Chapter 90: Flare of Silver

{Lancer's Area: August 23rd, 2014 - 10:30am}

Hugo sat in his room in silence. Tourmaline eyes were closed as he took in steady breaths, hands stretched outwards slightly over a small dagger made of pewter with a blue stone blade that bore a tourmaline stone in the hilt. He took in a deep breath, motioning his hand towards a bowl filled with water that shined as it flowed from it and up into the air, the Unduline gliding the fluid over the blade as he focused his full attention on the task before him. Purification of the Athame was common in practices of rituals; however, for Hugo, it went slightly further as a half-Fae. He never left things to fate, and had long since decided to take to the traditions he recalled from the orphanage's Head Mistress. Hearing a drop of water from the orb encapsulating the dagger, the Tempastus Witch took in a deep breath and continued to focus on his process, unsure of what would come.

He had only just learned he was the Secondary Pillar of the Synchro Zone, and atop all of it, one of their allies had left to become a Martyr in the war just to buy them more time. In knowing all of those factors, Hugo had decided that it was best for him to be better prepared than he had during all these previous struggles. Thus, he elected to create several aids for himself and the others while also attempting to gain clarity for those leading them as well as a higher struggle of how to reform the rift of the Zone and the Dimension.

"Focus…." he muttered as the water began to shine a bright metallic hue, gleaming as though light had been captured within it.

"Hugo?" the concentration broke instantly, water starting to drop as the other turned to see Serena standing there, a single motion of her hand being stretched stilling the water from falling as he stared, seeing it move back to the basin it came from as she crossed her arms.

"You seem worried. I can imagine why though," she stated. Hugo sighed, looking at the dagger that laid upon the ground.

"I'm just trying to be prepared…" the purple-haired girl sighed.

"There's not enough time in the universe to prepare us for this war we've found ourselves in," Serena explained. The blue-haired boy nodded slowly.

"I guess you've got a point… and now I just… I guess I just feel even more stressed thinking that Yuya's going through this too… it can't be easy… especially when we're not able to speak with our counterparts." the Kontis Witch took in a deep breath.

"But, you're not alone on this… you have ten other people that are going to help you… and you know that Yuya will be there to help you," she told him with a small smile. Hugo took in a deep breath.

"I'm going to be honest, this… makes me feel like I'm somehow responsible for what happened to Rin… yet at the same time… I can't help but realize that… I'm one of the only people who might be able to save her. Just like Yuto can save Ruri, and you can save Joeri," he stated as Serena stared at him in mild surprise.

"You might just be right about that… but, it'll never change how we're at a bit of a standstill with how to fix the rift." Hugo groaned, flopping back onto the floor.

"Tell me about it. Even Yuya's having a time with figuring it out," he admitted as Serena leaned against the wall and frowned.

"He's got a duel this afternoon against some kind of Duel Chaser." tourmaline eyes glanced up to her briefly.

"Yea, two-two-seven… he lost his job and got thrown in the retainment center so he can attempt defeating a duelist in the Friendship Cup in exchange for his freedom," he explained as Serena frowned.

"What in the hell is the retainment center?" Hugo sat up, picking the Athame dagger off the ground before observing it's strange, oil-like spill as he frowned.

"It's a single-cell holding facility in the center. It's nice, but it's where they put people who are Tops that don't fit the standards of the society." teal eyes narrowed.

"This place is disgusting! I hope that the Synchro Zone isn't like this… if it is then we've got a lot of work ahead of us to make our world right," Serena stated as she gritted her teeth and Hugo nodded.

"I agree with you there. None of us are listening and I'm sure that Mother Nature is going to make us listen to her eventually." the Lunalight duelist took in a deep breath, gaze averting slightly towards the boy and then towards the dagger he held.

"You were purifying tools to prepare for warfare, weren't you?" she asked as Hugo sighed.

"Yea, I was. Purification through light and water are going to be needed for me to use stronger magic spells." Serena rose a fine eyebrow.

"Wait, are you saying that you actually need conduits like Sorcerers to use some of your magic?" she probed, giving him a curious look.

"Hmm… it's hard to explain, but I have a little bit of a problem controlling my magic when it comes to the stronger spells… like when I fought Yuto and Yuya… and I did something really… horrible…" Serena gave the other a questioning look.

"What did you do?" Hugo clenched his jaw at the thought.

He had kept it buried in the back of his head, but it never left him. That brief moment where he'd fired a spell at Yuya, and hit Yuto instead. The gray-eyed boy took it to the back, it slipping through him as he saved the boy's life. Hugo let that weigh upon him as he thought of that sight of the other collapsing into Yuya's arms as he realized what he had done only to be jerked away before he could do anything to help. Hugo was no fool, he knew precisely what had happened, and equally had his suspicions about the moments that Yuya went silent and possessed an expression of someone in thought.

