Canterlot School, Counselor’s Room…
Forward sat on a couch before Sombra. “Tell me honestly, have you ever won a duel since you started playing? I have as many videos of your duels as possible, but I’d like to hear it from you.”

“Well, no I haven’t won any duels since I started playing.” Forward replied. “That’s why I’m confused you see any potential in me. I’m a nobody.”

“Correction.” Sombra stated. “You are a duelist with potential, and not because of who your father and mother are. A duelist’s potential is there’s alone. It’s not your fault your potential has gone uncultivated.”

“I guess.” Forward rubbed his head.

“There is no guess.” Sombra stated. “Did your father, brother, uncles, or aunts ever tell you that the deck you were using may not have been the best option. I understand, perhaps better than most, that it has sentimental value, but a deck like that has little hope of winning.”

“No, they never stopped me from using it.” Forward admitted. “It’s not like I didn’t insist on it being my deck though.”

“As I said, I can understand.” Sombra shook his head. “All that remains of family lost to you.” He showed the ring on his finger. “You and I share such a thing in common. This is all that remains of my beloved after a heartless monster ripped her away from me.”

“Who was it?” Forward asked. “Was it Cipher?”

“It wasn’t.” Sombra stated. “I will not utter their name now, but they left me in a state worse than if I could never see her again.” Sombra sighed. “My beloved is still out there, but her memories of our time together were erased. Myself and my daughter are the only ones who remember.”

“I’m so sorry.” Forward stated sincerely. “Have you seen her since?”

“I tried distancing myself, but I could not bear it. That is why I’ve made Crystal Cavalcade.” Sombra stated. “A team of duelists who reach the top through power over respect. Respect never got me anywhere.”

“So, you want my help to stop this person?” Forward asked.

“That is what I ask of any duelist I recruit.” Sombra nodded. “In return, I give them the power they seek to achieve their ambitions. Together, we will reach the top. We will create a world where people like The Cipher and my demon can’t get away with what they do now.”

“I’d like to help you, but what you speak of goes against everything I’ve been taught.” Forward stated. “Obviously, I want someone to stop Cipher as well as this new threat you speak of; however, my father always stressed respect for one’s opponent above strength.”

“The motto of Team Harmonic Pillar. A silly name, but one that has struck a chord with people the more they proved their words.” Sombra stated. “Surely, you must have noticed what has overcome that motto. Strength is overtaking respect. To beat it, we must follow the same path.”

Forward thought of his aunts, uncles, and mom who all vanished to The Cipher. “I still don’t know. You’re speaking sense, but I’m not certain what path I should follow.” He chuckled. “It was so easy yesterday, but everything I know has been put into question.”

“My team’s results speak for themselves.” Sombra stated. “I see that you are attempting to make sense of what you want, so I shall give you time to consider my offer while trusting that you will not speak of all I have said.” He produced a business card with his number.

“I’ll be in Canterlot until the end of the weak.” He gave the card to Forward. “If you decide to join, give me a call.” He put his hand on the doorknob. “I can give you strength or you can let people like Cipher do as they please. It’s your choice Forward Base.”

Sombra departed and Forward was left alone. He sighed and sat back on the couch before staring at the card. What Sombra offered was tempting, but it conflicted with everything he’s been surrounded by since birth.

“If I accept, I can gain the strength to put a stop to people like Nathan and Cipher. If I don’t accept, I won’t be able to stop people like them as I am.” He rubbed his face. “What do I do?”

Yugioh: Road to Quantum Opening

( watch?v=WXx21ivOCLU)

Don't you dare replace

Your first and only want

(Young Flash Sentry stares up at Flash Industries with his father and brother as Magnus ruffles their hair.)

Don't give up on the chase

Keep holding on!

(Teenage Flash is riding through Canterlot atop a duel runner before coming to a stop outside the open gates of a large complex with multiple buildings.)

