Chapter 6: Darkness Approaches

Naturally, the police had lots of questions for Yuya and Zuzu about what had transpired that night. By the time they finally let up, both were cold, tired, and very confused.

"What happened tonight? One minute, we're walking home, the next I get jumped by some kind of giant! Then that weird guy comes in and attacks me, and calls you Lulu?"

"Trust me Yuya, this is just as confusing to me. One way or the other, we need to get to the bottom of this."

"Need a lift?"

The two turned to see a limo pulling up beside them, someone peering out at them from a cracked window.

"Um, thanks, but..."

"Please, get in. I insist."

Cautiously, the two joined him in the limo as it took off.

"Thanks for the ride, mr..."

"Please call me Declan. Declan Akaba"

It was then that Yuya came to a realization.

"Declan Akaba? As in, president of Leo Corp?"

"The one and only."

"But...why are you interested in us?"

Declan sighed. He hated involving citizens, but it was too late for that.

"I have lots of enemies. That man who attacked you,Panik …"

"Wait, how do you know about that? That happened less that 3 hours ago."

"After the attack on my students, I've used my contacts on the police force to keep an eye out for other suspicious activity. Now back to what I was saying, Panik is a part of a dangerous group known as The Rare Hunters. They're a gang focused on collecting the rarest and most powerful cards in existance, and aren't afraid to use underhanded tactics to acquire them."

"So that's why they attacked us? For my Pendulum monsters?"

"Yes, and now that you've beaten one back, more are likely to come after you."

Yuya and Zuzu slumped into their seats in fear.

"Great, just what we need. More people trying to kill us."

"I'm sorry that you've been brought into this, but I assure you that I wish to protect you. However, before I let you go, there is one more matter I'd like to discuss. After you defeated Panik, I'm aware that another person broke in and protected you correct?"

His two guests nodded.

"I believe he may be connected to the attack on Sylvio in some way. If you know anything about them, please tell me now."

Zuzu hesitated for a minute before speaking.

"He...he did something to Panik. His duel disk glowed, and then Panik disappeared, and he pulled out a card with Panik's face on it. And then..."

"Go on. I promise anything you say is confidential.

"...He called me Lulu, then he grabbed Yuya and threatened him. Luckily the police got there before he could do anything and he fled. That's all we know, I swear!"

"I believe you. For the time being, I'd like to offer the protection of my security force. They'll make sure you and your families are protected from harm."

Realizing they were still in danger, Yuya and Zuzu quickly accepted.

"Excellent. Claude, take our friends home."

"Yes, Mr. President."

The next day, Yuya and Zuzu were walking to You Show togoether, discussing the latest turn of events.

"Its all so scary. I can't even go five feet without worrying that someone's going to reach out and grab me."

"Yeah, but at least we have some extra security around."

"YOU!"

The two turned around to see one of Sylvio's goons marching over to them and pointing a finger at Yuya.

"You did something to Sylvio, I just know it!"

"Me? What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb! You're the only person with any motivation to do something like that to him! All because he's a better duelist than you'll ever be."

"Look, I don't know what you're talking about, but Yuya would never-"

"Stay out of this, girly! Just because you're his girlfriend doesn't mean you get to fight his battles for him."

This made Zuzu's blood boil over.

"THAT'S IT! You want to pick on someone, then pick on me! You and me, right here, right now! I win, you leave us alone!"

"Deal! Like you stand a chance."

"Whatever. Get your deck out, goonie!"

"MY NAME IS NOT GOONIE! Its Yamabe!"

"Whatever, goonie."

DUEL!

Goonie: 4000

Zuzu: 4000

"Superior duelists first! For my first turn, I activate Double Summon, letting me normal summon twice this turn. Next, I summon Stelswarm Caller (1700/0) in attack mode! Next, I tribute him to summon my Steelswarm Mantis (2200/0) in attack mode! And when I perform a tribute summon using Caller, I can summon another level 4 or lower Steelswarm from my deck, and I choose another Caller! And by paying 1000 life points, Mantis lets me summon another Steelswarm from my graveyard, so come back Steelswarm Caller (4000-3000)!"

Yamabe's three fiendish insects stood before Zuzu, trying their best to look intimidating. Unfortunately, Zuzu wasn't easily scared.

"Is that it? So much for being a superior duelist."

"Why, you...I end my turn with two cards face down!"

"I'll begin with the spell card Vallhalla, Hall of the Fallen! And with it, I can special summon Mozarta, the Melodious Maestra! Next, I activate her effect to summon Elegy the Melodious Diva in attack mode (2000/1200)! And if she's special summoned, all fairy type monsters on my field gain 300 attack points (2600-2900) (2000-2300). Next, since I control a melodious monster, I can special summon Sonata the Melodious Diva from my hand! And when she's special summoned, all fairy type monsters gain 500 attack and defense as long as she's on the field (2900-3400/2000-2500) (2300-2800/1200-1700) (1200-2000/1000-1500)!"

"Uh oh."

"Mozarta, take out his Gatekeeper!"

Goonie: 1100

"Elegy, wipe out his Mantis!"

"Nice try, Zuzu, but I activate Infestation Tool! By sending Steelswarm Genome from my deck to the graveyard, I can give Mantis an extra 800 attack points (2200-3000)! Say goodbye to your Diva!"

"Actually, I think I'll say goodbye to you, because I activate the effect of Honest in my hand! By discarding it, I can give Elegy the attack points of your bug there."

"Wait, but that means-"

"That this duel is over (2800-5800)! Finish him off!"

Yamabe could only watch in horror as Zuzu's angel obliterated his demon with a melodious song, ending the duel.

Yamabe: 0000

Zuzu wins!

Before going on her way, Zuzu marched over to her opponent and smacked him over the head with her fan.

"Ow!"

"Next time, mind your own business! Come on Yuya, we need to get going."

Yuya chuckled as he followed closely behind. One thing he had learned was to never get on Zuzu's bad side.