Chapter 28: Joining the Lancers
The time was late in the afternoon, and the doors opened, revealing the group while some people were injured, and some had no injuries in the slightest. Some of them had miserable looks on their features while the others wore a serious yet neutral demeanor.
They pay no attention to the cheers for their return. No, they didn't even acknowledge it because of what they had just been through, mainly what Yuya had been through.
He remembered the events that led up to this.
_One Hour Ago_
Reiji informed the group who hasn't been aware of the real purpose of the Battle Royale. But Yuya wasn't listening to his explanation as he pressed Yuzu for more answers about Naomi's disappearance.
"Yuzu, what do you mean, Naomi just disappeared?! How can she just have disappeared out of thin air!" Yuya pressed for answers. Yuzu flinched by the hostility in his voice.
"Naomi-chan was right next to me when two people from Academia whose names were Akemi and Yuri showed up. When they did, wanting to duel us so they can take us to Academia. The next thing that happened was she just fell through a portal," Yuzu answered she explained even further about she tried to grab Naomi's hands but was too late when Naomi fell through. The portal closing behind Naomi as soon as she went to the other side.
Serena and Yuki both narrow their eyes at the information. Serena's reason was because of Yuri and Akemi is capturing people who share the same face as her and Akemi. She speculates that they must have done the same thing to Ruri. Yuki had the same thought as Serena but more about the part about Naomi teleporting through a portal instead of leaving in a speck of dust just like she did eight years ago. When she was sent back to the Xyz Dimension.
When Yuki came to this conclusion, she opened her mouth and informed the group.
"I would have to guess this portal must have transported Naomi to another dimension maybe Akemi must have been the cause since she was there when it happened. Therefore, it is likely to assume that Akemi teleported her to the straight to Academia. Although I am not entirely sure if that's the case, I do know for sure is Naomi is no longer in this dimension."
Shocks were rung through the group exclusively to the people close to the girl. Yuzu felt tears swell up because of her uselessness. If only she had just reacted fast enough to grab her friend and pull her away from the portal. Then she wouldn't be in the enemies' hands. She was there. She could have prevented this?!
So why isn't Naomi here with them?!
Why did she react so slowly?!
Yuzu kept scolding herself for her actions. Gongenzaka provides comfort and gives reassuring words to Yuzu. They only cheered her up slightly but not entirely.
Yet there was one person who was taking the news harder than her. Yuya stood in place as the Yuki's words kept ringing in his head. They were continuously repeating as if they were taunting him for his failure. When he came to the realization that Naomi is no longer in the same dimension as him. The tears start to overflow Yuya showed to everyone that he was crying. He didn't even bother covering his eyes with his signature goggles. He just left them flow.
"N-No... Naomi is gone," Yuya whispered.
He started to fall on the ground, landing on his knees. He then started to punch the ground repeatedly, not caring if his fist becomes bruised. And if it wasn't for Yuzu, who pulls his hand away, then it might have been covered in blood.
He felt anguish, sorrow, and grief dwell in his chest. He couldn't protect her, that's why Naomi's gone because he couldn't protect her...
He failed her.
It's all his fault what Yuya thought. He repeated it over and over again for that, it sinks into his brain. He was about to go into despair if it wasn't for someone's voice.
"In a war, lives will be lost. The strong will survive to avenge those who have fallen in the battlefield," Reiji stated. His words caused some others to look at the male with anger. While others knew his words hold some truth but didn't voice them out loud due to the rising tension in the atmosphere.
Yuya started to tremble as he rose back on his feet. His pupils briefly started to shine a red light, "stop screwing around. If you haven't made us fight then, everyone would still be here. Naomi wouldn't be in another dimension," Yuya growled. "Give her and everyone else back, REIJI AKABA!"
Yuya ran up the older male with his fist raised ready to strike at Reiji, only for him to catch his fist. Yuya jumped back, ready to hit Reiji again, and this time actually strikes him. However, Gongenzaka and Yuzu pulled him back. "Calm down Yuya! You're a duelist remember if you want to make him repent, then use your deck, not your fists," Gongenzaka shouted, not letting Yuya go until he calmed down. Yuya pushes Gongenzaka harshly, surprising him back Yuya's actions.
"I will make you kneel for what you did to them! Prepare yourself, Reiji Akaba!" Yuya threatened, glaring at Reiji with anger and hatred in his eyes. "Very well. If I do lose, then I will repent for my actions," Reiji agreed and with the snap of his fingers. The whole area changed into somewhere that was familiar in Yuki and Shun's eyes.
"Heartland. Why this field again, Reiji-kun?!" Yuki questioned "to let you all know why I decided to create the Lancers. To let each of you know your missions, to make sure the rest of the dimensions doesn't end up like this one did," Reiji answered. Yuki clenched her fist tight at his answer.
She knew Reiji was creating a plan to fight against Academia, which involves using the tournament to see who qualifies to become a Lancer. But there were too many casualties during this Battle Royale. In comparison, they were small compared to what happened in Heartland. Despite the fact, it didn't make the situation better. Before Yuki could say anything, a voice stops her from doing so.
"I won't let you keep doing as you please! Let's start Reiji!" Yuya shouted. What made Yuki pause was that she saw Yuto's figure superimposed with Yuya's. When she shook her head Yuto's figure disappeared entirely.
Back to the duel, both males activated their duel disks.
Reiji vs Yuya; Each 4000 LP; H:5 Each
Turn 1
H:5
"I will take the first turn!" Yuya yelled, taking two cards out of his hand.
"I set Scale 2-Entermate Gongato and Scale 9-Entermate Fluffy Sheep on the Pendulum Scale! Sway! Pendulum of the soul! Draw an arc of light across the aether! Pendulum Summon! Come forth! My monsters! "Yuya shouted, summoning his monsters.
"Trump Girl, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Entermate Longphone Bull!"
Earth/Level 4/Beast/Effect/ATK 1600/DEF 1200
Yuya added an Entermate Monster to his hand via Longphone Bull's effect.
T.G: Dark/Level 2/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 200/DEF 200/P.S:4
O.E.P.D: Dark/Level 7/Dragon/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 2500/DEF 2000/P.S:4
"I use Entermate Trump Girl's effect to fuse monsters I control as material! I fuse her and Odd-Eyes together! Dragon of dual-colored eyes! Become one with the small magician and revive as a new race! Fusion Summon! Come forth! Level 8! Entermate Gatling Ghoul!"
Yuya summoned a male wearing a suit, it was equipped with a machine gun-like cannon.
Dark/Level 8/Fiend/Fusion/Effect/ATK 2900/DEF 900
"I activate its effect to inflict 200 damage to you for each card on the field! There is four cards, so you take 800 damage!" Yuya shouted, Gatling Ghoul shot four bullets towards Reiji who winced at the damage he took.
Reiji:4000-800=3200 LP
"Yuya inflicted 800 damage to Reiji's LP" Yuzu commented, but then saw a green aura surrounded Reiji.
Reiji:3200+800=4000 LP
"How did you regain LP" Yuya asked but then saw a monster on Reiji's field. "It must be due to that's monster's effect, right."
"Yes, you are correct when I take effect damage. I can Special Summon D/D/D Leonidas from my hand and regain LP equal to the effect damage I took this turn. When this card is on the field, I take no effect damage" Reiji explained.
Dark/Level 7/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 2609/DEF 1200/P.S:3
D/D/D Leonidas was on his field in Defense Position, but Reiji wasn't concerned since Yuya couldn't attack on the first turn anyway. Even if he did he wouldn't take any damage.
Yuya grit his teeth in frustration he ends his turn angered he couldn't inflict any damage to Reiji this turn.
"Reiji has a monster on his field, so he has an advantage when his turn comes" Yuki stated "but Yuya still has Gatling Ghoul on his field" Gongenzaka reminded the black-haired female only for her to not respond to his words.
Turn 2
H:4-5
"My turn! Draw!" Reiji said, drawing his card, increasing his hand size.
"I set Scale 1-D/D Ark on my Pendulum Scale. Now I activate Ark's Pendulum Effect to destroy this card and a card you control!" Reiji shouted, he destroys Longphone Bull in an explosion as Ark was destroyed in the same fashion.
"Now I set Scale 4-D/D/D Doom King Armageddon and Scale 10-D/D Savant Newton on my Pendulum Scale! I can simultaneously summon monsters whose is Leve 5 through 9! Grand power that shaken my very soul, arise within me and give birth to a new light that rends the darkness! Pendulum Summon! Come before me, my monster!" Reiji yelled, he summoned D/D Vice Typhoon.
Dark/Level 7/Fiend/Effect/ATK 2300/DEF 2800
"Two Level 7 Monsters" Yuya muttered, preparing himself for Reiji's next move.
"I Overlay my Level 7 D/D Vice Typhoon and D/D/D Rebel King Leonidas! Great King of the legends! Descend at this fallen world and revive! Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 7 D/D/D Bright King Arthur!" Reiji shouted, he summoned a king wearing golden armor with a symbol that was a shape of a sword with wings attached to it. He wielded a holy sword in his hands.
Dark/Rank 7/Fiend/Xyz/Effect/ATK 3000/DEF 2800/OU:2
"I activate Arthur's effect, by detaching an Overlay Unit all card effects you control have their effects negated!"
Arthur swung his sword and created a stream of light to paralyze everything that was on Yuya's field, as the youth clicked his teeth.
"Battle! D/D/D Bright King Arthur attack Entermate Gatling Ghoul!" Reiji demanded, Bright Arthur slashed Gatling Ghoul in half and slashed the weapon causing explosions to emit in the field causing destruction in the city. Yuya skidded back from the attack.
Yuya:4000-100=3900 LP
"Arthur can attack twice! Now attack my opponent directly!"
Arthur appeared before Yuya and slashed him, the Entermate duelist was sent flying into a building. Everyone who was associated with Yuya called out him name in concern and worried for the boy's condition.
Yuya:3900-3000=900 LP
"Darling has only 900 LP left?!" Mieru exclaimed, her eyes widened as she was concern for Yuya.
"With that I end my turn" Reiji concludes his turn with a grin on his face. "Is that all you can do? I'm disappointed in you Yuya Sakaki! Aren't you going to make me kneel for my actions for everyone who has fallen in battle" Reiji taunted, his words made Yuya grit his teeth hard.
"Shut up" Yuya muttered, getting up and barely standing on his feet after being sent flying into a building.
"It's my turn" Yuya draws his card and wonders what can he do to stall until the card he wants to draw gets in his hand. He looked at the card he added due to Longphone Bull's effect as an idea swarm in his mind.
Turn 3
H:1-2
"I summon Entermate Turntrooper" Yuya summoned, a gray knight with two arrows facing away from each other, he had a small clock on his shoulder.
Light/Level 4/Warrior/Effect/ATK 1200/DEF 1200
"I am going into my Battle Phase" Yuya announced. His action almost confused everyone.
"Why? When Turntrooper is in Defense Position?" Yuzu questioned, she then saw one of the arrows that was on Turntrooper glow a red color. "It's because he wanted Turntrooper to gain a counter so he can use its effects" Yuki explained with narrowed eyes.
"I'm disappointed in you, Pioneer of Pendulum Summon" Reiji stated, Yuya ends his turn.
Reiji draws his card and glanced at a familiar card he had just drawn.
Turn 4
H:1-2
"I set this card" Reiji set his card, and went into his battle phase. "Arthur attack Turntrooper!"
Arthur creates a slashing wave towards the knight, but an arrow stopped the wave.
"I activate Turntrooper's effect to negate your attack!" Yuya shouted, "however I can attack again" Reiji reminded Arthur, slashed Turntrooper in half, however since Turntrooper was in Defense Position, Yuya didn't take any battle damage.
Yuki notices that Yuya could have played his last move better if he chose a better monster to add to his hand due to Longphone Bull. "If he doesn't want to lose this duel then he is going to need to step up his game" Yuki muttered, observing the field. Yuya is too emotional to play correctly, and it's affecting the way he is dueling against Reiji. Regardless she has no room to talk when it comes to being wrapped up in emotions affecting a duelist strategy. However, in her case, she still plays her cards correctly even though she wasn't emotionally stable multiple times. It was because of her experience when it comes to that specific matter that she knows if Yuya does not get his act together, then he will lose the duel.
"Now I activate Arthur's effect by detaching an Overlay Unit all card effects you control" Reiji once again negated card effects in Yuya's Pendulum Zones. "Why is he activating his monster effect when his battle phase is over?" Serena asked, "he wants to use one of his monsters' effects when its sent to the Graveyard" Shun answered, recalling that during his duel with Reiji, the latter sent some cards in the Graveyard to activate their effects.
"I activate D/D Vice Typhon effect when it's sent to the Graveyard. I can Fusion Summon by banishing monsters in my Graveyard! I banish D/D/D Rebel King Leonidas and Vice Typhon" Reiji chanted, his monsters swirled in a vortex.
"The rebellious king who watches over the future of this chaotic world! Drink the tears away by time, and become a dragon slaying hero! Fusion Summon! Be born! Level 8! D/D/D Cruel Dragon King Beowulf!"
Dark/Level 8/Fiend/Fusion/Effect/ATK 3000/DEF 2500
A werewolf wearing dark royal clothing appeared on Reiji's field.
"With that, I end my turn" Reiji pushed his glasses up as he kept the same smirk on his face.
"If you are still controlled by your emotions, then you won't be able to defeat Academia. They are unnecessary in our fight against them since Academia is trained by Leo Akaba to abandon all emotions and to show no mercy to their enemies especially if they are a child, elderly, or non-duelist. Just like they did with Heartland when they played their little hunting games and obliterated the Xyz Dimension to a pile of dust."