Everything had gone to failure

(Young Flash stands in front of Canterlot Middle Schools statue and watches in despair as young Twilight, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash leave him going separate ways from himself and each other.)

My ambition turned into my broken dreams

(Flash is sent flying outside a building and into the grace outside as lighting arcs through the sky followed by thunder. Soon, it begins to storm on him.)

I left a promise out to die

(Flash kneels beside his younger brother, Forward Base, who is currently crying. He stands before facing Ethan with a determined expression.)

Every word I still remember

(Young Flash is standing on the roof as a young Sunset is waiting for him.)

They've been ringing in my head on full repeat

(The scene transitions to the park at night as Flash stands across from Sunset in shock while she laughs at him. His fists clench and he activate his black duel disc causing a blue energy blade to appear.)

Can't get your talk to ever leave my mind

(Young Flash is panting with tears in his eyes as he stands in the middle of his father's home office with books having been scattered. Anything that could be wrecked was.)

But now, from the clouds

There's a wind that gives me a boost

(Young Flash sits on his knees before a coffee table. Laid out before him is a blank deck of cards, his laptop, and a flash drive. He inserts the flash drive into the computer and plays a video.)

My heart, burning hard

Is about to light my fuse

(Young Flash watches as his father appears on screen. After a moment, his expression changes from sorrow and anger to a proud smile.)

(Let's try again!)

Live in the now and break your confines

Take ahold of this precious time (precious time)

(Flash is in his room as the sun shines through the window and her finishes packing his things. He tucks the blank deck into his deck box before walking out of the room.)

Glory days (glory days)

'Cause your life is not to trade

(Flash is seen walking down the sidewalk with Shadow Lock conversing happily with him before they enter a car and drive off.)

(Let's try again!)

Bring back the color as you advance

Paint it red, and then take a chance (take a chance)

(Young Flash and Shadow Lock stand across from each other in a room of the decaying Duel Sanctuary. Both wield black duel disk as Flash's blue energy blade and Shadow's black energy blade come out.)

Shout it loud (shout it loud)

'Cause your style's worth a bow

(Flash stands outside the sanctuary and stares down the stairs as he imagines a transparent version of his brother running up to meet him before he vanishes. Rather than be sad, Flash gives a small smile before walking back inside.)

Don't you dare replace

Your first and only want

(Teen Flash gets off his duel runner and looks back at the transparent version of his younger self who smiles and gives him a thumbs up before vanishing. Flash smiles and puts his hands in his pockets before walking onto the grounds of the large complex.)

Don't give up on the chase

Keep holding on!

(Flash looks up at the building as he draws closer to the entrance with a look of resolve. He stops as transparent version of the Humane 6 as their current ages appear before him. Flash nods to them before they vanish. He then walks into the building.)

Principal Celestia’s Office
Rainbow Dash, a girl with cyan skin, rainbow hair, and purple eyes, entered the principal’s office. “Ah Ms. Dash, you arrived just on time.” Celestia sat down some papers. “As Luna told me, you have something rather serious to talk about.”

“You bet Principal Celestia.” Rainbow stated firmly. “It’s about Flash Sentry…”

Principal Celestia’s Office
Rainbow Dash entered the principal’s office. “Ah Ms. Dash, you arrived just on time.” Celestia sat down some papers. “As Luna told me, you have something rather serious to talk about.”

“You bet Principal Celestia.” Rainbow stated firmly. “It’s about Flash Sentry…”

Outside Canterlot School, Later…
Flash had some extra time, so he decided to relax at Sugar Cube Corner. He also tried to think about why the girls would be mad at him and each other, enough to make Twilight run off without a word, but he came up with nothing.

He ultimately decided to make his way to school figuring it was best to gather information, and that’s when he noticed Vice Principal Luna standing outside as if she were looking for something. It was odd to see her out here.

The moment she saw him, Flash knew he was in trouble by the stern look in her eyes. “Mr. Sentry, come here.”

