Yu-Gi-Oh Arc-Vrains: The Circuit Of Smiles

by donkeyboy100

A year after the Dimensional War and the revival of Zarc, and everything in Paradise City had seemed to die down. Until one day a mysterious group called the Arbiters came and invaded the Pendulum Dimension to capture Declan Akaba and Yuya Sakaki. It's now up to Yuya and his friends to travel to this unknown dimension in search for the answers to their questions.

8. Dueltaining Fanservice Showdown

It was a sunny morning in Heartland as its light revealed the metropolis wounds now healing from the ravages of the Dimensional War. People from both the Fusion and XYZ Dimension are working tirelessly to undo all the damage and hopefully restart anew. A shining portal soon opened up at the city's biggest landmark, Heartland Tower, and stepping out was both Shay and Dennis.

"Well….here we are, Dennis, my home Heartland…." Shay said as he and Dennis looked down at the city to see that it was halfway done to being around and taking in the sights of Shay's birthplace.

"Even though I want to start training right away, the more responsible thing to do is help out and lend a hand in restoring the city." Dennis said. "Even if most of the people in Heartland City has accepted the apologies and amends of Duel Academy, but there are some that are more scarred than others and have a difficult time forgiving us."

"Don't worry about it too much, Macfield." Shay said as he looked at Dennis. "Everyone heals differently. Some heal fast and some heal slow. But you can't rush someone's healing process, or else they might not heal at all."

Dennis gestured his head to look at the ground level, as he noticed the people of Heartland. Some he recognized as carded families and children now had returned home and were going about their daily lives. He also saw several new faces, some of which from the Synchro and Pendulum dimension, mainly construction workers and relief teams, who were now providing aid to former refugees and assisting in rebuilding the ruined city. Duel Academy troops provided first aid and food at medical bays to everyone, and utilized Solid Vision to help repair damaged roads and structures.

"You're right, Shay! I have to focus more on the positive and less on the negative. And the best way to do that is by going down there and providing our assistance." Dennis stated.

"Exactly! Now, let's move on." Shay said as he and Dennis as they both headed off into the streets towards a former Academy base which has been converted into an embassy.

As they made their way there, they noticed everyone engaging in lively conversations with one another and young children happily playing ball in the small parks they passed or the old shops that had reopened with the shopkeepers welcoming customers.

"It's so nice to see smiles and laughter on everyone's faces." said Dennis, feeling encouraged for Heartland's future.

Shay then nodded after hearing Dennis's response, "Even, so we still have a long way to go before everything returns to the way it was back then." he said. "Before we arrive at the base, do you have any idea on how you want to help out around here?"

"I do have a few ideas." Dennis responded. "I was thinking I could maybe help paint, build, provide food or medical services, but since many people are here doing that, I thought I could entertain the kids, since Yuya and his father thought it would be perfect."

"So you're going to perform things like juggling and card tricks?" Shay asked.

"Of course not." Dennis replied. "That's way too bland and boring for the "amazing Dennis" to do. I was thinking of putting on a couple of dueling shows."

"Dueling shows?" Shay asked.

"You know? Having duels with other duelists. Since many of the helpers are from the other 3 dimensions, the more fun and entertaining duels there'll be to make all the children happy and put a smile right on their face!" Dennis explained.

"I see. That's not such a bad idea." Shay said.

"Well thanks Shay."

"Don't mention it" Shay said before noticing what was in their line of sight, "Looks like we've reached our destination." he said as the base came into view.

"I bet everyone's waiting for us there," said Dennis.

"Let's not keep him waiting, then." Shay replied as they quickened their pace towards the building.

Once they'd entered the building, they noticed a familiar face step out of the entrance and into the light of the sun, "Hey Aster!" called Shay out to the former commander himself.

"Hmm?" He looked around in a few directions, wondering where the voice came from, before taking notice of the two Lancers. He then smiled, "Shay! Dennis! It's great to see you both."

"It's great to see you too." Dennis stated. "Isn't it great to see Aster, Shay?"

"Of course." Shay replied as they shook hands. "Even after invading my home, he realized what he did was wrong and offered to help, which makes him good in my book."

"Well, thank you, Shay. But I don't appreciate the sarcasm." Aster said."

"Oh come on, Phoenix, he's just joking around." A familiar voice said.

The three of them then turned around and saw who the voice belonged to.

"Also, he gets that sarcastic behavior from Kite." The voice said, revealing it to be Allen, with Saya following behind him.

"Saya! Allen!" Shay exclaimed in pleased surprise to see the friends he grew up with in Heartland. "It's great to see you guys."

"It's great to see you too, but weren't you supposed to be back earlier from Yuya and Sylvio's duel?" Saya asked.

"Saya's right." Allen added. "Didn't the duel start around noon?"

"We did attend the duel and were supposed to be back here earlier, but…

Shay then told them about the unknown invaders from a recently discovered dimension known as the Link Dimension, who uses a summoning method known as Link Summoning. They were all surprised to learn of a fifth dimension, but she got over it quickly enough. They remained silent as Dennis then explained that Yuya and Zuzu both went to the Link Dimension to not only learn more about it for Declan and the Lancers, but to also find Leo Akaba, who has mysteriously disappeared.

"So if that's the case, why did you guys come here and not go with them to help?" Saya asked.

"Before they left, Yuya offered for him and Zuzu to go to the Link Dimension instead of Declan, and Declan was worried that Zuzu wasn't strong enough to aid Yuya." Shay mentioned.

"So Yuya proposed a duel between him and Zuzu to show Declan how much her dueling has grown over the past year." Dennis added.

"And after their duel, that inspired the rest of us Lancers to become stronger as well." Shay said.

"So Sylvio went to Synchro with Crow, Gong went to Fusion with Sora, and as you already know, I came to Heartland to train with Shay." Dennis stated.

"Well, since you guys are now dealing with a new enemy, it's best to hone your skills and be prepared for anything." Aster said.

"Plus, knowing Yuya and Zuzu, I know they handle those Link Dimension Losers." Allen added.

"Also, with Yuto and Lulu with them, they can get through any tough obstacle." Saya mentioned.

"I hope you're right, guys." Shay said.

"Hey now, we have to remember to focus more on the positive and less on the negative, especially during a time like this." Dennis stated.

The three of them nodded in response, while Shay was looking around curiously, seeing that one person was missing, "Hey, where's Kite at?" he asked.

Dennis soon followed him, "Yeah, now that Shay mentioned it, I'm surprised that Mr. Wanted isn't here with you guys. So, where is he?" he asked curiously, causing Aster's smile to turn into a frown.

"Don't worry. He and the Tyler Sisters are in downtown Heartland providing assistance and putting on a show for the kids at the newly built dueling park.

Shay then smiled., "That's great! I was hoping something bad must've happened while I was gone?"

"Well, lucky for you and the rest of us, nothing bad has happened ever since the dimensions came to peace with one another." Saya said.

"Saya's right!" Allen stated. "And thanks to the help of Yusho Sakaki, the dueling park is 100 times better and more fun than it was before!"

"That's great!" Dennis said with a smile on his face. "It sounds like the perfect stage for Dennis the Dueltainer to showcase his amazing dueltaining skills."

"Sure it is." Shay said sarcastically. "But it's great to hear that things are going well around here. I wouldn't want the people of Heartland and Duel Academy to start a conflict once again, like the Topsiders and the Commons in the Synchro Dimension."

"Well you have nothing to worry about Dhay. As long as we're here, everything will run smoothly with no problems whatsoever." Aster mentioned.

"Thanks Aster." Shay said.

"Your welcome, Obsidian." Aster said. Also, before I forget, Kite did ask me to let you guys know where he is once you got back, so if you want to help out before there isn't any work left, I'd better leave now."

"Good Idea. Let's go redhead!" Shay commanded, which annoyed Dennis.

"Hey!" Dennis said angrily. "I have a name, you know!"

"Looks like those two still have a hard time getting along with each other." Allen noted.

"Wish Shay would at least give Dennis a chance at forgiveness and redemption." Saya added.

"Well, can't say I blame Shay." Aster pointed out. "We were the ones who lit the green light on the invasion as well as the reason for the kidnapping of Shay's sister Lulu. Even if we're making up errors by rebuilding the city, a person's heart is different from a city. They're not going to forgive us just because everything is going back to normal. For the Academia has inflicted deep wounds upon their hearts."

"Well just like Dennis today, Shay brought smiles to everyone's faces with his amazing dueling skills, and thanks to Yuya and his father, a lot of us have been trying to do the same thing to bring peace." Saya mentioned.

"I sure hope you're right, Saya." Allen said.

(Shay and Dennis's POV)

"Can't wait to see all the kids and put on a marvelous show for them." Dennis said. "You also plan on putting on a show for the kids as well with Kite?"

"While making the children of Heartland smile with happiness and joy in their hearts is important, what matters also is to train harder than we've ever before in our whole lives to deal with this new enemy." Shay vowed, placing his arm to his chest, "This I swear as a Lancer and Resistance member and as a resident of the Xyz Dimension.

Dennis then grinned, "Hehe, you haven't changed at all Shay? Dennis chuckled at the fact that Shay is still noble as always "Glad to hear that, now I know that you aren't afraid to take on a new mysterious enemy. Plus with you my teacher, we're sure to take down those Link Dimension scumbags, and save Declan's father.

"I never thought I said these words, but thanks Dennis, I promise your faith won't be misplaced." Shay answered, wanting to make sure Dennis wouldn't be let down like how he did his friends when they found out his true identity.

Dennis thought pulled Shay closer to him, "Well gang, with that out of the way," he said, "How about we hurry and get to downtown Heartland as swiftly as we can?" He suggested, filled with cheer.

"Considering that's where we were going in the first place, sure." Shay responded as he pulled himself away from Dennis before noticing something in front of them. "And speaking of which, it looks like we've made it.

As they came to the main square, they came face to face with a massive crowd that stretched out and a flashing wave of bright lights and colors! "Wow…." breathed Dennis awed by the breathtaking sight, but as he looked down, he was taken aback to see the number of people gathered at the entrance and around the perimeter of the tent lining up to get in!

"Whoa, there sure are many people gathered here today. I can tell some are no doubt from other dimensions too." breathed Shay.

"I'm not surprised," said Shay, "Considering most of Heartland's buildings and stores have been rebuilt, it'd be sooner or later before they've restored the old dueling park where many entertainment duels now take place today." he explained.

Despite the gigantic crowd, Dennis's determination hadn't been affected one bit, "Heh, I can't wait to throw down on the Duel Field for fun like the old days." he said as he punched a fist into the air.

"Well, you might have to wait a bit." Shay pointed out. "Looks like there's already a duel in progress. He said, causing Dennis to see where it was happening. "You're right! There is a duel going on. Let's go down there and check it out!" Dennis exclaimed as they both went down the crowd of people.

Once inside, their eyes widened in bewilderment. Apart from the various workers doing construction work and setting up of various facilities like lightnings, pathways and equipment, there were several duelists spread out across the tent dueling against one another. Some were signing up at the registration table, while others were demonstrating their dueling skills. One duelist with silver blue hair and wearing an outfit resembling the monster D.D Esper Star Sparrow with a Superdimensional Galaxy Robot Destroyer facing off against a pair of male duelists with Battlin Boxer Lead Yoke and Heroic Champion Excalibur. Around the area included more colorful and friendlier Xyz Monsters which reminded Shay of the old days before the war such as Twin Tail Cat Lady, Antidote Nurse, Tin Archduke, and even Baby Tiragon. In other areas there were various other summoning methods used such as a Synchro user with Catapult Warrior and Junk Gardna taking on a Fusion user with Masked hero Anki and Vision hero Trinity, it was clearly a duelist's paradise.

"Wow, it looks like everyone's having a good time dueling one another." Dennis said in awe.

"Apparently, many duelists from across the dimensions are here. Some of them even look like pros." said Shay, observing the surrounding area. He had to admit, even he didn't expect dueling activity of this scale.

Dennis then smirked, "Hehe, knowing Yusho, I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. He'd always looked for ways and opportunities to spread the true meaning of dueling far and wide across the world, and now he's taking all that to the 4 dimensions." He said, "It makes me proud and honored to be his pupil and to make his dream a reality."

"I don't mean to burst your bubble Dennis but let's not get distracted, we're here to assist, anything dueling related comes later, got it?" Shay stated.

"Yeah yeah." Dennis replied casually, remembering the important part before smiling back at Shay, "But, that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the moment too, right?"

"Even so, but the restoration of Heartland comes first, okay?" suggested Shay.

Fine Mr. Strict! Dennis Alright, some dishes are better served cold, I think I can wait a little longer." he said, referencing something Yuya's friend Reed once told him a while back.

As they continued walking about and checking out the place, they soon noticed a large crowd of people at one of the dueling fields.

"Looks like there's a duel going down that's catching lots of attention." Dennis said. "I know we're supposed to be looking for Kite and the twins, but can we please check it out?"

"Fine. But we're not staying long. From the looks of it, the duel seems to be near its end. Once it's over, we'll continue searching." Shay replied.

"Yippee!" Dennis cheered as he and Shay headed towards the crowd of people to watch the near-ending duel.

Even once they'd gotten closer to the field, it was very hard to witness what exactly was happening, due to the large crowd blocking their view.

"Guess we won't be seeing the duel after all." Dennis said with a saddened tone.

"Well, you can't always get everything you want in life." Shay pointed out.

"If only we had a better view." Dennis said.

"I can help make that happen." A voice suddenly said behind them, which caught their attention.

"Huh?" Dennis and Shay both said in unison.

As they turned in the direction of the voice, a young man with light blue-grey eyes, pale skin and blonde hair with a dark green spiked front and bangs that appeared seemingly out of nowhere. He wore a black trench coat with a high collar over a grey shirt and white pants with black boots, while a red piece of cloth wrapped around his left hand., "How's it going, Shay?"

Shay could barely contain his excitement as he ran towards his friend, "Kite!" he cheered.

"It's great to see you, Shay." Kite said as he and Shay bumped their fists together. "Even though you've been gone for like a day and a half, it feels longer than that."

"Well, the important thing is that I'm here now and ready to assist in any way me and Dennis can!" Shay exclaimed.

"Hate to break it to you, Shay, but the Tyler Sisters and I finished assisting and helping with repairs within the area an hour ago."

"That's ok." Shay replied." While I'm glad that everything has been taken care of, it still would've been nice to help out a little."

"I know it would've," said Kite.

"Sorry to interrupt this touching reunion of yours, but you had mentioned the Tyler twins, and they're nowhere to be seen at all." Dennis pointed out.

"That's because they're currently engaged in the duel with the massive crowd behind you." Kite mentioned.

