Welcome back everyone, sorry for the long wait! This chapter is ALSO very different from its predecessor, so I hope that makes up for it! A thank you to SoulMatter, DigimonKaiser00, Zeromk7, ZarcEternal, and AngelDogCat, for reviewing the last chapter, and Her Majesty was pleased to see more than one earthling recognize her.
[Using Anime/Manga Effects.]
Shiunin Sora's POV
My words were loud and clear and they faintly echoed in the otherwise silent throne room as I gave my detailed daily report to the sovereign of the Fusion Dimension and Academia, who was staring down at me from his lofty throne with his usual, stone-cold face that didn't betray his emotions.
Just reciprocating his gaze gave me chills. It's no wonder he's our leader: his charisma and leadership skills are second to none—and that's saying something; crazy people work for him, like Yuri and Sanders just to name a few.
I noticed his eyes narrowed at the mention of the Xyz Remnant and the odd phenomenon involving Yuzu's bracelet; a common reaction at such news. He didn't interrupt me so I continued talking.
"There would be one more thing, Professor. There's a chance I've encountered a Defector who escaped to the Standard Dimension and infiltrated You Show School."
Here comes the moment of truth. Ever since the words 'Contact Fusion' left Vince's mouth this afternoon, I've been dying to find out if he's actually a Defector!
"Go on." the Professor said.
"This person is aware of the existence of Contact Fusion Summoning," I explained. "Citizens of the Standard and Synchro Dimension should be unfamiliar with it, as it is a weapon exclusive to Academia. He can't be an Xyz Remnant either, after all, he and the other one didn't recognize each other and he utilizes multiple Summoning Methods. The Defector's name is Sakushi Vincent, and he owns a Mythorror deck that was—"
"Mythorror? Mythorror, you say!?" the Professor's shout instantly silenced me.
"Y-Yes, Professor!" I quickly replied to avoid angering him more. Why did he react like that...?
Akaba Leo, the sovereign of the Fusion Dimension and Academia, looked frightened. He stared at the ground with wide eyes and mumbled incoherent things into his right hand like a madman you only get to see in movies.
"It's him..." his left hand formed a fist. "He's already on the move...? But why only Mythorror and not...? And who's the user...?"
"W-What are you talking about, sir?" I dared speak up.
"That's none of your concern, boy!" me and my big mouth... "Continue to monitor the Standard Dimension like you've been ordered to do, and let the Defector enjoy his freedom for now. The Hitwoman will deal with him in due time."
"Yes, Professor." no way, he'll dispatch The Hitwoman to dispose of Vince!? The guy who wouldn't hurt a fly is so dangerous that Hashima Daphne, also known as The Hitwoman for carding every Duelist the Professor sets his eyes on, will Duel him!? Just who are you, Sakushi Vincent...?
"You're dismissed."
"Glory on the Academia!" were my final words to Akaba Leo before I left the throne room, more curious than ever about my so-called friend...
Turn 4:
The Blooming Maestra
Sakushi Vincent's POV
"This'll finish you!"
Following Sora's enthusiastic shout, his Frightfur Bear punched their opponent with its paw and sent him flying off the stage (a great feat considering he was a sumo wrestler/Duelist), depleting his remaining LP.
"Well done, Sora!" I exclaimed from the sidelines as the Action Field and the remaining cards on the field vanished with the Duel's conclusion. While Yuya's doing his qualification Duels for the Junior Youth Championship, Sora's busy with his own Duels. Yuzu and I chose to accompany the cyan-haired boy so we could train together after his matches.
"It was a piece of cake!" Sora said when he reached my and Yuzu's seats.
"You can say that again." I chuckled as I stood up. "It took you one turn to defeat that guy after you Fusion Summoned Bear!"
"What can I say?" Sora grinned proudly, but then frowned when he saw Yuzu. I glanced at her as well and noticed she was spaced out. "All right, we're going to the next one!"
"Eh?" Yuzu looked at us, startled. "Ah, right!" she quickly said and stood up.
"Jeez, Yuzu! How do you plan to learn Fusion Summoning when you continue daydreaming during my Duels!?" Sora whined.
"S-Sorry!" she scratched the back of her neck with an apologetic smile. "I'll make sure to pay close attention to your next Duel, Sora."
Sadly, she wasn't able to stay true to her words: she accidentally spaced out mid Duel, then again shortly after I brought her back to reality. I didn't ask her, but I thought it was obvious she was still hung up on the mysterious Phantom Knights user that confronted us yesterday.
Fear not, Yuzu! I'm sure I can help you sort out your feelings like I did with Yuya!
After Sora won his Duel, we headed to Maiami City's pier and- per my request- Yuzu and I started a Duel to see if she could put into action how much she's learned so far.
"This may be a practice Duel, Yuzu, but hit me with your best shot!" I said with a smirk. Mythorror Nattmara and a set card were currently on my field, while Yuzu controlled Aria and Sonata the Melodious Divas.
Yuzu nodded, "Here I come! I activate the Spell Card Polymerization! Using its effect, I fuse Aria and Sonata on my field! Fusion Sum—" her Duel Disk made a loud noise at that, prompting her to panic. "E-Error!? Why did an error pop up!? Why didn't it Summon my Fusion Monster!?"
