Yugioh Arc V: Legends of the Red-Eyes

Legend of the Red Eye

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

Hope you enjoy

Last Chapter: Chapter 15

"From the depths of darkness," Yuya intoned, his voice colder now, heavy with the weight of dread. "I summon a creature of pure annihilation! A dragon born not just of hunger, but of insatiable destruction. Its power is boundless, and its presence is a shadow that will swallow everything in its path. Feast upon the energy of your enemies, Starving Venom Dragon!"

The ground trembled as the dragon's form materialized in the chaos. Its eyes glowed with an unnatural hunger, and the very air seemed to thicken with malevolent energy. It was as if the dragon itself was a harbinger of doom, silently promising devastation.

"Consume all that dares to stand before you," Yuya's voice fell to a chilling whisper, "and let your hunger be their end."

The dragon's roar echoed through the arena, a terrifying sound that sent a shiver down everyone's spine. The looming threat was palpable, and we all knew that this was no ordinary summon—this was a declaration of destruction.

Starving Venom Fusion Dragon LV8 (ATK 2800/DEF 2000)

Chapter 16: Repeating History! Hidden Emotion Part 4

Flashbacks

The sky hung low and foreboding, a deep abyssal black with storm clouds swirling ominously above. Thunder growled in the distance, the earth trembling faintly beneath the weight of an unholy power. The battlefield was a graveyard of shattered hopes, littered with scars of destruction—cracked earth, charred remains of spells, and fading embers of shattered attacks. Six figures stood in the center of this war-torn wasteland, their breath visible in the cold, suffocating air.

On one side stood a lone man, his face twisted in a manic grin, eyes gleaming with a sinister light. Behind him towered a monstrous dragon, its form grotesquely massive, its dark aura swallowing all light. The creature's malevolent gaze reflected the man's madness, as though the two were not separate beings but one entity. The dragon snarled, venomous fumes rising from its gaping maw, a horrifying manifestation of its master's evil. It was clear that man and beast had merged in purpose, perhaps even in soul, creating an unstoppable force of destruction.

Opposing him were five duelists, their stances unwavering despite the weight of despair pressing down on them. They were battered and drained, their strength ebbing away as the duel dragged on. Yet, their resolve shone through, their defiance unbroken even as hope seemed to flicker like a candle in a hurricane.

Beside them, their monsters stood as steadfast sentinels, embodying their masters' will. One duelist commanded Number monsters, their glowing digits etched into their forms like sigils of destiny. Another's Synchro monsters blazed with light, streaking across the field like shooting stars, illuminating the darkness with fleeting brilliance. A third stood alongside his heroic warriors, their forms regal and imposing, exuding the presence of kings ready to defend their kingdom. Beside him, a man whose monsters hailed from the myths of ancient times stood proud, their legendary strength pulsing in the air. And lastly, the fifth duelist stood firm, his dragons— representations of Normal, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, and Ritual—encircling him like guardians of a sacred truth.

The maniacal laughter of their foe echoed across the battlefield, his voice a cruel mockery of their efforts. His twisted joy merged with the howling wind, which seemed to wail for the souls already lost in this clash. The dragon's wings stretched wide, blotting out what little light remained, casting an oppressive shadow over the five duelists. The storm above mirrored the chaos below, lightning splitting the sky as if the heavens themselves recoiled from the sheer darkness emanating from the villain and his monstrous companion.

The five duelists exchanged brief glances, silent but resolute. Their collective strength was their only hope, the last glimmer of light against an overwhelming abyss. Each knew the stakes; there would be no second chance, no mercy. United by their determination, their monsters roared in defiance, their combined energy pushing back against the oppressive dark, if only for a moment.

And still, the enemy laughed—a chilling sound that seemed to crack the heavens themselves. The dragon, its body grotesque and pulsating with unholy energy, crouched low, ready to strike. It wasn't just a creature; it was him, the very embodiment of his malice and lust for power. Every movement, every roar, every flicker of its fiery gaze screamed of destruction and despair.

The storm surged with fury, rain beginning to fall in icy shards, as though the world itself was weeping for the battle yet to come, as if the world knew it that whatever the outcome was, it would be greatly affected.

Was this truly the past or the future? One never really knows. However, whether it was or not, one thing is certain…

History always repeats itself!