Yuki and Shun both glared at Reiji's last comment while on the other hand, Serena looked down ashamed that she once admire duelists from her dimension because of their 'heroic' actions against the Xyz Dimension. And now, since she knows the truth, she feels foolish.
"We are nothing like Academia!" Yuya protested, "of course we are going to lose ourselves to our emotions! It what makes us human! Everyone that was fighting was human with their own hearts. They fought the best they could against Academia. Naomi did too" Yuya said, his head hanged low.
"Yuya/Darling" Yuzu and Mieru whispered, there was a hint of sadness in their tone.
"When I was younger, Naomi has always been by my side even when my father disappeared and people were calling him a coward, and calling me the son's coward she was still there" Yuya recalled, "she was going through her own problems but still help me with mines. She the one that gave me the courage to ignore all the hate, the sneers that were thrown at me. She supported me, cheered for me and helped me when I needed it the most. Just her presence made me feel like I can do anything. I can make my dreams come true."
"That I can change for the better."
Yuya draw his card and glanced at what he just drew.
Turn 5
H:1-2
"I activate the Spell Card 'Pendulum's Draw' with this card I can draw cards equal to the Levels of Monsters in my Pendulum Zone. The combines Levels is 4, so I draw four cards!" Yuya draws his cards and glance at a particular card in his hand.
"With my current Pendulum Scale, I will Pendulum Summon! Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon!"
O. .D: Dark/Level 7/Dragon/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 2500/DEF 2000/P.S:4
Both odd-eyes dragon with different colored scales started to roar.
"Then with my Level 7 Odd-Eyes Pendulum and Phantom Dragon, I will overlay!" Yuya shouted, both of his dragons went into the network.
"Dragon with beautiful dichromatic eyes, be reborn within the deepest pits of hell's fire and revive! Xyz Summon! Rank 7! Odd-Eyes Blazing Dragon!"
A black scaled odd-eyes dragon with red spikes appeared on Yuya's field.
Fire/Rank 7/Dragon/Xyz/Effect/ATK 2800/DEF 2500/OU:2
"H-H-H-He h-h-h-h-has an Xyz M-M-M-Monster?!"Shingo stuttered, shivering some more.
"Reiji still has two monsters who ATKs are 3000 each" Dennis said, with sweat running down his temple.
"Battle! Odd-Eyes Blazing Dragon attack D/D/D Bright King Arthur!" Yuya declared, Odd-Eyes charged up a black and red blast towards the Bright King.
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell 'Odd-Eyes Spirit' due to its effect I can excavate three cards from my Deck. If any of them are Monsters with 'Odd-Eyes' in their name then they are added to my hand. Also, Odd-Eyes Blazing Dragon gains ATK equal to the excavated monster's ATK!" Yuya added, quickly drawing his three cards and spotted a monster he has never seen before and two familiar cards.
(O.E.A.D:Dark/Level 8/Dragon/Effect/ATK 3000/DEF 2500)
"I draw Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon! So Blazing gains 3000 ATK! Now attack Blazing! Burning Force! "
O.E.B.D:2800+3000=5800 ATK
Odd-Eyes Blazing Dragon blasted its dual-colored blast towards the knight. Arthur tried to block it with his sword but found himself to be overpowered. "I activate Arthur's effect-"Reiji said before being interrupted by a shout.
"Don't even think about it! I activate the Trap Card 'Dragon's Chain' from my Graveyard when I control a Dragon-Type monster, by banishing this card, monsters you currently control cannot activate their effects!" Yuya shouted, Odd-Eyes' attack continued, incinerating the once bright king to a pile of ash.
Reiji activated his set card as a shield to protect him from the impact of the blast.
When the shield cracked, Reiji still stood perfectly okay from the attack.
"I used the same card from our last battle. 'D/D Human Salvation' to reduce the Battle Damage to 0" Reiji mentioned. Still, the Entermate Duelist didn't pay no mind to his words.
"Odd-Eyes Blazing Dragon's effect activates it destroys a monster by battle! You take damage equal to Arthur's ATK! Take 3000 damage, Reiji Akaba!" Yuya roared, the dual-colored Xyz Dragon blasted another flame towards Reiji who skidded back from the impact of the blast, and his clothing gain cuts and burn marks.
Reiji:4000-3000=1000 LP
Reiji stood up, and added a D/D/D Supersight King Zero Maxwell due to Arthur's effect when it leaves the field.
(K.Z.M: Dark/Level 7/Fiend/Effect/ATK 2800/DEF 2500)
Yuya starts to look back on the memories he had with Naomi. The good times for instance when they were on their date during the carnival he fully enjoyed. There was some bad when it came to the Pendulum Situation and when they couldn't see each other during the Championship.
Nevertheless, during her match against Umi and Izumi which resulted in her win. He was proud of her when he learned that Naomi was changing herself to become a newer and stronger person. He wanted to do the same thing.
The memories made him have tears in his eyes, but he blinked them away before they could fall. "It was because of Naomi that I was able to share Pendulum Summon. It thanks to her I was able to achieve this power. Because I saw her doing her best to follow a new ideal, to become a new person, and to become stronger," Yuya confessed as he ends his turn.
Reiji stand up on his feet, he still had his smirk. "So, it was your feelings towards Naomi Kobiyashi that you obtained Pendulum Xyz but I also figure that wasn't just the case. It must either be due to Yuki Shimizu who is from the Xyz Dimension that taught her how to Xyz Summon. She transferred that power onto you" Reiji speculated, "or it could be from that person who duel Sora Shiunin that night and was never seen again. Yuto, right."
Shun, Yuki, Yuzu, and Yuya reacted when Reiji's said Yuto's name.
"Well, that matter can be discussed later. Now it's my turn!" Reiji announced, drawing his card.
Turn 6
H:2-3
"I Pendulum Summon Supersight King Zero Maxwell from my hand!" Reiji summoned, the monster he added via Arthur's effect.
Then he activated one of his cards. "I activate the Spell Card 'D/D Kings Rule' now all monsters you control are changed to Defense Position!"
The card had a picture of Arthur on his throne with multiple people who were bowing on his feet was shown. Odd-Eyes Blazing Dragon sudden felt pushed to the ground forcing the monster to kneel down.
"Now I activate Beowulf effect to destroy all Spell and Trap Cards on the field. Which also including cards in our Pendulum Zone as well. Now Supersight King Zero Maxwell attack Odd-Eyes Blazing Dragon!" Reiji shouted, the canon like monster blasted a stream of darkness towards the kneeling monster.
"When Supersight King Zero Maxwell attacks a Defense Position Monster, it can deal piercing battle damage. So don't think you are getting out of this duel unharmed!" Reiji yelled, Yuya quickly activated a card from his Graveyard.
"I don't think so, I banish the Trap Card 'Odd-Eyes Burst' so Blazing cannot be destroyed by battle! Also, I send Entermate Inflater Tapir to the Graveyard to reduce the Battle Damage to 0!" A transparent purple like monster covered Yuya's field shielding them from the blast.
"Now I attack with Beowulf, and I banish 'King's Rule' so Beowulf can also inflict piercing battle damage!" Reiji declared another attack, Beowulf went to the other side of the field, as was prepared to slash the dual-eyed dragon in halve with its claws.
"I send Odd-Eyes Barrier Dragon to the Graveyard to reduce the Battle Damage to 0!" Yuya shouted, "now I activate Blazing's effect by detaching an Overlay Unit I can Special Summon an Odd-Eyes Monster to my field to end the Battle Phase! Appear Barrier Dragon!"
Yuya summoned a yellow dual-colored eyes dragon that was smaller than his ace monster to his field.
Light/Level 4/Dragon/Effect/ATK 1200/DEF 1600
Reiji ends his turn with a sigh. "You manage to survive this turn however, when my turn comes again that's when you will lose and join the Lancers."
"I already told you I have no intention to join your group!" Yuya shouted with a glare on his face "even if it's to save Naomi Kobiyashi" Reiji said, his words cause Yuya's glare to soften. "She was indeed teleported to another dimension. But the odds that she can either be in the Fusion Dimension where Academia resides, the Xyz Dimension, or even the Synchro Dimension is slim. However, regardless you would give up the chance to even save her" Reiji remarked, his words cause Yuya to grit his teeth in anger. Yuzu couldn't take it anymore and yelled out her own frustrations "shut up Reiji! You have no idea what Yuya could be feeling right now!" Yuzu shouted "he cares about Naomi, so that's why he is acting this because someone precious to him has been taken away. You don't have any idea what that's like!"
Reiji nearly reacted by Yuzu's words, but he regains his composure to show that her words didn't faze him in the slightest.
"Now it's your turn, Yuya Sakaki! Show me the power you have obtained by this bond of yours!" Reiji declared, Yuya glare at the CEO once more.
"That's what I planned to do! My turn! Draw!" Yuya draw his card with so much force.
Turn 7
H:1-2
"I have to win for Yuto and Naomi's sake" Yuya stated in his mind. He saw a more ferocious monster than Blazing Dragon and a monster that resemble Odd-Eyes Dragon. He picked a card out of his hand and activated it.
"I activate the Spell Card 'Monster Reborn' to Special Summon Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Come with your majestic yet beautiful dichromatic eyes, Odd-Eyes!" Yuya summoned his ace monster to the field. Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon started to crack confusing everyone by its actions.
"I can Advance Summon this card by using a Level 5 or higher Monster I control! Powerful dragon with courageous dichromatic eyes! Descend! Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon!"
When Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon finished shedding its skin. A red-scaled Odd-Eyes Dragon appeared, however, this monster seemed bigger than the Pendulum Dragon and it has large and broad wings.
Dark/Level 8/Dragon/Effect/ATK 3000/DEF 2500
"I activate Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon's effect when its Advance Summoned, I destroy Beowulf and you take 3000 damage! You have lost Reiji Akaba! Reaction Blast!" Yuya shouted. The recently advanced dragon blasted a red-colored blast towards Reiji causing smoke and fire to spread across the field.
No one could see if Reiji survived the blast or if he was still in the duel. "So did Yuya's effect go through?" Gongenzaka asked, only to hear someone laughing. The source of the laughter came from Reiji who seemed unharmed from the blast.
"How did you survive! Don't tell me you activated another card effect!" Yuya assumed, when he saw a smirk on Reiji's face indicating that he was correct about his assumption.
"I activated D/D Centaurs' effect to reduce any effect damage I take this turn to 0" Reiji revealed why he was still in the duel.
Yuya clicked his teeth and clenched his fist tight, but he was still determined to finish Reiji off this turn.
"Using Odd-Eyes Blazing Dragon as material! I will construct the Overlay Network!" Yuya used his monster as material as the network appeared above him.
"He can perform a Rank-Up without having to use a Spell Card?!" Yuki exclaimed in surprise he was able to perform a move that was common in her dimension but seemed somewhat rare in this dimension.
"Dragon with strong different colored eyes! From the deepest pits of the hottest flames, gain strength from the ground and rise up in your glory! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Rank 8! Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon!" Yuya chanted, a pillar of fire rain down from the network.
When the pillar stopped, a medium-size dragon with black and red scales. Whose claws were black and sharp. Its snout was large enough as it showed its sharp teeth that look dangerous to devour all that stands in its way. Finally, it has red and green eyes that glowed when it arrived on the field.
Fire/Rank 8/Dragon/Xyz/Effect/ATK 3000/DEF 2800/OU:1
"I activate Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon's effect, by detaching an Overlay Unit Zero Maxwell has its effect negated and has its ATK and DEF changed to 0!" Yuya activated his new monster's effect.
Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon blasted dark chains towards the different dimension demon, binding it and preventing the monster from moving.
"Battle! Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon attack D/D/D Supersight King Zero Maxwell! Hellblaze Spiral!"
Just like the other dual-colored eyes dragons, the Rank 8 monster blasted a different colored blast towards the bound monster. Its blast incinerates the grass and the building structure as it force caused everybody except Reiji to back away to not get their clothes burnt by the blast.
Reiji quickly banished his Trap Card from the Graveyard to end the battle. His actions made Flaming Dragon stop its attack.
"You banished the Trap Card 'D/D Human Salvation' to end the Battle Phase when it's in the Graveyard" Yuya suspected since it was the same tactic that was used in his previous battle against Reiji.
"You are correct again. But now since your Battle Phase is over and you don't have any cards in your hand to set. You end your turn, right," Reiji stated, his eyes had a cold look that nearly made Yuya flinch, but he still remains his ground.
"I...end my turn" Yuya concluded his then reluctantly. The others became worried about him.
"Darling can still turn this duel around he has a monster whose ATK is 3000" Mieru reassured. "However, Reiji can still summon a monster that can easily overpower Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon" Serena commented.
"It's time to end this pointless duel!" Reiji announced, drawing his card.
Turn 8
H:0-1
"I activate the Spell Card 'D/D King's Gift' to draw two cards from my hand. Then I activate the Continuous Spell Card 'Dark Contract with the Entities', and now I banish D/D Centaurus from my Graveyard to activates its effects. I can Fusion Summon by using monsters in my Graveyard or in my banish zones as well! So I fuse D/D/D Bright King Arthur and Rebel King Leonidas!" Reiji said, his monsters swirled in a vortex.
"Crush the king that descends on the fallen world, and with the force of the rule breaking legend. Open up a new world! Fusion Summon! Come before me, autocratic god of limits! D/D/D Wave Destruction King-Kaiser Ragnarok!"
Sitting on a throne was a different dimension demon that had an ominous aura behind it.
