Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc V: Pendulum's Fifth Swing Chapter 10: Scale 10, a yu-gi-oh! arc-v fanfic

Previously, on Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc V: Pendulum's Fifth Swing!

You Show Duel School, challenged by LDS who arrive in order to take Yuya and Zarc, engage in a feud, with three representatives chosen to duel. Unknown to either side, this feud is a ploy engineered by Himika Akaba, who uses this feud as a test for Yuya and Zarc, in order to determine if they possess the skills necessary to combat the oncoming threat of the Fusion Dimension.

The feud reaches its climax, where Yuya and Zarc compete in a Tag Duel against the strongest duelists in Maiami City: Reiji Akaba, the President of the Leo Corporation, and his sister, Ray Akaba, who shares an unknown history with Zarc.

As the Duel progresses, Ray unveils a startling power. The En archtype, seemingly designed to counter the Supreme Kings, counters the power of Zarc's ferocious dragons. Even stranger still, Ray commands the four Creation Agent Tamers - the powers that oppose the four Heavenly Dragons.

Their backs pressed against the wall, Zarc and Yuya struggle to overcome this daunting foe before them.

The show is not over.

A Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc V Story:

"Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc V: Pendulum's Fifth Swing"

Scale 10: The Sakaki Circus' Greatest Performance

Yuya & Zarc - LP 2700

Reiji & Ray Akaba - LP 3000

[Entermate Gold Fang / LIGHT / Level 4 / Pendulum Scale: 3 / Beast / Pendulum / Effect / ATK: 1800 / DEF: 700]

[Entermate Turntrooper / LIGHT / Level 4 / Warrior / Effect / ATK: 1200 / DEF: 1200]

[Entermate Pendulum Magician / EARTH / Level 4 / Pendulum Scale: 2 / Spellcaster / Pendulum / Effect / ATK: 1500 / DEF: 800]

[Entermate Cheer Mole / EARTH / Level 2 / Pendulum Scale: 5 / Beast / Pendulum / Effect / ATK: 600 / DEF: 1000]

[Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon / DARK / Level 7 / Pendulum Scale: 4 / Dragon / Pendulum / Effect / ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000]

[Creation Agent Tamer - Clear Wing Synchro Magician / WIND / Level 7 / Spellcaster / Synchro / Effect / ATK: 2200 / DEF: 2100]

[Creation Agent Tamer - Dark Rebellion Xyz Magician / DARK / Rank 4 / Spellcaster / Xyz / Effect / ATK 2200 / DEF 2100]

[Creation Agent Tamer - Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician / DARK / Level 7 / Pendulum Scale: 4 / Spellcaster / Pendulum / Effect / ATK: 2200 / DEF: 2100]

The duel, up to this point, had been a fierce one indeed. From a certain standpoint, it may as well have also been one-sided. On the one side, Zarc and Yuya were covered in sweat, exhausted from the constant rushing about. Acrobatic Circus was the most difficult Action Field to navigate, as it pushed Dueltainers to rush for Action Cards by placing them in places that, ordinarily, would be hard to reach. Even with the aid of Duel Monsters at their disposal. Yuya, who was practically raised on Action Fields that required excellent parkour abilities, found himself panting. He had taken a page from Ray's book and decided to use the environment and his monsters to take Action Cards.

In contrast to the two You Show students, Reiji and Ray Akaba were the picture of coolness. On a platform, Reiji stood with an even expression, looking rather eager to begin his next Turn. Down below, Ray, who had remained stationary throughout the whole Duel, was practically untouched and kept her cool throughout the entire Duel. In fact, it seemed as if almost all of her attention was focused entirely on Zarc and his dragons, as well as Yuya's Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon.

"This has been so intense..." Tatsuya murmured. The furious exchange from both sides was unlike anything he or the others had seen before. "Yuya and Zarc-onii-chan look tired."

Ayu whimpered. "D-do you think they can still win this?"

"It certainly looks like an uphill battle, that's for sure." Gongenzaka frowned deeply. "Ray Akaba perfectly mimics the Steadfast Dueling's rules of standing completely still, but she uses her own monsters to grab Action Cards for her. I've rarely ever seen such a technique used before. And her monsters...its clear they were meant to counter Zarc's dragons, and possibly even Yuya's Odd-Eyes."

Sora nodded in agreement. "Doesn't help the fact that her Pendulum cards help her regain Life Points when she summons only a single monster from the Extra Deck." he reminded. "Only way I see them getting through is if they pull off something unexpected. And snag the right Action Cards."

'As if it will be that easy.' Himika huffed, hearing the You Show students. While the skills the two boys of the school had demonstrated were impressive, they were nothing compared to her children. 'Zarc's skill is certainly impressive, but I've yet to see him fight with the intent to win. From what I've been told, his skills truly shine when he attacks with intent, yet so far, I've seen none of that. Entertainment Dueling may be necessary to facilitate a sense of peace with the denizens of Standard, but against our enemies, it's useless. It has no place on the battlefield. In contrast, Reiji-san and Ray are fighting with every intent to defeat them, regardless of the wager between us.' She shook her head. 'Unless either one of those two decides to take this seriously... You Show will be out two Pendulum-users. A worthy sacrifice, though, when the fate of our world is at stake from a madman.'

"H-hey, Yuya..." Zarc called out from up atop a platform. "How you doing down there?"

"Just-just fine..." Yuya replied, albeit anxiously. "Still kind of out of breath! Whew, haven't had a workout like this since Dad was still principal."

Reiji adjusted his glasses. "It appears to me we are approaching the climax." he said ominously, leveling a glare at the two Pendulum users. "Unless you push yourselves to the limit, I'm afraid you'll both be coming with us back to LDS. Now, it's my Turn! DRAW!"

Turn 5: Reiji / Hand: 2

"Contract with the Devil King is still in effect, therefore during my main Standby Phase, I lose 1000 Life Points." Reiji remarked calmly as a dark, oppressive aura fell upon him, not flinching from it in the least.

Reiji & Ray Akaba - LP 3000 → 2000

"If DD Lamia is in either my Hand or Graveyard, I can send either a Contract or DD monster on the field or in my Hand to the Graveyard, then Special Summon it. I send Contract with the Devil King to the Graveyard to revive DD Lamia!" The card broke apart into motes of light. Shortly afterwards, the snake woman reappeared, slithering up beside Reiji.

[DD Lamia / DARK / Level 1 / Fiend / Tuner / Effect / ATK: 100 / DEF: 1900]

Reiji looked over to Ray. "I will be borrowing your monster." Ray nodded, seeing no problem with it. Flashing a smile to her, Reiji returned his attention to the duel and threw his arm outward. "I tune the Level 7 Creation Agent Tamer – Clear Wing Synchro Magician with the Level 1 DD Lamia!" The snake woman leaped up into the air, becoming a green ring. The white-clad magician followed after it, body becoming transparent and revealing seven lights. "Climb over the corpses of heroes, carrying your bloodstained blade! SYNCHRO SUMMONING!" The lights exploded. Appearing from the explosion of light was a familiar, towering armored figure with a longsword in hand, a palpable sense of bloodlust emanating from it. "Be born! Level 8! DDD Cursed Blood King Siegfried!"

[DDD Cursed Blood King Siegfried / DARK / Level 8 / Fiend / Synchro / Effect / ATK: 2800 / DEF: 2200]

Zarc clicked his tongue. "Only one monster summoned from the Extra Deck… That means their Pendulum card's effect activates."

"Glad to see you remember, Zarc." Ray smiled non-maliciously. "Once per turn, when exactly one monster was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, Creation Tower Yang increases our Life Points, equal to the highest ATK or DEF of that monster."

"I activate Creation Tower Yang's Pendulum Effect!" Reiji bellowed as the tower on the right side of left side of his body released a soft glow, flowing into him and Ray.

Reiji & Ray Akaba – LP 2000 → 4800

"I activate En Capsule's Effect, Special Summoning a Creation Agent from either the Graveyard or Extra Deck! I revive Creation Agent Tamer – Starving Venom Fusion Magician from the Graveyard!" From a small patch of light came the smirking mage, hoisting its staff atop its shoulder and looking ready to start round two.

[Creation Agent Tamer - Starving Venom Fusion Magician / DARK / Level 8 / Spellcaster / Fusion / Effect / ATK 2500 / DEF 2300]

"On the plus side, at least we don't have your dragon out." Yuya remarked to Zarc with a small nervous smile. "Without it, she can't negate our monster effects."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that, Yuya Sakaki." Reiji smirked. "These magicians are not just one-trick ponies. I Pendulum Summon using the currently set Scales of the Pendulum! Creation Tower Yin and Yang are Scales 0 and 13 respectively, therefore I can summon any monster between Levels 1 and 12!" The shimmering towers of light began to glow as a thin blue hue began to envelop the Action Field. Up above, the pink Pendulum began to swing. "Grand power that shakes my very soul, arise within me and become a new light that rends the darkness. PENDULUM SUMMONING! Come before me, my Monsters!" From the portal created by the Pendulum came a single streak of light that slammed down on the field. Forming from the light was a giant purple crystal encased in armor, a face embedded in it with piercing crimson eyes. "The transcendent king who dominates all others! DDD Great Death King Hell Armageddon!"

[DDD Great Death King Hell Armageddon / DARK / Level 8 / Pendulum Scale: 4 / Fiend / Pendulum / Effect / ATK 3000 / DEF 1000]

'I could summon Kali-Yuga with the cards we have, but I will have to refrain. It wouldn't do well to break them before we have a chance to ascertain the full extent of their potential.' Reiji thought. 'Instead, I'll push them into a corner, and see for myself whether or not they can escape from it!'

"Battle!" Reiji declared. "I attack Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon with Starving Venom Fusion Magician!" The witch shot forward, energy forming from the staff to form into a crescent-shaped ax.

