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Yu-gi-oh 5Ds: Rise of Darkness and Corruption (Athene/ImaginaryMuse & Razgriz)

Divine's body was definitely beaten and bruised, but he was determined to hold out for now. That wouldn't last long though; her power was just too much to handle. Even more so when she had him levitate...Then thrown into a small twister. His body bounced and crashed harshly against everything and anything; even with his efforts to soften the impacts, he could feel bones breaking; he probably had a few internal hemorrhages as well, but that was honestly the least of his concerns.

And only when Carly did finally let him down did he slump; he was bleeding profusely from several areas, splits in his skin covered by his tattered clothing to hide how deep they had gone. Tears leaked from the corners of his eyes, however few he could produce from his body's current state.

"F-fine...Cursed woman..." Divine said, struggling to push himself upright to look her right in the eye. One of his eyes was swollen shut, his nose an unsightly color and size from it being broken. If he somehow managed to get out of this, he would need immediate medical attention. "Y-you win. By all means...Take the revenge you want. But even if the Signers don't get to you...Fear the demon that walks this world...Heh...Hehe....." Divine said; even if it wasn't for him, he was secretly praying that Hotsuma or Yuna would somehow find a way to destroy them. After all...They were also technically his Disciples.

It was here though that he then sent one last message, or tried to at least; even if he couldn't make it through whatever barrier was around him, he had to try. "Akiza...If you can hear this...Fight to live...."
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"How dare you speak as if you're innocent; I know exactly what happened...That Duel you had....And my brother watching...Tobi. That is what ended his life...Your accursed Dragon attacked your opponent and caused his body to be crushed! It is because of you that he died! You and your uncontrollable sadism!" Misty shouted, his voice quivering with fresh rage and sadness.

As Aki would try to walk past, Misty didn't seem to move at first; however, the redhead then feel a massive force slam into her and drive her back. It wasn't Psychic energy; no, it was more like something had slammed something solid into her body. "You do not just get to walk away, Akiza! Not until I say so! Just as you took Tobi's freedom, I shall in turn take yours!"

That same oppressive energy rolled off of Misty, even stronger than before, "Is that really all you have to say!? That it wasn't your fault?! You conniving bitch!" Another blast of energy would strike at Akiza, Misty's breathing heavy as her anger boiled over. She would that Misty definitely had something else wrong about her; no mortal woman should be able to do anything like this...And even one reincarnated, especially when their past life was that of a model?

"Just looking at you makes me sick; I should have expected nothing less than the pet of someone as vile as Divine. Never taking responsibility, never accepting that she has wrong someone." Misty sneered; she would reach down and take her picture of her brother back, tucking it away. But then she would throw at Akiza's feet something else: What appeared to be an abandoned amusement park, somewhere in the Satellite from the decrepit nature of the location.

"Know this; in less than ninety-six hours time we shall meet again here." Misty would say, allowing Akiza to feel that not just Divine was in danger...But someone else as well. "Can you feel it? Your precious master is but moments from Death's embrace. And your friend Yuna too...Oh yes, Demak made sure to tell us about your relationship with her." At this she allowed a ghost of a smile to cross her face, "Even if she tried to kill you...I sense a sort of kinship from you to her. It's written on your face. So I'll say this now before we part: If you do not show up there, I will personally make sure Divine and Yuna, along with everyone else she knows, perishes a miserable death. Since Tobi's demise does not seem to bother you, I shall allow your hubris to color your hands red with their blood, Akiza. So by all means...Prove me right."

And with this, Misty would walk past the woman, quite done with being near her for the time being, "Now go to him, if he's still that precious to you...And remember what I said."

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Kiryu grinned, watching as Yuna summoned her first monster. Thankfully, Takeshi would make a move that would ensure her monster couldn't be used to suicide itself and banish one of his monsters. "Reverse Card, Open! Skill Breaker! Getsu Fhuma's effect is negated!" the young man shouted, the Trap sealing the monster's effects. "Oof...Poor luck, Yuna! Maybe next time!" Kiryu jeered.

Takeshi then declared, "My turn again! Draw!" Takeshi took a look at his hand and smirked, "Yuna...I bet you have a Trap just waiting for me don't you? Your deck is full of them...Shields to protect you. You put no faith in your actual monsters, so I will show you why you will ultimately lose against me! I summon Unknown Flame Spirit Chief, then use its effect to Special Summon Blessed Sword of the Unknown Flame from my hand!" A Tuner and a non-Tuner...That could only mean one thing.

"Level 2 Blessed Sword tunes Level 4 Spirit Chief! Rise, swordsman of purifying fire! Burst through the ancestral flame to victory! Synchro Summon! Unknown Flame Blade God!"

And just like that...Takeshi would be the first to Synchro Summon. "Ahaha, as expected; and not to mention, he's got two monsters to your one!" Kiryu laughed, Takeshi just saying "I then excude Skill Breaker from the Graveyard to negate Getsu Fhuma's effects once more! And then I use Samurai's effect to exclude Spirit Chief, my monster's exclusion allowing me to destroy one face-up card you control, along with increasing Samurai's Attack Power by 600!" A spectral form of Spirit Chief would appear, armed with several flaming ofuda. "Disappear!" Takeshi would shout as Spirit Chief bombarded Fhuma with a barrage, shattering her form and sending her away.

"Now then Yuna...I'll take whatever traps you have in wait for me! Blade God strikes you first! Path of the Fallen!"

"Reverse Card, Open! Barbarian Howling!"

Blade God would then vanish, being shuffled back into Takeshi's Extra Deck...Its effect making a pained yell rip from Takeshi's throat as he was hit for 2500 points of damage. And to further clue in to Yuna that this wasn't just for show, Takeshi body would be pulled down to just below his knees. "But with that, you have nothing left to defend you! Samurai, strike her down! Fire Cross-Strike!" Takeshi shouted, eyes full of glee as his monster charged forward, delivering a deep and searing slash across Yuna's front, striking her for 2400 points of damage.

And to this end, she too would be pulled down about the same amount as Takeshi. "Whew, what a show folks! I only wish I had some popcorn!" Kiryu jeered, Takeshi just laughing mildly, "Do you see now Yuna...This is for real. So you better come at me with the intent to kill..." His eyes then widened to showcase a sadism that wasn't there before, pointing right at her, "Otherwise this will be over too quickly and you'll die! Hahahahaha! Turn end!"
 
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Hmmm ...

The fighting back had been fun for a bit. But now? Carly was beginning to tire of it. She was getting bored with Divine; something that became more clear as she hurled weaker - but still well-aimed - attacks at the already incapacitated Psychic.

"I hope you know I'm not leaving you alone until ... "

.... It wasn't perfect, but it was something. Hearing him finally declare she'd won. That was certainly more than enough to make Carly smirk.

"Of course I do," she replied in a knowing tone, "Buuuut I'm glad to hear you finally man up and admit it. Good for you ... good for you." Her head tilted, eyebrow raising as he gave his warning before snickering.

"Nice bluff, but you get an A for effort. Excuse me if I don't believe the demon part. The only ones walking this Earth are the ones giving me this 'borrowed power' you tried to taunt me with. Anyway ... since you cooperated before it was too late, you get to decide; how do you want to die, Divine? Something slow and more painful than what you're going through now? Or do you want it to be quick and - with any luck - somewhat painless?"
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"That truly was an accident! I never meant for anything dire to happen, let alone to an innocent person!"

Aki whined as the sudden force made her fall onto her knees. Her hands covered her gut - more out of habit than necessity - as she gasped and breathed heavily.

Only ... one hit and yet ... it took that much out of me?!

Aki glared up at Misty, looking something in between horrified and furious. Her legs shook as she tried to stand up. The efforts were shaky, but doable, and soon she was standing up in front of Misty. "Get the fuck out of my way!" she snarled. "I have more to do than back and forth banter with you! The past, tragic as it is, can not be changed!"

If Aki hadn't been shaking by now, she definitely was when Misty dared to bring Yuna up. Seconds later, she felt that Yuna was definitely in some sort of danger.

"The fuck are you doing to her?!" Aki angrily snapped, "This how you make yourself happy nowadays?! Taking your anger out on innocent people?! You that hell bent on wanting to avenge your brother that you're just targeting people who have no business in your fucking past?!" Aki was ready ... ready to remove her pin restraining her power.

Who cared if it had somehow become obvious. Fine. Misty wanted her attention? She definitely had it now.

Her fingers barely finished gripping the pin before Misty dropped a second photo. Her head lowered, seeing a recognizable sight within the small image. She nodded, acknowledging she saw and knew fully well where it was, before glaring lividly up to Misty.

"Don't worry your pretty little head; I'll be there."

Before the former model could change her mind, Aki vanished out of sight and appeared ... odd. The Satellite? Was this really where Divine was? A closer and more thorough ability to properly sense both Yuna and Divine implied yes. That made sense for Yuna, but ... Divine?

Her head shook. Misty had seemed to be very serious when she said they were both on a timer, and it was especially true with Divine from what she could feel.

Please hang on a bit longer! Both of you! I'm coming!

She may not be Divine's 'pet' anymore, nor a lover of Yuna. But that didn't mean she didn't give a fuck about either person respectively. Had she needed any further incentive, it arrived as she heard Divine's thoughts.

NO! DON'T TALK LIKE THAT! HANG ON, PLEASE! I'M ON MY WAY!
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"Uh-huh. And you don't have any yourself, Takeshi?"

Yuna scoffed, rolling her eyes defiantly.

"You're going on and on about my lack of faith and shit, but ... it isn't just me who uses them. If you're that good, then why bother with your own traps? Disregarding that, ever heard of strategy? That's what warriors do; they don't just go into a battle without any kind of plan."

So, as Takeshi expected, Yuna did indeed push down and reveal one of her sets as he initiated his attack.

"Reverse Card, Open! Barbarian Howling! Say what you will, but warriors aren't just mere fighters. They're comrades! They look out for one another ... exactly like we - the Disciples and Yomi - have always done!"

Unfortunately, Kiryu was right to remind her that he had still another card to attack. Still, being able to reduce the damage helped out quite a bit. But ... it was something, and not zero like Yuna would have wanted. So, instinctively, her arm raised to block the attack. ... Only to begin quickly bleeding, making Yuna hiss and grunt in pain as it shakily lowered.

"Takeshi ... if you're ... really that far gone, then say it. Tell me right fucking now if Shivini had died, you wouldn't care. If you can do that and mean it, so be it. I can risk facing death knowing that, prior till now, I had been conversing and speaking with a fake you."

A knowing smirk spread over her face.

"Hotsuma won't like that though. And trust me, on the off chance I fail to wake your ass up? He'll succeed. And it likely won't be pretty."

Was there even a way to get Takeshi to normal without killing him? Yuna had no idea. She could only hope the answer would be a positive one as she drew. "Fine ... here I come! I activate Solidarity! I then summon Amazoness Swordswoman. In response to this, I flip my other face-up, Copy Knight! Amazoness Swordswoman will attack your Shiranui Samurai!"

Again, Takeshi would be dragged down. Yuna gripped slightly onto her lower lip. She really had no pleasure in putting him at risk, but ... this seemed to be the only thing she could do. It was the only chance at even attempting to get him back.

"Copy Knight! Direct attack!"

With this, he was now almost past the half-way mark in his hit points, down to 4200 life.

"So maybe I am a shitty person as far as personality goes. But no one can say I never put up a goddamn fight, in or out of dueling. No one."

Even with Rose still sealed, Yuna felt her powers trying to break free of the curse. Attempting to turn Yuna into Yuse, at the very least, if not jumping straight to Rose.

"Turn end."
 
Divine just sat there wheezing; so this was how it ended huh? Couldn't say he was surprised.

Thinking back...He really did make a lot of mistakes. He pushed people too hard; he originally wanted to improve the lives of Psychics everywhere...But then he met Akiza, and realized with her by his side he could actually start going after people for discriminating against him as a youth. Only now did he see this folly.

But honestly? As despicable as it sounded, he would do it all again...Only he would stay true to his original goals. Alas...What was done was done. If he could take anything back...It was letting Akiza go. She'd been truly the only good thing in his life...Shame that he wouldn't get a chance to actually tell her that.

"You say that as if I really...ngh...have a choice..." Divine stuttered, completely unable to move...But his eyes did widen when he heard a voice talk back to him.

"No, Akiza...Stay away, they're too strong..."

Funny how he said that when he'd been so confident that she was the strongest among them; even so, and even with her Mark of the Dragon...Would her skill be enough? Maybe if she went into her full Witch persona she could...But with Yuna having humanized her, would she?

"You might...want to make it quick...If you're found...Hehe....With me like this, it will not end well for you..."


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Yo. If you're hearing this, I've already headed out. Kiryu - or one of those fuckers, anyway - has all but left a very obvious trail on where to go. So ... I'm heading over to see about getting Takeshi back. But ... let's not lie to ourselves. It's probably gonna be the last mission I go out on, so I would appreciate back-up. But ... I get it. I fucked up. This is my Karma or some shit, right?

Fair enough. But should I die, mind making sure to get my body back so I can be buried properly, if nothing else? I hope that you come over to the coordinates, even if only for Takeshi's sake rather than mine.

And ... I know this is gonna sound dumb and lame as fuck, but Hotsuma?

I want you to know that never once did I ever give up on you. So if I need to wait until you meet me in the literal version of Yomi? I'm fine with that. I do think the waiting will pay off one of these days.

I fell in love with you for a damn good reason. I've thought back a lot, particularly to when we were stuck in Arcadia and the Facility. That same man was always there. I know he still is. You're just being the stubborn ass you've always been and you probably need time. Fine. I can deal with that.

Anyway ...now haul ass and get over here. Please.

That was probably the third time Hotsuma had listened to that, trying to determine if she was genuinely fucking with him or being sincere. He was sure she wasn't kidding about going after Takeshi; it was the rest of it he doubted.

Especially the part about her falling in love with him; did she really? Or was that just a desperation move on both their parts? There was a lot of unknowns about that place...and thinking back they - especially him - were lucky to make it out alive. Between Akiza nearly killing him and Tokumo nearly raping Yuna...

He shook his head; no, he had to get them out. Both of them; his head peered upward as he felt a surge of power. A dark power, one that he was all too familiar with...And with how close Yuna's was to it...It was right near where she had given him the coordinates to.

"Boy...If you truly wish to go through with this fool's errand, I will not stop. But be warned; our foe is not to be trifled with." Hotsuma heard the Emperor warn him, Hotsuma snorting "I don't care if they have God on their side; I'll make sure to smear them both. One for fucking over my best friend...And one for fucking me over more times than I care to count."

And with that, Hotsuma would take off on his Runner, speeding off towards where Yuna had pointed him towards. "Yuna, I swear if you or Takeshi die on me I'm going to kill you both...Then murder whoever got you." the young man snarled in his head.

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"Oooh, she sounds sure of herself doesn't she Takeshi? Is that the same excuse you gave when you ran away from all your little friends? Pretty sure that falls under giving up in the dictionary, Yuna...Or has Rose being sealed somehow made you dumber?" Kiryu sneered, unperturbed by the fact that Takeshi was already waist deep into the earth itself. Rutger might chew him out again if Takeshi somehow were to lose; but even Kiryu could see that Takeshi was trying to restrain himself.

It was something he and the guy had worked on after all; to savor a fight, sometimes one had to avoid making all their moves at once. Especially if the intent was to torture them by slowly chipping away at their Life. That was how a Death Game was truly played.

Takeshi also seem undisturbed by Yuna's question, "Trying to divert my attention with pointless chatter, are we? I'll make you suffer doubly for that. My turn! Draw!" And when he looked at the card he draw, a chuckle escaped him. One indicative of someone getting the perfect card. "Oi, Takeshi! Enough fooling around, yeah? Call it out, big man!" Kiryu shouted; he could feel the energy around Takeshi skyrocketing.

"I summon Unknown Flame Hermit and activate its effect! I release it to Special Summon a Tuner monster with zero Defense from my Deck! Appear, Uni-Zombie!" Takeshi then went forward, "I activate its first effect, sending another Hermit from my hand to the Graveyard to make your Swordsman level five! Then I activate Uni-Zombie's second effect, sending an Undead from my Deck to the Graveyard to make it Level Four! And by excluding the Mezuki I just sent to the Graveyard, I can special summon another Undead from there! Reappear, Unknown Flame Hermit!"