Dark/Level 10/Fiend/Fusion/Effect/ATK 3200/DEF 3000
"A Fusion Summon using banished monsters as material?!" Dennis gasped "he's amazing right as expected of the CEO of Leo Corporation" Eijirou stated with a nervous grin on his face.
"'Due to Dark Contract with the Entities,' I gain 1000 LP" Reiji added, a green light rain down on him restoring his LP to 2000.
"Battle! Wave Destruction King-Kaiser Ragnarok attack Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon! Now I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card 'Demons' Sublimation' so you cannot activate card or effects until the End Phase!"
Multiple lights came out of the card, as each of them binds Yuya's dragon in place, preventing the monster from moving. Yuya felt as if Reiji was getting back at him from what he did similar in his previous turn.
"Now I target my Continuous Spell to return back to hand so that I can equip Odd-Eyes Barrier Dragon to this card. In addition, Kaiser Ragnarok gains ATK equal to the monster equipped to him" Reiji explained, Kaiser Ragnarok's chains grabbed the yellow dragon and crushing it as the king powered up tremendously by the crushed dragon's ATK.
Kaiser Ragnarok:3200+1200=4400 ATK
"4,400 ATK if that attack connects Yuya will lose" Gongenzaka shouted as accurate his words were, Yuya now realizes that he couldn't activate his effects from the Graveyard because of Reiji's Spell Card and because of the requirements to activate his Trap Card Chromatic Healing.
"DAMN IT!" Yuya shouted, when Kaiser Ragnarok attack connected with Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon, destroying the monster with multiple punches and sending it flying into a building. The shockwaves caused Yuya to get sent flying too in the process.
Yuya:900-1400=0 LP
"YUYA!" Yuzu shouted, limping towards the injured duelist. He didn't want to look at Yuzu's face. He was too ashamed of himself to even face her, Gongenzaka, and everyone else in You Show waiting for them to return. This time he cries tears of frustration. He just looks at the ground below him.
The field disappeared, returning the area back to its original spot. The sun was setting behind the scene. Reiji turns his attention back to the group.
"Like I stated before you are the Lancers I have chosen not because you survived, but you have the potential to defeat Academia. Some of you have combat experience which will be useful during this tough battle and expertise in medical field to provide treatment for the injured. Finally, your skills can be polished even further with Pendulum Summon" Reiji announced. "All of those skills are needed when we cross Dimensions and gather allies in our fight against Academia."
Reiji adds about them receiving medical attention when they return back to the stadium, including Mieru and they will need a day to recover. Half the day to train their skills at LDS.
With those words the group follows after him with Gongenzaka helping Yuya on his feet when he noticed Yuya was still in his spot not moving a single inch. He also aids Yuzu when she continues to have a limp in her step. Gongenzaka knows his two friends are going to need all the help they can get before they depart or else, they will be in trouble. He doesn't want to lose his friends or new comrades due to his inability to help them. Gongenzaka will become stronger as well.
_Flashback Ends_
Yuya wiped his eyes to make sure no tears were forming. He didn't pay any attention to the crowd, but he kept an ear out for the crowd's reactions towards the events that occurred during the Battle Royale as well as the mention of other dimensions besides the one he resides in. He feels anger when he saw Michio and Teppei dueling against Kori and losing the duel. And another person who seemed older than him losing his duel and being in a worse state than Shingo. He actually turns into an ice sculpture.
Yuya became more enraged when he realized all of the events during the Battle Royale had been recorded meaning Reiji could have stopped the Battle Royale at any time but choose not to.
Yuya became more aware and grew more suspicious of Reiji. He has no choice but to trust Reiji if he wants to save Naomi. Because right now he's not strong enough. He needs to become even stronger than ever.
After Reiji and Himika announce the Lancers to the Stadium. They had to be admitted to LDS hospital for the injuries they received prior. Yuya, Gongenzaka, and Yuzu were in the same room as they each glance at the bandages they had. Gongenzaka didn't have any bruises, but the hospital staff wanted to make sure before they give the okay for him to withdraw from the hospital. Yuya had a bandage around his right wrist because he had got second-degree burns from the flame whip wrapping around his wrist that sent him flying into Sora during the Battle Royale. He couldn't use his right wrist for the time being until he was somewhat healed. Yet his wounds were small in comparison to Yuzu. She had bandages around her cheeks, arms, stomach, and legs to prevent any discomfort to the areas where she received third-degree burns. She had to take shots to prevent the numbness in her nerves from spreading through her body.
Other than that, she just felt extremely exhausted. She was about to sleep in her bed until she heard a commotion outside her hospital room.
"Can I see my daughter?!" Shuzo shouts at one of the nurses wanting to visit Yuzu as soon as possible. When he saw the wounds, she had all he wanted to do was to frantically check to see was she alright. Obviously, she clearly wasn't, but he still wanted to see for himself.
Yuki step outside her hospital room to check out the noise coming from the hallway. Wondering what was all the noise about until she spots the You Show group. Yuki remembers Naomi's message of the people she greets and how she greets them they were the first on the list. She even recalls her counterpart mentioning how each of them acts.
Yuki decides whether or not to go over there before Shuzo caused a massive commotion in the hospital. She finally comes to a decision and walks over to the group ignoring how they mistake her for Naomi. She quickly clears the misunderstanding and informs them about their beloved ones.
"Your daughter is going to have to stay overnight because of the injuries she has received from the Battle Royale. You can still see her, but she just had been injected with the drug that will make her very tired, however, since you are her parent you have permission to stay."
Yuki guides the group to Yuzu's, Yuya's, and Gongenzaka's room. By the time she opens the door, Shuzo runs past her and heads towards his daughter. Nearly embracing her in his arms but was mindful of her bandages. Yoko does the same thing to Yuya and is glad that he's not carded or turned into an ice statue.
Futoshi, Ayu, and Tatsuya go to Gongenzaka and nearly cries in relief when they see their older brother figure wasn't harmed, unlike their other two mentors. Yuki holds in the urge to crack a small smile at the fond scene in front of her. Before she was about to head towards her room, she flinches when she felt a woman with shoulder-length green hair and purple eyes holding her by the arm gently.
Yuki comes face to face with Naomi's mother, Chou Kobiyashi. When the woman sees her face, her expression immediately falters.
"You are not my daughter. Correct," Chou manages to get her words out. Her throat seems dry for some reason, and she feels her eyes burning, but she holds herself together.
"Yes, mam. My name is Yuki Shimizu, someone who has the same face as your daughter," Yuki replied. Chou takes her hand off of Yuki's arm and apologizes if she hurt her in any way. Yet Yuki feels like she would be saying those words for causing this woman so much grief. If only she had just taken Naomi and Yuzu with her, then Yuzu wouldn't have those injuries, and Naomi would still be in her dimension.
But fate had other plans. All Yuki can do is give the You Show group some privacy and heads back to her room to retrieve Naomi's clothes and hands them back to Chou. Yet before she can do that, she sees Chou running in the hallway heading towards the elevator. It made her wonder what occurred in the other hospital room that would make Chou run out like that.
To satisfy her curiosity, Yuki follows behind Chou holding Naomi's clothes in her arms as she was unaware of another person following them.
Minutes later, Chou steps out of the elevator and heads up the stairs. She reached for the door and opened it, and the first sight that hits her was the sky whose colors were orange and dark blue. The moon was about to come out, and the sun was setting in the near distance. Slowly one by one, the stars appear in the vast sky.
Chou walks over to one of the benches and sits down, recalling what just happened in the hospital room after Yuki left.
_Flashback_
Chou didn't fully close the door after Yuki just left. She left it cracked open but not too wide, so there wouldn't be any nosy people around.
Chou turns around and looks at each individual before resting her eyes on Yuya, Yuzu, and Gongenzaka.
"Where is my daughter, guys?" Chou interrogated but was met with the silence of the three Junior Youth duelists.
"But you were speaking with Naomi-nee-chan earlier," Ayu mentioned "she wasn't my daughter. She wasn't my Naomi-chan," Chou answered but kept her focus on the trio as they flinched under her hard stare.
Gongenzaka spoke up when Yuya and Yuzu couldn't. "Vice Principal, Naomi is no longer in this dimension."
Shocks were rung through the room. "Eh? What do you mean she's longer in this dimension?" Futoshi was confused about what Gongenzaka was saying.
"What Gongenzaka means is that Naomi is somewhere else besides here. Am I correct, Yuya and Yuzu?"
Chou now brings her attention to the two duelists while they couldn't say anything because of how guilty they felt concerning the matter. They can still respond to Chou's questions.
Now it was revealed to the You Show group that one...No two of their own is no longer here with them. Those two people are Naomi and Sora. The others saw in the stands Yuya dueling against Sora, who was on Academia's side much to everyone dismay, but it was the cold hard truth. Yet despite all of the facts displayed on the screens, they still consider Sora as one of their own. So, it hurts them, knowing they lost two people before and after the Battle Royale.
Yoko, Shuzo, and the Junior duelists turn toward Chou, waiting for her reaction. When she heard Naomi was gone from this dimension. They all expect the green-haired woman to lash out. But to their surprise, she just stood there as if she was frozen.
To add on to their shock, Chou just smiles. "I see," Chou gives her goodbyes and fully closes the door behind her. When she made sure that no one went after her. Chou sprints towards the nearest elevator and makes her way to her destination.
_Flashback Ends_
Chou gives a shaky breath and slumps against the bench. Truthfully, she doesn't fully accept her daughter is longer in this dimension. That is was a sick joke, and Naomi is hiding somewhere in Maiami City. Chou will call her d-disk tomorrow to see if Naomi will answer the phone. Which Chou knows she always will. In fact, why does she have to wait when she can call her now.
Chou got out her d-disk and press the picture of when Naomi was still a baby. She calls the number Chou hears a few rings. Usually, her daughter would pick up at the first ring, but Chou will give her time to answer.
Suddenly the ringing stop and Chou hears a voice:
"The number you have dialed is unavailable right now. Please leave a message after the beep."
Chou pressed the number again and heard the same message again. She was unaware that her fingers were trembling every time she did.
Yuki was standing at the door, about to hand the woman the clothes in her arms. But she is stopped by a man with blond-haired and green eyes. This man is Hachirou Takahashi, Naomi's father.
"I will give them to her. Just return back to your room" Hachirou steps in taking the clothes from Yuki's hand. The girl didn't even protest because of how right Hachirou's words are.
Yuki nods her head and heads back down to her room. She can empathize with Chou because she lost people who are precious to her. She didn't want to accept that they were gone as well. But once the harsh reality sinks it that you will never see your loved ones again. It hurts more than you can ever realize. Soon you start to reminisce about the times you had with them and the regrets you had wishing you either spent more time with them or the words you wish you could have said to them.
Yuki was once again reminded by a phrase she heard from when she was a child. Particularly from her father.
"Loss isn't a stranger to anyone. It's how you deal with your loss is what separates you from everyone else."
With that phrase engraved in her mind. Yuki mentally prepares herself for what's about to occur from tomorrow, and the days followed after.
Meanwhile, Hachirou approach Chou and hands her Naomi's clothes. He doesn't say anything to her when he does. Because of actuality, he has no words that will lift Chou's spirit about her daughter. Hachirou waits for Chou's reaction. At the same time, Chou looks at the clothes in her hand. She stares blankly at them. Soon enough, memories began to fill her mind and how it all started fourteen years ago.
_14 Years Ago_Maiami Hospital_Around 5:00 am_March 1st
Chou panted as she took many deep breaths. She was in so much pain, but it will be all worth it for her treasure. She was sweating bullets rapidly but still did what her doctor instructed.
"Kobiyashi-san I am going to need you to push one more time" the doctor instructed, she saw the head. Just one more push.
Just one more then Chou's baby will be born.
The green-haired woman gave a loud shout. She just continued to scream and scream until her throat felt hoarse.
Suddenly Chou felt something being pushed out of her. When Chou opened her eyes, she heard a loud cry. She took a peek at the sound of the source, and more unshed tears fell down her cheeks.
Her baby...
her little girl...
Is here...
The doctor cleaned up the baby and gently handed her to Chou. The woman smiled and rubbed her finger against her baby's cheek.
She nuzzled the small patch of green hair on her baby's head and cooed when she heard noises.
During the moment when she screamed, a young Yusho, Yoko, Shuzo, and Hachirou (wearing a disguise) all slammed in the room. They were worried when they heard Chou, especially Hachirou, as he was concerned about his beloved. Well, in his case, while to Chou, the situation is complicated for them. Yet despite all of that, Chou still admits she loves did him, so Hachirou assumes that they're still dating. But that beside the point, He looks very concerned until his eyes shift to the buddle in Chou's arms. Soon enough, he started to cry behind his sunglasses.
Chou pressed her finger against her lip, indicating that they all be quiet. Before they all rushed into the room, she calmed her baby down and stopped her from crying. Yoko gave a small squeal and looked at the baby with affection in her eyes.
"She's so cute, Chou. Have you given her a name yet?" Yoko asked, giving small coos when the baby girl opened her eyes—revealing a pair of green eyes.
Chou showed her pointer finger and pressed it against her baby's left cheek. The baby girl grabbed it and laughed. The exhausted woman feels her heart melt as she rubs her cheek against her baby.
Her treasure.
Her delight.
Her little hope.
"I already have...Welcome to the world, Naomi. It's nice to meet you."
_Two months Later_Kobiyashi Residence_
Chou was given the clear to discharged from the hospital. She looks at her new refurnished home and holds a two-month Naomi in her arms. Hachirou offers to help Chou out while Chou does accept his kindness, she can't rely on it forever. She has to prove to her mother, who never agreed with her choices, particularly when Chou wanted to become a singer. Resulting in her being disowned by her own mother. On the other hand, her father fully supports her decisions and offers to help out any way he can.
