I became incapable of finishing a chapter in less than a month for one or two years now, BUT I DID! I FINISHED THIS IN TWO WEEKS! YES! This is honestly surprising when I take into account my tight schedule and the other things I have to do in my free time. I hope I'll be able to keep this pace and avoid finishing a story before I become old.
Thanks to DSpaceZ and ZarcEternal who reviewed the last chapter!
- In response to DSpaceZ's review:
"That's precisely what I wanted to portray, Yuzu being...human. And regarding your query...I'll just say that you're close to the answer. Like...very. Close. But not on the answer yet."
[Using Anime/Manga Effects.]
Sakushi Vincent's POV
"Vinceee!"
I was still staring at my shaking hands when I heard my name being called. My head slowly turned in the direction of the voice, noticing a tomato-haired youth running towards me while waving a hand in the air, followed by two familiar faces.
I blinked in confusion. "Yuya...?" I did a double-take when my mind finally processed what was happening, snapping out of my internal conflict with a gasp. "Yuya! And Gongenzaka, Dennis!"
"Vince, are you OK!?" Yuya inquired in concern once they reached me. "Dennis told me everything." he then looked around, prompting me to clench my fists in frustration, already knowing what he'll ask next. "Where's...Yuzu?"
"We...we were separated."
He and Gongenzaka gasped. "Oh no!" Dennis exclaimed in English.
"I'm sorry..." I lowered my head in shame and anger. "Things were going fine until a squad of those copy-and-paste guys appeared. A Duel was about to start when..." I raised my head back up. "Yuri, the one who shares Yuya's face and is from the Fusion Dimension, suddenly appeared."
Yuya's eyes widened to dinner plates. "What did you say!?" I didn't expect him myself, much less the reaction my Monsters had to him. That guy's seriously bad news. "The me...from Fusion...!? He's with Academia!?"
I nodded. "Yes." ah...now that I stood before him and Gongenzaka, a thought struck me. I didn't tell them the truth yet, unlike I did with Yuzu. But considering the circumstances...now wouldn't be the right time for that. I'll tell them later, once this is all over and we're back together at You Show School.
"I'll tell you the details as we go," I explained before pointing with my thumb in the direction our friend and Yuri started their Duel. There's no time to waste! "We have to find Yuzu!"
Turn 12:
Broken Hope
I talked nonstop while we searched for the said youth in the Iceberg Area, recounting all the information I got from Yuri and the Obelisk Force, as well as the deck the latter use so my friends get a head start in case we cross paths with them and Duel. It was daybreak when we came to a stop on the edge of an icy canyon to catch our breaths.
"It's no good...!" Yuya crouched down, looking into the canyon.
"It looks like Yuzu isn't here, either." Dennis remarked with a frown, an expression shared by us all.
"Maybe she went into a different area?" Gongenzaka suggested.
I opened my mouth to reply, but Sidonia beat me to it. "Strong traces of magic linger in the air."
"And it is a familiar type of magic." Demiurge pointed out. "I've always felt it when the Melodious girl's bracelet shines."
Yuzu's bracelet glowed again!? I thought in surprise, placing a hand to cover my mouth as I started thinking. Did it activate because Yuya was getting close to Yuri? But, if that would be the case, where's Yuzu...? The light never makes her vanish...maybe that happened a long time ago and she left this area? Why...?
"We should split up." we turned to the one who spoke up, namely Dennis. "While you guys search for Yuzu in the Ancient ruins Area, I'll go back to the Jungle. We'll rendezvous in the Volcano—"
"Why?" I inquired even before he finished talking, earning a confused glance from him and the others. His idea sounded...suspicious, an opinion shared by Demiurge and some of our Monsters. Why would you want to remain alone at a time like this?
"W-Well..." Dennis started weakly. "Since we rushed here from the Jungle, we didn't actually investigate that area. That leaves two other areas, one of which you guys can take care of. We'll look around in the last one together after we regroup..."
"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean that." I quickly apologized. "I meant why do you want to go alone."
"Oh." Dennis said as well. "You said their by-the-books strategy is effect damage, right? My deck can take care of that easy peasy! And you saw I can run fast, too. If I need to hightail it out of there," he patted one of his legs twice. "These can do the job."
Those...were good points. His 'Performage' deck revolved around effect damage, particularly negating it. Moreover, I did see how fast he can run, and yes, he could definitely run away, at least until finding us so we could defeat the enemy together.
"Hmm, it's hard to tell if he's saying the truth or not." you could say that again, Ereshkigal. No tell-tale signs on his expressions, movements, or voice...everything points at 'he's saying the truth'.
"You're right." I eventually admitted. No point pondering about it, especially now. And even if he's lying and will try to capture Yuzu, she'll make sure to teach him she isn't the type of Duelist to lose twice to someone. "Sorry for doubting you like that..."
"Don't say that, Vince." Dennis reassured me with a smile. "Considering everything that happened, I wouldn't trust people so easily myself."
"Then we'll do as Dennis suggested." Yuya's words earned a nod from us, and we went our separate ways.
Much to our frustration, we didn't come across a single, living soul in the Ancient ruins, prompting us to move to the next area, namely the Volcano Area. Now there...we met with some familiar faces.
"Sora!" Yuya exclaimed upon seeing the cyan-haired boy who was once our friend and schoolmate, while Gongenzaka and I just stared on in shock. Sora was here, too!? And he's Dueling Hikage...!
Sora himself was surprised to see us, but he released a long sigh and focused back on the Duel, completely ignoring us. Seeing him again...was weird. I was angry...angry at the things he did and is doing, but...I was a little relieved to see him again, to have the chance to ask him questions that have been bugging me for quite some time now.
Questions that Yuya voiced on the double, "What's gotten into you!? What do you think you're doing, turning the people you defeat into cards!?"
Sore started advancing on Hikage, forcing the poor ninja to take steps back. "That's something that will never be forgiven!" Gongenzaka spoke up as well. As expected, he and Yuya shared my same sentiments.
"Please, say something!" I concluded for them. "And look at us, Sora!"
He abruptly gritted his teeth and halted his advance. "I'm about to take this guy out now, just wait in silence!" he scolded us. What did you say!?
"It seems your words aren't affecting him at all." Snow remarked solemnly. Yeah...how could he say something severe so casually? Just like Yuri...why? Was this the real Sora!?
Blinded by rage, Yuya took a step forward, ready to pounce over a river of lava and right onto Sora, but Gongenzaka luckily stopped him.
"...What an idiot..." Howard scoffed in exasperation. Th-That...we were angry ourselves, but not to that point.
"Don't be reckless, Yuya! Calm down!" Gongenzaka instructed his friend.
"Let go of me!" but Yuya didn't want any of that.
"Yuya! Over there!" Gongenzaka tried a different approach to calm him down, averting his attention elsewhere. When we looked in the direction he nodded at, we gasped. Those are—"Yuzu and the others are Dueling!"