"I-I don't know..." I admitted, confused as well. "Sora, any ideas?"
"Did you remember to put it inside your Extra Deck?" Sora asked. C'mon, there's no way—
"Eh!? E-Extra!?" Yuzu stuttered. I face faulted by an unknown anime-force and noticed it didn't hurt at all, for some strange reason.
"Y-You forgot...?" I sighed in exasperation as I stood up. W-Well...that can happen! It just slipped her mind, that's all.
"Vince and I told you a ton of times they go in your Extra Deck." Sora said.
"Th-That's right..." Yuzu muttered with wide eyes. She extracted her Main Deck from its slot and fanned through it, and gasped when her eyes met a certain card in there.
I immediately face faulted again. "It was in your Main Deck!?" I exclaimed in anger as I stood up. "Yuzu, yesterday, you stated it yourself a Fusion Monster is Summoned from the Extra Deck!"
"I'm really sorry..." she bowed her head in apology and shame.
"L-Let's take a break..." I suggested when I calmed down. After Yuzu nodded in agreement, I surrendered to end the Duel, making the cards on the field vanish together with my plan...
"While we're on the subject," Sora addressed me. "How come you forgot your own card's effect the other day?"
"Eh? I did?" I blinked twice.
"It's about Mythorror Nattmara's effect." Sora pointed the pink lollipop in his hand at me. "Seeing it now helped me realize this: its effect makes itself gain 400 Attack and seal your opponent from activating cards or effects during its attack."
"Mm-hmm." I nodded and he continued.
"My Frightfur Sheep has a somewhat similar effect: when it declares an attack, the opponent can't activate Spell or Trap Cards for the rest of that Battle Phase. Your card has an upgraded version of Sheep's effect, yet you didn't know the difference between 'Spell or Trap Cards' and 'Spell or Trap Cards and their effects'."
"Oh..." he's right, how didn't I notice that? To be frank, when I created Nattmara, I just gave it that effect because I thought it's powerful, but it seems there was much more to it. And this is supposed to be a children's card game... "S-Somebody gave me this deck before I came to Maiami City, remember? I haven't been using it for my entire life."
"Hmm." Sora shrugged. He then turned to Yuzu. "To put a Fusion Monster inside your Main Deck... You had front-row seats during my two Duels, didn't you? I could've beaten them both without using Fusion, but I went ahead and did it just so you could study it properly!"
"I'm...sorry..." Yuzu muttered with a downcast expression.
"I bet you were thinking about him again, weren't you?" Sora smirked, referring to the Phantom Knights user and prompting Yuzu to blush and look away.
"So that was the case." I added with a concerned frown. "That's why you've been absent-minded lately."
"So who is he?" Sora asked as he crossed his arms behind his head.
"I don't know..." Yuzu shook her head.
"That was a self-explanatory question, Sora." I pointed out with a flat stare. "We wouldn't be having this conversation if we knew who he is."
He shrugged, "You said it was the second time that you had met him like that?"
"Yes." Yuzu raised her head. "The first time was here as well, when he had stepped in to Duel Sawatari instead of me, telling me that he didn't want me to get hurt..."
"And that's how he went and stole your heart, then?" Sora smirked again.
"Wha—" Yuzu blushed. "That's not what I—"
"I'm certain Yuya already did that, Sora." I pointed out jokingly.
"What!? You two, stop that!" Yuzu exclaimed.
"Sorry, sorry, haha." I laughed and held my hands up in defeat. "Couldn't keep that to myself."
"That Xyz user seems like a pretty interesting guy." Sora admitted. "I'm pretty excited to encounter him again and finish our Duel."
"No! You can't Duel him!" Yuzu said in concern.
"There you go again, getting worried and saying I shouldn't Duel him." Sora sighed in exasperation.
"You saw for yourself how dangerous he is." Yuzu told him. "He can create shock waves outside of an Action Duel and he's a pro Duelist... On top of that, this 'battle' he mentioned yesterday—"
She stopped talking when a familiar pink light was emitted from her bracelet.
"The bracelet...!" I gasped.
"Again...!?" Yuzu's eyes widened.
Seconds later, her bracelet stopped glowing, and a voice addressed us from the side.
"I knew you'd be here!" it was Yuya!
"Just like before...it glowed right before Yuya showed up...!" Yuzu muttered in surprise.
"Wait, could that mean...the Xyz user was spying on us?" I thought out loud. Her bracelet glowed thrice so far, and the first and the second time it 'replaced' the Phantom Knights user with Yuya. It would make sense for it follow that pattern now, too.
"I didn't hear anything." Sora pointed out. "But it could be possible."
"Oi, are you three even listening!?" Yuya cried out with a scowl, catching our attention. "Well whatever. C'mon, Principal and the others are waiting for us back at You Show School."
"Coming!" Sora sang as he quickly followed Yuya. Yuzu just stared at her bracelet, still jarred by what happened.
"...Hey, Yuzu?" I placed a hand on her shoulder to catch her attention.
"...This is getting out of hand." she met my gaze, now irritated. "I'll ask Dad about the bracelet tonight. Maybe he has a clue to why it glows and causes people to disappear and appear..."