The commanding tone she used didn’t make him feel any better. “Is there a problem Vice Principal Luna?”

“I think explanations should be saved for when we’re in Principal Celestia’s office.” Luna stated. “Follow me.”

Flash couldn’t think of anything he’s done to warrant trouble, but he wasn’t about to run from the people in charge. With little choice, he followed Luna into the school.

Principal Celestia’s Office
Flash entered the office with Luna only to find Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack standing scattered around the room. Everyone, save Twilight, glared angrily at him and had been glaring at each other.

Flash wanted to ask them what was up, but now was not the time as Luna led him to a seat which he took. “Principal Celestia, I don’t get what’s going on here.”

Luna moved to Celestia’s side as the principal sighed. “Mr. Sentry, I want to give every student the benefit of the doubt, but the evidence we have points towards you as the likely suspect.”

“Likely suspect?” Flash raised an eyebrow. “What am I the likely suspect of?”

Celestia put a familiar looking box on her desk. It was navy blue with a light blue shield on top. This was Flash’s card box. A box meant to store various cards from booster packs he picked up. When Celestia opened it, there were only 6 decks inside; however, these weren’t any old decks.

These were his friends’ decks as each had their aces visible. Dark Magician, Hi-Speedroid Chanbara, Gem-Knight Master Diamond, X-Saber Souza, Performapal Sky Magician, and Ancient Fairy Dragon. The thing is, that box had been in his locker.

Flash could put two and two together as he held up his hands. “Whoa, you think I would steal decks?” He looked at the girls. “All six of you think I stole your decks. Doing that is the lowest of the low. Don’t you have security cameras or something?”

“Funny thing about the cameras is that they were mysteriously offline from the time Celestia and I left, to just this morning meaning we couldn’t see a thing.” Luna stated. “Given who your father is, you do have the skills to knock them out.”

Celestia held up her hand. “Luna, please.”

“Yeah, I have skills with technology, but you can’t say I’m the only one in school.” Flash looked at Twilight and quickly waved his hands. “I’m not blaming Twilight either. Even still, there must be others with skills like that besides us.”

“While that is true, the only information we have is the fact that your box was found in your locker with their decks inside.” Celestia stated. “Not to mention, you are the only one closest to them besides each other.”

“It wasn’t me.” Flash denied before looking to his friends. “Come on, you six know me. I wouldn’t do this to you. I don’t need your decks. Please, you can’t leave me hanging.”

Flash suddenly froze, and it wasn’t for the fact that the six of them weren’t immediately jumping to his aid. Just for a moment, around each of them, he saw the barest hint of a black aura. That said, Twilight’s seemed unstable. Flash rubbed his eyes, and the aura was gone.

“I don’t know what to believe pardner, but the fact remains that our decks were found in your locker.” Applejack stated.

“It is most unbecoming of you to do this Flash.” Rarity added.

Rainbow crossed her arms. “I thought you were a better friend than this.”

“It’s not fun when someone takes another’s deck.” Pinkie stated sadly.

Fluttershy was tapping her fingers together and looking away from him. “I’m not sure what I believe, but our decks were found in your locker.”

Flash noticed that Twilight hadn’t spoken, so he looked to her. “Twilight, my father taught Shining how to duel. We were friends even before we came here. While you became friends with the others, I had nothing against them. I adapted, and they became my friends to. Please.”

Twilight was rubbing her hands together before talking a deep breathe. She seemed to become more certain as she walked forward and put a hand on Flash’s shoulder. For just a moment, Flash saw that black aura around Twilight before it shattered.

Twilight smiled reassuringly at him before looking at the authority figures in the room. “I don’t think Flash would take our decks. Even if he were the person to do that, he had ample opportunity to steal from us well before this point.”

“Perhaps Mr. Sentry was bidding his time.” Luna stated. “Playing the long con as it were.”

“That’s not who Flash is.” Twilight stated as she looked to the others in the room. “Come on girls, Flash is right. We know what type of person he is.”

