The time has come for the swimming competition and Lex couldn't be more stressed out about it now. He had to make sure everyone was here, everyone had their equipment ready, and most importantly of all, they were all healthy. And to his luck, they were all peachy. It was Friday in front of the school with a bus full of students barely able to contain their excitement about this second chance.
Yuji and the others were on the bus as well, thanks to Lex pulling a few strings and saying that he needed a few extra hands. "Alright, everyone!" Lex shouted to get their attention and silence the chatter. "I see everyone is here, so before we leave does anyone have any question?" Several hands were raised. "None? Good." But he ignored them.
"Umm. Is Lex alright?" Ame asked Yuji noticing him looking a bit tense. "He seems a bit off today"
"Must be under a bit of stress " he replied. "He wants to make sure everything goes well and also prepare in case we lose. I think he even has a speech prepared for that case as well." Yuji looked forward to Lex who was reviewing his papers. Shortly after, he sat down in the front seat behind the driver. "Besides, how bad are Romanians when stressed?"
"I think you're right..." Ame replied. "By the way, who is Takeru sitting with?" she asked not being able to see him.
"I think he is sitting with Crystal in the back, why?" He's sitting with that woman in the back while Lex is in the front? Oh, boy.
In the meantime, in the back of the bus. "No fair!" Crystal protested as she was pretty upset about her seat. It was too far away from Lex, so...Yeah. "Why do I have to be in the back?"
"Crystal, please calm yourself" Takeru looked behind himself, noticing a few people looking weirdly at them. "People are looking."
"Well, I don't care!" She replied keeping up her whining. "I wanted to sit close to Lex during this! So why, Takeru? Why am I sitting here in the back with you?" She looked at him, expecting an answer she'd like...too bad there was none. And...
FLASHBACK.
"Takeru!" Lex called out to him an hour before the bus arrived. The two were behind the duel club's building where Takeru was checking his deck since it is a quieter place, and a bit more private. "Listen, I have to ask you something." He seemed rather concerned.
"Sure?" He replied awkwardly and stood up. "What is it?" Something was not right. He had a bad feeling.
"Look, I am stressed out because of this competition, and I don't think I might be able to offer this thing my full focus with Crystal next to me. " He said making Takeru a bit confused about it. Aren't they girlfriend and boyfriend at this point?
"Why's that? Isn't Crystal your girlfriend?" He asked making Lex scratch the back of his head. "Lex? What is it?"
"Look, Crystal is nice and all that, but..." He hesitated...This is the first time Takeru sees him hesitate. "She might get jealous if she thinks I am looking at the girls in weird ways"
"What?" Takeru almost laughed at that. "Why? Can't she blindfold you again?" He had to bring that up, didn't he?
"Maybe on the bus, but not during the competition!" Lex argued. "Look, I need to show her that I won't look at the other girls during the trip with the bus so she won't act jealous and do something that I might regret letting her do"
"Then why let her do it in the first place..." He looked at Lex's face, understanding the situation. "You, mister, are playing a dangerous game"
"That's right" What? What are those two talking about? "I ain't the type to make a woman do things she doesn't want to do, and always let them do what they think is needed." Oh! So that's the situation.
"Alright then, what do you need?" Takeru agreed, asking Lex what his idea was. And do, we ended up with the present situation.
END OF FLASHBACK
-If only I would've known it'd be this bad at the start, I would've asked for something in return.- He thought then cleared his throat to answer Crystal. "Because you'd distract him?...With your beauty?" Flattery? Nice card to play, mister.
"Hmm." Crystal looked at him, his face showing how nervous he was and how scared he was. But she smirked and went back to her seat. "Maybe." Takeru could breathe easy knowing she bought it. But now he had to make sure he assures her Lex is not looking at other girls for the entire trip. Oh boy, this oughta be rough.
The bus started and they left. But they were unaware of the people tailing them on bikes. Yukimo, Rachel, Ayame, and Ricardo were on their tracks riding on Ayame's and Ricardo's bikes; Yukimo with Ricardo and Rachel with Ayame. Marius was grounded back at the base for his previous actions and had to be left behind. Not that they'll miss him.
"Are you sure they ain't going to see us, Bella?" Ricardo asked as he was riding his bike close to Ayame's.
"Positive. Besides, no one looks behind on the bus, so we should be safe" Ayame answered. "We also have our helmets on, so they can't see our faces" she added.
"Good. I can't wait to get payback on that Coneja" The Spanish man didn't care too much about their mission, he only wanted to get a rematch against Ame. "I still can't believe she beat me... "
"It is your own fault for letting your guard down. " Yukimo said from behind him as he was riding on the back of Ricardo's bike. "That girl, like the others, was chosen for a reason."