Seriously!? I screamed in my mind, nearly face-faulting into the lava. With all due respect, why do you think that's Yuzu!? Forget about her appearance, can't you see she's using a different deck!?
"Is it a law to mistake these girls and boys for one another...?" I swear I could hear Baphomet whisper to himself, a thought I couldn't help but agree on.
"It appears the impulsive girl found Kurosaki Shun." Demiurge noted impassively. "And the ninja brothers came to help when Academia located them."
"Seems so..." I agreed with a nod. At least Serena had more luck than us...somewhat.
"I made the right call coming to this area." a new voice suddenly announced from the opposite direction. "I've finally found you, Defector."
Turning my head around, my eyes widened. "The Hitwoman...!?" she, too, was dispatched!?
"Ooh, look who it is!" Adaro giggled as the brown-haired youth approached us, her steps firm and loud. "The beast tamer from last time! Man, her scent...it got really strong~." shouldn't you be concerned about that!?
"Who is she...?" Yuya inquired in confusion. He then glanced at me. "She seems to know you, Vince."
"Yeah...it's a long story, so I'll tell you later." I promised them, keeping my eyes on my soon-to-be opponent in a Duel. Without a doubt, she's here to complete her previous mission. "Shall we skip formalities? I'm sure you're eager to finish what you started."
Ignoring my last comment, she pointed at a bridge some meters behind her. Her eyes never left mine, either...which was a little ominous, I'm not gonna lie. Did I give off the same impression...?
"There." she stated simply. "I don't want anyone interfering. This is a matter between you and me alone."
I nodded. "Fine." I was going to follow her when a hand was placed on my shoulder.
"Vince..." Gongenzaka muttered in concern, a sentiment shared by Yuya. Sora glanced at me as well, his expression unreadable.
"Don't worry. I already bested her once." I revealed to them in a low tone, to avoid provoking my foe to a higher level. "You guys help Se—I mean, Yuzu and the others, and stop Sora."
Yuya nodded with a resolute expression. "I, the man Gongenzaka, will see to it!" he vowed and removed his hand, allowing me to head over to the selected bridge with The Hitwoman.
"Before we begin, I have a question." she didn't reply, prompting me to continue. "You proclaim I'm a Defector, but why? What makes you believe I am one?"
The Hitwoman raised an eyebrow. "There's no reason for me to know that." she stated, to which I scowled. "All I have to know is that you're someone who must be eliminated."
"So Serena was right." Succubus pointed out. Yeah, sadly, her theory was correct. "She herself is unaware why you're being targeted."
Such blind loyalty...was so annoying. A sudden sting of regret pierced my chest as we equipped our Duel Disks. "I'm sorry..." I lowered my head, avoiding her cold gaze. "I was...naïve when we last Dueled."
"Only then?" Demiurge asked flatly, making me chuckle. "Why are you apologizing?"
"Then, I couldn't help you. But now...I can make you realize the error of your ways!" I declared and raised my eyes, meeting my opponent's confused stare. I'm not the same person as I was back then. I have more strength and experience now. The Hitwoman is no fool; I'm sure that, like Serena, she'll realize the truth and eventually break free from Leo's control!
"Are you...stupid?" was all she said back, now annoyed. Considering my exposure to the case known as 'Serena', her reaction didn't affect me one bit.
"Not yet." I joked while I still could.
"DUEL!" we shouted in unison.
The Hitwoman: LP 4000
VS
Vince: LP 4000
"I'll go first this time as well!" she immediately declared. "Watashi no turn! I activate two Continuous Spells from my hand: Spell Absorption and Soul Absorption!"
Both 'Absorption' Continuous Spells right off the bat? Not to mention, both present in her starting hand...?
"By your expression, I take it she got lucky." Snow pointed out, to which I nodded with a frown.
"Thanks to their effects, I gain 500 Life whenever an activated Spell Card resolves or a card is banished." The Hitwoman stated before the former card began glowing. "Because I activated Soul Absorption after Spell Absorption, the first effect I've explained activates!"
The Hitwoman: LP 4000 + 500 = 4500
"As Duel Monsters, the Ritual Beast tribe focuses on Contact Fusion Summoning by banishing its materials." Demiurge recalled. "Which means...with the advent of a 'Ritual Beast Ulti-' Monster, she is guaranteed to gain 1000 Life."
"Spell Absorption is also annoying when you take into account Action Magics are treated as Spells." I reminded him, and he hummed in agreement. "And those effects can trigger off of both players...!"
"Precisely." The Hitwoman confirmed my words. "I summon Spiritual Beast Repunwhale!"
Oh, her deck got a new Beast!? A killer whale with a tall and triangular dorsal fin- signaling it was a male-, sapphire blue eyes, and white tribal tattoos on his body's black parts, and with silver armor covering his fins, tail, and forehead appeared with a loud cry. The sapphire gem on his forehead got me thinking: that armor...wasn't it Pettlephin's?
Spiritual Beast Repunwhale: Wind / Fish / Effect / ATK: 200 / DEF: 1800 / LV: 4
"That's—" Camazotz choked on air, suddenly turning nervous. Not just him; Demiurge and his other servants- those that could feel, anyway- were nervous, too.
"But...I thought they weren't..."
Why are they reacting like this? "What's wrong?" I whispered to the mumbling Demiurge.
"Ah. No, it's nothing." the god inside me quickly composed himself, prompting his followers to do the same. "Look out. That whale was an annoying one during the Great War."
Ooh, an old acquaintance, huh? One that gave them trouble in the past, to boot. No wonder they almost filled their pants! "Got it." I nodded.
"If this card is Normal Summoned, its effect activates!" The Hitwoman continued. "I can Special Summon one 'Ritual Beast Tamer' Monster from my Deck. Appear, Spiritual Beast Tamer Winda!"
The female youth with long green hair and holding an ornate staff appeared next.
Spiritual Beast Tamer Winda: ATK 1600 / DEF 1800 / LV: 4
"As you might remember, Ritual Beasts can Fusion Summon without a 'Fusion' card by banishing the needed materials from my field." here comes her Fusion! "I banish Winda and Repunwhale, and fuse them!"
Her Monsters turned into red and blue energy respectively, which then spiraled into a portal as she chanted and clasped her hands together.
"Beast with mystical powers coursing through its veins. Gain the tamer's wisdom, and become a new power! Contact Fusion! Appear before me, Ritual Beast Ulti-Pettlephin!"
Swimming out of the portal was the Fusion-self of Pettlephin and Wen.
Ritual Beast Ulti-Pettlephin: ATK 200 / DEF 2800 / LV: 6
"Since two cards were banished, Soul Absorption's effect gifts me with 1000 Life." she stated as the said card glowed.
