Ep 117. The Distorted Past

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's was an anime series that aired from 2008 to 2011 and was a spin-off of the original Yu-Gi-Oh! series. Set in the futuristic city of New Domino, the show followed the adventures of a young duelist named Yusei Fudo and his friends as they battled in a card game called Duel Monsters.

In season 2 episode 117, titled "The Distorted Past," Yusei and his friends continue their journey to stop the evil organization known as Yliaster. After learning that their friend Bruno is actually a cyborg created by Yliaster, the group is determined to uncover the organization's true motives.

Their quest leads them to a deserted research facility, where they discover a strange machine that can access the memories of people and objects. As Yusei and his friends explore the facility, each of them begins to experience visions of their past, including painful memories they had long forgotten.

The episode focuses on the character of Aki Izayoi, a powerful psychic duelist who has the ability to control plant monsters. Aki's past is shrouded in mystery, and she has always struggled to understand the true nature of her powers. As the group delves deeper into the memories stored in the machine, Aki is forced to confront her darkest fears and learn the truth about her past.

Through a series of flashbacks and dream sequences, we see Aki as she struggles to control her abilities and deal with the trauma of her childhood. She was once taken captive by a mysterious organization known as Arcadia Movement, who sought to use her powers for their own nefarious purposes.

Aki's memories of her time with Arcadia Movement are painful and traumatic, and she has never fully come to terms with the experience. As she relives those memories in the research facility, she begins to understand the true extent of her powers and the role she must play in the battle against Yliaster.

Meanwhile, Yusei and the others are also grappling with their own pasts and the memories that have shaped them. Through their shared experiences, they begin to form a deeper bond and a greater understanding of the challenges they must face.

As the episode reaches its climax, Yusei and his friends are faced with a difficult decision about how to use the knowledge they have gained from the machine. They must choose whether to use their newfound understanding to help them in their battle against Yliaster or to let the past remain buried.

"The Distorted Past" is a powerful episode that delves into the complex emotions and histories of its characters. Through flashback sequences and psychological exploration, we learn more about Aki and the struggles she has faced, while also deepening our understanding of Yusei and the other members of the group. It's a tense and emotional installment that sets the stage for the dramatic conclusion of season 2.