(A/N: Finally a chapter where I can address fandom concerns as the story progresses. Fortunately there aren't any. Let's go! Also, props to anyone plucking the Duel Links regular duelists out from the crowd when they're name dropped.)
For Makoto Naegi, Battle City was less about the climb to be the best and more about the spectacle going on throughout the day. After basking in the glow of his still unexpected and surreal victory over Rex Raptor, Makoto and Komaru walked throughout the city, seeing all manner of duels happening all over. It was truly a sight to behold.
As of right now, Makoto and Komaru were watching the end of one duel wrap up before they went inside the mall to grab lunch. The duelists were two no-names, a young man with black hair and a gray jacket, clearly old enough to be in college. His name was David. The other was a little girl with black pigtails and a purple jacket. She couldn't have been older than 6th grade, possibly younger. Her name was Bella.
"Sorry little lady, but this is where it ends. I summon Great Angus in attack position." A huge, hulking, pink beast monster appeared on the battlefield with 1800 attack points. Bella had no monsters on the field and only 300 life points left. David had 1000 and Bella's Dark Hole from last turn had rid the field of anything. "And now, attack!"
"W-wait a minute!" Bella declared. "M-my face-down card activates!" She activated the trap card Conscription. "N-now you have to reveal the top card of your deck a-and if it's a monster card that can be summoned, i-it goes to my side of the field. S-so, m-may I see the top card of your deck, please?" She asked in the kindest voice possible.
David nodded and held out his deck for Bella to take the top card off of it. She walked over and took the top card off of it. She looked excited as she ran back to her spot. "I-I Special Summon Hazy Flame…Hip…hyper…" Bella studied the card for a moment. It was difficult to decipher. "Ah! Hyppogrif! I summon Hazy Flame Hyppogrif!"
The look on David's face was anything, but ecstatic. He had already declared an attack and his monster was about to charge straight into Bella's. His monster was destroyed by the betrayal of his own card's flaming wing and he lost 300 life points, bringing him down to 700. And with no monsters to protect him, he had no defenses to put up. He looked at his hand and his field. No cards set except A Feint Plan and no magic or trap cards in his hand to stop a direct attack aside from Des Counterblow, but that wouldn't help in this scenario.
Realizing his imminent defeat and seeing the troubled look on Bella's face, he sighed and put his hand on the duel disk. "Congratulations, little girl. You win. I've got nothing in my hand that can stop a direct attack."
"I…I won?" Bella seemed confused.
"You win. Man, to be beaten by a fourth grader. Nicely played."
"I-I won?"
"You won," he said.
"I-I won!" Bella exclaimed and ran over to a woman that looked like her, jumping at her. "Mommy! I won!"
"Aww, cute," Komaru said with a smile, only to change gears and beckon Makoto inside, hand on his shoulder. "Come on, let's go get some lunch."
Makoto and Komaru walked into the mall and found a place to purchase some hotdogs from and sat down. There was KaibaCorp paraphernalia everywhere. Hell, there were even some other Duel Monsters related games open for non-tournament use like Dungeon Dice Monsters and Mokuba Kaiba's favorite game, Capsule Monsters. There was even a man dressed as the Lord of D giving out one free booster pack for everyone with a duel disk. Your duel disk was given a special scan to make sure its procurer hadn't already obtained a pack.
"You should get one, Makoto," Komaru said. "Come on, free stuff!"
"Y-yeah, o-okay, but the line's so long," Makoto said, noting how it was going down the hall and practically up the stairs to the second floor. "Maybe a little later, when it's less crowded. I mean, I still only have two locator cards and it's almost noon."
"Well, you could've challenged anyone to a duel," Komaru said. She smiled. "I know I want to have a good time and mom and dad made you take me along, but you should enjoy yourself too, Makoto."
"Yeah, but…"
Komaru gave him a serious look. "I know you might be afraid to duel again cause you got some awesome cards and don't want to give them up, but you'll be fine." Komaru gave him a reassuring smile. "I'll be right here cheering you on."
"Thanks Komaru, I—"
Just as Makoto started to talk, a very familiar song tune began to play on the loudspeakers. "Is that…?"
"EEEEEEEEEEEE!" Komaru squealed. "That's Apple Tree by Sweet Orchard. I love this song!"
Makoto sighed with a smile. It was hard not to recognize the #1 hit song currently in circulation. Sweet Orchard the most popular idol group in the nation, and its lead singer, Sayaka Maizono, went to Makoto's school.
"Say, Makoto, when are you going to get that autograph you promised me?" Komaru asked.
"Ah, well…" Makoto said, looking embarrassed, scratching his cheek. He was incredibly nervous about just approaching the most popular girl in school, let alone talking to her.
"Staaaaaaaaaare…" Komaru said, dictating her gaze.
As Makoto struggled for an answer, Komaru stopped and noticed something. "Wait…doesn't that music…sound a bit off to you?"
"Off?" Makoto asked. He listened. "Hey, now that you mention it. It does seem different from the soundtrack version. Maybe a remix?"
"No, it's too distinct." It hit Komaru and her hand slapped the small table in the mall. "Oh my gosh! Do you think they're live? HERE?!" Komaru looked like she was going to start frothing at the mouth.
"What? Why would they be here?" Makoto asked. That sounded ridiculous.
"Well there's a stage in this mall. Let's go see! Come on!" Komaru then suddenly leapt from the table, grabbing her brother's arm and dragging him towards the stage.
"Ack!" Makoto declared, barely able to keep a handle on his food as he was wrenched from the table.
Dashing excitedly towards the stage with excited, exaggerated breathing, Makoto and Celeste eventually came to a halt at the back of a large crowd. "Hey! Makoto, put me up on your shoulders," Komaru said excitedly. "I wanna see! I wanna see!"
"Fans of Sayaka, huh?" A guy in front of them said, turning around.
"She's on stage?" Komaru asked. "EEEEEEEE!" she squealed. "I didn't know Sweet Orchard was scheduled to perform in concert! I'm like a huge fan!"
"Actually this was kind of a last minute thing. The Kaiba Corporation had them flown in just last night for a big event for today. Apparently, Seto Kaiba himself footed the bill when he realized how much of a spectacle the tournament was going to be."
"No way!" Makoto gasped. "Sweet Orchard is like, super expensive for commission. How'd he pull that off?"