The Hitwoman: LP 4500 + 1000 = 5500
"I activate the Equip Spell Ritual Beast's Providence and equip it to my Monster!" a card, which depicted a scene from Wen's POV, appeared. Her arms were outstretched towards Repunwhale as his armor glowed faintly, and the spectral image of Pettlephin with her eyes closed was present behind him. "This increases the Attack and Defense of the equipped 'Ritual Beast' Monster by 600 points."
The same glow enveloped her Fusion Monster.
(Ulti-Pettlephin: 200→800 ATK, 2800→3400 DEF)
"Spell Absorption's own effect activates, and I gain 500 Life."
The Hitwoman: LP 5500 + 500 = 6000
"6000 Life..." I muttered in concern. That's already more than the amount she reached in our previous Duel. Ehm, before Demiurge took over, at least.
"I set a card. Turn End."
I'm starting to get accustomed to her playstyle. She uses her first turn to set the field up, strengthening her defense for my turn while also preparing for an assault in her next turn. A prudent and rigid strategy, as expected from her personality and occupation.
"It's my turn next! Draw!" seeing the card I got, I smirked. Perfect.
"I'm pleased to know I came at the right time, my lord." by his tone, I'm sure Reynardine was smirking himself.
"Yeah!" I put his card into my hand and played a different one. "I summon Mythorror Gnostic Sidonia!"
To appear before me was the young woman with tan skin, orange eyes, shoulder-length brown hair, and flames enveloping her right hand, wearing a sleeveless, form-fitting, black jumpsuit that left the majority of her chest exposed and a black witch hat, both of which were decorated with red trims.
Mythorror Gnostic Sidonia: ATK 0 / DEF 0 / LV: 1 / SC: 10
"Let's defeat this tribe for the third time in a row." she giggled, her flames dancing more fiercely than usual due to her excitement.
I nodded in agreement. "You said it. Now, by releasing a 'Mythorror' Pendulum Monster I control, I can Special Summon Mythorror Reynardine from my hand!"
The anthropomorphic fox with yellow-green eyes, wearing a white shirt with a small collar under a black waistcoat, a burgundy coat over those, black moleskin trousers, and black leather boots with spat covering appeared.
Mythorror Reynardine: ATK 2200 / DEF 500 / LV: 7 / SC: 2
"Instead of setting it in the Pendulum Zone, you used it as a sacrifice?" The Hitwoman's eyes narrowed in surprise, recalling how Demiurge defeated her.
"Because I released a Monster whose Scale was 8 or higher, I can then destroy two Spell or Trap Cards on the field." I went on. "Let's bid farewell to your 'Absorption' Spells, shall we?"
The Hitwoman scowled as her Continuous Spells left the field through GY Portals.
"With those gone, our opponent won't gain any more Life Points." Balor, who coincidentally had an effect to raise LP as well, remarked in a pleased manner.
"I activate the Equip Spell Demon Aegis and equip it to Reynardine!" the large shield made of roots with thorns and a skull engraved on its center materialized in front of my fox. "I set two cards face-down and pass. During my End Phase, Demon Aegis's effect activates. If the equipped Monster didn't battle this turn, I can change its Battle Position to inflict 400 damage to you!"
"I chain Ulti-Pettlephin's effect to that!" The Hitwoman abruptly stated. "During either player's turn, I can return this card to the Extra Deck and target a banished Ritual Beast Tamer and Spiritual Beast to Special Summon in Defense Position. Return to me, Winda, Repunwhale!"
Ulti-Pettlephin left the field in a shower of yellow particles, which then took the forms of the stated Monsters, both in defense mode. Following that, white roses bloomed on Demon Aegis's thorns and released black rays of light that struck the ground in front of The Hitwoman, momentarily bathing her field in smoke which she then swiped away with a swing of her arm.
The Hitwoman: LP 6000 - 400 = 5600
A slow start from yours truly as well, but I can't go far with this kind of starting hand.
...Wait. Didn't I get a plain starting hand in our last Duel as well? Was this girl draining my luck!?
"Providence's additional effect!" her shout put an end to my thoughts. "If this card is sent to the Graveyard because the equipped Monster leaves the field, I can return it to my hand."
"An Equip Spell that accounts her Fusion Monsters' Tag Out, eh?" Demiurge sighed in exasperation. "If anything, her deck got more irritating." on that, we can agree.
"Watashi no turn!" The Hitwoman announced. "Draw! Once again, I banish Winda and Repunwhale, and fuse them! Beast with mystical powers coursing through its veins. Gain the tamer's wisdom, and become a new power! Contact Fusion! Appear before me, Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio!"
The Fusion-self of Apelio and Lara emerged from the portal with a roar.
Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio: ATK 2600 / DEF 400 / LV: 6
"Then I equip it with Ritual Beast's Providence!" their ATK and DEF became 3200 and 1000 respectively. "Battle! Ulti-Apelio attacks Mythorror Reynardine! During its attacks, this Monster becomes unaffected by other cards' effects until the end of the Damage Step!"
"Like last time, that doesn't stop me from activating the following effect!" I gestured at my comrade. "Demon Aegis's other effect! The first time its wielder would be destroyed by battle each turn, it is not destroyed!"
"Your Monster won't be destroyed, but I'll still have you take damage!" eh!? But he's in defense mode, meaning I won't take battle damage... "Providence allows the equipped Monster to inflict piercing damage! Oracle Charge!"
That's what she meant! Dammit, if I knew that, I would've taken a different approach to intercept her attack...!
Without any further ado, I jumped off of the bridge and landed on the riverside road, running away in search of an Action Card. Reynardine did the same, dodging the opposing Monster's attack before it could land.
I managed to find an Action Card on the ground, and I smirked upon picking it up. To think I found a card that can be played exactly- and only- during damage calculation...what Yu-Gi-Oh-like luck!
"I activate Choice Choice, halving the battle damage I would take!"
"Here they come, my lord!" Reynardine warned me and blocked Ulti-Apelio's flaming claws with Demon Aegis. Nothing happened to him, but a few sparks landed on me and I hissed in pain.
Vince: LP 4000 - 1350 = 2650
"Hooh, the young lady turned vicious!" Seth exclaimed in awe. That, plus her already calculating nature made her an outstanding foe—but this isn't something to be excited for!
"I'll soon erase that remaining speck, too." hearing The Hitwoman's declaration and realizing she was pointing an Action Card at me, my eyes widened. "Seireijūki Apelio no kōka! Tag Out!"
Her Monster turned back to their original materials. "Providence returns to my hands per its effect," she explained. "Next, I activate my set Quick-Play Spell Ritual Beast's Bond by banishing Winda and Repunwhale! I Special Summon Ulti-Apelio from my Extra Deck by ignoring its Summoning conditions!"
The flaming lion and his Tamer reappeared by her side, ready to attack again.
"However, with Providence's blessing gone, their attack won't damage you." Ereshkigal pointed out.
