Yu-Gi-Oh ARC-V: Unity Between Dimensions

by Time Knight Leo

When Yuya unlocked the ability to Pendulum Summon, he'll soon find himself in the middle of an interdimensional conflict. With events already being different, such as a prior encounter with a girl named Rin, things are already changing bit by bit as Yuya hopes to show them what it means to duel. Hopefully without losing himself... (Cover image is currently a placeholder for now)

2. Part 2: Darkville's Trade Bait

Alright, as promised, here's the second part, and the reason why I decided to post this in the first place. I was feeling oddly proud of the duel here, so here's hoping it looks good to you all as well. It was certainly tricky enough to write out, but hopefully it all pays off since it's radically different from canon despite having some parts that're the same.

Anyway, hope you enjoy it.

---

Yu-Gi-Oh ARC-V
Unity Between Dimensions

Part 2: Darkville's Trade Bait

---

At the You Show Duel School during the evening, a duel was currently underway, once again between Yuya and Gong. It was a normal duel instead of an Action Duel since the purpose was to figure out how Pendulum Summoning worked. Yuya was looking through his deck and watching his duel with Strong as he figures out how they work. Then, one day, he approached Gong saying that he had an idea and wanted to test it out. Watching the mock battle was Zuzu and Rin as the others were already at their homes.

Yuya checked his hand for a bit before nodding, knowing exactly what to do.

"I'll use Stargazer Magician and Timegazer Magician to set the Pendulum Scale!" he exclaimed, placing the cards on his Duel Disks.

Two pillars of light emerged besides Yuya, and within them were his two magicians he used against Strong.

Stargazer Magician/Scale 1
Timegazer Magician/Scale 8

"So far, so good..." Rin commented.

"But the real test begins now..." Zuzu informed, both girls watching with baited breath.

"Alright, here I go!" Yuya called out as the pendulum above swung faster and faster, "Swing far, Pendulum! Carve the arc of victory! My monsters are ready... TO SWING INTO ACTION!"

To the surprise of everyone, a portal managed to form from the pendulum, and through it emerged 3 lights. They crashed down, revealing Yuya's monsters. Performapal Hip Hippo, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, and a Performapal monster that resembles a cross between an eel and a sword with a bladed pompador.

Performapal Hip Hippo/Level 3/ATK 800/DEF 800
Performapal Sword Fish/Level 2/ATK 600/DEF 600
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon/Level 7/ATK 2500/DEF 2000

Everyone stared in awe at the successful Pendulum Summon. Yuya grew a big grin seeing the hard work pay off while Gong started crying tears of joy.

"You did it! Gong knew you could do it!" Gong exclaimed as he rush up and gave Yuya a big hug. Zuzu and Rin soon approached the duo, also sporting smiles.

"Way to go, Yuya!" Zuzu congratulated, earning a smile from Yuya.

"Thanks, you all... I couldn't have done it without your help," he admitted.

"So how were you able to figure it out?" Rin questioned. Gong soon let go of Yuya as the latter showed the others his still-active Duel Disk.

"I've noticed something about these cards, specifically the arrows on either sides," he explained, pointing to his two active Pendulum Cards, Stargazer and Timegazer, "You see how the arrows have a number next to them? They might be the keys to Pendulum Summoning.

"Stargazer here has a Scale of 1, while Timegazer has a scale of 8," he continued as the others pay attention, turning toward his summoned monsters, "I think I could only Pendulum Summon monsters whose levels are between the numbers on the scale. Hip Hippo, Sword Fish, and Odd-Eyes are level 3, 2, and 7 respectively. They're all between 1 and 8. That's why I could summon them."

The others widen their eyes from hearing that, with Zuzu thinking back to her duel with Yuya. "So back when we had that mock battle..." she started.

"Instead of Stargazer Magician, I had Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon out who had a scale of 4," Yuya responded with a nod, "Back then, I was trying to summon monsters below the lowest scale. That's why the summon failed."

He then realized something. "I guess this also means I can't summon monsters whose levels equal either of the set scales," he added, "Among the monsters I tried to summon back then was Whip Snake, a Level 4. Even though I had a scale 4 card out, summoning Whip Snake wasn't an option."

Everyone took in what Yuya said. "So that's all there is to Pendulum Summoning, huh?" Rin said, "When you put it like that, it almost sounds easy. Makes it hard to believe you forgotten about it."

Yuya gave a dejected sigh. "Hey, I told you I was in some sort of trance!" he retorted as the monsters soon disappeared, "I couldn't exactly pay attention to what I was doing during that moment..."

"What Gong wants to know is how you'd get those Pendulum Cards in the first place," Gong questioned, prompting perplexed looks from the girls as they wonder that as well.

"Gong's right. Plus, there's also the matter of what happened to Odd-Eyes Dragon," Rin added, "One minute it was a normal Effect Monster, the next it appears as Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon."

Yuya scratched the back of his head in response. "Well... Truth to be told, they just kinda turned out that way..." he sheepishly explained, "While I was dueling Strong, a few cards on my hand just turned into Pendulum Cards, including my Odd-Eyes."

"Really? Your cards just magically turned into Pendulum Cards?" Zuzu questioned, finding it hard to believe.

"It's not just Odd-Eyes and my magicians. A lot of my Performapals were also transformed," Yuya added, bringing out his deck and showing his friends his new Pendulum Cards. One of them stuck out to them.

"Performapal Silver Claw?" Rin checked the card, "You used that card during your duel with Strong, and that was before you break out the Pendulum Cards."

"Yeah. He was just another Effect Monster, but I guess he turned into a Pendulum Card as well," Yuya replied. The others wonder what all this mean.

"So even though we figured out how to Pendulum Summon, there's still so many things we don't know about those cards..." Zuzu said with a dejected sigh, "Just great..."

Yuya, however, gave Zuzu a smile. "Hey, no worries, Zuzu. At least we know how Pendulum Summoning works," he reassured his friend, "Besides, I'm sure we'll figure this mystery out."

The others smiled at Yuya's optimism. "You're right, Yuya," Rin agreed.

---

The next day, Yuya and Zuzu was walking out of Paradise Prep School. Yuya had a carefree look, but Zuzu looked a bit annoyed.

"Yuya, I know that you've been hard at work with Pendulum Summoning, but could you please try to stay awake?" she scolded.

"I've been pulling all-nighters trying to figure it out," he retorted, "Can't a guy get some rest after some hard work?"

Zuzu sighed at Yuya's reasoning. "You should be glad that you didn't do something stupid like trying to Pendulum Summon during class..." she said.

"Maybe, though it could've gotten some laughs," Yuya responded with a chuckle.

"That's not the point!" Zuzu retorted back.

The two soon reached the gate, where they saw not only Rin who left before them, but also Allie, Frederick, and Tate, the latter of which being a new student at You Show.

"Yuya, Rin was saying that you've figured out how to Pendulum Summon," Frederick informed, "Is that true?"

Yuya smiled at the three kids. "That's right. It wasn't easy, but we pulled it off!" he replied.

"Do you think you could show us?" Tate asked in excitement with the others.

"Sure thing!" Yuya accepted as they prepared to head back to You Show, only to stop when three sucker-tipped darts flew right toward Yuya, hitting him right above his nose.

"Triple bull's-eye...?" Zuzu commented, wondering where they came from.

"Those were mere child's play. I could've done it blindfolded," a voice spoke. The others faced ahead and saw a teen around Yuya's age with blonde hair.

"Who are you...?" Yuya questioned, prompting the teen to close his eyes for a moment.

"The name's Sylvio. Sylvio Sawatari," the teen introduced himself, "I'm from Class 1. It's a pleasure to meet you, Yuya."

He then took hold of Yuya's arms and shook them. "I've seen your duel with the Sledgehammer, and I was amazed by your performance," he informed, "Especially when you Pendulum Summoned."

Letting go of Yuya's hands, he removed the darts from Yuya's face. "I would be honored if you could show me how it works," he added, "I've developed an interest in learning how it goes."

While Yuya was feeling bashful, Zuzu was unamused by all the praise while Rin narrowed her eyes at Sylvio. "Maybe don't inflate Yuya's ego more than it has. Otherwise it might burst..." Zuzu retorted.

"But everything I've said is true," Sylvio reasoned. Zuzu was unconvinced as she turned to Yuya.

"Yuya, don't forget that you promised the kids you'd show them at You Show," she reminded the Dueltainer-in-training, who quickly remembered.

"If you're already set on showing them how it works, then I got the perfect place to do so," Sylvio interjected, getting everyone's attention, "I'm of course referring to the duel court at the Leo Institute."

This caught the others by surprise. Among the many duel schools scattered around Paradise City, the Leo Institute of Dueling is by far the most well-known. On top of being the largest duel school of them all, it's also one of very few schools that teaches different summoning techniques, those being Xyz, Synchros, and Fusions, and it's the only school that teaches all three at once. It's also headed by the Leo Corporation, the same corporation that created the ARC System and the current-gen Duel Disks.

"Huh? But isn't that area for Leo students only?" Yuya questioned. Sylvio merely chuckled in response.

"Normally it is, but I've made reservations there. I happen to be a Leo student myself," he explained, surprising the others, "I also happen to be the son of the soon-to-be mayor of this city, so I have enough influence to make reservations."

Hearing all that only made Rin glare at Sylvio, though no one noticed it. The kids, however, are excited at the prospect of seeing a duel at the Leo Institute of Dueling. Zuzu, meanwhile, is the only one unimpressed.

"We could've done it at You Show..." she muttered before noticing the look on Rin's face, "Rin, is something wrong?"

Rin only just realized Zuzu was talking to her before sighing. "Sorry, Zuzu. It's nothing you need to worry about," she reassured her before frowning, "Though I'm not too sure this is such a good idea..."

"But this is the Leo Institute we're talking about!" Frederick interjected, "It's said to house the state-of-the-art duel arenas. Just think of the kinds of duels we can see there!"

Allie and Tate both agreed with Frederick, hoping that they could come with. In the end, Zuzu and Rin could only relent with a sigh.

"I guess we're outvoted..." Rin said dejectedly.

"Fine, we'll come with..." she accepted before glaring at Sylvio, "But I'm only coming along to scope out our biggest rival!"

"Had a feeling you'd say something like that," Sylvio commented, "You all are welcomed to come with if you choose."

With that, the three kids rushed off towards the Leo Institute, with Zuzu chasing after them trying to get them to slow down, Yuya just going along for the ride, and Rin walking after them, not entirely convinced this is such a good idea. Sylvio, however, stay behind and gazed at the group before narrowing his eyes and smirking.

