Sorry for the delay on chapters for this fic and my others. Life got really busy all of a sudden but I will support all my works as best I can. Also, a quick note - Since Link monsters did not appear in Arc-V, the world in which this fic is set, they will not be making an appearance in this fic. Anyways, I hope you enjoy!


Chapter 3 – Wildcard

"Hey babe? You awake?"

"Wuh? I'm up! I'm up!"

Hazel's eyes shot open in fright, her body automatically moving away from the sudden voice. However, the force of the movement caused the chair she was sitting on to lurch backwards, and the only reason she didn't end up falling over was because Daniel caught the chair in mid-fall and set it back onto all four legs.

"Good morning, sleepy head," Daniel chuckled, kissing the top of her forehead. "You were busy last night I see."

"Huh? Oh, right. Yeah, I was," Hazel managed to blurt out, her brain still struggled to shift into gear. "I was researching my opponent for today, what's his name…"

"Hokuto Shijima," Daniel said, reading off the computer screen in front of her. "But I thought the tournament didn't start for another week?"

"It doesn't," Hazel said between a yawn and a stretch. "But only 64 duelists will be taking part in each dimension. They have to narrow it down somehow."

"So you're not actually in yet?" Daniel asked.

"Not yet," Hazel admitted. "But, if I beat Hokuto, I will be."

It had been three weeks since Reiji had announced the fifth Maiami Championship. In the weeks since, more details had been released on the structure of the event. Since Heartland was now finally restored, Reiji and other organisers from the other dimensions had decided that increasing the size of the tournament would be a good way to commemorate the event. Now, 64 duelists from each dimension would take part in the event, leading to a final round-robin style match between the winners of each dimension. Duelists could only duel for the dimension that they were native to, although Reiji had already made it clear that there were outliers to this rule, such as Dennis Macfield. Although his cause was helped by being a friend of Yuya's…

"Constellars hey?" Daniel commented as he looked at the screen. "They're an... XYZ deck, right?"

"They are," Hazel replied, collecting her notes. "Hokuto tends to try and clear the field with their effects before launching an attack. It's an effective strategy."

Daniel nodded slightly. "Doesn't make much sense to me, but sure."

"You really should try to play sometime."

"I'll just stick to building the stadiums," Daniel answered as he headed for the kitchen. "The game itself goes way over my head."

As Daniel began to make breakfast for the two of them, Hazel headed for the shower, her mind deep in thought. She had gone back to LDS Tower twice in the weeks since Reiji's media conference, but the situation had not changed. Each time the place had appeared deserted, and both times she decided not to fall for what had to be a trap. Although she hadn't been ambushed afterward like the first night, she knew that she would reveal herself soon with the tournament just around the corner. In fact, Hokuto was an LDS student, just like Yu was. Reiji might even be watching our duel today. It was something that she couldn't ignore, but she also knew that there was nothing she could do about it now. I told him I'd be in the tournament. It was only a matter of time.

The water began to run over her body, its warmth relaxing muscles that she didn't even realise were tensed, and her mind turned the duels she had already won to get to where she was. Daniel didn't know, but Hazel had already beaten out two opponents in order to secure the duel with Hokuto, who she presumed had done the same. There was no point telling him that I was entering the tournament if I didn't even qualify… However, even as she thought that, Hazel knew that it was a lie. Ever since the Arc-V Incident, she had taken training lessons from all sorts of different teachers and schools in order to improve her dueling. I can't let myself feel that helpless again, she thought to herself as memories of the beast began to surface in her mind. Never again… never again will I be too weak to defend myself.

After drying and dressing herself, Hazel returned to the dining area to find a plate of eggs and bacon waiting for her, along with a glass of orange juice. She thanked Daniel with a kiss before sitting down and looking through the window over the city while she ate. She could just see down to the waterfront from where she sat, where undoubtedly Shuzo Hiragi would be energetically training the next batch of duelists from the You Show Duel School alongside Yusho. They're strong people, to continue their normal lives after their children disappeared from the face of the dimensions…

"Do you think you can win?" Daniel asked her.

Hazel shrugged her shoulders. "Hokuto has a reputation for ending duels quickly," Hazel replied. "If I'm to stand a chance, I have to be wary and be on my toes."

"Any idea what field you'll be fighting in?"

"Nope," Hazel answered. "I'll find out when we get there."