"Yeah, yeah. I already got scolded by the boss over my failure and shit" Ricardo didn't care. "But what's the plan, Bello?"
"Simple: We sneak Rachel here among the contestants so she can take part in the competition" Her answer puzzle Ricardo.
"Heh? How's that supposed to help us get the stones and decks?" He asked. "Wait, is she carrying a swimsuit in that bag on her back then?"
"I am..." Rachel admitted. "But if we want a good distraction, this is needed."
"Whatever!" Ricardo said.
"Great. Now that this is settled." Ayame revved up her bike, picking up speed and leaving Ricardo behind.
"Now that's what I can a Belleza humeante [Smoking beauty]" He followed in her example and accelerated.
The bus went to the place where the competition was going to be held, and Lex didn't like to waste time, so the moment the bus stopped he shouted at everyone to get off the bus and head inside. Yuji, Takeru, Crystal, and Ame stopped at him while the others went inside. They discussed the place they were going to train at, and Lex found a good one they can go. Guaranteed to provide them with peace for their duels. Everyone agreed to it and then went inside to prepare for the competition.
Yukimo's group arrived shortly after them and waited until they were out of sight to get off the bikes and take their helmets off. They went inside and took their positions. Yukimo put on his little disguise and mixed himself in the audience along with Ricardo while Ayame went with Rachel to arrange her entrance. They walked together until they found Lex looking over his list.
The competition was 3 rounds, each with a different 3 man team taking part in it. He put his list on the down and went down the hall when Ame knocked to talk with him a bit. She was nervous being in such a large crowd.
"This is our chance. " Ayame said in a whisper and picked up the list, she erased one of the names and added Rachel's instead. "There."
"Is this really going to work?" Rachel asked as she was doubting their plan. "I mean, won't our school get disqualified because of this?"
"No worries, I got it all covered. "Ayame reassured her. "Now to plant the bait" She put back the list and hid, so when Lex picked it up again he went to submit it. He didn't even bother to look at it again. "Jackpot."
"What now?"
"Now you should go change into your swimsuit dear, and make sure to cover the surgery marks on your back" The sneaky woman replied and Rachel nodded, running off towards the locker room. She stayed hidden of course since Crystal was there to help the girl team. But she knew what she had to do, and more importantly, knew that Ayame planned everything.
In the meantime, Yuji and Takeru were standing on the bench by the pool. Looking up, the hall was full and every seat was taken, which meant this was going to be a good competition. "Wish Rachel was here..." Yuji sighed remembering that this is something she had worked very hard to achieve, yet, because of something that he did, she can't be here. "I only I was more careful back then..."
"Hey, don't beat yourself over it. " Takeru said to make him feel somewhat better. "Think about it like this: What if Rachel got hurt and couldn't have taken part in it, that is, if what happened didn't happen with the school. What do you think she would've wanted then?"
Yuji looked at the pool and the people who gathered before coming with an answer. "She would've wanted for me to cheer for the whole team so they brought the gold" He answered with a slight smile. "So she knows everyone's hard work was repaid, and hers not forgotten"
"There you go..." Takeru said pleased with his answer. "Now, stop mopping around in regret. You didn't have a choice that night, and if I were in your shoes, I might've done the same thing"
"You would've ruined the school, made enemies among the clubs who got shut down that you don't know and they don't know you-"
"Good thing they didn't found out it was you" Takeru quickly added that information.
"And worse, hurt your friend since you were little?" Yuji finished, making Takeru rethink his answer a bit.
"Well...maybe?"
Yuji smiled a bit before letting out a snort, then laughing. "Rachel did well choosing you..."
"I guess..." Takeru replied awkwardly. "Anyway, I guess the show is about to start, no?"
"Indeed" The 2 jumped as Lex spoke up from beside them. "I just submitted our list, so we're going to start any moment now."
"How long had you been there for?" Takeru asked since the 2 didn't even sense him there.
"For a few minutes. You guys really have an awful sense of your surroundings." Lex said looking at the 2, but Yuji and Takeru couldn't help but notice him wearing his earing now.
"Hey, why are you wearing your earing now?" Yuji asked. "I thought you said it is best left hidden"
"Why are you wearing yours all the time?" Touche, Lex.
"I guess you are somewhat right..." Yuji said to avoid a possible argument. "Is everything ready, by the way?"
"Yep. The guys and gals are getting ready right now, and they are going to come out any moment now" on cue with his words, the announcer announced the start of the competition and the male team from their school came out. "Talk about the devil and here he is."