"Because he's Seto Kaiba that's why," a young, sharply dressed, blond man with blue eyes and glasses said, stepping up. "Honestly, spending money just to hire an idol group. That money could've been used to perform research and development, but instead he wastes it on frivolities like this."
"Sweet Orchard is not a frivolity!" Komaru shouted. "And you're in the presence of dozens of Sayakers, so watch out!"
The young man glanced aside. "Oh yes, dozens of rabid teenage females hoarding me because of something I said. Haven't dealt with that before."
Makoto looked at the young man with a scrutinized gaze. "Aren't you Byakuya Togami, head of the Togami family?"
Byakuya smirked. "I see at least someone has heard of me. Most of the people I run into in this tournament seem to only care about Seto Kaiba." Byakuya looked at Makoto, slightly irritated. "Yet without the Togami's technology advances in generations gone past, the Kaiba Corporation could not hope to stand where it is. And yet, it acts as though it has always been the Togami family's equal."
"Yeah, well at least the Kaiba Corporation doesn't have a history of slave trafficking!" Komaru shot back.
"That was two hundred years ago," Byakuya said, rather unfazed by her accusation. "I'm the new face of the company and I plan to use my money rather ethically."
"If you hate Kaiba Corp so much then why are you even here?" Makoto asked.
"Don't put words in my mouth," Byakuya said, only sounding irritated. "The Kaiba Corporation and the Togami corporation run perfectly in parallel isolation. It's just rather annoying that everyone can recognize Seto Kaiba for his genius, but not myself or my father. That's all I'm saying. Besides, Seto Kaiba graciously invited me." Byakuya prominently flashed his duel disk. "See?"
"You duel?" Makoto asked.
"I do indeed," Byakuya said. "With the best cards money can buy. And…" He said and flashed four locator cards. "I've been quite busy today, so I came to see Kaiba Corporation's idea of entertainment. I'm rather disappointed."
Komaru glared at Byakuya. "Makoto, shut this guy up!"
"What? Me?"
Byakuya looked highly amused. "It's cute that you think either one of you could take me in a duel. Sorry, but even if I felt like dueling peons like you, I already know who I'm taking my last two locator cards from." Byakuya spun on his expensive black heel and walked away without saying another word.
"What a jerk," Komaru said. "And thanks to him I couldn't enjoy the song."
"Thank you everyone," Sayaka's voice suddenly pierced through the air.
"EEEEEEE!" Komaru exclaimed. It wasn't often when she got to see Sweet Orchard in concert and even now definitely not this close to the stage.
"We hope you continue to enjoy our concert made possible by the Kaiba Corporation and please remember about our charitable donation pool, the set up for which is to the left of the stage. Please wait while we prepare for our hourly event." Sweet Orchard went backstage as people started to disperse.
"A donation pool?" Makoto asked.
"Oh, yeah," the guy from earlier said. "Apparently one of the members of Sweet Orchard got into a horrible car crash two years ago. They've been raising money to help her family adjust and it helps pay some extra expenses the group makes when it comes to lighting, sound boarding, recording and distribution."
"Oh, I heard about that," Komaru said. "Miho Nosaka, right?" She looked disheartened. "It was so sad too. I mean, she helped Sayaka so much when Sayaka was trying to get Sweet Orchard off the ground. It was fortunate Sayaka found someone to replace her so the band could continue, but still…"
"Drunk drivers, what can you do?" the guy asked.
"Let's go over and donate," Makoto said. "Anything to help Sayaka out."
"You're right, Makoto," Komaru agreed. The two excused their way through the crowd to the donation pool. Both stood in front of it as Makoto dropped a 1000 yen banknote into the donation jar, which had a picture of Miho and a small dedication shrine with incense burning and everything sitting with it. Komaru then quickly did the same.
As the two siblings went over to try and find a better spot to view the stage from, they noticed strange devices being hooked up from the floor and Kaiba Corp employees asking people to back a certain distance from the stage. Makoto noticed that people with duel disks and family members of people with duel disks were given priority standing room.
"Huh? Hey, kid," one of the employees called out. "You still in the tournament?"
"Ah, yes," Makoto gulped, quickly showing off his two locator cards. "And, um, this is my sister Komaru."
"This way, please," the employee said, escorting Makoto and Komaru into the front row.
"Wow, front row seating to a Sweet Orchard concert. I could kiss you, Makoto!"
Makoto just chuckled nervously. Komaru's fangirl behavior was easy to deduce.
The members of Sweet Orchard eventually came back on stage and Makoto noticed the specially spread, glowing tape on the ground. He blinked. "They're gonna duel?"
"What?" Komaru asked.
A few people sighed and actually left the front of the stage to head out of the mall.
"What's going on?" Makoto asked.
"It's an hourly thing the Kaiba Corporation set up," a girl wearing a pink school uniform said. She had reddish hair in a singular, twirling ponytail. "Sayaka will explain the rules in a minute. I've been here every hour on the hour. Not because I want to win, but because I want to have a chance to duel against Sweet Orchard."
"The whole group?" Makoto asked, looking at how each member of the band was standing behind a terminal.
"Like I said," the girl said, "She'll explain."
"Hello again, Battle City competitors. Are we all doing well today?"
A loud "YEAH!" resounded through the crowd accompanied by Komaru shouting, "We love you Sayaka!"
"Awww, I love you all too," Sayaka said. "But you know what they say, sometimes love is a bit rough and that's no better showcased than our dueling event sponsored by Kaiba Corp." Cheers went throughout the audience. "Here's how it works, one lucky duelist will be selected from the audience to duel me and my four group members. It's just like a tag duel with a few exceptions. Each member of Sweet Orchard can only play one monster card and one spell or trap card for each duelist. You're allowed your entire field. Each of us only gets 1000 life points, but you get the traditional 4000. However, after your turn, each member of Sweet Orchard still in the duel gets to go before you do."
"That sounds…really unfair," Makoto said. "You could lose all of your life points before you get to go again."
"That's why some people left," the girl next to him said.
"Now I know that sounds like an impossible task, but Seto Kaiba has promised a special reward to the winner along with a free locator card to those that are still in the tournament. You don't even have to risk one of yours. So, who's up for a duel?"
The duelists in the front row, besides Makoto all began screaming in volunteering to be Sweet Orchard's opponent. Makoto, slightly overwhelmed by the situation just stood there with a slack jaw.