Takeshi then laughed loudly and sinisterly, his eyes wide with maniacal glee as he went ahead, "Level 4 Uni-Zombie Dark Tunes with Level 4 Hermit!" And much like Hotsuma had done against Fayth, instead of the green rings and lights, Uni-Zombie seemed to split apart into black orbs of light, Hermit looking very worried before howling in pain as the black spheres entered him, his body turning transparent before shattering, eight black spheres interconnected by threads of dark energy rapidly spinning in a circle over Takeshi. The air whipping about like a hurricane as dark forces from reaches beyond would be summoned to this world.

"I feel the power rising! Great Dragon of the Abyss, awaken once more to spread the plague of death and destruction! Show this world why even Demons fear to go where you tread! DARK SYNCHRO! DEVIL KING DRAGON, BEELZE!"

And as Takeshi would call out Beelze's name, a column of black light would strike down where the dark orbs had been spinning. A spine-chilling roar shattering the air as the very monster Hotsuma and Yuna had given him was called forth. Takeshi placed a hand over his heart, a sinister and revolting aura around him as he seemed to giggle madly. "I should thank you...Yuna. Because of my former restraint, I never called out this monster before...But now that you're Dueling me, I'm sure you can take its power! And as a last move, I use Book of Life - Forbidden Magic - and activate its effect to banish Fhuma from your Graveyard and Special Summon Unknown Flame Spirit Chief in Defense Position."

But instead of attacking, Takeshi seemed to calm down a little bit, "Unfortunately, when I use both of Uni-Zombie's effects this turn, only Undead are allowed to attack. And much as I'd love to watch you burn under this guy's fire...That will have to wait for now. I set one card and end my turn." Not that Takeshi or Kiryu seemed to mind; in fact, Kiryu was just grinning. "Well, Yuna? Since you helped steal this card, you should know its effect right? Anything in that pitiful deck of yours to kill an invincible god monster like Beelze?" Kiryu teased
 
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"Quick it is. Alrighty then."

Ignoring the rest of Divine's words - figuring they were but a bluff - Carly stalked ever-so-slowly forward, grinning from ear to ear. "On the off-chance I do return to Hell? I'll see you there when I'm sent back. But not before then."

"That's fine! It'll be soon enough for me!"

"?!"

A huge shadow caused Carly to halt and look up.

During her running, Aki realized she would have been far too slow to arrive on foot. Even if she could have used the teleporting card or ability, there would be no guarantee she'd get in the right, exact spot. So, she had conjured her Black Rose Dragon and rode it over.

... Definitely not one of her more discreet moments, but .... fuck it. She was too pressed for time, and it had been because she took this risk that allowed Aki to arrive. And from how things looked? Just in the nick of time.

At the same time the dragon began to vanish, Aki jumped down, landing and wearing an even more angry look as she stood between Carly and Divine.

"Tch, I thought Misty was dealing with you."

"We agreed to have a rain check," Aki snarled, "Now I'm saying this once and only once ... you can make this easy on yourself and leave now. Or I pull this out .... " She rose her hand once more to her pin, gripping but not yet removing it, "And you can see the true power of a Psychic when you don't ambush them like a fucking coward! Make your choice - and do so wisely!"

Carly frowned, looking less than pleased. She glanced between Aki and Divine several times before finally resting her gaze on the red-head ... still smirking.

"Well, if you and Misty had a rain check, I suppose I can do so also. Don't you dare think this is over, Divine! Assuming you pull through, I'll be back for you later; count on that!"

Massive wings from her own Immortal flapped as it took its turn to manifest into existence. Even though it could have easily hurt the two Psychics, that wasn't the true purpose. When the gusts of wind finally died down, they would find Carly was gone. It had been a distraction to help her run away.

"What in the .... ??"

Aki quickly shook her head, panting as she ran beside Divine, trembling in wrath and fear for her Master. "My god. I ... umm .... do you have something on you?! Anything to call for an ambulance or something?! You need help, and you need it now! Are there even hospitals here for that matter?!"

With her being in very foreign territory, Aki honestly felt a bit lost and unsure what to do.

"Can ... do you think you can use your card again?"

Not likely, least of all in that shape. But she had to think and double check. She had been wrong before, after all.
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"The past doesn't mean shit, okay? Maybe if I weren't here right fucking now, your point would be more valid. Then - had I not shown up - you could say, without any hesitation, that I had given up on him. Yeah. I temporarily fucked up. I live with that every goddamn day as it is. But I'll be damned if I don't at least make efforts to remedy my mistakes!"

Yuna let out an irked huff, crossing her arms over her chest as she waited for Takeshi to begin his turn.

"Pointless, huh? We'll see how long you keep thinking that crap."

It was .... dumb? Maybe not that, but definitely risky, but Yuna was praying and hoping Hotsuma would get over here. Even if just for Takeshi ... that was fine. If he could arrive, he'd definitely be able to make up should she fail.

Even with her own attitude, the harsh truth had never fully escaped Yuna; between everyone among Hotsuma's ranks, this was the duel where her chances of success were easily at their lowest. Tough as Yamichi was, even she could see herself having a slightly easier time defeating the tech over Takeshi. Still ... even with her confidence being rather weak, she wasn't going down easily. Maybe not at all, as she'd declared earlier. She would give this her all ... even if her hand had been nowhere close to perfect.

Her pulse had been swifter since the duel started; something that the hands could definitely pick up on. Suffice to say, her heart only got quicker as Beelze emerged on the field.

.... Well, fuck ...

Yuna gripped her lower lip, waiting for what seemed like an inevitable attack. Only to hear .... he couldn't do it due to some of his own effects. A slight breath passed her lips.

Maybe - just maybe - you've found somewhat of an opening? she prayed, looking down at her hand before up at the field.

For a bit, it seemed like there may actually be a bit of hope. It was a dangerous test ... but she had to see if this would suffice.

"I summon Tune Warrior! Since you gave Amazoness Swordswoman an extra level, she can be used with Tune Warrior, so I'll combine them to Synchro Summon!" Her hands clasped together as she took one more breath, steadying her voice as she began reciting a chant that hadn't been used in quite some time. "O titan, buried under multiple layers of the Earth! It's time for you to awaken! Rise up from your slumber - and crush all of those whom dare try to interrupt your revival! Synchro Summon! Colossal Fighter!"

The difference in power wasn't her issue. It was Beelze's effect. Was he seriously so immortal that nothing could kill it?

Even still ... it will at least cause Takeshi to take damage ...

Nodding to herself, Yuna steeled herself; expecting the worst to occur, yet hoping for the best. "I'll set one more card first. Colossal Fighter! Attack Beelze!"

Annnd ... it was exactly as Yuna feared; he did get hurt, yes. But ... Beelze didn't disappear, either. In fact, he now matched her own Colossal Fighter in attack power. Scoffing at the sight, she nodded to her Copy Knight. "Attack Shiranui Spiritmaster!"

Now, Takeshi was under 4000. Down to 3300, to be precise.

Please wake up, Takeshi! I don't wanna fucking do this to you!

"Turn end!"
 
Divine waited...And waited for the end; nothing could stop this.

But when it did not come, he opened his eyes to see a very unexpected sight. "Akiza..." he muttered; never in his dreams did think he would see a sight so beautiful. And atop her Black Rose Dragon...She was a shining pinnacle of everything he originally founded Arcadia to be.

"Lords help me...If I make it through this, I'll change, I swear. I'll devote time to making Psychics become not just powerful, but respected."

And when Carly called out that it wasn't over, a torrent of wind threatening to blow them away before she would disappear. And then Akiza ran over and knelt next to him; bless her, she was an angel. Even after everything he did to her...Well, hopefully she would be able to just leave him.

"As I am...Unlikely...But if I could borrow just a small amount of power from you, I can at least dump myself at Puzzle Hospital here in the Satellite." he groaned; his wild hair was frizzles and streaked red with blood from the repeated lacerations to his cranial skin.

"Will do you that for me, Akiza? One last favor for a man near the end of his rope?" he croaked out, giving a small gurgle as a spurt of blood from one of the numerous internal bleeds making him cough up the viscous red fluid.


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Hotsuma raced through and through, pushing his Runner to the limits nearly piledriving into several other innocent civilians as he raced to where Yuna was being held. "Yuna, Takeshi! You better fucking hold out! I swear I'll kick your asses if you let these pussies beat you!" he shouted to them; and while he was sure whoever had them locked up would try to block communications...He would hope at least some of them got through.

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"I think your only here because your ex was too much of a bitch to put you out of your misery. Would have done me a huge favor...But I'll settle for his main man whooping your ass by the end of it all." he would say; while it was true Yuna had the lead currently, that was sure to change in the next few turns. "And trust me, Yuna, you will lose whether you like it or not. And then when we're done here...Maybe we'll swing by your new home and see how the others fare."

At this Kiryu grinned sadistically, "Shame you'll be dead though; you won't get to hear all the lovely screams I'll rip out of them. You might have had the fortitude to withstand my attention...But can the same be said for the others?"

Takeshi said nothing, watching as Yuna would perform her own Synchro Summon. "Gigantech Fighter...Quite the troublesome monster. I'll have to get rid of it." Even if Beelze couldn't be killed by it...The fact was allowing her any form of room would be fatal if he allowed it to drag on for two long. But as it stood, he was in no real danger.

"My turn, draw!" he would say; in truth, even with his newly sadistic mindset, he was still not going to jeopardize himself when she'd lowered his LP by so much. "I set one card and end my turn...You have such a large monster on your field, I'm quivering, Yuna...Ehehee. And I'm not falling for that Magic Cylinder you have face-down either. So sorry..." Takeshi teased, his eyes hooded by the robe as he laughed; he could feel her fear facing down Beelze. And for now, he was content to let his Dragon lord over her. She had nothing to get around Beelze's strength.

"Yu...Take....pussies beat you!"

A very broken and fragmented voice broke through the silence after his turn ended, everyone - even Kiryu - looking up as if to find the source of the strange voice. "The hell...I know I'm going a bit bonkers...But please don't tell me I'm the only one who heard that..." Kiryu muttered a slightly annoyed expression on his face.

"Ahhh...Hotsuma is on his way; seems he still cares enough to try and play the shining knight!" Takeshi laughed, looking at Yuna with a maniacal expression, "And you would give him such shit, Yuna, even as Yukio...Shame you won't be around when he arrives. You won't get to see me kill him when you're dead, hahahah! Once I have what I need to clear your field, my Devil King Dragon will burn you until there's nothing left!"
 

"Of course, of course .... "

Her teeth latched onto her lower lip as she stared in shock and disgust at the wounds. "Dear gods ... " she murmured again. It was rare to see damage like this from someone aside from herself. In fact, she had been convinced that no one else had these capabilities; no one that wasn't a Psychic, anyway. Yuna proved she could be as lethal when she chose to be this brutal. So did Hotsuma, but that made sense.

This? It was ... unnatural.

"Who was she? Why did she even come after you, Divine? Was there a reason in the first place, or .... no?"

Placing her hands gently atop Divine's chest, she began to transfer some of her power into him. Sadly, for all she was capable of doing, healing was among the few things Aki couldn't achieve. Likely because of her deck type, if she had to guess. A theory she needed to figure a way to test out one of these days. Aki would wait for a cue in some form or fashion, stopping in giving her power over when Divine signaled he had enough.

"I ... you think you'll be able to get there fine? Yuna's .... something's happening to her, apparently. But if you still need assistance, I can probably make sure you get to the hospital fine enough."
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

"You're still telling me shit I know. Believe me, it hasn't escaped me that quite a few factors - not just Hotsuma - seem to want me dead. And frankly? I'd be more fine with the idea ... had I not ended up establishing Yomi."

Yuna chuckled, moving her head from side to side.

"If you couldn't kill my will power or spirit, there's literally no way you're physically or literally killing me here and now. Even if push comes to shove and I lose."

Hell, part of her considered extending the thought that Hotsuma may not show up at all. Or not in time, but ... decided against it. No sense in jinxing herself too much, after all.

"You still didn't answer my question, by the way, Takeshi. And I can only assume because you didn't try to insist you'd be fine killing Shivini ... " Her smile widened as she continued, tapping her finger against her own forehead then nodding knowingly at him, "You're not all gone. You talk that way, no doubt. But this chit-chatting hasn't been as pointless as you've wanted to assume. You know that. And so, like it or not, I'm gonna keep trying!"

Her head tilted back, a long sigh of relief eliciting as she heard Hotsuma.

Thank you! Because ..... yeah. Back-up is definitely gonna be needed. If there was any doubts, those are gone now that I'm here.

Her eyes closed as she added, I can only promise to wait, but umm ... well ... I'm not dueling Kiryu. He was too chicken to risk being beaten a second time, so ... he's making me duel Takeshi.

Sure, it was a bit unfair to put more pressure on him. But ... this really did warrant him to get here sooner instead of later. Yuna rose an eyebrow, first mentally questioning Takeshi's move.

... Magic Cylinders?

But that was as far as her inner thoughts went. Kiryu hinted Yuna hadn't imagined things from their last encounter. Somehow, he did have his own version of telepathy. It took all of her strength not to flash a knowing smirk. Right idea, but ... wrong card. When Takeshi vowed to kill Hotsuma, she couldn't help but snicker.

"Oi, oi, you hear yourself? Come now. You're smarter than Kiryu-baka over there. You should know even better than him how stupid it is to try to kill Hotsuma. You'd have a better chance with me than him. Draw!"

A quick peek hinted she knew exactly what to do. It was a no-brainer for the most part. Keeping the Copy Knight out too much longer would be dangerous. So ...

"I summon Rose, but she's not staying for long! I'll use her and the Copy Knight and tune them!"

A second silver-green vortex appeared, the woman and doppelganger jumping in and vanishing as a bright flash of light shined throughout the arena. "O titan, buried under multiple layers of the Earth! It's time for you to awaken! Rise up from your slumber - and crush all of those whom dare try to interrupt your revival! Synchro Summon! Colossal Fighter!"

Normally, she would have at least one Crimson Blader, but given Takeshi's field? It wasn't the smart choice. If she could have pulled a Synchro off earlier, Goyo Guardian would have been another option. But ... this was the best move to make.

"Turn end! I may not yet have a way to deal with Beelze, but you're not gonna touch my life easily! I'm making damn sure of that!"

Please fucking hurry up!
 
"I'll...have to tell you later...The full version at least..." Divine choked; and it was true, even Akiza would be able to feel how dangerously close he was, "Short story...It was my fault; I wanted you to stay away, for your own safety. Just promise me: You'll fight to survive, and do what you have to to live."

And when he'd received enough, he forcibly cut the connection and vanished from sight, leaving Akiza alone and to her thoughts...And Yuna still very much in danger.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________
​
"Oi, oi...What's with you calling me stupid all the time? And you get on me about trying to come up with creative insults? You're one to talk!" Kiryu taunted, adding "And besides, I'm not the one who walked into a suicide trap just because of something lame like friends. Only real idiots do that for any reason, ahaha! So if anyone's the idiot here, it's you! And that's exactly how you'll die! A fucking moron!"

"Oh I know that much very well, Yuna...And the truth of the matter is, I'm just biding my time. I want to see what you have to offer me; in truth, I could finish you this turn...But I wouldn't be nearly satisfied enough. Besides...Hotsuma's close but he's not here yet; I want to see his face twist in agony as I destroy you. As Apu drags you beneath the earth screaming like a helpless child...Much as Kiryu made you do when he locked you in the coffin. Can you picture it, Yuna? Surrounded on all sides by miles of unmoving rock, trapped under the earth for the rest of your days? Crying and begging for someone to let you out? HAHAHAHA!" Takeshi cackled; even if he was further in the ground than her...Well, he did have the cards to utterly annihilate her, and oh, did he so want to!

But at the same time...He was still convinced she had Magic Cylinders on the field; and as it was, he had no way to counter her potentially redirecting his own attack at him. All the same though, she would see and feel that he was growing uneasy. Tense; the urges to utterly devastate and erase her starting to overpower his desires for a drawn-out hard fought Duel.