No one was willing to lend Twilight or Flash their aid.

“At least you’re loyal to someone one Twilight.” Rainbow stated.

Applejack shook her head. “Even with your word, I’m just not certain this is the honest truth, but we saw where our decks were sugar cube.”

“Usually, I’d laugh this off because I’d feel your right, but this isn’t a laughing matter.” Pinkie added.

“I’m still unsure, but our decks were found in his locker.” Fluttershy stated. “How did they get there if he didn’t do it?”

“What Flash has done is the complete opposite of generosity.” Rarity stated. “If you’re going to side with him darling, our friendships are more of a lost cause than I already thought.”

“I’m sorry Mr. Sentry, but we’ll have to call someone to come get you.” Celestia stated. “Until this matter is sorted, I’m afraid you will not be welcome on school grounds.”

Flash sat back in his chair in shock. “Am I being expelled!?”

“Suspended Mr. Sentry.” Celestia corrected. “Just until we can find more information on what is happening. I promise we will get to the bottom of this, and if nothing more turns up to further incriminate you, the suspension will be revoked.”

“I can’t believe this.” Flash once more looked at the other five girls, but they weren’t going to help him. “I really can’t believe this.”

“Hold on, I have something to add.” Twilight thought quick. “You said the cameras are down, so you’re basing this all on Flash being the only one capable of getting into his own locker, right?”

“That would be the case.” Celestia stated. “I’ll be the first to admit that it is rather lacking evidence, but it is all we have. Given how important a duelist’s deck is, we must punish him somehow.”

“Then, your assumption is incorrect.” Twilight stated. “Flash isn’t the only one that could enter his locker. We’re his friends, and Sunset is his girlfriend. I can confirm that he’s told 7 separate people his locker combination.”

“Is this true Mr. Sentry?” Celestia asked.

Flash had offered his combination to the girls, so they could access his extra cards; however, he hadn’t once thought they were responsible. While things were wrong, he considered them friends, and Sunset was special. Despite wanting his innocence, Flash had to take the bullet.

That is, he would have taken the bullet if not for Sunset bursting into the room. “I can collaborate Twilight’s story. All 7 of us had his combination, and I wouldn’t put it past Flash to have given it to others. He is a rather trusting person, and it’s unfortunately come back to bite him.”

“What? I only gave it out to you seven because I trusted you.” Flash turned to Celestia after realizing what he said. “Not that I’m saying it’s any of them. Someone else could have…”

Celestia slammed her hands on her desk to silence everyone. “Everyone, calm down.” She then took a deep breath. “Clearly, this situation is more complicated than I initially thought, and I won’t suspend eight students since the decks have been found.

Flash Sentry, you will be suspended just for today for handing out your combination to at least seven other people. That was reckless of you, but I also want you to take the day to compose yourself. Tomorrow, report to my office, and we shall go over things 1 on 1.

Twilight, you may grab your deck as may your friends. Once you have them, please make your way to your first classes. Ms. Shimmer, this was clearly another case of eavesdropping where you shouldn’t be, so report to detention after school. Am I clear everyone?”

“Yeah.” All eight students stated as one.

“Good.” Celestia stated. “Luna, make sure the girls get to their classes. Flash, you are to remain in my office until we can get in touch with someone to pick you up.”

After the girls got their decks, Luna led them out leaving Flash with Celestia who managed to get in touch with Shadow. Flash’s uncle would be there soon to pick him up.

Once she was done, Celestia looked at him. “Flash, I believe you wouldn’t have done this.”

“With all due respect ma’am, if you believe me, why go through with this?” Flash questioned. “I’m more than smart enough to know that a school wants to limit suspensions and expulsions.”

“It’s because there’s a greater law which governs society.” Celestia stated. “Dueling is more popular now than any other time in history. A situation like this, one in which 6 decks were stolen, looks about as good on a school as a suspension or expulsion.”

“I guess I hear where you’re coming from.” Flash sighed and shook his head. “This sucks.”

