart racing as I headed toward the source of the disturbance. The same thing that happened to Sora was happening all over again.

I just prayed I wasn't too late.

As I dashed out of the Leo Institutes building and hopped onto my motocycle, my duel disk alerted me of a video call coming through.

"Mrs Yoko is calling." Came the robotic voice.

"Answer it." I said as I started up my motocycle.

As soon as I muttered those words, the worried and frantic face of Yoko appeared on the screen of my duel disk. Her expression was filled with genuine distress, making my stomach twist.

"Kai, where are you?" she demanded, her voice shaky.

"I'm on the road. I can't talk right now," I replied, trying to keep my voice calm. The last thing I wanted was for her to know about the possibility of another dangerous situation, let alone a life-threatening duel.

"I'm sorry, but this is urgent," she said, her tone thick with panic. "Shuzo just called to tell me that Yuzu and Yuya didn't show up at school today. After what happened yesterday, I'm worried, Kai."

Her words hit me like a brick, and I froze. "Wait… what? You're saying Yuzu isn't at school either?"

"What do you mean either?" Yoko asked, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Are you saying you knew Yuya didn't go?"

"What? No," I blurted out, my mind scrambling for an explanation. I couldn't exactly tell her the truth—not when I was rushing toward what might be a dangerous confrontation involving her son. But I also couldn't lie to her outright. "I just… I didn't realize he hadn't shown up. I thought maybe he left late or something."

Yoko didn't seem convinced at my obvious lie, her worry turning into full-blown fear. "Kai, you're not telling me everything," she said, her voice trembling. "If something's going on, you have to tell me. Please. After what happened yesterday, I can't lose him. I can't lose either of them."

Her words made my chest tighten with guilt, but there was no time to explain. "Yoko, listen to me," I said firmly. "I'm going to find Yuya and Yuzu. I promise I'll bring them back safe. Just trust me, okay?"

"Kai…" Her voice cracked; her tears barely held back.

"I'll handle it," I assured her, even as my heart raced. "Stay by your phone. I'll call you as soon as I know anything."

Without waiting for a response, I ended the call and shoved the phone back into my pocket, my hands gripping the handlebars of my bike tightly. My thoughts raced faster than the wheels beneath me.

Yuya and Yuzu. Both missing. What are you two thinking?

I revved up the motorcycle more, speeding past cars in my rush to get there.

With Yuya and Yuto

"Duel!"

Turn 1

Yuto

Hand: 5

LP: 4000

Yuya

Hand: 5

LP: 4000

"I'll take the first move if you don't mind," Yuto said, his voice steady and filled with determination. His eyes locked onto Yuya's, the intensity in his gaze unshakable. There was no hesitation, no wavering—just a duelist prepared to fight with everything he had.

Yuto drew his opening hand with a sharp motion, his focus unwavering as he glanced at the cards. He selected two from his hand, his movements precise, deliberate. "I set three cards face-down on the field," he announced, placing them firmly onto his duel disk. The holographic projections shimmered into place, their faint glow casting an eerie light over the battlefield.

For a moment, Yuto's eyes lingered on his field, his lips pressing into a thin line as he assessed his position. Then he looked back at Yuya, his expression calm but intense. "Your move," he said, his tone almost daring, as if to test how Yuya would respond.

Yuya on the other hand, was totally confused. Never in his life, has he ever seen someone just place two cards then end their turn, especially on the first turn. Even newbies would always at least summon a monster in defense mode.

'Did he brick?' Yuya wondered, struggling to comprehend the move Yuto just made. Yuto just stared at him waiting. "You come here to duel, or you come here to waste my time. Make your move already."

Deciding to give up on understanding, Yuya complied. "Fine then, I draw."

Turn 2

Yuto

Hand: 2

LP: 4000

Yuya

Hand: 6

LP: 4000

"First I normal summon Performapal Skullcrobat Joker to the field."

Performapal Skullcrobat Joker LV4 (ATK 1800/DEF 100)

"With this I can add an 'odd eyes or pendulum 'magician' monster straight to my hand. I add Odd-eyes Ark Dragon!"

Yuto prepared himself, already knowing what was about to happen. 'Seems like am about to witness this legendary pendulum summoning technique face to face.'