But Chou wanted to do it all by herself. Call her stubborn and hardheaded, but this is how she honestly feels about the matter.
She glances down at Naomi, who was nibbling on her finger. But stopped when she sees her mom looking at her with fond eyes.
"Naomi...we might not have a lot of stuff right now, but it doesn't matter" Chou strokes Naomi's cheek gently. "Because you know a mother's love is worth more than anything you could ever want. I'm sorry if you want something in the future, and I won't be able to get it, but Okaa-chan will still try her best to make sure you are happy."
Naomi smiles brightly, and Chou coos at her baby cuteness.
_Three Years Later_Hiiragi Residence_
Chou was taking pictures of Naomi playing with a three-year-old Yuzu as they were playing pat-a-cake.
"Fufu...my daughter is the cutest little thing in the universe!" Chou squealed, holding her cheeks together. Shuzo huffs his chest out.
"That's where you are wrong Chou. My Yuzu is the cutest thing in the world! So HOT-BLOODED!" Shuzo shouted before falling on the floor. Chou holds her slipper and glares at the male as of he said the most offensive thing to her.
"First shut it. Second, my Naomi-chan is the cutest thing! Just look at her cute short hair and her precious green eyes! Let's not forget her first words! She said butterfly! She said, my name!" Chou holds her slipper against her cheek and skips towards Naomi and picks her up much to Yuzu's confusion. Wondering why did she do that when they were playing a game.
Yuzu whines about losing her friend, and Shuzo picks up his daughter. He effectively prevents her from crying her eyes out. Chou sticks her tongue out and focuses all of her attention to Naomi. While Naomi just pats and tries to push her mother's cheek away from her head. Naomi pouts, and her bottom lip trembles when she sees her efforts weren't working in the slightest.
Chou smiles softly. "My Naomi-chan really is the cutest thing in the world" Chou nuzzled against her three-year-old daughter's hand. Naomi just looked at her mother and smiled.
"My Okaa-chan is cute." When Naomi said those words, an imaginary arrow shot to pass through Chou making her hug Naomi even tighter much to the young girl's dismay.
_Four years Later_Maiami Hospital Roof_
Naomi was on the bench and looked blankly at the sky. It's been a week since she's been admitted to the hospital. But everything changes within that week. Naomi feels like she failed everyone, including her mother. She could barely look at her mom in the eyes. Whenever she did, Naomi's expression always falters when she does.
Naomi just wanted a chance to try again. And maybe this time she will succeed in getting her mother what she always wanted.
Whenever they are in the City Square, Naomi notices how Chou's eyes always linger on a particular red mermaid dress in one of the stores. She also notices a faraway look whenever Chou did stare at the gorgeous dress.
Naomi thought back to them if she were to become famous, then she can buy her mother that dress. Maybe she can have a piece of the life she had before she was born. That became Naomi's motivation to become an Idol Duelist.
But now she couldn't even fulfill her promise to herself. Naomi's hand trembles and she starts to cry softly.
She jumps when she feels a body press on her side. Naomi was about to turn to the person holding her until she recognized a red ascot tie around the person's neck.
What made Naomi more confused was her shoulder was getting wet. "Naomi-chan. I'm sorry for making you go through all of that pain. I'm so sorry, sweetie," Chou sobbed. The woman cries even harder and tightens the hold she had on Naomi. She just cries more and more. It was her fault that her baby girl is suffering right now. That Naomi got ill. That her precious daughter is depressed. This was all her fault.
Soon Naomi cries even harder because of what her mother just said. She soon leans on Chou's chest. Naomi feels like she should be saying those words instead. She feels sorry she screwed up. She wants to apologize.
Naomi wants to apologize for not only failing her mother but for breaking her promise. But all Naomi can do right now is cry.
At this moment, no words were said between the two. All you can hear is whimpers and cries.
Yet strange enough, it what both mother and daughter need in these harsh times. They just need a good cry. Thankfully they had each other.
_Flashback Ends_
Hot tears swell up in Chou's eyes as her hands trembled and bunched the clothes in her hands. She starts to remember the times she was with Naomi. From how she gave her white ribbons before her concert when Naomi just started to become an Idol Duelist. When she always takes a day off after working countless hours to spend some quality mother and daughter time, which includes cooking for Naomi. That always fails in the end.
Nevertheless, Naomi always ate the food with a smile on her face. To the moment they had before the first round of the Maiami Championships. How touched Chou was by her daughter's words.
Chou hates this. She wanted to hear more of her daughter's voice again. She wanted to see her daughter again.
Why did she ignore the feeling in her gut hours ago? Why does her daughter have to be in another dimension? Why did this even happen to them? Chou wanted someone to answer her questions. She...No demanded someone tell her why!
Chou cries onto the clothing, and Hachirou embraces her from the side, listening to the woman's cries. He just listens and listens. He doesn't say anything. He wasn't as close to Naomi like Chou had been due to him being away because of his job. But he still cares about his daughter and is concern about her safety.
All throughout the night, Hachirou listens to Chou's cries until the morning sunrise in the distance.
_Next Day_Maiami City Square_Early in the Morning_
Yuzu and Yuki were sitting on a bench discussing the current situation. From each Lancer condition after the Battle Royale. Like for instance, Shingo spent the whole day increasing his body temperature so he can be up for training first thing in the morning. It was a complicated process, but due to the research, Reiji spent when he analyzed Yu Sakuragi's frozen body. He was able to regulate Shingo's body temperature via different types of machines. Fortunately, Shingo was alright, but unfortunately for them, Shingo became more annoying as ever boasting he survived "the frozen depths of hell and became a new person." Just remembering the commotion, Shingo caused this morning made Yuzu extremely irritated that she smacked him with her fan. Luckily Yuki punched Shingo in the stomach, effectively shutting him up as Shun dragged him to the Center Court to 'train' with him.
Speaking of which brings Yuzu to her current situation. She wanted to get to know Yuki some more and ask her to teach her how to Xyz Summon just like she did with Sora in regards to Fusion Summon.
And while Yuzu's major injuries had healed up, she still had bandages on her arms and face. Yet despite the pain Yuzu was in, she knew Chou was in more pain than she will ever be in her life.
She feels guilty about her inability to help her friend. Her lack of skills in comparison to the other Lancers. She did want to spend time training against Serena (who Yuzu found out is socially awkward but is a nice person despite her rough exterior). Dennis, Eijirou, Gongenzaka, and Yuya. She feels useless.
While Yuzu was in her thoughts but still listen to Yuki. As the latter mentioned how Reiji had everyone's decks yesterday and created new Pendulum Cards as well as cards for their decks to further enhance their skills. That he also returned their decks this morning and advised them to get some training done before they leave in the afternoon to head for the Synchro Dimension.
Yuki stops talking and made occasional glances at Yuzu. Yuki figures Yuzu wants her to teach her how to Xyz Summon, just like Naomi did when they first met. But Yuki discovered that the Melodious Duelist wasn't feeling like her usual self. Even though she wasn't as close to Yuzu, unlike her Standard Counterpart had been. Yuki can detect something was clearly wrong with her. She knew that the pink-haired girl was still depressed about what happened yesterday but still chose to talk to her.
Yuki decides to talk about something else because the atmosphere was becoming stiffer between them. "Yuzu...Why were you in the warehouse that night?" Yuki questioned. She was curious as to why Yuzu went to the Warehouse, so she challenged Shingo.
Yuzu snapped out of her trance and looked bashfully because of her response. "I overheard Sawatari's friend said they and Sawatari were going to attack Naomi for what she did to him during their duel," Yuzu responded. "I wanted to protect her, so I rushed there and challenged him to a duel, but then you came and defeated him..."
Yuzu trailed off when she starts to remember all of the crazy events after what occurred in the Warehouse. How they had to defend, You Show against LDS top students, her loss against Masumi, which resulted in her getting stronger to protect the people she cares about. Asking Sora how to Fusion Summon, witnessing Yuya Fusion Summon Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, and her match against Naomi to show how much she improved. Finally, having her revenge against Masumi with Bloom Diva and obtaining Crystal Rose.
Soon tears begin to spill out of Yuzu's eyes, and she was about to cry until Yuki places her hand on top of her head. "You'll be okay, Yuzu. Just use this pain as a lesson to make sure you don't lose anyone else ever again," Yuki stroked Yuzu's hair. "But don't change who you are because of the pain you are currently in. All I can truly tell you is you must become even stronger so that you can protect the ones you care about."
Yuki knew she was being a hypocrite because she changed because of the immense pain she currently in and went through. Still, it was because of her pain that she doesn't want anyone to go through the same experience she and her friends faced.
Yuzu glances up at the black-haired girl. She knew Yuki was correct. She can't keep regretting her previous failure. She needs to become stronger to save Naomi and Ruri, to protect her beloved ones and to restore Heartland the way it used to be.
Yuzu can't lose hope now. Not when she hasn't lost yet.
With her new resolve, Yuzu stands on her feet and wipe her eyes. She soon takes out her fan and places it in Yuki's hand.
"Please smack me across the head, Yuki" Yuzu bowed her head and while Yuki was confused at the sudden change. She still accepted the fan and raised her hand.
Yuki slammed the fan hard against Yuzu's head, earning a painful whine from the girl. Yuzu whimpers, and this time cries because of the pain she just felt. She feels like multiple bricks just slammed onto her head, and now she feels a lump forming.
Is this what Yuya and her dad feel whenever she hits them. If this what they feel, then she needs to stop.
But strange enough stop her from shaking.
Yuzu gets her fan back and feels even more motivated than she did before. "Thanks for that Yuki, so when we return back to LDS Center Court. Can you teach me how to Xyz Summon and maybe how to Synchro Summon before we leave for the Synchro Dimension?" Yuzu asked. Yuki doesn't mind and accepts Yuzu's request but receives a message from Reiji on her duel disk.
Yuki reads the content of the message before narrowing her eyes. "Reiji-kun just informed me about some more information about what occurred during the Battle Royale. When he and I are finished, then I'll head to the Center Court to teach you," Yuki informed Yuzu about the contents of the message.
Yuzu understands and nods. Now she just had the push she needs to keep going. Yuzu hopes her friends, new comrades, and Yuya find the same motivation before they head off.
_LDS Center Court_10:00 A.M
Eijirou just finished his duel against Gongenzaka, resulting in his loss, but he didn't feel bad about losing the duel. Because he knows he can become even stronger.
"Gongenzaka-san, can we duel again?" Eijirou asked, ready to go for another round. Gongenzaka doesn't mind but questions the Metalfoes Duelist why is he pushing himself so hard. This was his 30th duel against him since this morning.
Gongenzaka knows that they are going to have to push themselves to the limit, but if they do, then they will collapse before the battle had just begun.
Eijirou glance at the sky with a faraway look. "Gongenzaka-san I saw with my own two eyes what Academia did to the Xyz Dimension. I saw bodies all over the ruined streets because of the destruction Academia has caused. People were carded left and right. People lost their lives during the tragedy," Eijirou confessed. "I saw a girl who was younger than us. A building fell on top of her, and then there was a puddle of blood where the girl was. I don't know if she's alive or not, but if she is, then I want to help her and her dimension."
Eijirou chuckled bitterly. "I know it seems impossible. Riko told me that straight to my face and demanded that I shouldn't go because she doesn't want me to get carded or worse killed," Eijirou continued. He brushes his hair back and sighed heavily.
"But I told her I'm still going whether she likes it or not. Then we duel, and I won. I thought she was going to be upset, but instead, she told me it's just like me to risk my life for other people and act like a righteous hero. Finally, she gave me the go-ahead and told me to survive and return back to her and our parents in one piece."
Eijirou looked at Gongenzaka and smiled. "It's an older brother...no a man's job to abide by his younger sister wishes," Eijirou finished. Suddenly he was pulled in a literally bone-crushing hug that almost broke his spine in half!
"EIJIROU ANDO YOU ARE A TRUE MAN!" Gongenzaka wailed tightens the grip he has on Eijirou. He was truly touched by the maroon haired boy's genuine words. "VERY WELL I SHALL HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR PROMISE AS ONE MAN TO ANOTHER!"
"T-Thanks...But Gongenzaka-san...please release me" Eijirou gasped his skin turns a blue color as he saw himself go towards the light. Ah, it was a very pretty light indeed.
Gongenzaka suddenly realized something was wrong about Eijirou and realized the boy wasn't responsive. He furiously shook Eijirou until he opened his eyes again. Thankfully he did but mentioned he saw his grandmother on the other side.
Gongenzaka smacks Eijirou to snapped him out of his stupor. Resulting in a bruised cheek, but it works when he starts another duel against the latter. Gongenzaka is motivated by Eijirou's words and tries new strategies to further enhance his Steadfast Dueling.
With his new cards, he won't be a burden to his new comrades.
_LDS Private Meeting Room_
Yuki and Reiji were going over the footage from the Battle Royale. They saw something that caught both of their attention. Yuki zooms in on the footage and freezes the screen. The footage showed Dennis with Yuki and Akemi in the Iceberg Zone. By the look of the video, it seems Dennis was close to the two Academia Duelists.
"So we have a mole in our Lancers," Reiji commented, leaning back against his chair. "Should we give a message to the other Lancers or keep it a secret" Yuki questioned. She skimmed through the other videos of the Battle Royale. She found more videos of Dennis with except this time he was with the Obelisk Force in the Volcano Zone.
Reiji shook his head. "No. Let's keep this between the two of us. If word gets out that Dennis is still allied with Academia, it could cause distrust towards Serena, who used to be affiliated with Academia. We don't need tension when we're about to depart" Reiji explains why they should keep it a secret between the two of them. However, once Dennis reveals himself. Reiji already has a back-up plan in mind if the Entermage Duelist does reveal his true intentions.