End Flashback

"HAHAHAHA!" Yuya's laughter echoed through the room, chilling and unrelenting, like a storm crashing through the silence. The enormous purple dragon loomed before us, its eyes gleaming with malice as thick venom dripped from its fanged maw, sizzling as it hit the ground. Its mere presence exuded hunger—a primal, insatiable desire to consume everything in its path. The dragon's twisted grin mirrored Yuya's own, an unhinged expression of madness.

"Behold my masterpiece!" Yuya's voice was a rasping growl, dripping with venom of its own. "This is the end for you! With this, your destruction is inevitable!" His eyes gleamed with an unnatural fire as he threw his head back, laughing once more, the sound piercing like shattered glass. "One by one, I'll rid myself of the five pests that have been thorns by my side for the past 500 years. Starting with you!"

Yuya's grin stretched even further creating a face straight out of a horror movie. "I activate Starving Venom Fusion dragon's effect. It gains the attack points on all the monsters on your field. That means ggs for you!"

I widened my eyes, unable to mask my shock.

"What?!"

Yuya's wicked grin widened as he spread his arms, revealing in the moment. "Finding it hard to believe? Well, you'd better believe it... because I'm sending you to the Shadow Realm!" His voice echoed with malice, a chilling promise that pierced through the tension in the air.

The mention of the Shadow Realm struck a nerve, but I had no time to process it. My focus snapped back to the field.

"Your Darkness Dragon may have 3900 attack points, and your Black Flare Dragon has 2400—but my Starving Venom Dragon now has a staggering 6300 attack points!"

The monstrous purple dragon let out a venomous, guttural roar that reverberated through the room. Its wings expanded to an unnaturally large size, casting an ominous shadow over everything. Streams of venom dripped from its maw, sizzling as they hit the ground, while its aura grew darker and more suffocating with every passing second. It wasn't just stronger—it was terrifying, an embodiment of destruction poised to devour everything in its path.

"And now... for the grand finale," Yuya declared, his voice dripping with madness as he raised his hands high above his head. His eyes glimmered with an unsettling intensity, a chaotic energy that seemed to consume him entirely.

"I attack your Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon with Starving Venom Fusion Dragon!"

The room trembled as the twisted purple dragon let out a blood-curdling roar, venom cascading from its fangs like a deadly waterfall. Its wings stretched out, casting a suffocating shadow over the field. The air felt heavier, charged with malice, as if the dragon itself reveled in the destruction it was about to unleash.

Yuya's laughter rang out, sharp and unhinged. "Let this mark your end! Devouring Abyss Strike!"

Starving Venom lunged forward, its claws glowing with a corrosive energy as the venom coating its body dripped and sizzled into the air. The sheer force of its presence was overwhelming, as if the dragon's hunger was pulling the very life from the battlefield.

Acting on instinct, I threw my hand forward, my voice cutting through Yuya's crazed laughter. "This isn't the end—not yet! I activate my Trap Card: Max Metalmorph!"

The card flared to life in a brilliant burst of light, momentarily pushing back the oppressive shadow cast by Starving Venom. Yuya's smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing in suspicion as he watched my move unfold.

"With this, I tribute Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon!" My voice rang out defiantly, even as my heart pounded. "And in its place, I summon Red-Eyes Fullmetal Dragon directly from my deck, in defense mode!"

A thunderous roar erupted as my new dragon emerged from the swirling vortex of light. Its metallic body gleamed like polished steel, unyielding and impenetrable, reflecting the venomous aura of Yuya's monster. Sparks of energy crackled around its form as it settled into place, planting itself firmly as a shield against Starving Venom's devastating assault.

Starving Venom Fusion Dragon, however, didn't seem to care about this change of opponents. It roared as it pushed forward, breaking through Fullmetals defences, and destroying it. The impact was real. I braced myself as the recoil winds blew towards me. Yuya clicked his teeth. The outcome of the battle dissatisfying his thirst for destruction.

Yuya's grin twisted into something far more sinister as he flicked his hand forward, his command sharp and deliberate. "Fine then! If your Red-Eyes Fullmetal Dragon wants to cower in defense, I'll just destroy your last remaining hope." He jabbed a finger at my field. "Performapal Smile Sorcerer, attack that pitiful Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon!"

Kai LP: 400

The sorcerer raised its wand, its once whimsical aura now tainted by the malice emanating from Yuya. A burst of radiant energy shot forward, striking my dragon with unrelenting force. I winced as Black Flare was obliterated, leaving nothing but sparks and fading embers in its wake.

