Previously, on Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc V: Pendulum's Fifth Swing!
Leo Duel School, as part of a ploy to test Yuya Sakaki, launches a Duel War against You Show Duel School! Per the terms of agreement, Himika offers You Show financial support if they win, but should You Show lose, Yuya Sakaki and Zarc must transfer to Leo Duel School!
In the first round, Yuya and Hokuto Shijima, an Xyz Duelist, square off, with Yuya being pushed to the edge! However, in the face of Hokuto's overwhelming might, Yuya Sakaki reveals his first ever Synchro Summon and achieves victory!
Now, the stage sets on You Show's next opponent: Masumi Kotsu of the Fusion Summon Advanced Course! At this moment, Sora's eyes lock on to his new prey!
And so the Pendulum begins to swing once moreā¦!
A Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc V Story:
"Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc V: Pendulum's Fifth Swing"
Scale 07: Sora's Wicked Smile
Sora Shiunin was not a normal kid, that much Zarc was certain of.
At first glance, you wouldn't think much of him. He had a fondness for sweets, was amicable and well-loved by everyone else in You Show, and like all Duelists, he held a sense of pride. However, Zarc knew better than to judge a book by its cover. When he dueled Sora, he initially saw a child. A brilliant one, if his usage of Fusion and expertise was of any indication. However, during their Duel, Zarc had caught sight of the wolf in sheep's clothing: violent, sadistic and far more deadly. This was not a child, but a young man who dueled as if it were a battle where his life depended on it.
'This will not end well.' Zarc thought with a frown, watching Masumi and Sora leave for the Duel Area. 'I don't know what Masumi is capable of, but from what I've seen, Sora knows how Fusion works. She's going to have to work for her victory.' His thoughts drifted back to his duel with Sora, and the merciless drive he showed mid-way through as things became even more heated. 'But... I don't think she will win this. She's going to get her butt whupped, and Sora isn't going to show her any mercy whatsoever.'
Fortunately, none of the others, especially the little ones, seemed to notice his troubles. "I hope Sora's going to be okay." Yuya muttered in worry. "I mean, yeah, he's good at Fusion too, but..."
"We can only hope." Gongenzaka put a hand on his shoulder in comfort, smiling. "Besides, from what you've told me, he is not a foe you can underestimate. Unless I am mistaken, Zarc, you also fought him."
Zarc nodded. "Yeah. He's good. Very good." he said, arms folded. "But you want my honest opinion? This fight is going to be a joke for Sora."
"Eh?" Yuzu blinked. "What makes you say that?"
'Hm... It seems you've have a peek underneath that little boy's mask.' Himika noted, eavesdropping on their conversation. 'But yes, this fight may as well be in his favor. Anyone from the Fusion Dimension is an expert in Fusion Summoning, without fail. We could never hope to produce Duelists of their caliber.' Her hands curled into fists, her mind drifting to the man she had once loved - only to now despise with all of her heart. 'I suppose that is your doing, isn't it, Leo...?'
Masumi and Sora finally arrived in the Duel Area, taking their positions. In the control room, Shuzo grimaced. "Whoo boy." While he was eccentric, even he could tell that something was going on down there. Some kind of unseen tension or aggression that was just begging to be let loose. "Something tells me that this is going to be a doozy." Clearing his throat, he opened up communications to both duelists. "Are you two ready?!"
"Ready and waiting, Principal." Sora replied, one hand at his hip while his other tossed a lolipop into his mouth, sizing up his opponent. "Hope you can keep up with me, greenhorn."
Masumi raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?" she said with a huff. "I should be the one saying that to you. From what I understand, you applied to LDS, but skipped out to join this school. Were you that terrified of the pressure of an elite school?"
"Elite?" Sora's lips curved into a grin. "Sorry, but Leo Duel School isn't all that and a bag of chips, you know. I mean, that Shijima guy did just get his butt whupped by Yuya-senpai earlier."