"Heh, all according to plan."

---

The group soon arrived at Leo tower, home to the Leo Corporation and Leo Institute. Upon entering the tower, the younger kids awed at how everything looked.

"As you've no doubt heard, the Leo Institute is run by the Leo Corporation," Sylvio explained, "Attending the institute is normally easier said than done; you'd need to be personally invited to join the school. However, it is the top dueling institution in all of Paradise City."

"I can believe that. This place is said to have produced many champions," Tate added, showing what he knew about the place, "It also has the best dueling equipment around. My mom mentioned that this would've been the better school for me to enroll."

"I can see how you're so knowledgeable about this school," Sylvio complimented before continuing, "We houses the best facilities, lectures and curriculum in the city. It's all a part of our motto. We surround ourselves in superiority."

Rin glared at Sylvio for that last bit, but like before, it went unnoticed.

"This place has nearly everything that You Show doesn't," Allie noticed, her excitement not going down.

"I did hear that You Show is a bit low-budget and low taste," Sylvio added, prompting Zuzu to glare this time. Yuya, meanwhile, was checking out one of the posters showcasing the institute's curriculum.

"I can see why you'd think this place has everything," he admitted, "Says here this place covers the basics of multiple different summoning techniques. Xyz, Synchro, and it looks like they've recently added Fusion Summoning into the curriculum."

As he was saying all that, a boy with sky-blue hair tied in a short ponytail passed by, licking a lollipop. As soon as Yuya mentioned Fusion Summoning, the boy stopped and looked at Yuya.

'Yuri...?' the boy thought before shaking his head and moving on. By then, Yuya noticed the boy walking away, only for Zuzu to catch his attention.

"Yuya, why are you spacing out?" she asked the Dueltainer-in-training, "We're falling behind."

"Er, right," Yuya sheepishly said as the two rushed off to rejoin with the others.

The group soon reached an outdoor duel arena. As expected, the kids marveled at the size and scale of the arena. They soon noticed three teens Sylvio's age approaching the group. One had brown hair that appears to be tied backward, another had faded green hair, and the last one had slightly spiky maroon hair.

"These three are some friends of mine. Ootomo, Yamabe, and Kakimoto," Sylvio introduced them, "They've also become fans of yours, Yuya. We would be honored if you could show us your Pendulum Cards."

Yuya looked down, uncertain about this. "I don't know..." he mumbled, only for Sylvio to gently grab his shoulder.

"It's only for a short while," he reassured the Dueltainer-in-training, "We're practically best buds by now."

Yuya thought about it and ultimately gave in. He pulled out two of his Pendulum Cards, Stargazer Magician and Timegazer Magician, and showed them to Sylvio, only for him to snatch it out of Yuya's hand, much to everyone's surprise. He then went toward his friends to show them the cards.

"That was rather rude, don't you think?" Zuzu retorted. Rin, however, continues to glare, already having a feeling of what's going on.

"So these are the Pendulum Cards?" Ootomo questioned in awe.

"These cards would go great in my collection," Yamabe mentioned, catching everyone's attention and prompting Sylvio to take the cards away.

"Now now, you all. These cards don't belong to you," Sylvio informed, turning toward Yuya who, for a second, believed that he'd be returning them. However...

"They belong to me."

Hearing that shocked the group, except for Rin who glared even harder and gritted her teeth. "What are you talking about!?" Zuzu questioned in irritation.

"You see, I happen to be a collector of rare and powerful cards," Sylvio explained, "Whenever I spy a rare card, I'd do everything in my power to obtain them. And they don't get much rarer than your one-of-a-kind Pendulum Cards."

"So that's why you brought us here!" Rin yelled, still gritting her teeth.

"Indeed. After all, we'd still like to see how it's all done," Sylvio admitted, walking back to Yuya and grabbing his goggles, "So how about it, Yuya? Care to teach me how they work?"

He promptly snapped Yuya's goggles back to his face, knocking him to the ground. The others rushed over to Yuya, making sure he's alright. Just then, Sylvio got a call on his Duel Disk that only he hears.

*Sylvio, that's enough,* the caller, Claude, spoke, *Your job was only to get the Pendulum Cards. Report to the designated location now.*

"That's true, but I've decided to keep them for myself," Sylvio informed with a smirk.

---

Within the moniter room, Claude yelled at Sylvio through the call. "Sylvio, this is not part of the deal!" he yelled, "Deliver those cards to us immediat-"

"No, Claude," a voice ringed out. Claude turned around and saw the silver-haired president entering the room from the elevator.

"Mr. President...?!" Claude yelped in surprise.

"Sylvio isn't the only one interested in how they work," the president informed, "Let him duel."

---

Back at the duel arena, Sylvio added the stolen cards into his deck. "That's the deal, Yuya. You'll tell me how these Pendulum Cards work, whether you'll tell me outright or show me via a duel," he informed, "Of course, if you're not motivated enough..."

He snapped his finger, prompting his three lackeys to move toward Yuya's friends. Yamabe took hold of Zuzu, Kakimoto did the same to Rin, and Ootome grab hold of the three kids. Yuya was shocked to see this happening as the three lackeys took them to a particular spot on the arena.

"Guys!" he cried out before turning to Sylvio with a glare, "Let them go, Sylvio!"

"Don't you worry, Yuya. They're perfectly safe... for now," Sylvio reassured to no effect, pulling out another deck, "I almost feel sorry for taking your cards, so I'll give you some of mine in return."

He then scattered them onto the ground in front of Yuya. "They're all worthless like you!" Sylvio added with a smirk.

Yuya looked down at the scattered cards. "No card is worthless..." he mumbled as he dropped down to pick them up, "How could you treat cards this way...?"

"Because he's a spoiled brat who thinks he's above everyone!" Rin yelled out to everyone's surprised. She soon broke free from Kakimoto's grip and whacked him away before heading to Yuya's side.

"What's your problem?" Sylvio questioned with an unamused look.

"I've seen your kind before, Sylvio! The kind that believes they're above and superior to everyone else and loves to flaunt their status, even at the expense of those deemed 'lower than you'!" Rin yelled, letting out all of her anger, "People like you make me sick!"

Everyone was surprised by Rin's outburst. Even Sylvio stepped back from her. She soon brought out her own Duel Disk.

"You better give those cards back to Yuya or I'm taking them back the hard way!"

Sylvio narrowed his eyes toward Rin. "As interesting as your outburst is, I'm only interested in Yuya," he informed, "So kindly stepped back."

"Not until you give back those cards, you pompus, spoiled brat!" Rin retorted. Yuya was getting unnerved by Rin's outburst as he gently lay his hand on her shoulder to calm her down.

"Rin, you don't have to do this..." he said, prompting Rin to turn to him.

"But I want to, Yuya. I can't just stand by and let him walk over you like that!" she responded passionately, "I've seen so many people get treated like dirt where I came from, and I'm not about to let you be treated the same way!"

Yuya stared at Rin in awe over what she said. However, Sylvio coughed to get their attention.

"If you all are so adamant about this, then how about I take you both on?" he suggested, much to Yuya's and Rin's surprise.

"Are you serious!?" Yuya cried out.

"Of course. Kakimoto!" Sylvio responded, calling out to one of his lackeys who immediately rushed to his side, "This'll be a two on two duel: me and Kakimoto versus the two of you. Does that sound agreeable?"

Yuya and Rin turned to face each other. "Rin, please..." he spoke softly, "Please let me do this... It's just like Gong said: I have to fight my own battles instead of letting others do so for me. So, please..."

Rin stared at Yuya for a bit before relenting. "Alright, Yuya. I trust you," she accepted with a nod, "But I'm not backing down either. We're doing this together."

"Thanks, Rin," Yuya replied, thankful for Rin's understanding, before turning back to Sylvio with a glare, "If we win, you'll give back those Pendulum Cards you stole!"

"Very well, Yuya," Sylvio accepted, "But if we win, I not only keep your two cards, I'll also be taking any other Pendulum Cards you might have!"

The condition made Yuya flinch as Rin stared at him in worry. After a bit, though, Yuya recovered and contined to glare.

"I accept!"

---

Back at the moniter room, Claude and the president was watching all this unfold.

"Mr. President, are you sure this is such a good idea?" Claude questioned, unsure of how this'll play out.

"I'm sure. Our goals at the moment is to learn all there is to know about these Pendulum Cards," the president responded, "This duel is sure to teach us their secrets."

Claude was still unsure, but relented and turned back toward the screen. The president continues to watch, but for a different reason.

'Besides, this duel may just reveal more than just Pendulum Summoning...' the president thought to himself, gazing at the four duelists taking part, or more specifically, Rin.

---

"For this duel, we have a special Duel Field just for this occasion," Sylvio informed, "I hope you all aren't afraid of heights, as this field will take you sky-high! I activate Prison Tower of Darkville!"

With a snap of Sylvio's fingers, the ARC System underneath the arena activated, changing the area completely as multiple building were forming. Yuya and Rin heard screaming and saw that Zuzu and the others were being carried off by one of the buildings, forming a large tower in the middle of a bridge.

"Zuzu! Guys!" Yuya called out.

"Oh, don't mind them. Like I said, they're perfectly safe for now," Sylvio reaffirmed, "After all, it wouldn't be much of a prison tower without prisoners!"

Yuya and Rin glared at Sylvio, who's otherwise unaffected as he and Kakimoto prepared to duel.

"You should know what's going on by now, Yuya," Sylvio called out, "I'll only let them go once the duel is over. Got it?"

Yuya continued to glare at Sylvio before looking down at his deck. He pulled out one of the cards that Sylvio tossed his way, Block Spider, and stared at it before inserting it into his deck.

"Got it!" he understood.

"Very well. Then without further ado..." Sylvio started as he, Kakimoto, Yuya, and Rin yelled out.

"LET'S DUEL!"

Yuya LP: 4000/Hand: 5
Rin LP: 4000/Hand: 5
Sylvio LP: 4000/Hand: 5
Kakimoto LP: 4000/Hand: 5

"I'll be going first," Yuya called out as he prepares his move, "And I'll be starting out with Performapal Whip Snake!"

Yuya's cobra appeared next to him, who promptly wrapped its tail around Yuya's arm. He then whipped Whip Snake over to the top of a building and pulled himself over.

Performapal Whip Snake/Level 4/ATK 1700/DEF 900

As Yuya heads off toward the tower, Sylvio could only consider that as ending his turn. "If you're not going to make another move, then I'll take my turn," he exclaimed, drawing a card. He took a look at his cards and saw that he had Timegazer Magician.

