7. Yu-Gi-Oh ARC-V A New Story of Pendulum (Synchro Arc)

Chapter 10 Plans and Surprises

After the duel, Yuya returned to Ruka's house, exhaustion still clinging to his body though his spirit felt lighter. As he pushed the door open, he was met with a familiar sight—Yuni and Katrina sitting together on the sofa, waiting quietly.

Yuya blinked. "Huh? You guys are still here?"

Katrina rose slightly, her voice soft but full of relief. "Brother. We were just waiting for you."

Yuya gave a faint sigh, scratching the back of his head as a smile tugged at his lips. "I see. You really don't need to do that." Yet deep down, he knew how fortunate he was—two sisters waiting for him, steady anchors in a world that was anything but stable.

"No, it's fine," Yuni reassured him with a small smile of her own. "And... you probably won't believe it, but Aki is also here, too."

Yuya froze mid-step. "Aki? As in the Izayoi Aki? No way..."

Katrina lowered her gaze, her expression tightening. "The thing is, she tried to attack us without any reason... until I summoned Dark Red Rose Dragon."

The name hung in the air like a spark, heavy with meaning. Yuya's eyes widened, the weight of her words settling on him. Whatever was happening, it was clear this was more than a coincidence.

The air quaked as Black Rose Dragon and Dark Red Rose Dragon roared at each other, crimson petals and thorny vines tearing across the street. Aki's eyes burned as she glared at Yuni.

"How did you know my name? Who are you people?"

Reisho stepped forward calmly, his coat flaring in the wind. "We are the Lancers. I am Akaba Reisho, one of their leaders. We're searching for strong duelists to fight alongside us against a great enemy. As for how we know of you—let's just say your name has already reached us, and we studied your reputation."

Aki's gaze shifted sharply to Katrina. "And you... the power of your dragon. How can you summon one so similar to mine?"

Katrina placed her hand over her chest, Dark Red Rose Dragon growling protectively behind her. "Dark Red Rose Dragon has been with me since the day I was born. But... I left her seven years ago, and only just reclaimed her bond with me."

Black Rose Dragon roared again, its thorns lashing outward—but Dark Red Rose Dragon surged forward, intercepting the vines and shielding the group.

Then, from the alleyways, voices rose. Both Tops and Commons crowded in the shadows, their jeers carried by the wind:

"Witch!"

"Monster!"

"Stay away from her!"

Aki flinched, her face twisting. "They're right... I'm still a monster." The words were meant for her, but loud enough for all to hear.

Katrina's eyes sharpened. She raised her voice, her presence unwavering. "If anyone here should be called a monster, it's me—not you. I'm a half-vampire."

Gasps spread like wildfire, the crowd recoiling in fear.

Katrina didn't flinch. "I was terrified of it myself. I tried to run away, afraid I'd only hurt others. But when my father came to me, he said something I'll never forget: If you're afraid of yourself, you'll never be able to do anything. Accept what you are. Accept your powers. Then use them when you know it's right. That's what I did—and I think you should, too."

Aki's hands trembled as Black Rose Dragon howled, its petals spinning violently. "And what do you know about the pain I've suffered?!" she cried, her powers spiraling out of control.