"I didn't control myself… and… I ended up using a spell that I originally aimed at Yuya… but… Yuto got between him and the spell and… I ended up getting teleported back here… before I could go to help them stop what that spell did…" Serena felt her eyes widen.

"You used a lethal spell, didn't you?" she asked as Hugo turned his gaze downwards, eyes burning as he rubbed his face.

"I… didn't ever think I'd do this… I might be half Fae but I'm not an Unseelie! For me to use a spell like that…" the half-Siren steadied herself.

As Magia, they all eventually found themselves face to face with the choices of how to best use their magic. it was within their right to use it for defensive purposes, and to fight should they choose to; however, using a spell to take another's life, or even effect drastically changed how their magic flowed. Serena had seen it in so many people that had walked through Academia. The fresh graduates who filed through the doors of the school happily, excited to work and help the Professor accomplish what they were lead to believe was a noble cause, returned from their first battlefield experience, doped up to the point of some loosing their minds and becoming nothing more than puppets on strings while others were brainwashed into getting a taste for carnage.

The sight of those young souls filled with a magical pulse that almost fluttered like bird wings, becoming rigid, like stone and colder than ice upset her more than she ever thought anything else could. Academia's island in the middle of the sea wasn't beautiful, it was desolate and bleak, lacking flowers and trees save for a small central garden that only some were allowed to gain access too. Serena could never forget the look of it in so many once cheerful faces and eyes and how often she prayed to Salacia, the Goddess of Salt Waters and her husband Neptune for the safe return of her friends each time they left the safety of the walls she had known since the age of five.

In the end, Serena understood that sense of dread when it came to the question of if the choices they made were right and she suspected that Yuya and others similar to him felt that more than the common Magia. With such power, could they ever be positive that they'd made the correct call or the best choice in times of crisis, when those incredible powers were needed to stem the flow of chaos that ebbed into the world? The Kontis Witch bowed her head as she turned her full attention to the other.

"Hugo… you're not to blame…" the Unduline shook his head sternly.

"I'm a Pillar… and I killed another one… if our world crumbles… all of that falls on my head… how can I be called one of Millennium's guardians if I…" he trailed off as Serena took in a deep breath.

"All of us have made mistakes…. and even if Yuto did die, there's ways to bring him back." Hugo gave her a horrified look.

"Serena, you're talking about Necromatic Arts! That's one of the Seven Laws! If anyone of us break that the Six Magus will come after us, and I don't even want to question what they'd do to us if - " teal eyes locked onto him.

"If we are using a Calling of Revival to save our world then I'll gladly stand in front of even Cernnunos or Hecate herself!" she snapped as Hugo stood.

"Serena… you're saying we should break a law?" the purple haired girl nodded.

"If it means saving our world and protecting those we love then I'd dare to break them all! Our job is to support the Pillars and I won't hesitate to do that even if I end up like Ekibyo no Musume! The Magus Council be damned!" Hugo stared at the girl and for just a moment saw Rin there.

"Gods you're so much like Rin." Serena smirked.

"Seems the four of us girls are just as stubborn as the boys are. I wouldn't worry, Hugo. We'll rescue Ruri and Rin and the others before curb stomping the Professor and his Academia into the ground, and just you watch! When this is over the Lancers will have the help of all the Pillars to make any other enemies stop dead in their tracks," she said confidently. Hugo sighed.

"I hope you're right. For now, we need to get ready to watch Yuya's duel against the Chaser." Serena nodded.

{Duel Arena: 12:00pm}

The duel arena was packed as usual. Crowds cheering gleefully for the match to come. Yuya was in the garage area, finishing with changing into his track suit as he prepared himself for this next duel. It was nerve-wracking, to consider what was happening around him still. Dennis's betrayal, and the realization of why he'd done these things were a state of duress for him that made his hands shake, and his body feel weak as he took in steady breaths, fingers trembling slightly as he started to tug on his jacket, breathing in nervously as he fumbled, gritting his teeth as he shook his head. This anxiety had been creeping up on him for quite some time, and while he had done his best to manage it - often restricting it despite the sickness it caused him - and keep a brave face before the others, Yuya couldn't deny how he felt much longer.

If he were to be honest: he was scared. More so than he had ever been in his lifetime, Yuya was terrified of what was going on around him. Everything had been spiraling out of control since the beginning of the year, and yet despite that he had managed to walk forward until he narrowly collapsed in on himself from sheer exhaustion. Yet, somehow he had gotten his broken, depleted body up and marched forward into a war. So much had come from this and yet he knew it wasn't over. Yuya could feel it each time a faint pain ebbed into his body, teeth aching and throat dry when he woke up in the middle of the night from unrelenting nightmares and the consistent whisper of an unknown voice that reminded him of his weakness.