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he then declared "My turn, Draw!" A slight smirk crossed his face as he declared, "I now activate my Permanent Trap Card, Unknown Flame Samsara Formation! Then I'll go ahead and Summon this guy...Appear, Undead Goblin!" At his command the grotesque bug-eyed zombie appeared on his field, brandishing his sword threateningly at Yuna.

"Then I'll set one more card face-down...Turn end!" Takeshi declared; his eyes would watch Yuna, noting she now had two Gigantech Fighters on her side of the field. And he knew why she didn't attack; any further damage he took would only make Beelze stronger. So for now - as much as it maddened him - they were at an impasse.

"Yuuuuuna....Daaaarling, ahahaha" Kiryu called out mockingly, "Would you like to know what Takeshi's hand looks like? I can see it quite clearly from up here! You better hope you have something, because he's got the perfect combo to rip you to pieces! You should thank me for teaching the boy restraint; after all, isn't that what your bitch boy at the tournament chewed him out for?"
 

Aki merely nodded, unable to speak. Partially from the shock and awe at how she found him, and also for an equally simple reason. It was hard to make that promise. She'd try, sure. But clearly, something pretty drastic was going on now. And even without knowing the full details, there was a good chance she was going to have to use her power more than usual.

Normally, she'd work on figuring a way to balance her power usage to avoid over-exerting herself, but .... that may be unavoidable. Definitely for tonight, anyway.

Okay, okay, so .... Yuna. Where are you?!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

Yuna merely smirked as Takeshi began his turn. Her head slowly shook as she lowly chuckled.

"You're talking the talk, but ... that's it. You still haven't answered my question about Shivini. I know you ain't deaf. You refusing to answer means exactly what I've been proving. You're not completely gone. So even though your words are laced with ill intentions, that's not the real you speaking. You would have cared about hurting Shivini, which meant Eikichi was right to notice you did feel bad about hurting that other girl at the tournament. So ... "

Pulling the top card off of her deck, Yuna nodded down to herself and then over at Takeshi.

"That same regret, it is within you. You're not openly admitting it, but that's fine. Hotsuma may know you better than myself, but I know you decently enough. That's why ... regardless of how this duel ends, I'm not gonna die. You didn't let me beforehand. None of you did. Tonight will be no different. It'll just be another failure on Kiryu's behalf, one way or the other. I --- "

Though most of the message was cut out, she heard yet another distinct voice. One calling out her name ... and because of what Yuna could hear, she recognized it almost instantly.

Aki? Yuna replied, blinking a few times.

Not to say she was ungrateful, but certainly surprised. After last time ... why in the hell would she come over here? Hotsuma would likely arrive just for Takeshi. Something Yuna was fully expecting, but ... Aki trying to find her? That had never been something Yuna would have ever considered.

I'm fine, really ....

...lshit! Wh .. r ... ou?!

Yuna grimaced, turning her head away and biting onto her lower lip. Her head shook roughly a few times before she took a few rapid breaths and turned back to the field in front of her eyes.

"Draw! I'll set a card then end. You're not ending the duel because, already, you understand the dire situation of what's happening. You can keep lying to me, yourself, and Kiryu over there. But it's exactly as you said earlier; you don't hold back. I'm not making you. No one is .... "

Yuna lightly tapped the side of her head.

"Except the real you. Your subconscious. You proved once you are stronger than these bastards. Do it again, Takeshi Yamaguchi!"
 

The next few turns went by uneventfully, the both of them either Summoning or setting cards for later use; Takeshi was trying to heed Kiryu's words and training about restraint and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. And in truth? Takeshi was reaching the end of his limit. As it stood, his field had Hellfire Boatwatchman Charon, Devil King Dragon - Beelze, Undead Goblin and Unknown Flame Blacksmith.

Especially with how she kept blabbering on about how it was him that was holding back himself. Which, while technically, wasn't exactly for the reasons she was describing. And it was something she'd kept repeating to him. The sheer nuisance of those words beginning to grind on him, his teeth clenched as he fought the urge to just run over and strangle her.
​
"My subconscious...my morality...Friends..." Takeshi repeated, growing more and more agitated as Yuna kept bringing those things up. Eventually after she repeated it for the umpteenth time, he finally had enough. "Is that all you can focus on....IS THAT THE ONLY THING YOU CAN SAY?!?!?!" he snapped, that look of malicious glee now replaced with a deep-seated rage. "WHAT DO YOU KNOW OF FRIENDS!?! WE HAD ALL THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD OR WORSE! NOT A CALL! NOT EVEN A NOTICE OF ANY KIND TO SAY THAT YOU HAD MADE IT OUT OF ARCADIA ALIVE! NO! WE HAD TO FIND YOU HALF-DEAD TO REALIZE IT!"

Kiryu just laughed as Takeshi tore into her, "Oooh, Takeshi, take it easy...She's been trying to apologize for that; I bet she just feels awful that she let me use her as my punching bag." Of course, that was just said mockingly; he didn't really know what all had happened between the group regarding that, but he imagined Yuna being the sort to bitchily lash out at people whenever they pointed out her flaws. Because she was so much better than anyone else. Little did he realize how much he had hit it on the head.

"NO! NO MORE WAITING! I'VE HAD ENOUGH STALLING! MY TURN! DRAW!" Takeshi then declared violently, the aura feeding into Beelze and making that reviling black energy surge forward even more strongly, "I activate Unknown Flame Technique - Swallow's Slash! You tried with Getsu Fhuma before and it failed; expect this to turn out the very same! I release my Unknown Flame Blacksmith to destroy her and your face-up Tribal Solidarity! Vanish!" A forceful blast would rock her field, destroying the deadly swordswomen and her Permanent Magic card. "And then by its effect, I banish Spirit Chief from my deck to activate its own effect! I destroy one of your Gigantech Fighters! Spectral Vanishment!!"

And in a torrent of fire, her monster would howl before shattering, leaving her with just one Gigantech Fighter remaining. "Now then...Yuna, let's test that annoying sense of superiority and conviction you seem to have! Beelze, attack Gigantech Fighter! Black Hell Flare!"

"Reverse Card Open! Holy Barrier - Mirror Force!"

A shining light fought against Beelze's flame, Takeshi's Blacksmith being purged by its radiance from the effect...But eventually Beelze would push through and shatter the pure light, its own effect saving it from destruction as Gigantech Fighter would fall, crashing onto his back with the unholy flames burning him alive before he finally vanished into shards of light. And with their Attack power being equal, Yuna would take no damage this turn.

"So...That was the other card you set then...But at least that does confirm something for me. You tried to trick me, Yuna; you let me fool myself into thinking that your other set was Magic Cylinder..." Takeshi breathed, the surge of dark energy from Beelze being on his field fueling his rage and bloodlust. "But now I know...You don't have it..." A sinister chuckle left him, "Now I know that I can kill you on my next turn, you're finished! DO YOU HEAR ME, YUNA?! YOU'RE DEAD!"

"Like Hell she is...Takeshi..."

The attention would then shift as a Runner pulled up, the figure approaching showing itself to be Hotsuma. "Ah the prodigal son returns, as they say...Now then, Hotsuma...I'm glad you showed up when you did...Because Yuna just made a fatal mistake. She'll be dead in three turns...I can see it...And then, you'll be next!" Takeshi mused happily, Hotsuma staring harshly at his turned number two. What really seemed to spike his anger was the fact that some giant hands were pulling both her and Takeshi into the ground, evidenced by how far both of them had sunk. His gaze didn't linger long before his eyes traveled up to Kiryu, "Takeshi...What did you to him?"

Even without Rose, Yuna would feel nothing but murderous intent rolling off of Hotsuma despite the current calm tone; and if she were to look really closely, she would see faint lines crawling up his skin. Going towards the massive criminal mark over the left side of his face, its now-black ink seeming to move of its own accord as well. At this Kiryu sneered, "And what if it was...The fuck you gonna do about it, eh?" Hotsuma then bellowed and shot his right arm forward, those hideous black tendrils erupting outward and going right for Kiryu...However, the barrier around them all would deflect their path, instead striking the surrounding structures with enough force to shatter them and leave large holes in their surfaces.

"Whooo...Now I see where Takeshi gets it from! I knew I liked you in the Facility for a reason! Haha!" Kiryu chuckled, Hotsuma snarling as his body shook, himself barely able to hold in his repressed rage. The overtones of the Emperor came through much more clearly as he spoke his next words, "Kiryu I swear...I'm going to get Yuna and Takeshi both free..." His speaking paused as the energy grew stronger, his form shifting and going from that of his human self into that of his contracted spirit before he finished with, "And when I do, I'll rip your body into so many pieces there will be nothing left for you to revive back into a second time!" This time though...His transformation seemed far more complete, too fluid to be that of someone who was winning the fight against a demonic god of sorts.

"Ooooo, so angry, Hotsuma! Hahaha! I love it! Oi, Yuna, you should take some notes from him! That's how you come across as threatening, hahahahah! Come on then, Hotsuma-kun! Show me what you're made of!" Kiryu taunted, Emperor!Hotsuma roaring before he would take the gigantic sword across his back and slam it against the barrier. A deafening BOOM sounded off from the sheer force of the impact, sparks flying from the blade's edge as the massive weapon collided and sent forceful winds blowing in all directions. "Again, Hotsuma! Try again, try again! Hahahaha!" Kiryu continued to taunt, Hotsuma doing indeed as such as Takeshi would just grin at Yuna, "Look at him...He's trying so hard for you...And for me. Touching, is it not?" At this he grinned, "How do you think he'll react once I have Beelze burn the memory of this Duel into every inch of your body before sending you off to Hell?"
 

A smug smirk appeared on Yuna's face as finally - finally! - the Takeshi she truly knew seemed to mingle in with his coerced voice.

"Given it seems to be doing something, yes. I will persist on that path. You're not answering anything I've asked you, so I can return that gesture also. Besides .... there's only one thing you need to know about back then. That evening was not my proudest one. I already have to live with that fuck-up for the rest of my life. But if I'm really about to risk leaving this world being hated for one mistake, even if a major one?"

A weak chuckle passed her lips.

"Well ... at least I can leave knowing that, despite being hated, I at least tried to seek redemption. Even if it completely backfired. Now .... you really want me dead? I can help you make it quicker."

Yuna gave a nod towards her rear pocket.

"I've never walked around empty-handed. You know this. I can throw it over if you want."

... Go figure that would be the line Hotsuma would arrive to hear. Yuna inwardly scoffed. And yet, at the same time, she was smiling.

I can also leave not looking like a liar now that he's here ... she thought, drawing and taking her turn.

Each back and forth that occurred resulted in Yuna seeing Takeshi hesitate. With all the times he'd insisted he could win right then and there, yet did the exact same ... well ... it only strengthened her belief. He would have felt guilty if Shivini had died, and no matter how many times he swore he was happy with killing her, it wasn't what he wanted. Even with staring down at Beelze, there was an odd sense of satisfaction flowing through Yuna.

"Reverse Card, Open! Holy Barrier - Mirror Force!"

A grimace appeared.

... Hmmm ...

She hadn't forgotten Fayth's duel in the Facility against Hotsuma. She just ... hoped maybe the wording of the card had been mistaken, as it had been Fayth - ironically - who used Magic Cylinders against Beelze.

At least that would have made his life points drop. Tch ...

As it was? It only partially cleared his field. Then again, Cylinders would also boost Beelze's attack, so .... in a way it was good and bad Yuna hadn't drawn it. This time around, Yuna didn't retort when Takeshi insisted she'd tried to trick him. She merely hummed, seeming to stick to her word about giving the cold shoulder back. He was gonna keep ignoring her? Then, for now, she'd return that also.

Still, it also didn't fix the way this duel was going ... which really was not good.

" .... Oi, Hotsuma? Just worry about Takeshi when that bullshit barrier goes away, yeah? He's who we've been busting our asses for; why we've spent nights out and about. So, if push comes to shove, just --- "

"Don't you dare talk like that!"

Beside Hotsuma was a very heavily panting Aki, looking both horrified and furious that Yuna was even speaking in such a way.

"After all you endured and suffered, now you're ready to just ... ??" Aki shook her head, fists clenching tightly, "That's not the Yuna I remember!"

" .... I'm also a realist, Aki. And honestly? It's not a surprise this duel's going the way it is. The moment Kiryu refused to face me and had Takeshi do so instead .... " Her grin expanded slightly, "I .... kinda knew things weren't gonna go my way. With Mirror Force helping only further show that's a true theory, then .... "

"STOP TALKING LIKE THAT!"

A light clinking would be the next thing heard and finally, Aki's hair came undone as the pin was released for the first time in months. Maybe even longer.

If you really want to help Yuna and Takeshi, let's figure a way to combine our powers. Another one got to Divine not too long ago and had that same barrier .... you'll need help.

Aki may not have seen it, but she certainly sensed it.

" ... Don't misunderstand me, Aki. I'm not gonna stop fighting or anything like that. I'm just saying the brutally honest truth; if I do lose, it's not gonna surprise me like it normally would. Nothing more ... but certainly nothing less."

"So, you're fine with dying like this?!"

"No. But I may not have a choice. And hey, if this is something I have to risk facing? At least it'll be fighting and not running away like I've done in the past. Draw!"

Just shush! Do not argue with me on this, please! Aki pleaded, taking a hold of one of Hotsuma's hands and shutting her eyes. Luckily, Divine really hadn't needed much of her own power. One percent, three tops. So it was easy to create an aura around herself and the transformed Hotsuma, one that was very, very quickly rising in its own strength. And everyone would feel the emotions fueling the two on, aiding in getting the Signer and forced Psychic to not just catch up to Kiryu's barrier, but start threatening to break it down soon enough.

This was one of those moments where the most powerful weapon didn't come from something like a firearm, but rather, the feelings of a person. People, in this case.

"I summon Tune Warrior and end. If you can do it .... then prove it. Time to put up or shut up!"

"YUNA! HEED YOUR OWN DAMN ADVICE, NAMELY THAT LAST HALF!"

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

Fayth had been asleep, having endured her 'session' and completing it about thirty minutes ago. Her slumber, however, was getting interrupted by a really fucked up dream.

... Was that even what it was?

The longer it went on, the less it felt like a mere nightmare.

Yuna and some other guy she didn't immediately recognize were hoisted up in the air by blue-black hands. A few times, Yuna would call out to him, and the name definitely was a familiar one.

That's Takeshi? she mused, whimpering as she saw them both pulled down into the ground.

"Don't!" she pleaded in her half-unconscious state, "You'll kill her!"

The other bystander, wearing a cult-like outfit, seemed to look right at Fayth with a very uneasy smirk and gave a simple, matter-of-fact reply.

"That's the point, my dear~"

That voice ... it was one Fayth could never forget.

That's Kiryu?! Fayth thought, gasping and sitting quickly up in her bed.

" ... You saw that too, right?"

Of course. Everything you've seen and experienced, I can witness also.

"Then where is Yuna?! Do you know?!"

.... Not exactly, no. But I'm relatively sure she's not in the Tops which brings up question one. How would you even get to the Satellite if she is there?

Fayth grimaced, biting tightly onto her lower lip. "I don't know ... but I refuse to stay here! If she's really in danger .... " Fayth shook her head frantically from side to side. "That's not fair! She's done too much for me! I have to at least try! Even more so if that ... that bastard is involved!"

.... You're making a huge mistake ....

"Be that as it may, I'm not changing my mind. Now shut up and let me have my sight." Before Morningstar could remind her, she held a hand up, "I know. I haven't forgotten. A few hours is all I should need though."

Very well. Just don't blame me if it vanishes at a bad time.

Right when she could see under her blindfold, Fayth wasted little more time, practically leaping out of bed and getting hastily changed into jeans and a top. The cloth was tucked into rear pocket.

Even though the D-Wheeler would be faster, it'd also be noticed quicker if she took it. So, in the end, Fayth snuck out via the garage door, but ran out of and away from the manor on foot. Out of instinct more than anything, she'd also taken her disk and deck.

Please don't let me be too late! she prayed, continuing to run faster than Fayth ever had in her entire life.
 