Yuya smirked. "Sorry, but I'm afraid I'll have to cancel your first opening move!" he said mischievously as his Entermate Turntrooper suddenly stood between Fusion Magician and Odd-Eyes. "I forgot to mention this earlier, but when I start the Battle Phase, Entermate Turntrooper gains a counter and his effects change depending on how many counters he's got! In this case, I can negate your attack once per turn! Give Odd-Eyes a hand, Turntrooper! Paradigm Guard!" The doll-like monster raised its hands in front of it and erected a barrier. The ax bounced right off and found itself being forced back.

Reiji hummed. "Not bad, but what of the next attack? Hell Armageddon, obliterate Odd-Eyes! Destroy Commandment!"

Zarc was immediately on the move, hopping atop Yuya's Gold Fang. The wolf ran across the platform and leaped off, landing atop the railing while in pursuit of an Action Card to save Odd-Eyes. The dragon roared in defiance at Hell Armageddon, who approached ominously as power began to radiate from its being. Gold Fang leaped over to the next platform. Zarc's eyes zeroed in on an Action Card, placed on the belly of the next platform. Without hesitation, he went for it. Gold Fang leaped forward, but began to descend before it could reach the Action Card.

Zarc jumped off of Gold Fang and managed to barely scrape off the Action Card, snatching it in his hand. With a grunt, he landed on the ground in a roll, stopping on his knees. "I activate the Action Magic: Evasion!"

"Useless." Reiji sneered. "DDD Cursed Blood King Siegfried's Effect. Once per turn, it negates the effect of a face-up Spell or Trap on the Field until the next Standby Phase. Thus, Hell Armageddon's attack continues."

"Odd-Eyes!" Yuya cried out in concern, watching as his prized monster was obliterated by a burst of raw power. He shielded his face from the resulting explosion, face falling as the smoke cleared to reveal his dragon gone.

Yuya Sakaki & Zarc – LP 2700 → 2200

"And now, the third attack! Cursed Blood King Siegfried! Destroy Entermate Gold Fang!" Before either of the two could attempt to save the wold, Reiji's monster was already upon it and brought its sword straight down upon it, kicking up debris and smoke into the air. The poor dog didn't stand a chance against it.

Yuya Sakaki & Zarc – LP 2200 → 1200

"The fourth attack! Creation Agent Tamer – Dark Rebellion Xyz Magician, destroy Entermate Turntrooper! Rebellious Lightning Arrow Bolt!" With an apologetic smile, the dark-clad magician aimed its staff at the tiny monster and shot a streak of thunder straight at it. It was destroyed in an instant, though it was thankfully in Defense Position when Yuya had summoned it previously. "And now, the final strike! Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician, destroy Yuya Sakaki's Entermate Pendulum Magician! Spiral Strike Stream!" Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician flashed a grin as it raised its baton into the air, creating a sphere of burning crimson, then aimed the baton at its target. The sphere released a spiraling stream of fire that struck Pendulum Magician dead on. Yuya grimaced as he found himself also within range of the blast, skidding back.

Yuya Sakaki & Zarc – LP 1200 → 500

"I end my Turn." Reiji concluded his assault. As the two looked at their devastated field, the President of the Leo Corporation adjusted his glasses. "Now then, you two… Let's see if you can overcome this hurdle."

"N-no way..." Yuzu stared, wide-eyed. "He took out Yuya's Odd-Eyes and brought their Life Points down to almost nothing!"

Sora grimaced. "Meanwhile, they've got way more Life Points, and monsters that can counter Zarc's dragons… Yeesh, this is just one-sided."

"Seems to me like this duel is already settled." Masumi remarked with a smirk on the other side of the observation deck, sharing similar sentiments with the other two LDS students on either side of her. "So long as Ray-san and her brother have those Creation Towers and those magicians, Zarc's own monsters are practically useless."

"I wouldn't write 'em off yet." Yaiba waved a hand. "Who knows? Maybe they'll surprise us. It wouldn't be fun if they ended like this."

"Sheesh, you're a sadist." Hokuto snickered. In truth, he was hoping that Yuya would lose. While he wasn't exactly too thrilled by the idea of him joining Leo Duel School, he wanted him to lose this match, if only out of the sake of petty pride.

"Then it's my Turn! DRAW!" Zarc bellowed, tearing the top card from his deck and kicking up a gust of wind.

Turn 6: Zarc / Hand: 0

Zarc looked at the card in his hand, then narrowed his eyes. 'This might work!' he thought before playing the card. "I tribute Entermate Gumgummutton to activate the Spell: Gates of the Supreme King! This allows me to add 2 Supreme King Gate cards to my Hand, but in exchange, I can only summon Supreme King monsters for the rest of this Turn!"

Ray narrowed her eyes. "Two Supreme King Gates..." she said, understanding what he was aiming for. The Creation Towers on either side of her and Reiji appeared to react to the incoming cards as well, their lights flickering in and out in warning.

"Now, I set the Scale 0 Supreme King Gate Zero and the Scale 13 Supreme King Gate Infinity in the Pendulum Zones, therefore setting the Scales of the Pendulum!" Two shimmering pillars of light appeared, strange geometric forms in each one. Up above, Yuya's Pendulum became replaced with Zarc's own, albeit severely cracked. "With this, I can now summon any monster between Levels 1 and 12 simultaneously! Swing, Pendulum of Eternity! Back and forth, ring out towards the unseen future! PENDULUM SUMMONING! Come forth, my Monster servants!" The portal created by the Pendulum called down four streaks of light, which formed into monsters upon touching the ground. "Appear! Supreme King Servant Dragon Darkwurm, Darkhydra, Darkdrago and Supreme King Wizard Clockwork Magician!"

[Supreme King Servant Dragon Darkwurm / DARK / Level 4 / Pendulum Scale: 5 / Dragon / Pendulum / Effect / ATK: 1800 / DEF: 1200]

[Supreme King Servant Dragon Darkhydra / DARK / Level 4 / Pendulum Scale: 2 / Dragon / Pendulum / Effect / ATK: 1000 / DEF: 800]

[Supreme King Servant Dragon Darkdrago / DARK / Level 5 / Pendulum Scale: 8 / Dragon / Pendulum/ Effect / ATK 1600 / DEF 900]

[Supreme King Wizard Clockwork Magician / DARK / Level 4 / Pendulum Scale: 3 / Spellcaster / Machine / Pendulum / ATK 1600 / DEF 1400]

"Not bad." Reiji said, adjusting his glasses. "However, I'm fully aware of the Pendulum Effect of your Supreme King Gate Zero, so I'll activate Siegfried's effect and negate it until your main Standby Phase!"

Zarc frowned at this, but continued on anyways. "As for my next trick, I use my Level 4 Supreme King Servant Dragon Darkwurm and Darkdrago to construct the Overlay Network!" A nebula of stars opened up at his feet, dragons losing their form and falling into it before a pillar of light erupted from it. "Fangs of pitch-black darkness, that which crushes the foolish oppression! Come forth, and descend! XYZ SUMMONING!" From the burst of light came a jet-black dragon with large tusks extending out from its lower jaw, yellow eyes glaring out at those before it before releasing a primal roar, signifying its arrival. "Rank 4! Supreme King Servant Dragon Dark Rebellion!"

[Supreme King Servant Dragon Dark Rebellion / DARK / Rank 4 / Dragon / Xyz / Effect / ATK 2500 / DEF 2000]

As soon as SKSD Dark Rebellion saw Ray and her Xyz Magician, it growled as the dark electricity popping off of its body sparked wildly. 'Just like I thought, it's also reacting badly to her as well.' Zarc thought with a frown. 'I have so many questions I need to ask her, but for now, I need to focus on the duel. If my guess is right, her Dark Rebellion Xyz Magician can negate my dragon's effects, so using its ability is a no-go. Instead…!' Zarc turned the other way, his dragon following close behind him. He leaped atop its back and took to the air.

Yuya, seeing what his partner had in mind, looked to Cheermole. The monster gave a nod and burrowed into the ground, upturned earth showing her path while he ran in another direction.

"It seems you understand what Ray's monsters can do." Reiji noted. "However, just to be safe, I'll activate Creation Agent Tamer – Dark Rebellion Xyz Magician's Effect! When my opponent controls Supreme King Servant Dragon Dark Rebellion or Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon, it detaches an Overlay Units to destroy Dark Rebellion's! Treason Purge!"

Xyz Magician raised its staff high as one of its Overlay Units fell into its staff, releasing a pulsating light that washed over the whole Action Field. Zarc clicked his tongue when the dark orbs circling around Dark Rebellion blinked out of existence. He looked around the Action Field, searching for any cards at his disposal. He couldn't just search, however, and continued with his move. "I activate Supreme King Servant Dragon Darkhydra's Effect! By tributing it, I give a Supreme King monster on my field an extra 1000 ATK until the End Phase!" The multi-headed dragon released a death cry, passing on its power to Dark Rebellion who accepted it graciously for the sake of destroying its opponents.

[SKSD Dark Rebellion – ATK: 2500 → 3500]

"Entermate Cheermole's Effect!" Yuya called as he hopped atop a trampoline, using it to boost himself up to a hoop. "When a monster's ATK is raised above its original value, I can increase that monster's ATK further by 1000!" Cheermole tore itself up from the ground, wriggling as it performed an impromptu dance in mid-air. Dark Rebellion let out a pleased cry as it felt its strength increase further. Yuya smirked as he hopped over to the next platform and snagged a card from the edge. "And I'll add to our comeback by activating a rather familiar Action Card! It's time for Illusion Fire to make an encore!"

Ray pursed her lips. "Illusion Fire allows one monster on the field to conduct additional attacks, equal to the number of monsters you control. But in exchange, you cannot attack with any other monster."

"And I choose to attack with Dark Rebellion!" Zarc declared furvently. "Alright, buddy. Let's do this!"