Nightmares were normal, he faced them consistently and they had only increased since these events began. Yet, Yuya smiled and spoke forward in belief that the Lancers could accomplish their goal. As a Duelist, it was his job to do the best he could with the deck he'd built, to put his trust in the heart of the cards, as a Lancers he was to help stop this war, and as a Pillar he was obligated to protect his world, to keep it alive and stable no matter the cost. But, atop all of us titles and tasks, it seemed somewhere he and the others had started to forget something important: he was just a child, he was just one person, and he was exhausted. Yuya, couldn't recall the last moment he'd just had a normal conversation with anyone. When he had been able to sleep peacefully, without nightmares that made him feel physically ill and terrified of the next night.

"I'm just… one person… and I can't take much more," he muttered.

"Then don't." scarlet eyes widened as he turned to see Dennis there.

"W-What are you -" the orange-haired teenager smiled sadly.

"I'm going to leave for Academia shortly. I just wanted to…. apologize…" Yuya gritted his teeth.

"Why? Why the fuck would you decide to do this? I don't understand!" Dennis sighed.

"I figured you wouldn't, but that's because you're so innocent still," he said as Yuya laughed, giving the other a long stare.

"Innocent? Not at this point. I don't think I have the right to claim innocence after the things I've gone through and am going to have to do so that the Lancers and the rest of us make it back home alive." Dennis flinched at the words.

"Yuya, you don't have to do this. You're one of our precious Pillars, we're supposed to protect you and -" Yuya slammed his fist into the wall, making a slight dent and surprising the Performage Duelist. The boy's head was bowed, frame shaking.

"I will drown in blood before I let someone lay down their life for me!" Dennis gave him a disbelieving look.

"Listen, I understand how you feel. But, the reality is that you're more important than any of us. That's why I'm going back to Academia. If I can, I'll find Ruri and Rin and help them escape," he said.

"None of you are less important than I am, or Hugo, or even Yuto! There isn't a single one of us three that would rather watch our loved ones day to protect us than put up a fucking fight and lay down our own lives to see the end of this night with them!" scarlet eyes shined with tears as Dennis stared at Yuya.

He noticed it immediately. The boy was breathing harder than normal, his eyes were glassy, skin pale and cheeks flushed. His body trembled with the faintest of tremors, indicating either cold or pain, and exhaustion seemed to ebb from him. Stepping forward, Dennis grasped Yuya's shoulders, and confirmed what he suspected.

"You're sick, Yuya. You need to forfeit and be seen by a -" Yuya shoved him back, breathing uneasily.

"I'm fine. Just a bit tired. I can manage," he said. Dennis shook his head.

"No! I'll take you to Reiji and someone else can take your place." red eyes locked onto him, causing a shiver to lace up the orange-haired youth's spine as Yuya bared his teeth, showing elongated canines.

"Just let me be. I'll manage on my own. Just go to Academia if your going to use this plan and stop wasting time worrying about me," Yuya said as he stood up straight, taking in a deep breath as he tugged on his jacket, zipping it up before he slipped on his gloves. Dennis tensed as the boy grabbed his helmet and started to prepare his Duel Runner to be take out.

"Yuya… don't just act like you have to fight this alone. We're all here for you." the Pendulum Pillar took in a deep breath.

"I know that… but I'm also here for you and that's why I'm going to defeat this opponent and then we're winning this fucking tournament." with that the boy left and Dennis looked to the red and black jacket that hung up in the storage area. Carefully, he slipped a letter into the inside pocket. Nodding to himself quietly, he shut the locker door and closed the garage door, shutting it before he walked off.

"Good luck… Yuya."

In the exit point, Yuya adjusted his helmet, internally shaking off the strange rush of heat and cold that flooded him as he took in a deep breath, regaining his composure as Yuto gave him a mental prod. Yuya found himself leaned forward slightly, clutching at his chest as he struggled to breathe properly. He knew Dennis had his points, but at the same time, Yuya couldn't sit there and allow the others to shield him when he was the one with the genuine power that only needed to be tapped into for him to stand a proper chance of stopping Academia. Steadying himself once again, the Odd-Eyes Duelist took the chance to prepare his strategy, knowing that right now he didn't have the time to entertain others.

"Yuya… Dennis had a point. You're sick and this is going to be a tough duel," Yuto stated this as the other got onto the Duel Runner and began to put his helmet on, tensing against a sudden ache that caused him to cough, leaning forward once again as he took in a gasping breath.

"I'll be fine. So, just help me win this quickly." Yuto nodded slowly.

"HELLO EVERYONE! AND WELCOME TO THE SECOND DAY OF THE FRIENDSHIP CUP! TODAY, OUR FIRST DUEL WILL BE DUEL CHASER 227 VERSUS OUR FUN SHOW OPENER, YUYA SAKAKI!" Melissa Claire rallied the crowds who roared with thunderous approval, some shouting the numbers of the officer and others cheering his name as Yuya prepared for the duel.