Jack was finishing talking with Goodwin; he'd left Fayth at home because she was probably doing...whatever she was doing with Morningstar. Two, it was painfully obvious she wasn't fond of the Director, and lastly, this didn't really concern her. So he was fine to leave her be...Though even the Director could pick up the man's attention was elsewhere.

"Worried, Jack?" Goodwin asked, Jack just letting out a sigh, "Yes. I don't like not knowing, Director; and much as you've claimed to the contrary, I know you're hiding something." Goodwin raised a brow, "Interesting...Seems the young woman has made quite an impact on you. You used to trust me more." Jack's cheeks tinged a bit, making the Director smile, "Relax, it was only a jest. But honestly Jack; do you realize how long it took me to gather that information? Between my time here as Director and trying to prepare for this event...I can only try to fill in the blanks. Even I don't have all the answers."

Jack didn't seem satisfied...But so far they'd talked about what he was really here for: Making arrangements to live with Crow in the Satellite, and find a way to get Ruka and Rua out of the city safely. Kiryu had already shown they could show up at any time; and Goodwin had even said that there was certainly more than just one or two. It was likely a group of hundreds, maybe even thousands. He'd suspected his office was compromised, and thus needed to keep the twins somewhere the Dark Signers wouldn't think to look.

"Well...So long as the parents have been notified. I take it they weren't too happy?" Jack asked, Goodwin shaking his head, "Not at all; I assured them however, that this individual was a trusted agent. And you can vet for Crow's reliability?" Jack nodded, "He single-handedly cares for a number of orphans in the Satellite extremely well; and he's more than happy to help us out." Goodwin sighed, being actually very honest, "That's a relief to hear; much as Ruka may carry the Sign...Even I wouldn't conceive forcing a child to fight, especially due to her delicate nature."

Jack seemed pleased with this, standing up "Well then...If that is all, I suppose this is it. You will let me know if you discover anything else, yes?" Goodwin nodded in confirmation, stating "Yes of course; and do give Miss Milner my regards when you see her."

Moments later, Jack would take off....Unaware that fate would soon lead him to a confrontation with the very nightmare he was tasked to fight against.

===============================================================================================================

"COWARD!" That singular word would carry out so much weight from the anger and hatred, directed solely at Yuna. Harsh? Perhaps...But to hear such self-defeating talk? That was hard to stomach, even as far as Hotsuma should have been from caring.

Echoed in turn as Aki would make her appearance, Hotsuma stopping his relentless assault against the barrier as he took in the fact that she had returned...But how did she find them? How did she even know they would be here? "You...How..." Hotsuma asked, more than a little surprised and confused at the appearance...But at least she seemed here to help.

Kiryu too seemed taken aback; who the fuck was this bitch? Though one look at her arm revealed everything he needed to know; so, this was who he'd overheard Demak talking about...And who Misty wanted to murder. "So...The gang's all here? Everyone hear to witness Hotsuma's little tin soldier murderize his former lover? This is just perfect...Too perfect." he thought to himself, grinning maniacally.

And with Takeshi's hand...It was over; nothing Yuna had could stop her defeat. However, when Aki grabbed Hotsuma's hand, Kiryu just laughed, "What...Scared to lose her, dear? Don't worry; Misty will make sure you join her soon enough." However, his brows raised as he felt a weird phenomena stir the air around them...

Hotsuma barked as he moved to jerk his hand away; however....Instead of a clash, he felt...Their energies combining? How? When he'd tried with Yuna, he'd only caused further harm to her. But with Aki...It was like water falling within water, the energies from each of them mixing together seamlessly. And for a brief couple of seconds, he saw glimpses of what was presumably Aki's life: How she was tormented. How her own parents rejected her, how deep her hatred for them taking her youth away from her...Especially towards her father...And across that bridge, she too would see parts of his own past.

Unknown to any of the the other parties, the Emperor stared into a deep void, the bridge between his vessel and the wretched woman allowing him a glimpse into the abyss of power that laid within. "How very interesting...Maybe there is worth in keeping her alive after all. Yes, yes...Her power will suffice nicely." The Emperor mused, his thoughts cut off from all else, the incorporeal thought-form floating stagantly within the chasm of Hotsuma's soul, his massive form atop an iron throne just as the ancients had depicted him.

"Hotsuma...Accept this power...With this, Kiryu's barrier will be nothing more than a dried autumn leaf." the Emperor commanded, Hotsuma saying "No shit...I'm not about to turn down a chance to rip Kiryu to shreds" Hotsuma said, his armored fingers closing more around her own as their powers spun themselves into a violent cyclone, threatening to tear down Kiryu's wall. Kiryu seemed definitely more worried; but he did have more energy in reserve.

"Feh....You fucking losers..." Kiryu said, raising a finger and giving a flicking motion; a titanic foot - the same patterns covering it as the hands - then erupted from the ground, its heel raising high above them as if to stomp them. Hotsuma, in a split second decision, would throw Aki aside as the massive auxilary crashed down...And for a few seconds, even Yuna or Aki might assume the attack had killed him, itself still imbedded in the splintered and shattered ground around where the Duel was taking place, the barrier having deflected the energy to spare Yuna or Aki being blown away by the force of the collision.

"Now then, Takeshi...Go ahead, show Yuna you mean business..." Kiryu started to say, but another flare-up then made him turn his attention back to where Hotsuma had been; a crushing pressure was starting to be felt, Hotsuma's power now starting to do as Aki had done: Rise at an uncontrolled rate, like the attack had unchained something. A deep growl left the armored titan, the giant foot shaking as Hotsuma seemed to be able to lift it with his own might, his demon form now barely visible beneath the colossal appendage, clearly struggling but able to hold it off from squashing him like a bug. "KIRYU...PRAY YOU CAN RUN ONCE THAT BARRIER FALLS...BECAUSE I SWEAR TO YOU, YOU WILL SUFFER DEATH AD INFINITUM FOR YOUR CRIMES...FOR DARING TO HARM THOSE CLOSEST TO ME! YOU DAMNED COWARD...YOU INSIGNIFICANT PARASITE!!! IF YUNA OR TAKESHI DIES, I WILL KILL YOU! YOU AND EVERYONE WHO ASSOCIATES THEMSELVES WITH YOU! I WILL LITTER THE SATELLITE WITH YOUR BLOOD AND MAKE YOU DIE SCREAMING AS I SEND YOU RIGHT BACK TO HELL!" Kiryu grimacing as he said, "And be quick about it..."

Takeshi had watched, grinning as he turned his attention back to Yuna, those eyes still as cold as ever...Even she would see the intent to destroy was very much clear in his eyes. "Gladly...And now that I know Magic Cylinder is no longer an issue...This Duel is over! Beelze, destroy Tuning Warrior! Black Hell Flare!"

"Reverse Card Open! Spirit Force!"

And as the Trap Card opened up and activated, Tuning Warrior would jump in front of Yuna, a blue-colored wave-like aura around its form as it took the full brunt of Beelze's attack. Robotic cries and beeps loudly leaving it before it would finally fall apart, blowing itself to fragments as Beelze's dark flames consumed it. "Tch....Still struggling so fruitlessly, Yuna? It's almost too pathetic to watch...But very well, I suppose that's all for now. Turn end." Takeshi said.
 

"Awwww. You look so .... hmmm .... what exactly is a good word to use?"

The voice would seem to come from nowhere, but Jack would not have any doubts he was alone. He would have been walking long and far enough to gain distance away from Goodwin's office that he couldn't simply get the Director's help. Assuming he had wanted it, anyway. Either way, those feelings would quickly disappear, particularly as a second large, purple force field shot up abruptly and encircled Jack.

"I guess I'll just say it for how it appears; you look pretty defeated, all things considered. Though with the way things have been going, I suppose I can't blame you too much."

Hovering ever-so-slightly above Jack was the figure of Carly, albeit as a Dark Signer.

"I mean, you have lost pretty much everything, and I don't just mean since the Fortune Cup. Even before then. It was just in a far more subtle way. And now, you've had to bear the burden of watching over a Signer that shouldn't be wearing her mark?"

Carly would keep appearing as if she were levitating, though in all honesty? It was her aerial-related powers she was using. It was also being applied in the most discreet of ways to give off the illusion she was floating without the use of a very, very gentle breeze.

"You could be doing so much more, you know, than concerning yourself with her? I was assigned to be the one to off you, but ... " Carly's head tilted. "Maybe there can be an in-between of sorts. You'd have so many more uses among our ranks. So ... what say you? While you still have time, why not switch sides? You already did it once before. Why not do so again, hmm?"

Carly wasn't really expecting to hear a 'yes'. Really, this was just buying Misty time and making damn sure she could secure Fayth. She and Kiryu had plans or something like that, apparently. The real nature of this meeting was little more than a simple distraction. But if she could somehow get something beneficial from this run-in, she'd take it.

Because, believe it or not, she was being at least partially truthful in her thoughts about viewing Jack more useful as a Dark Signer than not. Carly just wasn't expecting anything to come from the offer; but it certainly wouldn't halt her from making an effort.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

"Maybe I am being a bit of a coward, yes," Yuna softly replied, her fists clenching tightly. "But you know both my deck and Takeshi's better than anyone else! The second Beelze arrived .... what am I supposed to do, huh?!"

Finally, a few tears streamed quickly down Yuna's face. Every time she wiped some away, they were just as swiftly replaced.

"My chances are even lower than when Fayth fought you in the Facility. Right now? I have only one real saving grace, and that comes in the form you both came over here. Otherwise ... "

Aki started to protest. Instead of actual words, however, a gasp would be the first thing to leave her lips as she was pushed away. Her head turned, looking a bit irked. But when she saw why she had been shoved, her eyes widened.

"HOTSUMA!"

Both women would cry the name out, at almost the exact same time too. Yuna grunted, finally seeming to have found some of her fight back as she yanked and pulled at the hands holding her.

"Is you barrier weaker than you, eh? Come on, not like you fucking need these! Let fucking go!"

Aki, meanwhile, began helping Hotsuma try to move the massive boot off of him. Unfortunately, with a new threat arriving, it had taken both her and Hotsuma's concentration off the barrier. Despite his actions seeming anything but smart, even Aki couldn't deny Kiryu had technically made a rather sound decision. Now, it'd take a bit longer for her and the Fiend to break through.

... So ... this is how dangerous they truly are? Aki thought, grimacing. If that was the case ... then she'd gotten lucky when it came to her encounter with Misty.

Yuna let out one last frustrated growl, her struggles ceasing as she pushed quickly down on her duel disk. "Trap Card, Open! Spirit Force! Just because I acknowledge this likely won't end well, that doesn't mean I've given up yet!"

Yet, her face implied that were this happening on any other day - probably if she had ended up alone, too - she would just place her hand atop her deck. Because it was clear she didn't want to draw. Her Colossal Fighters had been the best chance she'd had, and now? Now that she saw that fucking thing could have its power increased in battle as well as through effects?

It really was the epitome of complete despair.

Guess you chose the best card to steal from Sector, Hotsuma ... Yuna thought, shakily drawing.

"I summon Blue Flame Swordsman! Turn end!"

Another stall, more obvious than the last few turns. But at least she could keep herself well enough for one more turn, if absolutely nothing else. Yuna had been using her adrenaline to keep a strong front up for so long. The harsh reality, though, was she was a wreck. Especially mentally. Her mind had been racing the moment this duel started, and the pace only quickened when it got implied what would happen to the loser.

Six to twelve hours ... that's how long a person usually has to survive ...

Her captivity had helped prove that theory, as Kiryu never let her stay locked up for too long. But ... he also hadn't used his powers back then. So how long did Yuna really have?

Probably a few turns, and that was if Fate opted to be generous enough. It was more likely just her next one ... and that reality was beginning to hit her hard. She didn't want to leave anyone yet. Not Hajime, not Hotsuma, literally no one. But with Rose still sealed away .... was there even anything Yuna could do to give herself a bit more time or a fighting chance?

Maybe if she could get Takeshi to wake up, and even that was a huge 'maybe' as it was. Excluding that option? The answer only continued to strengthen. Nope ... there was nothing. She was likely going to die; a reality that angered her as much as it terrified her.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

"Yuna?! Yuna!"

Oi, Morningstar? You said you couldn't pinpoint her exact location? Why not?

Something - or someone even - is making it impossible to discern where exactly she still is. But I'm almost positive she is in the Satellite.

Then ... someone else? Kiryu had seemed to have an ability that tampered with gravity. It made sense that it was likely another Dark Signer. And courtesy of Yuna sharing her memories with herself and Yusei, she did know of at least one other name, but that was it.

Fayth would finally stop and lean against a nearby wall. Gate, to be more precise. She didn't really pay much heed to her surroundings until a weak cry for help made her turn her head. Tied against a tombstone was .... Yuna?

That's not her.

Fayth frowned, eyebrows furrowing at the words.

What do you mean 'not her'?! That literally is her!

Fayth even pointed to her forehead.

I did see what Kiryu and that other girl looked like, ya know?

Girl, just trust me when I say that isn't her.

And if you're wrong?! You'll be part of why she dies!

Feh. Fine. Don't say I didn't warn you.

As if flipping Fayth off, her sight abruptly vanished, causing the girl to curse as she went blind again. "Fuck you too," she muttered, hastily putting her blindfold back on before running in. "Yuna? Yuna! Hang in there. I'm here." Fayth slowly knelt down, at least remembering the last place she'd seen Yuna, and began moving her hands to untie her friend.
 

Jack had decided to walk home; it would be a good chance to clear his head. The Director may have been poking fun by suggesting what he did about Fayth...But in truth, Jack himself still wasn't sure what to feel.

Did he...perhaps care about her more than he was letting on? Even for himself? He had no clue...But he did think back, and realize that he was acting closer to her than anyone else in the recent month or so than he had in several years. But...It wasn't necessarily a bad thing; he'd come to enjoy Fayth's company. She was refreshingly honest, and rather easy to talk to...And if he had to admit one other thing, she was actually pleasant to look at.

However...He was jolted from his thoughts as a voice called out to him, his violet hues shooting back and forth in a near-paranoid fashion as his body tensed. He didn't just hear things....Right? And for a second, he thought the voice was just a figment, a result of the stress of trying to help two children escape a surely violent and destructive series of events. Though those thoughts vanished as he then shielded himself, the Mark on his arm glowing red as a spectral barrier shot up around him, trapping him within its walls.

And now, seeming to hover before him as he lowered his arms, was a woman who was very much familiar. "Carly?" he asked; no one knew where she had gone, only that she was reported missing by a co-worker. Apparently she hadn't shown up for several weeks now...But yet here she was, hovering before him like some kind of ghost.

But what really caught his attention was her eyes: That same black sclera and brilliant iris that Kiryu had, With the style of robe that covered her, orange accents instead of the deep-blue that covered Kiryu...She was with him. There was no denying it.

His eyes widened though as she suggested changing sides, reminding him of the time when he'd betrayed his friends. How did she know that?! His focus returned, and he answered rather bluntly, "That might have been who I was...But that's not who I am now. Much like you...I've changed. And for the better!"

Scowling, Jack then pointed out, "So...You and Kiryu are working together then. Carly, you're better than this; whatever happened, you don't have to follow their whim. You can still make your own path. Follow your own advice...Even as a reporter, you were more concerned about the truth than selling articles. And whatever...this is...This is not you."


________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
​

Hotsuma struggled beneath the massive foot; even with Akiza's help, they would make little progress in trying to free him. Allowing Kiryu and Takeshi to finish enjoying what they started with Yuna.

"Heh...So much for the cavalry, eh Yuna?" Kiryu snarked; even if she tried to quip about never giving up...About somehow being better, he knew that this fight was won on so many levels. She'd been broken, and finally he could lord it over her. "You should get a mirror, Yuna...Your face right now is absolutely priceless. Oh, all those beautiful tears, I could just drown myself in them, hehehahah!" the Dark Signer mocked, laughing hysterically.