"If he does return back to Academia with his Pendulum Cards, then Leo has a present waiting for him," Reiji adds as he displays one of the Pendulum Cards he made for Dennis. It was revealed the card contains a virus that will malfunction any device that is not registered under LDS, their systems, and even every duel disk each Lancer is equipped with.
Meaning if Dennis does return, then all the technology in Academia will shut down once Reiji inputs the code from his own duel disk.
Yuki is impressed Reiji thought this far ahead. "But how will you know if Dennis does return back to Academia. We could be in the Synchro Dimension, and if he gets sent back without you knowing, then the virus is completely useless," Yuki pointed out until she realized something.
"Unless- "
"Correct. The virus also contains a tracking device that will send a signal to my duel disk if Dennis's duel disk is out of the radius of range. Meaning if Dennis does leave the dimension, then it will go off," Reiji adds, pushing his glasses up.
"You must not really trust Dennis if you are doing all of this for him" Yuki leans against her chair. "I was serious about what I said yesterday. When I chose the Lancers, I decided to put my life and Reira's in each of your hands, and if each of you feels the same way, then your lives are in my hand, and I can assure you and everyone I will have your backs. I need to be the Leader, everyone, on this team trust, and vice versa. I need this team to fully trust each other no matter what background or dimension everyone on this team comes from" Reiji stood up and narrowed at the footage of each person that was carded during the Battle Royale. Hokuto and all of the LDS staff as well before the event. He had to shoulder this burden until he stops Academia and finds a way to return the carded people back to normal.
"Along the way, if Dennis does turn against Academia on his own terms
like Serena did, then I will erase the virus completely, not leaving a single trace. But for now, I need this team not to have problems with each other. If they do, then they are going to have to wait until everything is over for them to release any pent-up frustrations they have against the other person."
While Yuki was in awe of Reiji's speech, she pointed out a single flaw. Well, two flaws. "So, because of what you did yesterday, Yuya-kun doesn't trust you. If Shun does find out, then he might go on a rampage, which will lead to him not trusting anyone, including me," Yuki mentioned the two apparent flaws. Especially taking into Shun's reaction as a factor. She knows for sure if Shun does find out, then he will most likely card Dennis on the spot.
Reiji says these words that bring a meeting to a closure.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get there."
_One of LDS Inner Courts_
Shingo heaved against the wall he was leaning on. He just finished a duel against Serena, which results in his loss, but he was catching up.
Now he has 20 Losses and 10 Wins against the Moonlight Duelist. If it was his previous self, he would have thrown a big tantrum, but he has matured a little bit. Because he knows in the end, he can still surprise people by his fantastic performance.
Shingo turns to Serena and notices that whenever it was her turn, she always summon her Ace Monster to the field. He couldn't help, but wonder does she ever try something new. Since it was him, he let out his thoughts.
"I know you are fond of the same strategy, but you need to try something new, or else you will be defeated in a duel," Shingo advised but shrunk when he received a glare from Serena.
The Moonlight Duelist scoffed at his words but didn't deny them. She also knows she has been using the same strategy, but she can't help herself! After all, it was the same strategy. She used to win her duel, so why should she change now.
Shingo threw his hands up, not wanting to get on Serena's bad side. He may have just met Serena hours ago, but he can already tell she was not a girl that likes to joke around. If he were to say anything rude about her, then he may end up on the other side of the field.
"It was just a suggestion. You don't have to take my advice if you don't want to. How about you try something new" Shingo leaves the area to head for the Center Court when he gets a message from Eijirou stating he wants to duel him next. Shingo huffed his chest out in pride, knowing someone else sees how skillful he is. When actuality, Eijirou just wants to test a new strategy out on him. Since he was the perfect person for the job.
Serena grumbles when she knows Shingo is right. During the duel with the Obelisk Force, they knew her entire deck well enough to have cards ready to shut her down. It irritates her to no end, but it was the truth.
She felt even more irked by the fact her two friends...well friend and a pain in the ass know her personality well enough to play right into their hands. She's stubborn, but that doesn't mean she can't change for the better. With the cards, Reiji has created for her to come up with new ideas and keep up the same strategy she has been using.
Serena focus and gets back to work.
_LDS On the Way to the Center Court_
Yuki had just finished her meeting with Reiji and heads to the Center Court to uphold her end of the promise she's made to Yuzu. On the way, she noticed a figure leaning on a wall when she leans closer, the figure revealed itself to be Shun.
Yuki walks closer to Shun and sees he was trembling and couldn't stop. "Shun-kun. What caused this to happen again?" Yuki questioned she knew what was going on with Shun. This happened before when Academia invaded their dimension, and it left a huge mental scar on the residents, particularly the members of the Resistance.
Shun forced words to come out. "I...destroyed...Heartland…...again" Shun croaked out, he would have dropped on the floor of it wasn't for Yuki holding him up. Yuki understood what Shun was trying to say to her. During his training duel against Shingo, they must have a duel on the Field Spell Shun, and Sora dueled on. If her deductions are correct, then the same result must have happened again.
Yuki's eyes soften. She knew what to say whenever he acts like this.
"You did your best, Shun-kun. It's going to be alright; you didn't destroy Heartland. It was just an illusion created by Real Solid Vision" Yuki comforted, a frightened Shun. Memories began to swarm in her mind after the tragedy occurred.
Yuki recalls Ruri crying every so often, Yuto couldn't get any sleep because of the nightmares plaguing him every night. Shun couldn't stop shaking, and seems he was about to go into a panic attack like he was right now.
She couldn't stop herself from crying and would stay up all night to make sure Academia soldiers didn't pull any sneak attacks while her friends were asleep. Resulting her not getting enough rest.
But now she and Shun had to witness their precious home get destroyed for the third time or in his case a fourth time. Whether it was an illusion or not, it still hurts them, despite having blank faces. It may look like they're emotionless, and they may say harsh words, but that's because they must protect people that cannot protect themselves. Nevertheless, they were still human on the insides.
Yuki presses a button on her duel disk to display a picture of her, Yuto, Shun, and Ruri. She and Ruri were side by side to each other, pulling a flustered Yuto and shocked Shun next to them, respectively. This picture was taken before the invasion hence why they were wearing different clothes to the ones they were wearing now. Whenever Shun acts like this, she would always show him this picture to remind him of what he has been fighting for. It would always light a flame in his chest and stop him from convulsion even longer.
Right now, it seems to help Shun in his current mood when he glances at Ruri's face and Yuto's. Shun breathes in and out to prevent him from puking. He needed to see this picture again. He needs to get his act together to save his sister and avenge his fallen best friend. He loses himself again to a mere illusion. He won't give up until Academia is defeated!
Shun release himself from Yuki's arms and straighten up his figure. The frightened look on his visage was replaced with a fierce expression. Without saying any words to the Mixed Duelist, Shun heads to the Center Court to drill some more battle mentality into his new comrades' skulls and sharpen their skills. Yuki follows behind him to do the same thing.
Yuki knew Shun was grateful for her help, even if he didn't say it out loud. It didn't matter to her because she was glad as well because from the look on his face she knew one thing-
The falcon has returned back to the battlefield, where he will eradicate all of his enemies until they vanish from his sight.
_Maiami City Park_12:00pm_
Yuya is still sorrowful and depressed. He never recovered from his loss against Reiji and losing Naomi. He sighs and feels tears forming, but he wipes them. His eyes were swollen from crying last night. He was surprised he still have some tears left within him.
As soon as he was given the clear from the Doctor about his bruised wrist. He immediately left the hospital without letting anyone know, he didn't even go to the Courts all over LDS to train. Yuya couldn't even put on his smiling facade. He honestly just couldn't.
Yuya looks at his surroundings and remembers this was the place the Fair was held at. He recalls the bright expression on Naomi's face when they arrived at the Fair. When she playful took a bite off of his crepe and fed him hers. When they had a tie against Jounouchi and Mai in their Tag Duel, but regardless they had fun. Her surprised face when she saw him waving a flag in her stage name and name in different colors.
Finally...Naomi's radiant smile when she thanked him for being there reminded him of when she confessed to him she can Pendulum Summon. It made him happy seeing her smile from the bottom of her heart. He wants to see that smile again.
"That's a pathetic face you're making Yuya!" A familiar voice yelled. Jounouchi was in front of the Entermate Duelist and grinned at his depressed face.
"Jounouchi-san..." Yuya mumbled, "what are you doing here?"
Jounouchi grinned. "A kid named Reiji Akaba asked Mai and I for assistance with training you guys until you leave for the what was it called? Ah, that's right, the Synchro Dimension. But when we arrived in the Center Court, I couldn't find you, and that's when a girl named Yuzu Hiiragi said you were still sulking about what happened with Naomi to even train" Jounouchi replied. When he heard Yuya wasn't in the Center Court, he ran out the court without listening to any more of Yuzu's words, and Mai yelling at him to hurry and bring Yuya back to train.
He ran and ran and eventually found Yuya sitting on the bench moping. Jounouchi honestly had to thank his luck that he did, or else he would have run all the way to the other side of the world to find him.
"Well, she's right. It's my fault that Naomi's gone. If I wasn't so weak, then she would still be here, and Chou-san wouldn't hate me more then she already does," Yuya lamented. He confessed to the Pro Duelist all of the pain and guilt he felt yesterday. He could barely look Chou in the eye when she returned back to the room. It was noticeable to everyone that she had been crying her eyes due to the tear stains and how swollen her eyes were. He wanted to hear Chou yelling at him for not leaving her daughter out of his sight or maybe slap him to get all of her frustration out. Yet she did nothing. She just sat in the room away from everyone else and stared blankly at the window.
Yuya knows he's not the only feeling blame he could tell Yuzu, and Gongenzaka was too, but he feels more responsible for the fact Naomi wasn't in this dimension anymore.
Jounouchi slapped Yuya hard on the back, resulting in him to fell to the ground. Then Jounouchi lifted Yuya off the ground by his collar as they were face to face with each other.
"If that's how you truly feel that fight to get her back! Dueling is about fighting to help the people you love!" Jounouchi shouted. "If you give up now, then what does that say about your feelings towards the people who are waiting for you to return back to your senses and fight again! What does that say about their feelings! Are you just going to trample all of their feelings as if they mean nothing to you!"
On his way here, Jounouchi saw different people yelling around the LDS wondering where Yuya could be. By the frantic looks on their faces, it seems like they were close to the boy. So why is he ignoring their feelings? Jounouchi couldn't understand what was Yuya thinking, worrying them like this!
"You don't understand Jounouchi-san," Yuya whispered weakly. He was showing Jounouchi's words were affecting him.
"Then make me understand Yuya! If you keep on everything to yourself then you are only not hurting yourself, but everyone who has supported you and made you the person you are today," Jounouchi adds. Right now, he was looking at his past self. Around the time when his sister needed eye surgery, he wanted to shoulder everything himself and even pushed his friends away. But then his best friend punched him across the face and told him the same words he just told Yuya. Back then, Jounouchi was in awe by his best friend's words that he took them to his heart and his bruised cheek as a reminder of their friendship. Later on, he offered to pay for the operation which Jounouchi was so grateful for to this day.
Jounouchi's only regret is he should have done the same thing when that day happened. But he didn't, and now he has to live with that regret.
Jounouchi will not let Yuya take the same path his friend took, not when he has anything to say about it.
Jounouchi released his grip on Yuya's collar and took his duel disk out and activated it.
"Duel me. If I lose, then I will leave you alone to mope until your other friends leave for the Synchro Dimension. However, if I win then you have to go to LDS Center Court to train so you will not lose anyone else who important to you" Jounouchi proposed.
"Or is it that you can't duel anymore because you're so weak. Ah, if that's the case then you should stay here then you'll only be a burden to the others" Jounouchi sneered as he continued to taunt Yuya which works in his favor.
Yuya glares and gets out his duel disk to activate it. "I'll make you regret those words Jounouchi-san!" Yuya declared.
"That's the spirit Yuya!" Jounouchi grinned.
"DUEL!" Both duelists shouted as they each drew their opening hands.
Jounouchi vs Yuya; 4000 LP Each; H:5 Each
Turn 1
"I will take the first turn" Jounouchi announced. "I summon Black Dragon's Chick from my hand."
A small black dragon with red eyes appeared on Jounouchi's field. Suddenly the dragon started to get even larger and more ferocious in comparison to the cute appearance it had before.
"I send Black Dragon's Chick to the Graveyard to Special Summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon from my hand," Jounouchi explains as his ace monster replaced the baby monster.
Dark/Level 7/Dragon/Effect/ATK 2400/DEF 2000
"I set three cards and end my turn" Jounouchi concludes his turn with three face-down in his Spell/Trap Zone.
"There it is. Jounouchi-san ace monster Red-Eyes Black Dragon" Yuya muttered he remembered reading an article about Jounouchi playing his ace monsters in specific matches, declaring him the winner. Seeing this monster means Jounouchi has decided to become serious.
Yuya was a little nervous because that means during his Tag Duel with Naomi against Jounouchi and Mai, the male Pro Duelist didn't show his full strength back then.
But even so he has to win. He can't afford to lose this duel.
"Then it's my turn! Draw" Yuya shouts as she draws his card.
Turn 2
H:5-6
"At this moment I activate the Trap Card 'Gamble' by tossing a coin, and if I call which side it lands on, then I draw until I have five cards in my hand. However, if I'm wrong, I have to skip my next turn," Jounouchi flips one of his set cards open.