The competition started and everyone dived in the pool, swimming like dolphins through the water trying to achieve the best results. The guys from Yuji's school managed to do well, but not well enough as they got 2nd place in this round; Lex was going to make them haul ass later. But now it was time for the 2nd round which implied the female team.
"So far everything is going smoothly." Crystal said as she and Ame were watching from above, behind the audience. "I don't see any cheaters, and we ain't doing so bad either"
"Yeah..." Ame agreed and continued to watch the competition go down.
The 2nd round was a total blast for them as the female team took 1st place! Something that made Lex quite proud of himself as a good coach. But they couldn't rest now. The last round is where the best was left for last, and also where they received the surprise of the day when only 2 people came out form their team.
"What the- Where is the last one?" Lex asked as he looked at the hallway from which they should've come from. "Something is not right..."
From within the audience, Ricardo and Yukimo were getting ready. "It seems the time is close. " Yukimo said and began preparing his duel disk in silence.
"Awww. Already? The girls here are looking very good! Can't I go for a small hunt?" Ricardo said in fake disappointment, but Yukimo didn't give him much attention. "You're no fun" He prepared his duel disk.
"What is going on?" Ame looked at the team looking around for their last teammate. "Where is the last competitor from our school?"
"Damn it..." Crystal narrowed her eyes.
Before they began the 3rd round, during the 2nd round. The 2 girls from the last team were getting ready since the last round implied them pairing with a male student, they were the best 3 swimmers they had, of course, one was crowned as such only after Rachel left.
"I will go ahead." One of them went out.
The one that was left finished putting on her swimsuit and tried heading out, but Ayame caught her and put a chloroform tissue to her mouth, knocking her out. "Phew." She wiped away some sweat. "This should do it. Sorry dear, but you are no longer even on the list." She dragged her aside. "Now is your turn, Rachel"
Back to the present time, everyone was waiting for the last person to appear. But Lex decided to go down the hall to check himself, but when he did, he stumbled upon a certain someone. "You..." He found Rachel wearing a swimsuit and walking towards the pool. "What are you doing here?"
Back at the pool, people were getting restless. The announcer received word from the jury about this and began talking. "Due to certain circumstances, the Ginga city high is-
"Wait!" Lex stepped out shouting. "Hold it right there! Our 3rd is here! She just tripped and had to fix her swimsuit a little." He went back to the bench, resting himself on the wall next to Yuji and Takeru.
"What happened, Lex?" Takeru noticed his rather troubled expression.
"You won't believe me..." The coach muttered and then the 3rd swimmer came out, making Yuji and Takeru rise from their spots and even gasp in shock at seeing her. Above, Crystal and Ame were just as astonished. Rachel came out and took her position.
"Rachel?!" Yuji exclaimed seeing her. "How, when, how?!"
"I'll explain later..." Lex was looking around the crowd. "For now, be ready" He was no fool.
-I can't believe this is happening...- Rachel thought as she was waiting for the start. -I just wish I could've spent time with them afterward...- The start was given and she dived in, swimming with speed and grace through the water. She took the first laps, but she then began getting tired and someone gained on her. -Oh, no...- Then, she heard something.
"GO RACHEL!" Yuji was cheering for her on the side. "YOU CAN DO IT!" For a moment, she completely forgot about Yukimo, the mission, the spirits, everything. She resumed swimming and pushed herself, gaining the advantage once again. This was what she wanted; the reward for her hard work. Everyone was cheering for her, Takeru, Crystal, Ame, even Lex shouted some stuff out there for her, even if they seemed more like threats if she lost, she knew he had good intentions.
She did her best, and her best was enough. For her school, for her friends, she got 1st place, earning her school the gold. After everything was done, Yuji and Takeru immediately went to her and Takeru hugged her. "Rachel!" He was just so happy to see her he couldn't believe it she was there. "I can't believe it you are here!"
"Believe me, I can't believe I am here either... " She had to admit it, she never thought that, after everything that happened, she'll get such a chance, and even see that her friends are still her friends even after her betrayal. "But more importantly..." She turned to Yuji. "You kept your promise." She gave him a warm smile.
"Of course I did" He returned the smile. "I promise, didn't I?" As she looked at him, Rachel noticed something...This was him...If what Ayame said was true, he should've been controlled at all times...So how did he remember their promise?
"Say, Yuji..." She was having doubts for some time now... "About your deck and stone...Are they really controlling you? Are they really just spirits wanting to use you?" Her question grabbed everyone's attention, except the audience's of course.
"What do you mean?" Yuji asked back. "They never did. Sure, they can possess me, but not without my permission, and usually only when I block. Like the time we dueled. They were scared, Rachel..."