"THE FIRST TO ARRIVE IS DUEL CHASER 227!" the crowds applauded, some pointing out the facts of his dismissal being due to him loosing a duel not long ago on television. Yuya ground his teeth together at the information. Was everything a game to these people? Restraining the urge to speak his mind on their behaviors, Yuya remained focused, knowing that even if this individual was a former officer, he would still be a formidable opponent.

"NEXT, YUYA SAKAKI ENTERS THE GROUNDS!" taking the cue, Yuya drove out; however, there was a undoubtedly mixed result of his entrance. Some applauded, excited to see what else he would do while others, were displeased, and let that know with a few various words and complaints as he pulled into line with the Duel Chaser, gaze shifting upwards slightly to where Jack Atlas was observing the entire thing. Yuto gave him a quick prod, letting him know that he wasn't alone in the displeasure of everyone's actions as he took note of this, and turned his gaze towards Yuya.

"Just stay focused. Who cares what they think." just as the words left him, the Duel Chaser glanced towards him.

"So, you're the little Witch that gave the Great King a little run for his money. Gotta admit, you're not what I was expecting," he said as Yuya sent him a cold look.

"Yea?" the man nodded.

"I heard from a friend of mine that you were in the Northern Detention Center. Before that though, you gave a man named Kauffman a little bit of a memento for your encounter. He's got a sizeable scar on his face now, had to have surgery to repair it," he mentioned as Melissa kept informing the crowd of the duel.

"Kauffman, hmm? Sorry, can't say I now him." the Duel Chaser gave him a once over.

"You're a good liar. It's interesting… I had a friend mention that you were… entertaining while he was there. Unfortunately, he had to be taken to the hospital. A group of prisoners jumped him in the kitchens and messed him up bad…" he mentioned this and Yuya kept an icy look on him.

Inside, a sensation of ice formed in his chest. Yuya felt the Waking Magic caress his skin lovingly, as if to soothe his sudden whirl of fear and anxiety. He allowed it, restraining it just enough to where he didn't loose control as Yuto seemed to be restraining himself, the two of them knowing the reality of what they were facing as the Duel Chaser gave him a friendly smile.

"Maybe you can entertain me during the duel?" Yuya returned the smile with the faintest upturn of his lips that exposed his sharpened canines, black marks appearing under his eyes.

"I can happily entertain you. The question is, whether or not you'll be pleased with what I find entertaining." the Duel Chaser flinched as he looked at his cold smile.

"So, you really are -"

"EVERYONE, START YOUR ENGINES! ACTION FIELD, ON! FIELD SPELL, CROSS OVER ACCEL!" Melissa cut him off as Yuya turned his gaze forward, taking in a deep breath as the man glanced his way.

"Let's stomp his ass into the tarmac!" Yuto growled as a small smirk came to Yuya's face.

"THREE!" The Lancers took their seats, prepared to watched what would happen, hoping that Yuya would win.

"TWO!" Yuzu clenched her hands together tightly in her lap, anxiety flooding her as she observed with Hugo and Serena beside her. Shay and Sky observing the slightly quickened rise and fall of Yuya's shoulders, concern beginning to ebb into their systems.

"ONE! RIDING DUEL! ACCELERATION!" the two duelists took off, rounding the corner with the Duel Chaser being first to pass as Yuya remained fully focused on what he was doing, Yuto helping his focus as the others watched.

"As I was the first to pass, I'll be doing my turn first! I summon Jutte Lord from my hand!" the Samurai looking Monster appeared upon the field and Yuya gave it a once over, noticing that it felt as though it was lacking something in particular.

"When I successfully summon Jutte Lord, I can special summon one Jutte Monster from my hand with it's effect! Come, Jutte Knight!" the ancient Japanese looking scribe monster came to stand on the Chaser's other side while Yuya gave it a once over.

"They seem so… lifeless…" Yuya thought at the sight of the Monsters.

"Even so, I wouldn't put it past one of them to be a Tuner." Yuto's observation was proven accurate almost immediately.

"I'm Tuning my level two Jutte Knight with my level four Jutte Lord! Come forth! Hunter who cuts down worthless commoners! Synchro Summon! My level six! Goyo Predator!" the large samurai-style monster with a black and orange oni-mask stood at the ready as the Duel Chaser continued.

"And, then I activate the Equip Spell - Goyo Arrow, from my hand. This card can only be equipped to Goyo Monsters, so I equip it to Goyo Predator! I activate the effect of my Goyo Arrow, once per turn, the equipped Monster can inflict one hundred points of damage times its level to the opposing player. Goyo Predator is level six, thus, you take six hundred points of damage!" The cybernetic-looking gun object in the monster's hands fired, knocking Yuya's life points down to thirty four hundred.