Yuya's laughter filled the room, echoing off the walls like a chorus of mockery. "And that's not all!" he sneered. "Performapal Seal Eel, finish the job! Attack directly!"

Kai LP: 300

The bizarre aquatic performer leaped forward, its sharp fins glinting with malice as it lunged toward me. The force of the attack hit like a shockwave, causing me to stumble as the damage registered.

I clutched my stomach In pain, causing to Yuzu and Yoko to shout my name in worry, the two of them visibly stopping themselves from rushing over me to check my injuries.

I gave a weak smile to them and straightened my posture.

"I am fine." I assured.

"hm. Don't worry Ray, once I have gotten rid of this irritating pest, me and you can go on our honeymoon like we planned all those years ago." Said Yuya, as he looked at Yuzu with a twisted grin, making her visible flinch in disgust and fright. Yuya had never looked at her like that before. So much lust and darkness in his eyes.

"Yuya. Please come back." She whispered.

"As for you," Yuya sneered, his crazed eyes locking onto mine. "I'll make sure to finish you off on my next turn."

"That depends on if you get another turn," I shot back, my voice unwavering, even as the tension in the air thickened.

Yuya tilted his head, a mocking grin spreading across his face. "Oh? Is that so? Look at you—no field, no cards in your hand, and no hope. What could you possibly do against my mighty dragon?" His laughter rang out, sharp and condescending, echoing like the final toll of a bell.

I remained silent, staring at him with steely resolve. Slowly, I closed my eyes, shutting out the chaos around me. I could feel the weight of every card left in my deck, the distant hum of my monsters waiting to answer my call. My heart pounded like a drum, each beat aligning with a singular thought—this draw had to be the one.

"You have nothing left," Yuya spat, his smirk widening.

But I didn't waver. Instead, I took a deep breath, my fingers brushing the top of my deck. "Let me tell you something, Yuya." My voice was calm, but each word carried a rising intensity. "Never underestimate my deck."

The room seemed to still, the oppressive weight of Starving Venom Fusion Dragon's presence momentarily fading as I opened my eyes. Yuya momentarily looked at him in surprise, his eyes looking farther away, as if remembering something from a very, very long time ago. One thought repeating in his brain.

"History always repeats itself!"

I raised my hand slowly, the anticipation hanging thick in the air. My mind focused entirely on this one moment, as though the entire universe had narrowed down to this singular action. A single monster appeared into my mind. One magician with eyes as red as smoldering embers, burning with an intensity that seemed to pierce through the very fabric of reality. I smiled, eyes still closed. "I draw!"

Turn 9

Kai's

Hand: 1

LP: 500

Yuya

Hand: 3

LP: 600

'I never doubted you. Master Yugi.'

I snapped opened my eyes "I activate the spell card; Red-Eyes Fusion." The words dancing out of my mouth like a broken record. "With this I can fusion summoned the monster that always appears in my time of need."

"I fuse together Red-Eyes Black Dragon and Dark Magician, from my deck!" My voice echoed with resolve as I clapped my hands together, summoning a swirling black-and-red fusion circle before me. The air grew heavy, charged with an ominous power that seemed to consume the light itself. A presence so overwhelming filled the room that even Starving Venom Fusion Dragon seemed to falter under its weight.

Yuya's crazed confidence cracked as he instinctively took a step back, fear flashing in his eyes. His smirk disappeared, replaced by a flicker of unease as the atmosphere around him shifted.

"Feel the power of darkness rising!" I roared, my voice resonating with the sheer force of the moment. "The shadows themselves bend to my will, summoned from the depths of the forbidden! The flames of destruction shall consume all in their path! With every fiery breath, every crushing strike, this is the ultimate force of devastation!"

The swirling circle burst apart, revealing a figure cloaked in crimson and shadow. Its piercing, fiery gaze seemed to bore into Yuya's very soul, and its imposing form radiated an aura of absolute dominance. The dragon's dark flames licked at the edges of its massive frame as if eager to unleash their fury, and its blade gleamed like a harbinger of doom.

Yuya's fear was unmistakable now as he stumbled back, his bravado all but erased. The oppressive energy from monster seemed to drown out all sound but its low, menacing growl, brought forth trauma he didn't even know he had.

"Prepare yourself!" I declared, my voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "For the might of a dragon bound by the darkest forces! I have fusion summoned Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon!"

Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon LV8 (ATK 3000/DEF 2500)

"This is the end for you! For I activate Dark Dragoons special ability. Since it was summoned with a normal monster, I get to target a monster on the field and deal you damage equal to its original attack points. The monster I target is Starving venom dragon, so say hello to 2800 points of damage and goodbye to the rest of your lifepoints."

Yuya's expression twisted into sheer panic as he watched the Dark Dragoon charge its devastating attack. His crazed confidence shattered like glass, and his once-menacing smirk was replaced with wide, fearful eyes. He stumbled back, shaking his head in disbelief.

"No... NO! This can't be happening!" he screamed, his voice trembling as he clawed at the air, desperate to stop the inevitable.

The crimson flames of the Dark Dragoon swirled and intensified, casting an ominous glow over the battlefield. Yuya's breaths came in shallow, frantic gasps, his fingers trembling as if trying to grasp onto some shred of control that had long since slipped away.

"NO! I can't lose again! Not like this! NOT TO YOU!" he howled, his voice cracking with raw despair. His knees buckled, and he dropped to the ground, his hands clutching his hair as if trying to rip away the reality of his defeat.

I looked at him emotionless as I stated the words that would ensure this duels conclusion. "Crimson Flare Of Destruction!"

The Dark Dragoon unleashed its fiery attack, the air trembling with its immense power. Yuya's screams of "No! No! NO!" echoed through the battlefield, growing more desperate with every passing moment. The flames surged toward him, consuming the remnants of his once-proud monster and shattering his remaining defenses.

As the attack concluded, the once-mighty Yuya collapsed to his knees, his head hanging low, and his broken voice muttered one final, defeated, "No..." before falling silently, face first, to the floor.

Yuya LP: 0

Winner: Kai

As the duel ended Yuya's deck once again shone brightly, as everyone shielded their eyes from the blinding light. Through the corner of my eyes, I saw a card flying out of the room, returning back to its one true master.

"YUYA!" Yoko and Yuzu cried out in unison, rushing toward the boy who now lay motionless on the ground. Their footsteps echoed in the eerily quiet aftermath of the duel. I stayed where I was, watching from a distance, my gaze heavy as the scene unfolded.

Yuya groaned softly, his eyes fluttering open. His vision blurred as he blinked, greeted by the sight of Yuzu and Yoko's worried faces hovering over him. Behind them, the remnants of the battlefield loomed—a damaged building, cracked floors, and scorch marks etched into the walls. It was a miracle the roof hadn't collapsed from the sheer ferocity of the duel.

"Wh...where am I?" Yuya muttered, his voice weak and raspy. He glanced around, disoriented. "What... happened?"

At first, his confusion painted his face, his mind struggling to make sense of the destruction around him. But then, piece by piece, the memories came flooding back—the darkness, his maniacal laughter, the venomous power of Starving Venom Dragon, and finally, the crushing defeat dealt by Kai's Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon.

Yuya's eyes widened as the weight of it all sank in. He sat up abruptly, his hands trembling as they gripped the ground beneath him. "No... I..." he stammered, his voice breaking. His head hung low, strands of his hair shielding his face as a deep ache filled his chest.

"I let it take over again," he whispered hoarsely. "I—I lost control... I hurt you, Kai..." His voice cracked with regret, and he clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles white.

The memory of Kai's unwavering determination, his refusal to give in, played vividly in Yuya's mind. A pang of guilt twisted in his heart as he glanced toward me, standing silently in the distance, my expression unreadable.

"I'm sorry..." Yuya murmured, his voice barely audible, but his words were genuine. He looked at Yuzu and Yoko, their concern stabbing deeper into his guilt. "I... I don't know what came over me."

Tears welled in his eyes as he whispered again, more to himself than anyone else, "What have I done?"

Yoko looked on, her eyes brimming with tears as she watched her son break down in front of her. The past few days had been an emotional whirlwind, wearing heavily on her. First, the disappointment with Sora, then Kai vanishing without explanation, and now Yuya—her once bright and cheerful son—falling deeper into this dark, unrecognizable version of himself. Witnessing the intense duel between him and Kai had been the final blow, leaving her feeling utterly drained and helpless. Tears started welling up in her face too. I walked over to them and place a hand on her shoulder for comfort.

Yuya, now was on all fours, large pools of tears dripping from his face as he kept repeating the same words over and over again. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Yuzu quickly enveloped the broken boy before her. Holding tightly as if afraid of losing him again.