"Scared?" She muttered in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Rachel, listen...Yukimo and his team are-" Suddenly, the audience screamed as a powerful wind howled inside the building. "What the?!"
"God damn it, I knew it!" Lex looked up and saw the cause.
"I knew it..." Yukimo narrowed his eyes at them. "It seems like Rachel has been sniffing out Ayame's lies for a time now." He noticed...
"Oh, man. She looks so good in that swimsuit as well!" Ricardo remarked in his own creepy way. "Too bad she is going to turn into a vegetable now if she talks."
Crystal and Ame were on the other side of the building, helping everyone evacuate. "Everyone! Get out now!" Crystal shouted and everyone began heading for the exit. Ame ran down to the others, they needed her help.
"Yukimo..." Yuji muttered as he clenched his fist. "Rachel, listen to me! They've lied to you, manipulated you!" HE said as he grabbed her and shook her. "A lot has been going on, yes. I lied to you, yes. But I never meant any harm!"
"I..." Suddenly, a strange numbing took over her body. "What is...happening..." Yukimo pressed a button on his duel disk...The Boss did this...He KNEW Rachel might discover them, he knew this might happen...So he gave Yukimo the switch to Rachel's system.
"Rachel!" Takeru caught her before she fell. "Hey! Talk to me!" She couldn't speak and her eyes look completely death. "You son of a bitch, what have you done to her!" Takeru yelled at Yukimo.
"Nothing. She is just unconscious." He replied coldly. "A little safety measure in case we're betrayed." Out of nowhere, Ayame appeared and snatched Rachel's body from them. She went to her other associates. "And now, she is a hostage."
"Yukimo..." Yuji clenched his fist at him. Such a low move from him..."GIVE HER BACK!"
"Oh, but why wouldn't we?" Ricardo said. "That is, if you can beat all 3 of us in a duel, that is"
"So that's where it sums to..." Lex muttered. "Very well!" He agreed without any hesitation. "Yuji, Takeru, let's-"
"WAIT!" Ame came from the hallway panting. "Let me face Ricardo!"
"Oh? My failed hunt has returned to me" The Spanish guy said gazing down.
"Are you sure, Ame?" Yuji asked her since he knew last time she was at her limit. Ame is a good duelist, but her own attitude was dragging her down greatly.
"Yes." She was holding a bag in her hands...Their duel disks. "Here!" She opened it and threw Yuji his duel disk, but before she could throw it to Lex, he summoned his armor which included one. "Woah..."
"If we are doing this..." He clenched his fist, making purple energy pulsate in it. "We are doing it on even ground!" He punched the ground, producing a light that blinded everyone. When the light died down, they were inside an obscure version of the swimming pool where the colors were only black, white and grey. "We can let loose in here."
"You can do that?!" Yuji exclaimed seeing what he did, but then he noticed...Takeru was nowhere to be seen no one was! Other than Ame, himself, Lex, Yukimo, Ricardo, and Ayame, it was like everyone vanished. "Where are we even?"
"So, you can bring forth this space. " Yukimo said taking Lex in his sight. "Listen here, this is a separated space from our own that the chosen are capable of creating. Here, any damage done is not taken to the real world." He explained. "So that means you are going to be serious..."
"We all are!" Lex shouted. "We will follow the rules of a battle royale free for all, which means we can treat anyone as an opponent, but we must choose who receives stuff like effect damage" Lex suggested.
"I have nothing against that, it only means a wider field I can work with, which means more hunt opportunity. " Ricardo said bringing forth his duel disk. "So let's start before someone gets hurt...most likely, by me"
"I swear, Ricardo, you need help" Ayame muttered as she put up her duel disk. "But this IS a good chance to get payback for what happened in Romania. That being said, you are mine, little avenger." She was having Lex in her sight.
"We won't fight separated!" Yuji exclaimed shouting and putting forth his duel disk. "He will keep each other safe!"
"Yuji is right!" Ame stepped forward with her duel disk on.
"Indeed!" Lex's armor glowed. "Just try taking one out, the other will stop you in your tracks."
"Then let us begin..." Yukimo said activating his duel disk.
YUJI: LP: 4000, H: 5
AME: LP: 4000, H: 5
LEX: LP: 4000, H: 5
VS
YUKIMO: LP: 4000, H: 5
RICARDO: LP: 4000, H: 5
AYAME: LP: 4000, H: 5
The turns will proceed as followed: Yuji-Yukimo-Ame-Ricardo-Lex-Ayame, then repeat.
"My turn! I set one monster and card face-down" 2 cards appeared on the field as Yuji finished his turn.