"Hokuto's an idiot, and a scrub." Masumi retorted, causing her classmate to recoil, as if struck before he fell into the fetal position with a cloud hanging over his head. The third student of LDS sweat dropped and tried to console him, but to no avail. "Out of those present here who represent LDS, he's the weakest."
'Damn that's harsh!' was the collective thought of everyone present, including Ray. Suddenly, they all felt sorry for Hokuto, especially as the poor guy began to cry anime tears, head bowed and slowly forming a puddle underneath him.
"I'm far more competent that he is." Masumi continued, smirking as she flipped her hair. "After all, I am a diamond that's been refined. You, on the other hand, are just muddy and lackluster."
Sora shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know much about gemstones, but I hear they're pretty fragile~" he shot back with a smirk, eliciting a tick mark from the girl. Rather than give him another attempt to insult her and LDS, she raised her Duel Disk, slamming her Deck into it. Shortly after, a hardlight board materialized alongside her forearm, raising it to chest level. Sora chuckled and followed suit, twirling his lolipop around. "Okay, I guess crack shots are over."
Shuzo sweatdropped. "Man, what's gotten into you today, Sora?" he wondered briefly. Was he that on edge because of LDS? Pushing the thought aside, Shuzo inputted the commands and started up the Solid Vision system. "Action Field, ON!"
Light filled the room. The dull gray walls became replaced with glittering reflections that sparkled and dazzled like glass. Actually, the whole field had become akin to a giant reflection, becoming the ballroom of some kind of palace with a large staircase directly behind Masumi. Holding up the walkways above were pillars, which gave off a beautiful glow as the light reflected off of it. Seeing the present state of the field, Masumi smiled widely in appreciation. "Crystal Corridor..." she whispered, completely taken. "A fine Action Duel." She drank in the sight of the Action Field before she returned her attention to Sora, confidence clear across her face. "It's time to begin! I'll show you the difference between a true Duelist of Leo Duel School and a wannabe!"
"Bring it." Sora challenged, his pupils momentarily shrinking as if locking on to prey. "Duelists locked in battle, kicking the earth and dancing in the air with their Monsters!"
"They storm through this Field! Behold, this is the newest and greatest evolution in Dueling! Action...!"
DUEL!
Sora Shiunin - LP 4000
Masumi Kotsu - LP 4000
"Since Yuya-senpai won earlier, I'll be taking the first Turn if you don't mind!" Sora quipped.
Turn 1: Sora/Hand: 5
"First off!" As he began his move, Sora was already on the move, actively searching for an Action Card. Masumi immediately gave chase, though the blue-haired boy was much faster. And far more nimble, as he sprinted up a wall and launched off of it, landing on top of one of the crystalline platforms hanging in the air. He grinned when he took an Action Card into his hand. "I'll set this little beauty face-down on my field and summon Furnimal Dog from my Hand!" On cue, a plushie-like monster appeared on his field, landing right next to him with patches of brown fur and a blue harness. On its back were a pair of white wings.
[Furnimal Dog / EARTH / Level 4 / Fairy / Effect / ATK: 1700 / DEF: 1000]
"When Furnimal Dog is Normal or Special Summoned from my Hand, I can either add Edge Imp Scissors or a Furnimal monster to my hand." A card popped out from his deck, allowing him to take it. "Then I set down another face-down and my Turn here!"
The You Show students blinked. "...wait, that's it?!" Yuya exclaimed. "What the heck?!"
"Did Sora get a bad hand?" Yuzu wondered with a troubled frown. "I mean, whenever he duels us, he usually manages to get a few Monsters out, and more often than not, he manages to get one of his Death-Toy monsters out on the first Turn."
"He could have something planned." Gongenzaka remarked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "What I don't understand is why he set his Action Card on the field! Once its been set, he can't activate it until the next Turn. What on Earth is going through his head?"