I looked to my left as I saw Yuma Tsukumo standing at the entrance of the door, leaning on a wall. Our eyes met. Yuma quickly walked out quietly, making his way back to his friends. I would have chased after him, but I had no intention of running away again when they needed me. I had to be here for them, I had to be there for my family.

The next day

Yoko sat quietly in the kitchen, staring at the untouched cup of tea in front of her. The warm light of the morning sun filtered through the window, but it did little to dispel the chill that lingered in her heart. The events of the previous night replayed endlessly in her mind—Yuya's transformation, his dark and twisted behavior, and the devastating duel that had left her feeling helpless and afraid. Her hands trembled as she clasped them together, her knuckles pale from the pressure.

"Yoko?" i's voice broke through her thoughts, soft yet tentative. She turned her head to see me standing in the doorway, my expression unreadable but still holding a quiet concern.

Yoko blinked, quickly wiping at the corners of her eyes, though no tears had yet fallen. "Oh, Kai... I didn't hear you come in," she said, her voice softer than usual.

i moved closer to her, pulling out a chair across from her and sitting down. I rested my elbows on the table, leaning forward slightly. "You've been like this since last night. I get it—you're worried about Yuya. So am I." My tone was calm, but there was an edge to it. I felt like I was trying to convince myself just as much as her.

Yoko let out a shaky sigh, her fingers brushing her tea mug as if searching for comfort in its warmth. "I just don't understand, Kai," she admitted. "What's happening to him? My son... that wasn't Yuya last night. The things he said, the way he acted... it was like I didn't even know him." Her voice cracked slightly, and she paused to compose herself. "And then there's you. You've been caught in the middle of all this. I can't help but feel like I've failed you both. And sora…" She paused.

My eyes softened at her words. "Yoko, don't say that. None of this is your fault."

"But it is," she insisted, her voice trembling. "I should have seen it sooner, should have done something to stop this from happening. I couldn't protect Yuya... or you."

I hesitated, the weight of my own feelings pressing down on him. I wanted to comfort her, but the truth was, for the first time since arriving in this dimension, I didn't have the answers either. I had spent the night wrestling with My own confusion and guilt. Last night had been quiet a shock. The monsters Yuya used, the darkness that seemed to have taken over him. Yoko was right, that was Yuya, that was something else entirely. What did the monster mean about Shadow realm? Wasn't that a thing of the legend. Is it really gone, or will it come back, and this time, who will it hurt? I had a million questions yet no answer.

I reached across the table, placing a hand gently over hers. "Yoko, I don't think anyone could've predicted this. Whatever's going on with Yuya, it's... something bigger than we realize. But I know one thing for sure—he's still there, the real Yuya. And we are going to find a way to make sure he is and always is the real Yuya."

Yoko looked at up at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You really believe that?"

i nodded firmly, though deep down, doubt gnawed at me. "I have to. He's not just my opponent, Yoko. He's my friend, a brother, and I'm not giving up on him. Neither should you."

My words seemed to ease some of the weight on her shoulders. She offered a faint, weary smile. "You're a good boy, Kai. I know you'll do everything you can. Just... promise me you'll be careful. Whatever's happening to Yuya, it's dangerous. I couldn't bear to lose you too."

My jaws tightened at the thought, but he gave her a reassuring nod. "I'll be fine. I promise."

For a moment, we sat in silence, the tension lingering but slightly eased by our shared determination. we both knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but we also knew that we couldn't afford to give up—not on Yuya, and not on each other. Little did we know, Yuya himself, was listening to our conversation, with sorrow and guilt clear on his face.

Few hours later

"Alright, Mom, I'm off to school!" Yuya called out as he grabbed the lunch his mom had prepared for him. His voice was upbeat, but there was something slightly forced about it, like he was trying a little too hard to sound normal.

Yoko stood by the kitchen counter, watching him with a mixture of sadness and caution in her eyes. "Yuya…" she began, hesitating slightly. "You know, you don't have to go to school today if you don't feel up to it."

Yuya paused for a moment, glancing back at her. "No, it's fine," he said, his voice steady but quieter than usual. "I want to go. I'll be fine, I promise."

Yoko's gaze softened, but the worry didn't leave her face. "Alright," she said reluctantly, her tone heavy with concern. "Just… be careful, okay? And if anything starts to feel… off, call me or Kai right away. Promise me, Yuya."

"I will, Mom," Yuya assured her with a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Bye!" he added quickly, rushing out the door before she could say anything more.