"THIS IS AMAZING! DUEL CHASER 227, DESPITE NOT BEING ABLE TO ATTACK ON THE FIRST TURN, HAS ALREADY DEALT YUYA DAMAGE!"

"Okay, are you ready?" Yuya nodded to Yuto's question.

"I end my turn. Are you going to entertainment, demon boy?" the Duel Chaser asked as Yuya settled a cold glare on him.

"Of course, I am! Draw! I set the Pendulum Scales using the scale three Performapal Odd-Eyes Light Phoenix and the scale eight Odd-Eyes Unicorn in my hand! With this, I can summon any Monsters between levels four and seven at the same time! Swing! Pendulum of Souls! Draw an Arc of Light Across the Sky! Pendulum Summon! Come, my Monsters!" with the two mythological creatures encased in pillars of stardust, the portal opened, crystallized light spilling forth as Yuya called for his monsters to come to his aid.

"Okay guys, let's get him!"

"First, is Performapal Bot-Eyes Lizard! Then, my Performapal Fireflux! Now, you asked if I will entertain you, and I shall! Here is my illusion! Pay close attention! Battle, Bot-Eyes Lizard, attack Goyo Predator!" Yuya said as he sent the purple Lizard with his tophat and bowtie over to the Monster.

"A MONSTER WITH SIXTEEN-HUNDRED ATTACK IS BATTLING GOYO PREDATOR WITH TWENTY-FOUR HUNDRED ATTACK AS IT'S OPPONENT? THIS IS JUST RECKLESS!" scarlet eyes turned to the audience briefly before going fully towards the opponent before him.

"I activate the Pendulum Effect of my Performapal Odd-Eyes Unicorn! Once per turn, I can give the attack points of a Performapal on my field to a battling Odd-Eyes Monster!" Yuya began his actions and the audience stared, confused.

"WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?! THAT ISN'T AN ODD-EYES BATTLING YOU FREAK!" Yuya smirked, holding a hand up into the air and snapping his fingers as he did so.

"Keep paying attention! Bot-Eyes lets me declare the name of any Odd-Eyes Monster, and it becomes treated as that Monster! Thus, the name I choose to declare is the beginning of it all: Odd-Eyes Dragon!" Yuzu stared, in disbelief as Bot-Eyes vanished and suddenly the card that had always been associated with Yuya from the day he received his first deck appeared on the field, running alongside the boy.

"My, the original Odd-Eyes Dragon. I must admit, that's surprising," Reiji mentioned.

"How come? Yuya's pretty much the Master of Odd-Eyes Dragons." the silver-haired teenager inclined his head towards the track.

"Odd-Eyes Dragon is what Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon was birthed from. You could say that this is the mother of dragons for Yuya. It's rather impressive," he said with a small smile as Yuya continued his move.

"As a result, it gains the twelve-hundred attack points of Performapal Fireflux. Odd-Eyes Dragon! Flame Strike!" instantly, the Dragon obeyed, growling happily as it burned the Goyo Predator and it's equipped Goyo Arrow into nothingness. Yuya observed as the Duel Chaser's life points dropped from four thousand to thirty six hundred.

"I'll top it off with Fireflux's direct attack!" he said as the Duel Chaser was hit in the head, dropping his life points another twelve hundred, leaving him with twenty-four hundred remaining.

"WELL THEN! YUYA WHO WAS ATTACKED FIRST, HAS INSTANTLY TURNED THINGS AROUND!" Yuya kept his attention forward, Yuto looking across his friend's field.

"Keep things steady. I wouldn't be surprised if the Duel Chaser starts to try and turn this around, but don't forget… we have a little surprise in store for this one," Yuto's mentioning of this had Yuya nodding mentally, continuing his turn.

"As the battle phase ends, Odd-Eyes Unicorn's Pendulum effect also ends, and with that, I end my turn," Yuya stated as the crowd observed in curiosity.

"He's much better than I thought." the Lancers overheard a man say.

"His opponent isn't Jack, though," a woman corrected as Yuzu glared.

"Yuya's far better than half of these assholes." With his turn completed, the Duel Chaser prepared himself for the next move while Yuya maintained attention.

"I will win and return to the Tops. My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card - Resurrection of the Dead! Revive, Goyo Predator!" the monster returned to the field and Yuya groaned.

"What? Are you some kind of one trick pony?" a sudden surge of memories rushed into his head as Yuya another stab of pain form in his chest, heat and ice spreading through his body, a deep ache settling into his teeth and throat as he coughed, breathing anxiously as his vision swam slightly.