The Apartment, Later…
After Shadow came to get Flash, and they were in the car, the kid had explained everything to his uncle. That included the black aura which Flash was certain made him sound crazy. Sure, there were rumors about the past; however, they were hard to believe.

Fortunately, his uncle had reaffirmed this thought process and gave an explanation that he was likely under stress from the quick succession of events. Flash was more than happy to latch onto that and forget about the auras. He was also glad his uncle trusted him.

Shadow led his nephew back into the apartment before closing the door. “I won’t deny that the situation is awful bud, but you’re a good kid. That’s something your teachers and principal know.” He waved his hand. “I’m certain this will all blow over soon enough.”

“Hopefully.” Flash shook his head. “Guess I got time to look over that deck you gave me.”

“There you go.” Shadow smiled. “Doing something, anything, productive is a great use of the day considering they didn’t have your homework ready. Hopefully that girl of yours will bring it around. Speaking of sometime after school, I’m thinking pizza. Got a topping in mind?”

“Sunset hasn’t let me down before.” Flash walked to his room. “As for pizza, I’m thinking Italian sausage with tomato and mushroom.”

“Got it.” Shadow stated.

Flash’s Room
Flash sat at his desk and took a deep breath before pulling out his new deck. Before he could get to looking at it, his phone buzzed indicating he got a text. The duelist pulled it out only to see a text from Sunset.

Flash,

Shortly after you left, a contact of mine came through. Meet me at the duel park just as the moon rises. Come alone or we’ll lose this jerk whose been messing with you. Bring your deck. Don’t bother calling back because I won’t answer. I think someone’s watching me.

Sunset

“Sunset.” Flash thought worriedly. “I hope she’s okay.” He backed out of the message and stared at his phone. “Should I call the other girls? No, that’s a bad idea. Sunset said to come alone. That said, how do I go out well after the sun sets?”

lash would ponder that last point for a while before concluding that he needed to sneak out. If he told Shadow, even if his uncle agreed to stay back, he’d just follow Flash anyways. Just from the short text Sunset sent, this guy seemed to be targeting him.

“Alright, I best study the deck uncle gave me.” Flash thought. “I’d prefer to face this guy once I’ve practiced with it, but he’s somehow turned my friends against each other. I won’t let him get away with it.”

Night…
Shadow was now starting to worry about Flash in conjunction with Forward. The youngest wasn’t picking up his phone at all and had yet to return while Flash had become rather silent. Not even pizza seemed to make him talkative.

“Just what is going on with these past two days?” Shadow pondered. “So much is happening at once, in quick succession, that there’s no way this is coincidence. If it isn’t a coincidence, who or what is setting this family up?”

He would have pondered this for longer if not for a knock at the door. Shadow got up to answer it only to find Shining Armor standing outside in his police uniform.

What caught Shadow’s attention was Magnus’ duel disk in his hands. “Magnus lost…”

“Father lost to who?” Forward asked as he walked up to the doorway only to see his father’s empty duel disk. “Dad.” Tears came to the boy’s eyes. “He wasn’t supposed to lose.”

“Forward, it’ll be okay.” Shadow approached him. “Stygian and I will…”

“Why did he lose?” Forward looked at the men as tears continued to well up in his eyes. “Dad respected his opponents, and he was the strongest duelist in the world. Why did he lose to Cipher?”

“Just because you’re strong, it doesn’t mean you can’t lose.” Shining sighed sadly. “Even though I wasn’t there, I’m sure he gave Cipher one of the toughest duels he could.”

“He still lost.” Forward’s tears fell as he pushed past the adult heading to his room. “He lost because his respect outweighed his strength.” He opened his door. “I think I have my answer.”

With no further discussion, Forward slammed the door shut. Shadow sighed and rubbed his head. He wanted to just shut down for a while but couldn’t because those boys needed him.

“Has it been a rough day?” Shining asked.