Out of nowhere, a coin was flip in the sky, and Jounouchi stares directly at the coin.
"Tails" Jounouchi calls out, the coin stops spinning and lands on the ground, revealing the result of the coin toss: Tails, just like Jounouchi had said.
"Impressive" Yuya witnessed his opponent drawing five cards replenishing his hand back to five.
Yuya regains his composure and continues his turn. "Using Scale 2-Entermate Sellshell Crab and Scale 7-Entermate Momoncarpet, I set them on the Pendulum Scale!" Yuya shouted before taking a card out of his hand.
"Next, I activate the Spell Card 'Scale Up' to increase Momoncarpet Pendulum Scale by two until the end of this turn."
The Entermate Cat like carpet pillar number is changed from 7 to 9.
"With this, I can Pendulum Summon Level 3 to 8 monsters at the same time! Sway! Pendulum of the soul! Draw an arc of light across the aether! Pendulum Summon! Come forth! My monsters!" Yuya shouted. Through a portal, two monsters shot down from the sky.
"Entermate Trump Girl and Dragoncaller Magician!"
The small magician with a jester hat beamed when she arrived on the Yuya's field as well as the older stoic magician.
D.M: Dark/Level 7/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 2400/DEF 1000/P.S:2
E.T.G: Dark/Level 2/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 200/DEF 200/P.S:4
"Using Trump Girl's effect, I can Fusion Summon using monsters I control, including this card! The one who controls the mysterious powers! Become one with the magician of dragons and revive as a new race! Fusion Summon! Appear! Level 8!
Entermate Gatling Ghoul!"
Yuya summoned a male wearing a suit, it was equipped with a machine gun-like cannon.
Dark/Level 8/Fiend/Fusion/Effect/ATK 2900/DEF 900
"Gatling Ghoul Effect activates! I inflict 200 damage to you times the number of cards on the field. There is a total of seven cards. Therefore, you take 1400 damage!"
Gatling Ghoul charged up its gun and fired at Jounouchi. The bullets were ready to collide against the duelist. However, he was counter by a gigantic wall. The wall completely stops the bullets from harming Jounouchi. Instead, it incinerated the bullets and turned them into specks of dust.
The dust enveloped Jounouchi increasing his LP to 5400.
"I activated my Trap Card 'Energy-Absorbing Monolith' to gain LP equal the damage I would have taken from Gatling Ghoul's effect" Jounouchi explained. Yuya clenched his fist when the Pro Duelist move reminded him of what Reiji did yesterday. It was as if history was repeating himself. Nevertheless, he will make sure the result won't end up the same way.
"Battle! Gatling Ghoul attack Red-Eyes Black Dragon! At this moment, Dragoncaller Magician's Effect activates, when the card that used this monster as mater battles a Dragon-Type Monster. My monster ATK is double!" Yuya revealed Gatling Ghoul grinned at shot four gigantic bullets as his ATK increased to 5800.
If this attack connects, then, Jounouchi will take 3400 damage.
Suddenly Jounouchi smirked and activated his final set card on the field.
"Quick-Play Spell 'Roulette Spider' now since you declare an attack. I can roll a six-sided dice to apply the following effects depending on the result!"
A spider blocked the bullets, creating a spin wheel with it in the middle. The wheel spins quickly and then slow down, stopping at No.5.
"Since the spinner stops at No.5, your attack is negated, and you take damage equal to Gatling Ghoul's ATK, which is 5800" Jounouchi said. The spinner took Gatling Ghoul's attack and reflected it back to Yuya.
The Entermate Duelist saw the attack and quickly discards a card from his hand.
"I activate Entermate Raingoat to negate the damage I would have took!" Yuya countered. A blue coat that resembled an animal with a top hat. The coat covers Yuya and absorbs the attack as it shot it back in the sky, creating fireworks.
The audience was enthralled by the display, but they were unnoticed by the two duelists.
Yuya grumbled in frustration. "I end my turn," Entermate Momoncarpet Pendulum Scale return back to 7.
"It's my turn again!" Jounouchi draws his card and activates another card from his hand.
Turn 3
H:5-6
"I activate the Ritual Spell Card 'Red-Eyes Transmigration' by tributing Red-Eyes Wyvern and Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning to perform a Ritual Summon!"
The two monsters turn into flames as they drop into a portal, creating a spiral of flames to rise up in the sky. In the flaming spiral, a figure emerges from the hot scorching light.
"I Ritual Summon Level 8 Lord of the Red!" Jounouchi chanted one of his Ritual Monsters descends on the field.
Fire/Level 8/Dragon/Ritual/Effect/ATK 2400/DEF 2100
"Next, I activate the Spell Card 'The Claw of Hermos' by sending Red-Eyes Black Dragon to the Graveyard I can perform a Fusion Summon" Jounouchi continued. His ace monster burst into flames, and while its scales were melting, its figure changed drastically, morphing the monster into a sword version of itself.
"I Fusion Summon Level 7 Red-Eyes Black Dragon Sword!"
Dark/Level 7/Dragon/Fusion/Effect/ATK 2400/DEF 2000
"A Ritual Summon and Fusion Summon" Yuya was in awe. Someone else (except for the people he knows and dueled against) can perform different summons besides Advance Summon.
"If you were around back then, this was pretty normal back in my day" Jounouchi commented as if what he did was normal. He didn't know that it was a big deal to be able to perform the other summons so easily.
"But you shouldn't be so surprised yet. When Red-Eyes Black Dragon Sword is Special Summoned, I can equip it to Lord of the Red whose effect activates since another card on the field was activated!" Jounouchi explained. As soon as the Ritual Monster wields the black sword, he savagely slashes the opposing Fusion Monster to bits of pieces. Leaving Yuya without a card on his field.
That wasn't the worse part because of Jounouchi's Fusion Monster Lord of the Red gains 1000 ATK and gained 500 ATK for each Dragon-Type Monster in each player's Field and Graveyard. Therefore, increasing its ATK to 4900.
"Battle! Lord of the Red attacks the player directly!" Jounouchi shouted Lord of the Red slashed down, creating a huge welt as a black slash beam was heading towards Yuya. However, he threw his hand in the air towards one of his Pendulum Zones.
"I activate Entermate Momoncarpet Pendulum Effect! Any damage I take, become halve!" Yuya saves himself from losing the duel, yet his LP still took a significant toll.
Yuya:4000-2450=1550 LP
Momoncarpet creates a transparent shield blocking the slash from hurting Yuya. Soon the attack was finished but left behind streams of black to float in around the duel area, giving the place a mysterious look but nevertheless cool to the spectators.
Yuya stops to glance at the people watching the duel. He didn't notice his duel attracted a large crowd, but it did. By the look on their faces, it seems they enjoy the duel.
"Did you see how stylish Gatling Ghoul was and his effect?"
"If Jounouchi-sama didn't have that card, then he might have lost the duel!"
"It was amazing he was able to remain in the duel! I wonder, will Yuya be able to turn things around?"
"If it's Jounouchi-sama, then he will remain victorious, but I wonder what other tricks that kid has next?"
The more comments he hears from the crowd, the more it motivates him. It reminded of what he's dueling is about. He recalls the promise he made with Yuto.
"Use my dragon...your dragon and your ability to make... people smile. Also...use your power to bring back Yuki's smiles."
Yuya recalls Yuzu's words whenever he felt depressed.
"Yuya, smile! A 'fun and bright' entertainer is your motto remember. Give the crowd what they came for!"
Yuya recalls Gongenzaka's words whenever he hears people making fun of the way he dueled back then.
"Yuya... if that's the way you want to duel, then that's fine. It's because it's your way that you shouldn't let people's words tell you how you should duel. It's because it's your duel that making it special. If anyone mocks your dueling ever again just like me know, I will make sure never to mock the duel of my great friend Yuya Sakaki ever again!"
The more Yuya remembers the words of the people who supported him the more he feels guilty about his previous actions. Even if he was feeling down be shouldn't have pushed the people who care about him away. Right now, there is his mother, Shuzo, Chou, Ayu, Futoshi, Tatsuya, Yuzu, Gongenzaka, possibly Shingo, Yuki, and his new allies waiting for him to return back. He feels like an idiot, leaving them in the dark.
"You know a person who isn't alone is strong" Jounouchi scratched his cheek bashfully, he close to convey what he wants to show to Yuya and it seems the boy realizes it himself. But he needs one more push, and if he didn't say these next words correctly, Jounouchi was afraid to sound a little corny.
"I'm sure you realize it yourself. But you have so many people waiting for you to return. It's okay to bear everything by yourself, but you have people who willing to bear the burden with you."
"Yuya...Will you just give them a chance to?"
Yuya is stunned by the Pro Duelist words. He remembers Naomi's words after the Fair.
"The same matter also applies to you, Yuya-san. If you feel like you're alone in the world, or that everyone is against you. You have people who care about you, love you, and support you. Don't forget that you're never alone."
They had the same context as the words Jounouchi was telling him. If he was being honest, he was actually afraid to lose someone else important to him. He lost his dad three years ago, he lost Sora and couldn't bring him back with his dueling, and he wasn't strong enough to protect Naomi.
Regardless of his past losses, he should make sure the people he has now is still alright. He should make sure they're close to him so he wouldn't have to lose another person.
Yuya knows what he must do.
He recalled his father's words whenever he felt afraid and couldn't move forward. Even now, he remembered them clearly.
"If you want to win, then bring out your courage and step forward..."Yuya muttered, gripping his pendulum. Honestly, he doesn't know if he will end up in this sorry state again. He doesn't know if he will be able to take a step when he does. But regardless of what happens from tomorrow, he will never stop fighting for what he believes in.
"Thank you for snapping me back to normal Jounouchi-san" Yuya show gratitude to Jounouchi for bringing him back to his senses. He was truthful with his words, and even though Jounouchi physically brought him out it was also because of the people that support him that he was able to snap out of his pitiful state. Yuya is honestly to have such wonderful people in his life.
Jounouchi was stunned by the heartfelt words before he chuckled. "I'm glad...I activate Red-Eyes Wyvern effect, by banishing this card from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon back to my field."
His ace monster returns, however because he doesn't have Wyvern in his Graveyard anymore. Lord of the Red loses 500 ATK making its current ATK 4400.
Jounouchi sets a card and ends his turn right there. He motioned to the crowd waiting for what's going to happen next. Yuya understood what Jounouchi was trying to say to him as he gave a massive grin.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! The fun is only getting started!" Yuya stretched his arms out. He gains everyone's attention.
"As you can see, I am in a pickle where my opponent has a monster whose effect can destroy a card I control if another effect is activated and not only that his monster ATK is 4400! The stakes may be dire, but I will turn the tide with my destiny draw!"
Yuya draws his card as he creates a stream of rainbow colors with stars shining brightly in the colors.
When Yuya flipped his card, his grin widened.
"Let's start this show by activating Entermate Raspberry Magician's effect! When I have no monsters, this enchanting face is Special Summon to my field!" Yuya slammed his card down on his duel blade. There was a mist covering everyone's feet. Out of nowhere, a wind picked up, absorbing the mist as it transformed into a whirlpool of dark light. When the winds speed up, creating an endless amount of colors, a figure bursts out of the typhoon of light.
A mature woman was wearing purple magician clothing just like Kiwi Magician except for the raspberry accessories around her waist and choker. She wields a black staff in her hands.
Dark/Level 4/Spellcaster/Effect/ATK 1000/DEF 1000
Raspberry Magician disperses the typhoon creating stars to float across the area. She gives a coy wink descending on the field.
"When this lovely magician is summoned this way all cards my opponent controls is destroyed,' Yuya reveals his summoned monster effect. Just as he expected, Jounouchi used Lord of the Red's effect to destroy Raspberry Magician to prevent his monster's destruction.
Yuya wasn't fazed by his monster being destroyed. Instead, he proceeds with his next move.
"I banish Raspberry Magician from my Graveyard to activates her effect I can draw cards equal to her Level. Therefore, I draw four cards" Yuya explains why he wasn't fazed by his monster destruction to draw another card.
"Even so I'll use Lord Of the Red's other effect to destroy one of your Pendulum Cards so you won't be able to Pendulum Summon during your turn" Jounouchi remarked he aimed for Entermate Sellshell Crab and through Momoncarpet's Pendulum Effect the card was also destroyed leaving Yuya with no cards in his Pendulum Zones.
"Are you sure about that? " Yuya countered as he held two cards in his hands.
"I rebuild the Pendulum Scale using Scale 1-Stargazer Magician and Scale 8-Timegazer Magician! With this, I can Special Summon monsters whose Levels are 2 through 7! Pendulum Summon!" Yuya remade his Pendulum Scales with his two staple magicians.
A gigantic blue pendulum briefly shines before swinging back and forth. When the pendulum stopped, a monster burst forth as crystal rain down from the sky.
"Entermate Cotton Angel!"
Light/Level 4/Fairy/Effect/ATK 1200/DEF 1200/P.S:8
Entermate Cotton Angel creates small animals made out of pink candy-like substance. She creates bunnies, puppies, and kittens floating in the air while the kids on the crowd play with them and even laughs when they come close to them.
"But I'm not finished! I activate the Spell Card 'Pendulum Fusion' to fuse Monsters in my Pendulum Zones, therefore, I fuse Stargazer and Timegazer together!" Yuya continued the two pillars burst into light before swirling together.
Jounouchi's eyes widened. "A Fusion Summon using cards in your Pendulum Zone!"
In a portal of light, a monster was formed, Cotton Angel threw her staff up, and a spiral of light pink rain down on the area. The two lights fuse together, creating a spectrum of colors out of pink and yellow.