"Now! I set Scale 8 Performapal Odd-Eyes Unicorn and Scale 3 Performapal Seal Eel to create the Pendulum Scale!" Yuya declared, holding up his two Pendulum cards with confidence. In one smooth motion, he placed them into the opposite slots of his duel disk.

In a magical display, a brilliant burst of light erupted as two glowing pillars shot upward, each one encasing his monsters in shimmering auras. On one side, Odd-Eyes Unicorn stood proudly, its shimmering mane radiating a rainbow glow, while on the other side, Seal Eel hovered, its sleek, aquatic form surrounded by faint ripples of water-like energy.

"Swing, Pendulum! Carve the arc of victory!" Yuya shouted, his voice echoing with determination. Above the field, a massive ethereal pendulum appeared, its radiant glow slicing through the air as it swayed rhythmically. The sky above seemed to ripple as a rift opened, an enormous crack in space itself.

"My monsters are ready to swing into action!" Yuya cried. From the rift, a dark purple light shot down, bathing the battlefield in an eerie glow. The energy condensed, and with a deafening roar, a dragon emerged—a shadowy and imposing counterpart to his usual companion.

"I Pendulum Summon Odd-Eyes Arc Pendulum Dragon!"

Odd-Eyes Arc Pendulum Dragon LV8 (ATK 2700/DEF 2000)

The dragon's sleek, dark purple scales shimmered like polished obsidian, its body exuding a powerful, ominous energy. Its crimson eyes glowed fiercely, contrasting against the darker tones of its form. Golden markings etched across its wings gleamed faintly, pulsating with energy as if alive. The ridges along its spine sparkled like fragments of a shattered galaxy, adding to its intimidating presence.

Yuto looked in awe at the magical performance. His mouth shaping into a smile. Seeing this, Yuya felt a feeling of pride and accomplishment. Deciding to express more of his dueltaining skills, he carried on.

"Unfortunately, these monsters are only here for the opening act. The real star of this turn is about to make its appearance. I activate the spell card Pendulum Fusion, fusing together my Odd-Eyes Arc Pendulum Dragon and Performapal Skullcrobat Joker to create an even greater star." Suddenly his two monsters became encased in a golden glow, shooting upwards in a bright blue and red fusion wheel. Yuya clasped his hands together, imitating his two brodas from another moda. "I fusion summon!! Rune Eyes Pendulum Dragon."

Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon LV8 (ATK 3000/DEF 2500)

The dragon's form was a stunning blend of draconic might and mystical power. Its shimmering metallic scales were engraved with glowing ancient runes that pulsed as if alive, radiating magical energy. Massive, semi-transparent wings trailed streams of ethereal light like comet tails, while its piercing emerald-green eyes burned with intelligence and focus. A glowing sigil on its forehead pulsed rhythmically, seeming to channel its immense power. Its claws and tail gleamed with golden light, exuding an aura of majesty as it let out a deafening roar, its presence dominating the battlefield.

Yuto looked in awe at the massive dragon. However, he knew he had to act now if he didn't want to lose this duel. "I activate my trap card. The Phantom Knights of Dark Gauntlets. With it I can send one "Phantom Knights" Trap card to the graveyard. I choose The Phantom Knights of Shadow Veil.

Yuya studied Yuto cautiously, the man was planning something, he could tell. Well there was only one way to find out. Yuya moved his hands forward. "Now for the battle phase, Rune-Eyes Pendulum dragon attacks you directly."

Rune-Eyes Pendulum dragon jumped up to the sky, hovering above Yuto, Green energy formed from the middle of its runes as it prepared to shoot forward towards Yuto.

"I activate The Phantom Knights Of Dark Gauntlets from my graveyard. Whenever a monster attacks me directly, I can summon it to the field as a Phantom Knights monster, in defence position."

Phantom Knights Of Dark Gauntlets LV4 (ATK 300/DEF 400)

"But that's not all, I activate The Phantom Knights of Shadow Veil from my graveyard! Like the last, when you attack me directly, I can summon it to the field."

The Phantom Knights of Shadow Veil LV4 (ATK 0/DEF 300)

Rune-eyes Pendulum's green energy of destruction shot forward, towards Phantom Knights of Dark Gauntlets, collided and destroying it instantly. Large gust of winds arose, pushing back both Yuto and Yuya. The roof teared open, unable to take the punishment it was receiving from the attack.