Yoko stood there for a long moment, staring at the door after he left. Her hands fidgeted with the dish towel she was holding as a familiar sense of unease settled over her. She couldn't shake the feeling that something still wasn't right, no matter how much Yuya tried to act like everything was normal.

Unfortunately, for her a mother's intuition is always right.

The Boyle house

Yuzu stood quietly in her room, the silence broken only by the faint sound of her father's frustrated shouts echoing from the other side of the house. Shuzo was still arguing over the repairs for the school, trying desperately to convince anyone who would listen to come and fix the place. But the reality of their financial situation was harsh—money was tight, and Shuzo's determination to restore the school clashed painfully with the reality that they simply couldn't afford it.

Yoko had graciously offered to cover the damages, but Shuzo's pride was as stubborn as ever. Yuzu could still hear his voice rising in protest whenever the subject came up. "I'll figure it out myself!" he had barked, refusing to accept help, no matter how badly they needed it.

But Yuzu couldn't bring herself to care about the school right now. Her mind was elsewhere, far removed from the flashes of pink that covered the walls. Her hands moved mechanically as she packed her bag, folding her books and neatly placing them inside, but her thoughts were consumed by the events of the night before.

She froze for a moment, her eyes staring blankly ahead. The image of Yuya's face flashed in her mind, and a shiver ran down her spine. That wasn't Yuya—not the boy she knew. His expression had been twisted, filled with anger, hatred, and something even darker. It was worse than anything she had seen before, worse even than Yuto during his and Kai's confrontation. At least with Yuto, there had been a sense of pain behind his actions, an inner struggle that made him human. But with Yuya...

Yuzu tightened her grip on the edge of her desk, her knuckles turning white. With Yuya, there had been no humanity in his eyes. The malice on his face, the way he laughed so cruelly, the power he wielded—it was as though he had become someone else entirely. The Yuya she knew, the one who always dueled with joy and brought smiles to others, seemed like a distant memory.

Her chest tightened as the weight of it all sank in. She felt helpless, like she was grasping at shadows, trying to reach a boy who had been swallowed by darkness. "Why, Yuya?" she whispered to herself, her voice trembling. "What happened to you?"

She shook her head, blinking back the tears threatening to fall. Crying wouldn't help. It wouldn't bring Yuya back or answer the questions swirling in her mind. She zipped up her bag with a sharp motion, the sound cutting through the silence of the room.

If no one was going to give her answers, she would find them herself. Yuzu straightened her back, determination hardening her features. She thought of the man who had called her "Lulu" during the night of Sora's dissapearance. He had looked at her with recognition, as though he knew something she didn't.

"I'll visit him," she said quietly, her voice steady despite the unease creeping through her. "The man who called me Lulu—he must know something. He'll tell me everything that's going on, even if it means putting myself in danger."

Yuzu's grip on the strap of her bag tightened as she glanced toward the door, the resolve in her heart solidifying. She wasn't going to sit idly by, not while Yuya was lost to whatever darkness had taken hold of him. If it meant risking everything, so be it. She had to do something.

With Yuya

Yuya arrived at the desolate building, his footsteps echoing in the quiet, hollow space. The air was thick with memories, heavy and oppressive. This was where it had all begun—the place where Yuzu and Kai had confronted Sylvio's schemes, only to be interrupted by a man cloaked in mystery, a man who bore the same face as Yuya himself.

It felt surreal to stand here again, in the place where their lives had spiraled into chaos. Since that first moment, we have had to fight not just for our school but for our survival. Yuya clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as guilt gnawed at him. Sora, Kai—everyone had been fighting with everything they had, while he...

He had on sidelines, unaware of the chaos that had been spiralling out of control. Crying. Taking out his anger on Kai.

His jaw tightened, and he took a deep breath, forcing himself to steady his thoughts. No more tears, no more self-pity. He was going to change things today.

As he stepped further into the building, a figure emerged from the shadows. Yuya's breath caught as his gaze locked onto the familiar face of his lookalike—Yuto. The man with black and blue hair stood calmly, his serious eyes watching Yuya with an unreadable expression.

Yuto spoke first, his voice quiet but firm. "Shouldn't you be at school?"

Yuya stopped a few feet away, his shoulders stiff. "Something told me I had to come here. And by the looks of it, so did you."

Yuto's eyes narrowed slightly, and he nodded. "It's no coincidence. This place... it calls to us, doesn't it?"