“Try two.” Shadow shook his head before taking the duel disk. “Look, we’ll have to sort this out tomorrow, but for now, I got to make heads or tails of this. Forward’s going to need a minute and Flash…” The guy realized something. “…would have come out by now.”

“Shadow, is something wrong?” Shining asked.

Shadow didn’t say a word as he ran to his surrogate nephew’s room and threw the door open. All he saw was an empty space and open window leading outside as storm clouds rolled in. Shining had entered the apartment.

“Shadow, what’s wrong?” Shining asked.

“It’s Flash.” Shadow turned around with a look of panic. “A storm is rolling in, but he must have heard us. He must have gone to look for the Cipher himself.”

What?” Shining was shocked. “Are you sure?”

“It makes sense, but I’m not sure.” Shadow walked to the door of the apartment. “Look, whatever’s happened, Flash is currently out there, and I need to look for him. I got…”

Shining put a hand on his shoulder. “Slow you’re roll Shadow. You still got a child to look after, and it’s my job to look for missing people. Granted, he hasn’t been gone for long, so you only got me. That said, I’ll find him.”

“You’re right.” Shadow sighed. “Find him and bring him back. I need to scold him for doing something this stupid no matter his reason.”

Shining nodded. “I promise I’ll find him.”

He left and Shadow looked at Magnus’ duel disk. “Damn it, Magnus.” He tightened his hold on it with closed eyes. “It should have been me rather than you.”

Forward’s Room
Forward had been trying to get his tears under control when he heard about his brother going missing. At this point, his brother was a fool to think he could beat The Cipher of all people. Their father couldn’t, so they couldn’t either.

That said, Forward now knew of a way he could eventually bring The Cipher, and everyone like him, down. He just needed the strength to do it. The kid pulled out Sombra’s business card and his own cellphone before dialing the number.

Sombra picked up. “Hello?”

“Sombra, it’s Forward.” Forward stated firmly as tears cascaded down his cheeks. “I will follow your path of strength.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” Sombra stated. “I’ll be… Forward, get out now!”

“What are you talking about?” Forward asked.

Roof Across from the Apartments
A guy, roughly Flash’s age, stood across from the apartment complex. He had dark red skin with a yellow mohawk, and pale-yellow eyes. His attire consisted of a sleeveless, dark green gi with lighting blue trim and accents.

“He glowed with dark magic as he withdrew a card from his deck box. “I call upon the Thunder Dragon who stands above all. Destroy this building Thunder Dragon Titian. Reduce it to ash.”

A huge, multi-headed green dragon appeared in the air above the apartment with blue lighting arching all around him. The dragon roared to the heavens as it began building up electricity in the clouds above.

With Flash
The storm clouds blanketed the night sky as Flash ran along the sidewalk towards the duel park. He could see blue lighting in the distance, but he figured he was seeing things. Plus, he couldn’t turn back because he needed answers on who was messing with his friends.

Flash soon entered the park and ran on straight to the duel area which was a huge field capable of hosting many duels. Now it was empty save for Sunset who stood in the center of it with her back turned to him.

“Sunset, I’m here.” Flash approached. “Who’s this person messing with our friends? Who turned them against me and each other?”

“Oh Flash, you never realized the truth.” Sunset darkly chuckled which concerned him, but not as much as the black aura surrounding her. “To be fair, your innocence was one of the things I genuinely liked about you. It’s just too bad it was overshadowed by what I hate about you.”

Flash stepped back deciding to ignore the darkness he was seeing. “Sunset, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.”

“Come now Flash, you really aren’t getting it?” Sunset questioned. “I suppose you wouldn’t what with names rarely linking up, so allow me to ask you this. Do the names Aura Flash and Sky Rise mean anything to you? I’ll give you a hint as one of them was my grandmother.”

Suddenly, things were starting to click into place as thunder crashed overhead, and it started to rain on them.

“Sky Rise… Sunset, you’re the granddaughter of Sky Rise?” Flash questioned.

