Gathered on the top floor of the Leo Institute, the Lancers were in a large conference room. They sat in a long, wooden table with nine chairs — 4 on the left, 4 on the right, and 1 at the far end of the table.
Sitting on the left side of the table were Sora, Dennis, Shay, and Crow. The right side, Yuya, Zuzu, Gong, and Sylvio.
The Lancers were still dealing with what just happened and sharing their opinions and ideas on the situation. Being invaded by an unknown group of people, as well as learning that there was another dimension, and now they're waiting for Declan to arrive, so they can discuss it.
After speaking for a while they heard the elevator doors open, and entering the room was the one who called them and another familiar figure. Declan exited the private elevator along with Moon Shadow standing beside him.
"Thank you for joining me today, everyone," Declan said to them as he sat down at the far end of the table with Moon Shadow standing beside him.
"Not that we had much of a choice," Dennis chuckled. "Would you have let us skip out?"
Declan smirked. With his back turned, no one but Moon Shadow beside him would be able to see.
"You're correct, Dennis," Declan answered.
"So, are you going to tell us what you know or do we have to start guessing?" Crow asked.
"I've been making some investigations of my own, and now, I have the information I want to share with you."
Declan clapped his hands and the lights in the room went out. Before anyone else could react, an image depicting a quartet of bar graphs labeled Synchro, Fusion, Pendulum and XYZ appeared behind the group. Each bar was the color of the respective summoning method, except for one bar on the graph that was unfamiliar to them colored blue.
"For months now me and father have been observing the four dimensions as a precaution to make sure there were no anomalies or anything unusual happening within or even outside them." Declan explained.
"And it's around that time, you and Leo stumbled upon the Link Dimension, right?" Sora asked.
"You're correct Sora. After months of observing the four dimensions and seeing no issues, we'd decided to end our investigation, until we'd got the notification of the Link Dimension." Declan stated.
"So what've you learned so far about the Link Dimension," Shay asked.
"Well from my father, not so much. The only info we obtained from him was mostly about the Link Dimension's environment. The data indicates that their technology is more advanced than ours, especially in networking technology. Declan noted.
They also follow a different set of rules than us in duels," Yuya explained. "They have things called Extra Monster Zones, which limits us from summoning as many monsters from the Extra Deck as possible and a new summoning method called Link Summon."
"Seriously?" Sylvio said, looking the most shocked out of the Lancers. "So, how are we going to perform our amazing Pendulum Summons?"
"I don't know how Sylvio, but what I do know is that we have to figure out how to deal with these new sets of rules, as well as these so-called Link Monsters." Yuya stated.
"I'm glad you said that Yuya because Declan has found a solution to our problem." Said Moon Shadow.
"Really?" "Is this true Declan?" Yuya asked.
"Yes Yuya, it's true. You see during your duel against one of the invaders, not only did my team pick up his Link Monster's energy input, but yours as well, and used it to gather more data on it.", Declan explained.
"And from what we gathered it might be possible for us to create more Link Monsters, just like we did for Pendulum. Declan added.
"That's great, Declan," Sylvio answered. So, when will we be able to receive them?" Sylvio asked.
Well after my team received data on Link Monsters and Link Summoning, they immediately started working on developing them. So, I believe that sometime before or around noon tomorrow we will have Link Monsters created to suit all your decks." Declan replied
"And I assume that, once after we received them, we'll be departing for the Link Dimension, right?" Gong asked
"That's correct Gong. Using the coordinates my father used to travel to the Link Dimension, we'll be using them to travel there as well." Declan replied.
At this moment Yuya stood up from his seat as everyone's eyes gazed on him while his eyes gazed at Declan. ''Declan, I need to ask you for a favor?'' Yuya speaks up causing Declan to raise an eyebrow of this strange request. The tomato-headed young man sighs, preparing to tell his request to the leader of the Lancers.
"I was wondering that instead of all of us traveling to the Link Dimension at once, I'd go first by myself before the rest of you?" Yuya requested, which deeply shocked the Lancers, except his Father, Moon Shadow, and Declan.
'Interesting'' Declan says calmly, his eyebrow slightly lifted by the news, and almost shocked that Yuya would ask this.
''NO WAY! Yuya you're not serious!'' Sylvio yells out, knowing Yuya was a strong duelist, but not stupid enough to travel to another dimension all by himself without his friends.
Declan then stands up, and looks at Yuya showing that he's about to answer his question.
''Before I give you an answer Yuya, do you mind explaining to me why you rather go and travel to the Link Dimension yourself instead as a group.'' said Declan with a hint of concern in his voice.
"Well, when me and Sylvio encountered that invader, he mentioned that I was one of his prime targets. Then when you showed and motivated me to continue the duel he mentioned that you're also a target." Yuya said.
"So, I'd figure if I go by myself it might throw them off guard since they might expect all of us, and I might buy you guys some time to prepare and strengthen your skills." Yuya added as he sat back down in his chair.
"After hearing Yuya's answer and being deep in thought, Declan sat back in his chair, declaring as he adjusted his glasses. ''Alright Yuya, I'll allow it, but one on condition.'' said Declan.
Yuya's eyebrows raise, wondering what the condition will be. ''Anything, just name it."
'I'll only let you go, if you bring along a fellow Lancer with you, and I'll let you choose who you want to bring." Declan stated.
"Well it's obvious he should pick me in fact, us entertainers have to stick together, Sylvio said."
"You're delusional, with Gong being Yuya's best friend, I'll be there to shield him from any harm that comes his way, said Gong."
"Sorry you two, but as Duel Academy's best soldier, as well as having experience with traveling dimensions, I'll be the one joining Yuya on this journey, Sora stated."
"Hate to break it to you, Sora, but as Yusho' Sakaki's pupil it's best for me to join Yuya instead of you, Dennis retorted."
"No way Mcfield, it's going to be me!" Sylvio stated.
"No me!" said Gong.
Nuh-uh, it's me." said Sora.