"That's a good idea." I smiled and gave a thumbs up. Now that's more like it! I doubt Shuzo has any information regarding the plot that could help us, but at least Yuzu's not giving up!
Today Shuzo decided to teach us about Spell and Trap Cards and then make us draw cards from a dispenser as physical training. Much to my schoolmates' shock and Shuzo's delight, I was the only one excited of drawing one-hundred times (while shouting "dorō!" until my arm hurt and I had a dry throat).
This exercises also helped me notice I favor putting my index finger on top and my middle finger at the bottom of a card. With that out of the way, school ended and we all headed home, where Yuzu finally got the chance to talk to her father.
"Stop joking around!" buuut it didn't go as planned when she snapped.
"I keep telling you, you've had that bracelet since you were born." Shuzo calmly replied.
"In what world does a baby come out with a bracelet stuck on their wrist!?" Yuzu shouted.
"No, it's not like it was on your wrist then..." Shuzo said.
"Y-Yuzu, calm down, please..." I quickly added. "I know you're frustrated, but you shouldn't yell at Shuzo-san. It's not his fault he doesn't know anything else regarding the matter..."
"I...need some time alone." Yuzu said after a short silence and ran towards her room.
"Wait, Yuzu!" Shuzo shouted in vain. We went after her, but she closed the door to her room. "Yuzu, can you hear me? I heard you're learning Fusion Summoning from Sora. If you're doing special training for the Junior Youth Championship, why not do it at You Show? Is my hot-blooded teaching not enough for you? Oi, answer me, oi!"
Yuzu stayed silent, so I decided to speak up.
"She said Sora and I would have to focus on too many people at once," I explained, catching his attention. "She knew it was a selfish excuse, but she has to master Fusion Summoning before the Championship starts... We're sorry for keeping you in the dark about this."
Shuzo's eyes widened, and he sighed, "It's not like I'm angry at any of you." he admitted and turned to the door. "It swells my heart to know my daughter is so committed." he paused before meeting my gaze again. "But right now, I can't see her heart at all... What should we do, Vince?"
He sounded desperate and concerned, a predictable reaction from a parent. He wants to help Yuzu, too, so it's now or never!
"The way Yuzu ran off...it reminded me of Yuya's reaction after he saw Akaba Reiji Pendulum Summon..." I stated as I rubbed my chin. "Yuzu's disoriented, as such, we could try to help her like we did with Yuya. I don't see a reason why that wouldn't work now, too."
"Like we did with Yuya..." Shuzo muttered. His eyes then widened and he smiled. "You're right! Why didn't I think of that!? Yuzu! With our hot-blooded guidance, you will find your own path and grow!"
"That sure raised your morale." I chuckled at his fiery personality.
"...Are you guys listening to yourselves?" we heard Yuzu's voice from behind the door. "What would a Duel resolve in this situation...?"
"Isn't that what you said before my and Yuya's Duel as well?" I asked her. "And look how that turned out! Dueling is another form of communication; sometimes, trying a different approach can make a big difference."
We were met with silence, but seconds later, the door opened to reveal Yuzu, who sported a determined look.
"You're right." she raised her Duel Disk. "Maybe...this way... I accept your challenge, Vince!"
"That's more like it!" I grinned and raised my own equipment.
The sun began to set by the time we arrived to a nearby park- which was conveniently empty as well, I might add- where we had enough room to Duel without disturbing the neighbors.
"Are you ready, you two?" Shuzo inquired after we activated our Duel Disks and set the Duel to practice mode. We nodded in unison, prompting Shuzo to get fired up again. "Then burn! Be hot-blooded!"
"DUEL!" we shouted and drew our starting hand.
Vince: LP 4000
VS
Yuzu: LP 4000
"Atashi no turn!" Yuzu declared right away. "As I control no Monsters, I can activate the Spell Card 1st Movement Solo from my hand! Thanks to its effect, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower 'Melodious' Monster from my hand. You're up, Legato the Melodious Diva!"
Colorful music notes were released from her Spell, which then took the form of a female youth with pale turquoise skin, gray eyes, short blue hair with two strands that embraced the sides of its face and reached its chest, wearing a white short-sleeved blouse with black buttons and collar, a short black skirt, and white high-heeled boots with black soles.
Legato the Melodious Diva: Light / Fairy / Effect / ATK: 100 / DEF: 100 / LV: 1
"A new 'Melodious' Monster right off the bat, huh..." I noted in interest.
"Now that I control a 'Melodious' Monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand!" she revealed the said card. "Join us, Sonata the Melodious Diva!"
The green-haired female youth wearing a light blue dress appeared on her field.
Sonata the Melodious Diva: Light / Fairy / Effect / ATK: 1200 / DEF: 1000 / LV: 3
"I release my two Monsters to perform an Advance Summon!" Yuzu stated as her Monsters flew upwards. "Enchanting melody echoing in Heaven. Awaken the sleeping virtuoso! Come forth, Level 8! Mozarta the Melodious Maestra!"