'Perfect... I'll take them both out with this...' Sylvio thought to himself as he prepares to use the card, but before he could, a voice rung out from his Duel Disk, once again heard by no one other than Sylvio.

*The time is not right to use that card,* the voice warned. Sylvio noticed that it did not sound like Claude this time.

"Huh? Who are you?" he questioned the caller, "And what do you mean the time isn't right?"

*Do as I say and don't use that card just yet,* the voice, who turned out to be the president, ordered with such authority that Sylvio had no choice but to relent.

"Tch, why are you being so worked up?" he questioned before smirking, "Oh well, I suppose it's more satisfying to use this card for the final blow."

He placed Timegazer Magician back into his hand before pulling out another monster.

"I'll start off by bringing out Lightning Hoverboard!" he exclaimed as he brings out what appears to be a hovering dartboard with a skull on top and surrounded by lightning. It laid down as Sylvio promptly jumped on.

Lightning Hoverboard/Level 4/ATK 1400/DEF 1200

"Since we're playing this on Battle Royale rules, I'm not allowed to attack you until each duelist has had a turn," Sylvio informed, slotting another card into his Duel Disk, "So I'll just lay a face down and call it a turn."

With that, Sylvio headed off on Lightning Hoverboard to chase after Yuya.

"In that case, it's my turn!" Rin yelled as she drew a card, "I'll start off by summoning Windwitch - Freeze Bell!"

Rin has brought out what appears to be a witch wearing a short dress and riding a long-handle bell like a broomstick. She promptly joined the witch on the bell as the two flew off toward Yuya and Sylvio.

Windwitch - Freeze Bell/Level 3/ATK 1200/DEF 1200

"I'll also lay down my own face down and end it here," Rin finishes as she put down a face down and chased after Sylvio.

"My turn, then," Kakimoto called out as he drew a card, "I'll be bringing out one of my go to monsters for this. Come on out, Solar Flare Dragon!"

Kakimoto's monster was a moderate, serpentine dragon whose body seems to be covered in fire, appearing like a solar flare.

Solar Flare Dragon/Level 4/ATK 1500/DEF 1000

Kakimoto hopped onto his dragon, not seemingly bothered by the flames, and flew off to joined the others.

"I'll also lay down two face downs of my own," he added, slotting in two more cards, "And though we can't attack until next turn, I don't need to wait to strike! Solar Flare Dragon can blast you for 500 damage during the end of each of my turns!"

"Say what!?" Yuya cried in shock, still swinging around with Whip Snake's help.

"So, I'll be starting the assault and attacking you, Yuya!" Kakimoto yelled as Solar Flare Dragon breathed out a fireball hurling toward the Dueltainer-in-training.

Yuya looked around for anything that might help and noticed an Action Card. He quickly picked it up, only to see that it's a Trap Card.

"Uh-oh! An Action Trap!" he cried out as Sylvio caught up.

"That's right, Yuya, and it appears you picked up Break Shot," he informed with a smug look, "Now your Whip Snake loses 900 Attack."

As Sylvio explained, a giant billard ball appeared next to Yuya and smacked right into him and Whip Snake.

Whip Snake/ATK 1700 - 800

By then, Solar Flare Dragon's attack connects, launching Yuya forward even more.

Yuya LP: 4000 - 3500

Yuya attempted to get up as Sylvio sneered at him. By that point, both Rin and Kakimoto managed to catch up.

"You may think you're all special, using Action Cards to your advantage," Sylvio said, "But you should know that it's just as likely for the cards to be traps that hinder you. And unfortunately for you, Prison Tower of Darkville happens to be infamous for being jam packed with Action Traps!"

Yuya glared at Sylvio as he continued forward. "You may think you have me, but we're just getting started!" he retorted, "My turn!"

Yuya LP: 3500/Hand: 4
Rin LP: 4000/Hand: 4
Sylvio LP: 4000/Hand: 4
Kakimoto LP: 4000/Hand: 3

Back at the tower, the captives were watching the duel unfold. The three kids were huddled with Zuzu from the edge of the tall tower.

"I sure hope Yuya and Rin can do this..." Zuzu wished.

"Er... How real are these fields anyway...?" Frederick asked, fearing for a potential drop from the tower.

"You probably won't like the answer, Frederick..." Tate responded, "Just... keep away from the edge..."

"I'm scared..." Allie commented, holding onto Zuzu as if her life depended on it.

By now, Yuya has reached the docks, the only thing separating him and the tower where his friends are at being a large body of water. He drew a card and stared at his opponents, in particular, Solar Flare Dragon.

'If we don't take out that Solar Flare Dragon, its ability will cause some trouble for me and Rin before long...' he thought as he prepared to make his move.

"First off, I'll use Whip Snake's ability to swap Solar Flare Dragon's Attack and Defense!" he called out, Whip Snake letting go of his arm and hypnotizing the dragon.

Solar Flare Dragon/ATK 1500 - 1000/DEF 1000 - 1500

"You think that'll help? Your snake's too weak to take on my dragon thanks to that Action Trap!" Kakimoto informed with a smirk.

"Maybe, but he's not who'll take that dragon down," Yuya replied, "I'll tribute Performapal Whip Snake to bring out Performapal Springoose!"

Whip Snake dispersed into stars before reforming into a yellow goose wearing a suit and bowtie.

Performapal Springoose/Level 5/ATK 1100/DEF 2400

"Springoose, take out that Solar Flare Dragon!" Yuya commanded as the goose prepares to rush toward the flaming dragon. Kakimoto, however, continues to smirk.

"Like that's gonna work, I activate a trap! Scrap-Iron Scarecrow!" he retorted, bringing out a scarecrow made out of scrap metal. Springoose rammed head-first into the scarecrow, only to double back from collision.

"Wait, what!?" Yuya exclaimed in shock.

"I'm allowed to block one attack sent my way with this beaut," Kakimoto explained, "And the best part is it goes back face down instead of going to the Graveyard!"

As he said that, the scarecrow tumbled down and turned back into a face down card.

"Of course, I can only use it once per turn, but that's hardly an issue," he continued, "Sure it's not the most prettiest card in the world, but you have to admit it sure is useful."

Yuya groaned at that before setting another card down. "I'll lay one card face down and call it there..." he said, "And that means Whip Snake's earlier effect ends.

Solar Flare Dragon/ATK 1000 - 1500/DEF 1500 - 1000

"In that case, it's my turn!" Sylvio called out, drawing a card, "You may think you're clever bringing out that goose, but its Attack is much too low to be a Level 5."

He then gestured his hand forward. "So allow me to put that goose out of its misery. Lightning Hoverboard, zap that goose!"

Lightning Hoverboard began shooting out electric darts from its lightning field toward Springoose. Yuya, however, smiled.

"That's what you think, but that's why I had this ready! Last Minute Cancel!" he exclaimed, activating his Trap Card, "This card allows me to change my Springoose over to Defense Mode, and while he's not too great at offense, he's much better at defense."

"That's your big play? Please... Dark Bribe," Sylvio retorted, activating his own Trap Card, "Your 'big, bad trap' is negated and destroy."

Yuya's Trap Card was destroyed, and so was Springoose via Lightning Hoverboard.

Yuya LP: 3500 - 3200

"Don't look too glum, Yuya," Sylvio taunted, "After all, you do get to draw a card thanks to Dark Bribe. I think that's a fair trade, don't you think?"

Yuya growled as he drew a new card. Sylvio smirked as he hopped off of Lightning Hoverboard and gaze at it.

"You've served me well, so I think you're done," he said, "I'll tribute Lightning Hoverboard to add one Level 6 or higher monster to my arsenal."

Lightning Hoverboard dispersed as Sylvio took a card out of his deck before showing it to the others.

"I'm going with Ultimate Dart Striker, a Level 7," he informed, putting the card in his hand, "Of course, don't think I'll be unguarded. I summon Assault Dart Striker!"

Replacing Lightning Hoverboard was a grey humanoid robot with a right arm replaced with what appears to be assault rifle with a dart sticking out.

Assault Dart Striker/Level 4/ATK 1300/DEF 200

"I'll call it there," Sylvio said, nodding at Kakimoto, who nodded back, "Well then, little miss witch, I sure hope you'll put on a better showing than Yuya."

Rin glared at Sylvio before drawing a card, still riding with Freeze Bell. "If you want a move, then you got it! I summon Windwitch - Ice Bell!"

Another bell-riding witch appeared and floated next to Freeze Bell. This one looked more cheerful than her mature partner.

Windwitch - Ice Bell/Level 3/ATK 1000/DEF 1000

Sylvio stared at her Attack points before chuckling. "Please, you call that a move? It has less Attack than even your other monster," he insulted.

"Sometimes, it's not all about Attack, Sylvio. You'd do well to remember that," Rin retorted with a smirk, "After all, your lackey here isn't the only one capable of dealing burn damage!"

Hearing this caught Kakimoto's attention. "What do you mean by that?" he questioned.

"When Windwitch - Ice Bell is summoned, she can freeze your Life Points down by 500," she explained before gesturing her arm towards Sylvio, "Go ahead, Ice Bell! Send a chilling gale straight toward Sylvio!"

Ice Bell did just that as she pointed the bell-end of her stick toward Sylvio and blast him with chilling winds. He could only hug himself to defend against the cold.

Sylvio LP: 4000 - 3500

After the winds ended, Sylvio quickly sneezed before glaring at Rin. "Cheap trick, little witch, but it won't do you much good," he called out, "Neither of your monsters can take on Assault Dart Striker."

"Maybe not by themselves, but perhaps this'll help. I activate Wonder Wand!" Rin replied with a smirk, activating a Spell Card and granting Freeze Bell a wand with an orb at the tip, "This card can equip onto a Spellcaster-type monster to give it 500 extra Attack."

Windwitch - Freeze Bell/ATK 1200 - 1700

'Since Kakimoto still has that Scrap-Iron Scarecrow, guess I'll go for Sylvio,' Rin thought before making her move, "Freeze Bell! Put Sylvio's Dart Striker on ice!"

Freeze Bell prepared to launch a icy beam from her new Wonder Wand. Despite the impending attack, Sylvio didn't look too worried as he nodded at Kakimoto, who nodded back and activated his card.

"I activate Scrap-Iron Scarecrow!" Kakimoto called out, catching Rin and Yuya by surprise, "Now your attack is stopped and it goes back to being face down."