[SKSD Dark Rebellion – ATK: 3500 → 4500]

"Battle! I attack DDD Cursed Blood King Siegfried! Revolt Lightning Disobey!"

Reiji was immediately off in search of an Action Card, given a lift by Ray's Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician. SKSD Dark Rebellion's body became encased in thunder as it charged headfirst straight into Reiji's monster, skewering it and reducing it to golden shards. The destruction of the monster was of little consequence to the two, however. "Creation Tower Yin's Effect." Ray interjected. "We gain Life Points equal to the highest ATK or DEF of a monster you destroyed on our field."

Reiji & Ray Akaba – LP 4800 → 3100 → 5900

"I still got three more attacks to go!" Zarc reminded the two siblings. "Here comes the second attack! This time I'll attack DDD Great Death King Hell Armageddon! Once more! Revolt Lightning Disobey!" Once more, lightning encased the dragon as it swerved around, gliding across the wall before plowing straight through the giant monster, who in retaliation released a burst of power, only to be destroyed all the same.

Reiji & Ray Akaba – LP 5900 → 4400

"Here's the third attack! Dark Rebellion, take down Creation Agent Tamer – Starving Venom Fusion Magician! Revolt Lightning Disobey!"

After some searching, Reiji found an Action Card inside a cannon. Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician flicked its pendant into the cannon and snatched it, bringing it to him before he disembarked and returned to ground level. "I activate the Action Magic: Extreme Sword! This increases a monster's ATK by 1000!"

"Your monster is still destroyed!" Zarc pointed out. Despite the magician swinging its crescent ax in defense, SKSD Dark Rebellion tore straight through it. The amnesiac duelist couldn't help but notice how his dragon seemed to take great pleasure in destroying it.

Reiji & Ray Akaba – LP 4400 → 3400

Zarc smirked. "And now, the finale! Dark Rebellion! Destroy Creation Agent Tamer – Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician!" His dragon roared in affirmation and shot straight at it. Once more, its tusks destroyed yet another of Ray's monsters and seemed quite happy about it. With its final attack finished, Zarc and his dragon halted and remained stationary in the air.

Reiji & Ray Akaba – LP 3400 → 1100

Yuya grinned. "Yes! We almost got this!" All they needed was just one more hit, and then this duel would be settled. A squeak behind him caught his attention. He looked over his shoulder and found Cheermole struggling to pull itself up on the platform, swinging its tiny legs in a fruitless attempt to get a leg over the ledge. Chuckling, he rushed over and pulled it up. "There you go, Cheermole!" His monster squeaked again happily before it pulled something out from its person and presented it to him. To his glee, it was an Action Card. "Sweet!" He accepted it and patted Cheermole on the head, making it squeal in pleasure. "I activate the Action Magic: Wonder Chance! With this, a monster that's attacked this turn can attack one more time!"

Zarc flicked his nose. "Thanks, Yuya!" he said in gratitude as the effects of Wonder Chance applied to SKSD Dark Rebellion, who set its sights on Ray's remaining magician and sole monster. "It's time for the big finish! Okay, big guy! Show Ray's magician who's the better Dark Rebellion! One last time! Revolt Lightning Disobey!"

The children shook with excitement. "If this hits-!"

"Zarc and Yuya win!" Yuzu cheered.

Despite the positivity they were showing, Sora remained unconvinced. 'Even after her monsters have been demolished, that girl is still as calm and cool as a cucumber. She barely looks concerned by this.' He narrowed his eyes sharply. 'Does she have another trump card in her sleeve?'

SKSD Dark Rebellion roared as fierce thunder began to cloak its body, proceeding to charge forward to deliver the final blow. The black-robed magician meant to calm it down merely gazed back impassively and offered a solemn smile in return, preparing its staff. Ray smiled. "Apologies, but I'll stop you right here. The show is not over quite yet, you two!" she declared, shocking them both. "I activate Dark Rebellion Xyz Magician's Effect! Once per turn, during the Battle Phase: I detach an Overlay Unit from Xyz Magician and have it gain ATK, equal to a monster on your field! I increase Xyz Magician's ATK by 4500!"

"What?!" Zarc's eyes widened, watching as the witch's staff became wreathed in dark thunder, forming into a blade. Panicking, he quickly countered. "I activate SKSD Dark Rebellion's Effect! During the Battle Phase, I return Dark Rebellion to the Extra Deck and then summon up to two Supreme King Servant Dragon or Gate Pendulum monsters in Defense Position from the Extra Deck!" Xyz Magician swung its lightning-enhanced staff, only to miss as the black dragon dispersed into two bodies of dark light, Zarc riding atop one of them. The light faded and revealed the dragons Darkdrago and Darkwurm. "Afterwards, the ATK of all Xyz Monsters on your field becomes zero! I summon Darkdrago and Darkwurm in Defense Position!"

Ray smiled in approval. "Not bad." she commended his actions as the surge of power her magician experienced abruptly faded, making her pout.

[Creation Agent Tamer – Dark Rebellion Xyz Magician – ATK: 2200 → 0]

The dragons circled around and convened to Yuya's side, Zarc disembarking. "I set a card face-down and end my Turn."

"Drat!" Shuzo cursed. "They almost had them!"

"That's weird..."

Futoshi looked up at Gongenzaka, noticing his pensive stare. "What's up, Gon-nii-chan?" he asked.

"Why did she not use her Xyz Magician's Effect when Zarc began his assault?" he asked. This made the group all looked at each other. That was weird. Why had she allowed him to destroy their monsters and take major damage? "If she relented to do so after he destroyed one monster so she could get more Life Points, I would understand, but why wait until after he targeted her magician?"

Sora rubbed his chin. "Maybe it's like its other effect. It only activates when there's a Dark Rebellion dragon out there?"

"It could be possible..." Gongenzaka said, but in truth, he still wasn't convinced. He couldn't shake this feeling of apprehension. Was it possible that Ray Akaba had purposely allowed him to destroy all of their monsters so they would have more room? In the end, he could only speculate. He then took notice of the concerned expression on Yuzu's face. "Yuzu? Is something the matter?"

She didn't answer, keeping her focus on the duel itself. 'What is this feeling I'm getting…?' Yuzu frowned, clutching her shirt tightly. 'The longer this duel goes on, the more it feels like I'm the one down there. I can tell what Ray's cards are, and I feel what she's feeling… But why? Who even is she? Why does she look like me? And...what's this overwhelming sadness I feel in her?'

The longer the duel went on, the more uncertain and confused she became. The prominent question on her mind was, who in the world was Ray Akaba?

'Not bad.' Himika thought in approval. 'Though perhaps a bit lacking. Unless you strike with the intent to defeat your foe with overwhelming force, young man, you cannot possibly defeat those two.'

"I believe it's my Turn again. DRAW!"

Turn 7: Ray Akaba / Hand: 2

"I activate the Spell: Burial from the Different Dimension, returning up to three banished cards to the Graveyard." Ray explained the card's effect as an elaborate coffin appeared in front of her and opened up, revealing the silhouettes of the monsters before they faded and disappeared. "The cards that have returned are Creation Agent – Neko, En Angel – Tsuki, and DD Necro Slime. Then I enact a Pendulum Summon! Pendulum of Eternity, that which Calls on a New Path! Swing back and forth, until a New Future has been Created! PENDULUM SUMMONING! Come forth, guardians of the world!" Streaks of light fell from the portal and formed into two familiar monsters. "Return from the Extra Deck, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician and DDD Great Death King Hell Armageddon!"

Yuya groaned. "Ah, great. This'll be good..."

"I then activate En Capsule and revive Creation Agent – Neko!" A burst of light formed beside Ray, from which the white cat-like monster emerged, fangs bared.

[Creation Agent – Neko / DARK / Level 4 / Pendulum Scale: 6 / Beast-Warrior / Pendulum / Effect / ATK: 1600 / DEF: 1200]

"It's a bit early, but I'll begin my assault, so please bear with it. Battle! I attack Entermate Cheermole with Creation Agent - Neko!"

The two boys jumped on top of the dragons at their disposal, with Yuya grabbing hold of Cheermole and offering it a lift. Neko smirked and chased after them, its blades laced with a shimmering blue light. Once it was within reach of its target, and slashed the blades through the air and launched arcs of light straight at them. Yuya panicked and pulled Darkdrago up in an attempt to evade it. Unfortunately, the attack struck them dead on and Cheermole was destroyed. Being dead center in the blast, Yuya let out a cry of pain as he and the dragon were shot out of the air. He quickly regained his balance and grabbed hold of Darkdrago's tail, hoisting himself back onto the dragon's back. The dragon screeched and readjusted itself, regaining its balance and continued to fly through the air.

"Now, Hell Armageddon! Destroy Supreme King Wizard Clockwork Magician!"

The purple crystal released a destructive blast the magician's way, obliterating it with terrifying ease. The explosion rocked the Action Field, causing it to momentarily glitch out. Zarc grimaced, finding more of his monsters being destroyed. At the rate things were going, they were going to be wiped out again. With the amount of power behind these assaults, it was clear that Ray was stepping up her game. She was making it exceedingly difficult for them to search for an Action Card whilst worrying about the amount of power behind each of her monsters attacks.

"Finally, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Tamer! Destroy Supreme King Servant Dragon Darkwurm!"

Zarc's eyes widened and cursed, jumping off of his dragon and rolling onto a platform below in time before his dragon was promptly obliterated. "Well, shit."

"I then activate the effect of En Servant – Azul from my Hand!" Ray held up the card that she had drawn earlier. "If a monster was special summoned to my field successfully destroys a monster you control, it can declare an additional attack! Furthermore, it can declare additional attacks equal to the number of monsters on my field! I sent En Servant – Azul and apply its effect to Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician! Since it destroyed Darkwurm and I control two monsters besides it, she can attack three more times!"

