DRESSING ROOM – SECOND FLOOR – EAST WING – CANTIDEL PALACE – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

Three days have passed since the battle at the Ramssess Fortress.

The announcement of Yuno and Celica's engagement spread at fast speed like a plague. Their always-faithful comrades in particular were overjoyed by the news. They have been waiting for years for the two of them to be together. The two of them having feelings for each other was no mystery to them after all. They didn't want to delay the happy day any longer, so they have decided that the wedding would take place in a week. With their various resources, it won't be difficult to prepare the perfect wedding for Yuno and Celica.

Yuno and Celica have chosen the beach at their hometown for their wedding. Most argued that they should choose a place more befitting like in the palace's grand garden, but Jonouchi revealed that the beach was where Yuno's late parents were married. Hearing that reason was enough for everyone to shut their mouth and conceded. With the place and date settled, all that left was the preparation.

Both parties for the groom and the bride now focused on getting the right outfit for the couple for their wedding. While choosing the suit for the groom was not difficult, choosing the dress for the bride was not easy, especially when the bride-to-be has many girlfriends insisting to choose the dress. And unfortunately, their different tastes in dresses didn't help making it faster.

"How about this one? This dress describes everything about you, Milady!" Lilac showed a white ball gown, a princess-inspired dress that featured a fitted bodice and a very wide, full skirt, similar to the dress styles you would see in fairytales. Plus, it's great for any bride who may want to camouflage their hips (not that Celica needs to).

"No. Even though she appears so young, she's already an adult more than any of us! That's why we should pick more mature outfit like this one!" Mai showed mermaid dress that more slightly than a ball gown, a figure-hugging wedding dress silhouette, the mermaid style is extremely fitted, and flares out below the knee. It's also a great option for brides looking to show off their curves in a luxe and flirtatious way.

"An Imperial Adviser must preserve her dignity and refinement, especially in such important ritual as marriage! This dress would be perfect!" Rio showed a sheath-wedding gown that skims the body and falls straight to the floor. Its light and airy fabric made it typically thought of as a romantic wedding silhouette and look best for bride with tall, slim, figures.

"That's too formal and stiff, it'll be difficult for her to move in that dress! Most of all, the design is so boring and plain! Mature woman should show some of her sexiness to charm her partner." Mai pushed the dress that Rio chose away while proudly raised the dress she has picked to Celica.

However, Rio refused to lose either. She pushed Mai along with her dress and raised her own in return.

"Imperial Adviser must show more modesty in the eyes of the public! Wearing that dress would only tarnishing her image!" Rio voiced her disapproval. Celica always appeared in public as an elegant lady like a royalty she was. If she were to marry with such a vulgar dress, people's opinion of her would sour and she may be stamped as a shameless woman. Furthermore, if a member of the Imperial Family to be viewed badly, the consequence would also befall on the rest of the family, including the Emperor. Even though Mai was supposed to be one of the Imperial Adviser's closest aides, how could she still bold enough to suggest such a dress?

"But being all too stiff won't be good! That's why she should wear a dress that shows cutesy while still remaining mature like this one!" Lilac interrupted between the two women while pushing her dress forward to Celica.

The Imperial Adviser was sitting with a rather uneasy smile at the three young women in front of her with their respective dresses. She was the one who asked for help to pick a befitting dress, but now she was starting to regret it. Having three different people with contrasting tastes to pick her dress was a mistake on her part. Why didn't she think of it before?

"I'm the one who's going to get married, so shouldn't I have the right to pick my own dress?" Celica tried to dissuade the argument, but unfortunately her words fell on deaf ears. They were too busy defending their choices in dresses. Another mistake on her part was she didn't put the three's stubbornness into consideration.

"They're not listening to me…" Celica said with exasperated sigh.

Thankfully, her saviors came right on time, Yuzu, Serena, and Rin barged into the room, turning Celica and the others' attention to them.

"Time for you three to get out." Yuzu said, clasping her hands. She and her counterparts started ushering the three out of the room. She gently put down the dress Lilac was holding before pushing her from behind towards the door.

"Just leave this to us, her descendants, to pick the wedding dress." Serena said while pushing her mentor, ignoring her protests. While Mai was certainly older and taller than Serena, the Moonlight girl has more strength than her mentor. Her fierce training in Academia for years has paid off.

"We'll know what's the best for her that you won't be able to say no when you see it." Rin said as she pushed Rio, followed by the other two, out of the room. Before they could hear another round of complain, they slammed the door shut and locked it to prevent them from entering.

"You really saved me." Celica said with relief. Her descendants also have differences in taste, but at least they're more willing to hear her out. She was right in inviting them to help her as well. However, she then realized they lacked one person.

"Where's Ruri?" Celica asked, not seeing the Lyrical Luscinia user.

"She's visiting Aoi-san, so she'll be coming later." Rin answered. Aoi called Ruri that she was allowed to be discharged from the hospital today, so Ruri decided to give her a visit before she goes home with her brother.

"Now, let's pick up the perfect dress for you. You must be very happy right now. In a week, both of you are going to get married." Yuzu commented, giggling as she saw Celica's face. Ever since the proposal, Celica's entire steps were nothing but flowers and butterflies. Her humming brought spring to her entire being like she was in her own little world. Everyone who saw her was practically smiling happily for the Imperial Adviser.

"My face is saying it all, huh? I'm sorry if I make such a weird expression. I-I almost can't believe this is really happening. After all these years, we will finally become a real family…" Celica's smile widened, only for a moment. Her eyes began to get teary and she looked down. She pressed her hand to her chest as a tinge of sadness began to leak out.

"I wish…my brother is here to see it…" She mumbled, loud enough for her descendants to hear.