"I'll defeat you using your own tricks." The Hitwoman proclaimed and slammed a card into her Duel Disk. "Akushon Majikku: Flame Bomb!"
Her Action Card, which depicted a comically drawn ball of fire exploding, appeared.
"By targeting Ulti-Apelio, this turn, if it destroys an opponent's Monster by battle, you take damage equal to the destroyed Monster's Attack." she stated before aiming a finger at me. "This is for dragging Academia's name through the mud! Battle! Ulti-Apelio attacks Reynardine! Oracle Charge!"
Crap, if this attack hits, I'm done for! "Torappu hatsudō: Seth's Darkness!" I hastily shouted. "I can target one Mythorror face-up in my Extra Deck or in my Graveyard to Special Summon. Through this effect, I'll bring Sidonia back to the stage!"
The said witch appeared on my field in defense mode through a burst of intense flames.
"That won't change a thing." the brown-haired youth scoffed.
"Don't sell the skin before you've caught the bear." her eyes dilated a little at that. "I activate Sidonia's Monster Effect, fusing her with Reynardine!"
"Your aim was Fusion?" her expression didn't change, but by her voice, I could tell she was surprised.
My Monsters turned into red and blue energy respectively, which then spiraled into a portal as I chanted and clasped my hands together.
"Witch of the infernal flames! Faerie with a noble heart! Let your desires awaken the apex predator armed with jet-black wings! Fusion Summon! Fly down, Level 8! Mythorror Gnostic Valravn!"
A purple beam shot out of the portal and formed a circle in the sky. Purple stars lit up one by one on it, followed by a purple line which connected them all, revealing the Corvus constellation. Lastly, the half-wolf and half-raven knight fell out of it and landed on my field with an ear-piercing scream.
Mythorror Gnostic Valravn: ATK 2800 / DEF 1700 / LV: 8
Unlike the Obelisk Force Duelists who covered their ears from the scream, The Hitwoman flinched in discomfort.
"Because Demon Aegis was sent from the field to the Graveyard, its effect activates and you take 400 damage!" I declared as two, purple lightning bolts shot down from the sky and struck her.
The Hitwoman: LP 5600 - 400 = 5200
"A lucky strike." she muttered while recovering from the damage. Whatever you say, but now I control a Monster with more ATK than yours, meaning this is the end of your assault.
"Vince!"
Thank the gods! "Gongenzaka! Everyone!" I smiled in relief upon seeing my friends and comrades arrive at our location, coming to a stop on a higher walkway. And Dennis was here, too—carrying an unconscious Mieru on his back!? What's she and Sawatari doing here...?
Serena zeroed on my opponent in surprise. "Hashima Daphne?" so that's her real name! "You were dispatched as well?"
"Not to capture you, but to defeat this Defector." she gestured in my direction. "But it appears you're too much for the Obelisk Force to handle. Once I'm done here, you'll be next, Serena."
"What?" Gongenzaka's eyebrows furrowed, and together with an equally confused Sawatari glanced at who they thought was Yuzu.
The indigo-haired youth didn't pay them any mind. "I had no idea the notorious Hitwoman was so bold." she snorted. "You'll never reach me, especially if your opponent is Vince."
"Oh, she praised you, boss!" Willauk commented. Heh heh, seems so.
"Your humor is rubbish." Daphne imitated her snort. "Following my defeat, I've trained myself and reached greater heights by implementing new tactics into my Dueling style. I won't lose to him a second time."
Ah...I understood now why Adaro said her scent got stronger. Using my merman's own words, being evil means having ambition. Daphne was simply more ambitious now. The order to card me become something personal for her.
"My, my, someone is growing popular." Succubus giggled, though I didn't share her excitement since the person in question is trying to CARD ME! Oh, and—
I blinked twice when Daphne, with a series of graceful maneuvers, jumped onto a higher walkway behind her and ran to where we came from, finding a new Action Card. I did the same to avoid getting left behind, extending my arm so Valravn could grab it and raise me into the air.
"Flame Chain!" our opponent exclaimed. "I target and lower your Monster's Attack by 400!"
(Valravn: 2800→2400 ATK)
"Vince-sama, a card is there!" true to Nekomata's words, an Action Card was glued to the side of a street light. I thanked her and grabbed it with my free hand.
Damage Banish, huh? I'll keep this for later. I thought and signaled my winged knight to release me. I landed on the bridge from earlier, with the others standing behind me to my left. "I activate the Trap Card Reign of Terror! I target another card I control and destroy it."
"The only other card he controls is..." Tsukikage started.
Valravn curled up as his body glowed purple, seconds before exploding into particles.
"I destroyed a Monster, therefore, Reign of Terror's effect allows me to draw." after doing so, "Valravn's effect activates! As he left the field by a card effect except as a material, one Fear Counter is placed on a face-up Monster my opponent controls."
A purple mist enveloped her Fusion Monster, causing the beast and tamer to lower their heads in discomfort.
"Thanks to that, Valravn is Special Summoned from the Graveyard!" and the magic circle with the Corvus constellation on it reappeared on my field, from which the said Monster flew out.
"Its Attack is back to normal." Serena remarked.
"So she can't attack it." Dennis concluded.
"And there's more!" I announced with a snap of my fingers. "With Valravn on the field, all Monsters that have a Fear Counter have their original Attack and Defense halved!"
Daphne frowned as her beast fell to the ground, much to the shock of his tamer.
(Ulti-Apelio: 2600→1300 ATK, 400→200 DEF)
"That new 'Mythorror' Fusion Monster isn't half bad." Sawatari commented, while Shun just glared in his usual way at our Fusion Monsters.
"...I equip Ulti-Apelio with Ritual Beast's Providence." their ATK and DEF went up to 1900 and 800 respectively. "I set a card. Turn End."
"Boku no turn! Draw!" taking into account Daphne can simply Tag Out to build a defensive wall, the fact her Monster's ATK is low doesn't really matter. With the cards I currently have in my hand...I won't be able to deal her damage this turn. I'll lay the groundwork for the next turns then. "Battle! Valravn, attack Ulti-Apelio!"
He zoomed across the field at lightning speed, slashing the enemy Monster and causing it to explode, with Daphne staggering backwards with a gasp of pain.
The Hitwoman: LP 5200 - 900 = 4300
What!? "Instead of a Tag Out, she decided to accept the attack?" Demiurge's interest was piqued.
She soon revealed the reason for that, "Torappu hatsudō: Ritual Beast's Desperation!" a card, which depicted Wen unleashing a powerful wave of energy at the viewer in a mix of anger and sadness, appeared. A humongous tree was present behind her, along with an injured Ulti-Gaiapelio laying at its feet. "As you destroyed my 'Ritual Beast Ulti-' Monster, I can target up to two of my banished Ritual Beasts and Special Summon them. Return to me, Winda, Repunwhale!"