Sayaka happened to notice this and then got a good look at Makoto, recognizing him from school. Makoto? For a brief moment, Sayaka forgot all about her career and focused solely on the boy that had rescued a crane from the school pond in middle school. She never got to talk to him about it, the moment long since past when they graduated and moved on to different high schools.
So many things she wanted to say, so many things Sayaka Maizono wanted to do, but she could not. Like a bird trapped in a cage, she had to stand on this stage and sing her heart out, or whatever her manager needed her to do. That was the life she had chosen, her dream, her paradise. She sacrificed everything for it, even love.
Biting the tip of her tongue on the inside of her mouth to ground herself to reality, Sayaka ceased her 2 and a half second spacing out and began to raise her free arm. Sorry about this, Makoto, she thought. But I have a show to put on. "You there in the green hoodie!" she shouted.
"M-Me?" Makoto stammered.
"You're already standing practically in the middle of the stage," Sayaka said with a sweet smile. "Get out your deck and duel disk and let's do this thing."
"Aw, man, I'm super jealous," the girl next to Makoto said. "If only I had your spot."
"I-I…" Makoto stuttered.
"THIS IS SO AWESOME!" Komaru shouted almost into Makoto's ear. Makoto sighed. Well, no backing out now.
Makoto geared up his duel disk as the crowd gave him some room and gave Sweet Orchard his toughest look. Each member of Sweet Orchard drew their hand with Sayaka in the middle.
"To make things a little bit fair, we'll go first," Sayaka said. "We'll duel counterclockwise."
"All right," Makoto said.
"May we have the name of our lucky participant?" Sayaka asked. Sorry, Makoto.
Makoto sounded disheartened. Sayaka didn't even know his name. "Makoto. Makoto Naegi," he answered.
"Well, Makoto," Sayaka said with a bright smile. "I'm looking forward to an amazing performance."
"Let's duel!" Everyone said at the same time.
The girl to the rightmost of Sayaka started the duel. "My draw," she said, picking the top card off her deck. "And I play Gentlemander in attack mode!" A pink, anthropomorphic salamander appeared in a suit and bowler hat, carrying an umbrella. He bounced around a few times, doing a little dance and then stood erect, umbrella pointed into the ground like a sword tip. "And next I'll equip him with the spell card Molting Escape. So now, every time he's destroyed, he comes back stronger than ever." Gentelmander took a bow, briefly taking his hat off as the girl said, "That ends my turn."
"I end my turn."
"My turn," the girl to her right said. "I play Shining Friendship and I equip it Silver Bow and Arrow." Out came a green fairy and a cupid's bow to go with it, bringing its attack power to 1600.
"Aww, cute," Komaru said. Makoto looked worried. "Er, I mean, deadly…very very deadly…but still so cute." Makoto sighed.
"It's my turn now," Sayaka said and drew the top card of her deck. "I play Dunames Dark Witch, in attack mode!"
"Whoa," Komaru said. Up until now she wasn't worried, but Dunames was a pretty powerful card for a first turn move. However, Sayaka didn't play a face-down card, so that gave Makoto at least something not to worry about."
"My turn," the girl next to Sayaka said. "And I'm playing Kanan the Swordmistress and one face-down card onto the field." The green-clad, long haired swordswoman appeared on the battlefield. She had 1400 attack and defense points.
"I'll bring up the rear," Sayaka's last band member said. "And I'll play Marshmallon in defense mode," she said, playing the squishy, indestructible gelatinous blob on her side of the field."
"Now make your move!" All five members of Sweet Orchard said in sync.
Makoto gulped and looked at his hand. He didn't like what was in it in the slightest. He had Dragon's Gunfire, Crushing Stampede, Mountain, Monster Reborn, and Pot of Greed and not a single monster card in his hand. He gulped. He was doomed already. No, if his draw was bad, there was still Pot of Greed.
"I-I draw," Makoto said and as his fortunate luck would have it, he drew the best card for this situation: his Alexandrite Dragon. All right! He exclaimed to himself. "Here's my counterattack!" Makoto shouted. "I play Alexandrite Dragon in attack mode!" His declaration surprised most of the duelists around him, even those not in the tournament. Alexandrite Dragon was incredibly rare, even among the professional circuit.
The jewel encrusted, 2000 attack point dragon appeared with a loud roar. "Next," Makoto said, activating a spell card. "I activate Stamping Destruction, destroying the only face-down card on the field!" Alexandrite dragon flew into the air and slammed down onto the face-down behind Kanen the Swordsmistress, destroying it and dealing 500 damage to its controller. Next, I'll activate Dragon's Gunfire!" Makoto declared, "And I'll use it to destroy Marshmallon."
Alexandrite Dragon took a deep breath and hit Marshmallon with a blast of flame, destroying it.
"Sorry, but I'm not attacking just yet," Makoto said. "I'm activating Pot of Greed, allowing me to draw two cards." Makoto drew the top two cards off his deck. "Next, I'm activating Graceful Charity, allowing me to draw three more cards, as long as I discard two." Everyone was looking at Makoto. Even Byakuya Togami, who had made his way upstairs, now looked down at Makoto's duel. This "charitable event" as Sayaka had called it was not as one-sided as he had envisioned. It was currently still intriguing.
"Now I play Monster Reborn!" Makoto shouted. "And I'll use it to bring the Tri-Horned Dragon that I discarded to my graveyard!"
A big, blue, wingless dragon appeared. It had 2850 attack points. "And next," Makoto said, getting the audience to glue their eyes to Makoto because he still wasn't done yet. "I'll play Mountain, raising my monsters' attack points by 200 each." Alexandrite dragon now had 2200 attack points and Tri-Horned Dragon had 3050.
Sweet Orchard collectively gulped.
"Tri-Horned Dragon, attack Shining Friendship!" Makoto shouted. "Golden Claw Strike!" Tri-Horned dragon honed in and slashed the fairy down to size, de-illuminating the terminal of the player behind it.
"And now, Alexandrite Dragon, attack Gentlemander!" Makoto declared, pointing at the monster. Alexandrite Dragon swooped in towards the sharply dressed salamander, which looked pale. "Too bad for you," Makoto said. "Molting Escape might be useful to prevent Gentlemander from being destroyed, but it doesn't prevent battle damage and thanks to Mountain, I have just enough attack power to take out all of your life points."