"Seriously?!" Both Shay and Dennis shouted.

"Yes, seriously." Kite stated.

"Who exactly are they dueling?" Dennis asked.

"Are they from Xyz or one of the other three dimensions?" Shay added.

"Xyz." Kite replied. "But instead of chatting, how about we go and get a better view of the duel, huh?"

"Oh yeah!" Dennis yelled. "But where are we going to get a better view?"

"Follow me and I'll show you." Kite said before leading Dennis and Shay to a better place to watch the duel.

After a few minutes, a door on top of a building opened, revealing it to be Kite, Shay, and Dennis.

"Now this is a much better view! Thanks, Kite!. Said Dennis.

'It truly is a fantastic view. We really appreciate it." Shay added. "Earlier, you said before that the duelist is from Heartland. Do I know him or her by chance?"

"Actually, you do." Kite stated. "In fact, we used to be old rivals with this individual."

"Wait. You don't mean-"

BOOM! "A loud sound from below had interrupted Shay and caused him and the others to divert their attention towards it.

On one side was Gloria and Grace Tyler, otherwise known as the Tyler Sisters, who are famously known for being superb Tag Duelists. On the opposite side was an older male, wearing elegant, medieval-like clothing, with large, spiky layered dark red and yellow hair and dark red eyes and a long, cross-like scar running down the right side of his face.

"I can't believe it! It's Quattro!" Shay yelled with excitement in his voice.

"Who's he?" Dennis asked, having never heard this person before.

"He used to be a student who attended the Heart Branch of Heartland Duel School, who's currently the International Dueling Champion." Shay answered. "Before he left Heartland, he was a duelist named Thomas Arclight, who won the National Dueling Circuit and was crowned the National Dueling Champion.

"But even after that, he still wasn't satisfied." Shay stated. "So he left Heartland and competed in other tournaments overseas. During a week before the invasion, he won his fourth championship tournament in a row and made the decision to change his name to Quattro, which is Italian for four."

"Sounds like a stage name to me," Dennis said, wondering. "Maybe he's a performer like Yusho?"

"Either way, he's recognized as a great duelist and arrived shortly after you guys left for Yuya and Sylvio's match." Kite mentioned. "He was shocked to see the damage that had happened to Heartland while he was away. Luckily, I explained everything to him, and he took it very well and quickly forgave Duel Academy despite their past actions."

"He always had a noble and forgiving heart, which made many kids look up to him." Shay said.

"Hate to rain on your guy's parade, but it looks like your old friend "Quattro" is struggling." Dennis stated, causing Kite and Shay to see what he was talking about.

From down on the field, they can see that Quattro was surprisingly getting thrashed by the Tyler Sisters.

Quattro LP: 500

Hand: 0

Field: Controls one facedown

VS

Gloria and Grace Tyler LP: 8000

One card in Gloria's hand and none in Grace's

Controls Amazoness Empress, Liger, Hall, Hot Spring, Curse Mirror, and two copies of Amazoness Dagger

Amazoness Empress ATK 2800→3600 (boosted by Amazoness Dagger) DEF 2400 LVL: 8

Amazoness Liger ATK 2500→3300 (boosted by Amazoness Dagger) DEF 2400 LVL: 7

"I can't believe Quattro's getting his duel disk handed to him by the Tyler Sisters! Shay exclaimed.".

"No joke there. With both of the sister's aces equipped with Amazoness Dagger, not only are they 800 points stronger, but are unaffected by Quattro's cards. It's going to be really difficult for him to turn things around and win this." Dennis added.

"But knowing Quattro, I wouldn't count him out just yet." Kite pointed out.

"We've just obliterated your entire field!" Gloria stated.

"Now you have no monsters to protect yourself with!" Grace added.

"Come our next turn, we'll win, and you'll lose!" Gloria declared.

"Might be better off if you surrender!" Grace exclaimed.

"Surrender? Haven't you learned that a duel isn't over until the last card's played?" Quattro rhetorically asked. "And last I check, I still got a couple of cards, which means I'm still in this!"

"Suit yourself! I place one card face-down and end my turn." Gloria said as a set card materialized onto her field.

"Then it's my turn! I draw!" Quattro yelled as he drew his card.

"I activate the Continuous Trap, Fusion Trench, which prevents you from attacking us with any Non-Fusion Monsters!" Gloria explained.

"And thanks to its other effect, one of our Fusion Monsters can attack you directly, regardless if you have any monsters on your field!" Grace added.

"Now he's really in a pickle!" Dennis pointed out.

"Hate to agree with you, Macfield, but you're right." said Shay, "Not only will they gain enough life points to survive any attack, but they also increased the chance of Quattro losing by forcing him to attack now."

"No matter whatever is thrown at him, Quattro always found a way around it, and I'm confident he's going to!" Kite declared.

"I have to say ladies, I'm very impressed with how you have your field set up. "Most duelists I've faced wouldn't come up with amazing strategies like this. But I hate to say that it just motivates me more to break through it!" Quattro yelled.

Well, then show us that you're all show and not just talk!" Gloria retorted.

"I will!" Quattro replied. "I activate the Card of Variation Spell! This lets me draw two cards, but during my End Phase, I must discard a card or take 3000 points of damage."

"A risky gambit," Dennis noted.

He calmly drew the top two cards of his deck. Upon looking at them, he smirked. Next, I summon out my Gimmick Puppet Humpty Dumpty!" A dark red doll with a whit formal jacket, blue dress pants, and orange hat appeared on the field.

Gimmick Puppet Humpty Dumpty ATK 0 DEF 100 LVL: 4

"A monster with zero attack points," Grace commented. "How's that going to help you win?"

"This is how!" Quattro answered. "Thanks to Humpty Dumpty, I can summon another "Gimmick Puppet" from my hand! I summon Gimmick Puppet Juggler!" His new monster was a tall mechanical doll dressed in purple robes, wearing a mask, juggling several balls.

Gimmick Puppet Juggler ATK 1600 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"That was a dumb move on tour part!" Gloria pointed out.

"Because Juggler was Special Summoned, we gain 1600 Life Points!" Grace stated as she and her sister's Life Points increased.

(Gloria and Grace: 8000 + 1600 = 9600)

"That doesn't matter because I now activate Gimmick Puppet Juggler's effect. Once a turn, I can draw one card and if it's a "Gimmick Puppet" Monster, I can send it to the graveyard to inflict 500 points of damage times the level of the discarded monster. Anything else is shuffled back into the deck." Quattro explained.

"So you're betting on the fact that the top card of your deck is a monster?" Gloria asked.

"That's so entertaining, it's almost a move that Yuya would pull off!" Grace exclaimed, imagining Yuya doing the same thing as Quattro.

Juggler then held out its arm as a fireball materialized above its hand. Quattro drew the top card of his deck and looked at it.

"The card I drew was the level four Gimmick Puppet Terror Baby! Thanks to Juggler's effect you get slammed with 2000 points of damage!"

The doll threw the fireball at the girls, which struck the ground at their feet. They both cried out as the ball exploded and blew them back.

(Gloria and Grace: 9600 – 2000 = 7600)

"I now overlay Level 4 Gimmick Puppet Humpty Dumpty and Juggler!" The two Gimmick Puppets turned into two streams of purple energy as they disappeared into a red galaxy-like portal.

"Giant envoy that lays everything to ruin in its path! Come forth and bring extreme terror to everyone around you! I Xyz Summon! Rank 4, Gimmick Puppet Gigantes Doll!"

A mannequin humanoid with its left arm being both Twilight Joker's and Gear Changer, its right arm being Scissor Arms blades, and finally, its head being Humpty Dumpty's.

Gimmick Puppet Gigantes Doll: ATK 0 DEF 2000 RNK: 4

"Repulsive." Grace responded.

"It's not the prettiest monster, but it has a couple of powerful abilities. But before I show them, I activate my face-down card Down Burst!" Quattro yelled as he revealed his trap. "With its effect, all Spell and Trap Cards that are face-up on your field become face-down!"

"They what?!" The twins yelled in shock as all their spells and traps switched from being face-up to face-down position.

"Without your back row to protect you, I have a chance of winning this duel!" Quattro stated. Furthermore, since both your monsters aren't equipped with Amazoness Dagger, not only do they lose 800 ATK, but now they also lose their immunity to my card effects!"

Amazoness Empress ATK 3600→2800 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

Amazoness Pet Liger ATK 3300→2500 DEF 2400 LVL: 7

"Next, by using two Overlay Units, my Gimmick Puppet Gigantes Doll can take control of up to two monsters my opponent controls, in exchange I can't attack with nor special summon any other monsters this turn, except "Gimmick Puppet" monsters!" He explained, as his monster absorbed both its Overlay Units.

"It takes control of them?!" Gloria and Grace shouted as Quattro's monster blasted both Empress and Liger with its red strings that pulled it over to his side.

Quattro chuckled. "Without any monsters, you're now defenseless."

"While that may be true, you can't attack us with our monsters." Gloria pointed out.

"So come our next turn, we'll finish you off and win this duel," Grace added.

"Sorry to tell you girls, but there won't be a next turn, and here's the proof! I activate Gimmick Puppet Gigantes Doll's other ability! By destroying it, all my monsters become Level 8!" Quattro's giant monster destroyed itself, and then changed Pet Liger's Level to 8 while Empress's remained the same.

Pet Liger: Level 8

Quattro raised his arm high up in the air and smiled. "I overlay both the level 8 Amazoness Empress and Pet Liger!" The two monsters this time disappeared once again in the galaxy-like portal.

"I XYZ SUMMON GIMMICK PUPPET HOMUNCULUS DOLL!"

An amorphous black shadow in the vague shape of a doll who then transformed to an exact cloned copy of Quattro appeared.

Gimmick Puppet Homunculus Doll ATK 2000 DEF 2000 RNK: 8

"Even if you summoned a new monster, so what? It doesn't have enough ATK to finish us off!" Grace stated.

"So like we said before, come our next turn this duel is ours!" Gloria added.

"I beg to differ because thanks to Homunculus's effect, whenever I have fewer Life Points than you, Homunculus's ATK is increased by the difference between them! Meaning Homunculus gains 7100 attack points!" Quattro exclaimed as his monster powered up.

Gimmick Puppet Homunculus Doll ATK 2000→9100

"9-9100 attack points?! Gloria and Grace gasped.

"This duel's been fun and all, but I believe it's time for the two of you to experience my wonderful fanservice! Battle! Homunculus Doll, attack the Tyler Sisters directly!" Cursed Shadow Strike! One of Homunculus's fists grew as it lunged it towards the twin sisters, striking them full force, reducing their Life Points to zero.

Gloria & Grace Tyler: 7600→0 LP

As Quattro's monster disappeared, a small smile formed on his face as he walked over towards the twins. "That was a very fun duel! I heard that you two were strong, but I didn't know you were that strong. There were times when you really had me on the ropes."

"Well, even though we lost, it was still a pretty fun duel. Don't you agree, Gloria?" Grace asked her sister.

"While I'm not happy that we were defeated, it still was a pleasure dueling someone with your skill." Gloria noted. "If we had fought you during the war, then maybe more of your people would've been saved from being carded."

"You're probably right." Quattro said. "While I like to stay and converse with you two more, I must attend to my adoring fans now. Until we meet again, Tyler Sisters!"

Quattro and the sisters waved to one another as they left the field, and watching from afar from the top of the building was Kite, Shay, and Dennis.

"That duel was spectacular!" Kite exclaimed.

"One of his best dueling victories by far!" Shay stated.

"No doubt about it!" Dennis declared l. "You know, after hearing you guys say that he's a powerful duelist, I knew what to expect from watching him duel, but after seeing that last move he made really blew my expectations! It would be an honor to meet him!

"Well, then why don't we?" Kite mentioned. There's a tent nearby for staff members and special people, and I have a feeling Quattro might be there."

"Perfect!" Shay exclaimed. "It will be nice to see him again."

And it'd be nice to see his dueling skills in person once again." Dennis added.

The three of them then departed from the top of the building they were standing on, and headed towards the tent where Quattro was at.

5 minutes later…

After walking for a bit, they finally found the tent where Quattro was supposedly at.

"This looks like the place where Quattro should be." said Kite, feeling sure of himself.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go see him." said Shay as the three of them walked up to the entrance until they were stopped by two guards who were stationed there.

"Hey, what's the big deal, guys?" Kite asked the two guards.

"I'm sorry, but only staff members and people with special permission or access can enter." said one of the guards firmly.

"But we're old friends of Quattro!" Shay stated.

"Do you actually think that trick would work on us?" One of the guards asked.

"Fans of his use that line on us a bunch of times today, and if they had no proof or permission, we wouldn't let them in. So, no exceptions!" The other guard stated.

Shay and Kite felt a bit put off the 2 guards wouldn't let them or the fact they didn't know who the two were or heard of their great achievements

Dennis then walked up from behind them and decided to try his luck with the guards. "Now come on fellas, let's be hasty here. We just want to go in, see Quattro, probably chat for a bit, and we'll be on our way. I promise that it will be quick." Dennis told the guards.

"How many times do we have to say you're getting in through any means?" One of the guards yelled. "No means no!"

"It's alright, you can let them through." a voice suddenly said from inside, which caught their attention.

"Huh?"

As they all turned in the direction of the voice, a familiar man in a red showman attire and top hat stepped out from the entrance with a big welcoming smile on his face, "How's it going, Kite and Shay?"

"Quattro!" The two Xyz duelists yelled with joy.

"Gah!" The guards were stunned by Quattro's surprise appearance, "So then the two of you weren't lying?" One of the guards asked them.

"Of course we weren't." Shay stated. "We attended Heartland Duel School together and knew each other even though we went to different branches." Kite added."

"They're also members of the Resistance and help stop the dimensional war to bring peace to the four dimensions." Dennis pointed out.

"They did?!" The two guards gasped before kneeling on the ground like begging dogs.

"Our apologies, Mr. Quattro! "Please forgive our disrespectful manner!" they each said before Quattro and the others.

"Wow, such formality." said Dennis chuckling to himself before smiling at Kite and Shay, "You two should be honored. He said, elbowing the both of them.

"You both may step aside now, I'll handle this." said Quattro to the 2 guards as they both nodded in respect.

"Y…yes of course sir."

"We shall leave you three alone now." they each said before taking their leave and walking off someplace else.

Shay could barely contain his excitement as he ran towards his old rival and gave him a high five, "Long time no see Quattro!" He said with a smile on his face!

"It's great to see you as well, Shay." Quattro said as he returned Shay's high five, "I heard from Kite that you've gotten stronger since I last saw you."