"This match is real!" Said Yuya in shock. Yuto just smirked as he got up from his position.

"Oops, did I forget to mention that." Yuya gritted his teeth in annoyance.

"You won't be smiling for long, because I activate Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's ability. Since It was fusion summoned using a level 4 monster, it gets to attack a monster again! So say goodbye to your second Phantom Knight!" Rune-eyes once again jumped into the air, preparing its attack.

"I activate my second Phantom Knights of Shadow Veil; it gets to target one monster and give it 300attack points."

The Phantom Knights of Shadow Veil LV4 (ATK 300/DEF 300)

"So, what!" Yuya snapped, not seeing the point of the move his lookalike just made.

"Did you forget, since you are declaring a direct attack, I can special summon it from the graveyard. Appear, my second Phantom Knight of Shadow Veil!"

The Phantom Knights of Shadow Veil LV4 (ATK 0/DEF 300)

"Your monster is still destroyed."

"Not quite!"

"Huh!"

"I activate my third trap. The Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace. I can target my Phantom Knights of Shadow Veil, it loses 600atk and its level goes down all the way to two, but it can't be destroyed by battle. And, since it is in defence position, I take no damage." Rune-Eye's beam of destruction hit Yuto's Phantom Knights; however, a protective shield arose in front of it.

The Phantom Knights of Shadow Veil LV2 (ATK 0/DEF 300)

"Also, my Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace can come to the field to play in defence mode."

Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace LV2 (ATK 600/DEF 0)

Yuya clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles white with tension. A faint, flickering dark aura began to rise around him, only to fade moments later as he fought to keep his composure. His breathing was uneven, and his expression was a storm of emotions he struggled to suppress.

"Yuya, relax!" Yuto urged, his voice firm but not unkind. "This is only a duel. There's no need to lose control."

"I know that!" Yuya snapped, his voice harsher than he intended. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "I end my turn," he said at last, his tone clipped as he forced himself to refocus.

Yuto's gaze remained cautious, watching his opponent closely. Something about Yuya wasn't right, and he couldn't ignore the unsettling energy radiating from him. "Alright then," Yuto said after a pause, his voice calm but measured. "I draw."

Turn 3

Yuto

Hand: 3

LP: 4000

Yuya

Hand: 2

LP: 4000

"My Phantom Knights of Shadow Veils return to their original attack and level, meaning I now control two Level 4 monsters," Yuto declared, his tone steady and confident as his monsters stood ready on the field.

"Wait, that means—" Yuya began, his eyes widening in realization.

"Exactly," Yuto interrupted, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I overlay my two Level 4 Phantom Knights of Shadow Veils to build the Overlay Network!"

The two shadowy knights dissolved into glowing orbs of light, their energy spiraling upward as a dark vortex appeared in the center of the field. The air around them grew heavy, charged with an ominous energy as the vortex twisted and pulsed.

"Cloaked in shadows and relentless in its objections, I now summon out the most dangerous dragons of them all. Dark Rebellion Xyz dragon!" Yuto continued, his voice rising with intensity as the overlay network flared with energy. "I Xyz Summon Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!"

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon RANK4 (ATK 2500/DEF 2000)

With a deafening roar, the mighty dragon emerged from the vortex, its dark purple scales shimmering with a menacing gleam. Its piercing blue eyes locked onto Yuya, radiating raw power and unshakable resolve.

However.

"AAAUURRGHH!" Yuto cried out suddenly, his voice filled with agony as he clutched his head. A dark, oppressive aura surrounded him, growing thicker by the second. His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, one hand still gripping his duel disk while the other gripped his temple as though trying to fight something off.

"Yuto!" Yuya shouted in alarm, his eyes widening as he watched his opponent struggle.

But before Yuya could move, the same darkness crashed over him like a tidal wave. It was cold, suffocating, and filled with an all-consuming rage. Yuya staggered back, gripping his chest as he fought to catch his breath. His vision blurred, and a deep, guttural voice echoed in the recesses of his mind—a voice he recognized but desperately tried to suppress.

"Give in… let me take over."