After finishing breakfast the two made their way to the garage below the apartment complex and got into their car, Daniel taking the wheel and allowing Hazel some time to think. The duel would take place at LDS Tower on Arena 3, the one on the opposite end to the Main Arena. She knew that LDS would record all the data from the duel, meaning that it was only a matter of time before Reiji got wind of her deck. She had contemplated using a different deck to throw him off, but in the end Hazel decided that it wasn't worth the risk. Using a different deck could be the difference between winning and losing, and if I'm to find out what Reiji knows, that's something I cannot risk.

The drive was relatively uninterrupted, which surprised Hazel given that it was the first morning of the weekend. It meant that they arrived at the tower 15 minutes earlier than they had expected, and after saying goodbye to Daniel who headed for the small grandstand she made her way out onto the arena.

Since it was not the main arena, there would be no Action Field during the duel, and there would also be three other duels happening con-currently on each of the duel fields within the arena. As she walked out she could see that there were three other duelists already there, two of which appeared to be preparing to face one another in competition for a spot in the tournament. However, there seemed to be quite a few more people gathered around the 4th duel field, the one that she would be dueling on, and she could easily guess why. Even for a qualifying duel, it seems Hokuto's reputation still draws a crowd.

"Are you to be my opponent?" a voice came from behind her.

Turning to face the voice, Hazel's eyes quickly took in the unmistakable hair. "Hokuto, I presume?" Hazel asked.

"I am," Hokuto answered, glancing slightly into the crowd to what must have been some fans of his. "Shall we get this started? The crowd appears eager for us to begin."

"Sure," Hazel said, strapping her duel disk to her arm.

No point in delaying, she thought to herself as they headed out onto their duel field, the small crowd cheering at the development. Hokuto qualified to be a pro two years ago, but knew that he couldn't compete with the likes of Yusho and Reiji. Since he's entering this tournament, I can only assume he aims to enter the pro league after proving his superiority in the Championship. I have to be careful.

"I'll allow you the first move," Hokuto offered. "It'll allow me to crush you with my Constellars on my first turn."

"We'll see about that," Hazel muttered, readying her disk.

DUEL!

"Let's get this started," Hazel said. "From my hand, I summon Ember Cavalry (Lvl:4/ATK:1000/DEF:1800) and activate its effect, which allows me to special summon one Level 4 or lower Ember monster from my deck! Appear, Ember Soldier! (Lvl:4/ATK:1300/DEF:1300)."

As the soldier appeared alongside the similarly designed coal-black horse with glowing red-orange veins, Hazel began to consider her options. My draw wasn't the best, and knowing Hokuto he'll probably blow past my monsters on his turn, but I do have a failsafe in hand… I just have to try and hold out and defeat him on my next turn. Even my Rank 4 would be useless if he goes for his normal plays…

"Ember Soldier's effect activates!" Hazel continued. "Since he was summoned, I can add an Ember monster from my deck to my hand, and I choose Flare-Eyes Ember Dragon! With this, I end my turn."

"Two monsters in DEF is all a Pendulum deck can offer?" Hokuto laughed. "Let me show you how an XYZ user duels. My turn!"

Hazel – 4000 LP/Hand – 5/Field – Ember Soldier, Ember Cavalry

Hokuto – 4000 LP/Hand – 6/Field – nil

"Since you control a monster and I control none, I can special summon this card from my hand!" Hokuto announced. "Come, Constellar Siat! (Lvl:1/ATK:100/DEF:1600)."

As the child-like monster in brilliant white, gold-lined armour appeared on Hokuto's field alongside a jug of similar design that was around the same height as the child, a sense of dread began to form in Hazel's stomach as she saw the look on Hokuto's face. Just what does he have…

"Then, I normal summon Constellar Pollux (Lvl:4/ATK:1700/DEF:600) and I'll make use of his effect immediately!" Hokuto said as the bulky warrior wearing heavily plated armour of similar design to Siat appeared on the field. "Since he allows me another normal summon this turn, I now summon out a third monster, Constellar Algiedi! (Lvl:4/ATK:1600/DEF:1400)."

And now Algiedi's effect, Hazel thought to herself, her fist tightening.

"And now for Algiedi's effect!" Hokuto said on queue. "When its Normal Summoned, I can special summon another Level 4 Constellar from my hand! Appear, Constellar Kaus! (Lvl:4/ATK:1800/DEF:700)."