Celica had wished for her beloved brother to accept her relationship with Yuno. And once he was, if they were to get married, she wanted her brother to either be the best man or accompanying her to the altar. She remembered when they were little, she told him about her dream to one day becoming his bride and he said that she would make the finest bride in the whole world. Now she found it funny and adorable remembering her and her brother saying that when they were little. She had no doubt that her brother would praise her if he sees her in wedding dress. She could imagine the face he was making while saying so.

But he's not here anymore because of her powerlessness.

Without him here, a part of her dream goes unfulfilled.

Before she knew it, she was crying, and he descendants were hugging her. Yuzu, who was hugging from the front, wiped her tears with her thumbs and smiled encouragingly.

"I'm sure he's watching. If he's here, he'll be happy for the both of you. I only knew Jusis-san from your story, but I bet he'll cry tears of joy seeing you in wedding dress." Yuzu told her.

"Yes. That's exactly what I imagined." Celica said, smiling back albeit weakly.

"Who knows, maybe his ghost is watching you from somewhere like a stalker and try to find a way to cancel the wedding because his sister complex is overwhelming him." Rin said jokingly, still remembering how overprotective Jusis could be from the story. As she has hoped, this made Celica giggled.

"Maybe I'll ask for Rio's help to convince him to accept it if we can meet his ghost." Celica replied, causing them all to laugh. She then stared at her descendants, one by one, before smiling wider. "Once all of you are old enough, I would be looking forward for your marriage with your respective partners."

The remark caused the three girls' faces to go red as if they were going to combust.

"C-Celica-san!" Yuzu flailed at the implication. While she and Yuya have confessed their feelings to each other, they were still too far from that.

"It's too soon for us to expecting that!" Rin said as if reading Yuzu's mind.

"Indeed. Yuzu and Ruri are already secured, but Rin, Serena, and Sara still need to make progress with Yugo-kun, Yuri-kun, and Yukiya-kun." Celica added, making them redder even more.

"Wait! Why do you bring them up?!" Rin and Serena said together. Rin was flustered, wondering if she was truly like an open book while Serena flat-out denying having that kind of feelings for Yuri.

"My, it's obvious you like them as more than friends." Celica added, thoroughly amused by her descendants' reaction. It never bored her. And having them by her side was comforting. Her brother might not be here anymore, but now they were with her.

"I'll save the teasing for later. Let's pick up my dress."

GO'S ROOM – HOSPITAL – CAPITAL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

Yuya came to visit Go when the latter suddenly called him, saying there's something important that he must tell him. Yuya had to excuse himself earlier while helping Yuno picking his wedding suit. When he entered Go's room, the Charisma Duelist seemed quite dejected while looking at his legs. Yuya has braced himself to whatever Go was going to say, but he still hoped that what he was hearing was wrong.

"My legs…can't feel anything." Go revealed. Yuya's expression hardened upon hearing so.

"What?" He could only utter, hoping he was just mishearing things, but Go's answer proved him wrong.

"My legs are paralyzed. I can't walk." Go admitted, clutching the blankets tightly.

"P-paralyzed?! That means you can't walk anymore?!" Yuya exclaimed, almost in panic at the bad news. He was relieved that Go was alive, but the impact from his duel against the Hydradrive user was to this extent?

"No. I'm not giving up. The doctor told me I could get back the feeling in my legs if I follow a rehab. It'll take a long time but if I follow it thoroughly, eventually I can walk again." Go assured the younger boy who seemed to be more affected by the news than he himself. That's just showed how kind Yuya is and Go appreciated that.

"I see. I'm glad that it's not permanent…" Yuya said with relief, but was still disturbed by the news.

"But this means I can't fight together with you for a while…" Go lamented. He promised that he would help Yuya in any way he can, but then it came to this. He cursed himself for being so weak that now he was rendered useless in the real battlefield.

"Onizuka-san…"

"It frustrates me that I can't fight. But I'm aware if I push myself, I'll only be in the way…"

Go raised his fist towards Yuya, grinning at the Entermate user.

"You better kick that Apophis guy's ass. Fight for my part too. Once my legs are healed and the war is over, let's have a rematch, Phantom." Go encouraged. If he were being his old self, he would have stubbornly insisting to keep fighting. Now, he knew full well that disabled person would be no different than expendable personnel in a warzone. He won't let his pride to hold back his comrades. Not when the fate of their world at stake.

Yuya stared at the fist extended to him for a few seconds before returning it with his own, bumping it gently.

"In that Duel, I lost. But next time, I'll be the one to win." Yuya replied, trying his best to return the smile.

"It's a promise then. A true man must never back down on his promise." Go said back, grinning wider.

"You sound a bit like Gongenzaka. But yeah, I promise. I will beat Apophis, end this war, and then we'll have a rematch. I'll show you a next level of my Entertainment Dueling!"

"I'm looking forward to it."

CAFETERIA – HOSPITAL – CAPITAL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

Ruri helped Aoi packing up her things before going with the older girl to the cafeteria to talk. Aoi was still not fully yet recovered, but she was discharged from the hospital thanks to her older brother's arrangement. It doesn't mean she's allowed to fight. Her brother deemed it's for the best for her to be moved nearer to their home so he could personally take care of her and it would be easier for the two siblings to meet. And Aoi agreed to this because she has made her decision after fully considering her condition.

"You're going to help your brother, Aoi-san?" Ruri said while sipping her tea.

"Yes. He's appointed as temporary leader after Heidel was arrested. The company and the army are still trying to get a hold of themselves since the loss of their commander. There are not many who support my brother, so I want to be there to help him. Blue Angel has a good reputation, so using my influence, we'll manage somehow." Aoi explained. Her brother was in difficult position. Despite showing support to the Brotherhood and the Emperor and both sides were the ones who personally appointed him, many were still distrustful of him since he used to work under Heidel. Her brother understood and tried is best to prove his good will through actions than mere words.

"Whether as Aoi Zaizen or Blue Angel, I'm sure you'll be doing fine. But if you need any help, just tell me. I'll try my best to support you too, Aoi-san." Ruri placed her hands on top Aoi's, assuring her friend that she's on her side. She understood how it feels of wanting to help older brother, and Aoi knew this.