"In your dreams fellas, it's me. Dennis stated as the four of them looked at each other, wing angry looks on their faces.
"Guys, guys, guys, relax, will you? I already know who I'm bringing with me." Yuya said as the four of them waited for his answer while some people already knew who he was going to say.
"I'm taking Zuzu along with me to the Link Dimension." Yuya announced shocking Sylvio, Gong, Sora, Dennis, and Zuzu the most while Declan, Moon Shadow, Shay, and Crow all stayed silent.
"You sure you want me Yuya?" Zuzu questioned "Wouldn't it be better if you choose someone who has better and more experience than me because I barely did anything during the dimensional war. Zuzu added.
"Even so, I know you've strengthened your skills over the last year because you wanted to become stronger like me, Sylvio, and everyone else. And I know that you want to prove yourself to us by showing those skills." Yuya stated.
"Yuya." Zuzu said with tears forming in her eyes.
"Very bold statement there Yuya." Declan said as Yuya and Zuzu both looked at him.
"However, words must be proven by actions. So, here's what I propose, tonight at You Show I want to see a duel between you and Zuzu in which she showcases these "skills" you claim she has. And if what you say is true, she'll accompany you to the Link Dimension, but if not, then you must pick someone else to join you. Do we have a deal?" Declan asked.
Yuya and Zuzu both looked at each other whether they should accept Declan's.
After a few minutes of silence Yuya and Zuzu both stood up from their seats ready to give their answer to Declan. "Alright Declan, we agree that me and Zuzu will duel to show that she has the strength to aid me in the Link Dimension." Yuya said. "And I promise to give my all during this duel and prove to everyone how much I've grown as a duelist." Zuzu added.
"Very well then, I'll see you tonight at You Show, and I can't wait to see these "skills" Zuzu has. As for the rest of the Lancers, you're welcome to come and watch this duel, hoping that after watching all of you might want to improve and strengthen your skills as well." Declan stated.
All the Lancers nodded in response after hearing Declan.
"You're dismissed." Declan told all of them.
And with that, the Lancers slowly rose from their seats. Except Crow, who raised a hand and waved over to Declan.
"Wait, what if those guys come back and invade this or the other dimensions?" Crow asked.
"I can assure you that I've already made preparations just in case that happens," Reiji explained. "I've contacted all our comrades in the other dimensions of what happened in the Pendulum Dimension, and they're making preparations as well just in case they get invaded."
"As always, you're one step ahead." Shay said.
"Why yes Mr. Obsidian." Said Declan. "See you all tonight at You Show."
All the Lancers then left the conference room leaving only Declan and Moon Shadow.
"Do you think we'll be ready and strong enough to deal with this new enemy?" Moon Shadow asked.
"Who knows?" Declan replied. "Only time will tell. For now, this one duel may just give us an answer."
….
A couple of hours later, Yuya and Zuzu ventured over to and improved You Show Duel School. Thanks to a combination of Yusho clearing his good name, Yuya's popularity as a Pro Duelist, and financial backing from the Leo Corporation, the once small and rather drab looking school had been reconstructed and expanded. Though not as large as LDS, it was now one of the most reputable Duel Schools in the country, with classes and facilities that neither one thought were once possible.
Though one thing stayed the same; the ideology of Entertainment Dueling was the core philosophy of the school.
They walked in and saw a duel in motion between Tate and another duelist. They assumed they were dueling to calm the citizens of Paradise City after the massive incident that occurred earlier today.
Action Field: Castle Of Chaos
Tate: 1300 LP
Controls Deskbot 001 and Deskbot 009
Deskbot 008 (Scale 1) and Deskbot 007 (Scale 10) active in his Pendulum Zones
No cards in hand
Deskbot Base face-up in the Field Zone
Deskbot 001: (500 + (500 × 3)) = 2000 ATK/ (500 + 500 × 3) = 2000 DEF/ EARTH/ Level 1/ Machine/ Tuner/ Effect
Deskbot 009: (500 + 500) = 1000 ATK/ (500 + 500) = 1000 DEF/ EARTH/ Level 9/ Machine/ Effect
VS
Opponent: 1000 LP
Controls Chaos Hunter
No cards in hand
Chaos Hunter: 2500 ATK/ 2000 DEF/ DARK/ Level 7/ Fiend/ Effect
Tate's opponent gave a smug smirk. "Neither of your monsters are strong enough to overcome my monster's ATK. Might as well surrender."
"Surrender? Haven't you learned that Entertainment Duelists give it their all and entertain the crowd by turning the situation in their favor?" Tate declared before gesturing to his monsters. "I tune Level Nine Deskbot 009 with Level One Deskbot 001!"
On command, Tate's small robot monster transformed into a single ring of light, before Deskbot 009 flew through it and transformed into a series of stars. Energy surge before a column of lightning erupted out.
"Synchro Summon! Come, Deskbot Jet!"
A pencil case robot, armed with several sharpener-shaped cannons hovered onto the blue-haired duelist's field.
Deskbot Jet: (500 + (500 × 5)) = 3000 ATK/ (500 + (500 × 5)) = 3000 DEF/ EARTH/ Level 10/ Machine/ Synchro/ Effect
"Deskbot Jet's effect! Once per turn, I can destroy one Deskbot card I control as well as another face-up card on the field. I destroy my Deskbot 008 and your Chaos Hunter! Eraser Missiles!"
Deskbot Jet pointed its canons at the card in Tate's Pendulum Zone, as well as the whip-wielding warrior on the opponent's field, and fired a hail of erasers carved into the shape of missiles that destroyed both cards. Tate's opponent recoiled in shock as his monster was destroyed.
"Since there is one less Deskbot card on the field, Deskbot Jet loses 500 ATK and DEF," Tate explained as his monster's stats decreased. "Battle! Deskbot Jet attacks you directly!"
On command, Jet's boosters ignited before the whole pencil case rammed into Tate's opponent at high speed.
Opponent LP: 1000 – 0
Tate Wins
Tate smiled as the spectators watching his duel clapped, the Action Field disappearing. His opponent, albeit a little begrudgingly, got to his feet and waved at the audience.