Takeshi meanwhile, was started to get more energetic off the influx of dark power; yes, this was what being a Dark Signer entailed. His conscious mind knew this was not the same as Kiryu's contract...But at least he would get a chance to flex his strength against a powerful foe. "Yuunnna....Now you have nothing to defend you; you really should have set your Flame Swordsman. You of all people should know the dangers about playing with fire...Allow me to refresh your memory. My turn, draw!" Takeshi gleefully shouted, declaring "I summon a third Undead Goblin in Attack Mode! And I'll skip the usual pleasantries...Devil King Dragon attacks Blue Flame Swordsman! Black Hell Flare!"

And this time...Yuna would get a taste of what Fayth took twice in the Facility: Her Warrior struggled bravely; but Beelze's power was far too much to contain, its form being burned to cinder as the annihilating black fire would wash over her, flooding her skin and body with heat and agonizing pain, her Life falling 3500 from the attack. "And that's not all, Undead Goblin will attack you as well!" Takeshi shouted, the unformed monstrosity charging forward and slashing across her front, her Life falling even further. "And because Undead Goblin dealt you damage, one card in your Deck goes to the Graveyard!" The top card of her deck glowed yellow as it seemed to fly forward and into a small black portal, vanishing from sight.

Kiryu then laughed, "And what's more...You losing that much life..." He would pause in his speech to give a thumbs-down gesture, his eyes wide with homicidal ecstasy "Means you get that much closer to being sixty feet under...LITERALLY! HAHAHA!" And to emphasize this, Yuna would feel her body pulled down, her upper torso still above the ground but everything else pulled under as the hand surrounding her would yank her; her chin was maybe just shy of a foot from the ground where she had once stood, a dangerous reminder of where she was going to end up.

"YUNA!" Hotsuma bellowed, his form buckling a little as she took the consecutive attacks; it was clear to anyone that this was hard to watch. "KIRYU! YOU ROTTEN BASTARD! YOU'RE FUCKING DEAD!" Kiryu couldn't help chuckling, "Of course I am, stupid! Yuna knows it, you know it! Why you gotta state the obvious, eh?! Besides, why do you care? She left you to die, dummy! I'm doing you a favor!" Hotsuma snarled and pushed harder, Kiryu just sighing, "Oh give up already! You and your big-chested friend there can't do shit! Face it, I've won! Real shame you're a Signer, babe! I'd love to date you...But seeing as I have to kill you, it won't work! I just hate messy break-ups! Hahahaaa!"

Deep in the psyche of his mind, Hotsuma would then be confronted by the Emperor; the demon god's form was imposing. And with how this meeting was set-up...No one outside would hear them, his physical form still struggling to lift the giant from his shoulders. "Boy...You know there is only one way to save her...You have fought me for so long, but now it is here you must choose. Will you die crushed by Kiryu's arrogance? Or will you live to tear him and those that have wronged you?" The Emperor asked, sitting upon his throne; he knew the boy was defeated. Seeing his lover and comrade in such a position...Well, most people would give this up in a heartbeat. But Hotsuma? He'd resisted surprisingly well, even if his actions didn't prove as such.

"Save them..." Hotsuma muttered weakly, falling to his knees with his head bowed in despair, the Emperor seeming to have his interest piqued as he leaned in closer, "Boy...Speak up!" "SAVE THEM, YOU FUCKING ASS! I DON'T CARE WHAT HAPPENS TO ME! DON'T LET THEM DIE! DON'T LET ANY OF THEM DIE!" Hotsuma's inner-self begged, the Emperor chuckling as he replied, "Very well...Now do hold still...I promise, this will not hurt at all..." And in that moment, Hotsuma's conscious mind faded to next to nothing, allowed only the minimal amount of control needed.

But even though none of them would hear what Hotsuma was saying internally or even begin to imagine what was happening within, those with enough perception would feel the very nature of his essence shift. It was dark before...But it changed almost instantly to something different. Crushing even; as if the very depths of the underworld itself was spilling out into the mortal plane. To call it pure evil was not an overstatement at all; it was almost as if Kiryu's and Hotsuma's energies mirrored each other perfectly now in terms of desire to destroy.

"KIRYU! YOU WILL NOT TAKE THEM FROM ME! NO ONE WILL....NOT NOW! NOT EVER!!!" Hotsuma bellowed; and with a surprising burst of power, the giant foot shot off him as his physical form became saturated with demonic energy. "Tch...Fuck off, Hotsuma! Fine, if I can't crush you, then Aki goes next!" Kiryu shouted, aiming the foot for her; however, Hotsuma's enormous blade would intercept the strike, the edge digging into the 'skin' and making a loud howl echo out from out of nowhere as he forced it to vanish. "Kiryu...FINISH THIS AND WITHDRAW!" A sonorous voice called out, matching the Emperor's own in terms of power.

"Akiza...I require your assistance...When we shatter the barrier, please keep Yuna and Takeshi safe; I fear the backlash of what I will do will overwhelm their mortal forms." Hotsuma then asked, holding out an armored hand in offering.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
​

In the Tops meanwhile, Misty was doing her part; Kiryu had mentioned that when he confronted Fayth at the theater in what she called an 'idiotic fashion', that he noticed something within her. As such...She expanded Ccaryhua's sphere of influence, allowing her to camouflage the entire area in a way she was sure would capture the young girl's attention. If he had noticed whatever resided within her...Then it was likely that this potential spirit could notice her as well. So...As such, she was keeping out of sight, aided by one of Rutger's spiders to act as an extra set of eyes.

Her irises glowed red as Uru's influence temporarily joined with Ccaryhua's to create a three-dimensional map in her mind; what she noticed right away was Fayth walking into the Graveyard, drawn by the illusion she's set...But what she noticed at first was that the girl seemed to have sight; didn't Kiryu state that she was blind?

However...The next event would confirm it; whatever she had made her eyeballs mysteriously vanish, leaving only empty sockets remaining, the ocular pockets quickly masked by her blindfold. Misty immediately recalled the spider to Rutger-sama's side, the little of Uru's influence subsiding as Ccaryhua resumed full ownership of his vessel; this information could be critical to determining what her exact deal was. But as such...She continued the illusion, determined to keep her distracted as long as possible.

"F-Fayth...Fayth?! What are you doing here!?!" Yuna said, snapping at her like she'd done something bad. "Never mind...Look, you need to leave! And don't freaking argue! Trust me! You're in danger here!"
 

"Annnnd some other Dark Signers, mhm. You're otherwise correct."

Carly giggled, the smirk she'd been wearing widening ... and quickly turning to a neutral expression as she glanced over her shoulders. As if watching the ongoing duel between Takeshi and Yuna on an actual screen instead of her mind and trying to imagine what was actually going on.

"Between you and me though, Kiryu's overrated. Good god, he does not shut up and he thinks me and Misty are stupid enough to fall for what he likes to think of to be his 'charm'. Ewww."

A genuine shudder trailed down her spine.

"I could care less about him. He already fucked up by failing to kill Yuna and exposing so much about us. Which makes the mere thought that somehow he's gonna fuck up again be really ironic."

Carly shrugged, chuckling as she turned to look back at Jack.

"I tried to warn him earlier but, of course, he didn't listen. That's okay. It'll make everything all the more sweeter. My Fortune Ladies don't lie to me. I trust them much more than that simple minded baka." Waving her hand through the air, Carly shifted topics. "But enough about him ... "

Her tongue clicked in half-disappointment. And at the same time? It had been as Carly thought; he'd reject the offer. There was all the proof she needed to hear.

"You suuuure? I can make you king again. And this time, no one would be able to dethrone you. Not Ling, not Fayth .... no one. Come on. You can't say you're not tempted to hear those words again. I'm sure the thought excites you, yes? Makes your heart leap in anticipation?"

One last shot - that seemed more than fair enough as Carly extended her left hand out.

"Take it or leave it. Choose wisely though."
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

"Why don't you go fuck off somewhere already, huh? God, you're presence is more irritating than a goddamn fly."

Shoving and ignoring Kiryu as best as she could, her grin weakly spread as she nodded to her field.

"If I'd set my swordsman, this would be over already. It's like I said, Takeshi. I'm fighting for as long as I can, even if that isn't much longer."

A whimper left as she felt herself pulled further down, her head one of the few things staying above the dirt and ground.

"YUNA!" Aki screamed, her efforts temporarily pausing as she watched the raven-haired woman pulled further down. "Tch. Keep dreaming, you creep. If Hotsuma doesn't kill you, I will before you can even lay a finger on me!" Once more, Aki's mouth opened, this time ready to give a response to Hotsuma. Her attention moved from his words to another foot trying to step down on her.

Aki instinctively began conjuring a force field, but found it was not at all necessary. Not when it was cut down quicker than butter.

Dear gods ... has he really gotten that much stronger since I last saw him?

Aki could only be grateful that Hotsuma was on her side as opposed to against her. Her head shakily nodded as she took a long breath to calm herself. "I'll try, but ... Hotsuma. If Takeshi doesn't snap out of this warped state soon ... "

She purposely left it unfinished, knowing he could piece together well enough what her truly worries involved. "Right now, with how everything's going, Yuna comes --- "

"Don't, Aki," Yuna protested, holding her left hand quickly up, "Let me finish before you interrupt. Aki, me and Hotsuma have spent the last ... fuck. Three? Five nights? Maybe even a whole week already - if not longer - going out to try to find him and bring him back. Help him wake up first."

" ... How can you talk like this is fine?!"

" ... I suppose because at least I'm fighting and not being killed in my sleep or some other bullshit way. It's a method I'd prefer is the point. But believe me, I'm not actually fine with this. Still ... unless you can freeze time or something, that's one of the few ways I could survive this."

"Damnit!" Aki hissed through gritted teeth, squeezing tightly onto Hotsuma's hand and taking it. For all the talents and strength she possessed, that - unfortunately - was one of the few things she couldn't do.

Yuna wordlessly pulled the top card off her disk. She stared briefly at it before looking up to Takeshi. "You know, you may hate me sounding like a broken record and shit. But I'm probably not gonna get many other chances, so I'll just get this out of the way now while I can say this. I forgive you. Because the only thing you've continued to show this whole duel is ... I have been right. You take no pleasure in this like Kiryu does. That's all I need to know before this duel ends. So ... whatever may or may not happen, I don't hate you. Not gonna lie though, the whining fit from earlier was a bit emo from ya. But ... "

Her head shook from side to side.

"That's fine. I know I've had my own moments sorta like that, so .... "

Another shaky breath would be heard before Yuna reluctantly resumed with her turn. "I'll set a card and end. If you truly are gone ... then I wanna see it myself. You said you were gonna use Beelze, so go for it."
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

Fayth's eyebrows rose as she definitely heard Yuna's last line.

Freaking? Not fucking?

It made her movements slow as she pondered on the reply, but not at all stop. In the end, she decided to shake her head in a back and forth motion. If push came to shove and Morningstar somehow had been right, then she'd leave. From what she'd seen, Yuna hadn't really looked direly hurt ... another thing that, slowly but surely, was becoming a bit of a red flag.

She hadn't been hurt ... but was left here to be easily found?

Okay, fine; something was feeling really off about this.

The only thing keeping Fayth from running right then and there was the possibility that she had been right and not her spirit.

"That's why we're running after I finish. I believe I'm in danger, but we may as well take advantage of you being alone."

As the last of the ropes were undone, Fayth slowly offered her friend one of her hands. "If you need help standing, take it. But let's go now while we have time!"
 

Jack pondered Carly's words; so there were indeed others then...And they were called the Dark Signers. So was this it then? Was his fated battle to start now? She did say it was her destiny to take care of him. To 'off' him, as she put it.

And...While it was true that part of him still wanted to have his life back, to be King once more...He couldn't stand the thought of having to go over people the way he had done before. And not through the agency of someone else's power. No, if he was going to become a Champion again at all, he would do so with his own might.

"You're right Carly...Part of me does wish to be King again. I do want to have my own title back...But not through anyone's power except my own. If I will be Champion again, it will be by my own strength...And it won't just be for glory. It will be to show the people what a real Duel looks like." Jack replied, giving her a firm stare as he finished with,

"I reject your offer...And know this, Carly; if you truly intend to use your powers for whatever purpose the Dark Signers truly have in mind, I will stop you. I swear it."
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
​

Takeshi just grinned, "Finally seeing the light...Well...Allow me to send you off properly. My turn, draw!" Takeshi then pulled off the top card of his deck...And what he saw would seem to be the final piece in making Kiryu's plan fall flat on its face.

"Yamaguchi-dono..."

It was here that a spectral form appeared to Takeshi, invisible to all except the present party. Unknown Flame Blessed Sword...The fiery figure stood before his former master, eyes unjudging but clearly distraught. "Your mind has been clouded by darkness...You have a warrior's spirit, but these wretched monsters have corrupted your drive for battle." It was here that another figure appeared before him, Unknown Flame Samurai. "Takeshi...How many times have we faced an opponent together? You used us to blaze a path to freedom...To free people from the darkness of despair and hopelessness. To give them a beacon of hope to look for, a flame that would guide them to a happier life. That is the true path of the Unknown Flame"

Next would appear Hermit and Spirit Chief, followed by Blade God, War God and Flame God. All of them together...Rekindling the fire of his soul, driving back Uru's influence as their spirits burned corruption of the Earthbound God from him little by little. "Yuna..." Takeshi said lowly, tears starting to stream from the corners of his eyes as he whimpered, "Dear God...Yuna, what have I done...I...I'm sorry...I..."

"Takeshi...Listen to them! This isn't you! Fight back damn it! You're stronger than this!" Hotsuma bellowed as he pounded on the barrier, the wall of spectral flame starting to break away from his and Aki's combined power. "Hotsuma...You...And Yuna...Everyone..." he said, Kiryu's face falling into a hard grimace "Tch...Fine, if you won't finish, I sure as fuck will! See you in hell, Yuna!"

And Kiryu was about to force Takeshi to attack Yuna; however, Takeshi seemed to get some semblance of control, Takeshi's body tensing as he tried to fight it. "The God...is forcing me to continue...I can't stop it, but I can at least control how it finishes! I activate the Field Magic, Unknown Flame - Reincarnation Formation!" And soon the darkness of the current Undead World he'd played earlier would disintegrate, revealing a ritualistic diagram that poured forth healing light. It was much warmer...Powerful, but calming. "I then call forth my Blessed Sword and tune it with Undead Goblin! Noble hero, rise to vanquish the darkness! Carry the torch and incinerate all evil! Synchro Summon! Blade God of the Unknown Flame!"

And in a flash of pure light, the very first monster that Yuna had forced back into Takeshi's deck had reappeared, looking at his master. "Yamaguchi-dono...You heard her. She forgives you...Please, if you cannot call forth the strength, allow me to finish this. I will make it painless..." Takeshi seemed torn...But with how hard Apu was pushing, he could not hold out. "Very well...Blade God, attack Yuna directly!"

"NO!!!!!" Hotsuma then yelled; the amount of heartbreak as Takeshi and Yuna would rush towards this battle's conclusion all too prominent as the barrier was broken under the power of his and Aki's combined strength.

At this Kiryu laughed, "What the fuck ever! When your life hits zero...That's it, Yuna! YOU LOSE BITCH! HAHAHA!" At this Kiryu then jumped down from his perch and punched Takeshi; right then and there, Blade God's katana would pierce Yuna...Her Life dropping to zero, Apu starting to pull her down. Kiryu reached down to take some cards out of a pouch on Takeshi's belt, starting to make his retreat as Hotsuma would slash the arm in such a way that it would force Apu to release Yuna before it disintegrated. "KIRYU!!! YOU BASTARD!" Hotsuma would shout, the last thing she would hear and see was Hotsuma roaring like a wounded devil, chasing after the man that had tried to take her life.

Right before Hotsuma could kill him though, Kiryu would find himself wrapped in the hand that had nearly taken Yuna down under, Kiryu just grinning as he was pulled to safety; Hotsuma's sword stroke would barely miss the top of his head and the hand that grabbed him, the force of the swing enough to demolish what little remained of the structures around them; and though the force was largely directed away from where Aki, Yuna and Takeshi were, at least one of them would witness the sheer devastating power he seemed to wield.

And though so muc had happened..In truth the events had unfolded in a matter of seconds. And with his target lost, gone scot-free from his mad acts of sadism and mental torture, a deranged howl of pure anger erupted from him, a crushing pulse of negative energy flooding from him as if someone had detonated a bomb.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

​
"Fayth...Good god, you're such a pest...." Yuna muttered, but still just laughed, "Still...Guess that makes two of us. Fine...But be quick about it; who knows when they'll be back." And when she was untied, she stood up but quickly fell down again.