Yuya's eyes widened. "T-three more?!" he cried. "Whoa, hey hey hey! Isn't that a little too broken?!"

Zarc scowled. "I don't think so!" he countered. "I activate my face-down Trap: Supreme King's Gambit! I draw a card and then reveal it! If it's a Supreme King monster, I can Special Summon it! Furthermore, when it would be destroyed, I send a Supreme King Servant Dragon from the Extra Deck to the Graveyard to prevent its destruction!" A card popped out, allowing Zarc to take it from his deck. He smirked and showed it to the two siblings. "The card I drew is SKSD Odd-Eyes! Therefore, I Special Summon it!"

The dichromatic-eyed dragon appeared with a ferocious roar that shook the air. Upon arrival, however, Pendulum Magician lost its cheery smile and frowned, a sentiment shared by Ray.

[Supreme King Servant Dragon Odd-Eyes / DARK / Level 7 / Pendulum Scale: 5 / Dragon / Pendulum / Effect / ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000]

"Furthermore, I banish Supreme King's Gambit from the Graveyard to activate its next effect! Until the end of the turn, a Supreme King Servant Dragon on my field gains double its ATK! I will raise Odd-Eyes ATK by twice its amount!" The green markings on the dragon's body glowed brightly, and in turn, the dragon grew in power.

[SKSD Odd-Eyes – ATK: 2500 → 5000]

"An impressive counter..." Reiji admitted as he jumped off one of the platforms and unto the railing below, grabbing hold of the card one of its rails. "But it won't be that easy! I activate the Action Magic: Flame Power! This raises a monster's ATK by 400, and when it destroys a monster in Defense Position, you take damage equal to that monster's DEF!"

Yuya grinned. "But it still can't beat Zarc's Odd-Eyes!"

"Apologies, Yuya, but I'm afraid that's not the case!" Ray interjected, throwing her arm out. "I activate the effect of Creation Agent – Neko! Once per turn, I can double the current attack of a Creation Agent monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck! Thanks to Flame Power, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician's ATK is now 2600! With Neko's Effect…!"

The Dueltainer paled. "I-its ATK becomes 5200?!"

[CAT – Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician – ATK: 2200 → 2600 → 5200]

Immediately, both Yuya and Zarc shot off in search of Action Cards. Meanwhile, SKSD Odd-Eyes released a roar of defiance and shot forth a spiraling burst of power that burned the air itself. In return, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician smirked, taking pleasure at the thought of destroying this twisted mockery and raised its baton, summoning forth the sphere from earlier and releasing its power. The two spiraling streams clashed and pushed against each other, one struggling to overcome the other.

"Got it!" Yuya cheered as he grabbed an Action Card from the side of a platform, latching on to a hoop and pulling himself into it. "I activate the Action Magic: Flame Chain! This decreases a monster's ATK by 400!"

"I think not!" Creation Agent – Neko smirked and leaped into the air, swinging its blades to kick up a miniature whirlwind that sucked in everything around it. Including an Action Card that was stuck to the underside of one of the nearby railings. The card fell into Ray's grasp and she immediately placed it on her board. "I activate the Action Magic: Encore and copy the Flame Power in my Graveyard!"

Zarc cursed. 'Even with Supreme King Gates Zero and Infinity, I don't want to lose Odd-Eyes just yet! I need to find an Action Card!' His wish was immediately granted and grinned. Unlike the others, it was on the ground. Unfortunately for him, Reiji was also after it, making him run faster. The two neared each other, with Reiji jumping for it. Zarc slid across the floor and snatched it before his hand touched it. As he rolled out of his slide, he looked at the card and grimaced. While it wasn't one he was hoping for, he would take anything he could get. "I activate the Action Magic: Fire Crystal! My opponent takes 600 damage!"

A red gem appeared overhead, a fire contained inside. It cracked and proceeded to shatter, spilling its contents on the siblings, who winced upon the flames coming into contact.

Reiji & Ray Akaba – LP 1100 → 500

"I activate the Action Magic: Intimidation!" Zarc's eyes widened in disbelief as he looked over his shoulder, finding Reiji not too far away from him, an Action Card already in his grasp – and standing right next to a cannon to boot. "The monster with the highest ATK on your field loses 1000 ATK until the end of this turn!"

'Dammit!'

[SKSD Odd-Eyes – ATK: 5000 → 4000]

'I'd rather not have to use Supreme King's Gambit and sacrifices monsters from my Extra Deck, but if it'll keep Odd-Eyes on the field, that'll be enough!' Zarc thought tiredly. The exhaustion of the duel was finally catching up to him. He could barely pull himself up from his feet. He attempted to get up, but he quickly fell to his knee. Yuya, in concern, quickly made his way over to him, thinking he had been hurt. 'At the very least, though, I can use Zero and Infinity's Effects to gain Life Points. So long as Odd-Eyes is on the field, Zero's Pendulum Effect prevents us from taking any damage, while Infinity will give us Life Points equal to the negated damage.'

But would it really be that easy? Especially since Ray was attacking him with what was definitely the counter to his and Yuya's dragons? As it turned out, that line of thought was correct as her magician's firepower exceeded his own, slowly pushing SKSD Odd-Eyes attack back.

"I activate Creation Agent Tamer – Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician's Effect! When it battles Supreme King Servant Dragon Odd-Eyes or Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, all battle and effect damage for the rest of the turn becomes zero!" Zarc cursed at her words. "Now, Pendulum Magician! Spiral Strike Stream!"

"I use the effect of Supreme King's Gambit and send Supreme King Servant Dragon Darkwurm to the Graveyard!" Zarc quickly announced. The burst of power released by Ray's monster consumed SKSD Odd-Eyes' own and was quickly knocked back, feet skidding across the ground and slightly shaken. "SKSD Odd-Eyes' destruction is negated!"

Ray narrowed her eyes, not in the least bit perturbed by the defense of his monster. "Neko's Effect still allows my monster to attack two more times! Once more, Pendulum Magician! Spiral Strike Stream!"

"I send Darkdrago to the Graveyard and prevent SKSD Odd-Eyes destruction!"

Another clash. Once again, SKSD Odd-Eyes lost and was pushed back.

"The final attack! Spiral Strike Stream!"

"I negate SKSD Odd-Eyes destruction by sending Darkhydra to the Graveyard!" Zarc countered again. Once more, the two Odd-Eyes monsters clashed, and the Magician forced the dragon back. Exhausted and tired like its master, SKSD Odd-Eyes groaned weakly and fell to a knee, head lowered and panting. 'That's it. I'm all out of monsters in my Extra Deck. At the very least, she's all out of attacks-'

"I activate the Action Magic: Wonder Chance!" Yuya and Zarc both stared at her in horror. Unbeknownst to either of them, she had once again scored an Action Card through her monsters while everyone had been busy watching the repeated assaults behind the two Odd-Eyes monsters. "My Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician can attack again! Spiral Strike Stream!"

With a wide grin, Pendulum Magician launched its final assault. This time, the only thing SKSD Odd-Eyes could do was wimper in dismay as it was obliterated by the incoming blast. Zarc gritted his teeth in frustration, pounding the ground beneath him while Yuya looked in worry.

"I switch Creation Agent Tamer – Dark Rebellion Xyz Magician to Defense Position and my Turn." Ray concluded her assault, looking rather apologetic for obliterating Zarc and Yuya's final line of defense. "As of now, the effects of Flame Power and Creation Agent – Neko end and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician's ATK is returned to normal."

[CAT – Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician – ATK: 5200 → 2200]

"I-I don't believe it..." Tatsuya whispered in disbelief. "She took down Zarc-nii-chan and Yuya-nii-chan's monsters...all at once..."

Futoshi shuddered. "I'm g-getting some bad shivers…."

"I hate to say it, but..." Sora sighed as he finished off his last lolipop, much to his chagrin, and put his hands behind his head. "I think that's the end of it. The fact that Zarc-sensei didn't send any monsters from his Extra Deck from that attack means he wasted all of his means of defense from those first couple of attacks. He's all out of monsters in his Extra Deck."

Gongenzaka grimaced. "Had that Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician monster of hers not reduced the damage to zero, Zarc's Pendulum monsters would have helped them gain some Life Points."

"G-Gon!" Yuzu looked over to Gongenzaka, fraught with worry. "W-what're the odds of Yuya and Zarc pulling ahead?!"

The burly teen closed his eyes, as if deep in thought. When he opened them again, he spoke solemnly. "The odds are 3 in 10. 3 in Yuya and Zarc's favor." The You Show Students' faces fell. "Not only do the Akabas have monsters on the field, their Pendulum Effects help them regain Life Points when they summon a monster or if a monster is destroyed. They have three monsters out, two of which can counter their dragons. If Sora is correct, Zarc has no more cards in his Extra Deck. They're proficient in finding Action Cards, but the difficulty in navigating Acrobatic Circus is taking its toll on them. Meanwhile, Ray Akaba uses her monsters to find Action Cards for her."

"If they want any chance of winning, Yuya-nii-chan needs to pull off a card that can turn the tables." Ayu finished, biting her lip. She looked like she was on the verge of crying. She didn't want to doubt her honorary big brother's skills, but if he lost...then they would never see each other again. They would lose not only the school, but even their best friend.

Himika couldn't help but feel disappointed by the turn of events. She had hoped that, by being pushed to the brink, Zarc would show what he was truly capable of. As it stood now, unless Yuya Sakaki performed some sort of miracle, then they would not be able to overcome this obstacle. It was the wall they would hit. 'And that simply won't do. If Standard is to have any chance at victory, then you two will have to grow stronger.' she thought coldly, her thoughts showing on her face as it twisted into a leer. 'And that includes casting aside this foolish notion of bringing smiles through dueling.'