"Well, when you're frequently traveling through dimensions, you tend to pick up a few new tricks and skills to better yourself as a duelist." Shay replied, "It's great to see you again, Quattro, I almost thought that I'd never see you again ever since the invasion."

"But the important thing now is that I'm here, and Heartland is getting all the help it needs to be the beautiful city it once was again. So let's make the most of our time together while we can." Quattro said.

"Right!" Shay responded.

"Last I heard is that you're here to meet some fans and give out autographs, am I right?" Kite asked.

"Of course. They should be here in a few minutes, so why don't we continue chatting till they get here?" Quattro asked.

"Sounds great to me." Shay said as they all went into the tent to catch up with one another.

"So, I heard that people from all the dimensions have been working hard to rebuild Heartland, and that you Shay have been influencing young duelists to become Lancers like you two, so they protect their home from possible threats also. Quattro stated.

While I must commend you on your great efforts, I still can't help but feel some guilt for not being here when the invasion was happening and protecting everyone who was being hunted down." Quattro added with a hint of remorse at the end, "I almost feel as though I may have abandoned you guys when you needed me."

Shay waved his hands along with Kite, "Don't worry about it Quattro, there's no need to blame yourself." He said.

"Shay's right!" Kite added, "In fact, nobody knew that the invasion was going to happen and because of that we were all unprepared. We're just glad to see you and that you're fine."

And it's important to be proud of what your friends and comrades managed to accomplish, rather than dwell in what they failed to achieve." Dennis noted.

"I'll be sure to remember that… Dennis was it?" Quattro said, as Dennis nodded his head to show that he got his name right.

Putting that topic aside, they then decided to get on with what was going on with their old friend, "So, what have you been up to ever since you became the International Dueling Champion?" asked Shay.

"Nothing much." Quattro replied. "I don't have to participate in tournaments unless a duelist has earned the right to challenge me for my title or if someone challenges me from out of nowhere."

"And if I'm correct, all those duels resulted in your victory, right?" Kite asked.

"Bingo!" Quattro answered. "But some who challenged me were little kids, and I can't be as rough and serious with them as my normal opponents, so those duels always lasted a few more turns."

"I bet the same thing's going to happen when it's time for your meet and greet." Dennis said.

The four of them laugh after hearing Dennis's comment, causing them to not notice one of the staff members entering the room.

"Sorry to interrupt Mr. Quattro, but it's almost time for your fan meet and greet," said the staff member.

"Oh my god, you're right!" Quattro yelled. "I better hurry, don't want to make all those kids think that Quattro doesn't care about them. You guys want to tag along?" He asked the others.

"We wouldn't want to intrude since this is more of your thing Quattro." Shay said.

"Nonsense!" Quattro rebutted. "As I recall, the two of you were also role models to some young children. Plus, I had the idea of where if all children saw the three of us dueling one another, I'm sure lots of smiles and happy memories will be made."

After thinking about it for a few seconds, both Kite and Shay stood up.

"Alright, we're in!" said Kite.

"As well as me!" Dennis exclaimed. "Including spectacular Dueltaining, those children will be smiling for days!"

"Anyway, let's get a move on." said the staff member as he took the four back outside to where the meet and greet was being held.

After arriving at the location of the meet and greet, the kids were really excited to see Quattro, while Shay, Kite, and Dennis watched from afar behind security.

"To… Jane, with best wishes for the life ahead; Quattro," he muttered as he wrote the words down in a flowing script. He handed the girl the piece of paper. "There you are, Miss Jane," he said warmly to the little girl.

"Thank you Quattro!" The girl said as she walked back over to her mother.

"And with that ends the autograph portion of the meet and greet." Said the staff member. "Next up, Mr. Quattro will take any challenge requests from anyone."

"Duel me Quattro!" One kid asked.

"No Quattro! Duel me first!" Another kid asked.

"Me first, no me, please let me duel you!" Said a bunch of kids requesting to duel Quattro.

"Actually, I have a better idea." Quattro said, causing the children to wonder what his idea was. "Instead of me having to duel all of you, all duels are going to be split between me and my two good friends and old rivals, Shay, and Kite!"

Both Shay and Kite came and appeared from behind two security guards, the same ones who prohibited them from seeing Quattro, and walked towards him and the children.

"Awesome! We get the honor to duel Resistance members Kite and Shay!" One kid said excitedly.

"This is the best day of my life!" Another kid said who was crying with tears of joy.

"Alright, now everyone, please form a line in front of the duelist you want to duel!" A staff member ordered, causing three long lines to form in front of the three Xyz Duelists.

"Hey Quattro, is there anything I can do to help?" Dennis asked, hoping he could be involved as well.

"Yeah… You can sit back, watch, and enjoy the fantastic show that's about to happen." Quattro answered, causing Dennis to fall down after hearing his words.

"Just sit back and watch?" Dennis rhetorically said. "A dueltainer's job is not to sit back and watch, but it's to get the crowd on their feet and to put smiles on everyone's faces!"

"Look, I heard that you're some kind of big shot with the kids, but when it comes to people of all ages, the three of us are the ones everybody wants to see." Quattro rebutted, causing Dennis to get even more angry and upset.

"Come on, Quattro, don't be rough on him." Kite said. He's actually a pretty strong duelist."

"Kite's right." Shay added. Both me and Kite had some difficulty when we dueled him."

"They're not wrong! I did give both of them a hard time, and after Shay teaches me to master the full power of Xyz Summoning, my skills won't be taken so lightly." Dennis declared.

"Wait a minute, Shay. You're actually teaching someone from not only the Fusion Dimension, but from Duel Academy, our dimension's own summoning method?"

"He already knows how to Xyz Summon and how to Rank-Up his monsters, but you and I both know there's more to Xyz Summoning than that." Shay answered.

"Plus, I believe that by doing so, I can take what I learned and put it to good use here in Heartland." Dennis stated. "Even though most residents of Heartland have forgiven me for green lighting the invasion, some are still hurt and find it hard to trust us. But if I can show that dueling can bring happiness through this dimension's very own summoning method, then maybe I can purify those who are still scarred."

"I see. So should you learn more about Xyz Summoning than you already know, you want to make the people in Heartland who refuse to forgive you, right?" Quattro asked.

"Yes." Dennis replied.

"Alright then Shay, you can teach him the secrets of Xyz Summoning, and I'll allow him to participate in the duels with the kids." Quattro said. "But on one condition."

After hearing those words, Dennis along with Kite and Shay became a bit worried. "What's the condition?" asked Dennis.

"The condition is this. Me and you will face each other in a duel and if you miraculously win, then not only are you free to learn everything about Xyz Summoning from Shay, as well as entertain the children, but I'll also bet my championship title also." Quattro said calmly.

"What?!" Many children including Shay and Kite yelled with shock.

"And what's the condition if I happen to lose?" Dennis asked.

"Should if you lose the duel, not only can't you participate and be involved with the children, but you're prohibited from learning any form or style of Xyz Summoning from any duelist here!" Quattro declared.

"Seriously?!" Dennis said, shocked.

"So what's it going to be? Are you going to duel or not?" Quattro asked.

"You have nothing to prove! Don't do it, Dennis!" Shay declared.

"He's right! If you accept Quattro's challenge, you're just going to get crushed by him!" Kite added.

Dennis stood there quietly before giving his answer to them, "Thank you both for concern, but it's rude for a dueltainer to decline a challenge where he could hype the crowd." Dennis replied. "Even if the stakes are high, I refuse to walk away to not face the challenge head on! So yes, Quattro, I will accept your challenge and duel you!"

"Perfect. I was afraid you were going to chicken out." Quattro said before turning his head to the group of kids and their parents

"Attention everyone, there's been a change of plans. Before me, Kite, and Shay duel all of you, Dennis and I are going to have an exhibition match to hype all you guys up! How fun does that sound to you?" Quattro asked.

"Really!?"

"Awesome!"

"I would love to see that!"

The kids were full of excitement after hearing Quattro's and Dennis were about to duel and couldn't wait to see what awesome tricks and moves they'll pull off.

"Seems like they're up for it, so let's not keep them waiting." Quattro said, activating his gauntlet-shaped Duel Disk that had a red-colored energy blade. "I'll have you taste my fanservice!"

"And as an entertainer, I'll show you a show you won't believe! Dennis said, activating his Duel Disk's red blade. Action Field On!"

[Field Spell, Crossover, activated.]

A mechanical voice announced so, after which several platforms appeared around the area.

"Duelists locked in battle!" Dennis announced.

"Kicking the earth and dancing in the air alongside their monsters!" Kite shouted.

"They storm through this field!" Shay cried out.

"Behold!" Dennis added. "This is the latest and greatest evolution of Dueling!"

"Action!" came all four of their voices.

[Duel!]

The big sphere holding numerous Action Cards released and scattered upon the field.

Quattro: 4000 LP

VS

Dennis Macfield: 4000 LP

"So this is an Action Field?" Quattro said as he looked at the field in amazement. I heard about them when I arrived back in Heartland from some Duel Academy and Resistance members, but I never saw them in action. This might be both more fun and interesting than I thought."

"Agreed!" Dennis stated. "As the show's opener, I'll go first!" Dennis declared. "When neither of us controls any monsters, I can Special Summon this card. Performage Stilts Launcher!" A magician in purple armor and a dark yellow cape standing on two green stilts appeared in Attack Position.

Performage Stilts Launcher ATK 2200 DEF 0 LVL: 6

"I then place one card face-down and end my turn with that." Dennis stated. "Now, it's your move, Quattro. And it'd better be a good one if you want to beat me."

"Seeing on how you made your move, it will! My turn! Draw!" Quattro shouted. "First, I set a monster face-down in defense mode! Then, I set two cards face-down and end my turn!"

"And here I thought you'd do something interesting." Dennis snorted.

"Be patient. If something's rushed, then its result won't be perfect when finished." Quattro rebutted.

"Guess you're right." Dennis said. "However, that won't stop me from winning. My turn! Draw!" Dennis looked at his card, and then played it. "I activate the Equip Spell:One-Shot Wand and equip it onto Stilts Launcher!" One of Stilts Launcher's stilts changed into a staff with a boomerang attached to the end. "When equipped to a Spellcaster, that monster gains 800 attack points!"

Performage Stilts Launcher ATK 2200→3000

"Battle! Stilts Launcher attacks your facedown monster!" Stilts Launcher laughed as blue lightning erupted from its stilts and launched at Quattro's facedown monster. Quattro's facedown revealed to be a grotesque wooden horse made of the body parts of multiple mannequins.

Gimmick Puppet Des Troy ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

"While 2000 DEF points is really high for a level four monster, it isn't enough to survive my Performage's onslaught!" Dennis declared.

"I beg to differ, Dennis! I activate the Trap Card, Gimmick Barrier! Since a "Gimmick Puppet" Monster has been attacked, this card negates that attack and increases your Monster's Attack by 500 points!"

The Trap Card flew in front of Des Troy, protecting the horse-like monster made of several dolls from the beam.

(Stilts Launcher: ATK 3000 = 3500)

"Why would he play a trap that helps my monster instead of his?" Dennis wondered.

Watching the duel from the side was Shay and Kite, who already knew the answer to Dennis's question.

"Little does Dennis know that this is all part of Quattro's strategy." Shay mentioned.

"Dennis better hope he's prepared for what's coming next." Kite added.

"Even though I couldn't destroy your monster, I still have a few tricks to play. "I activate One-Shot Wand's other effect!" Dennis continued. "When the equipped monster attacks or is attacked, I can destroy it to draw a card!" The wand was replaced with Launcher's original stilt as Dennis drew.

Performage Stilts Launcher ATK 3500→2700

Dennis then jumped up to a platform and reached upwards to another, finding and grabbing an Action Card. "I now activate the Action Spell: Wonder Chance! This allows Stilts Launcher to attack again!"

"And those are Action Cards?" Quattro noted. "Guess this duel will be even more interesting." Quattro said as he also jumped on one of the platforms and grabbed a card.

"I activate the Action Spell: Evasion, which negates your monster's attack! Des Troy bent over and evaded Stilts Launcher's attack.

"Guess I'll place one card face-down, and with that, I'll end my turn."

"Then it's my turn! Draw!" Quattro shouted. "From my hand, I activate the Card of Puppets Spell. Through its effect, I destroy my Des Troy, to draw one card!" Quattro yelled as Des Troy burst into particles.

"Why would you destroy your monster?" Dennis asked before realizing." Unless it has some sort of effect that activates when it's destroyed.

"Correct! You see, when an effect destroys Gimmick Puppet Des Troy, I can Special Summon two "Gimmick Puppet" Monsters from my hand, provided their ATK are 1000 or less!"

A portal opened in front of Quattro, from which the destroyed Des Troy emerged. Its back opened, and two new puppets entered the battlefield.

"Appear! Gimmick Puppet Dreary Doll and Gimmick Puppet Creepy Nails!"

Gimmick Puppet Dreary Doll ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 8

Gimmick Puppet Creepy Nails ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 8

The first puppet was a female doll inside a black coffin, while the second one was a male doll dressed in formal clothes with very long fingers and equally long red-colored nails.

"Two Monsters with the same levels?" Dennis noticed. "I'm pretty sure I can guess what's about to come next."

"That's right, a Xyz Summon!" Quattro declared. "With my Level 8 Gimmick Puppet Dreary Doll and Creepy Nails, I can build the Overlay Network!"

As his two Monsters turned into rays of purple light and entered the galaxy portal, Quattro chanted.

"Messenger from below who pulls the strings of fate! Appear before us and drag my foes into the depths of the deepest, blackest darkness! Xyz Summon! Rank 8! Gimmick Puppet Giant Crusher!"

Giant Crusher was a massive human doll with a tiny doll on top of its head, which was laughing hysterically and controlling Crusher. The Xyz Monster was standing on its two feet, towering over everything, and several strings connected to its arm from a machine attached to its back, and its body covered in torn and dark-stained clothes.

Gimmick Puppet Giant Crusher ATK 1500 DEF 2500 RNK: 8

"It's gigantic." Dennis said, in fear.

"It gets even worse!" Quattro stated. "Since I summoned an XYZ Summon, I'm allowed to activate the Trap Card, XYZ Effect, which lets me destroy one card on the field, like your Stilts Launcher!"

A stream of blue light emerged from Quattro's trap and headed straight in the direction of Stilts Launcher.

"I don't think so! I activate "I activate my set card! Go, Surprise Twist!" Dennis declared. "This trap not only negates Stilts Launcher's destruction, but it also allows me to special summon a level 4 or lower "Performage" from my hand or graveyard. Now approach the stage, Performage Flame Spitter!"