Alexandrite dragon's large, powerful talons, crushed in Gentlemander and obliterated its controller's life points.
"My turn is over," Makoto said, "But not before I place two cards face-down on the field. It's your turn, Sayaka!" Makoto shouted, pointing at her. "My hand is empty."
The audience was in awe at Makoto's counterattack. The other two duelists that had participated in this event up until now hadn't even managed to take out one member of Sweet Orchard on their first move and here Makoto had taken out two. Maybe he could win.
"It's my turn," Sayaka said. She drew the top card of her deck. "I use Change of Heart to take control of your Tri-Horned Dragon!" Sayaka declared.
"Uh oh," Makoto said.
"Next, I'll use your own monster to destroy Alexandrite Dragon!" Sayaka declared, letting her stolen monster destroy Makoto's dragon, reducing his life points down to 3450. "Next, I'll use Dunames Dark Witch to attack your life points directly. "Go! Valhalla Arrow!" A purple blast of energy hit Makoto's side of the field and brought his life points down to 1650. She giggled. "I guess I'll play a card face-down and end my turn, Makoto."
"Thanks," Makoto said as Tri-Horned Dragon returned to his side of the field. Those cards must've been supplied by KaibaCorp he thought. If Sayaka was always this good, she should go pro if she wasn't an idol, or at least have done something like this before with how popular the game is.
"It's my turn," Sayaka's group member said. "And I'm sacrificing Kanen to play Millenium Shield in defense mode."
It won't be enough, Makoto thought. Tri-Horned Dragon can get right through it, but it's in defense mode, so I can't damage her life points.
"My move," the last member of Sayaka's group said. "I draw." She took one look at Makoto's monster and said, "I place a card face-down on the field and end my turn."
"My draw," Makoto said and looked at it. "I place a monster face-down on the field and end my turn. And now, Tri-Horned Dragon attacks directly!"
Sayaka giggled. "I thought you might do that, so I have this trap card, Magical Arm Chain," Sayaka said.
"What?" Makoto gasped.
"This trap card lets me target any monster on the field and redirect your attack to it. And I select Millenium Shield."
"And that's not all," Sayaka's group member that was getting attacked directly said. "I play my trap card: Mirror Wall, cutting your attack points in half."
Komaru gasped. "Makoto!"
"I've got it under control," Makoto said with confidence. "Activate the trap card Burst Breath!" he shouted, revealing a trap card of a dragon breathing onto the ground. "Thanks to this trap card, though I lose Tri-Horned dragon, the attack is cancelled and all monsters with less defense than Tri-Horned dragons defense are destroyed, like Dunames Dark Witch."
Sayaka gasped. It was a clever move than an amateur like her with loaned cards had not seen coming. "It's your move, Sayaka," Makoto said.
"Very well," Sayaka said and drew the top card off of her deck. "I play Element Valkyrie, in attack mode!" Sayaka played a weaker fairy-type monster with 1500 attack points and carrying a baton that was on fire on either end. "And she shall attack your face-down monster!" Sayaka shouted. Element Valkyrie went in for the attack, attacking Makoto's face-down monster and revealing Makoto's Wall of Illusion, a giant red wall with a purple face. "Ah, no!" Sayaka gasped seeing the defense points. She lost 350 life points, bringing her total to 650.
"And there's more," Makoto said. "Since Wall of Illusion was attacked, your monster goes back to your hand."
Element Valkyrie's hologram de-activated and Sayaka returned it to her hand. "I shall place a card face-down and end my turn," she said.
She passed the baton to her band member. "My draw," her band member said. "And I'll sacrifice Millennium Shield now to play Mr. Volcano." A dapper looking man with a flaming arm and red hair appeared. "He might return to my hand after this, but you've got no cards in your hand, so go Mr. Volcano, attack Makoto's Wall of Illusion."
"Sorry, but you've activated my trap card, Magic Cylinder!" Makoto declared. "Your attack is not only cancelled, you take damage to your life points equal to your monster's attack points."
"No way," Sayaka's group member said in dismay as she watched Mr. Volcano's flames get sucked up into the cylinder, which then rotated and fired it right back at both of them, bowling her over and dropping her life points to zero.
Three down, two to go, Makoto told himself. His sister watched with baited breath.
This is the most exciting duel I've ever watched Makoto play, even more than Rex. She paused her thoughts for a moment. Okay, so I'm biased because it's Sweet Orchard, but it's still pretty cool.
"My draw," Sayaka's remaining group member said. "I'll play Cost-Down," she said. "By discarding one card from my hand, all the monsters in my hand get their level lowered by two. This allows me to play Nekogal number two in attack mode." A strange, bestial creature with insect wings, boobs and antennae appeared on the battlefield with 1900 attack points and 2000 defense points. It also had furry claws and hands. "Nekogal number two, attack Wall of Illusion."
Makoto's wall was destroyed by a scrape of Nekogal's claws, sending it back to her hand as per Makoto's monster's effect, but it was worth it to clear his field. "My turn is over," she said.
Finally, Komaru found the gusto to say something. "Come one, Makoto! You can do it! Have faith in your deck and win this thing!"
"Yeah!" Makoto exclaimed and drew the top card off of his deck. "I play Blackland Fire Dragon in attack mode!" He shouted. Sayaka and her group member were both alarmed by this. Makoto looked at both their fields and decided upon a course of action. "Blackland Fire Dragon," he said, pointing to Sayaka's comrade, "Attack!" Making a judgment on a matter of heart, Makoto wanted this to come down to him and Sayaka, her trap card be damned.
With a direct attack from Blackland's Flame Gale, Sayaka's last group member fell to Makoto's deck. Now it was just the two of them and Makoto was the only one with a monster on the field and it was one of his favorites.
"Aww, did you purposely make it come down to just you and the star, Makoto?" Sayaka asked. "Let me show you why that wasn't the smartest idea."
Makoto opened his mouth to speak, but all that came out was a hoarse whisper. Would it be appropriate to bring up the past? Then again, Sayaka asked for his name, so she probably didn't even remember him.
Of course, that couldn't be further from the truth. Thank you, Makoto, Sayaka thought. This means a lot to me. There are so many things I want to tell you, so many things I want to ask, but…I'm on stage and we're of two different worlds now. Sayaka placed her hand on her deck, eyes focused. But no matter what, thank you for the duel. If nothing else, I'm glad I was able to see you again. "Draw!" Sayaka pulled the top card off her deck. "I'll play my Element Valkyrie again," she said.