"Fu....Shit....Damn it all, Kiryu....He busted my ankle; guess I was running on adrenaline so long I didn't even notice it..." Yuna muttered, asking as she looked up to Fayth, "I'm sorry...Fayth...But can you car-"

However...A huge disturbance would make Yuna's speech flicker for a split-second, the imagery glitching ever so slightly as a vile wave of energy interfered with the careful crafting Misty had taken the trouble to set up, making her lose her focus. "This power...Kiryu, you fool...What have you done now?!"

"Fayth...Did you feel that? I think...I think Kiryu's coming back...Come on, fucking help me up! We need to fucking go now! Neither of us are strong enough to fight him!" Misty then had 'Yuna' say, as if in an effort to make sense of why her speech would pause like that. However...When Yuna might be picked up, Fayth would find her even harder to help walk; if anything, it was like Yuna was trying to slow them down or something.
 

Carly let out another sigh, shrugging her shoulders.

"Okay then. At least I tried."

Even from here, she - too - felt the large explosion of auras. Her eyebrows rose as she stared back, wondering almost the exact same thing the real Misty was pondering.

Dear god, what in the hell did you do now, hmm?

"I have been wrong from time to time, so .... either this will be one of the worst nights for you Signers, or the best ones. Yuna may not be among you, but it's no secret that she speaks with quite a few of you. Can she pull through? Will any of you be able to fight on should she perish tonight? That will definitely help determine, in the long run, if any of you can get rid of any of us. Particularly the Blinded One; I know they were very close despite starting out as mere cell mates."

Her smirk widened as she snickered, "Should Kiryu get what he wanted, it may be another way that bites him in the ass; if that somehow strengthens Fayth instead of weakening her. Not gonna lie, I kinda hope he succeeds just so Karma can remind him how much of a bitch she tends to be. He's overdue for some poetic justice. For now though .... "

Carly's hand fell back to her side, making sure Jack couldn't make any last ditch attempts.

"We're done for the time being. But trust me when I say I'll see the two of you soon enough. However ... since you were rather civil and generous with me, I'll give you one free hint; Fayth isn't home."

Carly would be the first to disappear, the barrier vanishing about ten seconds later. All while leaving Jack confused - and likely a bit angry, possibly scared. Even if not for himself, for a certain someone.
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"There's the Takeshi I know ... " Yuna replied, looking rather smug despite facing what looked to be an inevitable death. "Good. I can leave feeling a lot better about how this duel ended up going."

"Yuna, stop!" Aki pleaded, running forward as fast as her legs would carry her. Trying to grab the hilt of the sword before it could pierce Yuna's skin.

"Hiniku wa, karuma to onaji kurai mesudesu ne?" Yuna muttered, weakly chuckling.

"Seriously, shut up!" Aki shot back, looking between Takeshi and the rest of the area. The red-head was practically on auto-pilot as she covered the three of them - herself, Takeshi, and Yuna - all in a powerful force field. Ensuring that, lest she allowed it, no one could enter or exit the area. "O-Oi, Takeshi, help me! Carefully get that out of her, ummm .... I don't have any healing cards. FUCK!"

Her hands trembled as she carefully helped Takeshi lay Yuna gently down.

"Cover the wound ... something .... just .... ummm ..... "

Aki's own set of tears were falling quickly down her face as she stared down, finally putting her own hand atop Yuna's forehead.

Cold ... no! No, fuck, we're losing her!

Yuna weakly panted, turning her head and looking past the force field. Staring right at Hotsuma with a weak but still noticeable smile.

"Yuna, whatever you're about to say, save it, please. You need to get ... somewhere. I can probably teleport her .... " It'd drain the fuck out of Aki, especially if she went straight to The Tops. But it'd be worth it.

Yuna slowly moved her head from side to side, her gaze never leaving Hotsuma as she shakily began speaking, "Yapparai anata ga watashi no unmei. Hontōni iroiro to .... sumimasen. Watashi wa ... w-watashi ga itsumo anata o aishite iru to itta toki, watashi wa ... s-sore o imi shimashita, anata wa shitte imasu ka?" A few more tears fell as Yuna managed to raise her hand and wave it, mustering as much strength as possible to utter a few more words, "Sayōnara, Hotsuma."

"Shhh, there. Now hush, please ... "

That was as far as Aki got before Yuna's hand fell beside her. Her own hand lowered as she placed two fingers atop Yuna's wrist. "Come fucking on!" Aki growled, "You endured so much worse! Not like this! YOU CAN'T DIE!"

Not that she was proud to know it was largely her fault for her pain. But those same memories tried to convince Aki there was still some chance. Some sliver of hope. Enough that she looked tearfully up to Takeshi. "I .... give chest compressions. Try to be careful of the wound, but .... worry about those. I'll do the mouth to mouth part."

After Takeshi would move his hands three to five times, Aki would lower her lips and place them atop Yuna's ... not really caring nor thinking how this looked. No one had been forced to memorize CPR, but it had been something everyone in Arcadia was at least told about. If ever there was a time to do that, it was now.

But when the fifth set of breaths and compressions had been finished and Yuna remained stationary ... all Aki could do was sob harder. Her fingers fell atop Yuna's wrist one last time before she choked out, "I'm sorry, Hotsuma .... Takeshi. She's gone .... " With this last declaration, the force field vanished. With one of the original purposes of keeping it up perishing, there was no point in keeping it up; at least that was how it felt to Aki.
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"Bastard," Fayth mutterd, frowning as she heard that Yuna's ankle may be hurt really bad. "Do you know if it's permanent? Or just ... ??"

Though Morningstar had forced her to go blind again, their pact was still intact. And so, she definitely did feel the huge burst of energy. It was Yuna revealing she could do so.

" .... Huh? You said Rose was sealed?"

And even if that got fixed, there was just one more thing that was the last straw. Enough to make Fayth turn and begin running.

Only one person knew she had any powers of her own; Jack. Granted, Yuna would have been someone she would have told about them, sure. But the fact she could relay that without Fayth saying so herself was a very loud alarm screaming in her head.

"Y-you're not her! Stay away from me!"

Don't you even say anything! I get it, I get it! I fucked up!

... Maybe it was for the best Morningstar didn't reply. Fayth was already feeling stupid enough as it was. She did not need the angel chastising or scolding her. She just needed to hurry and leave the cemetery.
 

Jack's eyes narrowed as she mentioned Kiryu getting what he wanted; while he couldn't feel the same aura as well as Carly could, he definitely felt a huge negative pressure. Was that Kiryu's doing? Just what kind of power did he possess?

And when Carly would give her own warning...He froze again, eyes widening in realization as she vanished. "Oi, wait!! What the hell did you do with her?!" he shouted angrily, trying to grab at her to prevent her from leaving. But she was already gone...Leaving him clenching his teeth even as the barrier died.

"Damn it all...FAYTH!" he would shout, taking off to do everything he could to find her. Not knowing that he was fairly far away from her.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

Hotsuma had since turned back to Yuna, coming to stand by her side as the life force faded from her. Listening to her last words without interruption. Takeshi didn't have a chance to pull the sword from her chest, the weapon having vanished when the Duel ended. Takeshi just knelt down by Yuna's side, his eyes shining with fresh tears as he realized what he had done. "Yuna...God damn it, I'm sorry..." he whimpered, head bowed as she laid dying on the ground.

Alongside him, the spectral forms of his Unknown Flames had gathered by him, Samurai especially kneeling down by his master's side. "Yamaguchi-dono...It is not your fault. No one blames you for this; it was that Earthbound God and his vessel that corrupted you. The fact that you were able to resist at all shows a strength of character; I had tried to avoid hitting vital organs, but it seems her body took too much damage beforehand." Samurai tried to comfort, but Takeshi couldn't wipe away the tears fast enough.

Takeshi then looked down at his Deck, seeing it glow; cards began to disappear from it, seeming to fall away to pieces. "N-now what's happening..." Takeshi asked, War God kneeling down and saying "You've purged the darkness from within; your Deck is responding in kind. When you take us up again...You'll find more unity in your cards than you ever thought possible....But for now...We must rest. The ordeal with Kiryu and his God have drained us...Rest too yourself, Yamaguchi-dono" At this his monsters all nodded, Flame God now finishing with "The worst, I'm afraid...is still to come". And just as quickly as they appeared...They were gone, allowing Takeshi to regain semblance of his self...Seeing Akiza mourning Yuna's loss, and Hotsuma standing there silently.

"H-Hotsuma...I...I didn't...want this to happen..." Takeshi said, grieving a double loss and expecting his boss to lash out in anger...But got a surprise when he replied with "Takeshi, you do not have any blame for this. Kiryu is the monster responsible. She died as she lived; in truth, that is all any of us can ask for. She stared Death in the face...And laughed at it. Much as we all have done in Yomi, for our entire lives." Takeshi's eyes widened; Hotsuma wasn't mad? "I don't understand; didn't you care at all? Why else would you come here aside from rescuing me?" he asked, Hotsuma replying, "Do not mistake my tone for acceptance; Akiza can attest to the rage that is boiling within me."

Slinging his massive blade across his back, Hotsuma would remain in his Emperor form for the time being, that sole visible crimson eye looking off to the west. "Akiza...I hate to ask this of you, but please escort Takeshi back to Yomi." Takehsi's eyes widened further, "But...What are you going to do? Yomi still needs a leader..." Hotsuma just shook his head, "Not I; Hajime will likely blame me for Yuna's death. Recent events have shown I am not fit to take her stead...Maybe I never was. In any event...Kiryu took you from me...And slain probably the only woman who would have ever loved me. To allow her killer free reign is something I cannot permit...Something I will not permit".

It was here that Hotsuma finally reverted back, Takeshi's expression widening when he saw something about him that was very different: Black lines traced themselve along his body, the entirety of his torso exposed to reveal it. Even his criminal mark seemed to look...More wrong, if that was possible. Like it was alive or something. "What about the others...Yamichi...Eikichi...Shivini....They'll want to know where you've gone." Hotsuma just looked at Takeshi solemnly, "Tell them the truth...There's nothing left for me at Yomi. I have to finish this Takeshi...For Yomi's sake...For yours...For everyone's."

And with that, Hotsuma would stop by Aki's side, saying "Thank you, Akiza...Just promise me you'll watch yourself out there. Talk to Hajime when you get back; he can help you out." That was the last thing he would say before going to his Runner, the motor firing loudly before it took off. The sound dying in the distance before he left for good....

Takeshi could only just punch the ground in despair; why did they get dragged into this shit?! "Kami-sama....I swear, this is the worst joke you've ever played...Why Hotsuma....Why Yuna...WHY US, DAMN IT!?! WHAT DID WE DO TO DESERVE THIS?!" he then shouted into the nothing, only Yuna's unmoving form and the red-haired Signer to hear all that had transpired.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

Misty let out a small 'Tch' as Fayth managed to see through her illusion; she was so certain she'd mimicked Yuna's mannerisms. But thinking about it....She used far cruder language than she'd experienced. Did she curse from time to time? Yes, but that kind of foul language pervaded Yuna's own as if it were part of her regular vocabulary.

But...Reaching out, she could feel nothing from Yuna at all, something that made her smirk. "Well then...Suppose Kiryu might not receive as much of a lashing from Rutger-sama. But I do need to prevent Fayth from escaping. Much as I loathe Kiryu...We do need to find a way to shatter her confidence. She's much too sure of herself for someone who should not even be a Signer to begin with." Misty thought to herself; even so, she could not allow this girl to escape. Not just yet.

Misty then allowed her Immortal more influence, the Mark on her arm allowing that spectral barrier to rise up; Fayth would find herself pushed back, the barrier keeping her boxed inside the graveyard itself. Taking a small breath, Misty then stepped from behind the wall she was hiding by and slowly approached the panicked young girl, her footsteps slow and rhythmic. "How very interesting...I'll admit I find myself curious. You appear to break the very laws of nature by just existing...And now you have some type of contract which allows you sight, on top of being a Signer?" she would say, no real hints of malice in her tone, more idle curiosity. Only Akiza was the real target of her rage, and should worst come to worst, Ccaryhua would simply carry her away.

"Now...I'll be kind enough to inform you of three things. One...This was not my plan, it was Kiryu's; though admittedly at least with you I can grasp why he's interested. Two, he is currently on his way; and despite whatever contract you might possess, I ask that you refrain from me resorting to hurting you. Three, the barrier around us cannot be penetrated...So before you hurt yourself, please calm down."
 
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This is so stupid. Why is this bothering you so much?! You were a huge source of her pain!

Maybe that was part of the equation? Because now, any and all efforts to make up or redeem herself were gone?

.... No. It wasn't that simple. But with the last words Yuna had uttered, it'd seem ... borderline insulting to act on what was likely mere infatuation. Hell, she doubted Yuna would even make an effort to return those favors should she have somehow survived. But now, that was another 'what-if' that had all but vanished. Something Aki would never be able to know. She probably wouldn't deserve the opportunity, but it wasn't halting her desires from mingling in with her other emotions.

Especially the depression and rage.

Damnit, damnit, damnit, DAMNIT!

Aki's hand trembled harder, wrapping firmly yet gently around one of Yuna's as she tried transferring some of her power into the other girl. Hoping, praying, begging, pleading that something could work.

But ... nothing. Her head bowed in defeat, her own whimper joining Takeshi's as Yuna's body remained stationary.

"Were we not fast enough?" she whispered softly, wondering if that had been the problem. That damn foot Kiryu conjured had only lasted for about twenty seconds, give or take. And yet, it was seeming like that had done anything but help the situation out. "I'll .... I'll try to. I don't imagine Hajime's going to like my presence much more. Not like this, especially."

Still, she didn't need to look up to know Hotsuma was very much serious about wanting to avenge Yuna. A quick peek using peripheral vision, however, gave a good idea on how accurate his words and tone were with the changes beginning to decorate his body.

So ... he's gotten that strong?

"W-Wait! I really -- "

But that was as much as Aki managed to protest. She didn't want to do this. But with her being one of the few people who could give answers, it seemed fair enough. She wasn't scared, per se. But she definitely was not looking forward to admitting to the others their leader was now dead. And a large part of it feeling like it was her fault.

You weren't here soon enough! URGH!

Slowly, Aki let go of Yuna's hand, moving away far enough to grab hold of her hair pin. After placing back in her crimson locks, she knelt beside Yuna once again. She took a few shaky breaths before looking over to Takeshi. "Do ... you mind holding her? I'm only going to remain long enough to help you answer questions. After that, I'm probably gonna leave."

Regardless of whom ended up holding Yuna in their arms, Aki would force herself to concentrate. The Facility would appear before them as she teleported the pair. Trio, technically.

They would be promptly greeted by a frantic Hajime, whom had been waiting outside. It didn't take but five seconds for them to hear his response to the sight before his eyes. It came in a simple, powerful reply. In their heads ... but otherwise very loud and crystal clear.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! YUNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

A hiss elicited from Fayth's lips as Misty's mark activated, her own quickly attempting to mimic the actions of the Dark Signer.

"Nooooo! Ahhh!"

Her hand clamped tightly over her shoulder as she took heavy breaths, stifling her whines by biting down on her lower lip. "You're telling me things I've had a guess about for a while. Me defying a lot of laws ... you think that doesn't haunt me enough without your help?!"

If this situation hadn't been bad enough, it only got worse as Misty continued to speak.

"Excuse me if ... I don't really ... care whose plan this is. You still tricked me. And you're insane if you think I'm going to just wait for that sick bastard to come here!"

But then ... what could she do?

The wall behind her indicated running wasn't exactly an option. Hiding? Maybe. It wouldn't be in her favorite or ideal location, but it wasn't impossible just yet.

Morningstar?! Oi, Morningstar!!

Fayth felt her heart pound hard as she heard nothing.

Are you fucking serious?! You'd let them kill me?!

Not kill, no, but --

So help me out of this!

They won't succeed in that endeavor. That much I can reassure.