“Let’s give you a prize Flash.” Sunset turned to face him with an expression of hatred. “My grandmother was Sky Rise and your grandfather had her killed when her company threatened to overtake Flash Industries. As if that wasn’t enough, he took everything from me.

All my grandma’s work vanished. Every cent claimed on the grounds that it was illegal money from criminal acts your grandfather committed. When we were at our lowest, homeless, he sent men to finish my family. My parents were killed, and I only survived because of my benefactor.

It’s thanks to her that I can get my revenge on your family, and I’m starting with you.” The black aura around her formed a small building with sealed exits around them. “Get ready Flash because I’m about to show you true pain!”

Flash was dumbstruck as Sunset laughed darkly. He just didn’t know what to make of this. He knew the terrible things his grandfather had done before his father stopped him. That stopped the physical symptoms, but the mental and emotional scars were still there.

Unknown to Flash, a prime example of his grandfather’s damage had been his girlfriend for the past year. This wasn’t easy to take in as he very much felt love for her, but apparently it was all just a lie to her, right?

“Sunset was everything about us actually fake?” Flash asked. “Every last second of our time together?”

“I could lie just to hurt you Flash, but I’ll be honest.” Sunset replied. “At first, I hated your guts for every ounce of pain your grandfather caused me. To me, this was all just to learn to the weaknesses of your family.

Then, I got to know you. I saw you for the person you were, and I became conflicted over what I’d do. Eventually, I even came to love you, but the hate for your family still burned bright. Now, we’re here, so I will crush you in a Shadow Duel.

A duel where the pain will be real. Consider yourself lucky all I’m out for is pain. If I were like your grandfather, this would end in your death. Now, activate your duel disk because a duel is the only way you’re getting out.”

Sunset’s red duel disk appeared on her arm before a yellow energy blade popped out.

“She came to love me, but her hate for my family was always there.” Flash looked at her. “Sunset, we don’t have to do this. You can stop this, and we can work this out. Surely, you don’t want to do this.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Sunset declared. “No matter what my words may make you think, I very much want to do this. Now, pull out your duel disk, or things will become dangerous for you.”

“Sunset, I don’t want…” Flash stopped as darkness washed over and physically hurt him.

“Let me set you straight Flash.” Sunset stated. “I both love and hate you. The love I feel for you is nowhere near enough to erase what your grandfather did to me, so I will crush you. I will leave you broken.” The darkness ceased and Flash fell to his hands and knees.

“If you refuse to duel for your chance to escape, I’ll just break you anyways. Either way, if you don’t stop me here, I’m moving onto your uncle, little brother, and father. It’s your choice, so choose.”

“If you’d revealed yourself, my father would have done everything in his power to make things right.” Flash stated. “I know there’s things he couldn’t fix, but he’d have tried because we are not my grandfather. You’re getting revenge on an old man who’s already gone.”

“Your words won’t save you Flash.” Sunset stated. “No matter how long it takes, your family will crumble. I’ll start with you and move onto the rest after.”

Flash tried to get Sunset to see reason, but how do you get through to someone affected by the actions of your family? He hoped it wouldn’t come to this, but the answer was obvious. If Sunset would harm his family, and not see reason, Flash would stand against her.

“I tried Sunset.” Flash shook his head. “You’ve threatened my family and turned my friends against each other.” He got back to his feet while taking a deep breath. “I will not stand for that.” He activated his duel disk. “Let’s go.”

The Apartment
Shadow was sitting on the couch when he heard the roar of a ferrous dragon. “Is someone dueling out there at this time?”

He was suddenly shocked out of his thoughts as Forward burst out of his room. “Uncle Shadow, we need to go because we’re in danger! Someone is leveling a physical duel monster just outside!”

“Physical duel monsters?” Shadow shook his head. “Forward, I think the last couple of…”

“Just listen to me.” Forward stated. “We don’t have…”

“Thunder Dragon Titan rain down your power from the heavens!” A voice outside shouted loud enough for them to hear. “Heavenly Judgement!”