Performage Flame Spitter ATK 1400 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

Dennis summons a clown in a bright outfit that resembles a firefighter's uniform a bit.

"And since Flame Spitter was special summoned, his effect activates, which deals you 700 points of damage!" At Dennis's command, Flame Spitter shot a stream of fire at Quattro.

Quattro: 4000→3300 LP

"Maybe next time you won't underestimate me!" Dennis exclaimed.

"Your confidence is going to be the reason you lose." Quattro rebutted. "Continuing with my move, I play the Spell, Gimmick Shield and equip it onto Crusher, swapping its Attack and Defense Points!" Quattro threw his card into the air and his monster powered up.

Gimmick Puppet Giant Crusher ATK 1500→2500 DEF 2500→1500 RNK: 8

"But that's not all Gimmick Shield can do. Once per turn, you take 300 points of damage for every Overlay Unit Crusher has, in this case two, so take 600 points of damage!" Quattro shouted as Crusher's Overlay Units stopped moving and pointed at Dennis. Purple lightning bolts then shot out from the Overlay Units, hitting Dennis and dealing him damage.

Dennis Macfield: 4000→3400 LP

"I now activate Giant Crusher's effect!" Quattro stated. "By using one Overlay Unit, this bad boy can target and destroy one face-up Special Summoned Monster you control! Moreover, it gains attack points equal to half the destroyed Monster's Attack until the End Phase of your next turn!"

Giant Crusher: 2 OU→1 OU

Giant Crusher raised its arms and sent out multiple strings directly at Stilts Launcher.

Dennis quickly reacted and jumped up a platform to get an Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell: Guard Cover! I switch the target of your monster's effect to my Flame Spitter!" Dennis stated as Crusher's strings changed its direction from Stilts Launcher to the weaker Performage monster.

Crusher's chest opened up, revealing fast-moving gears like a shredder. Spitter was then absorbed and shredded by the giant's gears.

"Even though you saved your Stilts Launcher, Flame Spitter was still Special Summoned, so Crusher still gains half of its ATK!" Quattro shouted as his monster's strength grew.

Gimmick Puppet Giant Crusher ATK 2500→3200

"But I'm still not satisfied with its Attack Points. Perhaps an Action Card will help. Quattro said as he hopped on a nearby platform and grabbed the Action Card on it.

"I activate the Action Spell: Power Crystal! This spell boosts my Puppet's ATK by 800! Quattro shouted as his monster became surrounded by green energy.

Gimmick Puppet Giant Crusher ATK 3200→4000

"4000 attack points?" Dennis said, with his eyes wide.

"Battle! Giant Hitman, attack! Final Ballet!" Quattro commanded.

I activate my Trap Card, Pinch Breaker!" Dennis declared, "When your monster declares an attack, its attack points become the same as the defense points of my monster until the end of the Battle Phase. In other words, your Crusher's attack points become 0, the same as Stilts Launcher's defense points!"

"Afraid not!" Quattro rebutted as he quickly reacted as he jumped onto one of the platforms and grabbed an Action Card.

"I activate the Action Spell: Trap Eraser, which not only negates your trap, but it also gets shuffled back into your deck!" Quattro exclaimed as Dennis's trap, burst into particles and returned to his deck.

"Now let's continue where we left off. Gimmick Puppet Giant Crusher, attack Performage Stilts Launcher! Final Ballet!"

The massive puppet silently looked down at Dennis and the Performage. Through the hoots and urging of the demonic puppets controlling it, Crusher raised its whip and slammed Dennis's Stilts Launcher, which caused an explosion, damaging Dennis in the process.

Dennis Macfield: 3400→2100 LP

"I now place one face-down and end my turn." Quattro with his hand empty said as he ended his turn.

"What do you think, Macfield?" Quattro asked. "Did you enjoy my fanservice? Rest assured because as this duel proceeds, there will be lots more!"

"And, I assure you Quattro, that there'll be lots more of my dueltaining to showcase during this duel!" Dennis replied.

"Well, then please Dennis, show everyone here watching this duel, your fabulous dueltaining!" Quattro exclaimed.

"Oh I will! It's my turn!" Dennis exclaimed. "Draw! Now, let's raise the curtain on this magnificent show depicting the eternal struggle between good and evil!"

"Show…?" Quattro wondered. "What are you on about, Dennis?"

"All in good time, Quattro." Dennis smiled. "First, I activate the Spell Card: Magical Pendulum Box! Through its effect, I draw two cards and reveal them. If they're Pendulum Monsters, I get to add them to my hand. If not, I must discard them. Now, draw!"

Dennis drew his two cards and revealed them while grinning.

"The Monsters I drew are the Scale 1 Performage Card Dealer and Scale 7 Performage Air Dancer, so I get to add them to my hand. Then, using these two Pendulum Monsters, I set the Pendulum Scale!"

Two columns of lights also appeared next to Dennis, with his two Monsters rising to their top. One was a monkey-like creature in a top hat, springing a full deck of playing cards from hand to hand, wearing a mask covering the top half of its face, with heart-shaped eyeholes and tear-like spades under its eyes, while the other was a female clad in a white and green pierrot's costume that held a baton surrounded by wind in its left hand. A stylized "1" and "7" appeared underneath them.

Performage Card Dealer Scale 1

Performage Air Dancer Scale 7

"I activate Card Dealer's Pendulum Effect! Once per turn, I can shuffle a card from my hand back into my Deck," Dennis explained. "Then, I draw one card. And if it's a Performage Pendulum monster, I can draw again and keep repeating this effect until I get a card that's not a Pendulum monster!"

"What!?" Quattro shouted.

"But if I draw a card that's not a Pendulum card before Dealer's bonus effect activates, then the card I drew is sent to the grave and Card Dealer will be destroyed."

Dennis slid a card from his hand into his Deck. The Duel Disk shuffled the deck automatically.

"Shall we see what I got?"

Dennis drew a card. For a moment, he went silent. Just staring at the card.

"Well? Quattro asked impatiently.

"I drew… I drew…"

Quattro frowned. "Would you hurry already!?"

"I DREW A PERFORMAGE PENDULUM MONSTER!" Dennis laughed.

Dennis flipped the card over, revealing it to be Performage Wing Sandwichman. A large egao grew on his face.

"Lucky break." Quattro muttered.

Since I drew a Pendulum Monster, Card Dealer's second effect activates, allowing me to draw again." Dennis said as he drew another card.

"I drew Performage Magic Tactician, which means I get to draw again!" Dennis drew another card. It was Ball Rider, another Pendulum monster. "I get to draw again!" Dennis kept drawing cards. The next three cards were Fire Dancer, Cup Tricker, and Wind Drainer. All three were Pendulums. "This just isn't your day." Dennis stated.

"This is absurd! There's no way you're lucky enough to draw that many cards!" Quattro exclaimed.

"That's the wonderful thing about dueltaining! You don't know what's going to happen." Dennis replied. "Thanks to Dealer's effect, I get to draw again!

Dennis drew his sixth card and then looked at it, which then a frown formed on his face. "Sadly, I didn't draw another Pendulum, but since I drew this card through Dealer's bonus effect, I don't have to discard it and Dealer won't be destroyed!" Dennis stated.

"Not only that, but you also got enough monsters to Pendulum Summon, right?" Quattro asked.

"Bingo!" Dennis replied. "But before I do, I think I should get rid of that pesky Overly Unit on your Giant Crusher." Dennis said as he snapped his fingers and the Overlay Unit disappeared.

"What happened to Giant Crusher's Overlay Unit?" Quattro demanded for an answer, he then took notice of the Monster that was now on Dennis's Field.

"Huh? Isn't that Performage Cup Tricker?" Dennis asked rhetorically.

Performage Cup Tricker ATK 1200 DEF 1400 LVL: 5

Cup Tricker lifted its cup to reveal an Overlay Unit, Cup Tricker put the cup back on and moved it around for a little before removing the cup once again, however, this time, there was no overlay unit.

"Just kidding. By detaching an Overlay Unit from a Xyz Monster on the Field, I can Special Summon Performage Cup Tricker from my Hand." Dennis explained to Quattro.

"Using my Monster's overlay units…such childish tactics." Quattro retorted.

"But that's not all." Dennis said as he thrust his hand forward with a smile. "The targeted Monster, Giant Crusher, loses 600 ATK! Purple electricity sparked around the puppet's body, weakening it.

Giant Crusher ATK 4000→3400

"Curses!" Quattro said angrily.

Dennis smiled and continued his turn. "Now, with the Pendulum Scale already set, I can simultaneously summon monsters from Levels 2 to 6. Pendulum Summon! Appear, my monsters!" A portal appeared between his monsters, along with four lights that shot out of the portal. "Performage Ball Balancer! Performage Fire Dancer! Performage Wind Drainer! And Performage Wing Sandwichman!"

Four monsters then appeared on Dennis's field. A monster on a giant rotating ball, a woman in a red uniform, a clown standing on a purple ball with yellow stars holding a vacuum-like gun, and a monster with small wings holding a shield, all in Attack Position.

"Dennis managed to fill up his entire field." Kite pointed out.

"Looks like he's finally getting serious." Shay added. "Quattro's now the one to prepare himself for what Dennis has coming."

"Very Impressive Macfield." Quattro pointed out, but neither one of those monsters is strong enough to take down my Giant Crusher!"

"We'll see about that." Dennis rebutted. "I overlay the level 4 Ball Balancer and Fire Dancer!"

As his two Monsters turned into energy and were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Dennis chanted.

"Show must go on! Artisan of the air, swing across the stage with grace! Xyz Summon! Appear now, Rank 4! Performage Trapeze Magician!"

A Monster resembling a magician wearing a clown mask and holding a trapeze appeared on Dennis's field, swinging back and forth between the crowd of spectators, leaving a trail of light behind him.

Performage Trapeze Magician: Rank 4, 2500 ATK, 2000 DEF

"Don't worry, my show's still going on." Dennis responded cryptically. "I overlay the level 5 Cup Tricker, Wind Drainer, and Wing Sandwichman!" The three Monsters turned into orbs as they flew into a portal which opened in front of Dennis, an explosion occurred as Dennis summoned his Monster.

"Show yourself, artist of the netherworld! Xyz Summon! Rank 5, Performage Shadow Maker!"

A Monster resembling a shadow clad in a performer's outfit, which held a giant pair of scissors in its hands, appeared on Dennis's field.

Shadow Maker: Rank 5, 2600 ATK, 1000 DEF

"Like your previous monsters, those two new ones aren't strong enough either." Quattro exclaimed.

You hold on to that thought. I now activate the Spell Card, Xyz Treasure! I draw a card for every Xyz monster on the field! Since there are five Xyz monsters, I draw 5 cards!" Dennis yelled as he drew.

"He's setting up for something big…!" Shay mentioned.

"I now activate the Continuous Spell, Performage Power Line! Dennis declared as the card depicted an image of several Performage monsters walking on a tightrope, generating and gathering energy.

"Thanks to its effect, as long as it's on the field, all monsters I control gain 100 ATK equal to the total Level/Rank of all "Performage" Monsters. In this case, 1900!" Dennis explained.

"Seriously!?" Quattro yelled as all four of Dennis's monsters powered up.

Performage Trapeze Magician ATK 2500→4400

Performage Shadow Maker ATK 2600→4500

Performage Shadow Maker ATK 2600→4500

Performage Shadow Maker ATK 2600→4500

"With Shadow Maker as the target, I activate Trapeze Magician's effect! I can use one Overlay Unit so that Shadow Maker can attack twice in this turn!" An orbiting light around Trapeze Magician dispersed as Shadow Maker gained a purple aura.

"Since Shadow Maker was the target of an effect, I can give up an Overlay Unit, to Special Summon another Shadow Maker from the Extra Deck!"

The shadow of Shadow Maker slithered to the slot next to it. The shadow formed into another copy of Shadow Maker.

"Next I activate the effect of a Cup Tricker, which was used as an overlay unit and sent to the Graveyard! With its effect, I can detach an Overlay Unit from a Xyz Monster on the Field and attach it to another!" An overlay unit surrounding the first Shadow Maker left its orbit and traveled to the other one.

"Detaching an overlay unit and attaching it to another?!" Quattro gasped out of surprise.

"Now I use Trapeze Magician's effect once again to give my second Shadow Maker the ability to attack twice!" Trapeze's remaining overlay unit disappeared as the second Shadow Maker glowed purple.

"After that, I use my second Shadow Maker's effect and Special Summon my third Shadow Maker!"

"Wow! Dennis has four Xyz Monsters with over 2500 Attack on his Field!" One boy from the group of kids gasped.

"What's more, two of Dennis's Monsters can attack twice!" Another boy added. "So the total would be…umm…" The boy widened his eyes out of shock when he did the math. "2-26900 Attack?!"

Battle! I attack our Giant Crusher with Trapeze Magician!" Dennis declared as the Monster swung towards the mechanical puppet.

Sora jumped up and held out his hand, "Not happening! By banishing Gimmick Barrier from my graveyard, all "Gimmick Puppet Monsters can't be destroyed this turn!"

But that won't save you from all the damage that's heading your way!" Dennis stated.

Quattro swiftly jumped onto the platforms and grabbed an Action Card that was hanging off the edge of a platform.

"I activate the Action Spell: Ether Wall! Quattro declared. "Through its effect, all battle damage I take halved for the rest of the turn!" He shouted as Dennis's monster swung through the air and delivered a swift kick to Giant Crusher, damaging him in the process.

Quattro: 3300→3100 LP

Now my three Shadow Makers! Attack Giant Crusher! Try handling five onslaught attacks!" Dennis yelled as his three Shadow Makers charged forward with their scissors opened.

"Thanks to Gimmick Barrier's effect, I can!" Quattro answered as the blades bounced off the Xyz monster's body.

"But your Life Points are a different story!" Dennis stated as Quattro got slammed with damage.

Quattro: 3100→2850→2600→2350→2100→1850 LP

"Awesome!" A young girl shouted." Dennis started off with a disadvantage with having fewer points than Quattro, but made a comeback and took the lead in this duel!"

"Dennis rocks! Another girl shouted.

"Yeah!" Other kids shouted in agreement.

"I can't believe it! This clown is stealing my fanbase!" Quattro thought to himself. "I have to show them that I'm not only the better duelist, but that star of this show as well. And I think I know just the way to do it."

"I now place three cards face-down and end my turn." Dennis said. "Now, since we've reached the End Phase of my turn, those 700 points your Crusher gained are now gone!"

Gimmick Puppet Giant Crusher ATK 3400→2700

"Also, don't even try to use Gimmick Shield's effect on your turn because Trapeze Magician's other effect shields me from all effect damage that's equal or less to its ATK." Dennis pointed out."