"Tate really gotten strong hasn't he?" Yuya remarked with a smile.
"I know. I remember the day he joined the school, he was your first fanboy. Or does Sora qualify for that role?" Zuzu playfully joked.
"Yuya! / Zuzu!" Came the sound of three children. The couple looked over to see Tate, as well as Allie and Frederick, ran up the stairs towards them.
"Great job out there! You guys were great." Yuya cheered, "You've all turned into amazing duelists."
"We've been studying extra hard!" Allie cheerfully said, "I even picked up Fusion Summoning to be just like you, Yuzu-oneechan!"
Yuzu smiled, flattered by the girl's big sister's worship.
"That's true! And I've learned Xyz Summoning as well!" Frederick added with a delighted expression. "Maybe one day the three of us will be as strong as the two of you combined!" The child boasted.
"Of course, you've still got a long way to go."
The group of five turned around to see Zuzu's father Skip coming towards them, with Yuya's parents Yusho and Yoko following behind him.
"I mean, they do have access to all the Extra Deck summons, and Yuya was the founder of Pendulum Summoning, and they both seem to have the ability to magically create new cards out of nowhere…." The teacher rambled as he received a smack on his head from Zuzu's fan.
"Now Skip you always know what happens when you ramble." Yoko stated.
"I'm just saying." Skip shrugged.
"Hey, don't worry about it." Yusho said cheerfully as he put his arms around Zuzu and Yuya. "Win or lose, dueling is all about having fun."
The three kids affirmed Yusho's statement happily, before they turned back to Yuya and Zuzu.
"So, why'd the two of you come here?" Asked Allie, "We expected you're meeting with Declan to last all night long."
"Well the thing is that we're here to duel each other." Yuya said while earning the attention of the three children, Skip, and Yoko with Yusho being calm and quiet.
"You see instead of all of us traveling to the Link Dimension, Yuya volunteered to go by himself before everyone else," Zuzu explained. "But Declan would only allow him if brought someone with him, and he chose me to go with him.
"But you two dueling?" Frederick asked, "Why?"
"Seeing as how we might have to go to war again, we need to keep our skills sharp for the next time we encounter those Link Dimension creeps." Yuya explained. "And of course, I chose Zuzu because I know how hard she's working on strengthening her skills as a duelist and I want Declan to witness them at first hand." Yuya stated.
"A duel does sound fun," Tate agreed. "And it would help get our minds off what happened. What do you think guys?"
"Well…. Alright." Both Allie and Frederick answered with a smile.
"So when are you two having this duel?" Skip asked.
"Tonight around 9:00, and the rest of the Lancers are coming too." Yuya replied.
"Well I know that this will be a duel for the ages, and I'm sure everyone can't wait to see it." Yusho said while looking at the audience imagining their excitement.
A few moments later, after filling You Show in on the situation (including the audience, about a potential war might be happening). The two duelists now stood in the center Duel Court, while multiple students and the Lancers, including Declan watched from the sidelines.
"Alright everyone!" came Skip's voice over the loudspeaker. "Today we have a special treat for all of you. Two of our star alumni, Yuya Sakaki and my daughter, Zuzu Boyle, will be facing off against each other in a duel that's sure to be filled with amazing entertainment for all of you!"
The entire audience murmured with anticipation, excited to see a duel between two well-known duelists.
"Come on now Zuzu, let's not keep our audience waiting!" Yuya cried, ready to duel.
"Right, let's give 'em a duel they'll never forget!' Zuzu replied, also ready to duel.
"Now, if everyone is ready, Action Field ON! Twilight Dimension!"
The surrounding field begins changing, transforming into a mysterious but lovely lunar-like environment with bridges and towers around them. The two stand in a large platform with a colorful aurora-like sky above them.
''Let's start Yuya!'' Zuzu declares energetic but firm, not going to hold anything back.
Yuya nods as he and Zuzu both smile beginning to chant in unity performing movements as if performing.
Yuya nods as he and Zuzu both smile beginning to chant in unity performing movements as if performing.
''Duelists locked in battle! Kicking the earth and dancing in the air alongside their monsters! They storm through this field! Behold! This is the newest and greatest evolution of Dueling!"
"ACTION DUEL!''
Sparks of light shine downward over them, being Action Cards as the two prepare for one of their greatest duels yet.
Yuya: 4000 LP VS Zuzu: 4000 LP
Yuya stands on the left side while Zuzu is on the right, like their last duel.
''Zuzu, if you want, you can-'' Yuya tries suggesting she goes first showing his manners towards her but Zuzu knew better knowing how explosive Yuya usually starts his duels. Instead, she protests and suggests. ''Yuya, start the first turn. I insist.''
Yuya sighs just nodding as he'll start first.
''Let the show start!'' Yuya declares, smiling as he picks a card in his hand and plays it on his Monster Zone. ''I summon Performapal Skullcrobat Joker!''
Appearing in swirls of light, somersaulting forward and landing on his feet, stands a male humanoid with long blond hair wearing a black, purple theme entertainer outfit with a big green bow tie and eye mask. He also has on the Performapal theme design.
Performapal Skullcrobat Joker LVL 4 PS: 8/8 ATK: 1800 DEF: 100
''Skullcrobat Joker's effect lets me add 1 Performapal, Magician Pendulum or Odd-Eyes monster from my Deck to my hand.'' Yuya reveals as his deck pops out a card from his deck and smiles. He then declares pretty confident. ''Turn end.''
"Huh, that's it?" A person from the audience said, confused.
"What's Yuya thinking?" Sylvio said, "He needs to go all out in order for Zuzu to show her true dueling skills if he wants her to go with him to the Link Dimension."
"Gong feels like Yuya wants to start off slow with Zuzu then build her up later which might end up surprising Declan later." Gong said as he looked at Declan as he was focusing on the duel.
Zuzu lets out a sigh, a bit, speaking to herself mentally. ''As always Yuya summons such a monster and leaves himself exposed. I can't let that discourage me!''