"Thank you. By the way, how is it going with your brother?" Aoi asked. She has heard that Ruri was fighting together with her brother now, but she was wondering how things were between them. She was worried that they were still distant with each other remembering the last time they met in LINK VRAINS. Ruri's smile answered her question.

"We're okay now. We're finally able to spend more times together. I can tell there are still some things that he's hiding, but I'll wait for him. I believe in my brother. Yuto also feels the same. Just as you said, Aoi-san." Ruri said without a doubt. She has proven herself to her brother that she's no longer a frail girl he thought she was. He knew that she has prepared to hear what he has to say, but not him. He wasn't ready to share his secret to her. But she won't force him. She has proven herself, so she knew that her brother would tell her one day. She'll wait patiently.

"I would like to meet your brother properly someday." Aoi said. She has been curious after hearing so much about Shun from Ruri. She considered of introducing her older brother to him too and hoped they'll get along like she did with Ruri.

"Sure. I often told him about you, Aoi-san. It would be a pleasure for him to meet you." Ruri agreed.

LEO CORPORATION – MAIAMI CITY – ARC-V

Reiji was overseeing his men while they were trying to see any hint of activities from Apophis' group. Three days have passed since they defeated Heidel, and there was no sign of Apophis doing anything. While it was a good thing that Apophis was nowhere to be seen for the past three days because they truly needed a good rest after that hard battle at the fortress, that fact also worries him. Reiji has expected that Apophis would take action while they were at their vulnerable state after the battle, but no, there was no sign of his whereabouts. He had warned everyone as well to be on alert and even have some men to watch over from afar just in case while they were taking a break.

Aside from taking caution on Apophis' group, Leo Corporation also have their hands full on bridging the new relationship between the countries of ARC-V and the newly merged Cantidel Empire. Similar with what happened a year before, with now the addition of Cantidel Empire in ARC-V, there were talks about border between the empire and other countries, a new census and constitution, etc. Reiji didn't have much a break as the corporation's chairman. His mother has insisted for him to at least have one full day off, but he was still uneasy leaving his post.

"Any luck?"

Reiji briefly shifted his attention to the door where Shun was standing with his arms crossed.

"Kurosaki. I thought you're with your sister and Yuto." Reiji said. Ever since the battle at the fortress, Reiji noticed that Shun has started to be with his sister and best friend like before. There was still a time Shun was distancing himself about something, but he was starting to open up again.

"Ruri is visiting Aoi Zaizen and Yuto is with the Oracle. But we'll meet after their businesses are over. I decided to come here." Shun replied, now standing next to Reiji.

"Why are you here then? You should be using your times to relax considering everything you went through since a month ago. Now that you can be with your sister and best friend, you should go to their side and talk things through." Reiji suggested without taking off his eyes from the monitor.

"I could say the same to you. You're hardly resting ever since the dimensions became one. I know your position, but it won't hurt to leave some of your works to your subordinates and get a bit of free time."

"I'm too worried about Apophis to get a free time."

"You're too preoccupied with Apophis that you forgot about your sister."

That got Reiji's attention fully to the Raid Raptors user. Sensing Reiji finally was fully looking at him, Shun turned to him as well. He tilted his head towards the door, urging Reiji to look. The Leo Corporation chairman turned and saw the retreating figure of Reira, shyly hiding behind while clutching her stuffed teddy bear.

"It's an older brother's duty to take care of his younger sister. You can't expect her to understand you all the times and you can't make your work as an excuse to avoid her. Ignoring your little sister too much and then you'll miss how grown up she has become during those times." Shun said.

He admitted that he had treated Ruri like a little girl. He was too focused on doing his best to protect her and Yuto, avoiding speaking with her, that he failed to realize how much she has grown for the past month since they were separated. It was different from when they were separated during the interdimensional war, this time, by the time they fought together at the fortress, he could see that Ruri has matured, maybe even more than himself. She's no longer a little girl who needs to be protected by his older brother all the time. He was the one who wasn't ready.

"Speaking from your own experience?" Reiji asked, though he knew the answer.

"Precisely. Especially, since both of you are mourning. Rather than trying to cope it alone, at a time like this both of you should be together." Shun reminded.

When his comrades got carded, Shun had stopped depending on his other comrades including his own best friend and shoulder everything alone because deep down he was afraid of experiencing another feeling of loss. When he thought Yuto was gone, it furthered this belief. He fought and fought without a care but to save his sister and destroy Academia. It was his way to cope with the pain of losing his comrades and family. But after dueling against Crow and fighting together with Yuya and his friends, he understood how foolish he was and how his other comrades were suffering as much as he did. Only by opening up your heart with people close to you that you'll be able to overcome that pain.

"If you can't do it a whole day, then at least one or two hours should suffice for the two of you. In the meantime, I'll handle things here. I have observed Apophis more than you do, so if there's anyone who can pick up even a slightest bit movement from him, that would be me." Shun said, offering to replace Reiji for the time being. He couldn't stand seeing Reira being all gloomy and Reiji trying to forget his pain by overworking himself. He already had plenty of times to refresh his mind, now it's their turn to have it.

Reiji fixed his glasses while flashing Shun a calm smile. "I have to say, it's rather uncharacteristic of you to tell me this. But I appreciate your concern for Reira and would gladly accept your offer." He didn't say it clearly, but he was grateful of the Raid Raptors user.

Everything was just like Shun said. He was too busy to notice that Reira and his mother was as sad as he was after losing his father. Just like how they were trying to help his father overcoming the pain of losing Ray, now they must help each other to overcome the pain of losing him. His father gave up his life so they could have a bright future. That wish won't come true if they give in to despair.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Reira." Reiji said, smiling down at his little sister, making her looking up at him and removed herself from her hiding place.