Kakimoto's scarecrow appeared once again and blocked Freeze Bell's attack before disappearing once more. Yuya and Rin was shocked by this.

"Hold on! Rin wasn't even attacking you!" Yuya called out. Kakimoto merely chuckled in response.

"Doesn't matter. My scarecrow can block any attack from any of my opponents regardless if they're going toward me or not," he informed, "If you wish to go after me and Sylvio, you'll have to get past my scarecrow."

Sylvio nodded before turning back to Yuya and Rin. "Of course, it'll be easier said than done considering your Ice Bell doesn't hold a candle to either of our monsters," he taunted, prompting a growl from Rin.

"I'll call it here," she relented, "But don't think this is over!"

"We'll see about that!" Kakimoto retorted as he drew a card. Seeing the card he drew, he smirked before stepping off of Solar Flare Dragon.

"Perfect. I activate Dark Room of Nightmare!" he called out, slotting his Spell Card into his Duel Disk. Yuya was concerned about the card.

"Er, what exactly does it do...?" he questioned.

"You'll find out soon, but first I summon Fire Trooper!" Kakimoto said as he summoned what appears to be a dragonic warrior with its head and hands on fire.

Fire Trooper/Level 3/ATK 1000/DEF 1000

"Of course, this guy isn't sticking around since I can then send it straight to the graveyard to deal 1000 damage!" he added, surprising Yuya and Rin.

Fire Trooper instantly burst into flames and flew right towards Rin, blasting her off of Freeze Bell and falling right into the waters below. Luckily, Ice Bell was able to catch her.

Rin LP: 4000 - 3000

"And that's not all!" Kakimoto added, "Because you took effect damage, Dark Room of Nightmare can now deal 300 extra damage to you."

As he said that, a beam shot out of his Spell Card and struck Rin on her side. Thankfully, she still hung onto Ice Bell.

Rin LP: 3000 - 2700

Kakimoto laughed at the state Rin was at. "You think you're the burn expert around these parts? Please!" he insulted, "When I'm through with you, you'll see who's the real burn expert!"

Rin glared at Kakimoto as the latter continues his move. "Now then, Solar Flare Dragon! Attack Yuya directly!"

As Solar Flare Dragon lunges toward Yuya, the Dueltainer-in-training quickly glances around before seeing a nearby Action Card. He made a leap for it, only to see that it was another Action Trap.

"Not again!" he cried out as Sylvio gave a smug sigh.

"Didn't you hear what I said, Yuya? Darkville is filled with Action Traps," he reminded Yuya, "And it looks like the one you got was Rebound Shot, so it looks like you're taking 300 damage."

As Sylvio finished, another billard ball appeared and trampled over Yuya, nearly squishing him.

Yuya LP: 3200 - 2900

"And don't forget that Dark Room of Nightmare is still active!" Kakimoto added as his card shot a beam over to Yuya.

Yuya LP: 2900 - 2600

By then, Solar Flare Dragon was right at Yuya, but before it could connect...

"I activate the Trap, Negate Attack!" Rin called out, activating her face down card, "This'll block your attack and end the Battle Phase!"

A barrier formed around Yuya as it stopped Solar Flare Dragon's attack. Kakimoto growled at Rin, who glared in response.

"I'm not letting you hurt Yuya like that!" she yelled before turning towards Yuya, "Are you okay, Yuya?"

The Dueltainer-in-training got back to his knees and gave Rin a weak smile. "Been worse off before," he admitted sheepishly, "Thanks for the help."

"No problem. I said it before: I can't stand by and let other people walk over you," Rin responded with a relieved smile before frowning, "Sorry I couldn't save your Springoose earlier: I honestly didn't know I could block an attack going after my ally until that jerk showed it off..."

"No worries, Rin," Yuya waved his hand in response, "Besides, we're still in this. Right?"

Rin nodded, honestly glad that Yuya was alright. Just then, a cough from Sylvio caught their attention.

"If you're done being lovey-dovey, we have a duel to continue," he informed, elicting a blush from Rin.

"That's right. Since my attack was blocked, I'll go ahead and end it here," Kakimoto added, "And that means one of you get blasted by my dragon!"

He then pointed at Rin. "Since you seem adamant over your 'boyfriend's' safety, I guess you won't mind taking the blast for him!"

Solar Flare Dragon shot another fireball right towards Rin. Even though she still hung on, the explosion still rocked Ice Bell's bell.

Rin LP: 2700 - 2200

"And now for Dark Room of Nightmare!" Kakimoto added, his card once again shooting Rin with a beam.

Rin LP: 2200 - 1900

Yuya stared in worry over Rin's predicament. "Rin!" he called out.

"Don't worry too much about your 'girlfriend', Yuya," Sylvio sneered, "Worry more about yourself. It's your turn after all."

Yuya LP: 2600/Hand: 4
Rin LP: 1900/Hand: 3
Sylvio LP: 3500/Hand: 5
Kakimoto LP: 4000/Hand: 2

Yuya glared at Sylvio before drawing a card. "Fine then! My turn!"

Yuya took a look at the card he drew and widen his eyes. 'This might work...!' he thought before making his move.

"I summon Performapal Friendonkey!" he called out, summoning his party donkey onto the field.

Performapal Friendonkey/Level 3/ATK 1600/DEF 600

Sylvio narrowed his eyes at the donkey. "So it has slightly more Attack than either of our monsters. So what?" he commented, unamused.

"I'm not done here. Because Friendonkey was Normal Summoned, I can bring along an extra Performapal friend from my hand or Graveyard," Yuya informed with a smirk, "So I'm bringing back Performapal Whip Snake!"

A portal opened up besides Friendonkey, revealing a revived Whip Snake.

Performapal Whip Snake/Level 4/ATK 1700/DEF 900

"You can probably tell what's gonna happen next, so I'll spare you the details," Yuya continued, pointing at Solar Flare Dragon, "Whip Snake, hypnotize that dragon once more!"

Whip Snake did just that, using its metronome tail to hypnotize the fiery dragon.

Solar Flare Dragon/ATK 1500 - 1000/DEF 1000 - 1500

By now, Sylvio and Kakimoto was already seeing what's gonna happen next, the latter of which sweating profusely.

"Now Whip Snake! Take down Solar Flare Dragon!" Yuya called out.

Whip Snape coiled itself before leaping toward the flaming dragon. Before it could connect...

"I activate Scrap-Iron Scarecrow!" Kakimoto quickly responded, bringing out his scarecrow once more to block Whip Snake's attack before disappearing.

"You can block the first hit, but you can't block the second!" Yuya informed, turning to Friendonkey, "It's your turn, Friendonkey!"

Friendonkey immediately rushed toward Solar Flare Dragon and gave it a hardy headbutt, finally destroying it. Kakimoto covered himself from the ensuring explosion.

Kakimoto LP: 4000 - 3400

"With that, your Solar Flare Dragon won't be burning us any longer," Yuya said with a smile.

"You may have beaten my dragon, but your Life Points still aren't safe!" Kakimoto responded angrily, "I activate my other face down, Backfire!"

Kakimoto's other face down opened up, launching flames toward Yuya, who covered himself from the blaze.

"If a Fire-attribute monster on my field is destroyed, I can deal 500 damage to you!" Kakimoto informed.

Yuya LP: 2600 - 2100

"And don't forget about my Dark Room of Nightmare!" he added as his card shot another beam toward Yuya.

Yuya LP: 2100 - 1800

Rin flew towards Yuya in worry. "Yuya! Are you alright!?" she asked.

"I'm fine, Rin. At least we won't have to worry about that dragon anymore," he reassured his partner before turning towards their opponents, "I'll end it here with a face down."

With a new face down card appearing, Whip Snake returned to Yuya's arm as he whips towards the bridge above, flinging himself upward and towards the tower where his friends were at. Rin, still on Ice Bell, followed after him along with Freeze Bell, though Sylvio and Kakimoto made no attempt to going after them.

"Very well. It's my turn!" Sylvio exclaimed as he drew a card. As he looked at the card, the caller from earlier spoke once more.

*That's a handy card,* the president said, *Use it to bring out the other card you need.*

Sylvio smirked, understanding what the caller wants. "Guess it's my lucky day..." he commented before getting his opponents' attention, "I activate the Spell Card, Tribute Trade!"

He slotted the card right into his Duel Disk. Judging from the smirk Sylvio had, Yuya and Rin could already guess it wasn't good.

"With this card, I'll be tributing my Level 4 Assault Dart Striker to add a monster one Level higher from my deck," Sylvio informed as his monster disappeared, taking out a card from his deck and showing it to the others. What he shown shocked both Yuya and Rin, Yuya especially.

"The card I choose... is the Level 5 Stargazer Magician."

Yuya and Rin was already worried about what'll happen next. "Are you hoping to Pendulum Summon!?" the latter question.

"It won't work, Sylvio!" Yuya interjected, narrowing his eyes, "You need two Pendulum Cards to Pendulum Summon!"

The statement only earned a chuckle from Sylvio. "That may be true, but it's a good thing I planned ahead..." he responded, shocking Yuya and Rin as he showed them another familiar card in his hand.

"That's... Timegazer Magician!" Rin cried out.

"That's right. Had it in my hand this entire time," Sylvio informed, "Since you refused to tell me how it all works, I'll just take matters into my own hands. After all, if you can pull it off, then anyone else could."

Yuya and Rin sweat from the revelation, but before Sylvio could make his move, he was interrupted by his secret caller.

*Now, Sylvio. Set the Pendulum Cards on the ends of the Duel Disk,* the president ordered, elicting a confused look from Sylvio, *Just repeat after me and follow my instructions.*

Sylvio was still confused before shrugged, ready to go at the caller's command.

*I first set the Pendulum Scale with the Scale 1 Stargazer Magician.*

"I first set the Pendulum Scale with the Scale 1 Stargazer Magician!" Sylvio repeated as he lay the card on his Duel Disk, a pillar of light containing Stargazer Magician appearing much to Yuya's and Rin's shock.

*Then I'll set the Scale 8 Timegazer Magician.*

"Then I'll set the Scale 8 Timegazer Magician!" he continued, another pillar containing Timegazer Magician appearing. With both pillars on the field, a ball of light appeared between them, circling around like a pendulum.

Stargazer Magician/Scale 1
Timegazer Magician/Scale 8

"Is he actually... gonna pull it off...!?" Yuya questioned getting more and more nervous.

*Now I can summon monsters from Levels 2 to 7.*

"Now I can summon monsters from Levels 2 to 7!" Sylvio called out, now knowing what to do as the light moved faster and faster, "It's finally time for me to Pendulum Summon!"