"No... I won't!" Yuya shouted, his voice shaking as he fell to one knee, his hands trembling. His body was trembling, the pull of the dark energy relentless, trying to drag him down into its depths. But even as he fought to hold on, he glanced up and froze.

Yuto's head snapped up, his expression now twisted and unrecognizable. His eyes glowed with an eerie, sinister light, and a dark, wicked smile stretched across his face. The oppressive aura surrounding him thickened, crackling with malevolent energy that made the air heavy and hard to breathe.

"Yuto..." Yuya muttered, his voice trembling.

But it wasn't Yuto who spoke. "Yuto isn't here anymore," the sinister voice declared, dripping with malice. "He's finally given in. Unlike you, who continues to struggle pointlessly. But don't worry… you'll fall soon enough."

"No!" Yuya shouted, slamming his fists against the ground as he fought to push back the overwhelming darkness threatening to overtake him. His breathing was ragged, and sweat dripped from his face, but his will remained unbroken. "I won't let you take me! I won't let you take Yuto!"

"Oh, you're a lot more resistant, then yesterday it seems." Said the Dark Yuto, amused. "No matter, I have other ways of breaking my opponents. I overlay one of Dark Rebellions Xyz dragons to activate its effect. I cut the attack points of one dragon on your field, and adds them to mine. Go Dark Discharge!"

Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon LV8 (ATK 1500/DEF 2500)

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon RANK4 (ATK 4000/DEF 2000)

Dark rebellions body became encased with Lighting, its wings enlarging as it grew in strength. It eyes suddenly directed itself towards Yuya, who was still on one knee struggling to control himself from the darkness inside.

Yuto's gaze bore into Yuya with cold, predatory intent. His once fierce but focused demeanor was gone, replaced by an unnerving emptiness that sent chills down Yuya's spine. It was as if Yuto wasn't even seeing him anymore, just a pathetic piece of prey waiting to be consumed.

Emotionless, Yuto's lips moved almost mechanically, his voice void of the passion that once defined him. "Destroy Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon."

Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon let out a powerful roar as its runes flared to life, glowing with an intense magical energy. Across the field, Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon responded in kind, its jaw glowing with dark, crackling energy, an animalistic fury emanating from its every movement.

The dragon lunged forward, charging with unrelenting power toward Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon. Yuya's mind, though clouded, allowed one fleeting thought to surface amidst the chaos. Is this how Kai felt fighting me?

The thought stung, but there was no time to dwell on it. The moment the two monsters collided, the air seemed to split apart, a deafening explosion erupting across the battlefield. The force of the impact shook the entire building, debris flying in every direction as the sheer energy of their clash destabilized the structure.

The ground beneath them quaked violently, cracks splintering through the walls and floor. The once-intact building groaned in protest before it began to give way entirely. The roof collapsed first, followed by the walls, as the entire structure came crumbling down around them.

Amid the chaos, Yuya was violently lifted off the ground by the sheer force of the clash, his body hurled through the air like a ragdoll. His screams tore through the battlefield, raw and filled with agony, echoing across the collapsing structure.

"YUYA!!" I shouted, my voice desperate as I heard his cry from the distance. I was speeding as fast as my motorcycle could handle, the engine roaring as it strained to close the gap. But no matter how much I pushed, the distance felt insurmountable.

Ahead, a massive cloud of dust and debris engulfed the area, a thick, suffocating wall of destruction that blurred the outline of the collapsing building. The ground trembled beneath me, loose rubble scattering onto the road, forcing me to swerve to avoid it, as I was immersed in the dust cloud that followed.

With Yuzu and Shay

"DUEL!!"

Turn 1

Shay

Hand: 5

LP: 4000

Yuzu

Hand: 5

LP: 4000

Shay's confidence radiated through his grin as he confidently held his first card. "I'll go first if you don't mind!" His duel disk hummed to life as he swiftly drew his starting hand.

"I summon Raidraptor - Mimicry Lanius in Attack Position!" Shay declared, slamming the card onto his duel disk. A sharp cry echoed across the battlefield as the sleek avian beast materialized, its razor-sharp feathers glinting dangerously under the faint light. Its predatory eyes locked onto Yuzu, as though sensing its master's intent.