"Then it is my turn. I draw!" Yukimo drew his card. "I summon Cold Enchanter!" A monster resembling a young girl with white hair and blue clothing holding a staff with a snowflake model at the top appeared on the field; 1600/1200, Level 4, Aqua, WATER. "I activate Enchanter's effect! I discard one card and place one Ice Counter on any card currently face-up on the field. In this case, itself!" One of the parts of her staff lit up. "Furthermore, it gains 300 attack for each counter on the field." 1600-1900. "In a battle royale, the first turn brings the most disadvantage, mainly because you cannot draw or attack, yet other 5 duelists could and can. " Yukimo said pointing out the disadvantage Yuji was in. "I activate the field spell, Extra Net!" a large green net appeared on the field. "Due to my field spell's effect, if someone special summons from the extra deck, their opponent gets to draw 1 card."
"That card puts you in an advantage because you do not have an Extra Deck..." Yuji said taking note of the situation. "Yet, your partners have!"
"Yes, they do" He looked at Ricardo and Ayame. "But I trust they won't spam them"
"You can count on that, Icy boy" Ricardo said.
"No worries. " Ayame replied.
"See? No issue." Yukimo said. "I end my turn here. Now, it is your go, Blue Chosen"
"Right. I draw!" Ame drew a card and looked at it. "This hand is...!" She saw her hand...it was a good one. "I activate the spell, Tuner's High! I discard one monster from my hand to special summon a tuner monster from my deck with the same type and attribute as the discarded monster; I discard Crystron Prasiortle to summon Crystron Rion!" A small monster with grey crystals growing out of its body appeared on Ame's field; 500/500, Level 3, Machine, WATER, Tuner.
Ricardo spits on the ground seeing that monster. "Already going for a Synchro, pequeño Conejo?"
"You'd wish." Her answer actually made him raise his eyebrow. It seems the rabbit had a bit more guts than last time. "I summon Crystron Smiger!" A Crystron resembling a mechanical feline with amber crystals growing from its body appeared on Ame's field; 1000/1800, Level 3, Machine, WATER. "Appear! The circuit that refines the crystals!" The circuit appeared above her field and her monsters went in it. "Link Summon! Come forth, Crystron Needlefiber!" Ame's Link monster took the field in the Extra Monster Zone. "Needlefiber's effect! I special summon-"
"Extra Net's effect!" Yukimo interrupted her. "Since you special summoned from the Extra Deck, Ricardo will draw a card."
Ame's eyes twitched as she watched Ricardo draw. "I forgot about Yukimo's field spell..." She muttered then looked at Ricardo's hand. -If he has a lot of spell and traps there, then we are in trouble.- She thought, but she had to continue down this path. "Due to Needlefiber's effect, I special summon Citree!" The small female Crystron with orange tails made out crystals appeared; 500/500, Level 2, Machine, WATER, Tuner. "I activate the spell, Iron Draw! Since I control exactly 2 machine monsters, I can draw 2 cards, at pact I can only special summon once for the rest of my turn." Ame stated as she drew her cards.
"Ame's really going in!" Yuki noted as he watched her play.
"Indeed. " Lex said, agreeing with him.
"I set 2 cards face-down and I end my turn!" Ame said declaring her turn's end.
"Then it is my turn!" Ricardo exclaimed with a sadistic grin on his lips. "I draw!" He drew the seventh card, courtesy of Yukimo's field spell and Ame's Link Summon. "I summon Magical Musketeer Doc!" A Magical Musketeer resembling a man wearing a white coat holding a sniper rifle appeared on the field;1400/1200, Level 3, Fiend, LIGHT. "But, and I hope Yukimo here won't mind, I Link summon!" A circuit appeared above him and his monster went in. "It's high noon, so shoot them down. Link summon! Take aim, Magical Musketeer Max!" A Link monster resembling a demonic man wearing similar clothing to the other Magical Musketeers with grey skin and holding a bayonet in hand appeared on Ricardo's field; 1000/LINK-1, Fiend, LIGHT, Link: B.
"Extra Net's effect!" Yukimo shouted with a hint of annoyance. "Since you summoned from the Extra Deck, Ricardo, your opponent draws 1 card."
"Tch. You could've kept quiet" Ame drew a card thanks to Yukimo's field spell. "Anyone, Max's effect activates! I can either chose to add spell and traps to my hand equal to how many monsters you control, or special summon Magical Musketeers from my deck up to the number of spells and traps you control"He explained. "I choose the latter. Come out, Calamity and Caspar!" 2 of the monsters he used in their last duel appeared. "Both in attack position."