The light created a portal between the two pillars. Soon, three trails of lights emerged and crashed onto the ground, revealing three monsters that resembles Assault Dart Striker; one orange, one red, and one blue. The blue one appears much stronger than the other monsters.

"Power Dart Striker! Rocket Dart Striker! And my ace in the hole, Ultimate Dart Striker!"

Power Dart Striker/Level 5/ATK 1800/DEF 700
Rocket Dart Striker/Level 6/ATK 1900/DEF 100
Ultimate Dart Striker/Level 7/ATK 2400/DEF 300

Yuya and Rin couldn't believe their eyes. Sylvio... has actually managed to Pendulum Summon! Yuya, in particular, looked a bit broken from seeing it happen.

"I can't... believe it..." he muttered, "I thought... I was the only one who could do it..."

Rin stared at Yuya, saddened by his state. "Yuya..." she muttered.

At the top of the tower, Yuya's friends were equally shocked to see Sylvio Pendulum.

"That jerk actually did it...!?" Allie cried out in shock.

"This is giving me shivers, and not the good kind!" Frederick commented.

"Are Yuya and Rin gonna make it through this?" Tate wondered, worried for his two friends down below.

Zuzu, however, merely stared at Yuya in sorrow, much like Rin. Unbenounce to everyone, another person was also watching the duel, that being the sky-blue kid from before, watching from just beyond the duel field

---

"Mr. President, we have confirmation on the Pendulum readings!" one of the staff in the monitor informed, prompting the president to nod.

"Good. Record everything you can from these readings and the duel," he ordered the staff, "Leave no info untouched."

As ordered, the staff went to work recording the information. The president turned back to gaze at the holo screen showing the duel.

"You've done well, Sylvio," he spoke, mainly to himself, "Now use that power to push Yuya and the girl to their limits."

---

Back at Darkville, Sylvio was celebrating that he performed his first ever Pendulum Summon.

"How about that!? I managed to Pendulum Summon first try!" he celebrated, "I guess that now makes me a Pendulum master!"

He then turned toward Yuya and Rin, who was currently on the bridge connected to the tower. "Since I now know how to Pendulum Summon, I have no need of you any more, Yuya," he informed with a smirk, "As such, I'll finish you off with my freshly Pendulum Summoned Dart Strikers!"

"Uh-oh!" Yuya cried out as he makes his way toward the tower, hoping to escape the onslaught.

"Power Dart Striker, take out that annoying snake!" Sylvio commanded.

The orange Dart Striker aimed at Yuya and Whip Snake before firing. Yuya tried to move before seeing an Action Card. Before he could reach for it, he remembered how the previous two cards were traps that only made things harder for him.

'No... This one could be a trap as well...!' he thought before moving away from it, much to Sylvio's amusement.

"So you finally caught on, Yuya. You can't trust Action Cards so long as you remain in Darkville," he taunted, "Of course, you can't avoid the attack!"

As Sylvio said, the dart reached Yuya and exploded, launching him back and destroying Whip Snake.

Yuya LP: 1800 - 1700

"Now I'll take out your donkey with Rocket Dart Striker!" Sylvio commanded as the red Dart Striker shot down Friendonkey, leaving Yuya's field empty.

Yuya LP: 1700 - 1400

"And now I'll finish you off with Ultimate Dart Striker!" Sylvio finishes as the blue Dart Striker prepares to fire, "So long, Yuya... Darts Destruction!"

Ultimate Dart Striker fired its cannon, prompting Yuya's friends to yell in concern.

"YUYA!" Rin cried out in worry.

As the dart approaches Yuya, he slowly stood on his knees as he activated a card.

"I activate... Performapal Call...!" he called out weakly, "Since you issued a direct attack, I can put a stop to it..."

A circus-themed barrier formed around Yuya and protected him from the dart. Unfortunately, the dart rebounded from the barrier and hit the tower, causing it to shake and scare its occupants. Zuzu tried to keep everyone steady.

"Guys!" Yuya called out only for Sylvio to catch his attention.

"So you managed to survive my attack. It doesn't matter," he commented, "You won't be able to hang on for long. Both you and your friends."

Yuya glared at Sylvio before taking two cards out from his deck.

"Performapal Call isn't finished. I'm also allowed to add up to two Performapal monsters from my deck to my hand," he informed, taking two cards out of his deck, "So long as their total Defense is less than or equal to the attack of your attacking monster.

"I'm going with Performapal Fireflux and Performapal Turn Toad."

Sylvio narrowed his eyes at the chosen cards before noticing something. "So, those are your other Pendulum cards, huh? You're gonna try to out-Pendulum me?" he commented with a chuckle, "You can try, but no monster you can summon can stand against my elite Dart Strikers."

Sylvio looked at his remaining card before sighing. "I'll end off my turn there," he said as he turned to Rin, "Alright, little witch. It's your turn."

Rin glared at Sylvio before drawing a card.

"I'll start off by summoning another Windwitch - Ice Bell!" she called out, summoning another copy of Ice Bell.

Windwitch - Ice Bell/Level 3/ATK 1000/DEF 1000

"And you know what that means!" she continued as the new Ice Bell unleashed another cold breeze toward Sylvio.

Sylvio LP: 3500 - 3000

Like before, Sylvio sneezed from the cold air before glaring at Rin. "If you know what's good for you, you'd stop that!" he ordered, "Besides, none of your witches can take on my Dart Strikers!"

"That may be true, but I can still go after your lackey," Rin informed, causing Kakimoto to widen his eyes, "Freeze Bell, attack Kakimoto directly!"

Freeze Bell, still equipped with her Wonder Wand, shot an icy beam toward Kakimoto, who glared, already knowing what's going on.

"No matter how many times you try this stunt, the result will be the same!" he retorted, activating Scrap-Iron Scarecrow once again to block the attack.

"I know, but that's precisely why I have my Ice Bells out," Rin responded with a wink, "Alright, ladies! Blast that lackey off his high horse!"

The two Ice Bells complied and unleashed more freezing winds toward Kakimoto, who could only cover himself in vein as he was knocked into the ground.

Kakimoto LP: 3400 - 2400 - 1400

"Now I'll activate Wonder Wand's second effect," Rin continued, "By tributing it and the monster it's equipped to, I can draw two cards."

As Freeze Bell dissolved into stars, her work done, Rin drew two cards. Taking a look at them, she smiled.

'About time I finally get one of these,' she thought to herself, 'Just a little longer before I can really get going...'

Done with her thoughts, she turned her attention over to her opponents. "I'll end it here with a face down," she finished, setting her card in her Duel Disk.

Kakimoto soon got up and glared at Rin. "You think you're all hot-stuff, huh!?" he yelled, "Well, we'll see about that! My turn!"

He drew a card and, seeing what card he drew, smirked. Placing it in his hand, he reached for another card.

"I'll summon UFO Turtle!" he called out, bringing out what appears to be a turtle with a flying sauser as its shell.

UFO Turtle/Level 4/ATK 1400/DEF 1200

"Now UFO Turtle, finish off that clown!" he ordered as his turtle barreled after Yuya, who tried to cover himself from the attack. Rin, however, glared, ready to counter.

"Not if I have anything to say about it. I activate Threatening Roar!" she called out, activating her face down which promptly unleashed a shockwave that froze UFO Turtle for a bit, "You won't be able to attack this turn."

Kakimoto tched at that. "Hide behind your cards all you want; sooner or later you'll fall to the might of our monsters!" he said, soon developing a smirk, "Especially once I bring out my own ace. For now, though, I'll call it there."

Yuya LP: 1400/Hand: 5
Rin LP: 1900/Hand: 4
Sylvio LP: 3000/Hand: 1
Kakimoto LP: 1400/Hand: 2

Rin and Yuya soon faced each other. "Yuya, I'm sorry, but I don't know how much longer I can keep doing this..." she warned in worry.

"It's alright, Rin. I'll find a way to keep myself in this," he reassured, only to gaze back at his cards.

'I know I said that to Rin, but it'll be tricky keeping myself in this duel... If Kakimoto is right, he may be bringing out another strong monster,' he thought, checking his cards, 'With this set, I can block off Sylvio's attacks, but I'd be unable to stop Kakimoto's...'

'I need something that can keep me in this duel...!'

"My turn... I DRAW!" Yuya yelled out as he drew a card. Taking a look at his card, his eyes widen when he saw what he drew. He then gave a determined glare at Sylvio.

"I'll start by setting the scale with the Scale 3 Performapal Turn Toad and the Scale 5 Performapal Fireflux!" he started, placing the cards he'd gotten from Performapal Call on his Duel Disk. Two pillars appeared on Yuya's side, one containing a frog wearing a top hat, and the other containing a suited firefly.

Performapal Turn Toad/Scale 3
Performapal Fireflux/Scale 5

"I'm now allowed to summon Level 4 monsters!" Yuya explained, "Swing far, Pendulum! Carve the arc of victory! My monster is ready... TO SWING INTO ACTION!"

The portal opened up, though much to everyone's surprise, only one beam of light appeared from it, revealing a grasshopper with an archery bow on top and a smaller grasshopper serving as the arrow.

"Aim true, Performapal Bowhopper!"

Performapal Bowhopper/Level 4/ATK 1500/DEF 1000

Sylvio narrowed his eyes at the grasshopper, not exactly amused. "Is this the best you got?" he questioned, "How exactly is this bug gonna protect you?"

"Simple... With a little help from THIS!" Yuya answered with a yell as he summoned a new monster, "I summon Block Spider!"

Yuya has brought out a toy-like spider whose body appears to be made of lego blocks.

Block Spider/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 100

Rin wondered what Yuya was planning, but Sylvio and Kakimoto merely laughed.

"That's your big play!?" Sylvio questioned, still laughing, "A monster with 0 Attack!? What, are you gonna attack my Dart Strikers with that garbage monster?"

"You won't be laughing for long, Sylvio," Yuya responded, "And you'll regret giving me this card."

Hearing that, Rin remembered Yuya picking up the cards Sylvio tossed to the ground, though Sylvio raised an eyebrow at that.

"Me? As if I would have a garbage card like that," he retorted.

"Block Spider can create a web that keeps you from attacking any Insect-type monster other than itself," Yuya explained as Block Spider blocked off his field with a large web.

"Big deal," Sylvio responded with a hand wave, "Sure it protected your grasshopper, but that puny spider's still vulnerable to attacks. You might as well just forfeit the duel now."