"Huh? But why? Blackland Fire Dragon has more attack points thanks to my field spell," Makoto said, confused.
"Which is why I activate my trap card from last turn," Sayaka said, showing off a Spartan looking man surrounded by a purple border. "Inspiration!" This trap card raises my monster's attack points by 700. Element Valkyrie's attack points climbed to 2200. "Now, go Element Valkyrie, destroy Blackland Fire Dragon! Element Baton attack!"
Sayaka's monster darted forward and dodged Blackland's fire breath when it came in and then, with a spin of its baton, sent Blackland Fire Dragon tumbling to the ground, knocking it out as it dispersed into shards of light. Makoto's life points fell to 1150. Sayaka's were still only little more than half that at 650. "My turn is done, but not before I place another card face-down onto the field," Sayaka said.
What could that be? Makoto wondered. Maybe it's another inspiration or even a Mirror Force. He became hesitant as his hand lingered on his deck. If I'm unlucky this whole duel could collapse out from underneath me. Makoto shook his head. No, don't think like that. It's clear what I have to do. He took a deep breath. Sayaka can only play one monster on the field at a time, so even if I can't play a monster that can stop her, I can delay the game by playing something in defense position. Unless her trap card is Meteorain or if she's bluffing with Fairy Meteor Crush, she won't be able to get at my life points even if she sacrifices a monster. Feeling more level-headed, Makoto concentrated on a victory strategy and what he needed to draw to turn this duel around. There are three cards in my deck that could give me an edge, Trap Hole if she decides to sacrifice her monster for a bigger monster. I don't know if Sayaka would do that instead of going for the obvious victory, but it's a possibility. There's also my Spellbinding Circle, which I could use to stop her only monster in its tracks. And last, I've got Magician of Faith, Makoto said to himself. If she's destroyed, I can get Monster Reborn back to my hand and bring back any of my dragon monsters to finish the duel. His eyes flew open. Let's do this. "My draw!" Makoto declared and drew the top card off of his deck. He drew The Illusionary Gentleman. Still, it was something.
"I place a monster face-down in defense position and end my turn," Makoto said.
"Then I'll go," Sayaka said and drew the top card off of her deck. "And I shall sacrifice my Element Valkyrie for a stronger monster."
Makoto gulped.
"I play Tethys, the Goddess of Light in attack position!" Sayaka summoned a fairy-type monster that was one of the epitomes of her pure, virgin image as an idol singer and a monster she decided was a must-have for her deck. A beautiful fairy with large, detached white wings and snow-white hair with a snow-white gown and a reinforced portion of the gown on her chest appeared. She had 2400 attack points and 1800 defense points.
Everyone was in awe of the beauty and grace of Sayaka's card. With a giggle and a smile, she then said, "Next, I reveal my trap card, Meteorain. This allows me to enact battle damage to you even if your monster is in defense position."
Makoto gasped. He was in real trouble right now with that card. Fortunately, he would survive. "Tethys, attack with your holy aura attack!"
A bright flash gave off from Tethys as it consumed the battlefield and destroyed Makoto's monster, bringing him down to 350 life points, almost half of Sayaka's.
Sayaka giggled. "It's your turn Makoto, make it count."
Makoto nodded, gulped and drew. Now he needed Magician of Faith more than ever. Please, he said, clenching his eyes shut. Please! He drew the top card. Komaru gulped, hoping Makoto drew what he needed. It was, fortunately for him, the Magician of Faith. With a deep breath, he then played it and said, "I place a monster face-down and end my turn. Go ahead, Sayaka." It's all right, he thought. "If she had Fairy Meteor Crush in her hand, she would've played it last turn. So unless she draws it, I'm clear to continue this duel."
Sayaka drew the top card off her deck. It was a monster card, though Makoto stood there with baited breath hoping it was not a card that could inflict piercing battle damage.
"I attack with Tethys," Sayaka declared. "Celestial aura!"
Makoto's monster was destroyed, the Magician of Faith. Sayaka gasped. She knew that card. Everybody did. "Magician of Faith's effect activates!" he declared. "And the magic card I select is Monster Reborn!"
Sayaka looked distraught. She knew what Makoto's plan was and why he looked so relieved now when she drew that monster. She looked at her hand. Perhaps there was a trap card she could use to stop it. She had nothing. I…I know, a bluff, she thought. She quickly slapped the first spell card she could find in her hand: Last Will. "I place a card face-down on the field!" she declared.
"All right," Makoto said. "Then it's my turn. First, I draw." He drew the top card off his deck, but didn't pay it any mind for now. Unless Sayaka botched his plan, victory was already assured. "I activate Monster Reborn!" he declared. "Now Tri-Horned Dragon comes back from the graveyard in attack position! And thanks to my Mountain field spell his attack points are more than enough to destroy Tethys and just enough to take out all of your life points!"
Tri-Horned dragon re-emerged to the battlefield in a flash of light and a roar.
Makoto, Sayaka thought with a smile. You really are incredible.
"Tri-Horned Dragon attack!" Makoto shouted, "Destroy her Tethys, the Goddess of Light! Golden Claw Slash!"
With a powerful claw slash, Tri-Horned Dragon attacked and took out all of Sayaka's life points and her monster down as well, ending the duel.
"YAHOOOOOOOO!" Komaru shouted. "You won, Makoto!"
"Yes, congratulations," Sayaka said with her best smile. "Let's hear it for Makoto Naegi, ladies and gentleman. How about a big round applause?" With a silent cue given by a wave of her hand, confetti was dropped down onto Makoto as a bunch of people began chanting his name.
"Yo, you rock, Makoto," the girl that had been standing next to him said. "That was an awesome duel!"
Makoto just smiled and rubbed his hand behind his head.
"It will take some time to appropriate the proper victory card to give our fine winner," Sayaka said. "We invite our victor to join us later for a commemorative photo where they will obtain their free locator card and rare card. Until the next hour, ladies and gentlemen, this is Sweet Orchard signing off!"
The crowd dispersed and Sweet Orchard was able to go back to the area in the mall reserved for them to lounge and, if needed, change clothes. Makoto and Komaru had finished their lunch and Makoto was now sitting down with his free pack of cards from the Lord of D mascot. He was about to open them.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Komaru asked. "Go on."