"Nice defensive tactic." Quattro replied, "I must say, your dueling skills are just as impressive as Shay and Kite said. But mine are better! Before I draw, I'll play the Trap, Puppet Preparation!" Quattro's declared as his trap pictured five random cards held by puppet strings. "Since I control a Gimmick Puppet Xyz Monster and have no cards in my hand, I can draw six cards instead of one!" Quattro did just that and drew a new hand and then smiled after seeing one of the cards he drew.

"You may have gotten a new hand, but I got this!" Dennis declared. "Go, Mage's Fortress!" A dark fortress covered in thorns with towers rising in the background appeared around the tower Dennis was standing atop of. "So long as I control a Spellcaster monster, you cannot declare an attack!"

"That card is spooky, a little boy said, shaking lightly.

"What will you do now, Quattro?!" Dennis asked.

Quattro smiled. "I will do what I always do! Provide an entertaining duel for all my fans by serving my opponents a taste of my lovely fanservice. I play the Spell Double Cyclone. By destroying one of my Spell or Trap Cards, I can destroy one of yours."

Dennis became worried, knowing what card Quattro was going for.

"I destroy my Gimmick Shield to get rid of your Mage's Fortress!" Quattro declared as two cyclones erupted from the middle of the area, each one of them blowing away both of the named cards.

"When Mage's Fortress leaves the field, its effect activates, allowing me to draw one card!" Dennis stated as he drew his card while the fortress disappeared.

"Not bad. But the move I'm about to make is going to be way more entertaining than yours!" Quattro stated.

"Oh really?" Dennis said.

"Yes, really," Quattro replied. "You should be lucky, Dennis. Most of my opponents don't make it long enough for me to use this card."

"What card?" Dennis asked.

"This one!" Quattro declared as he reached for a card in his hand, "I activate the Spell, Rank-Up-Magic Gimmick Chaos!" The card revealed an image of a broken crest which resembled both fire and lightning held by strings, while emitting a purple fog as a silhouette of a Gimmick Puppet surrounded by a dark aura as its owner struggled to control it.

"A Rank-Up-Magic?!" Dennis questionably exclaimed.

"You heard right! This card allows me to rank up my XYZ Monster, Giant Crusher, into a Chaos XYZ Monster that's one rank higher!" Quattro explained.

"A Chaos Xyz?" Dennis wondered.

"I now rebuild the Overlay Network with my Rank 8 Gimmick Puppet Giant Crusher!" Quattro's monster turned to DARK attribute energy and went into the golden galaxy-like portal once again.

Dennis stepped back, feeling things were about to get tough.

"Fruits of human knowledge, call forth a messenger who has severed off the threads of fate! Go, Chaos Xyz Evolution! Come forth, CXyz Gimmick Puppet Giant Titan!"

A large silver crate fell from the sky and then opened up to reveal the horror within. The box unfolded to become a giant, black doll body that ended at its waist and had its arms and shoulders attached to a giant machine. The doll also had a crown of thorns on its head and a face that depicted a sad expression, which on attack would open its mouth to reveal a cannon and fire at its target. Then, instead of hands, it had axes attached to its wrists., which was stringless and had red chaos energy flowing through it.

"A Chaos Xyz Monster?" Kite said. He was unfamiliar with this form of monster and could tell something bad was about to happen.

"Where did Quattro get that from?" Shay wondered.

"From me, of course." A nearby voice said.

The voice belonged to a man who looked like he was in his early forties with long blonde hair with several bangs covering his forehead and light yellow eyes. He was dressed in a simple dark green shirt with a lab coat over it and grey pants. Finally, he had a monocle on his left eye.

"It's nice to see again, Kite and Shay."

"Dr. Arclight!" Shay and Kite said in unison.

"Well, thanks for finally showing up, Dad." Quattro said.

"Wait a minute. Did you say Dad? As in, he's your father?" Dennis asked.

"Not only that, be he's also the genius that created both the Rank-Up and CXyz Monster for me." Quattro added.

"Seriously!?" Dennis shouted in shock.

"That's not surprising, considering Dr. Arclight was the one responsible for reverse engineering the card-sealing and dimensional travel technology for us Resistance." Kite said.

"If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have met Yuya and joined the Lancers, and Heartland probably still would've been like it was right after it was invaded." Shay added.

"So, how did you create this new type of Xyz Monster?" Dennis asked.

"I will be delighted to tell you," Byron replied. "Around the time right after the dimensions split again and everyone began living in peace, Leo and Declan began keeping an eye on the four dimensions to make sure no anomalies or anything unusual was happening within or outside them."

"Declan, knowing that the XYZ Dimension had a resident who could reverse engineer his father's technology, decided to reach out to me to help track down that person." Shay added.

"That's when Shay approached me about the matter, and after hearing him out, I couldn't help but to say yes and aid Declan and his father to make sure the dimensions are safe." Byron said.

"And it's during that search you found the resource to create those cards?" Kite asked.

"Exactly!" Byron answered. "Me and my research team developed specialized drones that can collect energy signals from within and outside the four dimensions, which can then harvest those collected signals into actual energy."

"That way you can see if the energy is normal or different from the energies the four dimensions give off." Dennis pointed out.

"Correct Mr. Macfield." Bryon praised Dennis as he continued. "One night after conducting our search and everyone had left except me, one of the drones picked up an unknown energy signal, and I decided to check it out without notifying anyone, since I wanted to avoid causing a panic."

"That's when my father discovered that this newly discovered energy was both positive and negative, like a source of chaos energy." Quattro said.

"Right Quattro, and I decided to perform experiments with that energy to see if it can be controlled and contained, but all of them failed miserably, and then it hit me." Byron said.

"What hit you?" Dennis asked.

"What if we infused the energy into something that contains energy? Since Xyz Monsters contain a stable-like energy source, I believed that if I were to implant the newfound energy into them, it would become stable." Byron said.

"So to proceed with the experiment, Dr. Arclight contacted my father, Dr. Faker, who's an expert when it comes to dimensional matter and energy sources." Kite added.

"That's also around the time when I had returned home and my father approached me and asked to borrow my cards." Quattro added.

"After receiving Quattro's cards and getting Faker's help to infuse them with the unknown energy source, we both noticed that the energy readings from within the cards spiked, while also causing a reaction we didn't expect." Byron pointed out. "By repeating the process several more times, we gauge the correct amount of energy needed, which then cause them to evolve, resulting in the creation of CXyz Monsters."

"Once again, Doctor, both you and Faker have amazed me with your superior genius." Shay said.

"Why thank you, Mr. Obsidian, we appreciate it." Said another nearby voice that sounded familiar to everyone.

The voice belonged to a man who also looked like he was in his forties with light purple eyes, pale skin and blonde hair. His attire includes a black trench coat with a high collar, fingerless white gloves, and white pants with black boots. He also has a gray belt and has a golden earring on his left ear.

"Father!" Kite shouted, shocked to see his father. "What are you doing here?"

"You really think I miss out on one of my greatest creations used in action?" He rhetorically replied, "Something as marvelous as this should be seen by the eyes of everyone in Heartland, which I miraculously accomplished."

Everyone then turned their heads to see a blimp high up in the sky broadcasting Dennis's and Quattro's duel.

"You mean our duel's been live this entire time?" Dennis asked. "If I had known earlier, I would've prepared myself like a good entertainer should."

"Well, unfortunately this is bad news for you because now everyone can watch you lose by the hands of me!" Quattro declared.

"The duel's still early, so it can go either way." Dennis replied.

"Let's see if those words work in your favor. I activate Giant Titan's effect! By using one Overlay Unit, my Titan gets to destroy every face-up Special Summoned monster on your field, and it gains half of the total ATK of the destroyed monsters until the next End Phase!" Quattro stated. Go, Giant Titan! Extreme Execution!" Quattro's monster raised both its wrists as its axes glowed a bright golden color and unleashed a sharp energy wave at Dennis's field.

Giant Titan: 2 OU→1 OU

"I won't let you get rid of "all" my monsters." Dennis said as he held his hand out. "I activate Xyz Coat, and thanks to this, it saves Trapeze Magician from being destroyed for the rest of the turn." Dennis explained as a barrier appeared around Trapeze, shielding it from harm, while Dennis's Shadow Maker's were destroyed by Titan as its attack rose from its effect.

CXyz Gimmick Puppet Giant Titan ATK 2500→9250

"Very impressive, but you're not out of the woods yet." Quattro mentioned. "Because you now have less monsters than you did before, your Magician loses 1500 ATK."

Performage Trapeze Magician ATK 4400→2900

Furthermore, since the monsters Titan destroyed were summoned from the Extra Deck, you also get dealt damage equal to ATK Titan gained through its effect!"

"What!?" Dennis blinked and gasped.

"And if I recall, Trapeze Magician only stops effect damage if it's less than it's ATK, which in this case it isn't." Quattro added. "Go, Giant Titan! Chaos Cannon!"

Titan's chest opened up, revealing a massive cannon, which then charged up and shot an energy blast directly at Dennis.

"Oh no!" Dennis exclaimed as he ran quickly looking for an Action Card.

"You put up a good fight, but I'm afraid to say that it's over!" Quattro yelled as Giant Titan's energy blast connected with Dennis, causing an explosion.

"Dennis!" Both Shay and Kite yelled.

Quattro looked at the storm cloud before grinning. "Not only did you fail to put on a great show for everyone like you said, but now you can play with the kids or learn everything about XYZ Summoning. Maybe next time, you'll think twice before accepting a challenge from me."

"And maybe next time, you'd rather wait for the smoke to clear to see if you had won or not."

"Eh?" Quattro said, confused.

The smoke cloud then cleared, revealing Dennis, who was unharmed and his Life Points still intact.

"How did you survive?!" Quattro asked.

"Right before your monster's effect connected, I found an Action Card at the last second and quickly activated it." Dennis responded as he revealed the Action Card that saved him. "And lucky for me, it was the Action Spell: Acceleration, which reduces the damage from Titan's effect to zero."

"Just because you survived that, doesn't mean you'll survive this. Gimmick Puppet Giant Titan attack Performage Trapeze Magician! Ballistic Bombardment!"

Titans's mouth opened and other small compartments on its body opened up and aimed towards Dennis's Magician as it launched an onslaught of multiple red bullets at it.

"I activate my Trap Card, Illusion Fadeout!" Dennis exclaimed. "Thanks to its effect, when you attack a "Performage" Monster on my field, I can instead turn that attack into a direct one!"

"Hoh, you're risking 9250 points of damage to protect your Trapeze Magician?" Quattro pointed out. "I bet you have something else planned."

"Since I'm about to receive a direct attack, I activate Performage String Figure's effect from my hand!" Dennis stated. "Thanks to it, I can Special Summon it and change the attack target to it! Furthermore, String Figure cannot be destroyed by that battle and I take no damage from it! Come, String Figure in attack mode!"

A clown-like Monster appeared on Dennis's field, intercepting Sky Magician's attack and forcing it backwards.

Performage String Figure ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"That was a nice play." Quattro praised his former student. "But I can tell you that I have more surprises in store for you. I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"Then, it's my turn!" Dennis announced. "Draw! I'll praise you for pulling that surprising move out of nowhere, Quattro. So let me show you in return my overwhelming strength. I activate the Spell Card, Magic Reconstruction. By banishing one Spell Card from my Graveyard, I can copy its effects. The spell I choose is Magical Pendulum Box, allowing me to draw two cards and if they're both Pendulums, I can add them to my hand!. If not, I'll have to send them to the Graveyard. Now, what will the outcome of this draw of fate be?"

Dennis drew two cards from his Deck with a dramatic pose and showed them to Yusho.

"It looks like I hit the jackpot." Dennis said with a satisfied smile on his face. "Both Monsters I drew are Pendulum Monsters, which means I can add them to my hand. And now, using my current Pendulum Scale, I will Pendulum Summon them! Join us on the stage, Performage Water Dancer and Performage Plushfire!"

Performage Water Dancer ATK 1200 DEF 1400 LVL: 4 PS: 2

Performage Plushfire ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 4 PS: 5

Two beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of a gray-skinned woman in a blue uniform holding two rings and a tuxedo and A monster that resembled flames stuffed into an upside-down hat.

"Thanks to Power Line's effect, all my monsters gain attack points equal to the combined levels/ranks of all "Performage" Monsters. In this case, 1200!" Dennis stated as all his monster power surged.

Performage Trapeze Magician ATK 2500→3700

Performage Water Dancer ATK 1200→2400

Performage Plushfire ATK 1000→2200

"Next, I activate String Figure's effect, using it along with Plushfire to perform a Fusion Summon!" Dennis stated.

As his two Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Dennis chanted.

"Deceitful artist gambling in the shadows! Merge with the infinitely form-changing strings that connect people and become a new witch which dashes across the heavens! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 7! Performage Trapeze Witch!"

Trapeze Witch appeared next to Trapeze Magician, with both Monsters bowing at the audience.

Performage Trapeze Witch ATK 2400 DEF 1800 LVL: 7

"But wait, there's more!" Dennis declared. "One more member shall now join our troupe to complete the all-star cast that will dazzle and entertain you during this turn. So, without any further ado, let's call a new comrade to the stage! I activate the Spell Card, Rewind Fusion, whose effect allows me to banish Monsters I used as Fusion Materials during this turn, along with using Monsters from my hand or field to perform a Fusion Summon! I will banish String Figure and Plushfire, and also use Water Dancer, in order to Fusion Summon!"

As his three Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Dennis chanted once again!"

"Performer gracefully dancing amidst the flickering flames! Deceitful artist gambling in the shadows! Merge with the infinitely form-changing strings that connect people and become the demonic jester residing in the depths of the Netherworld! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 9! Performage Des Pierrot!"

A Monster resembling a clown clad in a predominantly red and green suit with six swords floating behind him appeared on Dennis's field, cackling in a menacing manner.

Performage Des Pierrot ATK 3100 DEF 2600 LVL: 9

"Since another Performage has joined the stage, all my monsters will now gain an additional 900 ATK, while Pierrot will also gain an extra 1100 ATK along with it." Dennis explained, as golden auras formed around his monsters.

Performage Trapeze Magician ATK 2500→4500

Performage Trapeze Witch ATK 2400→4400

Performage Des Pierrot ATK 3100→5100

"I now summon Performage Overlay Juggler!." Dennis declared as a fiendish monster attached to a single wheel with several hoops hovering around it appeared.

Performage Overlay Juggler ATK 1200 DEF 600 LVL: 3 PS: 6

"I activate Overlay Juggler's effect." Dennis announced. "Through it, I can attach this card to a Xyz Monster I control as an Overlay Unit. I select Trapeze Magician."