''My turn, draw!'' She shouts drawing her top card. She looks at her hand and smiles, grabbing a card and playing it. ''I'll start by activating the spell, 1st Movement Solo!''
Yuya prepares himself as Zuzu explains her spell's effect. ''If I control no monsters, I can Special Summon 1 Melodious monster from my deck.''
A card pops out from her deck, picking it and summons it smiling. ''Come on out, Aria the Melodious Diva!''
A purple haired, pink skinned female appears wearing a dark brown dress with soft peach-colored skirt as across her left arm has an orange colored symbol that resembles a musical note coming up her head. She has an orange harp-like wing on her right side.
Aria the Melodious Diva LVL 4 ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200
Zuzu giggles, grabbing a card from her hand and announces. ''Next since I control a Melodious monster, I can Special Summon this monster from my hand. Appear, Sonata the Melodious Diva!''
A long green haired, greenish lemon skinned female appears wearing a light blue dress having dark blue symbols resembling musical notes as her right arm also had the same musical note coming up over her head. She has a dark green harp-like wing on her left side.
Sonata the Melodious Diva LVL 3 ATK: 1200 DEF: 1000
Yuya gulps as Zuzu smirks, announcing. ''Sonata's effect increases every Fairy-Type monster I control by 500 ATK.''
Sonata lets out a lovely cry as both she and Aria gain the 500 ATK boost.
Aria (ATK:1600→2100)
Sonata (ATK:1200→1700)
''Next I equip Aria with the Equip Spell, Resonate Wave!'' Zuzu declares activating a new spell that shows the image of Aria letting out a destructive shout at Hip Hippo. Once equipped, Zuzu then declares raising her arm forward. ''Battle! Aria, attack Skullcrobat Joker!''
Yuya braces himself as Aria floats over his monster. He looks around fast and spots an Action Card on the ground. He rushes over to get it, leaping from one bridge to another with Skullcrobat helping him along the way.
''Sharpness Voice!'' Zuzu commands as Aria lets out a sharp destructive cry towards Skullcrobat Joker. Yuya watches this as he leaps forward, launching himself and grabs the Action Card just in time. He doesn't waste time activating it. ''I activate Action Card-Evasion! I now negate Aria's attack!''
Skullcrobat Joker smirks, grabbing his top hat and uses it to absorb Aria's screech attack inside it. Yuya sighs evades that but startles seeing Zuzu smiling as she explains. ''I wanted that. Resonate Wave's effect inflicts 800 to the opponent when the equipped Melodious attacks.''
Yuya panics as Aria lets out another shout, hitting him now. The screech blast pushes Yuya back though he manages not to fall from his back. He stands his ground, but he still takes the 800 points of damage.
Yuya LP: 4000–3200
''I end my turn.'' Zuzu declares, still smiling.
"Thanks to Aria's effect, her Fairy Monsters can't be targeted or destroyed by battle, which gives her the best advantage and helps me secure it." Sora said.
"This definitely puts Yuya in a bind, can't wait to see how he overcomes it." Dennis adds.
Declan, however, is still observing the duel watching both the duelist's moves.
''Zuzu has never been this serious before.'' He admits mentally not able to help it but smile. "If she can be this serious, then it might just convince Declan enough to let her come with me. So, I have to get serious enough to make sure that happens."
''My turn, draw!'' Drawing his top card, Yuya shouts, eyeing it and immediately summons it with a small grin. ''I summon Performapal Silver Claw!''
A grey, blue-collar fur wolf with blue eyes and sharp, silver claws appears having the Performapal theme design.
Performapal Silver Claw LVL 4 PS: 5/5 ATK: 1800 DEF: 700
''Battle! Silver Claw, attack Sonata!'' Yuya commands entering his Battle Phase as Silver Claw leaps forward. He then adds smiling. ''Silver Claw's effect increases the ATK of all Performapal monsters by 300 until the end of the Battle Phase.''
Both Silver Claw and Skullcrobat Joker's ATK went up to 2100. Zuzu knew she's going to take big damage but this time she won't let Yuya get a single point of damage.
''I activate the second effect of Resonate Wave!'' She declares sending away her Equip Spell off Aria and adds sliding it into the Graveyard. ''By sending this Equip Spell to the Graveyard, I take no battle damage this turn. Plus thanks to Aria's effect, Melodious monsters cannot be destroyed by battle!''
Sonata braces herself against Silver Claw's claw swipe but thanks to Aria's protection she wasn't destroyed while Zuzu took no damage from that.
Yuya lets out a chuckle praising her. ''Nice job there Zuzu.''
"Thanks Yuya, as I told you before I'm not holding back and giving you all I got." Zuzu stated.
"I switch Skullcrobat Joker to Defense Position.'' Yuya responds by entering his Main Phase 2 as Skullcrobat kneel in Defense Position. He then grabs two cards from his hand and announces setting them. ''I then set 2 cards face-down and end my turn.''
Two face-down cards materialize themselves behind his two monsters, ending his turn.
"Wow, it's like she's one step ahead of Yuya no matter what move he tries to make." Crow mentioned.
"Well Declan, I guess Yuya wasn't kidding when he said that Zuzu's skills have improved over the year, now was he?" Shay asked as Declan turned his head towards him.
"No he wasn't." Declan replied. "But remember Mr. Obsidian that the duel has just started, and it can turn around in just a matter of moves. We just have to wait to see what happens."
''What's he up to now?'' Zuzu questions looking seriously at Yuya's set cards. "He doesn't have any cards to harm my monsters except his Wall of Disruption Trap. Regardless, I have to press forward." ''My turn, draw!''
Zuzu draws his top card and eyes it, making a small smirk getting probably the best card she needs now.
''I activate the Quick-Play Spell, Second Movement!'' Zuzu plays another spell card showing the image of a brown music book with golden words in Italian that translates ''Second''.
''That's a new one.'' Yuya mutters, never seeing that card before. She still smirks explaining her card's effect. ''Now I can Special Summon 1 Melodious monster from my hand, but it cannot attack this turn.''