"It hurts losing Father…but there's no need to be hurt alone. I'll share your pain, Brother. We can overcome this and move forward together… This is also what Father wanted." Reira slowly reached for her brother's hand and held it gently. She was surprised when Reiji held her hand tighter but still gentle.

"Yes. We'll have to do our best and live in his place too…" Reiji agreed before guiding Reira to where their mother is. He prayed to God. Just for today. Just for this one day, he's allowed to let out all of his feelings that he has bottled up for the past three days and shared a moment with his family.

Shun watched the retreating back of the two Akaba siblings while hoping for the best of them. A hand patted his back, startling him a bit.

"How nice of you." Yuzo said proudly.

"Yuzo? Didn't you go with the Oracle and the others to pick his wedding suit?" Shun asked.

"Already done. Unlike the bride's dress, picking the groom's wedding suit is not complicated." Yuzo replied.

"That still doesn't answer why you're here instead with Yuto and the others." Shun asked again, though the answer literally came in front of him seconds later.

"As a matter of fact, I'm with him, Shun." Yuto said, appearing from the other side.

"Yuto!"

"I figured you'd be here, so Yuzo and I decided to come." After hearing that Ruri left to meet Aoi, Yuto figured Shun would go to Leo Corporation because he was also curious of Apophis' next action. Fortunately, so far, there was nothing.

"The three of us really need to speak. I know both of you are hiding something from me. It's about time to stop avoiding the question and give me the answer…" Yuto began and noticed that Shun stiffened. Even though Shun has spent more times with them and opened up like he always did before, Yuto could tell there was still things that he was hiding, and that involves him and the four dragons. He wanted answers, but...

"At least, that's what I would say normally." Yuto finished, chuckling inside when seeing Shun's expression that was close to dumbstruck in his eyes. He was sure that Yuzo also thought the same judging from his smile.

"You have gone through a lot. Whatever you're hiding, you're just trying to protect me. I know at least that much. If me knowing whatever you're hiding would bother you so much, then I'm not going to pry. It's a simple thing for you not to tell me because you don't want to involve me. I get that feeling too. All I ask is that for you to trust me more. You'll watch my back, and I'll watch yours. If you're worried or troubled, I want to help. Don't forget that." Yuto didn't know what Shun was hiding from him. And usually, even if he was hiding something, Yuto would at least have an inkling of what was it. But for the first time he couldn't think of anything. Still, he would trust him. He won't let his curiosity and frustration of not knowing what Shun was hiding from him to lose his trust in his best friend.

Shun looked down, his eyes shadowed. He was very happy to hear that. He had to admit that he also felt guilty for hiding things from him when Yuto was trusting him this much despite how he wanted to know the truth. But Shun was still not ready to tell his best friend. He still needs a bit more time to collect himself. But at least...

"Then, promise me that you'll survive this war. Promise that you'll never choose death to save people. You must never sacrifice your life. Promise me that." Shun's expression turned serious as he faced Yuto. This would at least give Yuto an idea of what kind of secret he was hiding from him. He knew that Yuto would understand the severity of the secret and why he was so reluctant to tell him. His best friend would understand.

"Yuno-san also told us the same thing before. That we must try to find a way where no one has to give up their lives. I understand what he meant, so without you telling me, I've determined that I won't throw away my life no matter what. In exchange, the two of you must promise me the same. You won't sacrifice your lives in this war. We will survive together until the end." Yuto replied not only to Shun but also Yuzo. He had enough of feeling the pain of losing his comrades during the war a year ago, and he didn't want to feel that again in this war. He'll make sure he won't lose either of them.

Yuzo looked at Yuto and Shun, turning back and forth before he clasped his hands before taking of their hands in his.

"Follow me." Yuzo said while pulling them together.

"To where?" Yuto asked while trying to keep up with his ace monster.

"To the training room. Let's have a little Battle Royal. We gotta get stronger if we want to win." Yuzo said and then let go of their hands.

Yuto and Shun didn't need to be pulled to go to the training room. They understood. Their enemies were strong. Each time they meet again, they got stronger than the last time. They have no doubt it would be the same the next time they fight them again. And when that time comes, they must be stronger so they won't lose.

THE LANCERS SERVER – LINK VRAINS – ARC-V

Yukiya logged into LINK VRAINS, this time deciding not to use his avatar and instead came as himself. When he arrived, he found a strange sight. Yukiya was staring at Yugo and Yuhei with bewilderment. The two Synchro duelists were sitting with their eyes closed as if they were meditating, only that they were making these grumbling voices and their brows furrowed together like they were having a serious case of stomachache.

"What the two of you are doing?" Yukiya finally voiced his question.

"We're trying to perform perfect synchronization like before, but so far we're unsuccessful." Yugo answered.

"Maybe that's something that can only happen during a Duel? Besides, this meditating-like thing you're doing is so not like both of you." Yukiya commented. He had seen of synchronization from Zarc's memory fragment, and from what he saw, this synchronization only happened through intense duels. And the ones synchronizing was usually in hype while doing so.

"But this ability would be useful if we ever fight Neon again!" Yugo argued.

"Please don't tell me that paranoia of yours is back again…" Yukiya said with exasperation.

Back when Neon was still alive as Apophis offspring, Yugo's paranoid was hard to watch and roughly speaking was quite a pain in the ass since the Synchro user would be overly cautious and hiding behind them even when they were in their own hideout as if Neon would just pop out of nowhere. He remembered when Yuri once teased that he saw Neon Yugo was almost shrieking like a girl while blindly punching and kicking the air. That one moment was amusing, but over time it became frustrating.

"No, it's not. Don't worry, I won't be afraid of her again. The next time we meet, I'll end her for good!" Yugo stated. This time, he said with full certainty. While there was still a bit fear in him, Yukiya could feel the determination that Yugo has to face Neon and put her behind him. Yukiya was glad and proud seeing Yugo like that. No need to worry about that now.