Zarc was oddly silent, instead watching the duel with intrigue and wary.
Masumi scoffed. "Is that all you can do?" she asked. Sora merely shrugged and waved off her condescending looks. Masumi's eyebrow twitched. She had never met someone as cheeky and as carefree as this kid. Did he think this was some kind of game? Admittedly, they were playing a children's card game, but the stakes were serious. 'If he doesn't want to take this seriously, then fine. I'll show him what happens when he underestimates his opponents!' she thought. "My Turn! DRAW!"
Turn 2: Masumi/Hand: 6
Masumi took a glance at her cards and promptly smirked. She had started out with a very good hand. With a set-up like this, her victory was more than assured. "I set two cards face-down on my field!" she announced, following after Sora in this department. Her eyes then searched the field and zeroed in on a nearby Action Card, which was stuck to the side of a pillar. She immediately went after it, but to her surprise, Sora made no move to chase after her, instead looking around in disinterest. Her irritation grew. There had to be a limit to this kind of stupidity. Regardless, she acquired the Action Card with little effort. "I activate the Spell: Gem-Knight Fusion!"
"Not Polymerization?" Tatsuya asked, tilting his head.
Seeing his confusion, it was Zarc who answered. "Polymerization isn't the only Spell Card that can fuse monsters." he told them without looking away from the Duel. "Even your monster cards can use effects to use Fusion Summoning, like my Darkwhelp."
"Gem-Knight Fusion allows me to Fusion Summon a Gem-Knight Fusion Monster from my Deck, using any Gem-Knight monsters on my field and in my hand!" A portal opened up behind her as phantom images of two Monsters appeared behind her: a petite sculpted figure with a shining blue gemstone embedded into its chest and a towering black armored knight with a black spinning bead circling around it. "Spirit of the blue gem, meld together with the black harbinger of power and give rise to a brilliant power!" She slammed her hands together as the monsters fell into the portal, their bodies twisting and losing corporeal form before they became undone, mixing together with the portal and releasing a pulse of power: the signaling birth of a new Monster. "FUSION SUMMON!" The portal exploded into light. When the light faded, a beautiful clay-sculpted figure stood, garbed in a dark blue robe with a flowing white veil behind its head, dark blue hair spilling out beneath the veil. Hanging around its neck was a beautiful gemstone, much darker in color than the previous stone, but also much larger. "Beautiful azure stone that illuminates this ugly world! Level 5! Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli!"
[Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli / EARTH / Level 5 / Rock / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 2400 / DEF: 1000]
Sora whistled. "Not bad." he remarked, somewhat impressed. "A little bit rough around the edges."
"Don't talk as if you're an expert in Fusion." Masumi snorted. "I'll wipe that arrogant look off your face. When Gem-Knight Obsidia is sent to the Graveyard from my hand, I can return a Gem-Knight monster in the Graveyard that's Level 4 or lower to my hand. I return Gem-Knight Lapis to my hand. Afterwards, I summon Crystal Rose from my hand!" Beside Lady Lapis Lazuli, a flower sprouted into full view. On closer inspection, however, the rose wasn't like that of a plant. Instead, it was made entirely of crystal, hence the name.
[Crystal Rose / LIGHT / Level 2 / Rock / Effect / ATK: 500 / DEF: 500]
"Then I activate Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli's Effect! Once per turn, I can send a Gem-Knight from either my deck or Extra Deck to the Graveyard and deal 500 damage for every Special Summoned Monster on the Field! I send a second Gem-Knight Lapis to the Graveyard from my deck to activate Lady Lapis Lazuli's Effect! Since it's the only Special Summoned monster on the field, you take 500 damage! Lapis Sparkling Cluster!" The blue robed sculpture raised its arms, creating sparkling orbs of blue light before they went straight at Sora. Once they were within range, they exploded, creating small plumes of smoke. When it cleared, Sora was revealed to be perfectly foot, albeit somewhat smeared in soot.