As the centaur was similarly designed armour to the other Constellars and wielding a golden bow appeared on Hokuto's field, Hazel began to fully grasp the situation that was playing out in front of her. If he has Twinkle in his hand…

"I activate Constellar Kaus' monster effect!" Hokuto said with a smile, recognising the look on his opponent's face. "Up to twice per turn, I can increase or decrease the level of one Constellar monster I control. Therefore, I make both Pollux and Algiedi Level 5! I then activate the effect of Constellar Siat, allowing me to make its Level equal to another Constellar monster I control or in my graveyard, so I give it a level of 5 as well!"

"Double Pleiades on your first turn?" Hazel wondered aloud involuntarily.

"You know my deck well, Hazel, I'll give you that," Hokuto said. "I now activate the spell card Constellar Twinkle from my hand, allowing me to increase the level of one Constellar monster I control by 1 or 2. Therefore, I make Constellar Kaus Level 5 too!"

"Here they come…"

"I overlay Constellar Siat with Constellar Kaus, and Constellar Pollux with Constellar Algiedi!" Hokuto proclaimed, the four monsters pooling into two separate golden swirls of light. "Light of the stars, descend and shake this very earth! XYZ Summon! Appear, two Rank 5's! Constellar Pleiades! (ATK:2500/DEF:1500)."

Hazel watched on as two male, white-gold armour clad knights descended from above. Wielding white swords with large golden handguards that wrapped around their hands, a deep blue cape billowed out from behind them, lined with golden points on each of its 7 edges. With sections of the armour tinted blue as well, the colour radiating and swirling like the stars themselves. Hazel couldn't help but see the beauty in their appearance, even if it did mean it put her in a tight spot. It doesn't take a genius to know what comes next…

"I activate the effect of Pleiades, and so by detaching one XYZ Material, I can return one card on the field to its owner's hand!" Hokuto said. "Therefore, I detach one material from each Pleiades in order to return both of your monsters to your hand!"

I have to use it then, Hazel thought to herself, glancing down at her hand. I wonder if you're watching yet, Reiji…

"Battle! Constellar Pleiades, attack Hazel directly!" Hokuto ordered. "Sacred Slash!"

Hazel weathered the first attack, although the force of the attack was nothing like what she had experienced against Tsukikage. As her Life Points dropped to 1500, she couldn't help but wonder whether that was a result of their different reasons for attacking her. One to win, one to capture. Don't think you've got this won yet, Hokuto…

"And now, my second Pleiades will end this!" he declared. "Attack her directly, Pleiades!"

"From my hand, I activate the effect of Spark Ember Wyvern!" Hazel declared, revealing the card. "If you attack me while my Life Points are less than half of yours, I can special summon this card from my hand in DEF mode. Come, Spark Ember Wyvern! (Lvl:1/ATK:0/DEF:2000)."

As she placed the card onto her disk, the monster appeared before her just as the second Pleiades halted its attack and pulled away. Unlike the other Ember monsters, this one seemed to be made out of pure fire, with sparks flying from its body at random.

"I'll just destroy it then," Hokuto grumbled, clearly upset that he hadn't been able to complete a One Turn Kill. "Pleiades, slay that wyvern!"

"She won't go down that easily, Hokuto!" Hazel countered. "During the turn this card was summoned, it cannot be destroyed by battle!"

The white sword bounced safely off the two winged front legs of the wyvern that had moved in front of it to protect itself from the attack. As Hokuto lamented the development, Hazel found herself smiling. My turn, Hokuto.

"The last effect of Spark Ember Wyvern now activates!" Hazel proclaimed. "At the end of the Damage Step, if this card battled and was not destroyed, I can special summon up to 2 Ember monsters from my face-up Extra Deck, hand or graveyard in DEF mode! Appear, Ember Soldier! (Lvl:4/ATK:1300/DEF:1300) and Ember Eagle! (Lvl:2/ATK:800/DEF:800)."

"You dare to –"

"Ember Soldier's monster effect activates, allowing me to add one Ember monster from my deck to my hand, and I choose Ember Mirror!" Hazel declared, adding the card to her hand.

"Mirror?" Hokuto inquired quizzically. "No matter. I end my turn!"