"Z-Zarc, you okay?" Yuya asked worriedly. The silver-haired teen nodded, though it was clear he was frustrated. He helped him up to his feet and kept him steady. Yuya felt Zarc's frustrations well. 'This couldn't possibly get any worse… Unless we find a way to turn this whole thing around, we're toast. Being part of LDS doesn't scare me as much as losing You Show does. This school...it's the school my father built. It's where he taught all of us how to bring smiles to everyone, no matter who they are! I can't… I can't let it just end like this!'

Yuya's face crunched up, his hand gripping the pendant around his neck. He didn't want to lose one of the few reminders of Yusho. Especially since this place was his second home. This was where he had grown to love dueling. So many fond, precious memories belonged to this place. He couldn't just let it fall apart like this. He needed to get stronger. He needed to overcome this final obstacle. He needed to defeat Reiji and Ray Akaba. He needed to defend You Show Duel School. He needed to defend his father's legacy.

HE NEEDED TO WIN!

Unbeknownst to Yuya, his pendant began to sway, releasing a soft glow. The only people who noticed were Ray and Reiji, the former feeling something inside of her react accordingly. She stumbled, feeling as if something had just tried to jump out of her body. "W-what? What's this feeling…?"

"It's just like before..." Reiji narrowed his eyes. He had seen this phenomenon before. From when Yuya Sakaki unveiled the power of Pendulum Summoning to all the world. "So, you're going even further then? Very well. Show me, Yuya Sakaki! Show me the full extent of the power of Pendulum!"

"It's my Turn!" Yuya roared, grabbing hold of the card in his hand. He did not notice that his deck was also glowing. As he pulled the card out from his deck, a streak of light followed with it. "DRAW!"

Turn 8: Yuya Sakaki / Hand: 1

"I activate the Spell: Pendulum Lottery! I shuffle any set Pendulum Cards in the Pendulum Zone into my Deck, then excavate three cards from my deck! If any of those cards are Pendulum Cards, I add them to my Hand! If they aren't, I return them to the Deck!"

"He's relying on luck now?" Masumi asked, incredulous. "He can't be serious!"

Yuya took the cards from his deck, pulling them out and looking at what he had drawn. His eyes widened in disbelief.

(Flashback – Before the Duel)

"Hold on a second, Yuya!"

Yuya stopped just as he and Zarc were about to leave the observation deck. He looked behind him to see Shuzo rushing up to him. "What is it, Principal?" he asked as his uncle figure stopped in front of him.

"I wanna give you something." Shuzo told him as he pulled out his deck from his holster, searching through it. "It might help you in your Duel!"

Yuya chuckled nervously, sweatdropping as he remembered the deck Shuzo used. While he had nothing against his playstyle, his monsters didn't exactly work well with his. "No offense, Principal, but my Entermate Deck and your Guts deck don't exactly match."

"It's not one of my cards." the former pro told him, finding the card. "To tell you the truth, Yoko wanted to give this to you when you turned 16. The same age as when Yusho first got the deck that raised him to stardom in the first place." He then held out the card for Yuya to take.

His eyes widened when he saw it. He almost couldn't believe it. Trembling, he took the card from Shuzo. "Is-is this...what I think it is?"

"If you're gonna duel, kid..." Shuzo smirked as he put his hands on Yuya's shoulders. "Do it You Show style! Make your father proud, and give those Akabas an Entertainment Duel they'll never forget!"

'T-This is...' Yuya thought in amazement. 'This is just like before! It turned into a Pendulum Card! And...wait, this effect… What? I don't have that card in my deck, do I?' He gasped when an image flashed by in his head. A silhouette of a dragon, different colored eyes staring back at him. He looked over at Zarc, who seemed to share a similar reaction. "Zarc, did you feel that too?"

"Yeah… I did." Zarc smiled as he looked back at his partner. "I take it you got what we need?" Yuya nodded. He chuckled. "Alright, then… Let's do this, then!"

Suddenly, Acrobatic Circus turned dark. Out of nowhere, spotlights flashed down upon Yuya and Zarc, both of whom were sporting wide grins, their arms spread out as they stood side-by-side.

"Ladies and gentleman," Zarc declared fervently. "iiit's SHOWTIME!"

Upon seeing the two's suddenly display of confidence, the You Show students quickly grew excited. "Is it here?!" Ayu cried out. "Is it time for a comeback?!"

"Whooo!" Futoshi wriggled excitedly with a blush on his face. "I'm getting some major shivers here~!"

Sora looked on curiously. "Hoo? I guess the Sakaki Circus has one last trick to perform!" Smiling, he then proceeded to call out to the two. "Put on a show, you two! Don't embarrass You Show by screwing up!"

"What the…?!" Hokuto choked. "What's going on?! What did that guy draw that made him act so confident?!"

"He can't possibly win this!" Yaiba frowned. "There's no way! Not when he just got rid of those Pendulum cards of his!"

Himika frowned in concern. 'Where did this burst of confidence come from?' she questioned. 'He can't actually think he can beat Reiji and Ray, can he? No, that's not possible. It just can't be!'

"As you can see, we're in quite a bind here!" Yuya said as he continued on with his perfomance, smiling as wide as possible. "Our Life Points are low and we have no monsters on the field! But please, keep watching and don't turn away! Don't even blink, for the Sakaki Circus is about to perform the greatest show in the world! Thanks to Pendulum Lottery, I've excavated three cards and wouldn't you know it! They're all Pendulum monsters! But before we bring out the star of the show, please give a round of appaluse the ringmaster of the Sakaki Circus as I set him in the Pendulum Zone, together with the Scale 6 Entermate Odd-Eyes Minotaur!"

Twin shimmering pillars appeared on either side of Yuya and Zarc. The leftmost pillar had a minotaur with a wide, toothy smile wielding an ax, a polka-dot bowtie around its neck. In the other was a monster that shocked all in attendance.

"That monster is…!" Reiji gasped. "But that's not possible! That card cannot be a Pendulum!" His eyes widened moments later. "No, could it be…? Could Yuya Sakaki...have transformed it into a Pendulum Card, just like when he first obtained that power?!"

"Ooooh, so cool!" Tatsuya cried as he leaned in, nearly pressing his face against the glass. "I've never seen that monster in Yuya-nii-chan's deck before!"

"I-I don't believe it..." Gongenzaka whispered, his eyes watery. "Do my eyes deceive me? Y-Yuzu! That monster, is that…?!"

Yuzu nodded, equally as shaken as tears began to spill down her cheeks. "It is… It's uncle's ace monster!"

"Please welcome the Scale 10 Pendulum monster and ringmaster, Entermate Sky Magician!"

[Entermate Sky Magician / WIND / Level 7 / Pendulum Scale: 10 / Spellcaster / Pendulum / Effect / ATK 2500 / DEF 2000]

The monster in question was dazzling to look at. It's lower half lacked legs and had a tattered strip of cloth flowing from its lower torso with a dark purple jewel embedded in it, attaching it to the monster. Its body was white with blue markings, such as blue gloves and a blue face with red eyes, a white hat atop its head with red hair. Dancing around its body were four rings. Behind its back were wings, though they more closely resembled some sort of cape. Upon arrival, the ace monster of Yusho Sakaki tipped its hat.

"With the Scale 6 Entermate Odd-Eyes Minotaur and the Scale 10 Entermate Sky Magician, I can Pendulum Summon any monsters between Levels 7 and 9 simultaneously! Swing, Pendulum of my Soul! Draw an arc of light, across the ether! PENDULUM SUMMONING!" Unlike before, when Yuya's Pendulum had been replaced by Zarc's cracked one, the two Pendulums danced together and opened up a blue portal up above. "Come forth, our Monsters!" Two lights descended onto the field. When they took shape, twin dragons stood before the Akaba siblings, both releasing powerful cries. "The dragons with the lustrous and dichormatic wondrous eyes! Welcome back to the stage, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Supreme King Servant Dragon Odd-Eyes!"

"Incredible…!" Gongenzaka cried as the two Odd-Eyes dragons continued to roar. "Before, whenever they were together, they looked as if they hated one another...but now they stand together like comrades, ready to combat a truly enormous foe!"

Ray watched in fascination as Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and its SKSD counterpart continued to roar. The overwhelming hostility that it previously demonstrated had dissipated almost entirely. Instead, she felt a strange sense of camaraderie between the two. 'How strange… Before, I felt nothing but overwhelming anger from it. Now, I feel nothing. It's as if its hatred has been subdued. Is it because it was called by Yuya Sakaki? And this feeling… What is it? The moment his Pendulum began to glow, I felt something within me react. What could this be?'

"And now, the main event!" Yuya grinned. "I activate the Pendulum Effect of Entermate Sky Magician, activating the Ritual Spell: The King's Carnival directly from my Deck!"

His words shocked everyone even further. "Ritual?!" Ray exclaimed. "But how?! I thought only Yuzu Hiiragi knew how to perform Ritual Summoning?!"

"Sorry, Ray~" Zarc winked at her mischievously. "But that's a secret! At any rate, with The King's Carnival, we must tribute Odd-Eyes monsters whose total Levels are equal to or lower than the Ritual Monster that will be called on stage! we offer Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Supreme King Servant Dragon Odd-Eyes as sacrifices! Now, let the carnival begin!"

A powerful explosion full of colorful smoke and stars erupted where the two dragons had been standing while a magic sigil danced beneath their feet. The growing stack of smoke curled and twisted, forming into some kind of twister filled with dazzling lights. Within the smoke, the faint shape of a monster could be seen.