"By the way, why are you still here? I thought you're with Yuya taking a walk around Maiami City." Yuhei asked.

"Yuya said he wanted to be alone for a while. Ever since the battle at the fortress, he seems pondering about something. He stills smile and all, but I know something is troubling him. Whenever I asked, he always told me that he's not ready to tell me yet. Looking at his face, it must be something that's really serious, so I decided to give him some space." Yukiya answered. Honestly, he was worried with Yuya's condition. After the battle three days ago, Yuya was behaving unusual. He often spaced out. He didn't eat even half of the amount of his foods. He seemed afraid of something. But whenever he asked what was bothering him, Yuya would just smile and avoid the question with something else.

"The five of you are pretty much the same in that department." Yuhei commented.

"Excuse me?" Yukiya blinked.

"Yeah. You, me, Yuya, Yuri, and Yuto. The five of you are alike when it comes to that. Yuya is basically doing the same thing you do when don't want to give trouble to anyone. Not to mention that we're preparing for Yuno-san and Celica-san's wedding, everyone is happy and excited until the day. We wouldn't want to ruin the moment with our problems, right? Not when we're finally able to relax after we fought so hard." Yuhei explained. He had observed them, so he knew. Zarc also used to be like that. There were times that Yugo also hiding things from Rin. He tried to act tough, but Rin knew him too well and has her way to make him spill out everything.

Yugo knew what Yuhei meant and didn't make any argument about it. It was the truth. Yuri was also like that not too long ago, hiding his insecurity and guilt using the mask of indifference and arrogance. To put it simply, they were always acting normal when something troubles them.

"So not only our faces, but we're similar when it comes to this kind of situation." Yugo commented. He didn't know whether to be happy or sad about this. He looked up at Yukiya. "You should try talking to him again."

"You're not coming? Aren't you worried too?" Yukiya asked. Knowing Yugo, he thought he would stand up and flat out suggesting to make Yuya spill the beans, but now he was being strangely calmer of it.

"Sure, we are. It's only been a few months since we met, but I can see that you and Yuya are very close. Closer than us. I think he'll open up more to you." Yugo said, surprising Yukiya.

"I don't think so. Yuya considers us all the same. He often talked about you guys." Yukiya replied. Ever since he befriended Yuya, most of the conversations they had involved his counterparts even if they hung out with them almost every day. Yukiya didn't know if it was Yuya's attempt to restore his memories as Zarc or because he has been spending much more time with them since they arrived at Cantidel, but Yukiya knew that Yuya cares a great deal of them. They were technically brothers after all.

Yugo shook his head. "Not only that. You also understand him more than us. You're always the first to notice if there's something wrong with him even in the slightest. There are often times it took us a while until we notice. You can start with sharing your own problem to him and then he'll naturally confess his own." He reasoned.

Yugo could see that Yuya and Yukiya were very close with one another despite only just met for a short time compared to them. He noticed certain expressions that Yuya made only when Yukiya was around. And when he thought Yuya was doing fine while he was actually not, Yukiya would notice before him. If people were to say they were brothers, Yukiya was more of a big brother for Yuya than either him, Yuto, or Yuri.

"Your advice is actually very smart. It's brilliant and so unlike you." Yukiya was beyond stunned. He never thought to hear such mature words from Yugo of all people. He was so astonished.

"Shut up, you have one word too many there! You think that I'm just an idiot, but I got some brain! How else I survived this far?!" Yugo angrily protested. He knew he could be a slow and insensitive, but why people always got the impression that he was a genuine idiot?!

"Strangely, you know the way to make him talk but you're leaving it to me. Yugo, Yuya needs all of us by his side. Sharing his problem to more of us will ease his burden. The more the support, the safer he will be. That's why all of us will talk to him later. Deal?" Yukiya told them. Yuya is constantly thinking about them. And many fought hard to save him when he was consumed by Zarc's darkness. But it's still not enough. The fact that some of them haven't noticed Yuya's strange behaviour means that now they must understand him more.

"You heard him, Yugo. When you're concerned about something or for someone, you'll always go straight up asking the said person. Why make it any different now?" Yuhei slapped Yugo's back, encouraging him.

"Well, I'm worried I'm gonna mess up 'cause I'm insensitive and too straightforward like Rin always said… Yuya look unusually more depressed..." Yugo was afraid that him being so straightforward would make it harder for Yuya to tell his problem or make his mood worsen.

"Yugo is reflecting his insensitivity?! Is this a bad omen?!" Yukiya was even more shocked.

"Just how much of an idiot you're taking me for?!" Yugo protested again, his face twitching with annoyance.

"We're just kiddin' buddy. Still, we're gonna talk to Yuya together later, deal?" Yuhei rounded his arm around Yugo, urging him to do as Yukiya said.

Yugo sighed. "Since it came to this, might as well we grab the others too and start a counseling session." He suggested. Since he was the one who suggested it, he'll have to take the initiative too.

"But before that, let's do something that will make Yuno-san and Celica-san happy at the wedding! How about we do some show?" Yugo changed the subject. While he was worried for Yuya, he wanted to do something for Yuno and Celica's happy day as well, and there's little time left.

"A show? Like what?" Yukiya asked.

"A D-Wheel stunt!" Yugo proposed with face brimming with childish excitement.

"We'll place some amazing obstacles that will blow them away from hype!" Yuhei added, agreeing with his partner.

"Denied." Yukiya flat out rejected their idea. He wondered if Yugo ever get married, instead of a car, he and his bride would ride a D-Wheel as they took off after the wedding, or entering the altar in flashy way riding his D-Wheel. That would be one heck of a wedding.

While Yukiya was dealing with Yugo and Yuhei's pouting at his rejection, Sara noticed Yuri looking up at nothing in particular. However, she knew pretty much what he was thinking. Back then when Ray's soul inside her sensed her father's death, Sara noticed Yuri was making a pained face, his eyes reflecting inner sadness starting to leak out in full that he managed to suppress. Now he must be...