"Are you scared? Of this form? Because you should be…. come now, show me a repeat of your earlier tactics! Being bold enough to think that will scare me… if you've seen it once, you've witnessed it too many times, so show me what you one trick ponies can do!" the scarlet-eyed teenager shook his head, attempting to remove the thoughts from his mind.

"Stay focused Yuya! We're not letting him win!" the boy nodded as the Duel Chaser looked at the boy.

"You're looking a bit pale. I would ask if you're in need of assistance, but you are my opponent! I'll have Goyo Predator attack your Bot-Eyes Lizard!" Yuya sped up, leaning in to snatch a nearby Action Card, something that if he were to be honest, he hadn't used in quite some time.

"I won't let you!" the Duel Chaser sped up, knocking into Yuya and pushing him out of the way as he glanced his way. Bot-Eyes was destroyed, knocking his life points down to twenty-six hundred. Yuya gritted his teeth.

"Goyo Predator's effect activates. A monster destroyed by it in battle is special summoned to my side of the field!" Duel Chaser said as Yuya sent him a cold look as his own fallen monster appeared on the field.

"Of course…." the officer moved to attack.

"I'll have Bot-Eyes Lizard attack your Fireflux!" the attack went through, and Yuya's life points dropped down to twenty-two hundred.

"And, with that, I'll end my turn! You best try harder little Witch! Because once I've won, I've got a special task to bring you into my boss. He's eager to speak with you, Yuya Sakaki," he stated as Yuya sent him a cold look.

"His… boss?" a sudden gasp from within his mind, alerted Yuya to something Yuto had put together in his head as the spirit's presence grew to the front of his mind.

"He's part of the city's security system. That can only mean that he's talking about Roger." Yuya gritted his teeth.

"Then we better not loose this duel," he answered as he looked at his hand as he drew.

"DUEL CHASER TWO-TWO-SEVEN HAS DEALT SOME REPEATED DAMAGE TO YUYA. I WONDER, IS IT OVER FOR HIM?" Yuya shook his head.

"Don't you dare count me out! I Pendulum Summon using my set scales! Return from the extra deck! Performapal Fireflux! And, from my hand, the one with ferocious and beautiful heterochromic eyes! Come forth! Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!" the red dragon roared as it emerged, running with Yuya as he nodded to it, happy to see his Familiar as the others cheered, the audience applauding as they called for Yuya to end the duel and defeat the Duel Chaser. However, just as Yuya prepared to do this, despite knowing how he would be sending this individual underground, Duel Chaser two-two-seven got his hands on an Action Card.

"I activate the Action Spell - Battle Lock! The opposing player can't declare an attack this turn! Sorry, little demon, looks like your fun is about to end," the Duel Chaser said as Yuya watched his two Monsters become entrapped in chains.

"Yuya… there's only one thing we'll be able to do… and it's gonna depend on the card we get next turn," Yuto said as Yuya nodded.

"Seems that the Goddess of Victory Nike has sided with me today! My turn, I draw and summon Hell Security. Now, I tune the level four Bot-Eyes Lizard with the level one Hell Security! Chase them down to the ends of Hell itself! Behold! A pure, untarnished soul! Synchro Summon! Come forth, my level five! Goyo Chaser!" another Samurai-type monster appeared and Yuya found himself unimpressed with the Monster.

"It doesn't change how I feel, no matter how strong… these monsters lack… souls… they feel lifeless and barren," he thought as Yuto nodded.

"Just like this place does. It feels like there should be abundance of joy and excitement here… but all I can sense from these people is a darkening malice that reeks of desolation and spite." Yuya couldn't help but silently agree as the Duel Chaser continued his move.

"Next! I activate the spell card, Polymerization! The soul of an insatiable pursuer and the soul of a proud-hearted predator now, become one! Fusion Summon! Come forth, he who has inherited the lineage of the noble captors! Goyo Emperor!" the traditionally dressed monster sat upon a throne, white and red painted face standing out stark in comparison to the dark attire it wore.

"WHAT A SURPRISE TWIST! THE DUEL CHASER HAS JUST FUSION SUMMONED! SOMETHING ONLY WITNESSED WITH THE OUR NEWCOMERS FROM OUTSIDE THE CITY!"

"I smell a rat…" Shay thought.

"Here goes! Goyo Emperor attacks Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!" in a burst of fire, Odd-Eyes was destroyed, leaving Yuya unsure of what would happen next as his life points dropped down to fourteen hundred.

"Your monster has been destroyed, and now Goyo Emperor's effect activates! It negates the destruction of opposing Monsters it battles against! However, I gain control of the Monsters whose destruction are negated!" Odd-Eyes was forcefully pulled over to the Duel Chaser's side and Yuya settled a cold glare upon his opponent.

"Shit! What am I -" another cough left him, Yuya clapping a hand to his mouth as he felt ill suddenly before taking in a deep breath, panic evident on his face.