"Wielder of the mysterious powers! Become one with time's compass and give birth to a new life! Fusion Summon! Magician of the holy skies! Heaven Paladin!"
From the light show, a man resembled Stargazer Magician. However, he wore dark blue robes. His robes were decorated with white stars resembling a constellation that was being created. Within the robes were galaxy spread across the horizon of the night sky. Finally, he had a staff at the ends of the two-headed staff was a clock, yet the handles of the clock were shaped like angel wings.
Light/Level 8/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 2800/DEF 2000/P.S:2
"Now when Heaven Paladin is Fusion Summoned all card effect you control is negated until the End Phase. Then I release Cotton Angel to add her ATK to Heaven Magician, and due to my recently Special Summoned Monster's effect, my monster's ATK doubles until the End Phase," Yuya revealed. Heaven Paladin strikes his staff down at the center, and a spiral of galaxies burst forth, they covered Jounouchi's field, dulling the monster and the sword it a grey color. The crowd is stunned by the light show displayed in front of them as they saw billions of galaxies and constellation as if they were in a planetarium.
Since Red-Eyes Black Dragon Sword effect is negated, Lord of the Red's ATK returns back to 2400. Cotton Angel flew in the sky before turning into a pink speck of light showering Heaven Paladin. The monster felt his ATK rise to 4000, and through his effect, his ATK was now 8000.
"8000 ATK?!"
"If that attack connects, then Jounouchi-sama will lose for sure!"
"I recognize that kid from before! His name is Yuya Sakaki, the one that defeated the former Pro Duelist Strong Ishijima!"
"People said he cheated during the match, but how did he when he's this talented?"
"They were probably jealous of him! Just look at him!"
"This is the power Yuya Sakaki has... Amazing!"
Soon the crowd starts to chant Yuya's name as the Entermate Duelist felt thrilled to hear the chants calling his name. This reminded him of the day he discovered Pendulum Summon. This was the feeling he felt before, and it felt great to him.
His lips changed into his signature smirk as he thrust his hand forward.
"Battle! Heaven Paladin attack Lord of the Red!"
Heaven Paladin absorbs all of the light he released from earlier into his staff and placed it into the ground. Soon the hands on the clock started to move forward as soon as they stopped at precisely at 12 o'clock.
Suddenly a stream of endless colors spread throughout Maiami City Park, calling other people to watch the duel as well. Soon enough, the whole place was shown different images of space like before, except this time the pictures were actually moving as well. It created an optical illusion to the audience's eyes and thrilled then to no end.
Heaven Magician shot a dark blue galaxy colored light at Lord of the Red before a small trickster wearing devil clothing, holding a dice.
"I activate my Trap Card 'Skull Dice' now Heaven Magician loses ATK equal to the result times 100. With this damage will be lowered," Jounouchi pointed at the monster holding the dice.
The monster shook the dice before tossing it on the ground. The dice fell before rolling a few times before it stopped on 4. Resulting Heaven Magician losing 400 ATK, making his current ATK 7600.
The blast was dimmed to a certain extent, but nevertheless, it never failed to burn the Ritual Monster to a pile of ashes. They were carried within the stream. Then out of nowhere, the Ritual Monster in its previous appearance was in the stream fighting against another monster as if he was in a movie of some sort.
Jounouchi:5400-5200=200 LP
Despite taking major damage, Jounouchi still had a grin on his face.
This duel reminded him of the good old days when he and his best friend dueled like this. His best friend was a huge showoff pulling heart-stopping tricks that not only excite him but the audience as well. No matter how many years pass, he still remembers the childish yet pure grin he wore before everything in their lives changed.
Just seeing Yuya smile reminds him of the same grin. This was bad. He was getting nostalgic.
"This will be the final turn Yuya!" Jounouchi declared, drawing his card.
Yuya smiled even though he knows the older duelist wasn't bluffing. This will definitely be the last turn which will result in his loss. But strange enough, it didn't bother him in the slightest.
Jounouchi proceeds with his turn.
"I activate the Spell Card 'Pot of Greed' to draw to cards. Next, I activate the Spell Card 'Monster Reborn' to Special Summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon from my Graveyard" Jounouchi revived his ace monster the cemetery.
"Finally, I activate the Spell Card 'Inferno Fire Blast' to inflict damage to you equal to Red-Eyes' ATK which is 2400! Go for it, Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"
When those words left Jounouchi's mouth. Yuya felt a wave of nostalgia hit him. At the beginning of the duel...no when he first heard of the duelist 's
name years ago. It was as if he heard that name but from somewhere else, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
But he didn't deny the nostalgia in the slightest instead embrace it as he took the attack head-on. Yuya saw the stream of space was burning, creating an illusion the stars were being set on fire. Soon the legendary monster flew up with the stars and blasted the beam creating a meteor shower was raining down on him and the audience. To Yuya, he felt nostalgic once again, but this time he was in a different place. He saw this image because it was engraved in his head. He couldn't forget this image even if he wanted to.
Yuya closed his eyes and heard a voice in his head.
"You've finally managed to pull one over me, huh Jounouchi. Good job, my old friend."
Yuya LP was depleted, but his smile never went away.
Yuya:1550-2400=0 LP
Cheers and applause were heard from the crowd. The two duelists heard their names in the crowd as well as compliments on what occurred during their duel. Jounouchi walked over to Yuya, who was still in a trace and slung his arm around the younger boy's shoulder.
"Now, here's what you are going to do. First, you are going to go back to your folks and apologize for worrying them so much. Second, you are going to return back to LDS to train with everyone, alright!" Jounouchi's tone left no room for argument. However, Yuya wasn't going to anyway.
He already knows what he needs to do. He has the motivation and strength he needs to keep on fighting.
They waved their goodbyes to the crowd and ran all the way to LDS Coportation meeting with a very angered Mai waiting for them.
Before Jounouchi could explain, Mai pinched his ear hard enough for him to cry out in pain. She started to reprimand him for his actions. However, before she could continue, she turns her attention to Yuya.
"I'm glad you are now okay, Yuya-kun. It seems like someone name Chou has a letter for you" Mai handed Yuya an envelope with a butterfly stamp on it. Mai gave him a smile before turning back to Jounouchi, giving him her full undivided attention. Fully reprimanding him as well as yelling at the top of her lungs, causing unwanted attention from bystanders.
Yuya gives Jounouchi a look telling him, he understands what he's going through as he walks past the pair and read the contents of the letter.
"Dear Yuya-kun,
I am truly sorry if I had shown some resentment towards you yesterday. In regards to my precious daughter not being in the same dimension, hurt me. It painfully kills me, not knowing if she's safe and sound. But if what she told is correct, then right now she has someone in the other dimensions who look like her and people who look like you and Yuzu-chan. Like how Yuki doesn't just share the same face as Naomi but she is kind enough to return me her clothes. But couldn't find the right timing due to all of the chaos that occurred yesterday afternoon. She still felt the need to give me some closure. I know I am rambling, but I will get straight to the point...bring my daughter back to our dimension safe and sound and not just that bring peace to all of the dimension with the dueling Yusho-san has taught you and the lessons Shuzo-kun, and I have drilled into your skull( I know you weren't paying attention during some of the lessons but still use what we taught you). It's going to be a hard journey, and you will lose your way again and again, but regardless remember the times you spent with everyone in this dimension the good as well as the bad.
Those memories will give you strength no matter how badly you are beaten to the ground to stand up again and again.
Everyone else who is left behind like Shuzo-kun, Ayu-chan, Tatsuya-kun, and Futoshi-kun will be waiting for all five of you to return. That right brings Sora-kun back to us as well, even if you have to drag him in a body bag and carry him over your shoulder like a sack of potatoes. This is an order from your vice principal! Tell him this when he returns, he is going to get an earful from me as well as my cookies he enjoys so much. If you so much forget I will give you an earful as well Yuya-kun! By the way, if you run into Yuzu-chan, Gongenzaka-kun, and Yuki to tell them, I will be praying for their success as well as yours.
Sincerely yours Chou Kobiyashi~
P.S:
Yoko-san gave you a card your father showed her and fell in love with him. Blah... blah... Anyways She mentioned that you are going to need it on your journey, and don't forget to make people smile as well as smile yourself. Bye!"
Yuya shook the envelope, and a card fell out. Yuya caught the card and look at it in awe. The Card was a Spell Card named Smile World. His eyes softened when he remembered all the times his dad would play Smile World at You Show. It never fails to bring a smile on his face whenever he sees the card in action. Now that it was in his hand and the guilt was lightened up because of Chou's letter. He feels even more motivated than he did.
Now it was time for him to get some work done.
_LDS Center Court_12:45 pm_
Yuzu and Gongenzaka were currently in a Tag Duel against Shun and Yuki, with the latter having Revolution Falcon and No.94: Crystalzero on their field. While she had Bloom Prima on her field and Gongenzaka, had Superheavy Ninja Shinobi-AC on his field. Both teams' LP was about the same, but the Resistance side still had an enormous advantage.
Just as Yuzu was about to draw her card, she heard a shout coming from one of the entrances.
"Yuzu! Gongenzaka!" Yuya ran to see the duel up close when he also spots Dennis sitting next to Serena, Eijirou, and Shingo.
As the latter huffs his chest and points at Yuya in a dramatic fashion.
"You are late, Yuya! How dare you keep your rival waiting for you to get here!" Shingo looks in the other direction. "If you want to play catch up, you are too late! If you want to be at my level, then you are going to have to train for 10,000 years! And it will take you 100,000 years to beat me!"
"When you put it that way, you are making it difficult for Yuya to catch up" Dennis comments, "I'm pretty sure you'll be dead in 10,000 years will Yuya too, Shingo-san" Eijirou adds. Both of the boy's words made Shingo fall on the step, nearly hitting his head on the railing. He turns his head towards them and just as he was about to get on them for being snarky. Until another voice prevents him from doing so.
"Stop causing a fuss! What matters is that he finally arrived right," Serena pointed out. She didn't understand why Shingo was about to cause a huge ruckus when Yuya has finally arrived at the Center Court. Honestly, if she had to hear his voice screeching one more time, she will knock him out.
Serena wasn't the only person who found Shingo screeching to be annoying. "I agree with her. If you don't shut it in the next minute, my fist will do it for you," Shun warned, eyes flashing dangerously. He was irritated ever since what happened this morning in the noise Shingo made. He didn't get much sleep last night, and it didn't help when he did, he heard a loud noise next to the room he was sharing with Yuki. So yeah, he wasn't in a bright mood, but can you even blame him. If you heard a lunatic screaming at 6:00 am in the morning and you didn't get any sleep at all would you honestly be in the mood to deal with any more annoying people? Especially the ones that caused you to be like this in the first place.
Shingo grumbles and sits back down. Making complaints here and there but didn't voice them out loud.
Yuki sighs and sees Yuya has changed, but particularly the look in his eyes. It was the same look Yuzu had when she found her resolve this morning. It wasn't just him, she sees Serena, Shingo, Gongenzaka, and Eijirou found their resolve to keep fighting. While Shun found a reason to keep on fighting.
Yuki envies everyone for finding a reason to keep on fighting. On the other hand, she was stuck.
Yuki had already made her decision by shutting her emotions off to keep fighting. But if she does, then will she lose another person she cares about along the way. If she turns them on, then will they be a hindrance in the future as this fight continues. Honestly, she didn't know what to do, but all she can do is just keep going. Because right now, that seems like a better option than to sulk anymore. While Yuki was berating herself, Crystalzero reassures her that no matter what decision she decides, everyone will be 100% behind her all the way till the bitter end.
"Thank you," Yuki nods her head in gratitude. Moments later, she and Shun remain victorious of the match but was impressed by how Yuzu and Gongenzaka were able to reduce their LP to a good amount. It seems like they were able to catch up to them and keep the duel going and turn the tides against them in certain turns. It was a way to show they were improving.
Now it was Shingo and Yuya turn to use the Center Court and it the match took twenty minutes with Yuya being the winner but Shingo was close though. If the latter had summoned his new Monster one turn earlier, then he could have won the match. Still, sadly Yuya prevails with summoning The Supreme Black Dragon - Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon.
Shun instructed Eijirou and Serena to duel each other but paused when Reiji came with Reira and Tsukikage.
"I've seen all of your training duels and is impressed with the results. Now let's commence the Lancers Meeting before we head off," Reiji announced.
"There are a couple of things I would like to discuss."
_Academia_Professor's Chambers_Around the same time_
Leo Akaba kept tapping his fingers on his chair rapidly. He was holding in his hatred when he explored Umi's memories when she returned. It seems the Synchro Alter Ego called Yugo was in the same dimension as Yuri along with the Standard Alter Ego named Yuya. The boy he discovered from Sora's memories.
This was bad if they were to reencounter each other, the consequences will be deadly. If that happens, it will be just like back then. Leo refuses to let that happen for the third time.
Leo was in deep thought until an idea came to him. He opened the screen showing a middle-aged man with long green hair tied in a low braid and blue eyes hidden behind black frame glasses wearing ragged clothes and a white lab coat. This man was one of the famous scientists in Academia as well as Akemi's father, Katsu Shima.
"Katsu, I have a task for you" Leo started the green-haired scientist fixed his glasses. "How long will it take you to create a tracking device with the function to be able to record and listen to people's conversations?"
Katsu hummed and pulled out a prototype from his desk. "I like how you think, Leo. I'm already in the process of creating one for certain reasons and will have it finish before Lunchtime. So theoretically speaking, I will have it done in thirty minutes" Katsu confirmed he cut the communications off to start working or else he'll miss Lunch today. He can't have that, not when they are serving his favorite food-fried shrimp in the Canteen.