"SHOW MUST GO ON!" Yuya and Zarc exclaimed, their hearts in unison as the monster within finally revealed itself with a powerful, earth-shattering roar that blew apart the smoke. "Dragon with the dual-colored eyes of illustrious mystery! Break free from the shackles of anger and rage and enlighten hearts trapped in darkness! RITUAL SUMMONING!" The beast that stood before them was a dragon, its body remarkably humanoid save for its sharp claws. Its scales were predominantly red with golden armor along its forearms, calves and chest. On its ankles, knees, shoulders, elbows and wrists were orbs of varying color. Behind its back were two wings in the form of rainbow-colored streams of light. Its tail was enormous, easily the length of its enormous wings. Two silvery tusks curved around its fanged-filled jaw. It's left eye was bright crimson while the right eye was a golden color. "Come, Level 12! Entermate King Odd-Eyes Dragon!"

[Entermate King Odd-Eyes Dragon / WIND / Level 12 / Pendulum Scale: 5 / Dragon / Pendulum / Ritual / Effect / ATK: 3000 / DEF: 2500]

"Entermate King..."

"...Odd-Eyes Dragon." Ray finished her brother's wary words, looking upon it with a odd sense of adoration and awe. "Beautiful..."

"Oi oi, what the heck's this?" Sora laughed. "A Ritual-Pendulum Monster?! This is freaking great!"

"It has 3000 ATK!" Ayu cheered. "That's higher than Ray's monsters and the same as President's Hell Armageddon!"

"You can do this, you two!" Tatsuya cheered. "Go for it!"

"Too much! Too much shivers!"

"When Entermate King Odd-Eyes Dragon is successfully Ritual Summoned, the effects of all our opponents' Pendulum cards' effects are sealed!" Yuya and Zarc, still in complete sync, revealed. "This effect cannot be negated!"

"All of our Pendulum cards?!" Reiji exclaimed. "Then, not only are cards in the Pendulum Zone negated, but even our monsters… To think you created a counter like this!" In spite of the surprise, it was indeed a pleasant one as Reiji soon developed a smirk. This was he had wanted to see. The drive and ability to surpass expectations! This was what he wanted from Yuya Sakaki!

"Battle!" Yuya/Zarc declared, aiming fingers at Ray's monster. "Entermate King Odd-Eyes Dragon! Destroy Ray Akaba's Creation Agent Tamer – Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician!" The mighty dragon released a powerful whirl as it shot up into the air, twirling its body and kicking up a powerful gale of wind in the process. At the height of its boost, it swerved around and went straight for Ray's Pendulum Magician.

"I think not!" Reiji countered. "I activate the Action Magic: Battle Change! This activates only during my opponent's Battle Phase! I can force a monster you control to declare an attack against a different monster on our field! I change the target to DDD Great Death King Hell Armageddon!"

"I activate the Action Magic: Bi-Attack!" Yuya interjected, surprising the Akaba siblings. They had not seen him obtain an Action Card, so when he could possibly have had the opportunity to find one? It was then that they recalled the gust of wind that the dragon had created. Just as they had used their monsters to find and obtain Action Cards or manipulate the environment, they had done the same. "This doubles the ATK of Odd-Eyes Dragon during each Battle Phase!"

[EK Odd-Eyes Dragon – ATK: 3000 → 6000]

Ray smirked. A sense of excitement began to swell in her chest. "Apologies, but I activate the Action Magic: Overpass! When our monsters are in battle, I can swap their ATK! Hell Armageddon takes on your Entermate King Odd-Eyes Dragon's 6000 ATK, while it gains Hell Armageddon's 3000!"

Just as the dichromatic monster clashed with the demonic purple crystal radiating immense power with its wings, a sudden shift of power overwhelmed them.

[DDD Great Death King Hell Armageddon – ATK: 3000 → 6000]

[EK Odd-Eyes Dragon – ATK: 6000 → 3000]

"I activate the Action Magic: Evasion and negate Entermate King Odd-Eyes Dragon's attack!" Yuya intervened. EK Odd-Eyes Dragon shrugged off Hell Armageddon's burst of power and evaded the second destructive blast, returning to Yuya and Zarc's side. "The effect of Overpass and Bi-Attack also ends and returns Odd-Eyes Dragon and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician's ATK to normal!"

[DDD Great Death King Hell Armageddon – ATK: 6000 → 3000]

[EK Odd-Eyes Dragon – ATK: 3000 → 6000 → 3000]

Reiji adjusted his glasses. "An impressive display...but it seems your show's come to an end. On our next turn, we will bring the curtain down on this drama-"

"There won't be a next turn!" Yuya/Zarc rebuked him, catching him off guard. "When Supreme King Servant Dragon Odd-Eyes is used to Ritual Summon Entermate King Odd-Eyes Dragon, it can attack twice per turn!"

"What did you just say?!"

"Once more, Odd-Eyes Dragon!" the two duelists cried out as one. EK Odd-Eyes Dragon reared its head and resounded a powerful cry as its wings suddenly grew more intense, becoming almost like fire while the orbs on its body began to glow, as has its eyes. The golden plate on its chest split open, revealing a red and yellow orb inside, which also began to glow brightly.

Not about to let them obtain victory so easily, Ray acted quickly. "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Magician!" she called out to her monster, who nodded and spun the baton in its hand, kicking up a small gale. To increase the size of the gale, Xyz Magician added in its own power. Soon enough, Action Cards came spilling out into the air. Reiji and Ray quickly snatched the ones that they could.

"Battle Change's effect still applies!" Reiji shouted over the whipping winds. "I once again change the target of Entermate King Odd-Eyes Dragon's attack to my Hell Armageddon! In addition, I activate the Action Magic: Flight and raise its ATK by 600!"

Unfortunately, Ray had no accounted for how powerful the whirlwind she created was. All remaining Action Cards were high in the air, waiting for people to grab them. Yuya and Zarc, with a newfound burst of adrenaline and strength, swinged into action and used every skill at their disposal. Yuya used a trampoline to bounce up to a platform, then jump off it towards a railing, proceeding to then jump over and swing through a hoop, snatching an Action Card in mid-air before landing on a platform below him. Zarc showcased the bond between duelist and monster as EK Odd-Eyes Dragon, even in the midst of gathering power, used its tail to launch Zarc into the air and allow him to grab hold of another Action Card, eventually landing on top of one of the cannons floating on a platform.

"I activate the Action Magic: Jump Through the Ring of Fire!" Yuya declared. "This raises the ATK of all monsters our field by 500!"

"I activate the Action Magic: Mr. Sun's Energy!" Zarc added. "During the Battle Phase, I increase a monster's ATK by 400!"

[DDD Great Death King Hell Armageddon – ATK: 3000 → 3600]

[EK Odd-Eyes Dragon – ATK: 3000 → 3500 → 3900]

Only two Action Cards remained in the air. The two monsters prepared to clash one final time. You Show cried out for the two to win while the LDS trio cried out for Ray. Zarc and Ray glared at one another, their passionate souls as duelists unable to concede defeat to the other. One sprinted towards the edge and leaped off, aiming to snatch the card that would ensure victory. The other was given a boost by her monster, throwing her up so she could obtain the card that would give her victory. The two grabbed the sole remaining Action Cards, passing each other and sharing a passing glance before they landed on the ground and on top of a platform respectively.

"I activate the Action Magic: Flame Chain!"

Victory, at that moment, seemed assured for the Akaba siblings. Lady luck, however, favored the daredevils.

"The Action Magic: No Action!" Ray and Reiji's eyes widened as Zarc played the final Action Card. "This negates the activation of an Action Card and destroys is!"

"The grand finale!" Yuya/Zarc exclaimed with passion as a ring of power surfaced in front of EK Odd-Eyes Dragon. "Rainbow Light Burst!" The gathering power within the dragon flowed within the ring. With a war cry, the dragon shot the collected energy into a singular blast that burned the air and collided head-on with Reiji's Hell Armageddon. The stream of power was colored just like that of a rainbow. Though it brought destruction, it was dazzling and awe-inspiring.

Of course, this attack alone would not finish the battle, for the boys revealed their trump card. The final nail in the coffin.

"When Entermate King Odd-Eyes Dragon battles a Pendulum Monster who's Level is equal to or lower than its own, the Battle Damage is doubled!"

The monster could not withstand the power. It crumbled and shattered, an explosion of colorful light rocking the Action Field and causing the whole building to shake.

Reiji & Ray Akaba – LP 500 → 0

WINNER: Yuya Sakaki & Zarc!

The Action Field soon dispersed into golden light, reverting back into the dull metal room. The burst of adrenaline in both Yuya and Zarc faded and the two soon collapsed. Yuya fell flat on his backside and laid down, too tired to move. Zarc landed on his rear and rested on his knees. "I feel so tired..." Yuya moaned. "Every part of me is sore..."

"You're telling me..." Zarc laughed weakly. "I don't think I'll be able to do an Action Duel for a week. I'm shaking all over..."

Cheers erupted on the You Show's side of the observation deck. Futoshi was practically shaking as he danced, hips bouncing from one side to the other while Ayu and Tatsuya hugged each other, bouncing up and down. Gongenzaka pumped his fists into the air while Yuzu collapsed to the floor in relief, tears marring her features. Sora was grinning madly from one ear to the other, having thoroughly enjoyed such a breath-taking and nerve-wracking duel as this. In the control room, Shuzo let out a boisterous laugh.

"That's my boy!" he cried. "Oooh, Yuya! You would have made your father so proud! That duel was perfect! One hundred percent HOT-BLOODED!"

"N-no way..." Masumi stumbled back as if struck. "This can't be..."

Hokuto's jaw became intimate with the floor. "B-Big Sis Ray..."

"Lost?!" Yaiba cried in disbelief.

Himika was similarly shaken. 'T-this can't be...' she thought in a stupor. 'How is this possible? Is-is this the true power of Yuya Sakaki? Of Zarc? Of the genuine Pendulum Summoning?' If it was...it was truly a frightening power. Yuya Sakaki showed no records of being able to Ritual Summon, yet he performed it right before their eyes. For him to be able to enact it in the middle of a duel, and to even change a monster into a Pendulum monster on the spot... She was starting to understand just why Reiji was so interested in this boy.