(Trapeze Magician OU: 0→1)

"I activate Trapeze Magician's effect to detach its last Overlay Unit to allow Death Pierrot to attack twice during this turn's Battle Phase." Dennis said. "Now, it's time for battle! Death Pierrot, attack Giant Titan! Cursed Catastrophe!"

"Why would you attack my Giant Titan when you know my monster is stronger than yours?" Quattro asked.

"Because at this moment, Trapeze Witch's effect activates! Whenever a "Performage" Monster I control battles, the monster it's battling loses 600 ATK" Dennis replied.

Giant Titan ATK 9250→8650

"And due to Des Pierrot's effect, all "Performage" Monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle as long as it remains face-up on the field! In addition, I receive no damage from battles involving Des Pierrot! Now, continue your attack! Cursed Catastrophe!"

Des Pierrot launched its six swords forward, aiming to skewer Giant Titan. However, Giant Titan merely deflected the Performage's attack.

"Hmm, it looks like our first attack wasn't that effective." Dennis remarked with a fake troubled expression. "But you know what they say; if at first you don't succeed, try, try again! Through Trapeze Magician's effect, Des Pierrot will attack once again! And thanks to Witch's effect, your Monster's attack loses 600 more points!"

Giant Titan ATK 8650→8050

Go, Des Pierrot! Attack Giant Titan! Cursed Catastrophe!"

Death Pierrot's blades struck Titan's body once again, but had its attack deflected for a second time by the giant mechanical puppet.

"Now that its attack has been weakened enough, I think it's time for me to destroy it." Dennis stated as he hopped on the platforms and grabbed an Action Card.

"Alright! I activate the Action Spell: Bi-Attack, which will now double Trapeze Magician's attack!" Dennis declared as a golden aura appeared around Trapeze as it laughed.

Performage Trapeze Magician ATK 4500→9000

"Next, Trapeze Magician will attack your Giant Titan, and with Witch's effect your Monster's attack decreases, Quattro!" Dennis declared. "Graceful Dive!"

(Giant Titan ATK: 8050→7450)

Quattro then quickly jumped from platform to platform looking for an Action Card before finally stumbling across one. "I activate the Action Spell: Flight, which gives back those 600 points that Titan lost, since he's now the target of an attack!"

(Giant Titan ATK: 7450→8050)

Trapeze Magician soared in the air and aimed a kick at the mechanical puppet, destroying it, causing multiple pieces of its body to fall to the ground.

Quattro: 1850→900 LP

"And now, it's time for this act's grand finale!" Dennis spread his arms wide upon saying so. "Trapeze Witch, attack Quattro directly and end this duel! Somersault Blow!"

"Not so fast!" Quattro announced. "I activate Gimmick Puppet Twilight Joker's effect from my hand!" Quattro yelled, "When a "Gimmick Puppet" monster's destroyed by battle and sent to my graveyard, I can banish it to bring out Twilight Joker!" A red and black jester appeared and sliced the Chaos Xyz Monster's remains to pieces with its large scythe.

Gimmick Puppet Twilight Joker ATK 800 DEF 1600 LVL: 8

"That doesn't matter! Your monster still doesn't have enough points to save you, especially since you summoned him in attack mode instead of defense." Dennis pointed out, "Trapeze Witch, attack Twilight Joker! And through its effect, it loses 600 attack points!"

(Twilight Joker ATK: 800→200)

"Go, Trapeze Witch! Somersault Blow!"

Witch spun three times in the air before flying down at tremendous speed, and struck Twilight Joker with a powerful kick, destroying him and creating a massive cloud of smoke.

"I did it!" Dennis cheered.

"I can't believe it." One of the kids said with a shocked look on their face

"Dennis managed to not only beat Quattro, but has taken his title of being the strongest duelist in the Xyz Dimension." Another kid added, while both Shay and Kite narrowed their eyes. Knowing that this wasn't over yet.

"Yes! Not only did I beat Quattro, but as a bonus, I took his title!" Dennis said, a smile on his face as well.

"I wouldn't count my son out, Macfield." Byron said.

"He's right. I've seen Quattro a bunch of times, and many duelists have pulled off combos just like you did to win, but in the end, Quattro always found a way to pull through it." Faker added.

"They're not wrong." Dennis's smile then changed to a surprised look, when they heard Quattro's voice.

"Wow, that was magnificent," he said, something different in his voice now. "Such wonderful attacks. But I didn't take any damage." The smoke cleared away, revealing him standing there with 1100 Life Points.

"No way!" Both the kids from earlier shouted, surprised, as Dennis. "He destroyed his monster…"

"W-Why?" Dennis asked.

"So sorry," Quattro said, the smile on his face morphed into a smirk, "but I activated a Trap Card before your attack connected. Gimmick Box! When I am about to receive battle damage, this card can not only negate that damage, it can also Special Summon itself as a monster card! Additionally, the damage that was negated becomes this card's ATK!"

Lines appeared on his field that eventually became a parallelogram of gears and an evil smile. It laughed as it creepily looked at Dennis.

Gimmick Box ATK 4200 DEF 0 LVL: 8

"Man! Quattro just seems to have a backup for everything." Shay stated.

"Yes. His tactics may look a bit devious at some times, but they're quite effective. I dare say his skills might even rival that of Yuya and Declan." Kite commented.

"Nice save, but that doesn't mean you're fully safe." Dennis said. "I activate the Spell, Extra Treasure!" The card's image showed various Extra Deck Monsters digging for different types of "Pots". For every monster on the field that was originally summoned from the Extra Deck, I draw one card. In this case, three."

"You'd better hope those three cards can help you from what's about to come next." Quattro stated.

"Wonder what he means by that?" Dennis thought, "Whatever it is, I have to be prepared. I place one card face-down and end my turn, which means Bi-Attack's effect ends and Trapeze Magician's attack returns to 4500."

Performage Trapeze Magician ATK 9000→4500

"Then I draw! I have to admit, that last move you made was pretty good, but the move I'm about to pull is going to make your move a forgotten memory! I summon Gimmick Puppet Scarecrow!" Quattro yelled as a mechanical scarecrow with a gin-trap for a mouth appeared.

Gimmick Puppet Scarecrow ATK 800 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

"Next, I play the Spell Card, Level Doubler! By sending a card from my hand to the graveyard, I can double the level of a level four or lower monster on my field!" He slid a card into his graveyard. "So I'll discard my Gimmick Puppet Shadow Feeler to change my Scarecrow's level from four to eight!"

The level stars in the window that held Scarecrow's stats glowed and doubled in number, while the puppet swelled in size.

Gimmick Puppet Scarecrow LVL: 4→8

"I now overlay my Level 8 Gimmick Box and Scarecrow!" Quattro declared. His two monsters became streams of purple energy that entered the black and yellow portal that appeared in front of him. It exploded with energy as he chanted.

"The messenger from above who cuts the strings of fate! Appear before us and guide my foes to their graves! Xyz Summon! Rank 8! Gimmick Puppet Nightmarionetter!"

A female mechanical angel-like puppet emerged from the portal, where half of its body was white and the other half black, indicating it can manipulate both light and darkness. It had long blonde hair and porcelain skin, and held a giant harp.

Gimmick Puppet Nightmarionetter ATK 3000 DEF 2000 RNK: 8

"You summon another doll, how cute." Dennis taunted. "Do you perhaps want some tea so we can have a nice tea party with your toys?"

"Very funny." Quattro said, "But you won't be making jokes after this. I activate. "By using one Overlay Unit, Nightmarionetter can place a String Counter on every face-up monster on your field! Cursed Melody!"

The giant monster started playing the strings on its harp when then blasted a red energy beam into the sky that created a dark cloud that rained red strings onto the field and attached onto Dennis's monsters.

"Then, all monsters who gained a String Counter not only lose their special abilities, but half their ATK and DEF as well!" Thomas stated.

"What?!" Dennis shouted in shock.

Performage Trapeze Magician ATK 4500→2250 DEF 2000→1000 RNK: 4

Performage Trapeze Witch ATK 4400→2200 DEF 1800→900 LVL: 7

Performage Des Pierrot ATK 5100→2550 DEF 1600→800 LVL: 9

"Since Des Pierrot lost its effects, Dennis's monsters are no longer safe from being destroyed." Kite pointed out.

"Which means Quattro can take out any one of them." Shay added.

Quattro smiled before taking the last card in his hand. "Next, I activate the Spell Card, Rank-Up Return!"

"Rank-Up Return?" Dennis said.

"This card lets me add one Rank-Up-Magic card from my graveyard back to my hand!" Quattro stated.

"What?!" Dennis yelled.

"So I'm getting back and activating Rank-Up-Magic Gimmick Chaos!" Quattro held his card up, which glowed. "This card will Rank Up my Nightmarionetter into a Chaos Xyz Monster! I Overlay Rank 8 Gimmick Puppet Nightmarionetter!"

As Quattro's monster turned into a dark stream of energy and entered a golden portal once again, he chanted.

"Using the fruits of human wisdom, I revive the devil who controls the strings of fate!

Go, Chaos Xyz Evolution! Come on out, CXyz Gimmick Puppet Mefist Marionetter!"

A giant, humanoid, black puppet with crimson streaks running over its body, and instead of legs, had two jagged wings attached to its waist that vaguely resembled demonic wings. It also had a harp attached to the right part of its body, which it played by using the scythe-like blade it held in its left hand, and lastly, had long crimson hair and a pair of glowing red eyes.

CXyz Gimmick Puppet Mefist Marionetter ATK 3300 DEF 2000 RNK: 9

"Another CXyz Monster, huh?" Dennis raised an eyebrow. "Looks like you weren't kidding when you said you had more surprises in store."

"No I wasn't, and it's going to get a lot worse because thanks to Mefist Marionetter's effect, all monsters with String Counters lose their effects, as well their ATK and DEF!" Quattro stated.

"What!?" Dennis's eyes widened.

Performage Trapeze Magician ATK 2250→0 DEF 2000→0 RNK: 4

Performage Trapeze Witch ATK 2200→0 DEF 1800→0 LVL: 7

Performage Des Pierrot ATK 2550→0 DEF 1600→0 LVL: 9

"Now by using one Overlay Unit, Mefist Marionetter destroys all monsters with String Counters! Go, Chaos Composition!"

Mefist Marionetter strummed the harp's strings with its scythe, which then conjured up a storm of dark clouds above Dennis's field as it rained down multiple bolts of lightning at his monsters.

"By sending Performage Power Line to the grave, I can prevent one of my performers from leaving the stage." Dennis stated. "And the monster I choose is none other than my Trapeze Magician!"

A rainbow-colored bubble formed around Trapeze Magician as it was shielded from Marionetter's effect, while both Witch and Pierrot got struck and were vaporized.

"Then you take damage to the destroyed monster with the higher attack!" Quattro added.

"Trapeze Witch had 2400 ATK, while Des Pierrot had 3100." Faker noted.

"Since Pierrot has more points between the two, Dennis will be inflicted 3100 points of damage." Byron added.

"Go. Mefist Marionetter!" Quattro yelled. "Eradicating Symphony!"

Mefist Marionetter raised its scythe as it then glowed before unleashing a red crescent-shaped stream of energy at Dennis.

"Oh My God!" Dennis exclaimed. "This is a huge pinch…or it would be if it wasn't for Air Dancer's Pendulum Effect! Once during either player's turn, I can halve an instance of effect damage!"

Following Dennis's words, Air Dancer swung its baton, conjuring a blast of wind that cut the crescent-shaped energy blade in half. However, the other half struck Dennis's body, causing the young Duelist to let out a grunt of pain.

Dennis Macfield: 2100→550 LP

"Quattro's putting out all the stops now." Kite remarked. "If he continues like this, Dennis's done for."

"However, before the Marionetter's effect connected, Dennis didn't look very concerned." Byron pointed. "Meaning, he knew Quattro would have something planned like that and planned out some moves ready to counter his."

"Since the effect damage Air Dancer halved was higher than 1000, I can draw one card from my Deck." Dennis said.

"Well, you're not the only one who can draw cards." Quattro pointed out. "Whenever my Marionetter destroys a monster, I get to draw a card. In this case, two!"

"Go, Mefist Marionetter!" yelled Quattro. "Attack! Chaos Celestial Slash!"

The Chaos Xyz Monster raised its scythe as it glowed crimson red and extended its arm as it swung its weapon towards Trapeze Magician.

Dennis quickly ran to one of the nearby platforms as he hopped on it and grabbed an Action Card, and was pleased after seeing what he got.

"I activate the Action Spell: Quick Guard." Dennis stated. "Thanks to it, Trapeze Magician switches to defense mode."

Trapeze Magician changed from an offensive stance to a defensive one just in time before Mefist Marionetter's attack connected and destroyed it.

"Thanks to Mefist's effect, I get to draw a card." Quattro stated. You may have saved yourself from damage, but now without any monsters, you're wide open for a direct attack!"

Quattro then hopped on a nearby platform and quickly grabbed an Action Card off it.

"I discard a card to activate the Action Spell: Double Banking, giving Mefist the ability to attack again since he destroyed your monster!" Quattro exclaimed.

"I have to say your monster sure packs quite a punch." Dennis smirked. "However, I'm afraid that Trapeze Magician isn't quite ready to leave the stage just yet. Instead, he'll don a magnificent new costume and show you its evolved strength! Since you destroyed my Xyz Monster through battle, I can activate my face-down card, the Quick-Play Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Magical Force!"

"What?!" Both Byron and Faker cried out in shock. "He has a Rank-Up-Magic!?"

"Through its effect, I can target one Spellcaster-type Monster that was destroyed this turn and Special Summon it! Revive, Trapeze Magician!"

Dennis's magician returned once more to the field, laughing madly.

"Next up, thanks to Magical Force's effect, I can Special Summon a Xyz Monster which is one Rank higher than Trapeze Magician by using it as an Overlay Unit!"

Trapeze Magician appeared on Dennis's field once more and promptly turned into a stream of energy that was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal while Dennis chanted.

"Show must go on! Oh, magician of the sky! More magnificently, more vividly, run across the even greater stage! Rank-Up Xyz Evolution! Appear now, Rank 5! Performage Trapeze High Magician!"

A more showy-dressed version monster resembling Trapeze Magician wearing a flamboyant white and black outfit with an orange and green trapeze rod in its right hand, appeared on Dennis's field.

Performage Trapeze High Magician ATK 2700 DEF 2200 RNK:5 OVU:1

"And thanks to Magical Force's second effect, it's attached as an Overlay Unit to Trapeze High Magician." Dennis stated.