Legato and Sonata grasped hands and turned into yellow particles, which then took the shape of her ace Monster surrounded by colorful music notes. With a wave of its baton, Mozarta dispersed the music notes and landed in front of its user.
Mozarta the Melodious Maestra: Light / Fairy / Effect / ATK: 2600 / DEF: 2000 / LV: 8
"There it is! Yuzu's ace Monster!" Shuzo exclaimed.
"At this moment, I activate Legato's effect from my Graveyard!" Yuzu pointed at the sky. "If this Special Summoned card is sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can add a different 'Melodious' Monster from my Deck or Graveyard to my hand."
The spectral image of Legato materialized above her and started singing, causing a card to glow in Yuzu's deck before jutting out.
"I add Canto the Melodious Diva to my hand," Yuzu explained as Legato vanished. "Next, I activate Mozarta's effect, which enables me to Special Summon one Level 4 or lower 'Melodious' Monster from my hand once per turn. It's your turn, Canto!"
Mozarta fired a beam of green light from its hand, from which a female youth emerged. It had lavender skin, jade eyes, long purple hair that reached its chest and was tied into two long strands with green music note hair clips, a green fairy wing extending from the right side of its back, and wore a dark green halter dress decorated with purple music notes and high-heels.
Canto the Melodious Diva: Light / Fairy / Effect / ATK: 1400 / DEF: 400 / LV: 4
"Because it was Special Summoned, I can activate Canto's effect." Yuzu said as her Monster started singing. "I can draw one card for each different 'Melodious' Monster under my control. I currently control Mozarta and Canto, which means I draw two new cards!"
"Not bad, Yuzu!" I praised my opponent. "You Summoned your ace and a wall-Monster and replenished your hand all in one turn!"
"I'm certain you will Duel me with your best to help me, so I'm simply returning the favor." Yuzu said as her lips formed a smile. "I set one card face-down and end my turn."
"Then it's my turn to shine. Boku no turn, draw!" my eyes slightly widened when I saw the cards in my hand: the only way I can defeat Mozarta is by using my Xyz Monster. If that's what fate wants, then so be it. "Since my opponent is the only one to control Monsters, I can Special Summon Mythorror Huldra from my hand!"
The beautiful, young woman with pale skin, light blue eyes, short blonde hair, and wearing a white Victorian dress with a matching light blue shawl and bonnet and having a cow tail peeking out under its skirt appeared.
Mythorror Huldra: ATK 1400 / DEF 1600 / LV: 4 / SC: 9
"However, she'll be the only familiar face to appear on my side of the field this turn." I informed my opponent and Shuzo. "Here's a new comrade of my own! I summon Mythorror Coco!"
The Monster which joining Huldra on my field was floating in the air and had a dusty white cloak draped over its body, concealing all of its features and casting a shadow over its face. A red glow radiated from where its eyes should be and a dark green and sage scaled tail sprouted from its waist, along with a draconic wing from the left side of its back.
Mythorror Coco: Dark / Fiend / Pendulum / Effect / ATK: 600 / DEF: 1900 / LV: 3 / SC: 6
"I activate Coco's effect!" I spread my arms. "Once per turn, I can target one other 'Mythorror' Monster I control in order to make Coco's Level become equal to that target's own Level. Since the only available target I currently control is Huldra, my choice is obvious."
Coco gained an eerie aura and growled as its Level increased.
(Coco: Level 3→4)
"You matched their Levels?" Yuzu's eyebrows furrowed before she gasped in realization. "Then your aim is to—"
"That's right!" I clicked my fingers. "An Xyz Summon! However, this field isn't ready yet for the advent of a god, so I conclude my preparations by activating the Continuous Spell Upper Sky of Aether!"
"That's the card which got the better of Yuya and Sora during Vince's first Duel here in Maiami City!" Shuzo exclaimed in excitement.
"The more Levels are on the field, the deadlier that card becomes...!" Yuzu muttered. She then gestured at her field. "I won't let that happen! By targeting Mozarta the Melodious Maestra, I activate the Trap Card Melodious Barriera and Canto's other effect and chain them to the activation of Upper Sky of Aether!"
A card, which depicted Sonata taking cover behind a wall of colorful music notes from a yellow energy beam, appeared.
"Since Chain Links resolve in the opposite order to which they were activated in, my effects resolve first." Yuzu stated as Canto exploded in yellow particles, which then enveloped her ace Monster. "By releasing Canto, the targeted 'Melodious' Monster gains Attack equal to half the Attack Canto had on the field until the End Phase."
"Canto had 1400 Attack before it left the field." Shuzo pointed out. "That means it gains 700 Attack!"
(Mozarta: 2600→3300 ATK)
"Next is Melodious Barriera's effect." the pink-haired Duelist smirked. "The targeted Fairy-Type Monster, namely Mozarta, can't be destroyed by battle this turn. As an added bonus, since Mozarta is a 'Melodious' Monster, I can return a 'Melodious' Monster from my Graveyard to my hand! I choose Canto!"
"...Whoa..." I muttered in astonishment. "Because Canto left the field before Upper Sky of Aether's activation resolved, it won't gain as many Counters...moreover she was able to get Canto back by activating her cards in a specific order...Mozarta gained Attack and can avoid destruction by battle this turn..."