He needs to hurry or maybe contact his daughter to bring him some, but knowing her if he does then he is going to have to do her a favor, which involves him creating cards for her during his break. It didn't help his breaks are usually around the crack of dawn or late at night.
Ah, why does he have such a troublesome daughter? Why couldn't she be more like Umi? Being a good girl and not causing trouble for him every time she does.
Ah! This is bad. If he keeps thinking about unnecessary things, then he will stray from his goal. He can't have that now.
"Focus, Katsu! FOCUS!" Katsu scolded himself and proceeded to start creating the machine.
Leo sighed at one of his personnel's eccentric actions. Well, he was useful for this Arc Area Project, and that what matters.
Leo returns back to his neutral expression and displays another screen.
"Bring Umi Macfield here to my Chambers," Leo ordered one of the teachers.
Soon Umi arrived bowing her head, not want to look into the Professor's eyes after she failed him. She didn't accomplish her goal of bringing Naomi or Yuki to him. What humiliated her is that she proclaims to him that she will accomplish the mission her rival failed to do. Yet she didn't, and therefore, she feels like a failure.
"Umi Macfield, do you want to repent for your previous mistake?" Leo asked. Umi nods her head quickly and bows even lower. "Very well, I have a mission that you can only complete. This time I won't accept any failure, or else the next time you come back here will be in a card form. Do you understand what that means?"
Umi felt her throat tighten by the implications of what the Professor means by his words. She had sweat running down her temples as they fell on the floor.
Nevertheless, she found the urge to speak. "Y-Yes Sir," Umi answered meekly.
"Then come back here in thirty minutes. Now return back to your studies," Leo dismisses the young girl who was already out the door when the words left his mouth.
Leo presses another button and contacts another person on the screen.
"Bring in all of our high-ranking elites. I have a message for them."
_Academia's Garden_Greenhouse_12:15 pm_
Akemi is humming a song as she listens to the commotion outside of the Greenhouse, knowing who was the cause of the loud noise outside. She pats her spirit monster-El Shaddoll Wendigo on the head.
"How many people do you think Yuri-kun took his angered on?" Akemi questioned El Shaddoll Wendigo to have a crooked smile and shook her head.
"Too many right," Akemi confirmed what her spirit was telling her by the look on her face.
When Yuri regains his consciousness, she told him what transpired during their duel and the after match. As she figured he was so enraged by hearing what happened, he proceeds to find whoever duelist he encountered and defeated them easily.
He may or may not turn them into cards, but Akemi knew better. Akemi releases her hands off of Wendigo's head and takes care of her adored periwinkles.
Just as she was about to water them, she hears a slam to the Greenhouse's entrance. Revealing Yuri with a still irritated look on his visage.
"Let me guess, who you dueled didn't help with your pent up aggressions," Akemi remarked, poking Yuri's cheek. "I can also guess you nearly dueled everyone in our age range but couldn't, or else the Professor will scold you again for your reckless actions."
With how Yuri reacted, it seems she hit the nail on the head. Yuri chuckled darkly and grabbed his face with his hand.
"Ah~ just because it's you, Akemi doesn't get you a free pass to come at me. If you continue, then I have no choice but to teach you a lesson" Yuri got out his duel disk.
Akemi looks at her boyfriend, blankly. She stands up in her spot and walks over to him. When she faces to face with him. She slapped him hard across the face.
Akemi glance at the red handprint on Yuri's red face, although her actions made him even angrier than he was before.
"AKEMI, YOU-!"
"No, you shut up" Akemi interrupted Yuri by placing her finger on his lips.
"I don't mind tangling with you, but I refused to when you act like this. If we are going to fight I want to do it as the way you are."
Akemi continued to chastise him. "You are a short-tempered crazed boy who wants to come out on top, and whenever things don't go your way you pull a temper tantrum. Did I mention you are very short as well and not very muscular yet you have a flexible body? Even though you have so many bad traits, I can name on the top of my head.."
Akemi removed her finger and pecked his lips with her own. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
When she pulled away, she was satisfied to see a small pink blush across Yuri's cheeks. It made her want to tease him for being so adorable, but she held the urge.
"Just for the record, I haven't reached my growth spurt yet," Yuri mumbled, placing his forehead against Akemi's. "Yeah come back to me when you're 6'0 feet, and I'll take back what I said. Until then, you are still short," Akemi retorted. While she was embarrassed by how close he was, she didn't pull away.
"I ran into your cousin, the candy freak, and he informed me that all of the elites have been summoned to the Professor's Chambers," Yuri mentioned Akemi snorts. "You mean the trash that I disowned that should shut up and die. Alright let's go see what the Professor wants now."
The two pulled away from each other and walked out of the Greenhouse. Akemi glance at the people they encountered, who were praising her or backing away in fear because of Yuri. It always pissed her off whenever she notices how people would tremble when they saw Yuri but look at her in adoration. They had the same sadistic tendencies, so why would they treat so differently?
It didn't help matters when people shunned Yuri when he was younger, making him wary of people and their intentions. It made Yuri distrust people.
However, it was because of him meeting her, he didn't doubt everyone's intentions, but only the ones that seem shady and no good. Which is only half of Academia, but regardless he was able to make a handle of friends.
Like for instance Serena (well the two of them are always at each other's throats half of the time), Dennis (somewhat when he wasn't annoying Yuri), Kori (but their relationship wasn't on friendly terms only professional), and she doesn't count because she is his girlfriend. But that doesn't matter in the slightest! Anyways he still had people who care about him and don't care about his personality in the slightest.
Still, it bothered and angered Akemi whenever she sees this every time. The more she sees it as they walked down the halls, the more it made her want to go on her own rampage. However, she was stopped by El Shaddoll Wendigo.
The monster gave a teary-eyed expression and begged her master not to torment and torture people to satiate her rising anger. Akemi crumbles under the gaze and sighs.
"Don't worry, I won't. So, stop looking at me, okay, darling," Akemi reassured stroking Wendigo's head in a motherly fashion. The monster smiled and disappeared from Akemi's sight.
Finally, the two of them arrived and entered the Professor's Chamber standing with the other elites. One woman wearing a black military uniform as a grey cape was adorned over her shoulders, and black boots. She had dark blue hair and black bangs framing her face; finally, she had black eyes devoid of any emotion. This woman is Tsuru Fujiwara.
In the room was another woman wearing a green military outfit, but she had a shirt, unlike her colleague. She had matching black boots and the same cape; however, hers was a green color. She had wavy turquoise hair with light green highlights at the ends of her hair. She had blue eyes. This woman is Saori Hirai.
In the other part of the room was Kori leaning against a pillar and across from her was the two famous tag team duelists: The Tyler Sisters and Satou Brothers.
The older brother is Eikichi Satou, he has red hair and piercing yellow eyes. He is wearing a red military uniform with a badge across his chest. The younger brother is Eizo Satou has yellow hair with black streaks at the end and red eyes. He is wearing the same military uniform as his older brother; however, his buttons are loose, revealing his tank top underneath the uniform.
Barrett stands near another pillar, and Sora was next to him.
He was going to approach Akemi to make amends for what he did but was met with a harsh smile. Her eyes had malicious intent, and if Sora were to get close to her then he will be swept by the waves directed towards him. It made Sora freeze up, and he stops his advances.
Leo Akaba taps his finger, and soon, all of the elites kneel before him.
"Since all of you are present. I have a new mission for each of you in regards to our next plans moving forward," Leo broadcasted. He then reports to the group about the next stage and how it involves what he needed Katsu to create the device as well as Umi being sent on the mission.
"If everything goes according to plan. We will move forward to the next phase of the Project."
"I will be expecting great things from this particular group since you are more talented than the others and more devoted to the cause. However, if I were to find a trace of treason, you know what will happen," Leo warned coldly, his eyes narrowing. Everyone shivered by the intensity of his words. They each remained in their designated spots.
"Yes, Professor," each member stands up and salutes. Even though they were just threatened by the Professor's words, they still were excited by what's about to happen. Some of them couldn't wait to return back to the battlefield and let loose. Some just wanted to get out of here to improve their skills. While some people wanted to go back to what they were doing. Some people were hesitant about the mission they were about to receive.
Regardless they all had one objective in mind because it was the sworn rule of Academia: obey the Professor's orders.
"Glory on the Academia!"
_Back to the Standard Dimension_LDS Meeting Room_
The time was 12:20 pm in the afternoon. The Lancers were in the meeting room, ready to travel to the Synchro Dimension with their respective duel disk activated. They each had a Spell Card Dimensionizer to teleport to the Synchro Dimension based on the data LDS received from Yuto's duel disk as well as Shun's.
Reiji revealed to the Lancers how there will be only 5 Actions Cards in the Field
Spell: Crossover, implanted in their duel disk. Reiji informs them that if they use Action Cards during their duel then it won't show they improve on their skills and will heavily reliant on them. While some had 2 Actions Cards, some had no Action Cards and had the Field Spell in their duel disk.
Shun voice his displeasure with Reira being dragged into this war but was reassured by Yuki and Serena that the young child of the group will be okay. As well as telling him to trust Reiji and his plans to defeat Academia. Shun calm down after that but still didn't like the idea of children being involved in a war. Since no one had nothing else to say after that Reiji gave the signal, and each member activates the card in their hand as their duel disk glow a blue color. Causing them to vanish within the light.
_Synchro Dimension_Commons' Slums
The light bluish warp dimmed, revealing Yuya, Yuzu, Serena, Yuki, and Reira all step out to look at their surroundings. Yuki felt nostalgic when she took in the sight of the sky in front of her. But weird when she was here last time, the view felt closer than she was right now.
Nonetheless, this place, in fact, is the Synchro Dimension.
"Now we've arrived in the Synchro Dimension. Let's start searching for Naomi and then our comrades," Yuki proposed to the group behind her. They all nod, and soon as Yuki steps into the dirtied streets.
Out of nowhere, the group was surrounded by Sector Security coming from all sides. Duel Chasers were blocking each way of the streets as well as one helicopter floating above.
"We have you surrounded, Haru Kobi! I don't know where your twin sister is, and frantically, I don't care! You are under arrest for these crimes you've pulled in the past day and a half!" One of the Sector Security roared, revealing bandages on his face.
"Bombing one of Sector Security headquarters, destroying 50 Duel Chasers' d-wheels, assaulting thirty officers, trespassing Top Private Property, and wrecking Top Property as well!"
"This time, you will be going to the Facility! Do you have anything smart you like to say that will increase your life sentence!"
The others stared blankly at the black-haired girl who for once showed shock across her visage.
"What?"
Author's Note: Chapters 1-4 have been redone and uploaded, so you will notice some major changes. More background information about our Standard Girl Naomi Kobiyashi! Some changes will be made that had something to do with the canon storyline. Nevertheless, let's ride on into the Synchro Dimension.
Oc Cards
Yuya:
• Entermate Raspberry Magician
Dark/Level 4/Spellcaster/Effect/ATK 1000/DEF 1000
When you control no monsters, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. When this card is Special Summoned this; way destroy all cards your Opponent controls. When this card is sent to the Graveyard: You can banish this card to draw cards equal to this card's Level.
• Dragon's Chain_Trap
Monsters your Opponent controls cannot activate their card effects. When you control a Dragon-Type Monster, you can banish this card from your Graveyard to activate this effect; monsters your Opponent controls have their effects negated while they are on the field.
• Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon
Fire/Rank 8/Dragon/Xyz/Effect/ATK 3000/DEF 2800/OU:2
2 Level 8 Monsters
You can Xyz Summon "Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon" by using 1 Xyz Dragon-Type Monster you control as material. (Transfer its Xyz Materials to this card.) During the Battle Phase: You can detach an Xyz Material to target a monster your Opponent control, that monsters have its effects negated and ATK and DEF changed to 0. When this card destroys a monster by battle, you can inflict damage to your Opponent equal to the original ATK of the monster that was destroyed.
• Heaven Paladin
Light/Level 8/Spellcaster/Fusion/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 2800/DEF 2000/P.S:2
Pendulum Effect:
During the Battle Phase: When an 'Odd-Eyes' or 'Magician' battles your Opponent Monster(s) lose 1000 ATK for each Monster, you control.
Effect:
2 'Magician' Pendulum Monsters
This card is unaffected by card effects and cannot be destroyed by card effects. When this card is Fusion Summoned: All card effects your Opponent, controls are negated until the End Phase. During Your Battle Phase: this card ATK doubles until the End Phase. When this card is destroyed by battle, you can place this card in your Pendulum Zone.
Reiji:
• D/D King's Rule_Spell
If you control a 'D/D' or 'D/D/D' Monster, all monsters your Opponent controls are changed to Defense Position. You can banish this card from your Graveyard so all monsters you control can inflict piercing battle damage to your Opponent.
• D/D/D Bright King Arthur
Dark/Rank 7/Fiend/Xyz/Effect/ATK 3000/DEF 2800/OU:2
2 Level 7 Monsters
Once per turn, you can detach an Xyz Material to negate all card effects your Opponent controls. This card can attack twice per turn. Once per turn, during the Battle Phase, monsters you control cannot be destroyed by battle, and you take no battle damage from that battle. When this card leaves the field: you can add a 'D/D' or 'D/D/D' Monster from your Deck to your Hand.
• D/D Centaurus
Dark/Level 3/Fiend/Effect/ATK 300/DEF 600
(Quick Effect): You can send this card to the Graveyard to reduce any effect damage you take this turn to 0. When this card is in your Graveyard: You can banish this card to Fusion Summon using monsters in your Graveyard and banish zones as well to Fusion Summon a 'D/D/D' Monster from your Extra Deck.