After a moment of thinking, Himika sighed and shook her head. While she was a bit disappointed that the original users and founders of Pendulum Summoning would not join LDS, she supposed that this duel was proof enough that they could hold their own. In truth, she still didn't believe they were ready for the time when Fusion would arrive, but if they could demonstrate this prowess and improve further...

After a bit of rest, Yuya and Zarc returned to the observation deck, where LDS plus the Akaba family were waiting. Shuzo was also present, looking rather pensive. Though he was certain that they had won, he was unsure whether or not Himika Akaba would actually hold up on their end of the bargain. That, and there was obvious tension. Hokuto was glaring at Yuya with barely concealed agitation, no doubt taking their victory over the siblings, along with his own personal loss, rather hard. Masumi was staring at the two, sizing them up and pondering whether or not they were worthy of attention. Yaiba, on the other hand, looked as if he wanted to duel them right here and now.

Gongenzaka and Yuzu stood prepared to defend Yuya and Zarc at a moment's notice, should LDS go back on its deal. The children also looked ready to jump in, but Sora kept them in line, knowing full well they weren't prepared.

For a moment, there was a tense silence between the two groups. Reiji Akaba stepped forward and turned his attention to Shuzo, a small smile on his face. "Even though Yusho Sakaki disappeared, I see his is still being passed on to the next generation." he remarked, causing Shuzo to blink in confusion. "For a moment, I felt as if I was standing in front of Yusho-san myself. As per the agreement, the Leo Corporation will fund You Show Duel School for the forseeable future. As an added bonus, I'd also like to throw in the latest state-of-the-art Solid Vision system, as well as setting up some applications for further students."

"Y-you would?!" Shuzo cried out in shock. The others looked equally as stunned. "T-that's mighty generous of you, Akaba-san!"

Reiji smirked and adjusted his glasses before he turned to Yuya. "I truly did enjoy our duel, Yuya." he said in earnest. "If the time comes, I'd like to duel you again. Preferably one-on-one."

"Oi oi, brother dear." Ray gave him a look of mock hurt, putting her hands on her hips. "What are you trying to say? I understand that I didn't get a good Action Card at the last second, but come on."

The silver-haired teen laughed. "Apologies, Ray. But as enjoyable as our Tag Duel was, I'm afraid I don't do well dueling with another."

Ray sighed, but smiled nonetheless as she shook her head. Yuya chuckled, seeing the bond between them. It actually made him a little jealous, wondering what his life would have been like if he had a sibling as well. He casted a small glance over at Zarc, who also seemed intrigued by their bond before the latter noticed Yuya looking at him. He quickly looked away, a small blush on his face before he shook his head and smiled back at Reiji. "I'd love to have a rematch in the near future as well! Only, no big stakes on the line."

"Done." Reiji accepted his deal. The tensions fell shortly afterwards as Reiji turned on his heel. The LDS students gave their respective farewells, Masumi giving Sora a glare that more or less promised she would see him again in the near future and Yaiba and Yuzu promising each other a rematch before following after Himika, who had left ahead of them. "Let's go, Ray."

The red-haired girl paused a moment, glancing at Zarc. She then turned to her brother. "Give me a moment, brother."

Reiji realized what she meant and nodded, soon following the others and leaving the premises. The You Show students all looked Zarc and Ray back and forth before they glanced at each other as the two left for the back room. "What's going on?" Futoshi asked curiously. "What're they going to talk about?"

"Could it be...?" Ayu gasped as her imagination ran wild. "A confession of love?!"

"What?" Sora scoffed. "As if. I admit, that Ray girl is a knockout, but come on."

"I agree with Sora." Gongenzaka threw in his two cents. "Neither look the type who'd fall in love at first sight. Still, I'm quite curious. Why does she bear such a startling resemblance to Yuzu?"

Yuya chuckled. "Maybe Ray is secretly the Principal's love child?"

"Hell no!" Shuzo and Yuzu said immediately, the former more angrily than his daughter. "I'd sooner throw myself into a volcano than bed that old wench!"

"What do you know about me?"

That was the first thing Zarc asked when they entered the back room. His heart was thumping against his chest like a stick beating on a drum. His palms were sweaty. A lump was lodged in his throat. This was it. He was finally going to get some answers. He was finally going to learn something - anything - about himself. Yet, rather than excitement, there was also a sense of fear and apprehension as well. What if the answers he was going to get weren't what he wanted? Or, what if Ray had no answers at all to give him? Part of him wanted to turn back and forget this meeting, but the other part of him wanted to hear what she had to say.

Ray stared at him for a moment, studying his features before her face softened. She sighed. "In truth, Zarc... I know very little about you. All I know about you is that I failed to save you once."

"Save me? From what?"

"Do you have dreams?" she asked him suddenly. "Dreams of a monster destroying a city?" His mind raced back to the nightmares. To the giant creature shrouded in smoke and shadow, only able to see its piercing red eyes and the tiny figure that dared to stand against it. Seeing his expression Ray nodded. "I have that dream as well. I don't understand or remember much of it, but... That moment was when I failed to save you."

Zarc frowned. "Then... It's not a dream, but a memory?" he questioned. "That doesn't make sense. If a monster like that existed, it would have been all over the news."

"Believe it or don't, Zarc." she told him. "Aside from that dream, however... I'm afraid there's not much else I remember." Zarc bit his lip and stared at the floor. As he feared, she had offered little answers. And what little answers she did give him were of little help. A sense of frustration bubbled up in his chest. Seeing his expression, Ray felt saddened for her inability to provide him the answers he needed. At the very least, however, she could offer something else. "But... I also know that, above all else, you want to bring smiles to everyone. That inside, you want to make everyone happy." Zarc stared at her in surprise. She smiled and walked in front of him, removing something from her person and placing it in his hands. "If you remember that desire... Then I'm sure, one day, you'll remember."

"Ray..."

"I am returning this to you." Ray said, leaving the item in his hand before she stepped past him. "I must be going." She put a hand on the knob, but stopped. She looked over her shoulder and smiled at Zarc one final time. "I hope, one day, I can see you smile during our rematch, Zarc."

She then left the room, closing it behind her. Zarc was left alone in the room, staring at the door in bewilderment before he sighed. "What a girl..." Still, bringing smiles... He was happy to know that the past him wanted that. The idea that he could make people smile through dueling. He looked at the card in his hand before he blinked in surprise. "What...?" The design was familiar, as was its name, but it lacked the green bottom that its counterparts had. It should have been a different card, but holding it in his hand, Zarc heard a resounding cry from within it. The sound of a dragon, roaring in happiness that it had been reunited.

In Zarc's hand...was "Odd-Eyes Dragon."

"You took your time." Reiji remarked as Ray entered the limosuine. At his command, the car drove off and departed from You Show. "Did you and Zarc have your talk?"

"Yes." Ray nodded. "As you can imagine, though, he wasn't happy that I couldn't answer many of his questions. After all, both he and I remember nothing of our pasts. All I remember is that I failed him once. And I will not fail him again." As she said this, her face turned serious. She did not know what the connection was between that monster and Zarc, but she knew that they were related somehow. "I am amazed by Yuya Sakaki, however. I had no expected him to develop the ability to Ritual Summon in the middle of a duel, much less create a new monster."

"Neither was I." Reiji admitted. "But, it is proof that Pendulum can indeed expand beyond normal limits." The young corporate president smirked as he adjusted his glasses. "Who knows? Perhaps it will even be possible for Pendulum to create another brand new summoning method."

Ray giggled at that. "Come now, brother. I sincerely doubt that." she said. "By the by, where is mother?"

"She took a separate car. She mentioned that she had another matter to attend to, especially since the Maiami Championship is around the corner. I've already prepared Yuya Sakaki and Zarc's letters of recommendation." he informed her. "When we get back, I have matters of my own to deal with. It seems those Rare Hunters have started becoming more active."

Ray frowned. "Rare Hunters?" she inquired.

"They're a group of duelists who hunt people with rare, powerful cards." Reiji explained to her. "Some have even taken to some rather extreme measures. There was one recorded instance where a duelist using the rare Exodia archtype had illegally mass-produced the five pieces needed to fulfill the Instant Win victory condition in order to win, as well as mark each of his cards with invisible ink." Ray made a face of disgust. To hear that a duelist would actually illegally mass-produce cards without authorization, much less mark them so he would know exactly which card he would draw, was despicable. That person had no right to call themselves a duelist. "Ever since Yuya Sakaki unveiled Pendulum Summoning to the world during the championship match with Strong Ishijima, they've been interested on obtaining the cards for themselves. We've managed to keep a tight leash on their actions, but recent reports suggests they might be making a move soon."

"I see..."

"There's also the matter of the Xyz Duelsist to consider." Reiji added. "When they first arrived, some of our members of staff were attacked and have reportedly gone missing. However, the attacks have since stopped, making me believe they either know or suspect that LDS is not affiliated with Academia. Ideally, I'd want to contact them and settle any misunderstandings, however..."

Ray understood his concerns. If he were to approach them, they would treat him with suspicion, or perhaps see him as a dangerous threat. Though Standard had named Leo Akaba its enemy, there was no way for the other dimensions to know that. If they were to meet, Ray could imagine that a duel would break out between them and the Xyz duelists. She had no doubt that Reiji and she could defeat them, but they wanted to meet under the idea of peaceful negotiations. They did not want enemies. Additionally, Standard could benefit from having allies from other dimensions. In terms of skill and ability, the students who used the other unique summoning methods most likely paled to the skill and ability of the denizens of their respective dimensions. For example, an Xyz native could mop the floor with someone like Hokuto, one of the best students in the Advanced Xyz Course.

Having them serve as teachers would be a definite boon.