Are you fucking insane?! You heard Kiryu from when he found us at the theater! That's exactly what he wants?! MORNINGSTAR, PLEASE!

"I'm sorry," Fayth whimpered, taking a few more shaky steps back, even though it simply made her lightly bump against the wall. "Oh god ... no .... "

Now that the 'flight' option was all but eliminated, it seemed as if there was only one thing to do. Or at least try. Fayth had no idea if it'd work, but ... she did know enough to comprehend that staying still would only speed up what seemed like an otherwise inevitable demise. Her eyes narrowed as she stared forward, looking in Misty's direction.

What she lacked in physical prowess was - at least Fayth wanted to believe - made up in reflexes. So this wouldn't be something Misty would see coming ... hopefully.

"GET AWAY FROM ME!" Fayth snarled, throwing a kick forward.

In truth, she wasn't caring if it hit or not. It was an effort to try to get distance. The sudden wall that had appeared behind her ... it couldn't be that big. Could it? Fayth would have that answer quickly answered as she bumped into another part of the barrier sooner than she desired, resulting in a frustrated "Urgh!" resounding from her lips.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

Fuyu, meanwhile, would finally get her break. The shift at the cafe had been incredibly long and tiring, more so than usual. A lot of residents in the Tops were more ... on edge? Yeah, that seemed to be the right response. Anyway, they were anxious and quite frankly? It was easy to understand. Between the attacks recently, it didn't really look like anyone was getting much of a break, be it from the Satellite or Tops inhabitants.

"Oh thank god," she muttered, promptly sitting down.

... Only to raise an eyebrow as her disk started beeping.

Not too long after Fayth had been blinded by Sora, certain precautions were taken. One included trackers being included in the duel disks. Reiji had used 'safety' as an excuse for why everyone suddenly had the new feature added, but Fuyu was one of the few who knew the more definite answer.

After rapidly pushing down on a few buttons, Fuyu found that - apparently - Fayth was in the graveyard.

Her lips pursed tightly together. She could have finally gone there, caving in to her curious side. It was definitely not an impossible thought. However, Fuyu very perfectly recalled her reaction from simply hearing Reiji's theory.

It was that flashback which aided in Fuyu deciding to use her phone to try connecting with Jack's disk. His may technically lack the exact same feature, but she was hoping it may work via a loophole. Or hell, if he was close enough to the Wheel of Fortune, that could work just as well. Wheelers had the ability to talk with others, and even if this was a slightly modified way of getting in touch, it should suffice.

Fuyu didn't really want to hack, least of all from a distance. By default, it wouldn't be as effective. But if push really came to shove, she would to ensure she could get a hold of the former King.

Her gut was screaming this display on her own GPS was not a good thing, and Fuyu needed to confirm this sooner as opposed to later.
 

Jack's feet had pounded against the pavement; his current shoes might have not been meant for running, but that didn't stop or slow him down in the slightest. He had no clue where Fayth was; and for whatever reason, the bond that he normally felt through their marks was missing. Which meant he couldn't track her that way.

"Damnit....I shouldn't have left her at home alone. Morningstar if this is somehow your doing, I'm going to kick your face in!" he growled; of course, that was only IF he could find out where Fayth was at.

Thankfully, someone saw fit to give him a bit of luck, even if he didn't know it. He didn't realize that Fayth's ally and friend had been trying to remotely activate the Multi-Duel Voice Network...But soon heard a fritz in his Duel Disk, and pulled it up to see an active status light, his legs still carrying him forward. "Eh? Who switched this on?" he muttered, holding it up on his arm and saying "Whoever's there, you better make this quick; I'm in a bit of a hurry."
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

Takeshi nodded as Akiza asked him to carry Yuna's body; it was the least he could do. She and Hotsuma did so much to get him back; at the very least, he could take her back to the place she had set up...THEY had set up... to be given a proper burial. Tears leaked from the corners of his eyes, drops falling down onto Yuna's clothes. "Yuna...You can't be dead. You fucking wouldn't die! Not like this!" he shouted mentally, grief lacing every bit of his thought outburst.

And when they did arrive...It was every bit as heart-breaking as Takeshi figured; here he stood, still dressed in these damn robes those freaks had him wear. He felt like a traitor...Felt like he was nothing more than garbage; it should have been Hotsuma coming back with her; no way things between him and Hajime were that bad...Right?

A certain doctor, however, heard the commotion and saw the crowd, pushing her way to the front. "Takeshi...You're back...." she had started to say, but clapped both hands over her mouth as she saw a familiar face in his arms. "Is that..." she asked, Takeshi stating "They killed her...But she can't be dead...Doc Mei, you have to do something...Anything, do ANYTHNG! I don't care if I have to give her every organ of my body, just bring her back!"

It was here that Judai stepped forward, placing a hand on Hajime's shoulder, his face wearing a solemn expression of regret; they were too late after all. He'd kind of figured one of them was going to bite it...But he really fucking hoped it wasn't true, and they'd somehow both get out. "Takeshi....Where's Hotsuma...Don't tell me he..." Judai started to say, but Takeshi lashed out harshly, "DON'T YOU FUCKING DARE, JUDAI! HOTSUMA WOULDN'T..." His words faltered, Judai taking a few steps closer and standing directly in front of Takeshi himself, "I wasn't suggesting he was the one who did this to Yuna...I was going to ask if he was the one who went after those who did...."

Takeshi choked, trying to hold back his sobs, "He...He's gone...And I know...He's probably not coming back...Yamichi...Where is he?" Judai's brow furrowed; damn it, he didn't want to lay on more bad news to him. They lost both their bosses...One to a homicidal maniac and another to his own emotions and anger. "Yubel...I have a bad feeling about this..." Judai said, his spirit responding, "Be careful, Judai...There are those among us who can hear our conversations..." A subtle psychic pushed him to look at Akiza; her?

"Judai...Take Yuna to the infirmary...If there's anything I can do, I'm going to at least make sure...." Mei then requested, Judai deciding to hold his questions for now and place a measure of faith in what Mei was implying: That Yuna still held a glimmer of life within somehow. "Takeshi..." Judai said, placing a hand on the man's shoulder, "Just try to hang in there...I know it's not much, but you're not alone...And people here are really glad you're back." And after some maneuvering, Takeshi would be relieved of his burden; not two seconds later, the Disciple would fall to his knees, head bowed as he tried to silence his cries of despair...Managing to reduce them to muted whimpers.

"Hajime...Everyone...I...."
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"Unfortunately for you, you have little say in the matter. I know not what form of contract you hold, but before the Gods it is meaningless. And I'm asking relatively little of you; if it helps, I will personally ensure that you do not die this night." Misty replied calmly, unknowingly siding with her spirit; of course she doubted this girl would listen. Every single one of them she'd run into seemed to have a sort of nasty attitude.

It wasn't as if she was doing this out of spite or hatred...At least, not towards Fayth. In truth, she felt a twinge of pity for her. She was thrust into this war without so much as a warning; it was understandable she would be defiant...If somewhat aggravating. Made more so when the girl dared try to strike at her; she would feel something dense catch against her...And with a forceful push, send her spiraling backwards against the energy barrier with quite an amount of force.

Not enough to be lethal...But enough for it to definitely hurt.

"Now then....If you're throwing a tantrum, perhaps you can be quiet for a moment; it's bad enough I'm at the center of Kiryu's 'attentions'...." Misty stated, a cold chill running through her.

"Awww, don't pretend you don't like it, baby! That just hurts my feelings!"

At this a third voice would cut through the air, one that Fayth would hear as he erupted from the ground, the hand carrying him pushing aside a large amount of dirt and displacing a number of tombstones, revealing Fayth's worst nightmare standing upright. Misty could only pinch the bridge of her nose in contempt, trying not to get frustrated.

"Oooh, and you even got me a present! I should get something for you too Misty!" Kiryu shouted gleefully, jumping down from Apu's open hand before it disappeared. "Well, well, Fayth...And here I thought we wouldn't get to meet again until we started killing each other! Oh what fun this will be!" Kiryu's voice cutting through the air with every hint of maniacal glee. "I wonder...How much can you endure compared to Yuna, hmmmm? But before that bit of fuuun......How about we get to know the real you?! HEHEHEHEHEHEAHAHA!!"

At this the hand of Kiryu's God would burst out and wrap around Fayth tightly, enough to probably make the air leave her lungs before she was dragged along the surface of the ground to stop in front of one tombstone in particular. "You having no eyes, bet you got real good at reading Braille, right? That what that bumpy-text shit is called? Well, don't think this is quite the same...But you should be able to get a feel for it!" he cackled, gripping one of her arms and damn near dislocating it as he would force her hand to open up and press against it...

And while it would not indeed be perfect...She would be able to feel enough of the etching's detail to read a very familiar name and date. "I didn't believe my eyes when I first saw it...I thought maybe my revival was playing a trick on me...You know, delusions and all that. But now that I have this power...I can sense it. This is you, isn't it...I got revived because I want to kill a certain someone...But how the fuck did a little tart like you pull it off, eh? Moreover..." A sound that resembled bursting wood would then erupt from the ground in front of Fayth, lifting a casket out with a rather well-preserved body inside.

"How the living hell are there two of you...Care to explain that to me, little lady?"
 

"Don't worry, I intend to make this brief. In fact, what I have to mention should - hopefully - help out with what you're in a hurry to find. Whom, rather."

The familiar face would match the voice as Fuyu flickered onto the screen.

"Hmm ... the scene behind you already failing to match where the tracking device in her disk already implies I was probably right. I don't know why or what's going on, but supposedly ... she should be in the cemetery."

Fuyu paused, wondering whether to voice her own inquiry ... and ultimately deciding against it.

"Unless she's given you any reason to try to find the answers out to the theory Reiji hinted to us both, that ... has been greatly worrying me. She can change her mind at times, but ... "

Fuyu moved her head from side to side.

"After remembering her reaction? I can't imagine now being one of those exceptions. I'd head over if I could, but I'm stuck here. Please hurry over and see what the hell's going on."

Had Fuyu known Jack was already on his way, she wouldn't have uttered those last words. But her urgent and simultaneously rushed tone implied she didn't know all of the details. A fair enough assumption, considering she'd been hasty in contacting the former monarch. At any rate, he finally had a damn important lead, one that likely would have taken much longer to obtain on his own.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

Takeshi ....

Hajime looked up, hardly noticing the robes. Just the face of a pained and weeping Takeshi.

You mean it? You really ... she's not yet gone? IS THAT TRUE?!

Unfortunately, with how desperate the thought was making him, his voice had raised slightly. There was definitely anger in it, but it was less directed at Takeshi and more at ... almost everyone else. Almost being the huge keyword there.

Mei, is he right?! Is she not completely gone?! Fucking hell, ignore us! Get her back, please! I can't ... I can't do this. I don't wanna take over yet ...

His fists clenched, head bowing as his own tears continued to stream down the bluenette's face.

Oi, why the fuck are you here, huh?!

Aki grimaced slightly, but slowly nodded. This had been the reaction she'd expected, after all. "Because .... " she swallowed, trying to find a very careful but sincere response. She started to add onto her reply, only to be cut off.

So .... Hotsuma arrived?

Hajime crossed his arms over his chest, looking annoyed but relieved in his own rights. There wasn't much of the latter, but enough to imply he wasn't completely pissed at the former Disciples leader.

... He should have answered way sooner. Like, before Yuna left.

Hajime lifted his head up, wearing a fierce glare as he stared up at Aki.

Which of you two arrived wherever Yuna and Takeshi were first anyway, huh?

"Hotsuma. I got halted by another Dark Signer, unfortunately. It made me arrive a bit late because of that plus .... a few other factors. But .... Yuna being forced into that duel ... I definitely sensed her. I tried to get there, really."

Be that as it may, aren't you supposed to be the strongest Psychic around?

Now it was Aki's turn to cross her arms over her chest. "Look, I can do a lot of things, alright?! Being in two spots at once isn't possible. Not without --- "

Forget that, why are you crying? After all you did to me? To Hotsuma? To Yuna? Takeshi, Yamichi and my aniki even?! Why the fuck do you care?!

"Because I'm not completely heartless!" Aki shot back, slowly pivoting on her feet. "But ... I get it. Yuna was your comrade, your leader, your friend. Fine. I can accept that logic. However .... " Slowly, Aki turned to look back over at the mourning Disciple and Yomi member, "If he's right ... if - somehow - she is still clinging onto her life, then let me try to redeem myself for my own past fuck-ups against you. Because if they pick up on this and sense whatever Takeshi may have ... it goes without saying they will return. And they will kill not just Yuna, but anyone else who tries to save her. So ... let me help somehow. Conjure some sorta barrier to ensure no one else can detect or locate her. Anything to ensure your doctor doesn't get interrupted, or worse ... "

... No. Just go away. Let us fucking mourn. And, should Mei already be too late, prepare to bury her. She lived much like her deck; a true warrior.

Aki sighed. It was disappointing, but not overly amazing, to hear the rejected response. Her hands lifted beside her head as she nodded in understanding. "Can you at least -- ?"

JUST GO! GET OUT!

It stung, but ... Hajime wasn't really wrong. She had imprisoned and-slash-or hurt not only Yuna, but quite a few people here. Including Takeshi. Maybe it was her Karma that she didn't get to hear the rest of her unfinished question, which would have been knowing if Yuna ended up pulling through by some miracle or not. As quickly as she appeared, the red-head would vanish.

Stupid bitch, Hajime internally snarled, sinking down to his own knees and shifting his attention to Takeshi. ... Welcome back. I wish it was under much better circumstances, but ...

Hajime sniffled, moving his arms shakily and cautiously beginning to help the Disciple stand up. Even going so far as to let Takeshi borrow a shoulder if needed.

Yamichi .... he's .... he's in the hospital. Judai knows more about that than me. I couldn't bring it in me to hear, but .... oi, Judai? Mind filling us in while we walk back inside? May as well know now. I mean ... we may have already lost Yuna. If we need to add Yamichi to that list ... I may as well know now.

Hajime steeled himself, half-expecting to hear the worst, but most certainly praying for the best. Slowly, but very surely, he began helping get himself and Takeshi back inside, sending multiple prayers and pleas up towards the heavens.

Let Takeshi be right. Let there be a chance to save her. I literally can't do this now. I just can't ....

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"Don't lie to me!" Fayth hissed. "You may not have been with Kiryu when he appeared at the theater, but he made it very clear. He wanted to kill me, as well as the other Signers. He showed how simple it was to deal with a large group of Sector. I don't see him listening to or heeding you. AHHHHHH!"

Fayth had already collided into the barrier, and that had been on accident. The additional push aided in Fayth sliding into a sitting position, her head spinning from the second assault. Intentional or not, it had been the first thing to hit the force field keeping her here.

"Ngh ... "

By the time Fayth was even working on getting to her feet, she ended up falling back down. The now eerily familiar voice made her blood freeze as she found herself unable to do much more than shake her head in disgust.

"Why won't you just stay out of my life?" Fayth asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Her teeth quickly latched onto her lower lip as he taunted her with the same question she'd asked herself time and time again. How much could she handle? Would it even be anywhere near the same amount as Yuna had endured?

"Why does that matter? You're gonna kill me, aren't you? Just do it ... OW! AHHH, FUCK! THAT HURTS!"

... That .... that's not him. What is this?

She'd felt Kiryu's grip before, but this? It was ... almost - or maybe it was completely - inhuman. Scratch that, it had to be. The hold on her arm was far too strong. To a degree that was impossible to imagine Kiryu abruptly obtaining; not without a really good explanation. Not that Kiryu was weak, but even he hadn't made any part of her body almost dislocate from simply grabbing it.

"This isn't Braille, you dumbass. This is .... normal writing. But yes, I can read it, or basically any text, really. That's how I duel ... the card names ... they're engraved deep enough you can trace your fingers over them and feel what letters are written out."

Despite her harsh quip, whimpers mingled in as the unseen force made her fingertips move along ... and all she really needed to feel were the FAY in order to know what she was reading. But since it made her move across the entire grave .... it was confirmed soon enough.

... I hate that you're right about so much, Reiji ... goddamnit ...

Her head bowed as tears quickly streamed from under her blindfold, fists clenching in horror and anger.