“It’s too late.” Forward stated with wide eyes.

The sky well above the apartment lit up with blue lighting before it came crashing down. Just as it hit the top, Sombra teleported in and put a hand on Forward’s shoulder. Shadow watched as the owner teleported them out. Just as all seemed lost, a new figure teleported to Shadow’s side.

This figure wore a black cloak with gold trim and green accents. The cowl of the cloak completely obscured his face. The figure placed his hand on Shadow’s shoulder, and they were out of there just as the attack reached them.

Outside: Near the Crater(Formerly Apartments)
Shadow blinked as he was pelted by the rain cascading from the sky, and he looked at the former apartments which were now a crater. If Sombra truly did get Forward out, it meant only he, Forward, and Flash had lived.

As Shadow turned his gaze to the sky, he saw Thunder Dragon Titian as it roared to the heavens once more and vanished. Finally, his gaze turned to the figure, who saved him, standing next to him.

“W-Who are you?” Shadow asked.

“Who I am is of little importance to you.” The figure stated. “That said, you may call me Omega. Before you ask, I have a vested interest in these events going a certain way.” He took out a sealed baggy containing a hard drive. “Give that to the police, and you should have no trouble.”

Before Shadow could question him further, the figure vanished with no real display. The guy was just there one moment and gone the next. With him gone, and having just survived a near death experience, Shadow fell onto his back.

“I know I need to find Forward and figure out where Flash is; however, I can’t move right now.” Shadow thought.

Sombra’s Hotel Room
Sombra and Forward appeared in the owner’s hotel room as the older man wobbled a fair bit. Teleportation was still something he was new to. Fortunately, Forward was more than willing to help him stand.

“Sombra, you saved me.” Forward stated still in shock. “How did you know?”

“It was the gift from my beloved.” Sombra stated referring to his ring. “It interacted with that vile demon’s magic, so now I can sense when her fowl power is at work. I’m sorry Forward. She caught wind of my attempt to recruit you and tried to kill you before you’d join me.”

“That was this demon you keep talking about?” Forward asked. “She would kill a whole apartment just to get at one kid you wanted?”

“That monster, Nightmare, is a vile being, but she did not act this night. The one who did this only has a portion of her power within them. It was one of her agents. She goes after those with certain issues and picks at them in just the right way to recruit them.”

“Man, if it’s not bullies like Nathan Miller, it’s threats to people like The Cipher and Nightmare.” Forward nodded. “Sir, I meant what I said. I want to join your team. I want the strength to stop people like them.”

“I appreciate that Forward, but before you agree, I must tell you one more thing.” Sombra stated. “My team walks into the darkness. Our motto makes it a necessity. To defeat darkness, we must embrace it ourselves. Part of us becomes part of them. Are you okay with that?”

“I am.” Forward stated. “I will walk into the deepest darkness without succumbing like them. If you train me, I will become your most effective duelists. The potential I have is yours to use as long as we use our strength to eradicate all other darkness.”

Sombra smiled and ruffled the kid’s hair. “That’s the spirit.” He slowly walked over to his bed and sat down. “Don’t worry about what’s left of your family coming for you. Power can achieve many things in this society.

You merely need the right kind. For now, you should get some rest. If you wish, help yourself to anything in the fridge. I can easily pay for it. From here on out, you are one of my duelists, and that means you will want for nothing.”

At this moment, Sombra could feel a second agent; however, he was in no shape to track them. Considering this agent didn’t seem to be near them, he was content letting them go. That said, there was a small light in the same area. Nothing strong, but perhaps one which could prevail.

Author's Note

I'm not sure what you guys will think of this Sombra, but I happen to like characters that embrace a darker path. Whether or not they become worse or manage to toe the line is interesting to me. I figured I'd give an arc like this a shot. Hopefully, you all enjoyed.