"By the way, brother-"

The sound of a cell phone ringing halted her words before she had a chance to ask him a question. Reiji pulled the cell out from his pocket and held it up to his ear. "Akaba speaking... What? I see. That is rather fortunate. Yes, send me the coordinates. No, that will not be needed. I shall be able to handle this myself." The phone call ended there. To Ray's confusion, Reiji was smiling slightly. "Speak of the devil, and he shall appear."

"What is it?"

"That was logistics. They've found our mystery friends."

"Yuto, take a look at this."

Yuto peered over Shun's shoulder. In front of Shun was a laptop, the latter having procured it during one of their forays into the city. It hadn't been entirely difficult, what with a bit of threatening from the local shady shop dealer and whatnot. Displayed on the monitor was an article about LDS, the picture on the front page showing what looked to be a very young male with silver hair wearing glasses and a red scarf, accompanied by a woman who appeared to be his mother. "Leo Corporation Revolutionizes Dueling, Introduces Brand New Summoning Methods And Archtypes." He read the headline of the article. "What am I looking at?"

"An article from three years ago." Shun answered. "Up until then, Standard only have a summoning method called Ritual Summon, which involved a Spell Card and a Ritual Monster. Turns out you need the Spell Card to initiate the summoning, then monsters to sacrifice to summon the Ritual Monster from your Hand, so long as their total levels were greater or equal to the monster's Level. Around the time Leo Akaba disappeared, his wife Himika suddenly released several new archtypes and introduced Fusion, Synchro and Xyz to the public."

The dark-haired teen frowned. "I see... So it was only recently that people learned the three Summoning Methods." he surmised.

"It would explain why all the LDS dogs I fought previously were so lackluster. Compared to native users of the methods, they're like newborns learning how to walk while they're still crawling." Shun scoffed. "I've also been looking into any potential news reports that might involve Academia, but nothing so far. If they are invading Standard, they're being quiet about it."

"They most likely want to keep things quiet before they go out in full force." Yuto speculated. "But in the meantime, we should-" He stopped suddenly when he heard his partner snarl. He understood why as he felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere. Someone was approaching the warehouse. "...Shun."

His friend already understood as his expression turned deadly, standing up from the desk. The two slipped their decks into their Duel Disks, the hardlight boards immediately forming. They stood together, Duel Disks raised and ready to combat their approaching foe. The doors to their hideout slid open. The evening sun spilled into it, cutting a straight path into the dimly lit warehouse before two people stepped inside. One was a tall man wearing a black suit and sunglasses. The other was a teenager, possibly around Shun's age, with silver hair with a red scarf around his neck.

Yuto gasped, not expecting this person to approach him. At his side, Shun's face turned dark. The young man adjusted his glasses, hand at his hip as he stared at the two males before him.

"You are..." Reiji Akaba looked at Shun. "...Shun Kurosaki, of the Xyz Dimension."

Shun scowled. "And you are... Reiji Akaba!"

Shun: Why should I trust the word of the son of the man who destroyed our home?!

Yuto: There's an Xyz Monster like that in this dimension?!

Shun: To save my sister, I will do what I must. Even if it means using this power!

Reiji: It seems I haven't given this man enough credit.

?: Damn you! You accursed bastard!

Next Scale: Confrontation

Card Information

Gates of the Supreme King / Spell / Normal / Tribute 1 Pendulum Card you control; Add 2 "Supreme King Gate" cards from your deck to your hand. You cannot summon monsters other than "Supreme King" monsters the turn you activate this effect. Cards and effects cannot be activated in response to the activation of this card.

En Servant - Azul / DARK / Level 3 / Beast-Warrior / Effect / ATK 1400 / DEF 1000 / Once per turn, if a monster you control that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck destroys an opponent's monster by battle, you can discard this card to target that monster: Immediately after this effect resolves, it can make a second attack in a row, also it can attack an additional number of times during the Battle Phase this turn, up to the number of other monsters you control. If a Fusion Monster you control is destroyed by battle or card effect: Banish this card from your GY; Special Summon the destroyed monster. Once per Duel, if you Fusion Summon a DARK Beast-Warrior Fusion Monster, you can activate this effect; return this banished card to your Graveyard, then you can make that monster's ATK become double its current ATK.

Supreme King's Gambit / Normal Trap / If a monster your opponent controls declares a direct attack: Draw 1 card and reveal it; If that card is a "Supreme King" monster, you can Special Summon it, also each time it would be destroyed by battle this turn, you can send 1 "Supreme King Servant Dragon" from your Extra Deck face-up to your Graveyard instead. During either player's turn, you can banish this card from your Graveyard to target 1 "Supreme King" monster you control: its ATK becomes double its original ATK, until the end of this turn.

Intimidation / Spell / Action / Target 1 monster your opponent control whose ATK is lower than the monster you control with the highest ATK; it loses 1000 ATK, until the end of this turn.

Pendulum Lottery / Spell / Normal / Shuffle 2 Pendulum Cards you control into the deck; Excavate the top 3 cards of your deck. If all three cards are Pendulum Cards, add those cards to your hand, otherwise, shuffle all cards in your hand and face-up in your Extra Deck into your deck.

Entermate Sky Magician / WIND / Level 7 / Scale 10 / Spellcaster / Pendulum / Effect / ATK 2500 / DEF 2000 /
Pendulum Effect / You can activate the Ritual Spell "The King's Carnival" from your Deck. All Pendulum Monsters you control gain 1000 ATK during Damage Calculation only. Once per turn: Negate the destruction of any Spellcaster monster(s) you control, once each. /
Monster Effect / Once per turn, if you activate a Spell Card: This card gains 300 ATK. During either player's turn: You can target 1 Continuous Spell Card you control; return it to the hand, then you can activate 1 "Magician" Continuous Spell Card from your hand. You can only use this effect of "Performapal Sky Magician" once per turn. If this face-up card leaves the field: You can target 1 card on the field; destroy it.

The King's Carnival / Spell / Ritual / This card is used to Ritual Summon "Entermate King Odd-Eyes Dragon" from your Deck or Extra Deck. You must also Tribute "Odd-Eyes" monsters on your field or in your hand whose total Level equal 12 or more.

Entermate King Odd-Eyes Dragon / WIND / Level 12 / Scale 5 / Dragon / Ritual / Pendulum / Effect / ATK 3000 / DEF 2500 /
Pendulum Effect / You cannot Pendulum Summon any monsters, except "Odd-Eyes" monsters. Once per turn, if you take damage that would reduce your LP to zero: Gain 2000 LP. Target 1 Level 7 or higher "Odd-Eyes" monster you control: Destroy that card, and if you do, Special Summon this card from your Pendulum Zone. /
Monster Effect / You can Ritual Summon this card with "The King's Carnival." If this card is successfully Ritual Summoned: Negate the effects of your opponent's Pendulum cards. Cards and effects cannot be activated in response to this effect's activation. (You can only activate this effect of "Entermate King Odd-Eyes Dragon" once per turn.) On the turn this card is Ritual Summoned, only Pendulum Monsters can declare an attack. If this card battles an opponent's Pendulum Monster whose Level is equal to or lower than this card: any battle damage inflicted by this card is doubled. If this card is Ritual Summoned using "Supreme King Servant Dragon Odd-Eyes" as Material, it gains this effect:
● It can make a second attack during each Battle Phase.

A/N: As usual, give thanks to Donjusticia, bladeWriter3 and Shimmering-Sky for bringing this beautiful duel to life. It is a Tag Duel of truly epic proportions.

"Entermate King Odd-Eyes Dragon" is, if you can tell by its effects, the good counterpart to Odd-Eyes Raging Dragon. Of course, whereas Raging Dragon is an Xyz monster, Entermate King Odd-Eyes Dragon is a Ritual, and the first of some of the Ritual-Pendulum monsters to appear in Yuya's arsenal. The decision to include Yusho's ace monster, or rather a copy of his ace, was a conscious one as it will be part of Yuya's character development later down the line.

Speaking of, the Pendulum once again comes to the rescue and performs some Deus ex Machina bullshit. Seriously, the convenience of that! Of course, there's actually a reason as to why Yuya's pendant acted, and why Yuya and Zarc synchronized, much like in the case of Yuto, Yuri and Yugo. In fact, there's a lot of mystery as to why Zarc is around, and why he isn't affected at all by the Bracelet Girls' own abilities to ensure the Dragon Boys stay separated. But more on that later.

Jump Through a Ring of Fire is an Action Card from the manga, but its effects are altered. In the manga, it rasied the ATK of all monsters by 500, so its effect here simply raises the ATK of the user's monsters and not all of them. Also, before you ask, yes, I am including the "weaker" variants of the Four Dimensional Dragons. Since Odd-Eyes Dragon was shown to be in its normal state when Zarc became Supreme King Dragon Zarc, or Supreme King Z-ARC as I'm referring to it for the sake of differentiation, I'd also like to believe that, before the Original Dimension split into four, the dragons were also different and were just called "Dark Rebellion Dragon," "Clear Wing Dragon" and "Starving Venom Dragon" respectively.

That doesn't mean I'm retconning the Four Dimensional Dragons' reactions to Zarc, however. I think it would be more accurate to say that the "original" versions of the four dragons are the "Past versions" and the dragons used by the Yu boys are the "Present versions." Think of the "Past versions" as copies of the original - lingering echoes or remnants of what the Four Dimensional Dragons used to be before Ray split Zarc and the Original Dimension apart.

Also, your eyes do not deceive you. There is another chapter posted at the same time as this one. As always, review and tell me what you guys think about this chapter and duel. And once again, please thank fellow fanfiction authors Donjusticia, bladeWriter3 and Shimmering-Sky for their contributions to this kickass duel! Friendly reminder that this story now has a TV Tropes page, so check it, edit or even add to it!

See You~