"Not so fast! I activate my trap card, Crystron Meteor Shower!" From above the field, 2 meteors appeared and crashed into the ground, raising a screen of dust.
"Ugh. What the hell?" Ricardo and the others covered their faces.
"My trap lets me special summon a Crystron Tuner from my deck, then, if I reveal another Crystron from my hand, I can special summon that monster too!" A mechanical claw came from the dust along with Crystron Quan on its back, the monster which carried the little Crystron Tuner was resembling a dragon with yellow crystals growing out of it and having its wings made out of the crystal as well. "The monsters I summoned are Crytron Quan." The little one jumped from the back of the larger one; 500/500, Level 1, Machine, WATER, Tuner. "And Crystron Sulfefnir" The larger one let out a sharp roar; 2000/1500, Level 5, Machine, WATER.
"To think you could do that on my turn..." Ricardo seemed annoyed. "It seems you picked up some spunk since last time." He said narrowing his eyes on her.
"That's not it..." Magisa, who finally decided to show up, spoke. "It's her deck. The Crystron's are giving her more support than ever."
"They are?" Yuji asked then turned back to watching Ame's performance. And there they were, a pair of light blue glowing irises. "They are..."
"I activate the trap, Magical Musket - Dancing Needle!" As soon as he did, multiple needles shot out of it and went for Ame, but she used her duel disk as a shield against them. "damn it, I missed! Anyway, my trap banishes 3 cards from your grave, and I chose your 3 monsters in there. Furthermore, I use Calamity's effect to resurrect Dioc since I used the trap in her column!" The monster from earlier returned. "Battle!"
"I use Quan's effect!" Ame replied quickly. "I special summon a Crystron from my hand, then use it along with Quan to Synchro summon a monster!"
"Due to Extra Net, I will draw 1 card. " Ricardo muttered. "I am already sitting on a nice set here, so why risk it?"
"I summon Crystron Rosenix!" The crystron made out of crimson crystals in the shape of a bird appeared on the field, being level 4, then Quan's body faded and turned into a green ring, Rosenix jumping in as its body faded, leaving behind only orbs. "Synchro Summon! Come forth, Crytron Ametrix!" Ame's main ace monster appeared. "Ametrix's effect! All your monsters are switched to defense!"
"Extra Net's effect!" Ricardo said as he grit his teeth. "Jackpot! I activate the trap, Magical Musket - Desperado! I destroy your Ametrix with it!" Calamity pointed her rocket launcher at Ame's monster and fired, destroying it.
"No matter! Your attack failed, Ricardo!" She shouted at him, making everyone look in surprise. "Wait..." the glow went down. "Did I...just shouted?"
"You wouldn't think those guys have such an effect on our personalities like that..." Lex muttered. "But at least she is back now."
"Annoying prey." Ricardo hissed at her. "Doc's effect! Since Desperado was used in his column, I can add a different card then the one activated from my GY to my hand. I choose needles. I end my turn."
"Looks like she got you well, Ricardo. " Ayame said teasing him. "Is the great hunter unable to catch a small, shy, and scared rabbit?"
"Watch your tongue, Bello, you might lose it. " Ricardo replied at her, threatening her...The scary part is that he was serious. And pissed. "More importantly, you should watch your own back. Your opponent is not a pushover." He said looking at Lex. He knew hard prey when he saw one.
"Oh, don't worry about me. I know exactly what to do to get past his dragon this time." Ayame said with confidence. "So, are you ready to begin?"
"I draw!" Lex declared, ignoring her question. He was not going to waste time. "Since I control no monster, I special summon Photon Thrasher from my hand!" The photon monster wielding a large blade appeared on the field; 2100/0, Level 4, Warrior, LIGHT. "Furthermore, since I control a Photon monster, I special summon Photon Advancer!" Another photon monster appeared on the field next to thrasher; 1000/1000, Level 4, Warrior, LIGHT. "Advancer's effect! Since I control another Photon monster, he gains 1000 attack points!" Advancer raised his arms as his attack went up; 1000-2000.
"2 monsters with 2000 or more attack...You are not planning to-"
"I tribute my 2 monsters to special summon this card from my hand! Come forth, Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!" The 2 monsters broke into particles that then reunited themselves in the shape of a dragon. The particles then dispersed, allowing for the dragon to take their place; 3000/2500, Level 8, Dragon, LIGHT.
"There he goes..." Ayame narrowed her eyes at it, she remembered its effects. "With 3000 attack points, that's quite the heavy beater, and to add up, you didn't even use your normal summon for the turn. What else are you planning?" If there is something about Lex's dueling she remembered, is that he is a tricky one. He fools his opponent to play themselves or help him built up his strategy. But she knew of a good counter for his deck. One she requested herself.