She grabs a card and summons it chanting. ''Sing, Serenade the Melodious Diva!''
A long pinkish haired, purplish skinned female appears wearing an orange-yellow-red colored sleeved dress with green colored symbols resembling musical notes with puffy yellow long ends. She has a pink harp-like wing on her right side.
Serenade the Melodious Diva LVL 4 ATK: 400 DEF: 1900
Yuya watches uneasily, seeing the large number of Melodious in front of him.
''I have what I need.'' Zuzu expresses with a small giggling holding a card in her hand and slides it into her Duel Disk.
''I activate the spell, Melodious Musical Ballad!'' Zuzu declares activating a spell that shows the music of Mozarta, Sonata and Aria letting out a beautiful song in a large opera stage.
''Now my Melodious will sing a song of love!'' She declares as her three Melodious monsters let out a choir of singing throughout the field.
''Love?'' Yuya was confused by those last words. Zuzu groans annoyed by that comment as she resumes. ''In addition, for each Melodious monster singing on my field I may draw 1 card for each.''
She had three giving Zuzu the ability to draw 3 cards. She smiles as one of them is Mozarta. Furthermore, she reveals the card and states. ''In addition if I draw a Melodious Maestra, I draw 1 extra card.''
Yuya starts worrying as Zuzu draws an additional card.
''I now release Serenade, and she may be treated as two releases for a Fairy-Type monster.'' Zuzu declares as Serenade vanishes in sparks of light. She then chants beautifully. "Enchanting melody echoing in heaven. Awaken the sleeping virtuoso. Come forth! Level 8! Mozarta the Melodious Maestra!"
A short white haired, whitish blue skinned female appears wearing an elegant red, sleeved dress with yellow colored musical note patterns on her. She has two large, butterfly harp-like, greenish-blue wings with golden outlines.
Mozarta the Melodious Maestra LVL 8 ATK: 2600 DEF: 2000
Yuya stares in awe aware Zuzu would summon her ace.
''Next I activate Mozarta's effect, letting me Special Summon 1 Fairy-Type monster from my hand.'' Zuzu announces picking a card in her hand and summons it smiling. ''I summon Tamtam the Melodious Diva!''
A short blue haired with similar hairstyle as Opera, peach skinned female appears wearing a red-blue corset dress in green shoulders and shorts as she wields a large red crown tip rod with a large red mirror bell.
Tamtam the Melodious Diva LVL 4 ATK: 1000 DEF: 2000
''Thanks to Tamtam's effect, I can add Polymerization when I control another Melodious monster.'' She announces adding the spell she wants and immediately plays it. ''I activate the spell, Polymerization! With it, I fuse Tamtam, Mozarta and the Opera that's in my hand!''
Yuzu's three monsters begin singing as they swirled together by the Fusion Portal.
"Joyful ringing! Lovely singing! The flutter of angel wings! By the guidance of the baton, assemble your power.'' Zuzu begins chanting, raising her hands up before swinging them down holding them tightly. ''Fusion Summon! Now on stage, the song of passion! Bloom Prima the Melodious Choir!"
A swirly blue haired, pale skinned female appears wearing a red dress with an extreme large, yellow sharped skirt with an underneath blue colored skirt with both having musical note symbols on her. She has two large, white flowers with greenish outlines on both of her shoulders.
Bloom Prima the Melodious Choir LVL 7 ATK: 1900 DEF: 2000
Yuya gulps remembering that monster and what it is capable of.
''Bloom Prima gains 300 ATK for each Fusion Material Monsters used for her summon and that's 2! And thanks to Opera's effect, Bloom Prima cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects.'' Zuzu explains as Bloom Prima's ATK shot up to 2800. She giggles adding. ''Plus with Sonata, her ATK goes up another 500!''
Bloom Prima the Melodious Choir (ATK:1900→3300)
''Bloom Prima can attack twice so get ready! Battle! Bloom Prima, attack Silver Claw!'' Zuzu declares smiling as Bloom Prima aims with her flowers attached on her shoulders. She commands her monster. ''Harmonizing Waltz!''
The flowers unleash a powerful sonic blast from them at Yuya's wolf. However, Yuya makes a small smirk stating. ''Nope.''
Zuzu slowly blinks her eyes repeating the words he said. ''Nope?''
Yuya nods grinning. He declares revealing his set card. ''I activate my set trap, Wall of Disruption!''
She gasps expecting he would have that card set, but it still surprises her
''Aria might be able to protect your Melodious from targeting and destroyed by battle but thanks to my trap, I decrease the ATK of all your monsters by 800 for each one you have on the field!'' Yuya explains smiling. Zuzu gulps muttering unease. ''I have 3 monsters which means-''
''They lose 2400 ATK each!'' Yuya interrupts her, as his trap glows. Zuzu looks at her hand not having the means to stop this, but she could try something much worse but good for herself.
''Then I chain and activate the spell, De-Fusion!'' Zuzu declares playing the Quick-Play Spell from her hand. Yuya startles as she explains smirking. ''I return Bloom Prima back to my Extra Deck to Special Summon back the Fusion Material Monsters used for her summon!''
Bloom Prima chats before glowing brightly and splits back to the three Fusion Materials that created her.
Among Mozarta and Tamtam, the other is Opera. A pinkish haired woman with short buns on both sides and top, yellowish skinned female appears wearing a light blue dress with blue musical notes dangling on the ends of her long skirt. She has two small-like angelic wings on her back.
Mozarta the Melodious Maestra LVL 8 ATK: 2600 DEF: 2000
Tamtam the Melodious Diva LVL 4 ATK: 1000 DEF: 2000
Opera the Melodious Diva LVL 4 ATK: 2300 DEF: 1000
Yuya stares confused by this since now Yuzu has 5 monsters meaning his trap's effect will be stronger.