"As long as I have Goyo Emperor, I'll gain control of your Ace Monsters one by one!" the Duel Chaser said.

"Yuya, you're not okay… you -" the Pendulum Pillar shook his head.

"We can figure this out… we've just gotta get it sorted out… help me think of something!"

"Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Attack Fire flux!" the Duel Chaser ordered as the dragon attempted to hesitate before it was forced to destroy Fireflux, leaving Yuya with only a hundred life points.

"It'll be a gamble, but are you ready?" Yuto's question was given a swift nod.

"After being seized by Goyo Emperor's effect, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon automatically holds the same effect as Goyo Emperor! Thus, I gain control of Fireflux. Now, it's checkmate! Once I finish this, you'll be coming with me." Yuya found a faint grin coming to his features.

"Go! Fireflux! Attack him directly!" the others watched in a panic as the attack moved to land, and Yuya lifted his gaze to the Duel Chaser, eyes shining a brilliant crimson.

"Holy shit! The Waking Magic's out!" Sawatari said in worry as the others looked to see the telltale shine that appeared in their friend's eyes on the screen, dark marks appearing just under his eyes in an elegant black curve. Reiji looked to the others.

"We'll need to be prepared for damage control. Sky? I need you, Shay, and Tsukikage to prepare to make a smoke screen. Crow, I will ask that you and the others go on standby to help us contain him quickly. He'll potentially be a threat. Sawatari, I want you to take Hugo, Yuzu, and Serena back to the garage to await standby, we may need your help." his orders given, the group knew there was no point questioning it as they moved to their positions while on the track, Yuya set a vicious glare upon his opponent that sent a cold chill up the man's spine.

"Odd-Eyes Light Phoenix's Pendulum effect! When I receive a direct attack, it destroys all cards in the Pendulum Zone other than this card! In order to special summon itself!" Yuya's voice came out cold, Yuto feeling the familiar coils of the Waking Magic restraining him as it sensed danger.

"Yuya… you've gotta… calm down…" Yuto struggled to speak as Melissa took note of the sudden change in the boy's demeanor.

"A MONSTER WITH TWO THOUSAND ATTACK POINTS HAS JUST BEEN SUMMONED TO YUYA'S FIELD!" Yuya gave him a smirk, exposing the sharpened teeth to the man.

"Not only can you not direct attack, but, naturally Fireflux can't destroy Light Phoenix! So, what will you do?" he asked.

"It's… a useless struggle… Turn end!" with that, Yuya smirked, drawing one more card. The card he needed. Sky, Shay, and Tsukikage got into position at the entrance of the track, Reiji standing by to observe the rest of the duel from the same place, noting it would be safest to keep someone observing. He watched, noting precisely, what the boy would do.

"My turn! I activate the spell card - Double Reborn Level Four! Both players special summon one level four monster from their graveyard in defense position!" Yuya said as the Duel Chaser stared in confusion.

"What? That applies to me, too?" Yuya kept his gaze steadily upon him.

"Now, call it!" he commanded as the man gave him a questioning look.

"I've got no idea what you're trying to do… but fine! Come! My Jutte Lord!" the scarlet-eyed duelist nodded.

"Be reborn! Performapal Bot-Eyes Lizard!" he said.

"He returned Bot-Eyes? Interesting." Hugo's thoughts were interrupted as Sawatari took in a deep breath.

"Every time his Waking Magic takes over, he looses complete control. I've seen some episodes lately where he's okay, but… I don't think it's going to be like that this time," he admitted as the other three looked to him.

"What do you mean?" Serena looked down.

"He tried to Sky… and I know he's dangerous… be realistic… Waking Witches are known to be outright feral if they feel threatened…" Yuzu's attention turned back to the track.

"Yuya… please… be okay…" Yuya and the Duel Chaser took another lap, and the Odd-Eyes Duelist prepared for his next step.

"Thanks to Bot-Eyes's effect, this card is treated as Odd-Eyes Dragon! And, by releasing a light attribute monster on my field, I can make my Odd-Eyes Dragon Evolve!" he announced as he played.

"E-Evolve?" Yuya smirked once more as Odd-Eyes Light Phoenix lit up, flames consuming the Dragon as everyone watched.

"Come forth! Great, dazzling light of salvation that pierces the darkness of absolute despair! My beast clad in armor! Odd-Eyes Saber Dragon!" a larger version of Odd-Eyes Dragon appeared, white and gold armor gleaming off of it as though it was ready to march into war. A great roar came from the armor-clad beast as everyone took in the twenty-eight hundred attack points it boasted.

"That is one intense Dragon," Hugo thought as Yuya took to battle.

"Odd-Eyes Saber Dragon! Attack Jutte Lord!" a burst of green fire came forth, shattering Jutte Lord.