The said Tamer and Beast materialized on her field in a flash of green light.
"Clever." Xolotl was pleased with how she handled her own card's sacrifice.
"...She can Contact Fusion again..." though I, too, was concerned like Howard.
"Providence then returns to my hands per its effect." she reminded me.
"Another reversal." Serena's eyes narrowed. "Vince's opponent is in the lead again."
"I set a card and pass it over to you." I said to my opponent, whose expression turned...surprised?
That's...the face of someone who realized is close to victory. Of someone who fought bravely and didn't doubt their own strength, who finally saw the light that's at the end of a long and dark tunnel. Daphne couldn't help but smile, an action that...made my heart flutter. Actually, it wasn't the action per se. It was the type of smile she made.
It was the same as Serena's.
"Prepare yourself." oh, even boasting? Heh, I guess she's in a really good mood now. "In this next turn, I'll make sure to sink my claws into your throat. I'll win...for Academia's sake!"
Eh?
No...no, that's not...that's not what you're supposed to say!
"Watashi no turn!" Daphne yanked out the top card of her deck, and her assault began anew. "I banish Ritual Beast's Desperation from my Graveyard and activate its effect. I target and Special Summon Ulti-Apelio from my Graveyard by ignoring its Summoning conditions!"
The said Monster emerged from a GY Portal. "However, its Attack and Defense become 0, and its effects are negated!"
"Summoning them back in a weakened state..." my eyes widened in dread. A Beast, a Tamer, and an 'Ulti-' Monster—"You're planning to Summon your ace!"
"Correct! But first, I activate the Spell Card Fusion Treasure!" the other Summoning Methods are finally getting their own versions of Xyz Treasure, eh? A card, which depicted a similar scenario to the card I just mention, but with astronauts on the Moon instead, appeared. They found a shining gem there, two energy rays shooting out of it and spiraling into the air. "With two Fusion Monsters on the field, this card enables me to draw two cards."
After doing so, "I banish Ulti-Apelio, Winda, and Repunwhale, and fuse them!" her Monsters turned into red, blue, and yellow energy respectively, which then spiraled into a portal as she chanted and clasped her hands together. "Tamed beast storing eternal grace. Gain the tamer's wisdom and the beast's power, and become God's divine emissary! Contact Fusion! Appear, my new ace! Ritual Beast Ulti-Repuntuswhale!"
To swim out of the portal was Repunwhale, his body now twice as large as his Main-Deck-form, fused with marine life and with a halo glowing above his forehead, exactly where his sapphire gem was located. Wen stood on his back, trusty staff in hand and eyes opened in a resolute manner, also wearing the scarf Pettlephin has on her tail tied around her right wrist.
Ritual Beast Ulti-Repuntuswhale: Light / Psychic / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 3000 / DEF: 3200 / LV: 10
"New ace...!?" my eyes widened at the sight of her giant Monster.
"Even Repuntuswhale...!" Demiurge growled in a low tone.
"Battle! I attack your Fusion Monster with Ulti-Repuntuswhale!" Daphne threw an arm forward. "At this moment, its effect activates! If this card battles an opponent's Monster, by banishing a 'Ritual Beast' card from my hand, I can have it unlock the following effect! I banish Providence!"
A shoal of fishes, which looked like ants compared to the killer whale and were made of water, materialized around him and Wen.
"For the rest of this turn, the Attack and Defense of any Monster this card battles become 0 and its effects are negated, only during the damage calculation! Psyche Judgment!"
My mouth fell open in shock. "What!?" the shoal rushed forward, surrounding my winged knight and trapping him in a sphere of water.
(Valravn: 2800→0 ATK, 1700→0 DEF)
"Vince!" Gongenzaka exclaimed in concern.
"I've got it!" I reassured him and played a card from my hand. "Akushon Majikku: Damage Banish! This reduces the damage I would take to 0!"
Repuntuswhale unleashed a torrent of water from his mouth, piercing Valravn and the prison he created and ensuing an explosion of harmless droplets.
"Alright, he's still in this." Sawatari cheered with a smirk.
"...I set a card. Turn End." The Hitwoman wasn't pleased with this turn of events. "No matter. In my next turn..." her eyes narrowed. "In my next turn, I'll definitely finish you off, and prove no one can prevail over Academia."
"Arrogant brat...!" Shun spat venomously.
Arrogant? Sorry, Shun, but I disagree. Academia this, Academia that...honestly...
She's pathetic.
"Hm?" Demiurge chuckled, to which I blinked. The others were staring at me with confused or unreadable expressions, while Daphne's clenched hands were ever so slightly shaking.
"Pathetic, you say?" she hissed.
Oh...I said that out loud, didn't I? Sigh, where did all my self-control go? The Duel from earlier must still be fresh in my mind for me to unconsciously say what I'm thinking. Since she already heard me...there's no reason to hold back any further.
"Yes. Yes, that's exactly what I said." not even my opponent expected such a straightforward answer from me, evident by how her eyes widened in a mix of shock and anger. "I won't neglect the fact you're bound to Academia. Leo made you believe that's the only place you belong to? Or that everything you do in his name is just?"
I also clenched my free hand and glared at the ground. "I understand why you're standing there, as my enemy. I also understand what compels you. But...to blindly follow someone without questioning your own actions, resulting in the suffering of other Dimensions...! How could I not call that pathetic!? I can't accept your reality! I can't laugh at it either, because it's that bad!"
I gripped my left arm with my right hand in an attempt to steady my breathing and calm down, but sadly, that didn't work at all this time around.
"Hashima, I'm genuinely scared to ask you a simple and cliché question. If Leo orders you to jump off a cliff, would you do it?" I raised my head back up, and my fears came true. She was shocked, confused...and thinking. My anger was immediately replaced with pity. "See...? You are actually contemplating...of discarding your own life, your most valuable possession, because a bastard like Leo ordered you to! And not just you!"
I whipped my head around, seeing Serena with the same expression staring back at me. The others were equally shocked; Tsukikage was the only one who didn't lose his composure, probably trained to maintain a poker face at all times. Shun...there were no traces of pity on his expression, but his eyes...his eyes were different now. This might be the first time he ever considered things from his opponent's point of view.
"So many of you...brainwashed." I muttered, turning my head around. "Pure children, taught to battle, to bow their heads, to avoid following their hearts... Do you think I find it amusing to see your futures be torn apart by idiots? Or to see an entire Dimension brought to ruin? A true utopia is founded through peace, not war and sacrifice! It's so awful you're taught to believe this is the right path...!"
"...Sakushi," Daphne finally spoke up, her voice shaking. She seemed to be in pain. The type of pain when you remember something you've long forgotten. Something important...like a promise. "Why...do you care?"