"Why do you think I would know that answer? O-Oi! You fucking serious?!"

Fayth whimpered, trying to pull away as wood creaking registered to her ears. A foul stench helped her know that, sadly, her ears hadn't deceived her.

"How dare you?! You disgusting bastard! Don't .... don't do that. Bury her back .... "

Her head quickly moved from side to side.

"I don't know how. I just ... was told ... this was a possibility. That there would be a Synchro version of myself, and it was equally possible she may already be dead."
 

Jack seemed more than a little surprised to see Fuyu's face pop up on the center screen; weird, he didn't know that the Disks had that kind of functionality. But that was besides the point, himself just listening as she explained where Fayth might possibly be, his eyes widening in surprise as he stopped in his tracks, a little out of breath from the hard sprinting he had done.

"The cemetery...What is she...Never mind! Fuyu, thanks!" Jack said, running a little further down the street before hanging a sharp left down an alley, the woman taking her leave as the called was ended.
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"Man, being under Jacky-boy's protection sure did give you a mouth; shame you don't know when to shut it!" Kiryu sneered, jerking her arm away from the tombstone and throwing her backwards. Before she could rest for too much longer though, she would then feel herself yanked up by the hair, the sensation likely close to that of it being nearly ripped from her scalp. "Let's get one thing straight, you mouthy little bitch; you might be all high on power because you got the former King as your guardian angel, as well as whatever little fuck is currently playing house guest to your body...But the fact that you're here with us shows me one thing"

He then leaned in closer and whispered, "You're not worth shit...And frankly? You never will be; even if Yuna might have taught you a few things in the short time you met her, I'll more than gladly show you that it will amount to nothing." His hand then went and gripped her throat, just tight enough to where he would her, but not so tight as to start cutting too much of her air supply.

"You feel that? Feel how all I would have to do is just squeeze and it would be over? This is how helpless you are...How easy it would be to just snuff you out right here and now." his demented whispers continued, the aura of his God starting to intensify...Threatening to crush her beneath its weight before he backed off, letting her fall to the ground as he would then stand above her. "Thankfully for you, Rutger-sama forbade us from killing any of you...Yet." And much as I would love to disobey him and rid us of you...My hatred for Yusei far outweighs however much I desire to completely destroy you."

"FAYTH! FAYTH?!"

Kiryu's ears perked up as he heard a familiar voice, cursing under his breath. "Fucking hell...Speak of the devil, here comes your knight in shining armor." Kiryu growled, more than a little eager to just start fighting right here and now, before long Misty placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Much as I understand your resentment, Kiryu, as you just said: We are not allowed to kill them. Not yet...But soon we shall be." Misty spoke, her voice a good deal calmer than Kiryu as she then directed her next words at Fayth, "If you truly intend to side with the Signers, then you best work much harder, young lady. Otherwise you could very well drag them down to their own demise. Kiryu, we should go."

Kiryu nodded, that giant hand of Ccacc Apu rising from the earth to allow them to stand upon his palm, Kiryu shouting, "You heard her, Fayth! You better start cracking down on yourself, otherwise you won't last two seconds! Hahaha!" And just after he said, the ground shattered as Apu pulled them underground to safety.

Jack would then arrive a few seconds later, seeing the young woman in the middle of what looked like a battleground: The place was torn to hell, tombstones and caskets littered everywhere. "Fayth!" he shouted, running to her side, his voice frantic as he asked, "Are you alright? What happened here?" However...He didn't get to linger too much, his eyes catching a very shocking sight.

Fayth's tombstone laid next to the very woman that was alive and breathing right in front of them...Reading her full name and life span, irrefutable evidence of how right Reiji was.
 

"Hmph. Remember that line you tried to use in the theater? Accusing Jack and Yusei of 'ruining' me? No. It really is pricks like you and Mukuro who .... "

Her body immediately tensed up, the words getting stuck as Kiryu began to clutch down on her throat. Even if not enough to suffocate her, it was more than ample to prove the point. Fayth's jaw clenched as did her fists. The latter, however, refused to raise and try to lodge in between Kiryu's hands. Not just because she had doubts about winning in a battle of strength against the other Dark Signer, but he had an assistant.

If he were alone, maybe, and that was a huge one as it was.

Yet, there was an even more vital reason, and it came with from a much simpler reason. Pride. Responding in a fearful manner ... that was probably what the bastard wanted. She'd already made the mistake of ignoring Morningstar.

Fayth wasn't going to give these two the satisfaction of seeing her tremble ... even though she was indeed very much terrified, as well as disgusted.

A barely audible whimper was the only thing she gave Kiryu, and it wasn't really from being choked. Rather, it was her unharmed arm clutching the one he'd been so violent and harsh with. She could already feel it was warm and, very likely, bruised as all hell.

"Where is Yuna?" she managed to finally ask, looking between the direction the voices belonging to the Dark Signers echoed from. "That's the whole reason I came out here. WHAT'D YOU DO TO HER?!"

Fayth's head lowered as she heard - and felt - them disappear. Mainly due to shoulder, which wasn't stinging much from her own sign trying to act up. Now it really was the lingering grip Kiryu had forced upon her.

"Jack, I .... "

But when he went silent, she assumed accurately he'd found the still open casket beside her. Her hand trembled as it rose and slowly danced along the grave once again, re-reading the dates and doing math.

" ... She was younger .... "

The words came out barely higher than a whisper, and only fueled Fayth to shake harder. "Is that supposed to make me feel better about myself?! That I've outlived her ... me?!"

Her chest rose and fell quickly as she began to hyperventilate again, another panic attack threatening to overtake the poor girl.

" ... Yuna ... Jack, is she okay? I don't know what you heard ... but I woke up and felt her. She was in god-awful pain. And even if the dream I had to accompany the vision meant nothing, I have little doubts Kiryu was somehow behind it. So .... I tried to find her. I was able to use my part of this pact and give my sight back in order to do so, but ... they have someone who can change their appearance. It really looked like Yuna. I should have listened to Morningstar. He knew that wasn't Yuna, but I ignored him .... and because of my stubbornness .... Kiryu and that girl managed to trap me here .... " Her voice weakened even more as she shakily added, "I'm such an idiot."

Her head slowly moved from side to side, the tears only falling swifter rather than looking like they were going to stop anytime soon.

"I hate when Reiji's right. Seems like he is with basically everything ... " Her fists clenched again, this time grabbing onto her jeans instead of her bruised shoulder. "I hardly know how to feel .... about her, me ... however you wanna look at it. But I do know this much. Please .... re-bury her .... me, I suppose. I can't do it myself, even if I should. That's too fucked up. But of course ... leave it to Kiryu to do something twisted like that ... "
 
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Jack wasn't sure how to reply; how could he even say anything that would remotely make her feel better? This was so far beyond fucked up; he didn't have to even ask or listen to realize that Kiryu had found her. But how had they lured her here with Yuna? She should have known that Yuna wouldn't be in the Tops; even withour Morningstar apparently actually trying to keep her away, she should have known that Yuna wasn't likely to be here in the Tops again.

But...She didn't need to hear that. She already knew she screwed up. So instead...He leaned down and hugged her close. "I'm just glad you're alright..." he said at first, leaning back up and getting ready to chew her out for putting herself in danger...But then she asked him about Yuna.

"Fayth, I would have no way of knowing that; aside from the one time I met her, I've never had much contact." he would reply, just listening as she would berate herself. "Fayth, I understand..." he would say, clearly intending to help put her back. However...The sounds of sirens soon filled the air; Sector was likely coming to investigate. The cemetery was fairly isolated, but if Kiryu had acted in any measure like he had known him to when he left Team Satisfaction, there was little doubt he'd raised an alarm and someone called the police from hearing the noise.

"Fayth, we need to go..." Jack said; much as he didn't want to leave Fayth's other self like this, it would be even worse for them if they were caught over an opened and exhumed casket. Helping her to her feet, putting her good arm over his shoulders in case she still felt like she couldn't move "I'm sorry, Fayth...But if they catch us here, it will be really bad for both of us. We need to go...Now."

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​
It had been a few days since Yusei and Crow had come over, something that was known by the very ones that were hunting Yusei and those associated with him. "I still don't see how this is going to work; if they've already met, doesn't that mean they're unlikely to separate?" Bolger asked the robed man by his side. It was kind of creepy working with these people...But given that Mister E had correctly surmised the dire straights of his finances, not to mention the fact that he was selling rare cards to keep his company afloat, it seemed only logical that he used them to save his life's work.

Plus...As if in some strange twist of fate, one such investor actually did come forward and offered a rather large sum - more than enough to cover his debts and even have some left over - if he was able to obtain Blackfeather Dragon card. Even Bolger was shocked at how rare it was: There was only one in the whole world! That was more than enough to settle it for him: This was how he would save his company.

He would do as Industrial Illusions and Kaiba Corporation did, and revolutionize the Dueling world. And to do that...He needed Crow's Black Feather Dragon; if only Pearson had allowed him to take the outside help! "Robert, this is all your fault; your and your damn stubbornness got me into this mess." he thought with a grimace, the man next to him chuckling, "Relax, Bolger-san. All you need to do is just get Crow's attention and lead him to the right area; I will make sure Yusei goes no further than that."

Bolger just narrowed his eyes and looked at his oddly-dressed compatriot, "And how do you exactly propose to do that, especially if they're on Runners." The man next to him just wagged a finger, "Sorry, that would be telling; as I said...Just get Crow to follow you. I will take care of the rest...And then Blackfeather Dragon will be yours for the taking."

Bolger's lips thinned into a tight grimace, but just let out a sigh and nodded, "Very well...We will meet up after everything is said and done." The cloaked male then took his leave, running off in another direction as Bolger then got onto his Runner, placing the helmet over his head. "Relax; this is for what you've lost. Crow wouldn't understand...Yeah, this is the only way."

After about an hour of searching around, he saw the two people he was looking for: Crow and Yusei, riding on their Runners. Perfect; the spot he had to go to would benefit more from a Riding Duel as it was. It was here that he made up his mind: No looking back now.

As Yusei and Crow might be talking about whatever was on their minds, or even if they were just riding in silence as friends sometimes did, he would gun his engine and ride up alongside Crow. "Crow...Been a while; last time I saw you, you were still clutching to Pearson's apron strings." Bolger smirked, before long taking off. He'd set the bait; now he just needed to know if his travels would be in vain or full of fortune. He wasn't a 'Drone' or under Rutger's control; this was all of his own free will.
 
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Fayth sniffled, her arms moving as quickly as possible to return the hug. The pain and abuse, even if it'd been brief, had taken a considerable toll for Fayth's arm, and thus made her slightly slower than usual.

" ... Huh?!"

The sounds of sirens made her quickly lift her head. Had someone seen the barrier? She hadn't been that loud, so Fayth doubted it was due to her protests or anything verbal she did. Her brain raced as she tried to properly think and react. The process only resumed when Jack hinted he hadn't yet moved to put her previous self back in the ground. "W-What?! And just leave her like that?!"

A weak groan would be the next thing Jack would hear from Fayth and finally she'd go limp, even start to fall towards the ground.

You wouldn't have won that argument with her had I not helped out. She's just taking a nap. Now take her and hurry.

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Indeed, Yusei and Crow had been out. Going out had been Yusei's idea, as he was .... well, the best way to describe it was in the only word he could use. Restless. His Sign hadn't gone off or anything, which meant the others should be safe. And yet, that wasn't satisfying his worry. But it wasn't just the Dark Signers that Yusei was worried about.

What had been hitting Fayth? He gave Jack the hint, so the best he could hope for was he'd noticed before they met last time.

"Oi! Yusei! Earth to Yusei!"

"Hm?"

"Are you actually daydreaming?" Crow teased.

"Me? Daydream? Come on, Crow, you should know that."

"Should, yeah, but you were unnaturally quiet. The hell was that about?"

"Same reason I wanted to get out; to just ... clear my head."

In the end, Crow had made the smart suggestion and insisted they didn't go alone. Or rather, he ensured Yusei hadn't gone out alone. He would have tossed that offer over, naturally. Yusei was finding that, even if tonight seemed calm, the agreement had been a smart one.

"Hey, Crow ... doesn't it seem really quiet?"

"We are riding during night, but hmm ... I do see what you mean. Now that you point it out, yeah. It actually is kinda silent in a very eerie way."

Contrary to the proverb, Crow didn't believe silence was always golden. In fact, during times like now, it was something to really look out for. His eyebrows narrowed as the two would continue riding.

But Crow would damn well hit his brakes as another figure pulled up beside them.

"Is that ... ??" Yusei started to ask.

No fucking way!

That was how he wanted to reply, but Crow's mouth could only immediately fall agape as he stared, shock and disbelief evident in the Blackfeather user. When he finally spoke, his voice only proved his emotions matched the look on his face, which could be assumed well enough despite him wearing a visor.

" ... Bolger?!"

What was going on? Why now of all nights? He literally could have found him any other night, couldn't he? So why was it this specific evening that made Bolger look for him? Something was very, very, very off.

"What's with that odd-ass outfit? Oi!"

Yusei frowned, seeing Crow's hands grip the handlebars tightly. "Don't do it."

"Yusei, I'm sorry. But I need to make damn well sure ... "

"CROW!"

An annoyed scoff passed his lips as he watched his orange-haired friend ride off, purposely hitting the accelerator. He followed suit, trying to catch up. The same questions Crow had were going through his own head, even if for different reasons. Regardless, the names 'Bolger' and even 'Pearson' weren't foreign to Yusei. Crow had mentioned them a few times before. Once was all it took for Yusei to remember them, though. These names were just ones he hadn't expected to see again, definitely not during this type of situation.
 
Jack panicked a little as Fayth fell limp; a quick check by placing his ear near her chest revealed she still had a heartbeat, and he could hear her breathing softly. His lips contorted into a snarl as Morningstar spoke to him; even if it did help, he honestly thought he'd done something worse to Fayth.

"Just...Give me a warning next time." Jack would say, scooping Fayth's body into his arms bridal-style and running away. He didn't want to leave Fayth's other body as it was, he really didn't; he just hoped she would understand that them being caught like that would not have ended well.

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"What, you've never seen a racing outfit before? It's a new prototype, Crow!" Bolger shouted as he sped off; the sleek white and yellow fabric clung to his body, embedded with position sensors on his Runner to help increase the Rider's ability to control during the start-up of a Duel. Getting to that first turn was key for nearly every Turbo Duelist; most decks worked better on the first turn, and he aimed to sell a product that would give those people much better odds than what his competitor's would be doing.

And when he heard Crow's Blackbird - the Runner that Pearson must have given to him after his death - take off behind him, Bolger just smiled. "Okay, Rutger...I'm doing my part. Now your guy will do his, or I spill the beans about what you're really up to." he said to himself, going through intersections and cross-streets at a breakneck pace. All the while he could Yusei yelling at Crow to slow down, something that made Bolger rather happy.

And as they would pass under an overpass, Bolger hit full throttle on the straightway; he would hear Crow do the same, pulling further away from Yusei...And as Crow would pass by the appropriate point, Yusei would find his own path cut off by a wall of purple-black fire. Needless to say, it would be in his best interest to slow down; and only when he might slam on the brakes did another figure emerge from near what appeared to be the entrance to a storage complex situated where the overpass was just above it. His entire body covered in a heavy black cloak, the hood obscuring the upper half of his face.

"Yusei Fudo, yes? Good, I finally get to meet you in person...You'll have to forgive me, but I'm afraid what goes on between Crow and Bolger-san does not involve you. Your fight is with me now." said the robed figure, grinning devilishly. "I can feel it, you're strong. And you're going to have to use every ounce of it if you want to go help your friend. Now then...We should get off the street; the barrier will stop a lot of things, but I doubt you want any unnecessary collateral damage, right?"

One of the man's arms was exposed, a brand looking very much like Yusei's own Mark but instead it being that of a large purple spider design covering nearly the entirety of his right forearm. Once they were situated, the man then raised his arm and had the barrier blocking the street reform into a circle around them. "Now then Yusei...Let's see how well the Signer can defeat an agent of the Gods! Duel!" he would then shout, his Duel Disk activating and their respective Life rising to 8000.
 
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