At that, Yuya smirked. "We'll see about that. I activate Mimiclay!" he called out, activating a Spell Card and bringing out a clay creature, "Mimiclay is a special type of clay, crafted by a masterful magician and capable of molding itself into anything it wants. By switching a monster into Defense Mode, Mimiclay can morph itself into that monster, gaining its abilities."

"So you're gonna copy one of my Dart Strikers?" Sylvio questioned. By this point, however, Rin figured out what Yuya's gonna do.

"I'm copying Block Spider!" Yuya corrected as Block Spider shifted to Defense Mode and the Mimiclay morphed into a near-exact replica of Block Spider, also in Defense Mode.

Mimiclay/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 100

"So you're just going to double your garbage cards?" Sylvio responded with a laugh, only to widen his eyes when he saw the Mimiclay also blocking off Yuya's field with a web, "Wait a minute...!"

"Looks like you figured it out, Sylvio," Yuya said with a smile, "With two Block Spiders out, you can't target either one of them. And with my only other monster being Insect-type as well, my monsters are safe!"

Sylvio gritted his teeth. "Now, since you still have that Scrap-Iron Scarecrow, I'll call it a turn with a face-down," Yuya continued, setting another card down.

"You may think your clever, blocking my assault with such garbage cards..." Sylvio growled in irritation, "But you're not out of the woods yet. I draw!"

Sylvio drew a new card before turning toward Rin. "Especially since your girlfriend is still vulnerable to my Dart Strikers! Power Dart Striker, strike down one of those witches!"

Power Dart Striker aimed its arm cannon towards one of Rin's Ice Bells before firing. However...

"That's what you think! I activate Fireflux's Pendulum Ability!" Yuya called out, "By tributing one Performapal monster I control, like Bowhopper, I can stop the attack and end the Battle Phase!"

As Bowhopper disappeared, Fireflix unleashed a flash of light from within the pillar that stopped Power Dart Striker's attack. Rin smiled at Yuya in gratitude.

"Thanks for that, Yuya," she thanked her partner.

"No problem. Just returning the favor," Yuya responded with a wink, prompting a giggle from Rin.

Sylvio gritted his teeth at his failed attempt. "So you had a plan for even that, huh?" he responded in annoyance, "Don't think you're in the clear just yet! I'll end my turn here."

"Then it's my turn!" Rin called out as she drew a card, soon developing a smile, "And it's about time I stop holding back!"

That statement prompted nervous glances from Sylvio and Kakimoto. "Hold on, you were holding back this entire time?" the former responded.

"Not by choice, mind you. Didn't have the right cards for this," Rin explained, "But now that I do, I'll be able to hit you with all the power of a wicked wintertime blizzard! I summon Windwitch - Snow Bell!"

Rin soon brought out a monster that moreso resembles a ornamental bell with angel wings on top, very much unlike the previous witches she'd summoned before.

Windwitch - Snow Bell/Level 1 Tuner/ATK 100/DEF 100

Sylvio narrowed his eyes at that. "What is it with you two summoning monsters with garbage stats?" he retorted, "What, does this one has a special attribute too?"

Rin smirked in response. "You can say that; with Snow Bell out, I'm able to bring out my ace monster!" she explained.

Sylvio wondered at that before taking a closer look at the monster via his Duel Disk. He then widen his eyes when he saw what exactly the monster was.

"Huh!? That monster's a Tuner Monster!?" he cried out, surprising Kakimoto as well.

Rin nodded before raising her arm into the air. "I now tune my 2 Level 3 Ice Bells with my Level 1 Snow Bell!" she exclaimed.

At Rin's call, Snow Bell flew up before turning into a small star. The star then circled around, forming a green ring. The two Ice Bells, Rin still riding with one of them, flew into the rings and, right after Rin leaped upward, turning into 3 stars each as the ring scans them. The 6 stars lined up within the ring as they formed a beam of light that soon engulfed the ring.

"Midwinter wind! Make ice and snow my power and blow through!" Rin chanted as she goes into a free fall, "I Synchro Summon... Windwitch - Winter Bell!"

The light dispersed, revealing an entirely new monster. Unlike the witches Rin's been summoning, this one was a more inorganic female dancer with light-blue bladewings for arms, an ornamental sphere for the lower body, a single large wing where her legs would be, and a glistening light coursing through her body. After the light fully cleared, Rin landed right next to the monster's head, sitting herself down on her shoulder. Sylvio and Kakimoto stared nervously at the newly revealed Synchro Monster, though Yuya stared with a big smile, always in awed every time Rin summons this monster.

Windwitch - Winter Bell/Level 7/ATK 2400/DEF 2000

---

Back in the Leo tower's monitor room, the sensors were going off, just like during Yuya's duel with Strong.

"Mr. President, we're picking up a surge of summoning energy!" one of the staff informed.

"Is it more Pendulum energy?" Claude questioned.

"No sir, the readings indicate that it's Synchro energy," another staff worker corrected, "And it's coming from our own duel court!"

Claude was surprised by the info before turning back toward the screen in shock. "Are you saying... this girl...!?"

While Claude stared in shock, the president still remained calm. Almost as if he was expecting this.

'So we finally found you...' he thought to himself, 'The displaced Synchro Duelist.'

---

Back in Darkville, Rin prepares her move. "Now that Winter Bell's on the field, I can use her ability!" she exclaimed, "Once per turn, she can deal damage equal to the Level of a Windwitch in my Graveyard of my choosing multiplied by 200. And the monster I'm going with is the Level 3 Ice Bell!"

Winter Bell's sphere body glowed brightly, showing off a silhouette of Ice Bell.

"Go, Winter Bell!" Rin called out, "Spirit Snowstorm!"

Winter Bell unleashed a snowstorm from her sphere right toward Kakimoto, who could only cover himself in vein from the piercing cold winds.

Kakimoto LP: 1400 - 800

Kakimoto was shivering like crazy afterwards, though he still had enough energy to glare at Rin. "You may have gotten some good damage in, but we're still protected by Scrap-Iron Scarecrow," he retorted, "Then next turn, I can bring out my ace!"

"Sorry, but there won't be a next turn for you!" Rin responded with a smirk, "And it's thanks to the card I just drew. Mystical Space Typhoon!"

Kakimoto freaked out as Rin activated her Spell Card, summoning a windstorm that shredded his face down card, Scrap-Iron Scarecrow. Knowing what's gonna happen next, he panicked

"Now you can't stop our attacks!" Rin called out, gesturing her arm forward, "Winter Bell, take out his UFO Turtle and the last of his Life Points! Brilliant Dance!"

Winter Bell flew forward and, almost like a figure skater dancing, sliced through the UFO Turtle with her blade wings. Kakimoto was knocked into the ground from the turtle's explosion, unable to resist the blow.

Kakimoto LP: 800 - 0

Sylvio couldn't believe his eyes, seeing his ally taken down like that.

"With that, I'll end my turn," Rin finished, "And since Kakimoto is already out, that means it's now Yuya's turn!"

Yuya LP: 1400/Hand: 0
Rin LP: 1900/Hand: 3
Sylvio LP: 3000/Hand: 2

Yuya drew a card and seeing what he drew, instantly played it. "I activate Pot of Greed, allowing me to draw two cards," he informed, drawing two more cards.

"Go ahead, see what you can do," Sylvio taunted, having gotten his composer back, "My partner may be out, but I'm still in this at a respectable 3000 Life Points."

Yuya checked the cards he drew before raising an eyebrow at one of them. 'This card is very situational, but it's the best I have to get back those cards he stole...' He thought, 'I can only hope I can find some way to use it...'

"I'll call it here with a face down," was all he said, setting the card down.

"That's all? Very well," Sylvio commented as he drew a card, "My turn!"

Just then, he received another call on his Duel Disk. *We've just finished analyzing the Pendulum Cards you've played,* the president inform, *It appears while they're in the 'Pendulum Zones' so to speak, they're treated as Spell Cards. You may be able to use the card you just drew to your advantage.*

Hearing this, Sylvio took another look at the card he drew and smirked. "Well, it appears it is my lucky day..." he said to himself before playing the card, "I activate the Spell Card, Cricket Close! By negating the effects of two Spell Cards I control, I can do the same to one of your Spell Cards."

Yuya and Rin were bemused by that as the former checked the field via his Duel Disk. "You might need to get some glasses, Sylvio," he retorted, "You don't have any Spell Cards out."

Sylvio smirked. "Well here's the thing: active Pendulum Cards count as Spell Cards."

Yuya and Rin widen their eyes at that as two dart boards appeared and constricted Stargazer and Timegazer Magician, shocking them painfully. Yuya couldn't believe his eyes.

"Stargazer! Timegazer!" he cried out.

"With that, I'll be targeting that Mimiclay of yours," Sylvio added as a third dart board flew over to Mimiclay, binding it and shocking it, "Which also means that it's destroyed."

The Mimiclay soon morphed back to its original state before exploding. Yuya gritted his teeth.

"That also means you can't hide behind your garbage spider," Sylvio taunted with a laugh.

"Not so fast, Sylvio! I activate Draw Muscle!" Yuya interjected, activating a face down Quick-Play Spell, "Because I only have one Defense Mode monster with 1000 or less Defense, I can draw a card, and if it's a monster, that monster's Defense is added to the Defense of my sole monster out and it cannot be destroyed by battle."

With that, he drew a card before showing it to Sylvio.

"The card I drew is Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon," he informed, "Meaning Block Spider now gains 2000 Defense."

Block Spider/DEF 100 - 2100

Sylvio tched at that move. "Still hiding behind that pathetic spider? Fine!" he yelled out, raising his arm up, "Even though the Pendulum Cards are negated, I can still use them to Pendulum Summon! I Pendulum Summon Dart Convoy!"

Another portal opened up between Sylvio's pillars, a beam of light crashing down and revealing another humanoid machine. Unlike the Dart Strikers, this one was smaller and unarmed, holding a mechanical backpack carrying all sorts of darts.

Dart Convoy/Level 4/ATK 600/DEF 1600

"This particular monster is special," Sylvio explained, "If I tribute summon a Machine-type monster, I can use Dart Convoy as two tributes!"

Yuya and Rin were surprised by this as Dart Convoy burst into stars.

"Now come on out! Bazooka Dart Striker!"

The stars formed together to form a new Dart Striker. It was yellow and much more bulky compared to the other Dart Strikers as its arm cannon resembles a large bazooka with a giant dart at its end.