'I activate Second Movement's other effect from the graveyard! For every "Melodious" that was special summoned from my graveyard the ATK of all Melodious Monsters increases by 1600 for each one!'' Zuzu reveals using the spell she used earlier to boost the ATK of the three monsters she summoned back. Regardless Yuya reminds him with a small smirk. ''But that means instead of 2400, your monsters lose 4000ATK!''
All three Melodious gained 4800 ATK, but lost 4000 including Sonata and Aria, reduced to 0 ATK while Mozarta is 3400 ATK, Tamtam is 1800 ATK and Opera is 3100 ATK. Zuzu sighs a bit at least still able to make her attacks regardless.
''Tamtam's effect activates, letting me add another Polymerization to my hand.'' Zuzu states as she adds another Polymerization from her Deck to her hand. She then adds with Sonata singing. ''Sonata might have lost her ATK, but her effect still increases my other Melodious monsters by 500!''
Thanks to its effect, Mozarta went up to 3900 ATK, Tamtam at 2300 ATK and Opera at 3600 ATK.
''Opera, attack Silver Claw!'' Zuzu commands as her monster slams a powerful shout at the sharp claw wolf, destroying it. Yuya was sent back taking 1800 damage, but he managed to backflip and slide his feet on the ground, stopping himself barely.
Yuya LP: 3200-1400
''Next Tamtam, attack Skullcrobat Joker!'' She then orders as her monster slams the bell with her staff, unleashing a destructive wave hitting Yuya's last monster.
Zuzu smiles finally having him where she wants him.
"If Yuya gets hit with this next attack, this duel is over." Allie said.
"His goosepickles are cooked!" said Frederick.
"Come on Yuya, I know you're not going to let it end this early and easy." Tate thought in his head.
''Mozarta, attack Yuya directly and settle this!'' She commands with her ace waving her baton and unleashes a heavenly wave from her voice. ''Graceful Wave!''
Yuya watches the wave coming at him, but he was prepared, triggering his other set card with a smile. ''Reverse card open, Performapal Call!''
Zuzu startles as the trap negates Mozarta's attack in its tracks.
''I negate your attack and next I can add 2 Performapal monsters with a total DEF equal to or less than the ATK of the monster I negated.'' Yuya explains as two cards pop out from his deck and grabs them. "I add Performapal's Partnaga and Kaleidoscorp!"
Yuzu panics realizing due to Sonata's effect, all of her Melodious' ATK are boosted. No, she mustn't worry. Yuya can't Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck in his next turn due to the trap's effect.
Yuzu eyes her options and knows she can't risk giving Yuya a minute of relief.
''I will activate Polymerization again! This time I fuse Sonata and Aria!'' She proceeds once more performing another Fusion Summon. Yuya watches as Sonata and Aria sing as they fuse.
"Echoing melodious voice! Flowing melody! With guidance from the baton, gather your power! Fusion Summon!'' Yuzu holds her hands together again as she chants. ''Now come here to the stage! Schuberta the Melodious Maestra!"
A long wavy orange haired, greenish skin female appears wearing a golden opera face mask as well as a red-black dress with golden attachments on her shoulders and waist and a thin silver colored coattail. She also wields a conductor's baton.
Schuberta the Melodious Maestra LVL 6 ATK: 2400 DEF: 2000
''Next I use Schuberta's effect, banishing Aria, Sonata and your Wall of Disruption, so then she gains 200 ATK for each card banished. Chorus Break!'' Yuzu activates her monster's effect, banishing her two Fusion Materials and Yuya's trap from the game while Schuberta's ATK shoots up to 3000.
She sighs upset that her monsters lost the boost from Sonata, it was better than nothing expecting Yuya to try something now. Yuzu eyes the last card in her hand and declares setting it. ''I set 1 card face-down. I end my turn.''
The moment her turn ended, the three monsters Yuzu brought back had their ATK's revert to their original stats due to Second Movement's effect.
Mozarta (ATK:3900→2600)
Opera (ATK:3600→2300)
Tamtam (ATK:2300→500)
"From what has just happened it looks like my daughter Zuzu has taken the lead in the duel and has given Yuya a run for his money." Skip explained. "Can he make a comeback and turn things around in his favor?"
The audience then screamed in excitement while Declan and the Lancers looked down at the dueling field waiting to see what's going to happen.
Yuya sighs of relief surviving Yuzu's assault praising her actions. ''Wow Yuzu has really gotten stronger."
"Yes she has, hasn't she?" said his Xyz counterpart Yuto which surprised Yuya.
"Yuto?" Yuya said.
"No doubt about it. She's gotten stronger since the last time I've seen her duel," said Yugo.
"She's good enough to even go against me if I still had my body," Yuri stated.
He didn't say a word admitting their not wrong; knowing how much she's grown. And now it's turn to show her how much he's grown.
Smiling, Yuya replies passionately, drawing his top card. 'My turn, draw!''
His eyes widened as he saw what card he drew. Grabbing it along with another card, he declares holding up two cards and revealing them. ''Here I go! With the Scale 1 Stargazer Magician and the Scale 8 Timegazer Magician, I Set the Pendulum Scale!''
He called out, placing the cards on his Duel Disk, "I'm retaking control of this duel starting now!"
Zuzu panics as Yuya places both Pendulums on his Pendulum Scales as rainbow words materialize on his Duel Disk, spelling out P-E-N-D-U-L-U-M.
Two blue lights shoot up as two monsters appear within the lights.
The first is a dark-colored ginger spiky haired magician with a tiring expression as he wears a black-golden design magician's outfit with a long golden scale blade-like device attached on the right side of his glove. He has a large number 8 above his head.
The second is a long blond haired magician with a calming expression as he wears a white, blue magician theme outfit wielding a long white-golden rod with a roundish shield around the left hand. A large number 1 appears above him.
Right: Stargazer Magician–Pendulum Scale: 1/1
Left: Timegazer Magician–Pendulum Scale 8/8
''Here it comes.'' Yuzu tells herself mentally.
"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 a red-yellow colored pattern scaled cobra with a top hat and the end of its tail having a gloved hand, a red scorpion with shields for pincers and a missing stinger, and a familiar dichromatic dragon.