"Wondering about Leo Akaba?" Sara gained the courage to approach him. She wasn't sure if it was okay for her to talk with him about this since they never spoke much before and she only heard from others about him, but maybe this would be a good opportunity to know each other.

Yuri stared at him in silence for a moment, his face neutral, but Sara was nervous if she messed up. Fortunately, Yuri started speaking to her.

"I take it that Ray is crushed learning about the Professor's fate?" He asked back.

"I feel very hurting even until now, so that may be the case. It's her father after all. Losing your loved one is always hurt." Sara answered, clutching her chest. The pain that Ray was having, she felt it too as if it was her own.

"Loved one, huh… I don't know about myself though." Yuri admitted, he smiled, but it looked hollow. "That man wiped my important memories, separating me from my only friends, training me into a Duel Soldier, simply put he stole my happiness."

"I know. I heard a bit about it from Ray. But despite that, you're upset when you learned that he has been killed. Am I wrong?" Sara knew what Yuri's problem was. He was confused, and she understood why.

"That's because you cared about him. True, that he wiped your memories and separated you from Dennis and Serena that led to your fall. But at the same time, he is also the only person who acknowledged you. Being acknowledged and appreciated by him, you carded many people because you wanted to be praised by him. Receiving his praise made you happy. In the end, you can't hate him, even if you want to." Sara explained. There are just some people who even knowing they were being used, they would still do as they were told simply because they care for the one using them. When everyone else would just push them away, that certain person accepted them and even encouraged them to use what make them isolated from everyone else. Yuri, perhaps, was like that too. He has mixed feelings. Even though he knew what the Professor had done to him, he couldn't bring himself to hate the Professor.

"Is that…so…" Yuri looked even more in pain.

He has acknowledged it.

That's right.

When the Professor first approached him, he was happy. He became even happier after the Professor told him that he could do duels that he likes and card his opponents. He encouraged him to duels as he like, like he always did. For the first time someone encouraged and praised him like that. Others avoided him because they thought his dueling was too rough or he was too strong, but the Professor accepted it. He urged him to do more. That alone gave him happiness, a sense of accomplishment, something that he never had prior meeting Serena and Dennis and after losing his memories. Even after knowing the truth, those feelings didn't disappear.

"You don't need to think too much about it right now. You'll understand in due time." Sara assured him. She blinked when Yuri kept staring at her. It made her felt nervous. Did she say something out of the line? "Is something wrong with my face?"

"No. I'm just surprised that you're talking to me like this even though we barely knew each other. Did Ray tell you about me?" Yuri asked.

"Not much, but I got the gist of it at least. I'm sorry if it's impertinent of me to speak with you like this when we just know each other." Sara apologized. Yukiya always said that she has a habit of meddling into other people's business, which more than often got her (and Yukiya) into trouble (though they always found a way to solve it in the end). She tried to be careful now, but maybe she was being annoying or insensitive after all?

To her relief, Yuri didn't mind it.

"I didn't say I hate it…" He replied.

That answer put Sara more at ease.

"Yura mostly told me about you while I was still trapped in LINK VRAINS. There's never a day she talked without mentioning you." Sara revealed. It wasn't a lie. Whenever she talked with Starve Venom, Yuri's name would always come out from her mouth. There was one time she teased her how much Yuri means to her, Starve Venom got embarrassed that she spewed out incoherent comeback.

"You talked too much there." Yura came between them, startling Sara. However, seeing Yura's cheeks became a bit pink, Sara just has to tease her more.

"Expressing your love and adoration for your master is nothing to be ashamed of, Yura-chan. Take a page from your siblings. They expressed their love for their master as clear as crystallized water." Sara urged her. Unlike her siblings, Yura was strangely rather subtle in expressing her love for her master. It was like she was trying to make it clear to everyone that she is an ace monster while Yuri is her master, nothing more and nothing less than that. She didn't get it. Sara knew that Yuri wouldn't mind if Yura treated him like her siblings did to their masters and she was sure that Yura knew this as well, so why didn't she do it?

"Listen here, I–"

Before Yura could finish, Yuri placed a hand on her head, ruffling her hair like Ryo usually did to him. This surprised and stunned Starve Venom who looked at her master questioningly at the sudden form of affection.

"If you missed me so much then you could have just told me, Starve Venom. I missed you too. You're my one and only ace monster after all. Whatever form you have, stay by my side. That's an order from your master." Yuri said with a smile. His smile was kinder, one that is a very rare occasion.

"If Master says so." Yura complied with her cheeks reddened a bit. In her dragon form, she has no qualms doing it, but in her human form, it took everything she has not to hug her master.

"I'm a bit bored lately, maybe we should pull some pranks on Yugo and Yuhei later. It'll be fun." Yuri and Yura started snickering, bad intents oozing out from them so clearly that Sara flinched a bit. At the same time, she found it funny.

Hearing her giggles, Yuri and Yura turned to her.

"You're exactly how Ray and Yukiya described. Moody and just do whatever you like without being bound. Like a cat. Although, you can be a bit creepy that make you not as cute as cat." Sara commented.

"Do you really need to include the last part? Oh well, I'll still take that as a compliment." Yura sweat dropped at her somewhat contradictory comment, but being likened to a wild cat was not bad since it perfectly described him.

BRIDGE – MAIAMI CITY – ARC-V

Yuya was sitting on the fence of the bridge, his usual spot when he felt like clearing out his mind. He was glad that choosing the wedding suit didn't take long, because he was not really in the mood for it. He felt guilty though for leaving so hurry like that when it was very important for Yuno. Three days have passed since the last battle and he finally got a break. But even so, he still couldn't get out that nightmare from his mind. He couldn't relax at all. Not in the least. He was sure that Yukiya, Yuzu, and the others have realized it too. He was grateful that he didn't need to ask them to give him some space alone.