Bazooka Dart Striker/Level 8/ATK 2000/DEF 1400

"I now activate the abilities of my Power, Rocket, and Bazooka Dart Strikers!" Sylvio yelled out, "I'll tribute them to power up my Ultimate Dart Striker!"

As commanded, all three of his former Dart Strikers morphed into attachments and equipped themselves onto Ultimate Dart Striker's arm cannon, looking much more imposing than before.

"With Power Dart Striker, Ultimate Dart Striker gains 600 Attack during the Battle Phase!" he informed, "And with Bazooka Dart Striker, Ultimate Dart Striker can deal damage equal to the Attack of the monster it destroys in battle!"

Ultimate Dart Striker/ATK 2400 - 3000

Yuya, Rin, and their friends up on the tower widen their eyes at that display, fear creeping up Rin's face as she guesses what Sylvio is up to next. Sylvio, meanwhile, gave a murderous glare towards Yuya.

"I had hoped to finish you off this turn, but it looks like I'll have to adjust my plans," he said as he pointed towards Rin and Winter Bell, "So I'll just have to finish off your girlfriend instead! Ultimate Dart Striker! Destroy that overgrown Christmas ornament and finish that witch off for good! Bulls-Eye Blast!"

As Ultimate Dart Striker aimed its upgraded arm cannon at Winter Bell, Yuya frantically glanced around and noticed an Action Card at the tower's wall, the fourth discovered. Yuya hesitated from seeing it, thinking back to the two Action Traps he grabbed.

'Sylvio said this duel field is jam-packed with Action Traps, so this one could be a trap as well...' he thought, conflicted with himself, 'But I have to do something to save Rin...!'

Yuya continues to be in conflict with his thought, his eyes closed in frustration. But just as Ultimate Dart Striker fired its massive dart, Yuya opened his eyes in determination and rushed over to the Action Card, much to his friends shock.

"Yuya! What are you doing!?" Zuzu yelled out, "That could be a trap!"

As the dart missile flew toward Rin and Winter Bell, Yuya continues to rush to the Action Card undeterred. He soon grabbed the card and...

"I activate the Action Spell, Battle Change!" he yelled out, "I'm changing the attack target to Block Spider!"

Much to everyone's surprise, it was an Action Spell as the dart missile veered away from Winter Bell and over to the defending Block Spider.

"You actually managed to get an Action Spell here!?" Sylvio cried out in shock before narrowing his eyes, "You may have gotten lucky, but don't think your Life Points are safe: with Rocket Dart Striker's ability, Ultimate Dart Striker is able to inflict piercing damage!"

Soon, the missile connected with Block Spider, who withstood the ensuring explosion. However, the force of the explosion rocked the bridge and, therefore, the tower. Zuzu and the kids were unable to keep steady as they soon fell off the tower, much to Yuya's and Rin's fears.

"AHHHHHH!" Zuzu and the kids all screamed out as they desended onto the hard ground below.

"ZUZU! EVERYONE!" Rin cried out in fear as Winter Bell rushed over to them, though she knew her monster's unable to catch them all.

Yuya stared at their falling figures in fear before facing Sylvio. "It's time! I activate my face down trap, Empty Fishing!" he called out, "I halve the damage I took and add two cards whose effects are negated over to my hand!"

Yuya LP: 1400 - 1050

"Wait, but the only cards whose effects were negated are..." Sylvio started before widening his eyes and gazing at the pillars on his side, "No! My Pendulum Cards!"

"They were never your cards, Sylvio!" Yuya retorted, "Now I'm taking them back!"

Two fishing lines popped out of the Trap Card and hooked up the two Pendulum magicians, freeing them from Cricket Close.

"Stargazer! Timegazer! Help Rin save my friends!" Yuya called out to the magicians, who immediately flew off toward the falling friends.

By then, Rin was able to catch Tate and Frederick with Winter Bell's help, but was unable to get to Zuzu and Ally in time. Before they hit the ground, however, Zuzu and Allie were caught by Stargazer Magician and Timegazer Magician respectively. Rin couldn't help but give a relieved smile at that.

"Just in time..." she said with a relieved sigh.

Soon, the three monsters lowered to the ground to drop off their occupants. Rin helped guide Tate and Frederick off of Winter Bell while the two magicians gently dropped the girls off. The magicians soon turned into cards and flew into Yuya's hand.

"Yuya... Rin... Thank you..." Zuzu thanked her two closest friends, nearly out of breath from the fright.

"No problem, Zuzu," Yuya replied with a relieved smile, "I'm just glad you're safe..."

Yuya and Zuzu stared at each other for a bit before Sylvio interrupted them.

"How the hell were you able to pull that off!?" he questioned in anger.

Yuya turned back toward Sylvio with a determined smile. "It's because I believed in myself," he answered confidently, "Believe in myself and my life can swing my way."

Zuzu and Rin smiled at that, the latter remembering Yuya's talk about his father and the advice he gave.

Sylvio merely gritted his teeth in response. "Well, then I'll just have to crush you next turn!" he yelled, "I activate Ultimate Dart Striker's ability! Since I'm ending my turn, I'm able to resummon all Dart monsters that were tributed to use their effects. So come on back my Dart Strikers!"

The attachments disengaged from Ultimate Dart Striker before transforming back to their humanoid forms. Bazooka Dart Striker was in Attack Mode while Power and Rocket Dart Striker were in Defense Mode.

Power Dart Striker/Level 5/ATK 1800/DEF 700
Rocket Dart Striker/Level 6/ATK 1900/DEF 100
Bazooka Dart Striker/Level 8/ATK 2000/DEF 1400

The kids were surprised by this. "He brought them all back!?" Tate cried in shock.

Despite this, Yuya and Rin remained calm. "Don't you worry, everyone. We'll finish it here," Yuya reassured the kids with a smile before turning to Rin, "Right, Rin?"

"Right, Yuya!" she responded with her own smile, "Let's give them a show they'll never forget."

With confident nods, the two Duelists faced Sylvio and spread their arms wide.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" they both called out, much to the excitement of their friends. Unbenounce to everyone, this also caught the attention of the sky blue-haired boy just outside the field.

"It's time for the grand finale of our show!" Yuya exclaimed, acting like a performer, "Watch as we fill the night skies with the light of our performance! Now if my lovely assistant Rin would start things off?"

Rin nodded before drawing her card. "Right with you! For my first move, I'll summon my third Windwitch - Ice Bell!"

A portal appeared, revealing Rin's third Ice Bell as she flew through the sky and hovered by Winter Bell's sky. Sylvio's eye twitched at seeing a third Ice Bell.

Windwitch - Ice Bell/Level 3/ATK 1000/DEF 1000

"Since she was summoned, she can now pelt you for 500 damage!" Rin explained as Ice Bell unleashed another icy wind towards Sylvio, looking more magical than before. Sylvio covered himself as best he could from the cold.

Sylvio LP: 3000 - 2500

"And don't forget about the lovely Winter Bell!" Rin continued, gesturing toward her ace, "She can damage you based on the Windwitch I choose in my Graveyard, and I'm going for the Level 4 Freeze Bell this time."

Winter Bell's sphere lit up once more, desplaying Freeze Bell's silhouette.

"Now, Winter Bell! Light up the sky with your wonderous winter!" she commanded, "Spirit Snowstorm!"

Winter Bell flew into the sky and unleashed a snowstorm right toward Sylvio. Unlike before, Winter Bell added in a light show from her glowing sphere, making the snowstorm glimmer and enchanting the audience.

Sylvio LP: 2500 - 1700

By the end of it, Sylvio was shivering like mad as he sneezed once more. However, Rin wouldn't give him time to recuperate.

"Now, my graceful witches, attack Sylvio's Defense Mode monsters!" she added as her two monster went into action. Ice Bell shot a freezing beam at Power Dart Striker while Winter Bell slashed through Rocket Dart Striker with Brilliant Dance.

"Not that it would have made much difference, but why didn't you attacked Bazooka Dart Striker when you could have dealt damage?" Sylvio questioned, perplexed by Rin's action.

"I could, but I wouldn't want to deprive our audience of our main performance," Rin answered with a wink before turning to Yuya, "Take it away, Yuya!"

Yuya LP: 1050/Hand: 4
Rin LP: 1900/Hand: 3
Sylvio LP: 1700/Hand: 0

Yuya nodded before drawing a card. "Before we get to the main act, a change in performers is in order," Yuya said, "I activate Performapal Springoose's ability!"

"Hold on, isn't that the goose I sent to the Graveyard earlier!?" Sylvio interjected, "How are you able to activate its ability!?"

"I can use his ability because he's in the Graveyard," Yuya answered, "By banishing him, I can return two cards I have on the field back to my hand. Return to me, Fireflux and Turn Toad!"

Both Fireflux and Turn Toad turned into cards and flew back into Yuya's hand. With a nod, he held out two different cards, those being very familiar to Sylvio.

"Now I reset the scale with the Scale 1 Stargazer Magician and Scale 8 Timegazer Magician!" he called out, placing the cards on his Duel Disk, "I'm retaking control of this Duel starting now!"

The pillars that once held Turn Toad and Fireflux now held Yuya's faithful magicians.

Stargazer Magician/Scale 1
Timegazer Magician/Scale 8

"Now I'm allowed to summon monsters from Levels 2 to 7!" Yuya exclaimed raising his arm up high, "Swing far, Pendulum! Carve the arc of victory! My monsters are ready... TO SWING INTO ACTION!"

The portal formed between the pillars, and from them emerged three beams of light. The light burst from hitting the ground, revealing Turn Toad, a red scorpion with shields for pincers and a missing stinger, and the familiar dichromatic dragon.

"Hop to it, Performapal Turn Toad! Razzle dazzle 'em, Performapal Kaleidoscorp!" Yuya introduced his monsters, "And turn up the heat, dragon with wondrous dichromatic eyes! Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Performapal Turn Toad/Level 2/ATK 0/DEF 800
Performapal Kaleidoscorp/Level 6/ATK 100/DEF 2300
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon/Level 7/ATK 2500/DEF 2000

The Pendulum Summon wowed all of Yuya's friends, especially the younger kids as they watch the duel in excitement. Sylvio, however, narrowed his eyes.

"And how do you plan to finish me off here!?" he retorted, "That dragon of yours may be ferocious, but your other monsters are total washouts!"

"And that's where you're wrong, Sylvio, for my monsters have hidden talents," Yuya corrected, "I activate Kaleidoscorp's ability! Kaleido Light!"

Kaleidoscorp launched a colorful beam from its tail and hit Ultimate Dart Striker, though it appeared to have done nothing.