"Because your future is yours to decide." I told her the same thing I did to Serena. "And honestly? I've had enough. You, Serena, the other children of Fusion...everyone...the very Duel Monsters we wield...you all deserve better. The world continues to ignore your pain and to twist your fates, and I've grown tired of it."
Daphne fell silent, completely taken aback by my words. My Mythorrors didn't expect to hear me mention them in that last part, either. I didn't worry about those and instead focused on what's important, namely Daphne. Her reaction...my words hit her heart, meaning she can be saved like Serena. If we could talk more, then I'm sure she'll change!
"We can't let her escape this time." as if reading my thoughts, Demiurge spoke up. "Usually, their Duel Disk glows before they vanish. If we can stop that program of theirs from activating, then she'll become our hostage."
He's right! "Thanks, Demiurge!" I thanked him in a whisper. Noticing my determined expression, Daphne steeled herself as well, although by her posture you could tell she wasn't as calm as before. "Boku no turn! Draw! I activate Seth's Darkness' effect from my Graveyard! By banishing this card, I can target Valravn in my Graveyard and Special Summon him!"
The winged knight's unique portal appeared on the ground, from which he flew out.
"He got his Monster back!" Sawatari noted in a pleased manner. He then frowned. "But that won't be enough to beat her ace..."
Not on his own, at least. "I activate the Continuous Spell Vahakn's Aura! With the aura of this god enveloping the battlefield, any battle damage you take from attacks involving my Mythorrors is doubled!"
I swiped another card into my Duel Disk. "The cherry on top! Eizoku Mahō: Upper Sky of Aether! When this card is activated, I place Aether Counters on it equal to the total sum of Levels on the field. The total sum is eighteen!"
(Upper Sky of Aether: 0→18 Aether Counters)
"And now, Battle! Valravn, attack Ulti-Repuntuswhale!"
"Oi, didn't you hear what I just said!?" Sawatari exclaimed in shock.
"Calm down. He must have a plan." allow me to prove you right, Tsukikage!
"At this moment, I activate Reign of Terror's effect from my Graveyard! If a Monster Special Summoned from the Graveyard declares an attack, by banishing this card, I can destroy that Monster!"
Valravn obtained a red outline, after which he exploded into particles.
"Since it was destroyed by a card effect...!"
"His effect activates!" I finished for Gongenzaka.
A purple mist enveloped her Fusion Monster, causing the beast and tamer to lower their heads in discomfort. Following that, Valravn returned to my field through his unique portal.
(Ulti-Repuntuswhale: 3000→1500 ATK, 3200→1600 DEF)
"Still not enough to completely delete her Life Points." Serena remarked. Her eyes then narrowed. "And we can't forget her own Monster's effect..."
"It's time for the final curtain! Battle!" I threw an arm forward, ready to end this. "Valravn, attack Ulti-Repuntuswhale again! At the same time, I activate Upper Sky of Aether's effect, removing five Aether Counters from it to decrease your Monster's Attack by 1000 until the End Phase!"
(Upper Sky of Aether: 18→13 Aether Counters)
"It matters not!" Daphne declared dismissively. "By banishing Ritual Beast Return from my hand, I activate Ulti-Repuntuswhale's Psyche Judgment!"
The shoal of water fishes reappeared around her Fusion Monster, prompting Sawatari to groan.
"This is what I was talking about!" it's actually nice to see him worrying for someone else so much.
"Torappu hatsudō: Armory Call!" I revealed my set card. "I can add one Equip Spell from my Deck to my hand, then equip it to an appropriate Monster I control!"
Our opponent's eyes widened, already knowing which card I'll choose. "I won't lose to you! I activate a Trap of my own, Ritual Beast Steeds! Because I control a Ritual Beast, I can destroy a Monster you control!"
"He won't be able to equip anything to his Monster if it leaves the field during the same chain." Tsukikage pointed out in concern.
Gongenzaka, on the other hand, smiled in relief. "But he still has Upper Sky of Aether!"
Exactly! "I activate my Continuous Spell's other effect! During the Battle Phase, when my opponent activates a card or effect, I can remove all Aether Counters from this card to negate that card's or effect's activation!"
"I-Impossible!" Daphne blanched.
(Upper Sky of Aether: 13→0 Aether Counters)
With that, the chain 5 we worked so diligently to create resolved. Upper Sky of Aether glowed brightly, causing Steeds to gray out.
Then came my turn. "Using Armory Call's effect, I fetch Syamantaka Jewel and equip it to Valravn!" the octagon-shaped ruby pendant surrounded by an orange glow appeared around his neck. "As long as this card's equipped to a Mythorror, that Monster is unaffected by your card effects!"
Psyche Judgment was next. The shoal rushed forward, but it vaporized by simply getting closer to Syamantaka Jewel, leaving my winged knight unharmed. Lastly, the Beast and Tamer gasped as chain-shaped clouds suddenly tied their bodies, falling prey to Upper Sky's other effect.
(Ulti-Repuntuswhale: 1500→500 ATK)
"Damage her Duel Disk, my servant!" Demiurge shouted as Valravn took flight.
He dive-bombed Ulti-Repuntuswhale, neatly bisecting the Beast and Tamer and causing them to explode. Daphne tried her best to withstand the shock waves, but in the end, she was blown off her feet, screaming in defeat and taking double the damage due to Vahakn's Aura.
The Hitwoman: LP 4300 - 4600 = 0
Winner: Vince!
"Well done, Vince!" Gongenzaka cheered as the Duel ended.
"I c-can't believe it..." Daphne hissed through gritted teeth, slowly rising into a sitting position. "I lost again...!" she finally glanced at her Duel Disk, noting the gash Valravn left on its screen. Her eyes widened in dread. "My Duel Disk was...!"
"You were utterly defeated." that voice!
"Ugh, it's that guy again..." Adaro groaned.
Exactly like last time, Yuri jumped down from atop a building and landed behind our foe. If Yuzu's whereabouts weren't unknown and Yuri wasn't the reason behind her disappearance, I would've asked if he has godly feet or something, avoiding all damage from a jump like that. Lindworm roared at him out of the blue, and his own dragon replied to it in kind. Huh...what's up with these two...?
"Yuya!?" Gongenzaka gasped in confusion. Um...
"Today everyone seems to get my name wrong." he sighed in exasperation. "I'm Yuri."
"Huh?" Sawatari's eyebrows furrowed. "What's he talking ab—"
"Why is Yuri here!?" Serena was immediately by my side, Duel Disk in hand and posture tense.
"It's the same old story, Serena." Yuri waved a hand. "I'm following the Professor's orders."
He looked at his comrade, who flinched. "Like someone else I know."
"He's up to something." Ereshkigal remarked.
"F-Forgive me, Yuri-sama." Daphne lowered her head in shame. "I—"
"Yes, yes, I don't care." hearing Yuri's bored tone, she flinched again. "The Professor won't be pleased to hear you failed your mission a second time. Losing to the same person, to boot. That is why..."