"Lend a helping hand Performapal Partnaga!" "Razzle dazzle 'em, Performapal Kaleidoscorp!" Yuya introduced his monsters, "And turn up the heat, dragon with wondrous dichromatic eyes! Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"
Performapal Partnaga LVL 5 PS: 3/3 ATK: 500 DEF: 2100
Performapal Kaleidoscorp LVL 6 PS: 4/4 ATK: 100 DEF: 2300
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon LVL 7 PS: 4/4 ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000
''Odd-Eyes…'' Zuzu mutters somewhat terrified knowing how powerful Yuya's ace monster is.
''I use Partnaga's effect when he's summoned.'' Yuya called out as Partnaga extended and grabbed hold of both Odd-Eyes and Kaleidoscorp, "When Partnaga is summoned, one monster I control gains 300 ATK for each Performapal monster I have out. That's both itself and Kaleidoscorp, so that's 600 ATK going straight toward Odd-Eyes!"
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (ATK:2500–3100)
''Next I use Kaleidoscorp's effect! Kaleido Light!'' Yuya declares as his scorpion points with its tail and fires rainbow-color light over Odd-Eyes. The Pendulum Dragon roars glowing in a rainbow outline. He then explains smiling. ''By doing this, Odd-Eyes can attack every Special Summoned monster my opponent controls this turn!''
Zuzu panics, scared knowing this will hurt.
Yuya takes a leap up and lands on Odd-Eyes, riding on his back holding on its horn for support.
''Let's do it Odd-Eyes. Battle!'' Yuya declares as Odd-Eyes let out another roar rushing at the Melodious monsters. As it did, his mouth began gathering and charging red-black flames.
Zuzu gulps looking around fast and spots an Action Card. She rushes towards it, but she isn't going to reach it on time.
''First attack Schuberta!'' Yuya commands his dragon to stop and immediately breathes a spiral of red-black flames forward. ''Spiral Flame Strike!''
The spiraling flame attack hits Schuberta just as the orbs on Odd-Eyes begin to glow. At this time Yuya explains smiling. ''Next Odd-Eyes' effect, when he battles a monster, that battle damage he inflicts is double! Reaction Force!''
Odd-Eyes roars as its spiral flame attack grows double the size and consumes Schuberta. The Melodious screams as she turns into sparks of light as Zuzu is knocked away from the Action Card she was going to grab. She screams hitting the ground not too hard while her Life Points took 200 of damage.
Zuzu LP: 4000-3800
''Now attack Tamtam!'' Yuya orders as Odd-Eyes breathes a second spiral flame now at the weaker Melodious monster. Zuzu, trying to get up, knows she won't survive this unless she triggers her set card.
''I activate the trap, Defense Draw!'' She quickly triggers her card. Tamtam screams, consumed by the flames, but the trap protects Zuzu in a barrier of light, preventing any of the backlash of Odd-Eyes' attack from hurting her.
''Thanks to this, I take no damage from battle! Plus I draw 1 card.'' Zuzu explains smiling, surviving that onslaught and drawing an extra card moreover. Yuya startles greatly, also never seeing her use that card before.
''Wow, didn't know you had that card either.'' He comments pretty amazed. Zuzu just smirks confidently as she replies. ''I'm also full of surprises if you don't know better, Yuya.''
Yuya sweat drops though he smiles admitting she is. He then resumes with his attacks smiling. ''Then Odd-Eyes, attack Opera!''
Zuzu blinks, forgetting Odd-Eyes can still attack. The Pendulum Dragon roars, breathing another spiral flame, striking and consuming Opera. Zuzu screams as the attack pushes her back, refusing to fall with Mozarta protecting her, still taking 1600LP of damage.
Zuzu LP: 3800-2200
''And finally, Odd-Eyes, attack Mozarta!'' Yuya commands as Odd-Eyes rushes right in front of Zuzu's face, headbutting the Melodious across the face. The blow actually sends Mozarta flying up as Odd-Eyes fired upward with its swirling flames, burning the musical fairy into nothing as she took 1000 points of damage.
Zuzu LP: 2200-1200
Zuzu sweats almost terrified as her field was now less than Yuya's. She eyes Odd-Eyes and how fierce the dragon is with its dual-colored eyes glowing brightly.
''Unbelievable, You're strong Yuya,'' Yuzu tells him. "But that doesn't mean I'm giving up that easy, this duel is ready to get more intense than it already is!"
Odd-Eyes rushes back with Yuya declaring, still smiling. ''I agree so let's turn up the fun for the audience, shall we?''
Zuzu nods back in response while the audience pumped with excitement as they were enjoying this fantastic duel.
"ENOUGH!" Declan shouted as everyone's eyes turned towards him.
"After witnessing this duel and seeing these two duelist's moves, I've decided whether Zuzu Boyle should accompany Yuya Sakaki to the Link Dimension."
Everyone's filled with suspense as they awaited Declan's answer, especially Yuya and Zuzu as they were the most nervous.
"Zuzu Boyle…" "You are permitted to accompany Yuya Sakaki to the Link Dimension!" Declan announced.
Zuzu was filled with joy after finding out she can join Yuya and Yuya was feeling the same as well.
"Congratulations Zuzu!" Yuya said happily. "I'm so glad that you're able to come with me to the Link Dimension."
"Me too Yuya." Zuzu also said happily. "And I promise that I'll give it my all and won't hold you back!"
"What a beautiful moment, Gong can't hold his tears back!" Gong said while crying.
"Kind of makes you think that after watching Zuzu pull off some new moves, she's never used before, that we should expand our skills some more Gong, like maybe learning a new summoning method. Question is which one should I learn?" Sylvio wondered.
"Well for which of the other summoning methods, you should ask yourself which one really SPEAKS to you, and which seems like the easiest to start off with. Preferably the one that is, at the same time, the strongest," the Fusion user explained, not so subtly trying to tell Sawatari to pick up Fusion.