That was incredible! She was this talented!? Such a shame this Phantom-Knights-user-incident had to overshadow her skills.
"Well done, Yuzu." I admitted with a smile. "If you focus on what's crucial, you can do wonders."
"On what's crucial...?" her eyes widened a little.
I nodded, "Upper Sky of Aether's effect now activates! When it is activated, I place Aether Counters on it equal to the total sum of Levels on the field. Huldra and Coco are Level 4 and Mozarta is Level 8; the total sum is sixteen, therefore, I place 16 Aether Counters on my card!"
(Upper Sky of Aether: 0→16 Aether Counters)
"Now I overlay the Level 4 Huldra and Coco! With these two Monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" my Monsters turned into purple beams that entered a swirling galaxy, from which a pillar of light shot out. "Avatar of windstorms, cross the vast desert dyed in red, and claim the throne of Egypt! Xyz Summon! Descend to us, Rank 4! Mythorror God Seth!"
To emerge from the portal was an imposing, anthropomorphic jackal with a toned, black-furred body, a curved snout, and long rectangular ears, wearing a short shendyt, thin golden armor around its waist, lower legs, and forearms, a golden gorgerine embodied with lapis lazuli and carnelian, and a golden helmet which only covered the top of its head. In its right hand, it held a golden staff that seemed a cross between a was-sceptre and an axe.
Mythorror God Seth: Dark / Fiend / Xyz / Effect / ATK: 2400 / DEF: 1000 / RK: 4
"There it is! Vince's Xyz Monster!" Shuzo said.
"Xyz...like him..." Yuzu muttered, referring to the Phantom Knights user.
"When Coco is used as material to Xyz Summon a Mythorror, that Xyz Monster gains a new effect," I explained as the spectral image of Coco appeared behind Seth for a couple of seconds. "Next, I activate the Equip Spell Fragarach - The Answerer and equip to Seth!"
A short, silver sword with glowing letters of the Ogham alphabet engraved on it and a circular hilt materialized in Seth's free hand.
"This sword was forged by the gods, as such, Seth's divine authority permits him to wield it in this battle. Thanks to this sword's power, the equipped Monster gains 400 Attack! I also activate Upper Sky of Aether's effect, removing 5 Aether Counters from it to increase Seth's Attack by 500 until the End Phase!"
(Upper Sky of Aether: 16→11 Aether Counters; Seth: 2400→2800→3300 ATK)
"And now, Battle!" I pointed forward and smirked. "Seth, attack Mozarta! At the same time, I activate Upper Sky of Aether's other effect, removing 5 Aether Counters from it to decrease your Monster's Attack by 1000 until the End Phase, Yuzu! Accept your punishment for inhaling the gods' sacred air, Mozarta!"
The said Monster gasped as chain-shaped clouds suddenly tied its body.
(Upper Sky of Aether: 11→6 Aether Counters; Mozarta: 3300→2300 ATK)
"Due to Melodious Barriera's effect, Mozarta won't be destroyed!" Yuzu quickly pointed out.
"But you still take the damage!"
With a mighty swing of its staff, Seth unleashed a whirlwind of sand at the opposing Fairy, but a wall of colorful music notes formed in front of it and blocked the attack.
Yuzu: LP 4000 - 1000 = 3000
"I place two cards face-down and pass." I declared. "Canto and Upper Sky of Aether's effects end, and the latter is also destroyed due to its own effect during the End Phase."
(Seth: 3300→2800 ATK; Mozarta: 2300→2600 ATK)
"Vince...are you saying I'm not focusing on what's crucial?" Yuzu asked out of the blue. She didn't sound offended, rather perplexed. "But...I can't help but think of that Xyz user...each time I close my eyes, I see his face and remember his words. And then there's my bracelet..."
She glanced at the said object with a downcast expression. "That Xyz user and my bracelet...or who sent you the Mythorrors and why...I can't be the only one who feels uneasy at not knowing what's happening around us."
"Yuzu...!" Shuzo's eyes widened at her words.
"I also feel uneasy when I ponder on the things I'm unaware of, and ignoring them isn't a good option." so many questions, so little answers...and ignoring them is especially a bad idea since we're in an anime. "But...we mustn't let them distract us from what's really important or else we'll have a fallout."
"That's right!" Shuzo continued. "Yuzu, ever since the first incident with this Xyz user or whatnot, you haven't been yourself! At this rate, you won't be able to master Fusion Summoning before the Championship starts!"
"I..." Yuzu's eyes widened; she was at a loss for words. She then stared at her hands, visibly deep in thought. Come on, Yuzu...I'm sure this will set you back on the right path! "...I have to get stronger."
After saying that, she clenched her fists and turned determined again. "The reason why I want to master Fusion Summoning is to become stronger...not just to surpass my current self, but to defeat Kotsu Masumi. In order to do that—I won't think about unnecessary things anymore!"
"That's the spirit, Yuzu! Keep burning! Hot-blooded!" Shuzo punched the air.
"Yeah!" and I couldn't agree more.
"Then here I come! Atashi no turn!" Yuzu declared with a smile. "Draw! First I will summon Aria the Melodious Diva!"