The violet-haired youth aimed his Duel Disk at her, prompting us to gasp. Daphne raised her head, and though I couldn't see her face, I'm sure she was devastated. After all, it's the same as if a gun was pointed at your head by your own comrade.
"Oh no...!" Snow gasped loudly.
"I'll card you here and now." Yuri concluded ominously, a finger moving closer and closer to his screen. No...no, no, no! I didn't do all that just for her to be carded!
I got ready to shout, "STOP IT!" but someone beat me to it.
Yuri stopped what he was doing, side-glancing to see Yuu and Manek running in his direction, the former sporting an enraged expression. Taking advantage of his distraction, Daphne leaped to her feet and performed two backflips, landing in front of me and Serena.
Thanks, Yuu! And thank the gods he's OK! I was really worried after what the Obelisk Force told me... Wait, what about the other Youth team members? I'll ask about it later.
"Trying to card your own comrade...have you got no shame!?" the mentioned youth demanded.
"Comrade?" Yuri snickered, to which I curled my fingers up tightly. The nerve of him! "Do I have a reason to care of someone who's incompetent?"
Daphne's shoulders tightened at that. Yuu gritted his teeth. "Why you...!"
"Let him do it." Manek sighed impassively. "They're hypocrite bastards anyway."
That's...true, but still! "You're fine with her being carded!?" Yuu's eyes widened.
"They're the enemy. Who cares." Manek shrugged. Again, true, but still!
"Well, I care!" Yuu stated. "Friend or foe, nobody deserves that fate!"
"We'll gang up on him!" Serena abruptly declared, to which Yuu and I nodded. Time to make him pay!
"This will be an easy fight then." Supay snorted. I hope so.
"How nice!" to our surprise, Yuri wasn't panicking at all. In fact, he seemed amused by this turn of events. "You all want to punish dear old me? Very well. Be my guests—"
A hand suddenly found itself on his left shoulder, and he fell silent.
"That's enough." everybody gasped as a person emerged from behind Yuri. How the Hell...did he do that!? We didn't see anyone walking up to us! And there wasn't a flash to signal he teleported behind him!
It's like... "He was there all this time?" Yamatochi muttered in alarm. "But I didn't sense his presence."
"Oi, oi, you can't be serious...!" Adaro, along with many of my Mythorrors, turned nervous. "His scent is the same as cabbage brows'...!?"
What!? And what type of nickname is that!?
"He's—" Demiurge stopped halfway through his shout, switching to a calmer tone to save his face. "A strong human. I can feel it."
"He...but...how...what!?" exactly, Sawatari, exactly!
The newly arrived person smirked, happy to see he left an impression. Even on Yuri, evident by how the violet-haired youth took a couple of steps away from him and smiled in a confused manner.
"Philus-san, how nice to see you." he greeted the gray-haired guy. If he added '-san', that means he's the real deal! "But, did I hear you well? Are you saying I can't Duel them?"
"It's nothing personal." Philus assured him. He then gestured at us. "But as you can see, even with my help, we would be greatly outnumbered. And these aren't mundane opponents like those at Academia."
"Hmm, that sounds like a last-minute excuse." Yuri brought a hand to his chin.
"I'm simply worried about my juniors." Philus chuckled innocently, confirming his assumption. "Besides...I'm finally in the mood to accept your request." Yuri's eyes dilated a little, and there was a glint in his eyes. A glint I knew quite well. "If the Prof gives us his blessing, I'll Duel you."
That's all Yuri needed to hear to lose interest in us. Just like that, from a hundred to zero. He turned his back to his and stared at Philus dead in the eyes.
"Shall we?" his serious reply drew a chuckle from Philus.
Oh, no you don't! "Stop, Yuri!" I hastily cried out. "Where's—"
Sadly, his interest in me was now gone. The two soldiers pressed a button on their Duel Disks, causing a bright light to envelop their bodies, after which they vanished. He didn't even let me finish my damn question!
"They ran away..." Sawatari stated the obvious. "Should I feel upset or relieved?"
"Relieved, you idiot." Serena barked out. Cut him some slack, he doesn't know how dangerous they are.
"I'll listen to not-Yuzu." he sang, which wasn't a good choice because Serena slapped the back of his head. "Oi!"
"You really aren't...Yuzu?" Gongenzaka inquired. He surely wanted to ask that the moment Daphne addressed Serena with her name.
"Sorry, Gongenzaka, but that can wait." I interjected before 'that' conversation could start. "We still have to find Yuzu! And where's Yuya? Is he Dueling Sora?"
He wasn't too happy I changed the subject, but considering what I said and asked, he didn't question it any further. He gave Serena one last skeptical glance and then addressed yours truly.
"He should be this way." thanks, big guy! His eyes narrowed as he looked to the side. "But..."
I followed his gaze. Oh, right. I can't believe I was about to forget Daphne. She stood there emotionlessly and stared at the ground, shoulders slumped in defeat. Manek was in front of her, silently glaring at her.
"I think Reiji will find a good use for you." he proclaimed in a flat tone.
"Manek, stop it." Yuu placed a hand on his shoulder to draw his attention. He then looked at the brown-haired youth with pity. "She..."
She was defeated a second time, by the same person no less. She has no chance to retaliate. Her only means of escape was destroyed. And even if she could run away, where would she go? She was betrayed by her own homeland. She doesn't have a place to call home anymore.
Truly- I made sure I wasn't talking out loud- pathetic.
The girl in question sighed. "I have no reason to resist." she pointed out, allowing Manek to easily restrain her arms behind her back.
"Let's regroup with Yuya!" Dennis told Gongenzaka, prompting him to nod and lead the way.
We descended into an underground cavern, where we found Yuya and Sora who were indeed Dueling. They appeared to have reached the climax, evident from the fact they were both controlling a never-before-seen Monster with high ATK.
Our presence went unnoticed by the two, however. "This is fun. This is really fun, Yuya!" Sora declared out of the blue with a large smile. My eyes widened in surprise. That smile...Sora's genuine smile wasn't fake after all! "An Xyz-Pendulum Monster!? This is why your Duels are always exciting!"
Xyz-Pendulum? I parroted in confusion, and true enough, the card of Yuya's new dragon was half-Xyz and half-Pendulum. Incredible...so Pendulums didn't stop at Normal and Effect Monsters, but went even further!?
"I never expected the tomato-haired boy to show me something so interesting." Demiurge admitted with a scoff. "I guess pigs will fly next."
"The dragon himself is interesting!" Seth put in his two cents. "His aura and appearance...are like a mix of Odd-Eyes and Dark Rebellion!"
With a cool attack animation, the said dragon attacked Sora's new Fusion Monster, while their users activated their respective Action Magics. It all came down to a single Action Card, but before one of them could grab it, the clock struck noon.