"Since I control a different Galaxy monster than him, I can special summon Shadow Galaxy Dragon from my hand!" The darker version of Galaxy Dragon appeared on the field; 1900/2000, Level 4, Dragon, LIGHT. "Furthermore, since I control a Photon or Galaxy monster, I can special summon Photon Vanisher from my hand!" The Photon monster holding a sniper rifle in its hands appeared; 2000/0, Level 4, Warrior, LIGHT. " Appear! The circuit that lies in the center of the galaxy!" The circuit appeared above the field. "I Link summon using my 2 monsters!" the 2 went into the circuit. "Come forth! The undying sun of space! Galaxy-Eyes Solflare Dragon!" Lex Link monster appeared on the field with a mighty roar; 2000/LINK-2, Dragon, LIGHT, Links: B-L, B-R.
"Extra Net's effect!" Ayame shouted as the card form Yukimo's field glowed."I draw 1 card-"
"Solflare's effect! I add Advancer back to my hand. Then I move to the Battle Phase!" Lex continued, ignoring Ayame. "I use Photon to attack Magical Musketeer Max!" This one caught everyone by surprise. Ayame was unprotected, so he could've attacked her and potentially finish this. So why didn't he?
"Hey! Why are you coming for me?!" Ricardo shouted as he saw the big dragon reading to strike. "Fuck this! I activate the spell card, Magical Musket - Steady Hands, from my hand!" Max was surrounded by a crimson aura as he aimed at the dragon. "My monster's attack is doubled!" 1000-2000.
"Reducing damage? Not bad. I activate the quick-play spell, Photon Trident!" Galaxy-Eyes fired his attack, which took a trident shape, at Max. "My card grants me another 700 attack points, and, also, when it deals damage, I can destroy one spell and trap on the field!" Lex explained then looked at Yukimo. He was doing this to get rid of the field spell and help Ame a bit by lowering Ricardo's resources.
"Since I used the spell in Doc's column-" The attack from Galaxy-Eyes connected, blowing Max away and creating a powerful shockwave which took Ricardo by surprise. "I add Domination from my grave back to my hand!" He continued.
RICARDO: 2300.
"Damn..." The hunter looked at Lex with anger in his eyes.
"Since I dealt you damage, Ricardo, I destroy Extra Net!" Lex declared as the net that was on the field vanished, making Yukimo narrow his eyes. "This should clear some things up." He turned his attention to Yuji. "Listen closely, Yuji. During this duel, even Ame and I are considered your opponents, so be careful with your card effects."
"I understand!" Yuji replied with a stern face, making Lex smile. It seems that his meeting with Rachel has helped him clear his mind more. Now, he is really fighting to save her, and nothing is clouding his mind now.
"I end my turn!" Lex declared.
"I can't believe you ignored me..." Ayame said in annoyance. "If you believe I am just a worthless duelist...then you're wrong." She put her hand on the duel disk. "My turn! I draw!" She drew her card, now standing at 7. "I activate the spell, Shaddoll Burial! Due to its effect, I send Shaddoll Racoon from my hand to the grave to summon Shaddoll Falco in face-down defense position!" A face-down card appeared on her field. "But don't think I am going soft on you. Taking a girl lightly is not recommended. Racoon's effect from my graveyard activates!" A small portal appeared on the ground with strings that grabbed Falco's face-down card. "I flip my Shaddoll face-up, then I target it and reveal one monster in my Extra Deck. This treats Falco as a monster with the revealed monster's attribute and can be treated as 2 materials for a fusion summon."
"Treat him as a different attribute and have him as 2 materials?" Lex muttered as he knew her next moves...but he couldn't predict them fully.
"I reveal the FIRE attribute, El Shaddoll Grysta, to treat Falco as a FIRE monster." As Ayame's monster was flipped up, revealing a falcon-like monster with strings attached to himself, a purple aura appeared around it then shifted to a red one; 600/1400, Level 2, Spellcaster, DARK-FIRE, Tuner, Flip. "Furthermore, Falco's effect activates! I summon Racoon in face-down defense position!" A face-down appeared on her field next to Falco.
"2 monsters out, a solid preparation to fuse, and she still hasn't normal summoned..." Yuji said analyzing Ayame's field and skills, and up to now, he's been impressed by them. Ayame was skilled, no doubt about it. Yukimo held back against Yuji until now, but what will happen now?