The violet-haired female youth wearing a brown and orange dress appeared on her field.
Aria the Melodious Diva: Light / Fairy / Effect / ATK: 1600 / DEF: 1200 / LV: 4
"Then, I activate Mozarta's effect to Special Summon the Level 4 'Melodious' Monster Canto from my hand!" Yuzu stated as Canto returned to her field, displaying its 1400 ATK. "And since it was Special Summoned, I can activate Canto's effect to draw one card for each different 'Melodious' Monster I control, in this case three!"
After doing so, "I activate the Spell Card Monster Reincarnation. I discard one card from my hand, that being a copy of Aria, to target Sonata in my Graveyard and return it to my hand. Now I activate...Polymerization! I fuse Aria on my field and Sonata from my hand!"
As his Monsters turned into red and blue energy that spiraled into a portal, Yuzu chanted and clasped her hands together.
"Echoing melodious voice! Flowing melody! With guidance of the baton, gather your power! Fusion Summon! Now come here to the stage! Schuberta the Melodious Maestra!"
A young woman with flaming orange hair, wearing a mask and an elegant dress, and holding a weapon that seemed a cross between a baton and a rapier emerged from the portal with a battle cry.
Schuberta the Melodious Maestra: Light / Fairy / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 2400 / DEF: 2000 / LV: 6
"My Fusion Monster...was Summoned..." Yuzu stared at her new Monster in awe before raising a fist with her knuckles pointed outwards. "Alright, I did!"
"You sure did." I chuckled at how similar our reaction was at pulling off a Fusion Summon for the first time.
"That's it, Yuzu!" Shuzo cried tears of joy at the sight. "Burn more! Hot-blooded!"
"Shūberuto no kōka hatsudō!" Yuzu gestured towards the sky. "Once per turn, this Monster can banish all the cards that were used for a Fusion Summon in either player's Graveyard and then gain 200 Attack for each card banished by this effect for the rest of this turn! Chorus Break!"
Schuberta waved its weapon before pointing it at the sky, causing the spectral images of three cards- Aria, Sonata, and Polymerization- to appear around itself before disintegrating.
(Schuberta: 2400→3000 ATK)
"It surpassed Seth's Attack..." I narrowed my eyes. Not the most broken effect I've ever seen, but it serves its purpose to disrupt your opponent's strategy while increasing its own ATK for the turn.
"Battle!" Yuzu exclaimed. "Schuberta the Melodious Maestra attacks Mythorror God Seth! Wave of the Great!"
Schuberta's hair started glowing like fire as it unleashed a sound wave with a wave of its weapon.
"I activate Seth's effect inherited from Coco!" I abruptly stated. "Once per turn, I can send the top card of my Deck to the Graveyard to avoid his destruction caused by battle or a card effect!"
"What!?" Yuzu gasped as the sound wave was deflected by a purple, transparent barrier that formed around my god.
Vince: LP 4000 - 200 = 3800
"I didn't expect that...but the one you helped with it seems to be me." Yuzu observed, confusing me. "Since Schuberta's attack didn't destroy your Monster, I can activate the Quick-Play Spell Mersenne Wave from my hand!"
A card, which depicted Aria unleashing a sound wave at the viewer by singing, appeared.
"I target the 'Melodious' Monster Aria in my Graveyard and banish it to inflict its Attack as damage to you, Vince!"
"Eh!?" she used my effect to her advantage!
Vince: LP 3800 - 1600 = 2200
"And my attack isn't over yet! Battle!" Yuzu pointed forward. "Mozarta the Melodious Maestra attacks Seth! I also activate Canto's effect, targeting Mozarta for it!"
Canto exploded in yellow particles, which then enveloped her ace.
(Mozarta: 2600→3300 ATK)
"Fragarach - The Answerer's additional effect!" I quickly shouted. "If the equipped Monster would be destroyed, I can destroy this card in its place!"
Mozarta's wings started glowing as it unleashed a sound wave with a wave of its baton. The attack blew Seth back a couple of feet, but only Fragarach vanished afterwards.
Vince: LP 2200 - 500 = 1700
(Seth: 2800→2400 ATK)
"I wasn't able to defeat it..." Yuzu frowned. "I set one card and end my turn. The Attack of Schuberta and Mozarta also return to normal."
"Boku no turn! Draw!" I smirked: a good card came to my rescue. "I Special Summon this card from my hand. Come to me, Mythorror Willauk!"
To appear beside Seth was a giant, fat humanoid demon with blue skin, white irises, a bald head, pointy ears, and tribal tattoos decorating its face, wearing a skirt made of serrated wrack and a necklace with a skull strapped to it, and holding a kanabo half its size.
Mythorror Willauk: Dark / Fiend / Pendulum / Effect / ATK: 2400 / DEF: 1900 / LV: 7 / SC: 2
"I can Special Summon him from my hand if I have no Monsters in my Graveyard," I explained. "Get ready, Yuzu, I'm ending it this turn! Battle! Seth will lead the assault by attacking Schuberta! Their Attack may be the same, but I can have Seth avoid destruction thanks to the effect he inherited from Coco! Lord of Sepermeru!"