Makoto nodded and tore open the package. Inside the pack were a bunch of situational magic and trap cards that any pro-duelist wouldn't really need. Well…the first six were anyway. The next card was a weak monster that could attack directly and the 8th card was Crimson Sentry. Makoto sighed. As he figured, he got a bad pack of cards. Well, that was until he saw the 9th card: Maiden of Macabre."
"Whoa," Komaru said, looking at it, "That card sounds super useful. Trade ya!"
"With what? Did you even bring your deck?" Makoto asked.
Komaru only laughed nervously. She just wanted the card.
"Uh huh," Makoto said, practically rolling his eyes and tucked the card away into his deck where it belonged. A card like that was too useful to pass up. 1700 attack points for no sacrifices and it got stronger with every monster it defeated? Sign him up.
"Well, at least you got one useful card out of it," Komaru said.
"Yeah, I suppose," Makoto said. He then saw a Kaiba Corp employee approach him.
"Makoto Naegi, right?"
"Y-yes, sir," Makoto said.
"You and your sister can follow me. Sweet Orchard is ready to meet with you."
Komaru squealed again. "We get to meet Sweet Orchard. This is going to be great."
"Just a few ground rules to cover," the employee said as he encouraged Makoto and Komaru to follow him.
"Oh?" Makoto asked.
"No recording devices of any kind are to be used during the interaction and Sweet Orchard's own security staff is free to act at their discretion in accordance with their own contract. Kaiba Corp is not responsible for any injuries incurred due to acts of foul play or misconduct. No photographs can be taken except for the commemorative photo and autographs can only be taken on paper, the photo itself or the back of a duel monster's card. No articles of clothing can be removed with the exception of scarves, hats, gloves, ties, coats and shoes."
"So basically, no flashing skin, right?" Makoto asked, making sure if he got too warm that his hoodie was okay to take off.
The employee seemed to get what Makoto was driving at. "Yeah, your hoodie's fine, kid. But no funny business."
"Oh please, you don't have to worry about, Makoto," Komaru said. "He's harmless."
The employee stopped in front of a lounge that was locked and closed off, the employees that typically ran it being given paid leave for the day because Kaiba Corp. With a key he'd been given, he opened the door to the lounge where the members of Sweet Orchard were inside. Sayaka immediately got up and walked over to Makoto with a smile.
"Nice to see you, Makoto," she said. "Glad you could make it."
"Nice…to see me?" Makoto didn't think Sayaka would be so friendly with someone she'd just met.
Sayaka was going to explain herself, only to say. "Security, could you please excuse our Kaiba Corp representative out."
"Yes, Miss Maizono." The security team gently escorted Makoto's escort out.
"There," Sayaka said. "Now everything's just between you, me, Sweet Orchard, your sister and security, total isolation."
Makoto was still confused.
Sayaka giggled. "I'm saying that as long as you promise nothing leaves this room I can afford to be a bit…unprofessional. That Kaiba Corp guy told you the rules, right?"
"Uh…yeah."
"Well then, it's nice to see you again," Sayaka smiled.
"Wait…huh?" Makoto asked.
"Wait, so are you saying…you remember Makoto from middle school?" Komaru asked.
"Of course I do," Sayaka said. "Well, I mean, we never really interacted, but I saw him a lot in passing."
"Tell him about the crane story!" One of her group members hollered.
"I was getting to that!" Sayaka exclaimed, turning around, embarrassed.
"Crane story?" Now it was Komaru's turn to be confused.
"I'll get to that," Sayaka said. "I'm just actually really happy we were able to meet, and under these circumstances no less." She looked distraught. "I mean, all throughout middle school you never talked to me once." She hung her head. "You never even looked at me."
"Well, I mean, you're a celebrity. I couldn't go around staring at you. I'd look like a stalker," Makoto said. "Wait, how do you know I never looked at you?"
"Well…that's because…umm…" Sayaka whirled her head around. She could already see her group members making faces and being obnoxious about the situation. "H-hey! K-Knock it off!" she exclaimed, shaking a fist and turning red. "You said you'd be nice. You know how I feel about the situation."
"Oh just kiss him and get a room," one of them said. "We'll keep it legit."
Sayaka turned bright red and said nothing in defense.
"Um, Sayaka!"
"Ignore them! Ignore them completely!" She exclaimed, turning around and waving her hands back and forth very close to Makoto's face. He could've clamped his teeth down on one of them she was getting so invasive of his personal space. Her face was also as red as an apple. "E-Excuse me a moment!" Sayaka ran to the bathroom embarrassed, locking the door behind her.
"Did…did I do something wrong?" Makoto asked.
"Nah," one of Sayaka's group members said from the couch. "Take a seat and give her a few."
"We…we can sit next to you?" Komaru asked.
"Sure," the same group member said.
"EEEEE!" Komaru squealed and practically jumped onto the couch. "Oh! My gosh! You all are like, my favorites EVER! I spend all of my monthly allowance on your merchandise! I have all of your CDs, your posters, even some limited edition t-shirts and figurines! I'm a HUGE fan!"
"Sure sounds like it," one of the group members said.
"Well if you're such a big fan, certainly you know our names too," another group member said.
"Of course I know who you are, Ayaka," Komaru said. And named the other three members, starting with the one with short, reddish hair, "Chiemi." She looked at the member of Sayaka's group that could pose for Sayaka's twin except she had brown hair in a ponytail. "Azumi." She looked at the last member who had the same hair color as Sayaka's, but in a different style. "Satomi."
"Wow, impressive," Azumi said, "Most people just thing it's all about Sayaka when they say they're fans of ours. You actually know the whole group."
"Yeah, I'm actually a long-time fan of you guys too." She sighed. "Poor Miho."
"Oh, Miho," Azumi sighed. She then dramatically shouted. "It should be you next to Sayaka on stage, not me!" she wailed, fists clenched.
"There, there," Chiemi said. "Breathe, Azumi."
Ayaka, letting Chiemi do her thing, did her best to get Makoto and Komaru in the same glance of her vision. Makoto was still standing quite a distance and constantly taking passing glances at the bathroom. "So, is the dim bulb a huge fan too, or did you just drag him here?"
"Huh? Me?"