Raidraptor - Mimicry Lanius LV4 (ATK 1100/DEF 1900)

"Since I already have a Raidraptor on my field, I'll activate Raidraptor - Fuzzy Lanius's effect!" Shay continued with a smirk. "This allows me to Special Summon it directly to the field!"

Raidraptor - Fuzzy Lanius LV4 (ATK 500/DEF 1500)

Another bird-like creature appeared beside Mimicry Lanius. Its jet-black feathers shimmered ominously, and its wings spread wide, ready for battle.

Yuzu's expression hardened. The menacing presence of Shay's monsters, combined with his unwavering confidence, sent a shiver down her spine. She knew Shay wasn't one to hold back, and his opening plays already proved he was out for blood.

"Now, I overlay my Level 4 Mimicry Lanius and Fuzzy Lanius to build the Overlay Network!" Shay proclaimed, his voice booming. The two monsters dissolved into brilliant beams of light, spiraling together into a vortex that formed in the center of the field. The energy crackled like lightning as a powerful surge pulsed through the air.

"Rise, Raidraptor - Force Strix!" The vortex exploded, revealing a massive bird-like creature with piercing yellow eyes and massive talons. Its wings unfurled, sending a gust of wind rippling through the battlefield. The creature let out a bone-chilling screech, its presence radiating sheer power and dominance.

Raidraptor - Force Strix Rank 4 (ATK 100/DEF 2000)

Yuzu narrowed her eyes as Shay continued. "Force Strix has a special effect! By detaching one Overlay Unit, I can add a Level 4 Raidraptor from my deck to my hand. I choose Raidraptor - Tribute Lanius!"

The glowing orb circling Force Strix burst, releasing its energy into the deck as Shay retrieved his chosen card.

Shay's confident grin widened as he noticed Yuzu's hesitation, her eyes scanning her hand for a countermeasure.

"Oh, don't look so worried," Shay taunted, his voice laced with mockery. "We're just getting started, and trust me, I've got plenty more in store for you." He raised a hand toward his duel disk, gesturing at his towering Raidraptor - Force Strix. "Let me show you why Raidraptors dominate the skies."

"What else could you possibly have up your sleeve?" Yuzu shot back, trying to mask her unease. Her fingers tightened around her cards, but the confident smirk Shay wore sent an uncomfortable chill down her spine.

"Glad you asked," Shay replied, his tone sharp as he activated a card from his hand. "From my hand, I activate the spell Rank-Up-Magic Skip Force!" The air around them seemed to electrify as the card's power radiated outward.

Yuzu's eyes widened in recognition. "A Rank-Up-Magic card?!" Ever since she saw Yuto do it in his duel against Kai, she has been asking both Kai and her Daddy numerous times to explain what exactly it was. It wasn't until Kai finally gave in during one of their teachings, did she finally get it explained to her. She knew this didn't mean good.

"Exactly!" Shay declared. "With this spell, I can overlay Force Strix to summon a monster that's two ranks higher!"

The overlay network reappeared on the battlefield, crackling with intense energy. From the void, Force Strix turned into a dark purple energy and before Yuzu could react, it entered the overlay network, and a torrent of light burst forth.

"Come forth, Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon!" Shay bellowed, his voice echoing across the battlefield. The massive bird descended, its wings trailing a fierce wind that whipped through the field. Its talons gleamed like sharpened blades, and its crimson armor radiated an aura of unstoppable might as three overlay units hovered around it like a broken record. Gust of winds blowing in large portions as if setting the stage for its arrival.

Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon Rank 6 (ATK 2000/DEF 3000)

Yuzu took a cautious step back, her hair blown by the gust created by the monster's summoning. "That thing… it's on a completely different level."

Shay didn't respond to her comment. Instead, his smirk remained firmly in place as he gestured toward his face-down cards. "Your turn, Yuzu," he said, his voice calm but dripping with confidence. "Let's see if you can even get past this first hurdle."

Yuzu put up a fake mask of confidence as she prepared to stand her ground. "My turn then, I draw!"

Turn 2

Shay

Hand: 3

LP: 4000

Yuzu

Hand: 6

LP: 4000

Yuzu's hands trembled slightly as she drew her card. Despite her nerves, a spark of determination flared in her eyes. "Alright, Shay," she said, her voice steadying as she locked eyes with him. "You wanted to see what I've got? Fine. Let's do this."