"But, I receive no damage!" the Duel Chaser chided as Yuya pulled up closer, giving him a sharp look at those inhumanly glowing eyes.

"It's merely getting started! I activate Odd-Eyes Saber Dragon's effect! When this card destroys a Monster by battle and sends it to the graveyard, it destroys one opposing Monster on the field! I destroy Goyo Emperor!" Yuya called as another green burst came and destroyed the Fusion Monster.

"What did you do?!" the red-clad duelist moved back, Waking Magic retaining hold as he kept focus.

"When Goyo Emperor is destroyed, it's effect goes with it! Therefore, I regain control of my Monsters!" the other Lancers watched as Yuya took back Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Fireflux, but those unnatural red eyes didn't shift their attention.

"Oh no…." Yuya raised an arm up.

"I use Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon to attack you directly!" he called.

The Duel Chaser made a mad attempt to stop his attack by snatching two of the Action Cards near them; however, Yuya took no chances, ramming into his side to throw him off course as repayment for his earlier rough actions. The Duel Chaser looked at Yuya, seeing another smirk, scarlet eyes gleaming with ill-intent.

"Shit…"

In a split second, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon roared at the man, knocking him in the back and causing his Duel Runner to flip over, sending him sliding across the ground as Yuya was declared the winner and medics were sent to help the Duel Chaser who began muttering about how the boy was a monster. Yuya drove off the track, into the entry way as he removed his helmet, taking in a few deep breaths as he got off the Duel Runner. He could feel it's vice-like grip, the sensation of Waking Magic rushing through his veins as he stumbled forward, vision swimming between clear and blurred as he noted how painful the sound of his footsteps echoing around him was. Yuya swiftly removed his jacket, tossing it aside as he drew further into the corridor along with his gloves.

The Waking Magic hadn't been unstable recently, and that had made Yuya drop his guard around it. His attempts to gain further control, calming it and feeling more in control had decreased his caution, and now he was paying for it dearly. Wandering into the main hallway, Yuya started towards the elevator where he knew the others should be waiting; however, instead, he was greeted by the sight of Sky, Shay, and Tsukikage standing there. Luminous eyes narrowed and Yuya bared his teeth, stepping back as the trio attempted to draw closer to him, Sky holding his hands up.

"Yuya, we're just here to -" the other shook his head.

"Stay back!" he snapped giving them a swift warning as the sound of footsteps drew near.

"Listen, you need to go somewhere that will let you reign that magic back in, okay? We're just here to take you there." Sky continued his attempts; however, they failed.

"I TOLD YOU TO STAY BACK!" with the sudden shout the lights flickered, Yuya's magic lashed outwards, shock the trio as the others made it into the corridor, being greeted by the sight of Yuya standing there, breathing harsh, and skin pale as he settled those cold eyes onto them.

"Holy shit. We're in trouble," muttered Sawatari as Hugo looked at the boy. It was horrifying in the strangest of ways to him. He saw those glowing red eyes, the strange sickness that seemed to be appearing as Yuya stood at a slight distance from the others, stepping back further as he continued to breathe heavily. Hugo could almost see his magic materializing in faint flickers of crimson mist, almost as though it was warning them not to step closer.

"Listen, you're not well. Yuya, just let us help you," Serena said. The other shook his head.

"I don't…" a sudden shiver of pain crossed him and he found himself shifting from standing firmly, to pressing a hand against the wall to balance himself.

"Yuya! Please just -" Yuzu's plea was cut off as the boy coughed, blood coming up as he swayed, collapsing onto the cold concrete flooring as the others rushed to help him.

"Is he okay?" Reiji approached, looking to Shay.

"Take him back to the tower. We'll send for Doctor Schmidt to help us," he said to the other as the Risulian Witch cast him a questioning look before nodding as he moved over to pick Yuya up, instantly noting that he was far to warm to the touch. With Shay assuring Yuya's safety, the Lancers took note of the strangeness of what had just occurred and began to question something else: what was really happening around them? And how much did they truthfully know?

{.…..}

Are you listening?

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Author's Note: Sorry, I had some stuff to deal with and had to finish making notes for the ending of this arc so that way I have space for changes and the like. We're actually going to see a new spell in the next few chapters that I've been developing and trying to make sure it'll work, and yes, it definitely will. Also, some answers are coming up. The next chapter is overall group focused as I wanted to show a bit more of the others before we do another duel. Let me know what you guys think!

Sincerely,

ShadowDragon94.

Trivia:

This chapter was based upon episode 71: The Sword of White Silver.

This is the first appearance of Odd-Eyes Saber Dragon.

Yuya and Yuto had originally planned to use Yuya's Synchro Monster.

Hugo was doing a cleansing ritual. Water is often associated with cleansing in many religions.

The dagger is called an Athame. Yes, all Magia use them.