Komaru laughed. "Hey, come on, could a dim bulb outperform such an amazing challenge?" Komaru asked.
"He got lucky," Ayaka said flatly. "He kept drawing cards that kept him in the game."
"Luck's a whole part of Duel Monsters, though," Makoto said getting fired up.
"Well, I suppose I'm not one to talk really," Ayaka said. "We did sort of get a crash course basic understanding of the game last night by Kaiba Corp. Of course, Sayaka and Chiemi have played the game before."
"Sayaka's played it before?" Makoto asked.
"Yeah, in elementary school," Azumi said only to sigh.
Makoto had a sharp intuition as to why. "Miho?"
"Mmmhmm," Azumi said. "Let her borrow a deck every time. Well, at least until they started to talk more seriously about starting Sweet Orchard, which was around the time Satomi and I got involved."
Around this time the door to the bathroom opened and Sayaka looked refreshed and good as new. "Sorry to keep you all waiting. So, how about that photo?"
Before Makoto could agree, Komaru said, "Sayaka, I didn't know you used to play Duel Monsters."
"W-well," Sayaka said looking nervous, "It's kind of an old, faded hobby."
"Faded? Why?" Makoto asked.
"Well, I've had to make a lot of sacrifices to get where I am. That unfortunately had to be one of them." Sayaka looked distraught. "I gave all my cards to Miho, bless her soul."
Makoto now also looked distraught. He knew of Miho. After all, who didn't? Sayaka repeatedly referred to Miho as her "best friend", especially after Miho's accident.
"If things had been different, it probably would've been her dueling up on stage alone with the rest of us doing choreography in support. Duel Monsters was her favorite hobby."
When drear and sadness permeated through the group, it took Azumi to go, "S-so, who's up for that photo? Let's get all smiles and cheer? Heh heh heh."
Sayaka sighed. "Azumi's right. Miho wouldn't want to see us all looking sad. In fact, if she saw that duel, I bet she'd be really happy that I got to duel again. And thanks, Makoto. I know it's only been a little while, but you have no idea how much it means to me that I got to talk to you like this."
"That's my brother for you, expert duelist. I'll bet anything if he goes down at all in this tournament, it's gonna be to be to a Legendary Duelist, like Yugi, Joey or Kaiba. Did you know he beat Rex Raptor earlier today?" Komaru asked, looking pent up. "I bet you didn't?"
"Rex Raptor? Rex Raptor? Is he famous?" Sayaka had no idea who he was.
"Um, he was the regional finalist alongside Weevil Underwood."
Sayaka laughed. "Oh, so he's not as important as those other three anymore. It's hard to keep up with an old fad, you know." Makoto didn't know if Sayaka was serious or not with the way she was giggling. He decided to just drop it.
"Show him the rare card we decided on," Azumi suggested.
Sayaka nodded and ruffled her dress, eventually finding the card she'd taped to the inside of it. "Ah, here it is," she said, taking the rolled up tape off the back and handing it to Makoto. "I wasn't sure if you'd like it, but well we went through the 12 different cards Mr. Kaiba had given us and figured you might like it. You can look at the other eleven if you want, but we figured you'd want this one given the type of deck you used."
Makoto flipped the card over and his jaw went slack when he saw what was in his hand: Tyrant Dragon.
"I think he likes it," Azumi chuckled.
"I-I can really have this?" This didn't seem real to Makoto. Next to Blue-Eyes, this was the go-to dragon-type monster. It only had 100 fewer attack points than the unobtainable Blue-Eyes after all.
"You earned it by winning," Sayaka said. "I'm glad you like it. I figured you would. After all, I'm psychic."
"You…what?"
Sayaka giggled. "Kidding. I'm kidding. I just have really good intuition. Now come on, let's take that photo."
Much to Komaru's annoyance, the commemorative photo was just between Makoto and Sayaka with a green-screen effect as she handed him both locator card and Tyrant Dragon. Makoto was seeing stars after the photo.
After the photo, he and Komaru were escorted over to the door so they could be excused to go along their merry way, the Kaiba Corp employee still outside guarding the lounge.
"Sorry we have to cut this short, Makoto," Sayaka said. "But we've got to go back on in a little while."
"I understand," Makoto said. "Sorry I can't stand around and watch you sing the whole time."
"I know," Sayaka said. "You've got a tournament to compete in."
"Sayaka and Makoto, sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" Her group started to chant, teasingly.
"AHHHHHH!" Sayaka shrieked, turning red and yelling at them, fists flailing. "Shutupshutupshutuuuup!"
Makoto wanted to say something, anything really, but, well, this was how it had to be for now. Sayaka was an idol. He was, at this point, a professional duelist far as he was concerned. This was probably the last time their paths would cross like this. And, as far as he was concerned, he was okay with that.
"So, um, I'll see you around, I suppose," Makoto said nervously, finding his voice. "Um, I'll be cheering for you every time I see one of your concerts."
"And I'll be cheering for you too, Makoto. Well, assuming you make it to the finals of course."
"Then I'll make it to the finals," Makoto said. "Just so you have the opportunity to see me duel because, you know, I've always been able to watch you in your efforts."
"Oooooooh," her group went collectively. Sayaka resorted to a simple, icy glare, which proved far more effective to shutting them up than her previous flustered outbursts.
She then giggled. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, Makoto. Good luck out there."
Makoto nodded. "Come on, Komaru," he said, beckoning his sister as he began to walk out.
"It was nice meeting you," Komaru said, bowing as she left. "Ah! Um! Quick! I…uh…"
"Oh don't worry," Sayaka said, handing Komaru a group of common Duel Monsters cards, five in total, each one signed by a different member of the band. "I thought ahead of time, cuz I'm psychic." She giggled again. "Kidding, just kidding."
Komaru looked at the cards. They were the five monsters Sayaka and Sweet Orchard had used in the duel on the first turn. "Oh wow, I can have these?"
"Sure, why not? We have like a dozen copies of every card," Sayaka said cheerfully.
"You rock, Sayaka!" Komaru exclaimed. "I knew there was a reason, Sweet Orchard was my favorite group. I gotta show this to Makoto!" Komaru ran out the door. "Makoto, wait up!"
With Komaru gone, Sayaka turned around, switching back from casual to professional mode on a dime. She clapped her hands promptly twice. "All right, girls, from the top. We've got thirty minutes until our next performance. Let's squeeze in some practice!"