Yuzu's mind raced as she analysed her hand, recalling the teachings Kai had drilled into her during their training. "Stay calm, focus on your strategy," she whispered to herself, her grip on her cards firming. Kai believed in me, and I'll show Shay just how strong I am.

"I summon Soprano the Melodious Songstress in attack position!" Yuzu declared. A glowing figure appeared on her field, her elegant form radiating an air of harmony and grace as her melodic voice echoed through the battlefield.

Soprano the Melodious Songstress LV 4 (ATK 1400/DEF 1400)

"Next, I activate Polymerization! I'll fuse Soprano the Melodious Songstress with Aria the Melodious Diva in my hand!" Yuzu raised her hand as a vortex of shimmering light appeared, pulling her two monsters into a radiant spiral. "Come forth, Schuberta the Melodious Maestra!"

Schuberta the Melodious Maestra LV6 (ATK 2400/DEF 2000)

The fusion completed with a burst of radiant light as a majestic figure emerged. Her crystalline gown sparkled, and her voice resonated like a divine symphony. Yuzu took a deep breath, her confidence rising as her monster took centre stage.

"And now, I activate her ability." Said Yuzu gaining newfound courage, the opponent in front of her suddenly not looking so scary anymore. "With her ability, I banish Soprano the Melodious Songstress with Aria the Melodious Diva from my graveyard, and for every card banished I gained 200 attack points, bringing her up to a total of 3000attack!!"

Schuberta the Melodious Maestra LV6 (ATK 3000/DEF 2000)

As she looked at Shay, she could see he was pissed for some reason. It was as if this fusion monster was visibly disturbing him. Seeing her chance, Yuzu decided to grab it.

"Now for the final act, I'll attack your Revolution Falcon! Schuberta, let's show Shay what we can do! Harmonic Flare!" Yuzu shouted as her monster unleashed a dazzling wave of musical energy aimed directly at Shay's imposing bird.

But just as the attack closed in, Shay's eyes suddenly grinned darkly, catching Yuzu of guard.

"Nice try," Shay spoke menacingly, "but did you honestly think it would be that easy?"

Yuzu's confident expression faltered. "What do you mean?"

"Revolution Falcon has a special ability," Shay revealed, his tone sharp and unrelenting. "When it battles a Special Summoned monster, it reduces that monster's attack points to zero."

Schuberta the Melodious Maestra LV6 (ATK 0/DEF 0)

Yuzu gasped, her voice barely a whisper, "No way..." Her heart sank as her monster's attack dissipated, useless against the imposing falcon. With a shrill cry, the falcon swooped down, its massive wings cutting through the air. Before Yuzu could react, the creature swiped her monster aside, destroying it completely. Without mercy, the falcon charged at her.

Yuzu raised her arms instinctively to shield herself, but the force of the gust it unleashed sent her crashing backward. The wind howled around her, tossing her body like a ragdoll. When the storm finally settled, Yuzu struggled to push herself upright. Her body ached, cuts and bruises marking her skin.

Yuzu LP: 2000

Yuzu's gaze lifted to Shay and his falcon, their towering forms looming over her like unstoppable giants. From where she lay, they seemed like pillars of invincibility, towering far beyond anything she could hope to overcome. The air around them shimmered with a dark golden aura, an oppressive energy that seemed to pulse with every beat of the falcon's wings. Even the shadows cast behind them seemed to amplify their dominance, making the duo look like forces of nature that no mere duellist could challenge.

Shay's voice cut through the air like a knife, each word laced with malice. "This is what I do to scum like you who rely on Fusion Summoning. Understand this now, Yuzu Boyle," he spat, his words dripping with venom, the cruel smirk on his face were sending a chills down her spine. Every inch of her being screamed to fight back, but the oppressive aura around him made it hard to think clearly.

"You ain't leaving here today."

Authors note: This chapter somehow became much longer than I thought I would. Haha, seems like I have to leave it on cliffhangers. Comment down the summoning chant for Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon, if your hungry for more. Next chapter we shall see who comes out these battles alive, and who doesn't!!

Next Chapter: Revealing Truths!! Return of the xyz remnants P6