[The Battle Royal is over!] Nico's cheery shout resounded around us, clueless of what actually transpired in the last twenty-four hours. Quartet of Quandry was also deactivated, and the city returned to normal, causing the Duel to end in a No Result.
"Yuya! Sora!" Gongenzaka called out, catching their attention.
"Everyone!" Yuya's eyes widened when he saw Serena, more than probably thinking she's Yuzu.
"Ah! Hiiragi Yuzu!" a familiar voice shouted. Mieru finally regained her senses and jumped off Dennis's back. "You were making moves on another guy while seducing darling!"
Excuse me? "I'm not Yuzu!" Serena didn't want any of that, and immediately dropped a truth bomb.
"What!?" Yuya exclaimed in shock, now worried. Yep, he mistook her for his girlfriend. "Then where is she!?"
"I looked, but all I found was this little girl..." Dennis stated.
"Weren't you looking after her?" Manek turned to me with a raised eyebrow.
"Y-Yes, but..." I quickly avoided his gaze. "We were separated by the Obelisk Force and Yuri."
Hearing that name, Sora blanched. "Yuri...!?" aha! So he's still worried about Yuzu!
"Sora!" Yuya stepped forward. "What happened to Yuzu!?"
"Does it look like I know!?" was all he said back before pressing a button on his Duel Disks, vanishing exactly like Yuri and Philus. I really hope she wasn't captured by them, but if she was...at least we know Sora will check up on her.
"I saw all of your Duels."
We knew that voice. "Well, well, well." Demiurge's voice dripped with sarcasm. "And the one who appears for last is..."
Reiji, who was standing on a higher walkway and looking over us with an impassive expression.
Fan-made Cards:
Action Cards:
Flame Bomb
Action Spell
Target 1 monster you control; this turn, if it destroys an opponent's monster by battle, inflict damage to your opponent equal to the destroyed monster's ATK.
Daphne:
Spiritual Beast Repunwhale (Wind/Fish/Effect/ATK: 200/DEF: 1800/LV: 4)
If this card is Normal Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 "Ritual Beast Tamer" monster from your Deck, ignoring its Condition effect. You can only Special Summon "Spiritual Beast Repunwhale(s)" once per turn.
[Trivia: This card's name is derived from Repun, a reference to the Ainu god of the sea "Repun Kamuy", and "whale". Thank you to Erik who helped me pick this name.
"In order to put an end to this foolish war and avenge her fallen partner, Wen befriends a Spiritual Beast that has been freely roaming the world's seas in search of a fitting Tamer..."]
Ritual Beast's Providence
Equip Spell
Equip only to a "Ritual Beast" monster. It gains 600 ATK/DEF, and if it attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing battle damage to your opponent. If this card is sent to the GY because the equipped monster leaves the field: You can add this card (from your GY) to your hand. You can only use this effect of "Ritual Beast's Providence" once per turn.
[Trivia: "Wen hands over Pettlephin's armor and sacred jewel to Asirwhale, signaling the start of a new comradeship..."]
Ritual Beast's Desperation
Normal Trap
If your "Ritual Beast Ulti-" monster(s) is destroyed by an opponent's card: Target up to 2 of your banished "Ritual Beast" monsters; Special Summon them. If this card is in your GY: You can banish it, then target 1 "Ritual Beast" monster in your GY; Special Summon it, ignoring its Summoning conditions, but its ATK/DEF become 0 and its effects are negated. You can only use each effect of "Ritual Beast's Desperation" once per turn.
[Trivia: "Gaiapelio and Lara gave their all to protect the Naturia Sacred Tree from the Arrogant Kaesar's troops. But it wasn't enough; they were defeated. Wen, now desperate, opened her eyes, unleashing her suppressed spiritual powers..."]
Fusion Treasure
Normal Spell
Draw 1 card for each face-up Fusion Monster on the field.
Ritual Beast Ulti-Repuntuswhale (Light/Psychic/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3200/LV: 10)
1 "Ritual Beast Ulti-" monster + 1 "Ritual Beast Tamer" monster + 1 "Spiritual Beast" monster
Must be Special Summoned (from your Extra Deck) by banishing the above cards you control, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. (You do not use "Polymerization".) If Summoned this way, this card gains this effect:
- If this card battles an opponent's monster: You can banish 1 "Ritual Beast" card from your hand; for the rest of this turn, the ATK/DEF of any monster this card battles become 0 and its effects are negated, during damage calculation only.
[Trivia: This card's name is derived from Repunwhale and "Pontus", the primordial Greek deity of the sea. Name credit goes to Erik.
"The pain of losing a dear one was unbearable. It left a scar on their hearts which will never heal. It still hurts, to this very day...but now, at least, they have each other's backs. Pain can only be understood by those who experience it. Feeling the same pain was a key factor in bringing this Beast and Tamer together."]
OK, so I know Vince has been acting like...an emotional little bitch as of lately, but listen! His heart is all over the place right now. He is VERY compassionate by nature, which isn't really his fault, and his Mythorrors caused his parental instincts for those around him who aren't assholes like Leo and the Obelisk Force to go haywire. He won't be like for the entire story, fear not, but for now...yes. So please, bear with it for a little. I'm sure you'll love the end result of me tormenting an innocent human for numerous chapters!
...See? This is why people say writers are unintentional sadists.
The Duel is pretty much the same as in the previous version, but this time, Vince is in control for the entire thing. His words hit deep for Serena and Daphne. That, plus what happened after the Duel, marks the start of Daphne's change of heart.
That should be all for this chapter. My old readers should know which Duel comes next, and I'm excited for it myself!
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 Gnostic Valravn and Ritual Beast Ulti-Repuntuswhale. They suddenly glowed, and Vince and Daphne emerged from them respectively.
"Ah, this is awkward..." Vince chuckled nervously while scratching the back of his head. "I understand we were the main actors of this chapter, but it's still too early to pair us for a last scene. What do you think, Hashhhh...ima...?"
The person in question was glaring intensely at him, prompting him to freeze up.
He gulped. She wasn't going to attack him, right...? "W-What's wrong...?" Daphne stepped closer, causing him to yelp. The image of a growling Apelio, the Main-Deck-form of her first ace, appeared behind her, giving the idea she's getting ready to pounce.
"I must study you and find out if you weren't lying back there." she replied after a full minute, but it was already too late. Vince's mind was waiting for her attack, making him incapable of hearing her. The two stayed in that position, and Daphne continued, "Since it's linked to me, I'll tell the Secret of the Chapter. My battle theme is Verno's Fight from Cardfight! Vanguard G NEXT."
She leaned forward and squinted. "Wait...did he pass out on his feet?" she poked him on the forehead, and true enough, Vince slowly fell backwards. Daphne blinked twice. "Oh." it seems he held his breath for too long.
The screen faded into black, followed by the words [To Be Continued...].