"I'm able to activate this ability because you Pendulum Summoned Ultimate Dart Striker earlier," Yuya explained, "So thank you for that."

"And what do you mean by that?" Sylvio questioned.

"Because I'm now allowed to have one Pendulum monster I control attack each one of your monsters!" Yuya answered, "And I know the perfect monster to use."

At that, Sylvio understood as he widen his eyes in fear. Kaleidoscorp then shot another colorful beam at Odd-Eyes, generating a kaleidoscopic copy of the Pendulum dragon.

"Now Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Light up the sky with your might!" Yuya commanded, "Spiral Flame Strike!"

The two Odd-Eyes both took aim and unleashed their signature fiery breath toward the remaining two Dart Strikers, incinerating them on the spot.

"And since your two monsters were above Level 4, the damage my Odd-Eyes inflict is doubled," Yuya added, "Reaction Force!"

The flame breaths continued their way and blasted Sylvio right into the water, mixing with the glitter left behind by Winter Bell and coating the night sky in an aurora. All of Yuya's friends awed at the sight, and even the boy outside couldn't turn away.

Sylvio LP: 1700 - 1500 - 500

Sylvio raised his head out of the water and, after spitting some out of his mouth, gazed toward Yuya. "I have to admit that you're pretty strong to have done something like that... Had I place my other two Dart Strikers in Attack Mode, that would have been it for me," Sylvio admitted, "But now you don't have any other monsters to attack. I know you have that Fireflix or whatever it's called in your hand. You could have Pendulum Summoned that and have it finish me off!"

"How observant of you, Sylvio," Yuya responded with a wink, "You're right. I could have finished you with Fireflux, but I didn't want to steal the spotlight from our other stars. It's time for Turn Toad and Block Spider to take to the stage!"

"And how do you plan to do that?" Sylvio questioned, "They're weak, they're unimportant, and one of them is even in Defense Mode!"

"You are right that they can't do much," Yuya slightly agreed, prompting a relieved sigh from Sylvio until the Dueltainer-in-training continued, "... if I leave them as they are. Performapal Turn Toad can flip one Defense Mode monster to Attack Mode and give half of their Defense to their Attack. And I'm going with Block Spider!"

With that said, Turn Toad hopped over to Block Spider and flipped it around, now poised to attack.

Block Spider/ATK 0 - 1050

Seeing that, Sylvio widen his eyes in fear, unable to defend himself.

"Now Block Spider! Attack Sylvio directly and wrap this performance up!" Yuya commanded as Block Spider leaped over to Sylvio, blasting him out of the water and coating the sky in rainbow spiderweb fireworks. Combined with the aurora from Odd-Eyes' and Winter Bell's attacks, the night sky was positively stunning as everyone awed at the beautiful skies.

"And that's a wrap!" Yuya and Rin both spoke as they each gave a bow to the end of their performance.

Sylvio LP: 500 - 0

WINNERS: YUYA & RIN

With the duel over, the ARC System below deactivated as the city and monsters soon disappeared. Once all of the Action Field disappeared, Zuzu and the younger kids rushed over to Yuya and Rin.

"Yuya! Rin! That was spectacular!" Allie congratulated the two in excitement, "All those lights were so pretty!"

"Yeah! I've been having the shivers throughout the performance!" Frederick added all giddy.

"You both did amazing!" Tate praised, "Easily one of the best duels I've seen!"

"Yuya, Rin, great job with the performance! You both were great!" Zuzu added her two cents with a smile, "And... thanks for saving us."

Yuya and Rin both looked bashful from all the praise. "Aw, it was nothing..." the former responded.

"Yea, just doing what we do best," Rin added.

While the group of friends conversed with one another in excitement, Sylvio struggled to get up as his lackeys all rushed to his side, including Kakimoto who recovered from Rin's attack. Soon, Sylvio managed to stand on his feet and glared at the group.

"Don't think this is over..." he said as he whipped his head toward his lackeys, "Don't just stand there! Grab those Pendulum Cards!"

The lackeys nodded and made their way to the group. Before they could strike, however, they were knocked off their feet by a speeding blur, the same blur also whacked Sylvio right in the face and knocked him back to the ground. The blur dropped to the ground, revealed to be a lollipop stick. The group were surprised by this until they heard a voice.

"You all should just stay on the ground like that," the voice said, prompting the group to turn around and see it was the blue-haired boy, "Yuya and Rin rules, bullies like you drool."

The group stared at the boy in shock. Soon, the silence was broken by Yuya. "Wh-who are you?" he questioned.

The boy faced Yuya and gave him a smile. "The name's Sora Perse," he introduced himself, "I've been watching your duel for a while, and you both were really cool there."

"Are you a Leo student here?" Rin asked, wondering why the boy was here.

"I was planning to enroll here, but not anymore," Sora revealed, "Now I just want to be your student, Yuya!"

Hearing him say that surprised the group, Yuya especially. "M-me!?"

"Yup! After all, if I wanted to learn how to duel, I might as well have fun doing it," Sora explained, "And while your duel wasn't the most impressive I've seen, it was certainly the most entertaining!"

Yuya stared in bemused silence at Sora, and even Rin blinked from all the praise he was giving. Zuzu, however, glanced toward the fallen bullies.

"So, these guys here... Did you do this?" she questioned, wondering how Sora was able to knock them all down.

"Eh, all I did was catch them by surprise," Sora hand-waved as if it was nothing before grabbing Yuya's hands, "Either way, I'm so glad to meet you!"

Sora was starry-eyed toward Yuya, who could only smile in bemuse.

---

Inside the monitor room, Claude was attempting to reach Sylvio, his patience waning.

"Sylvio, get up and grab those Pendulum Cards!" he angrily ordered. However, he was stopped by the president.

"That won't be necessary, Claude," he informed, much to Claude's confusion as he headed off toward the elevator.

"What do you mean, Mr. President?" Claude questioned, joining the president on the elevator as they headed to the main office.

"We've gotten all the info we need from that duel," the president assured as he walked, "We should have enough information to start production."

At that, Claude understood and bowed his head. "Understood..." he said. By then, they have reached the president's office.

"Moving on... Have you gotten the info on that girl?" the president questioned.

Claude blinked at that before activating the flat-screen showing Rin's info.

"Apparently, the girl goes by Rin Boyle..." he informed the president, who watches with interest, "Like Yuya, she goes to You Show Duel School and is part of the Junior Division, but unlike Yuya, her duel record is more impressive. She's eligible to enter the upcoming ARC League Championships."

The screen then showed images of Skip and Zuzu alongside Rin's. "Her 'relatives' include the current principal of You Show, Skip Boyle, and a fellow student there, Zuzu Boyle," Claude continues, "I say relatives, but there's been no records that Skip even had a second daughter. Most likely she's an adoptive."

The president stared at the screen in interest, taking note that Zuzu and Rin shared the same face.

"Very well, Claude. That's all I wish to know for now," he commended, "You may go now. Inform the staff to get started with manufacturing the prototype cards."

"As you wish," Claude obeyed as he exited the office. Now alone, the president continues to stare at the screen showing Rin and Zuzu.

'For the past few days, our sensors been picking up traces of Synchro energy. It was the first time an energy surge of such magnitude appeared,' he thought to himself, 'We've been unable to get a read on who's been using such Synchro Summoning... until now...'

He then took note on how similar the two girls looked, particularly the face. 'But still, to think that I'd discover two more people that share the same face...' he continued as he pulled up an image of a third girl, the same girl he met on the day his life was changed forever. The girl had blue hair tied into a ponytail with a yellow ribbon and, eeriely enough, the same exact face as Zuzu and Rin.

'First Celina... Now Rin and Zuzu...' he continued, curious about the ever growing mystery, 'What connection do these three girls have...?

'... And how does Duel Academy play into this...?'

---

And with that, part two comes to a close. Yup, the big difference was that Rin joined in, prompting a 2 on 2 duel between Yuya and Rin against Sylvio and one of his lackeys, Kakimoto. The inspiration for that was from another fanfic called Pendulum's Fifth Swing by SkyRig, which also did a 2 on 2 duel for this part. It was also the inspiration for Kakimoto's deck used here, a fire-type deck that focuses on inflicting burn damage.

Speaking of Kakimoto, his ace that he was mentioning was Thestalos the Firestorm Monarch, based on the fact that Sylvio has a Monarch monster himself. I was originally meant to have him summon Thestalos during this duel, but in the end I was unable to fit it in since I've been hitting constant dead ends. As I said before, this duel was very tricky to write out the way I want (I especially wanted Yuya to deal the final blow with Block Spider). In fact, if there's a point where I messed up on, it'd likely be with Performapal Call and the fact that Yuya could only add in monsters whose combined total Defense is less than or equal to Ultimate Dart Striker's Attack.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, Ootome, the brown-haired lackey, would have Granmarg the Rock Monarch while Yamabe, the green-haired lackey, would have Raiza the Storm Monarch.

This was the only other part I've completed before hand. Currently working on Part 3, don't know when I'll complete it, but hopefully it'd be soon. But before I end this off, I might as well let you know that I'm also thinking about who'll face who in the Leo Institute invasion on You Show coming up very soon, as Rin being there could potentially mixes things up. Unfortunately, I'm not having any luck with that, so if you have any suggestions on the matchups, I'm all ears.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed all this.

EDIT: Shoot! Forgot to mentioned another important detail shown here: the existence of OC cards! Sorry about that...

Yea, there will be some OC cards thrown in here and there whenever possible. It's possible that I may end up adding in more OC cards to some of the main characters to add to their archetypes (like Rin's Windwitches). Monsters will be underlined in the quick info so you'll know from a glance if it's an OC monster. For now, here's the info on the OC cards used in this part, and hopefully I don't forget about this again...:

Assault Dart Striker (Earth)
Level 4
Machine/Effect
You can target 1 "Dart" monster you control; Tribute this card, and if you do, it is unaffected by the effects of your opponent's Spell Cards.
ATK 1300/DEF 200

Bazooka Dart Striker (Earth)
Level 8
Machine/Effect
You can target 1 "Dart" monster you control; Tribute this card, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to the ATK of the monster destroyed by the targeted monster.
ATK 2000/DEF 1400

Dart Convoy (Earth)
Level 4
Machine/Effect
This card can be counted as 2 tributes for a Tribute Summon of a Machine-type monster.
ATK 600/DEF 1600

Rebound Shot (Trap)
Action Trap
Inflict 300 damage to yourself.