Dennis rolled his eyes, seeing right through his friend's scheme.
"And as for who would teach you, you have to ask one of the most skilled and top-tier duelists you know. Maybe one who you never really realized was that powerful before."
Sawatari, seemingly drawn in by Sora's subliminal messaging, grinned as he realized something. "Of course, it's so obvious. The answer was right in front of me this whole time!"
"Glad you understand." Sora triumphantly said before taking a bite out of his overly sweetened food. "Now to start…" he started talking until he noticed Sawatari abruptly got up out of his seat and began running towards Crow.
"Crow I would like for you to teach me how to Synchro Summon! Thanks for the idea Sora!" Sylvio said as he grabbed Crow's arm and ran out of the stands.
"Wait, I was talking about me!" Sora yelled, furious that Sawatari didn't fall for his tricks. "Now I feel like a fool, don't I?
"That certainly didn't work out the way you wanted it." Dennis remarked, trying to conceal the amused look on his face.
"Actually, you helped more than you realized." A familiar voice said which caused Sora and Dennis's heads to turn seeing that it was Gong.
Closing his eyes, Gong lowered his head before speaking. "Gong must admit that I too felt as if I could have been of more use during the Dimensional War. I was the first of the Lancers to be eliminated during the Friendship Cup, I could not do anything during the final fight in the Xyz Dimension, and just as Sawatari said, I was unable to make any contributions. Words alone cannot express the displeasure I feel when looking back."
Sora and Dennis were both surprised to hear the words coming from Gong's mouth.
"But," Gong raised his head, with a fierce look of determination in his eyes, "I am not one to wallow in self-pity! Just as Sylvio is striving to improve himself, I, the man Gongenzaka, shall become stronger! So, that's why, I would like to ask you if you can teach me how to Fusion Summon?" Gong asked.
Sora sat there in silence until he stood up and looked at Gong as he gave him an answer. "Gong, I'd be more than happy to teach you Fusion Summoning." Sora said as a smile formed on Gong's face.
"Thank you, Gong promises to work hard and won't bring shame towards the art of Fusion Summoning." Gong says in response.
"Well if the two of you are going to improve yourselves, maybe I will too. Oh, Shay!" Dennis said as his eyes turned to Shay.
"Let me guess, just like Sylvio wanting to learn Synchro and Gong wanting to learn Fusion, you want me to teach or should I say "master XYZ summoning is that correct?" Shay asked.
"BINGO!" "So, will you teach me or not?" Dennis asked, secretly hoping Shay said yes.
"Normally back then, before I'd figured you out as a member of Duel Academy, I would've said no. But since we're dealing with an enemy that we don't have much knowledge about we have to be prepared for anything." Shay replied.
"So does that mean you're going to teach me?' Dennis asked knowing the answer."
"Yes, I'll teach you, but know that your training will be rough and once started, there's no going back. I hope you know what you got yourself into." Shay answered.
"HOORAY!" Dennis said in excitement. "I'll meet you in the XYZ Dimension right after Yuya and Zuzu's departure."
"Looking forward to it." Shay responded.
Unaware, Moon Shadow overheard all three conversations while secretly hiding in the shadows. "As Declan predicted, after watching this duel and seeing Zuzu's improved skills, they now want to improve theirs so when they depart for the Link Dimension they'll be ready. Can't wait to see what happens." He stated.
UNKNOWN CITY — UNKNOWN LOCATION
It was late in the afternoon. The train was quiet with only a few people. Some were typing their phones, some were just silent and staring at the outside window, and some were sleeping. Among the sleeping ones, at the seat nearest to the exit, slept a teen who was around 15 or 16 years old wore a cap, white-collar shirt with short sleeves, and brown pants. When hearing the announcement of his stop, he jerked awake and felt the stiff bones in his neck crack out of his slumber.
The boy stifled a yawn, picking his bag beside him and standing next to the exit to prepare to get off the train. Once the train stopped and the door slid open, he stepped out, followed by other passengers. He walked down the stairs to the station gate where he took a taxi that took him to an apartment, his home. He dropped his bag and headphone on the sofa in the living room and went straight into his bedroom.
The boy picked his Duel Disk that he left on his study desk and wore it on his right wrist before sitting on his bed. He turned on his Duel Disk and closed his eyes, his mouth moved, uttering…
"Into the VRAINS."
His body soon was covered in blue particles of data, enveloping him within a round light blue sphere. His body appeared in a room filled with computer screens. Holographic words appeared above him along with the voice who said the same thing as the holographic words.
{Welcome to LINK VRAINS. This is your first time in LINK VRAINS. To begin, please enter the Avatar design you have created and your account name. If you don't have an Avatar yet, then you use the default avatar we provide to create your temporary Avatar.}
Keyboards appeared in the front and on the right side of the boy. The boy first entered the Avatar he had created beforehand. The holographic projection of his Avatar appeared briefly to confirm his Avatar has been entered into LINK VRAINS. He was then left with his pseudonym. He contemplated for a minute before he finally settled on his account name. It was the one name that had always stuck in his mind for as long as he could remember. He typed four alphabets and then reconfirmed his account name.
[[Account Name:Storm Rider]]
The boy's appearance soon changed into that of his Avatar. His height became taller, His body glowed and faded away to reveal a new outfit. He now wore a blue and green bodysuit with yellow trim, a gun metal gray belt wrapped around his waist. His once downward hair now swept upward and had purple highlights. The only thing that remained the same were his eyes.
{Welcome, Storm Rider. Enjoy your time in LINK VRAINS}
The boy, now under the name 'Storm Rider', entered a portal that led him to a city. He landed leading a building. He enjoyed the view of the city for a moment until his eyes noticed what it seemed to be a purple-colored storm of data. Someone was riding on the storm by using a board, making it look like surfing. Storm Rider smiled before jumping to the storm, landing on a blue board with green lines on each side. He rode through the storm, catching up with the Duelist ahead who had raised the Duel Disk, prompting Storm Rider to do the same.
"Speed Duel!"