Seth unleashed a whirlwind of sand with the swing of its staff, which enveloped the Fusion Monster and destroyed it.
"And now, Willauk will attack Mozarta!" I threw my arm forward. "Once per Duel, if he attacks a monster, I can make him gain the Attack of the attacked monster until the end of this turn! Go, Demonic Smash!"
"If this attack hits, Yuzu will take a lot of damage!" Shuzo pointed out in concern as Willauk gained a purple aura and charged forward.
(Willauk: 2400→5000 ATK)
"I won't let that happen! Torappu hatsudō: Frequency Overtone!" a card, which depicted two sound waves- one pink and one blue- colliding, appeared. "I can activate it because I only control 'Melodious' Monsters! Through its effect, this instance of damage I would take is inflicted to my opponent instead, and they can draw one card as well!"
"I'm the one who takes the damage!?" I gasped, eyes wide in shock.
My Monster swung its kanabo at Mozarta, causing a large explosion. At the same time, a pink sound wave was fired from Yuzu's Trap, blowing back Willauk and the smoke created from her Monster's destruction.
Vince: LP 1700 - 2400 = 0
Winner: Yuzu!
"Haaah, I walked right into a Trap... You got me." I scratched the back of my neck with a sheepish smile as the remaining cards on the field vanished with the Duel's conclusion.
"But your set cards...?" Yuzu started.
"They were Eden's Ruin and Eschatos Logy," I explained while walking up to her, followed by Shuzo. "I wouldn't dare hold back after seeing you go all out like that. But if it wasn't for Frequency Overtone...after Willauk's attack, I could've activated Eschatos Logy, a Quick-Play Spell that allows a Mythorror to declare an additional attack during the Battle Phase. With a direct attack from any of my Monsters, I would've won."
"That was close...and fun." Yuzu smiled, and I nodded in agreement. She then addressed Shuzo. "Dad...I'm sorry for yelling at you earlier...and for holding my lessons with Vince and Sora outside of You Show School."
"Like I said, I'm not angry at you." Shuzo smiled, too. "And it's great to see your efforts bear fruit! I guess we owe Sora one and Vince two."
"Two?" I blinked twice. "For Dueling Yuzu just now?"
"Of course!" Shuzo shouted, and Yuzu nodded. "Truth be told, I'm not sure I could Duel Yuzu like you, without the concern to hurt her. Maybe that's why the idea to Duel didn't cross my mind..."
"Don't mention it." I reassured them.
"It's getting late." Shuzo commented. True to his words, the sun was gone from the sky and it started to get dark. "We can call it a day, right, Yuzu?"
"Yeah." his daughter nodded. I remember Masumi said Yuzu's eyes had no shine to them, but now they beamed with determination. Those are the eyes of someone who's ready to Duel in a Championship!
Fan-made Cards:
Yuzu:
Legato the Melodious Diva (Light/Fairy/Effect/ATK: 100/DEF: 100/LV: 1)
If only your opponent controls a monster, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). If this Special Summoned card is sent from the field to the GY: You can add 1 "Melodious" monster from your Deck or GY to your hand, except "Legato the Melodious Diva". You can only use each effect of "Legato the Melodious Diva" once per turn.
Canto the Melodious Diva (Light/Fairy/Effect/ATK: 1400/DEF: 400/LV: 4)
If this card is Special Summoned (except during the Damage Step): You can draw 1 card for each different "Melodious" monster you control. You cannot Summon during the turn you use this effect, except "Melodious" monsters. (Quick Effect): You can Tribute this card, then target 1 "Melodious" monster you control; it gains ATK equal to half the ATK this card had on the field, until the End Phase. You can only use each effect of "Canto the Melodious Diva" once per turn.
Melodious Barriera
Normal Trap
Target 1 Fairy monster you control; until the end of this turn, it cannot be destroyed by battle, and if you targeted a "Melodious" monster this way, you can return 1 "Melodious" monster from your GY to your hand. You can only activate 1 "Melodious Barriera" per turn.
Mersenne Wave
Quick-Play Spell
If your opponent does not take any battle damage from an attack involving your LIGHT monster OR if your LIGHT monster attacks an opponent's monster, but that monster was not destroyed by the battle: Target 1 "Melodious" monster in your GY; banish that target, and if you do, your opponent takes damage equal to its ATK. You can only activate 1 "Mersenne Wave" per turn.
[Trivia: this card's a reference to the Mersenne's laws.]
Frequency Overtone
Normal Trap
If you would take damage while you control only "Melodious" monsters: Any damage you would take is inflicted to your opponent instead, then your opponent draws 1 card. You can only activate 1 "Frequency Overtone" per turn.
Vince:
Mythorror Coco (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 600/DEF: 1900/LV: 3/SC: 6)
Pendulum Effect: You can only Pendulum Summon "Mythorror" monsters. This effect cannot be negated. Once per turn: You can target 2 monsters you control with different Levels (the first being a "Mythorror" monster); the first target's Level becomes equal to the second target's, until the End Phase.
Monster Effect: This card is also treated as a Dragon monster while on the field. Once per turn: You can target 1 other "Mythorror" monster you control; this card's Level becomes equal to that target's, until the End Phase. A "Mythorror" Xyz Monster that was Summoned using this card as a material gains this effect.