The group groaned, but accepted Sayaka's demand. Sweet Orchard was serious business to her after all and it was only by following Sayaka that the group stayed at the top of the charts.
As Makoto and Komaru made it outside, Komaru called out to him. "Hey, Makoto, check it out. Look what Sayaka gave me!"
"Oh wow, those are the cards we used to duel," Makoto said.
"Uh huh. So going to put Dunames in my deck later. Man the Kaiba Corporation rocks," she said, pent up. "Oh, that reminds me." Komaru said and grabbed Makoto's ear and pulled. "Are you daft?"
"Ow, ow! What do you mean?"
Komaru let go. "What do I mean? Sayaka's totally into you. Why didn't you say anything? You like don't shut up about her even though I've been a fan of the whole group for like, ever."
"But she's not allowed to have a boyfriend. She's an idol singer."
"That doesn't matter. Idol Singers only last so long. You should've said something like…" Komaru trailed off, ran her hand through her hair and tilted her head back, doing her best to mimic Makoto's voice…and failing, "We should totally be a thing, darling, well, when you retire from being an idol."
"Komaru, that sounds nothing like me," Makoto pointed out plainly.
"Who cares? The point stands! I didn't say anything because I didn't want to cause a scene because it might've upset Sayaka, but…aaaagh! You're an idiot!"
"Komaru, be honest, you just want to be able to call Sayaka your sister, don't you?" Makoto asked.
"S-so what if I do, is that a crime?"
Her bias is showing again, Makoto thought. It didn't matter to him if Sayaka was totally into him. Even if Komaru was right—and she was—Makoto really didn't think he should've said anything. Even if that environment was isolated, if he said anything about his expressed interest, he didn't want to entice Sayaka to quit early. And, besides, there were better people than him to be Sayaka's lover down the line. Not to mention that the internet would explode. He could see the headlines already: "Local Guy Ruins Everything".
"Would you feel more confident if you won the tournament?" Komaru asked.
"Huh?"
"Don't just 'huh' me," Komaru said. "Sayaka said she'd be watching, right? So wow her with your dueling skills. Show her that under that uncertainty and dimwittedness there's a man she can count on with amazing dueling talent. Her career might only last a short while, but yours can last until your too old to remember what a trap card is."
Makoto had to admit, Komaru wasn't wrong. "Well, I guess I'll give it some thought," he said. "But only if I win the tournament."
"Sure, sure," Komaru said.
"And you know that that means beating Yugi Mutoh or Seto Kaiba to get there, right?"
"I…well…" Komaru said. "M-maybe you'll get lucky."
"Right, lucky," Makoto said dismissively. "Let's go, Komaru." He walked away.
"You can't just walk away from my hopes and dreams like that!" Komaru exclaimed. "Listen to your sister's burning desires!"
As Komaru continued to nag him, Makoto thought about what she had suggested. If he was being perfectly honest with himself, the idea of dating, even marrying Sayaka didn't seem like a bad idea, but something about it just seemed…overwhelming. Still, if it did happen naturally, he'd hardly complain about it. He did like her after all, but now was not the time for them to think about pursuing each other in romance. Now he had to focus on the reason he'd come to Domino City: to compete in the Battle City tournament. And now that Sayaka would be watching him, he had something else pushing him: a drive to win the Battle City tournament.
As he and Komaru walked, they noticed a sharply dressed young man on the street corner. He appeared to be waiting for something. Makoto recognized him. It was Byakuya Togami.
"Ah, Byakuya," Makoto said.
"You!" Komaru exclaimed, getting pent up.
"Makoto, correct?" Byakuya asked.
"What's it to ya, ya rude jerk?" Komaru asked.
Byakuya adjusted his glasses. "It doesn't happen often, but a Togami admits when he is wrong." He glanced away from Makoto. "I said before that I didn't think you would be easy to take down in a duel, or something to that effect." Byakuya readjusted his gaze back to Makoto, "But it seems you're far more competent that I gave you credit for. I've got my eye on you, Makoto Naegi. You do plan to get to the finals, correct?"
"Yeah, I do," Makoto said.
"Then I shall see you there and when our paths cross, I trust you will be able to provide me with a true challenge before I inevitably crush you."
"What the…you jerk! You're still acting like you're better than my big brother!"
"Because it's the truth. If we dueled, I have no doubt I would win. However, what I said before was inaccurate: that you were not a challenge. That much I've corrected," Byakuya said with a self-satisfied grin, "And I've corrected that error." He then gave a cold glance and intended to head out in the opposite direction where Komaru and Makoto came from. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a specific duelist in mind that I intend to remove a locator card from. I bid you two, adieu." Byakuya then walked away.
"What a jerk," Komaru said, frowning. "Saying stuff and then acting all high and mighty. I oughta kick 'em where the sun doesn't shine. That'll teach him."
"K-Komaru," Makoto was relieved she was getting so angry, but that was getting a little too angry.
"We'll show him cause you're gonna win," Komaru said. "Now come on, let's go find you a duel to win." Komaru stormed off.
"Wait, Komaru!" Makoto exclaimed. He sighed. Well, at least she was fired up for him. He gazed up at the sky and made a silent vow, a vow that he would get to the finals for both his sister and Sayaka. And, well, he figured, it would be cool if his parents saw him on TV too. No more was the boy who just wanted to have a good time. Makoto was in it to win it now and nothing, but a bad draw or an ill-timed trap card could stop him now.
As Makoto took a step forward, he tripped over his poorly tied shoelaces.
Okay…apparently shoelaces could stop him too, though not for long and as Komaru helped him up and Makoto fixed his laces, he prepared to get set and head out to look for his next challenge to bring him one step closer to the finals and one step closer to glory.
(A/N: I decline to comment on any ship tease in the series. I actually didn't think this chapter would be as long as it was, but then I started to come up with ideas, like expanding on the donation drive for Miho, which was always part of this chapter and giving resident Duel Links Woobie, Bella, a much needed, legitimate "Throw the Dog a Bone". Next chapter we'll be going back to Hajime and Chiaki and, like Makoto, our other Danganronpa protagonist is going to get a much needed kick to his pants to light a fire in his soul. Until then, as always, from all of me, to all of you, let your hearts stay human and your wrath draconic. Ja ne!)