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

Chapter 42 Truth and Consequences

The air grew heavier as the group made their way down the long path toward the next gate. The ruins stretched endlessly ahead, every step echoing softly beneath the looming stone arches.

Hana and Mark walked side by side, still absorbing everything they had learned since their return to the present. "So," Mark said, glancing toward Reisho, "you've got two more siblings now, huh?"

"Yeah," Reisho replied with a faint, uncertain smile. "Kind of ironic, right? Ray and I both ended up with a new mother. Though..." His tone lowered. "I still wonder where our former mother went."

"I'm sure you'll find her soon," Hana said gently. Her smile was so certain that it left the others momentarily speechless.

Breaking the silence, Yuni turned to her. "By the way, Hana... do you know who the remaining Dark Signers are?"

Hana nodded. "The one we're heading toward now—the Lizard mark—belongs to Lisa. The Whale mark is Rin. The Hummingbird and Vulture marks are Condor and Aera. But the Spider and Hands... those two are still unknown."

"I see..." Yuya murmured. His gaze darkened slightly. Vivian... she bears the Hands mark. That meant only one remained hidden—the Spider.

The group soon reached the next altar, the Lizard Gate. Its design was different from the last—serpentine patterns winding across the stone floor, glowing faintly with violet light.

Katrina stepped forward, her hand brushing against her Duel Disk. "This time, it's my turn to duel," she said quietly. "And I already know who my opponent will be..."

Yuzu nodded solemnly. "You're right."

A sudden gust of wind swept across the ruins. From the shadow of the gate, a cloaked figure emerged, her footsteps echoing softly. "I've been waiting for you."

The figure threw back her cloak—revealing a familiar face beneath the dim light.

"Lisa..." Katrina's voice dropped, her expression tightening.

Shun, Ron, Jean, Yuto, Rumi, and Ruri all froze. Even though they already knew the truth—that Lisa had fallen and become a Dark Signer—seeing her standing there, alive yet tainted by darkness, still felt unreal.

Lisa smirked faintly. "I see not only Kurosaki Shun, but even Ron and Jean are here as well. It's been quite a while."

"Why did you do that to Rumi and Ruri back then?" Ron demanded. "They had nothing to do with you!"

Lisa's eyes narrowed. "They're still Shun's family. At first, my revenge was meant for him... but thanks to Katrina, my focus changed."

Katrina's fists clenched, her glare sharp.

Aki frowned. "What exactly happened between you two?"

Yuya exhaled. "Long story short—Lisa's from the same city as Ron and Jean. She tried to kill Ruri and Rumi—Yuzu and Yuni's counterparts. Because of that incident, Katrina was forced to reveal her secret to the people of Heartland... that she's a half-Vampire. After saving the twins, she lost control."

Yuni's voice was quiet, almost reluctant. "And then... she killed Lisa. Just like the vampires we've seen in horror films."

Gasps rippled through those who hadn't known the truth. The air turned cold, the silence suffocating.

Lisa gave a hollow laugh. "What they said is true. But it doesn't matter anymore. To fight a monster like Katrina... I became one myself." She raised her arm, her Duel Disk snapping open with a metallic hiss. "And this time, I'll defeat you."