(Trapeze High Magician OVU: 1→2)

"I see that you're also capable of performing a Rank-Up, just like Shay said." Quattro noted with interest. "Even though you're a Fusion Duelist, your style resembles that of a Xyz Duelist more.

"What can I say?" Dennis shrugged. "I guess my time in Heartland had a greater influence on me than I imagined."

"Even so, my monster still has more points to finish off you and your magician!" Quattro exclaimed. "Once again, Mefist Marionetter! Chaos Celestial Slash!"

Marionetter raised its scythe once again, as it swung towards High Magician.

Dennis narrowed his eyes, spotting an Action Card, and quickly grabbed it.

"I play the Action Spell: Big Escape, which will end the Battle Phase!"

The scythe froze in place inches from Dennis's face before returning to Marionetter's hand.

"Lucky break, but your luck will run out soon." Quattro pointed. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn. Now, show me what you can do."

"With pleasure!" Dennis exclaimed. "My turn! Draw! First up, let's assemble the rest of our performers! I summon Performage Magic Tactician!"

A small, petite, pink-haired magician appeared on Dennis's field.

Performage Magic Tactician ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 PS: 5

"Since I summoned a "Performage" Monster, I can bring out Performage Filmsy Slimmer!" Dennis announced.

A film-like magician appeared next to Tactician.

Performage Filmsy Slimmer ATK 100 DEF 1200 LVL: 4 PS: 3

"Next, I activate the Spell Card, Tannhauser Gate." Dennis continued. "Through its effect, I can target two Monsters on my field and make the Level of each one equal to the combined original levels of both Monsters. As such, both Magic Tactician and Filmsy Slimmer become Level 5 Monsters."

Performage Magic Tactician LVL: 1→5

Performage Filmsy Slimmer LVL: 4→5

"Now, I Overlay my two Level 5 Monsters!" Dennis declared as his two Monsters turned into streams of energy that were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, while at the same time he chanted.

"Show must go on! Performer of impeccable balance, ride forward in the endless stage! Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 5! Performage Unicycler Magician!"

Performage Unicycler Magician ATK 2600 DEF 1900 RNK: 5 OU: 2

A magician holding a large baton and riding a multi-wheeled unicycle appeared on Dennis's field.

"I activate Unicycler Magician's effect. By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can reduce the attack of all Monsters you control by an amount equal to the total Rank sum of all "Performage" Xyz Monsters I control multiplied by 100! Since I control two Rank 5 Monsters, your Monsters lose 1000 attack!" Dennis stated.

Following Dennis's words, an Overlay Unit detached from Unicycler Magician as several wheels of light shot from its unicycle, striking Mefist Marionetter.

CXyz Gimmick Puppet Mefist Marionetter ATK 3300→2300

Without hesitation, Quattro leapt forward, vaulting onto the platforms as he searched the Field for an Action Card. Launching himself onto a platform that was halfway across the field, he snagged an Action Card from the platform and was about to activate it when a familiar voice rang out from the opposite side.

"Not so fast!" Dennis called, playing his Action Card that he snagged from a platform not too far from Quattro's, "Crush Action! This turn, all Action Cards are destroyed!"

"What?!" Quattro exclaimed in shock and agony as the Action Card he had grabbed exploded in a cloud of dust.

"I'm far from finished!" Dennis exclaimed. "Trapeze High Magician's effect activates! By detaching one Overlay Unit, I can have it attack three times in this turn's Battle Phase! However, only one of these attacks can be a direct attack! Now, battle! Trapeze High Magician, attack Gimmick Puppet Mefist Marionetter! Wondrous Skydive!"

Dennis's Monster grabbed its trapeze and swung across the air gracefully before striking Mefist Marionetter, destroying it with a light-covered kick.

Quattro: 900→500 LP

"Now, Unicycler Magician, attack our hero directly!" Dennis grinned maliciously. "Wheel of Carnage!"

"I activate the Trap Card, Defense Draw!" Quattro exclaimed. "Due to its effect, all battle damage becomes 0, and I get to draw one card from my Deck!"

A transparent barrier formed around Quattro, protecting him from the Xyz Monster's attack.

"This is the end of the line for you!" Dennis pointed at Yukio. "Go, Trapeze High Magician! Attack Quattro directly!"

"I don't think so!" Quattro declared. "When you attack me directly, I can resurrect Gimmick Puppet Shadow Feeler from my graveyard!"

A portal opened up from the ground and out of it came two blue mechanical dolls connected by the head appeared.

"When did you…?" Dennis's eyes narrowed in realization. "I see, it was when you activated Double Banking. That was the card you discarded, wasn't it?"

"Indeed it was." Quattro confirmed it. "Which means you won't be able to attack me directly since I now control a monster."

"But your monster is in attack mode, which means I can still deal you damage." Dennis mentioned. "Continue your attack, High Magician! Wondrous Skydive!"

Trapeze High Magician grabbed its trapeze once more and sailed across the citadel's sky, before aiming a kick at Shadow Feeler. However, despite the situation, Quattro smirked.

"I activate my other Trap Card! Guardraw! This switches my puppet to defense mode and allows me to draw a card!" Quattro yelled as the Gimmick Puppet barely managed to switch positions before being hit by the magician's kick.

"And because of Shadow Feeler's effect, it can't be destroyed by battle." Quattro said.

"In that case, I place two cards face-down and end my turn." Dennis stated. "You really are a tenacious fellow, Quattro. However, you have to try a lot harder than that if you want to defeat this dueltainer!"

"Well, since you ask for it, I will." Quattro grinned. "Dennis Macfield, this time, you're going to get a good taste of my fanservice!"

"Surprisingly enough, both of them are evenly matched so far." Byron remarked.

"Perhaps we underestimated him." Faker added. "I wonder how Quattro will respond to this?"

"My turn!" Quattro declared. "Draw! First, by banishing Gimmick Puppet Scarecrow from my graveyard, I can return Gimmick Puppet Necro Doll to my field!"

The grave portal opened and the coffin doll from the grave once more.

Gimmick Puppet Necro Doll ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 8

"Next, since I only control "Gimmick Puppet" Monsters while my opponent controls Monsters as well, I can Special Summon Gimmick Puppet Magnet Doll from my hand!"

A doll made of metal and magnets appeared between Necro Doll and Shadow Feeler.

Gimmick Puppet Magnet Doll ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 8

"Get a good glimpse at my true ace in the hole, Macfield! I overlay the level 8 Necro Doll, Magnet Doll and Shadow Feeler to build the Overlay Network!"

As his three Monsters entered a galaxy portal, Quattro chanted.

"Mighty and powerful warrior standing atop the summit! Showcase your unstoppable strength, and help lead our foes to the end of their destiny! Xyz Summon! Rank 8! Gimmick Puppet Of Talos!"

A column of fire erupted from behind Quattro, then it parted and a majestic bronze titan with a bell-shaped head dressed in golden armor with silver shoulder plates. His monster stood on a giant pillar and held a large sword in its hand with a blue gem in the center of it.

"Another Xyz Monster?!" Dennis said with shock and annoyance.

"I activate my Talos's ability! Once per turn, I can remove one Overlay Unit to place one Destiny Counter on this card, and it gains effects depending on the number of counters on it!" Quattro said as his monster absorbed an Overlay Unit into the gem in the sword, then stood up, putting both hands on the sword.

Talos: 0 DC→1 DC

"What kind of hidden effects do you think Quattro's Talos has?" Kite asked.

"If I had to guess, surely troublesome ones." Shay replied.

"Battle!" Quattro yelled. "Talos attacks your Unicycler Magician! Sword of Destiny!"

Talos raised its sword up high as it then thrust it towards Unicycler.

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that." Dennis snapped his fingers. "It's showtime, Unicycler Magician!"

Unicycler Magician disappeared within a puff of smoke, causing Talos's attack to miss. Shortly afterwards, it reappeared on top of one of the platforms, wagging its finger playfully at the Gimmick Puppet.

"What!?" Quattro looked shocked. "Why did my Monster's attack miss!?"

"That's because of my Trap Card, Performage Escape Act." Dennis explained. "Through its effect, I can negate an attack targeting a "Performage" Monster I control and draw one card."

"Guess I'll have to try again." Quattro smirked as he jumped on a platform and grabbed an Action Card. I activate the Action Spell: Copy Action, whose effect allows me to copy the effect of an Action Card in my opponent's Graveyard. I will copy the effect of Wonder Chance, meaning my Monster gets to attack again!"

Once again, Talos raised its sword and swung it towards Unicycler.

I shall not fall here!" Dennis announced as he ran and picked up an Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell: Battle Change! Through its effect, I will change the attack target of your dragon to my Trapeze High Magician!"

The sword abruptly changed its course and started heading towards High Magician.

"At this moment, I detach an Overlay Unit to activate Trapeze's second effect! Now, he cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects up to thrice this turn!"

Following Dennis's words, three energy circles colored red, green, and yellow appeared in front of Trapeze High Magician to defend it.

"Well, lucky for me, I can activate one of Talos's gained effects!" Quattro mentioned. "Since he has at least 1 Destiny Counter, whenever he attacks he gains 1000 ATK!"

Gimmick Puppet Of Talos ATK 3200→4200

"Dennis doesn't have enough Life Points to survive!" Shay stated.

"Looks like this duel is as good as done." Kite added.

"This duel won't end until its curtains!" Dennis stated. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell, Overlay Overload, and thanks to its effect, I can detach all of Unicycler Magician's remaining Overlay Units to activate its effect!"

Performage Unicycler Magician: 1 OU→0 OU

"Now I can reduce the attack of all Monsters you control by 1000 points!"

Following Dennis's words, numerous light circles shot from Unicycler Magician's unicycle, striking Quattro's Monster and creating dazzling explosions of light that illuminated the surroundings.

Gimmick Puppet Of Talos ATK 4200→3200

"Even if you weakened my monster, it's still stronger than your Magician!" Quattro exclaimed.

Before Talos's attack connected, one of the energy rings around High Magician turned into a barrier, shielding him from harm.

"Thanks to Trapeze's effect, he won't be destroyed!" Dennis stated.

"But you still take damage! Quattro rebutted.

A shockwave was then generated and caused Dennis to tumble backwards.

Dennis Macfield: 550→50 LP

"You're now only hanging by a thread. One more attack and you're finished. Why don't you just give up now and save yourself from humiliation?" Quattro said.

"Because if I did, then my pride as a dueltainer would be shattered, and I could no longer perform in everyone's eyes. Especially my mentor Yusho." Dennis replied.

"Suit yourself. I activate Xyz Gift! Since there are 2 or more Xyz monsters on the field, I can draw 2 cards!" Quattro yelled as he drew his cards. "I now place both of them face-down and end my turn.

"My turn!" Dennis announced. "Draw! Since I'm near the end with only 50 Life Points, how about I take things one step further to keep the tension up? I activate the Spell Card, Rank-Up-Magic Wonder Force! Through its effect, I can target a "Performage" Xyz Monster I control and use it as material in order to Xyz Summon a Monster which is one Rank higher than it!"

"What did you say!?" Quattro cried out in astonishment. "You're capable of performing a Rank-Up on a monster who was summoned through a Rank-Up!?"

"Yes!" Dennis replied. "I use Trapeze High Magician to rebuild the Overlay Network!"

As Trapeze High Magician turned into a stream of energy and was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Dennis chanted.

Show must go on! Wondrous performer that has reached the apex of the sky, demonstrate your unparalleled skill and grace on this ultimate stage! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Appear now, Rank 6! Performage Trapeze Master Magician!"

A Monster resembling Trapeze Magician, who was clad in a crimson and gold performer outfit, wore a top hat with a crown on it and held a long trapeze with two gems on its ends, appeared on Dennis's field.

Performage Trapeze Master Magician ATK 3300 DEF 2800 RNK: 6 OU: 1

"And this grand spectacle of ours is far from over!" Dennis declared. "Due to Wonder Force's second effect, I can Special Summon a "Performage" Monster from my Graveyard if I successfully perform a Xyz Summon through its effect! Show yourself once more, Trapeze Witch!

Trapeze Master Magician twirled its trapeze and pointed it at the ground, generating a small explosion that released large amounts of multi-colored smoke. Once the smoke cleared, the figure of Trapeze Witch appeared, bowing to everyone alongside Trapeze Master Magician.

"Kuh, that irksome Monster is back." Quattro grimaced.

"Next, I activate the Spell Card Applause Aplenty, which enables me to draw one card for every "Performage" Monster on my field that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck." Dennis stated. "That means I can draw two cards from my Deck. Time for battle! Go, Trapeze Master Magician! Destroy Gimmick Puppet Of Talos! Flying Trapeze Flash!"

Quattro quickly reacted and hopped on a nearby platform and grabbed an Action Card laying atop of it.

"Sorry to disappoint, Macfield, but Talos isn't going anywhere! I activate the Action Spell: Selection Of Miracles, and use the effect to save Talos from being destroyed!"

"Even so, thanks to Witch's effect, your monster loses 600 ATK!" Dennis pointed out.

Gimmick Puppet Of Talos ATK 3200→2600

"I beg to differ!" Quattro retorted. " I activate the Trap Reinforced Space, giving my Xyz Monsters 300 Attack Points for each Overly Unit attached to it for the entire turn!

Gimmick Puppet Of Talos ATK 2600→3200

Dennis's Monster swung across the air with its trapeze while its legs were surrounded by a golden aura, delivering a powerful blow to Talos, who withstood that attack, but causing Quattro to wince in pain and skid backwards.

Quattro: 500→400 LP

"Next I'll have Unicycler Magician attack, which then triggers Witch's effect! Wheel of Carnage!

Gimmick Puppet Of Talos ATK 3200→2600

Quattro spotted a nearby Action Card and quickly picked it up.

"I activate the Action Spell: Encore to activate the Action Card Selection Of Miracles that I recently used to save Talos from destruction!" Quattro stated.

Dennis's Unicycler Magician sped forward at Talos, before being sliced in half by Talos's sword.

"Even if Quattro protected his monster, I can see what Dennis is doing." Shay said, "He revived Trapeze Witch to reduce the ATK of Quattro's monster to deal him damage where he won't have enough Life Points left to survive his final attack.

"He planned it out perfectly." Kite added.

"This is the final attack!" Dennis said with a smirk. "Trapeze Witch, attack Gimmick Puppet Talos! And through its effect, your monster loses 600 ATK for the third time in a row!"

Gimmick Puppet Of Talos ATK 2600→2000

"Somersault Blow!" Dennis yelled.

Trapeze Witch was getting ready to attack, but at the same time, Quattro was already charging towards another Action Card.