- Once per turn, if this card would be destroyed, you can send the top card of your Deck to the GY instead.
You can only use this effect of "Mythorror Coco" once per turn.
[Trivia: the Coco is a mythical ghost-monster found in many Hispanophone and Lusophone countries.]
Mythorror God Seth (Dark/Fiend/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1000/RK: 4)
(This card is also always treated as a Beast-Warrior monster.)
2 Level 4 "Mythorror" monsters
During your opponent's turn (Quick Effect): You can detach 2 materials from this card; at the end of the Battle Phase, you can Special Summon from your GY as many "Mythorror" monsters destroyed this turn as possible, but halve their ATK/DEF and, for the rest of this turn, they cannot be destroyed by card effects. If a "Mythorror" monster you control attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing damage to your opponent.
[Trivia: Seth is a god in ancient Egyptian religion who had a positive role where he accompanies Ra on his solar boat to repel Apep and was in conflict with Horus for the throne of Egypt.]
Fragarach - The Answerer
Equip Spell
Equip only to a "Mythorror God" monster. The equipped monster gains 400 ATK, and when it attacks, until the end of the Damage Step, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects. If the equipped monster would be destroyed, you can destroy this card instead. You can only control 1 "Fragarach - The Answerer".
[Trivia: Fragarach was a sword in Irish mythology. The sword was forged by the gods and was meant to be wielded only by those who posed above the stone of destiny (the Lia Fail).]
Mythorror Willauk (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1900/LV: 7/SC: 2)
Pendulum Effect: You can only Pendulum Summon "Mythorror" monsters. This effect cannot be negated. If you control a "Mythorror God" monster and there is a "Mythorror" card in your other Pendulum Zone: You can target 1 card face-up in your Extra Deck or in your GY; add it to your hand. You can only use this effect of "Mythorror Willauk" once per Duel.
Monster Effect: This card is also treated as a Warrior monster while on the field. If you have no monsters in your GY, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). If this card attacks a monster, during damage calculation: You can make it gain ATK equal to that monster's ATK, until the end of this turn. You can only use each effect of "Mythorror Willauk" once per Duel.
[Trivia: Willauk was a giant demon that inhabited Lake Derwent. This card's concept was made by mekyaku.]
Eschatos Logy
Quick-Play Spell
Target 1 "Mythorror" monster you control that attacked this turn; it can make a second attack during this Battle Phase, also any battle damage your opponent takes for the rest of this turn is halved. You can only activate 1 "Eschatos Logy" per turn.
[Trivia: Eschatology is a part of theology concerned with the final events of history or the ultimate destiny of humanity.]
This wasn't a long chapter, but some interesting things took place in it. Going in order, we have Sora and Leo's scene, which I made for three reasons:
- To show how much Leo is respected/feared by his soldiers (even if we never got any scenes on why that was the case in the anime).
- To reveal Leo's involved in my own plot (which was also the case in the older version, but this time it's revealed way earlier).
- And to foreshadow Daphne vs. Vince.
Then we get to see Yuzu's epic fail and her bracelet shining again followed by Yuzu vs. Vince. Why did I write that Duel? Well...after rewatching the episodes, I realized I jumped over an important scene that takes place at the Hiiragi residence, namely Yuzu has a fall out with her father (episode 18). It would make sense for Vince to help his friend out, hence why I made him suggest Dueling.
In order to keep it true to the anime, Yuzu's deck only consists of cards she used before the championship, hence why I made her so many custom cards. I wasn't planning for Vince to actually lose, more like on purpose like he did with Yuya, but then I changed my mind: he said it himself why and to give Yuzu a win (because she desperately needs them). A thank you to Erik who helped me with the chapter here and there.
Reviews really make my day and it's a great way to communicate with you readers, and maybe find out errors I can avoid making. Please review, and with that said, here's the chapter's last scene!
Two cards appeared on the screen before turning around, revealing Mythorror God Seth and Schuberta the Melodious Maestra. They suddenly glowed, and Vince and Yuzu emerged from them respectively, both smiling.
"To put a Fusion Monster inside the Main Deck...I went and made a fool out of myself." Yuzu sighed in exasperation, now frowning.
"Nobody starts off strong, Yuzu." I reassured her. "What's important is to never give up, no matter what. You've mastered Chain Links so well I'm sure you can Fusion, too!"
"Thanks, Vince." Yuzu chuckled. "It wasn't easy to learn that trick with Canto and Barriera, so I guess it's only a matter of time until I master Fusion. That said, it's time for the Secret of the Chapter, right?"
"Heh heh, that's right." Vince turned to the viewer. "Here's the secret: Seth's appearance was inspired by Set, a playable god in the game SMITE."
"It has an ominous appearance...fitting for a god, as you'd say." Yuzu said with a smirk.
"Mm-hmm. It radiates power and authority, and looks cool!" he grinned, but then suddenly shivered.
"What's wrong?" Yuzu tilted her head in confusion.
"For some reason, I've got a bad feeling about the next chapter..." he admitted with a panicked face before the screen faded into black, followed by the words [To Be Continued...].