Hazel – 1500 LP/Hand – 8/Field – Ember Soldier, Ember Eagle, Spark Ember Wyvern

Hokuto – 4000 LP/Hand – 1/Field – 2x Constellar Pleiades (each with one XYZ Material)

Let's end this. "My turn!" Hazel said, drawing another card. First things first, dealing with his Pleiades'. He'll no doubt wait until late to use them… "Using the Scale 3 Ember Tiger and the Scale 8 Ember Viper, I set the Pendulum Scale! With this, I can summon monsters from Levels 2 to 7 at the same time! Pendulum Summon! Appear, Ember Mirror (Lvl:4/ATK:0/DEF:0) and the dragon with eyes of the eternal blaze, Flare-Eyes Ember Dragon! (Lvl:7/ATK:2500/DEF:2000)."

"I activate Constellar Pleiades effect!" Hokuto said much to Hazel's surprise. "By detaching an XYZ Material, I return Flare-Eyes to your hand!"

He knows it's my ace, and with its stats… "Fine then," Hazel muttered, her mind switching tact immediately. "I release Spark Ember Wyvern and Ember Soldier! Appear once more, Flare-Eyes Ember Dragon!"

"And now the second Pleiades returns it to the hand once more!" Hokuto declared, smiling as the monster disappeared from the field for a second time. "What now, Hazel? What monster can get over my Pleiades now?"

It was true that neither Eagle nor the Mirror, a simple reflective surface whose black, circular frame beat with the same orange energy as the other Ember monsters, could take down Hokuto as they were now. But that won't last very long…

"Ember Mirror's monster effect activates!" Hazel announced. "Once per turn, I can select one other Ember monster on my field, in my hand, or face-up in my Extra Deck. For this turn, Mirror's name is treated as that monster's, and it gains its Level, ATK, DEF and its effects!"

Hokuto gasped. "But then…"

"The monster I copy is Flare-Eyes Ember Dragon!" Hazel finished, and Hokuto could only watch on as the mirror morphed into a silhouette of the dragon. "And now, Ember Viper's Pendulum effect activates! I target one of your Pleiades and inflict damage equal to half the difference between its ATK and DEF!"

"500 damage?" Hokuto scoffed as he brushed it off, his Life Points dropping to 3500. "That's nothing! I'll make you pay on my next turn!"

"There won't be one," Hazel stated. "Since Ember Mirror copied Flare-Eyes' effect, it now gains 500 ATK to make it 3000, and Ember Eagle also gains 500 to have 1300 ATK via its effect as well!"

Hokuto scowled worriedly. "You're not done," he said, more as a statement of fact than anything else.

"Ember Eagle's effect activates, allowing me to tribute it and add its ATK to Flare-Eyes until the end of the turn, giving it 4300 ATK!" Hazel said, before glancing down at her hand. And now for the final blow. "I activate the spell card Ember Destruction! Thanks to its effect, this turn, my Mirror treated as Flare-Eyes can attack all monsters you control, once each!"

"And two lots of 1800 damage…" Hokuto realised.

"Is game over," Hazel finished. "Flare-Eyes! Attack both of his Constellar Pleiades! Reflected Blaze Reckoning!"


Reiji Akaba pushed his glasses back to the bridge of his nose as the blast of fire destroyed both of Hokuto's monsters at once, ending the duel and sending Hazel through to the Maiami Championship. In the dimly lit control room, the holographic screen in front of him flickered off, and the face of his advisor Nakajima appeared on the screen.

"That was five minutes ago, sir," the man said. "We've compared summoning energies with that of the Spectre. This is no co-incidence. It's her."

"Background?" Reiji asked immediately.

"Already researched," Nakajima replied at once. "After Zarc, there are records of her and her parents travelling to the other three dimensions and remaining for a time. In each, there are records of her being entered into schools specifically for teaching each of the summoning methods. She was tutored by Shinji Webber in City, Dennis Macfield in Heartland, and Edo Phoenix at the Academia. However, the Spectre hasn't used Fusion, Synchro or XYZ yet."

"What about recent activity?" Reiji asked. "Specifically, since Yuya and Yuzu left."

"She became an intern for a duel reporter named Christine Gora just after their departure, sir," Nakajima said, details about Hazel's activities popping up around his face in front of Reiji. "Since then, she's been involved with the press coverage of most of the dueling competitions."

"And now she's entered the Championship…" Reiji muttered to himself.

"Should I send some men to apprehend her, sir?" Nakajima asked.

"No," Reiji replied after a moment's deliberation. "She would've known that playing her Ember deck would reveal herself to us. Do not interfere with her, but keep track of her."

"Of course, sir," Nakajima said with a slight nod.

"And call Yusho Sakaki," Reiji added, standing from his desk. "There are some things we need to discuss."


Coming Soon - The Fifth Maiami Championship