Quattro spotted and snagged a card resting against a broken pillar, "I activate the Action Card Ba-…!"

"Go, Cosmic Arrow!" Dennis countered, snagging an Action Card from a nearby platform. "Since you added a spell card to your hand outside the Draw Phase, this card enables me to destroy it!"

Before Quattro could activate his card, a blue arrow pierced the Action Card, Battle Lock, transforming it to a cloud of dust while at the same time Trapeze Witch delivered a powerful kick at Talos, causing a massive explosion.

"Looks like I won." Dennis said with a smile, but it quickly disappeared when he saw Quattro received no damage. "What's the meaning of this?"

Quattro smiled as the smoke cleared and his last face-down was activated. It was a picture of a Rank-Up-Magic in the graveyard surrounded by an unknown energy and that energy engulfing a Xyz Monster as it was passing through the graveyard portal.

"Simple, I activated the Trap Card, Chaos Graveyard. Since you destroyed my Xyz Monster, not only didn't I take any damage, but the best part is that by banishing a Rank-Up-Magic card from my graveyard, I can apply its effects to my Talos!"

"What?! You're going to Chaos Xyz from the Graveyard?!" Dennis exclaimed.

"He's really pushing it with all these Chaos Monsters." Byron thought.

"I banish Rank-Up-Magic Gimmick Chaos to rebuild the Overlay Network with my Rank 8 Gimmick Puppet Of Talos!" The galaxy-like portal opened and Talos flew into the Overlay Network once more as Quattro chanted.

"Appear to the field! Roar, raging soul. Awaken the anger, that lays everything to ruin! Go, Chaos Xyz Evolution! Arise! Rank 9! CXyz Gimmick Puppet Destruction Talos!"

A gigantic bronze bull statue with crimson streaks running over its body attached to a giant sphere that looked like a detonator appeared on Quattro's field.

CXyz Gimmick Puppet Destruction Talos ATK 3500 DEF 2500 RNK: 9

Dennis was in awe as they saw the even bigger and scarier monster, which had a purple Overlay Unit orbiting it.

"This is the most powerful Chaos Monster I own that you'll face, and not only that, this monster will be the cause of your downfall, and here's a little proof to show you." Quattro stated. "Since I summoned Destruction Talos by ranking up his original form, any counters that the original Talos had on it are added to its chaos form."

Destruction Talos: 0 LC→1 LC

"Well, I can promise you when I say that no matter what move you pull or make, this duel will end in my victory." Dennis retorted. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"I can tell you now that those face-downs won't be much help to you! I DRAW!" Quattro drew his card high in the air. "Now my Destruction Talos will put an end to this pathetic excuse for a Duel! I detach an Overlay Unit to activate its effect to place another Destiny Counter on it."

Quattro said as his monster opened its mouth and absorbed its Overlay Unit into it as one of the gems on its crown glowed.

CXyz Gimmick Puppet Destruction Talos: 2 OU→1 OU

Destruction Talos: 1 LC→2 LC

"It also deals you 1000 points of damage! Go, Scorching Stampede!" Quattro exclaimed as Destruction Talos's body became surrounded by a fiery aura as multiple afterimages of it charged towards Dennis.

"You'd wish!" Dennis let out a sly smile. "I activate Trapeze Master Magician's effect! Once during either player's turn, I can negate one instance of effect damage! And then, the amount of damage I would have taken is added to my Monster's attack!"

Following Dennis's words, Trapeze Master Magician intercepted the blast with its trapeze and redirected it upwards, where it exploded into a rain of light that enveloped Dennis's Monster.

Trapeze Master Magician ATK 3300→4300

"To think it also had such an effect…" Quattro grimaced.

"Now, even if you were planning on attacking my Master Magician, it won't do you any good since he's now stronger than you Chaos Monster." Dennis pointed out.

"Normally yes, but don't forget that you still control Trapeze Witch and even with its effect, it won't matter because Talos becomes unaffected by your card effects since he has at least one Destiny Counter." Quattro rebutted.

"Oh no! You're right!" Dennis exclaimed.

"Time to finish this duel!" Quattro declared as he called for his monster's aid. "CXyz Gimmick Puppet Destruction Talos! Attack Performage Trapeze Master Magician! Chaos CALAMITY!"

The black globe Talos stood on came to life with power as every crack and crevice of the device lit up with Chaos Energy. Then the bull's eyes flashed the same red color, and it leaped off its perch, unleashing a column of fire out of its mouth directly at Dennis.

"Looks like I'm finished, or am I?" Dennis said, confusing Quattro.

"I activate my Trap Card, Magical Trick Mirror and through its effect, I can select one Spell Card in your grave and this card's effect becomes the same as that Spell Card. I choose the Action Spell: Encore you activated last turn and use its effect to activate the Action Spell: Battle Change to your target to Master Magician!"

The charging flaming bull spirit abruptly changed its direction from Trapeze Witch to Master Magician.

"Not bad, but I have another trick up my sleeve! Since your Master Magician's ATK is different from its original value and Destruction Talos has at least two Destiny Counters, it gains 1500 ATK!" Quattro stated.

"Eh?" Dennis blinked as the Xyz Monster flared up even more.

CXyz Gimmick Puppet Destruction Talos ATK 3500→5000

"Now it has more attack points than Dennis's magician!" Shay stated.

"Which means if this attack connects and succeeds, Quattro wins and Dennis loses." Kite added.

"As I already knew, my son would end up the victor." Byron said.

"It's a shame. Macfield has shown to be an incredible duelist." Faker added.

"Now, let's end this! Gimmick Puppet Destruction Talos, destroy Trapeze Magician and finish off Dennis! Chaos Calamity!"

As Destruction Talos's attack connected and destroyed Master Magician and continued straight towards Dennis. However, a white box suddenly appeared in front of Dennis, sucking the blast inside it.

"This is…!" Quattro seemed astonished. "What did you do!?"

"Why, I activated the Trap Card Fantasy Box." Dennis grinned. "Thanks to its effect, if I receive damage from a battle involving an "Performage" Monster I control, I can reduce that damage to 0, and then inflict damage to you equal to the difference between our Life Points! Take this!"

A black-colored blast shot out of the box following Dennis's words, striking Quattro on his chest and sending him skidding backwards.

Quattro LP: 400→50

"Quattro!" Byron yelled.

"Now they both have 50 Life Points." Shay said.

"Meaning one attack can finish either of them off." Kite added.

" Amazing!"

"This is the best I've seen in my life!

Yeah, I really want Quattro to win, but I really don't want Dennis to lose either! Go, Quattro! Go, Dennis!"

"That's right! Keep going! We don't want this duel to end!"

Such comments could be heard coming from the crowd, much to Quattro's surprise. It seemed like his and Dennis's Duel was getting the audience all pumped up. Many of them had also been engrossed on the performance they were putting on, cheering for the both of them.

"See, what did I tell you? Dennis said in a hushed tone to Quattro. "The audience loves this!

"I hate to admit it, but you're right. And if I'm being honest, I'm also having a great time, and just like everybody else, I don't want this duel to end." Quattro replied.

"But sadly, it must, and in the end the winner will be me!" Dennis stated "

"Guess we'll have to see what the outcome will be then, huh?" Quattro asked.

"I guess so." Dennis replied.

"Now let's get to the duel." Quattro said. "I place one card face-down and end my turn. And since my turn is over, Destruction Talos's effect ends, returning its ATK to its original value."

CXyz Gimmick Puppet Destruction Talos ATK 5000→3500

"Then, it's my turn!" Dennis announced. "Draw!"

"I activate the Trap Card, Gimmick Xyz! By targeting a "Gimmick Puppet" Xyz Monster I control, I can use its effect during your turn!" Quattro stated.

"What?!" Dennis blinked after hearing Quattro.

"I detach an Overlay Unit from Destruction Talos and use it to place a Destiny Counter on it and deal you 1000 points of damage!" Quattro yelled.

Following Quattro's words, Destruction Talos opened its mouth and let out a stream of flames at Dennis.

"I activate Performage Flame Eater's effect from my hand to not only negate the damage dealt by Talos's effect, but also summon it to my field as well!" Dennis stated as a small black figure with a hat and cape appeared.

Performage Flame Eater ATK 1200 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"Impressive tactic, but it was all for nothing." Quattro said, which confused Dennis. "Since Destruction Talos now has 3 counters on it when it becomes the End Phase, I automatically win the duel!"

"You win… as in an Automatic Victory?!" Dennis yelled. He couldn't believe this, literally a handful of cards have Automatic Victories, and he was facing a type of Xyz Monster he's never seen or faced.

"That's right, and there's nothing you can do about it!" Quattro exclaimed.

"Sure enough, I won't be able to last another turn against that Monster. In that case, I'll simply have to deliver the grand finale right now by defeating you during this turn!"

"Can you actually do that, though?" Quattro wondered. "Do you have any Monsters left in your Deck that can go toe-to-toe with my Xyz Monster and emerge victorious?"

"I most certainly do not!" Dennis admitted with a smile, causing Quattro to stumble due to his nonchalant declaration.

"However, there's more than one way to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, as any good Entertainment Duelist knows. So bear witness to the final performance of this Duel."

"If that's the case, then please show me!" Quattro exclaimed.

"I will!" Dennis replied as he began hopping from platform to platform looking for an Action Card before finally stumbling upon it as he picked it up immediately. First, I activate the Action Spell: Soul Draw to release Trapeze Witch to draw a card!"

Trapeze Witch suddenly burst into particles, while at the same time Dennis drew a card from his deck and smiled after seeing what it was

Since Trapeze Witch left the field, I can banish it along with Wonder Force in my grave to draw another card. Next, I activate the Spell Card, Xyz Evocation! This lets me revive any Xyz Monster in my graveyard by tributing a Spellcaster-Type Monster! Take a guess who!"

Flame Eater burst into particles as a tombstone appeared reading "Performage Trapeze Magician" in traditional Romaji. Following that, Trapeze Magician materialized in front of Dennis, baton out and prepared.

"He summoned back his ace monster…!" Shay said with a surprised tone.

"But it only has 2500 ATK, which isn't enough to destroy Quattro's Destruction Talos!" Kite pointed out.

Next, I activate the Spell Card, Stealth Strike, which allows Trapeze Magician to attack you directly at the cost of cutting its ATK in half." Dennis explained.

Performage Trapeze Magician ATK 2500→1250

"If Trapeze Magician succeeds in attacking Quattro directly, not only will Dennis win, but he'll also get his championship title." Shay said.

"I can't believe it's really happening. Quattro's going to lose." Kite added.

"This can't be! My son can't lose!" Byron shouted while Faker kept his eyes on the duel.

Dennis shouted as his monster began swinging towards the boy.

Go, Trapeze Magician! Attack Quattro directly!" Dennis shouted as his monster began swinging towards the boy

"In that case…" Quattro began jumping from platform to platform and after a few seconds of searching he found an Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell: Rocket Spike which will destroy your monster and deal you 1000 points of damage! You're finished!"

A pair of rockets had appeared from the sky and came crashing right down towards Trapeze Magician

"Hate to disappoint you, but it's the other way around!" Dennis retorted while standing above Quattro on a higher platform. "I activate the Action Spell: No Action! It negates your Action Card and destroys it!"

"No way!" Quattro shouted as his Action Card burst into particles.

"That means Trapeze Magician is safe and can continue his attack!" Dennis pointed out. "Now go Trapeze Magician! Continue where you left off and attack Quattro directly! Graceful Dive!' Dennis declared as his monster delivered a powerful double kick at Quattro, who yelled out in pain as he was sent flying and landed back on the ground.

Quattro: 50→0 LP

The screen on the blimp in the sky announcing Dennis's win appeared, as did fireworks.

"I can't believe it. I lost." Quattro said with a sad look on his face.

"Whew, that was fun, but also a bit exhausting." Dennis wiped his brow with one hand while offering the other to Quattro. "Don't you two think so?"

"Even if it was, it doesn't matter." Quattro replied as he took Dennis's hand and got back up. "I enjoy my duels more if they end my victory, and I wasn't able to accomplish that today."

"Maybe not, but you were able to accomplish something else." Dennis said as he pointed to the group of small children who watched their duel.

"Wow!" A little boy cheered.

"That duel was spectacular!" Another boy shouted.

You were outstanding Quattro! You too Dennis" A little girl said.

"We hope to see another duel between the two of you soon!" Another girl said.

"Yeah!" The rest of the kids shouted.

"They're still cheering for me? Even after I lost?" Quattro asked.

"What I learned from Yusho is that dueling isn't about winning or losing, but it's about having a great time and making everyone smile. And thanks to us, we managed to accomplish that." Dennis replied.

Quattro then smiled and looked at Dennis. "You know, you're right. After being a champion for a while, all you focus on is winning, but you helped open my eyes to the true meaning of dueling, and I thank you for that, Dennis. Or should I say champion?"

"Champion? If I recall, you're the regional champion." Dennis said, confusing Quattro.

"But we agreed that if I lost, you would get my title, did we not?" Quattro asked.

"We did, but I decided that I don't need to have a fancy title to be a hero in everybody's eyes, so long as I can make them smile just by being me, plus you earned that title."

"Thank you, I appreciate it." Quattro said. "Now, how about we go over and put on another great show for all those wonderful kids."

"Don't mind if I do!" Dennis replied as he Quattro ran over to the kids ready to entertain them even more.

Meanwhile….

As they travel between worlds, Zuzu looks down at Yuya.

"Do you think we'll be able to find Declan's father, as well as dealing with this new threat of an enemy?" Zuzu asked.

"To be honest, I'm not certain." Yuya replied. "But all I know is that we have to try our hardest and overcome any obstacle that tries to stop us.

''You're right! We can't let our nerves get the best of us. We just have to fight through and hopefully in the end we can rescue Leo and return home safely

Yuya then grip his Pendulum tight as he then looked straightforward. "No matter who or what this unknown enemy is, we'll stop them no matter what and make sure they won't hurt anyone else!"

Sorry, this took so long to finish, my schedule has been changed to early morning shifts, and everytime I go home, I'm always tired, plus I had a bunch of dental work that needed to be done. This is now the longest chapter I've written, so I hope you enjoy reading it.

Cards in bold in the text above are oc cards

Credit to SakushiRyu and Haou Zarc for helping me with retrains of Quattro's CXyz Monsters with their names, effects, and designs and letting me use some cards in their fanfics.

Credit to Dvdryms for letting me use cards in his fanfic

Credit to DivadX with helping me pick out a name and card image for Rank-Up-Magic Gimmick Chaos.

As always, like, review and comment on this and all chapters, and let me know of what you would like to see in the next or future chapter.