Yuya didn't reply, but his silence said enough.

Yuto's expression hardened as he took a step closer. "I saw it, Yuya."

Yuya blinked, confusion flashing across his face. "Saw what?"

"The duel," Yuto said, his voice heavy with meaning. "Between you and Kai. I saw it. I felt it. Every move, every moment—it wasn't just you out there. It was me, too. Everything you were feeling, I was feeling it."

Yuya's eyes widened in realization, and his stomach sank. He knew exactly what Yuto meant.

"It was as if..." Yuto paused, searching for the right words. "As if our emotions didn't exist. Like we were nothing but empty shells, forced to fight. That darkness inside you... I've felt it too, Yuya. And it scares me."

Yuya's shoulders slumped, his guilt weighing on him like a boulder. "I... I know what you mean," he said softly, his voice tinged with regret. "I couldn't stop it. It took over, and I became something... someone I don't even recognize anymore."

Yuto's gaze softened for a moment, but his posture remained firm. "And what are you going to do about it?"

Yuya looked up, surprised by the question. "What do you mean?"

"You can't move forward until you face it, Yuya," Yuto said, his voice sharper now. "Until you understand that darkness and learn to control it. Right now, it controls you."

Yuya's confusion shifted to determination as he straightened up, meeting Yuto's intense gaze. "And how am I supposed to do that?"

Yuto reached for his duel disk, strapping it on with a deliberate motion. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, like a storm brewing beneath the surface. "You face me. Right here, right now. If we're connected like this—if we share the same darkness—then the only way to understand it is to confront it head-on. In a duel."

Yuya hesitated for a moment, his heart racing. He didn't want to fight Yuto—not after everything—but deep down, he knew Yuto was right. He couldn't keep running from this.

With a sharp nod, Yuya reached for his duel disk, strapping it on and activating it with a determined flick of his wrist. "Alright," he said, his voice steady. "Let's do this."

The two stood across from each other, their duel disks humming to life. The air around them felt charged, the tension so thick it was almost suffocating.

"Yuya," Yuto said, his voice low and resolute, "this isn't just about winning. It's about finding out who we are. What we are. Let's see if you're ready to take that first step."

Yuya took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing as he prepared to draw his first card. "I'm ready."

The world around them felt quiet. It was as if the universe itself had been waiting for this duel to happen, and now it could finally see what the outcome would be.

With Yuzu

Yuzu finally arrived at the abandoned building. This was where Sora had fought Yuma and lost. Yuzu hadn't witnessed the duel itself, but the aftermath haunted her. The faces of those two duelists, frozen in terror as they were turned into cards, lingered in her mind like a nightmare that wouldn't fade. She could still picture their expressions—the horror, the helplessness. The image crept into her thoughts at the worst times, but now something else overshadowed it: her burning desire to know the truth.

Yuzu clenched her fists as she moved further into the building, her eyes scanning the dark, empty halls. This wasn't just about what had happened to Sora anymore. It wasn't just about Kai disappearing for days without explanation or the terrifying darkness that had consumed Yuya in his duel. It was about all of it—everything that had been spiraling out of control, leaving her and the others scrambling to make sense of it.

She had tried to stay calm, to let things unfold naturally, but she couldn't wait anymore. The lies, the secrets—they were suffocating her. She needed answers, and if no one was going to give them to her, she would find them herself.

Yuzu's grip on her duel disk tightened as she walked deeper into the abandoned structure. Her gaze hardened with determination. She didn't care if this was reckless or dangerous. If it meant uncovering the truth about Kai, Sora, and Yuya—about all of them—then she would face anything.

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

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

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

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

"You come here to fight?"

Authors note: Man, long chapter for a long week. Apologies again for the lack of updates, but I'll make up with the three more chapters coming out this weekend. Stay tuned for it. Crazy stuff happening this chapter. What the hell was that flashback. Caught me off guard how much I was cooking. Seems like the pieces are falling into place as this arc wraps up to its end. There are only two chapters till the arc ends, but their will be a little sort of filler romance arc in between. It will make more sense once its out. Next chapter will be both the duels between Yuya vs Yuto and Yuzu vs Shay. What exciting matches we got coming up. If you liked the conclusion of the battle between Yuya and Kai, type Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon, in the comments, if you didn't, type Starving Venom Fusion Dragon in the comments.

That's it for me, hope see y'all tomorrow. Peace!

Next Chapter: Clashes to remember! Hidden Emotions Part 5