"I activate the spell, Emergency Teleport from my hand to special summon Reeshaddoll Wendi!" A monster resembling a young girl with a slim body and blonde hair with purple and green details, a scepter in hand, wearing short pants with a large blueish cloth extending behind her and top decorated with gold details along with long gloves on her hands extending to her elbows, and 2 pieces of purple cloth on her shoulders appeared; 1500/1000, Level 3, Psychic, WIN, Flip.
"Reeshaddoll?!" Lex was surprised by Ayame's monster. Never has he heard of such a card before, so that must've meant that..." You guys made your own cards..." He said staring at Ayame.
Ayame giggled as she saw his expression. "Careful where you point that gaze, honey, your girlfriend might get jealous." Classic Ayame. She just loves teasing people like that. "But yes, we do. Now, shall we continue with the duel? I normal summon Shaddoll Hound." A hound-like monster tied with strings appeared on the field; 1600/900, Level 4, Spellcaster, DARK, Flip. "Appear! My obscure circuit!" The circuit appeared. "I set Wendi and Hound in the Link Marker zones!" Her 2 monsters flew in the circuit and 2 arrows lit up. "Link Summon! Appear, Shaddoll Construct!" The monster resembling El Shaddoll Construct, but smaller, and asleep in a yellow-glowing compartment appeared; 1200/LINK-2, Spellcaster, LIGHT, Links: R, L.
"Wait a minute..." Ame looked at Ayame's monster and noticed its links. "Aren't those links useless?"
"For the sake God, Conejo. " Ricardo said hearing her. "You really shouldn't judge a book by its covers. Especially Bello over here!" He pointed at Ayame with his thump. "She as tricky and freaky as they get"
"Care to explain what you mean by freaky?" Ayame asked as her ears caught wind of Ricardo's words.
"Ayame! Ricardo!" Yukimo raised his voice at them. "Keep focus"
"Yes..." Ayame replied while Ricardo simply smirked and returned to facing Ame. "I activate my Construct's effect! I use it along with Naelshaddoll Ariel in my hand to fusion summon!" As her 2 monsters went inside a vortex of light which appeared on the field, she chanted. "The master pulling the strings of the shadows! Descend now as your strings engulf the fluid waters. Fusion summon! Arise, El Shaddoll Anoyatyllis!" A new Shaddoll fusion monster made its appearance. This one looked like Construct as well, but its body was covered in some kind of dress similar to fish details on it and it was holdings its strings tighter; 2700/2000, Level 9, Fiend, WATER.
"A WATER El Shaddoll?" Lex muttered looking at it, then he brought forth a small screen to read its effects. "I see. So that's your aim!" He exclaimed as he looked at Ayame, but the girl only smirked at him.
"Indeed. Now, I send my Shaddoll Beast from my hand to the grave to recover my Link monster." Her monster reappeared on the field in the zone right underneath Anoyatyllis. "And since Beast was sent to the graveyard by a card effect, I draw 1 card." She drew her card then resumed her plays. "I activate the spell, Shaddoll Fusion! With it, I fuse Falco which is treated as 2 materials to summon a new Shaddoll from my Extra Deck!" As Falco swirled in a vortex of light, she chanted. "The master pulling the strings of shadows! Descend now as your strings tame the wildfires. Fusion summon! Arise, El Shaddoll Grysta!" another Shaddoll fusion appeared. This one was covered in golden armor with strange colored orbs at its joins and wings made out of strings and flames;2450/1950, Level 7, Rock, FIRE.
"Oh hell!" Lex noticed. "You sly little..."
"It seems you noticed. This is a lock-down move." Ayame said and pointed at her WATER fusion. "Due to Anoyatyllis' effect, neither of us can special summon from our hands or graves using spell and trap card effects!" She pointed at her FIRE fusion. "Then, thanks to Grysta, I can negate a special summon once per turn, destroy it, and send a card form my hand to the grave."
"So she limited our abilities to special summon and set up a negation for one?" Ame said looking at their situation. "But that's-"
"Not fair?" Yukimo said assuming that's what Ame was about to say. "This is not just a game anymore, foolish girl, this is war. And in war, everything is fair."
"Even taking Rachel as hostage?!" Yuji shouted at him, making Yukimo focus on him once more. "You guys lied to her! Turned her against her own friends! And for what? What do you hope to achieve by doing all this?!"
The 3 exchanged looks among themselves. "I suppose there is no harm in telling you..." Yukimo said, making Ame, Lex, and Yuji tense up and listen carefully. "We wish to create a new world..."
AND THERE! Finally! This one took me a bit, but I did it! It is quite the large one since this is one of the main events I had cooked up. But it turned out well if I do say so myself. I hope you all enjoy this.
Review, Follow, Favorite.
Bloodfiend out.