He was afraid.

Even though it was supposed to be just a nightmare. Why it felt that it was going to happen to him soon? For the first time he was so afraid in his life. Yuya looked at his hands, and it won't stop trembling in fear.

"Found you."

Yuya was so startled that he almost fell from the bridge if not for his reflexes. He turned and found Yuno was the one who called him with Yuji by his side.

"Oh, Yuno-san…Yuji..." Yuya sighed, a hand on his chest from a near heart attack.

"I've been wanting to talk with you." Yuno said, walking closer to Yuya while motioning Yuji to stand back for a moment, to which Yuji complied.

"What is it?" Yuya asked nervously. He wondered if Yuno was going to ask about his recent behavior. His ancestor has sharp mind, so he must have realized that he was behaving unusual.

"First of all, it's about the cards you entrusted to me. They changed." Yuno brought out the cards, namely Ancient Abyss Dragon and Odd-Eyes Abyss Dragon. He explained what happened during the duel against Roget in which the cards have evolved. When he finished his explanation, Yuya was smiling.

"I think these cards belongs to you now, Yuno-san. They want to fight alongside you." Yuya handed back the cards to Yuno's palm, pushing it to him.

"But these are your cards and I'm simply hold onto them until you're ready." Yuno tried to push it back to him, but Yuya kept his hand.

"No. It's not necessary anymore. I have accepted it now. The fact that I killed the Doctor is something that I have to carry for the rest of my life. Trying to forget about it is not right. I don't want to run away from my responsibility. If I do that, then I'm no different than a cold-blooded murderer." Yuya said. After the duel against Tsukasa, he realized that never forgetting his action and tried his best to create a better future is the least he could do to atone for the lives he had taken. Everything would be meaningless, everything would be for nothing, if he forgets them.

"You're the one who helped me understand that, Yuno-san. That's why I want you to keep them. Just like how you helped me, I'm giving them to you so that they can help you in my place even if we are separated. Please." Yuya genuinely wanted Yuno to have his cards. He didn't throw them away because they were the reminder of his sin. He gave them because they now have become his connection with his ancestor, his family.

Yuno saw nothing but admiration, faith, and endearment from Yuya. He was giving him these cards not because he refused to face his past, but because of their bond. Just like he wants to protect everyone else, Yuya wants to protect him, he wants to fight together with him. And Yuno was happy to know those feelings for him.

"I understand. Thank you, Yuya." Yuno placed the cards back into his Deck Case. He will cherish them. He will fight together with them from now on. He smiled for a bit, but then turned serious once more.

"And now, for the other matter that I wish to talk with you…what's in your mind, Yuya?" Yuno asked. As he expected, Yuya's body stiffened immediately. The boy was about to open his mouth that he no doubt would try to dodge the question, but Yuno won't have it.

"Don't give me 'I'm okay', I know well that there's something bothering you ever since the battle at the fortress. Did Heidel or Roget do something to you?" Yuno interjected, silencing him. Judging from Yuya's miniscule reaction, he was spot on. The boy's body started trembling and his face paled. Just what happened to him?

"Yuya, if it's something that you can't share with everyone, then at least tell me. I promise I won't tell anyone. I meant what I said that time. You are my family. Do you not feel the same way?" Yuno reminded what he said right after he returned from the battle, when he hugged his descendants, telling them they are his family. He didn't doubt that Yuya trust him, but he wished the boy won't try to keep his trouble to himself just because he didn't want to ruin the mood of his upcoming wedding.

"No! I also think of you as my family, Yuno-san! I...it's just..." Yuya finally couldn't take it anymore. There was no point in hiding it from Yuno. It was difficult to say no to his ancestor. He finally revealed everything to him. About the nightmare he has ever since he defeated Roget's fragment, a nightmare in which he was killed.

Yuno and Yuji's expression turned into horror upon hearing the story.

"That's…" Yuno couldn't hide his expression. There was no doubt about it. That nightmare Yuya saw was not a dream. It was a vision. The same vision that he has. The vision that he only told to a very few people and one that he tried to prevent at all cost. Yuya's death.

"Yuno-san?"

"Yuya, I know this would be hard for you to take, but…what you said just now, that nightmare of yours…it's not a bad dream…it's a vision…"

"A vision? You mean like yours?"

"I…I've seen the same vision…"

Yuno didn't want to say it, but now that Yuya has seen that vision, he couldn't hide it either. Not from Yuya himself. The terror in Yuya's face was unbearable to see. The boy was scared greatly. He couldn't blame him. True, he had participated in a war before, he had fought and survived, but that won't change the fact that he was still a child. A 15 years old child who wasn't supposed to be standing in the battlefield. Child his age should be in a safe place.

"So…I'm going…to die…?" Yuya asked, both his body and voice were trembling. There were many times he risked his life and ended up in a situation where he was almost got killed, but he always survived one way or another, he was never this afraid because he believed his friends would be there for him to help and subconsciously the fragment of Zarc's soul assured him that he won't die until he became one with his counterparts.

This time it was different. He was feeling so sure that he is going to die for real.

Yuji couldn't take it anymore. He pulled Yuya into his embrace, gently patting his back until his trembling eased up. He understood. When he received the mortal blow that he eventually succumbed to, for the first time he was afraid of death. At that time, he didn't want to die. He still wanted to live. He was so scared that he would never be able to see his friends and family again. He thought he was ready, but he didn't. He understood Yuya's fear right now.

"Being afraid of death is a human feeling. Especially, if you know you're going to get killed. You don't need to feel ashamed. It's a normal reaction. Even though we know that death is inevitable, there are still times that we have difficulties to accept it." Yuji told Yuya, gently pulling him from him while trying his best to smile so Yuya would feel more assured. He must protect him. He won't let him worrying and making that kind of face again. That was his duty as Yuya's ace monster.

"But this is different. We have a choice. We can change this death." Yuno said, placing a hand on top of Yuji's hand and Yuya's shoulder. He has changed countless visions before. Not always, but from that, he knew that he could change fate. This vision, he won't let it come true.

"Yuya. I won't let you die. This future, we'll definitely change it. I absolutely won't let you die no matter what. I swear on my life. I'll protect you." Yuno vowed to himself and to his descendant. He won't let Apophis steal the people he loves again. He will become stronger than ever and this time end Apophis' life and reign for good, to create the future where Yuya and the others can smile.

If it was his child self, he would have used his goggles to hide his pain, escaping to his own little world. But he won't do that now. Yuya didn't care if he looked so pathetic. He didn't care if anyone else saw the tears falling from his eyes. He was still afraid, but he was also happy. He has decided.

He will conquer this fear and change his future.

"Thank you..."

A WEEK LATER – CANTIDEL BEACH – CAPITAL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

The beach was bursting with people. Over two hundred guests were there. Because they were married on such short notice, there wasn't time to make many arrangements, and people came out of the woodwork to make the day as special as they could, simply by showing up to support the two couple.

The wide sand is cascading across the land. There is a small breeze that offers a slight chill, which provides relief from the warm, setting sun. The water crashes against rocks in the distance. Seagulls squawk overhead. Nature is in tune with today's event.

The warm, smooth sand moves through the bride's and groom's toes as they approach or leave the altar. The fresh air expands smoothly within the lungs. Everyone stared in serene awe as the bride and groom emerged. They have no doubts that they want to spend the rest of their lives together after marrying in paradise.

"It took you so damn long for this. Still, I've never been so proud of you...! If your father and Jusis are here, I'm sure they'll..."

"I know. I hope they are watching us from up there."

"Thank you for being by my side the whole time, Jonouchi, especially today."

"It's the least I can do for you and your father. I'll have to bear witness to the most important day of your life directly in his place."

Yuno saw everyone he knew.

Yuya, Yuto, Yugo, and Yukiya were sitting in the front row. Yuya was holding a Duel Disk so that Yuri who was in LINK VRAINS could still attend the event. Across the boys in the same row were Yuzu, Serena, Ruri, Rin, and Sara. Yuzu and Ruri were dabbing their eyes with their handkerchief when the wedding march began. In the second row were his children. In the third row were his and Celica's close aides...except Ryo. Yuno was a bit sad that the Kaiser was not present. Otherwise, it would have been completed.

There wasn't a dry eye in the place when the entrance music began.

Yuno saw Celica, slowly turning to him with a smile. With the Emperor accompanying her, Celica slowly made her way down the aisle, while everyone sat silently in wonder. When she finally reached his side, there were gasps of joy and everyone spontaneously began to clap. All business now, he seemed to have abandoned his role as the Emperor and Celica's descendant to something more distant, where he could keep his emotions in check. Yet Yuno and Celica could see him struggling as he stood before us. He perched his glasses on his nose and opened the Bible, then looked at Yuno and Celica. The Emperor towered over them, and for a moment he stood before them before he nodded, signifying he would start. Celica smiled and reached for Yuno's free hand, linking them together.

The Emperor began the ceremony in the traditional way, then read the passage in the Bible.

"May God's blessings be with you both."

It was then that he set aside the Bible. He reached out, offering his hand to Yuno's, and the Oracle took it, completing the circle.

With that he led the two of them through their vows. Jonouchi handed Yuno the ring his descendants had helped him pick out, and Celica gave him one as well. They slipped them on their fingers. The Emperor watched them as they did so, and when they were finally ready, he pronounced them husband and wife. Yuno and Celica kissed softly as many began to cry, then held Celica's hand in his. In front of God and everyone else, they promised each other's undying love and devotion, in sickness and in health, and that will reunite them even when death comes.

The party was held soon after the reception. There's no safer bet for a next-day shindig than a laid-back afternoon of food, drink and banter, with a few lawn games and an epic music playlist thrown in for good measure. Everyone gave the newly wed couples a congratulation toast, some of them gave their own speech and prayer for the couples, singing their favorite songs, dancing together, and enjoying the meals presented for the guests. The closing of the happy day, the most important one to remember this day, was taking a picture together.

Yuno and Celica couldn't ask for nothing more.

It was the most wonderful moment of their life.

APOPHIS TEMPLE – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

"The outcome is as you have expected, Your Excellency."

"Not really. They actually went beyond my expectation. I am more than satisfied." Apophis said, grinning menacingly.

"Are you sure it's okay to lose the Earthbound Gods like that? They could have been some good pawns."

"No need. Our current power is more than enough to take down the Oracle and his comrades. And with Heidel Aberforth out of the picture, we can proceed to the next stage of our plan."

"If I may ask, Your Excellency, we could have gone to the Rift to open the path to the Duel Monster realm while they were fighting, but why didn't you implore us to go?"

"Because it's not the time yet."

"Not the time?"

"I'll open them once I regain my full power. And in addition, I'm preparing a good sacrifice to open it..."

TO BE CONTINUED IN…

Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V: The Last Supreme King Dragon

First of all, I apologize for the sudden notice. I never intended to make this a trilogy fanfic, but due to family financial problem, I must work extra hard, so I have no choice to make it like this. I thought it's better to end the fanfic and then make a continuation rather than putting it in a long hiatus. I estimate that I'll publish the final arc around May or June 2019.

Once again, I'm sorry that it has to be like this just when it's finally going to reach the final arc, but please understand.

After finishing the sequel of this fanfic, I'm thinking of starting another fanfic (And I'll start writing new one only AFTER the sequel is over). But I don't know which one to start. Doing more than one fanfics at once is difficult to me, so I would like your opinion which one to choose first. I open the poll in my profile. For those who don't have an account (anonymous reviewer), can write their choice in the review. You can only choose one and only the choices in the poll.

Please don't forget to review and look forward for the sequel later!