And still smiling. "That it?"
Sora Shiunin - LP 4000 ~ 3500
Masumi's lips tugged into a small frown. "Let's see you still act so cocky after this! I activate the Action Magic: Bi-Attack! This doubles the ATK of a monster on my field! And for each attack I declare, the ATK will continue to double! Battle! I attack Furnimal Dog with Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli! Bi-Attack's Effect now takes place!"
As Lady Lapis Lazuli clasped its hands, as if praying, the gem around its neck began to glow and cover her in a cobalt blue aura.
[Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli - ATK: 2400 ~ 4800]
"Now! Lapis Diamond Storm!" The robed sculpture spread its arms out once its prayer was finished. Around her, sharp spears, all crystalline and sharp, formed out from thin air. Swaying its arms forward, Lady Lapis Lazuli pointed to Furnimal Dog and Sora, who stood still on the platform. Yuya and Yuzu were promptly worried, yet were certain Sora's face-downs would be able to help him. The little ones cried out in a panic, not only because it would deal major damage to Sora, but also because the poor little doggy at his side would be demolished and destroyed. Zarc narrowed his eyes, not in the least bit worried about Sora.
If anything, he was more worried about Masumi, as Sora was about to reveal as he waved a hand. "I activate the Effect of Edge Imp Crochet in my hand!" he interrupted the attack, startling Masumi as a terrifying sight appeared in front of Furnimal Dog: a crochet made entirely of steel wires while red eyes glared out angrily as it defended the animal from the crystal javelins. "When a Furnimal monster that's Level 4 or lower is under attack, I can send Edge Imp Crochet to my Graveyard to negate its destruction and reduce the battle damage by half!"
The crystal javelins shattered as the steel-wired crochet became undone, both reduced to golden shards.
Sora Shiunin - LP 3500 ~ 2800
Masumi clicked her tongue. She had hoped to deal more damage...but she was satisfied with the results so far. The brat was still smiling, as if he was still confident in her victory. 'I'll wipe that look off your face yet, Shiunin.' she solemnly swore. "I end my Turn."
Ray watched the duel progress with what could only be described as disturb and worry.
Unlike Reiji or Himika, who had primarily concerned themselves with the company and matters that related to the ongoing conflicts with the Fusion Dimension and Leo Akaba, she had affiliated herself with much of the staff and student faculty in Leo Duel School. Her skills and talents as a Duelist had made her extremely popular and was a role model to many. This, of course, include the likes of Masumi and Hokuto. Masumi was very much like a younger sister to her, in the same way that Reira was. Her enthusiasm to become strong and a powerful duelist in her own right, all the while trying to earn the attention of the teacher that she fancied, was very endearing. Unlike Hokuto, however, she wasn't quite as arrogant. She could be snobbish at times, but even she could have the ability to respect her opponents. So seeing her being so infuriated with Sora's flippant attitude and refusal to take her seriously was enough to unsettle her.
"He's toying with her." Reiji said, bringing her attention to him. "To him, Masumi Kotsu is a hot-headed amateur, too eager to reveal her prowess and capability. That boy lives and breathes on the battlefield. This Duel isn't even practice to him, much less an actual battle."
"So he's purposely getting her worked up?" Ray asked, earning a nod. Ray sighed and shook her head. "Masumi can be too emotional at times. That usually ends up being her weakness."
"Which works to Shiunin's advantage. Kotsu believes that Sora is not taking this Duel seriously, which in turn causes her to become rash and overconfident, and far too eager to put him down. At the rate this Duel is going, she will lose."
"Looks like it's my Turn again~" Sora cheered slightly, finishing off his lolipop and throwing the stick away before he tossed a small candy into his mouth. "DRAW!"
Turn 3: Sora/Hand: 4
"I activate the Spell: Fusion Recipe!" Masumi's eyes widened, nearly fumbling in her step as she stared at Sora with large eyes. She was not aware that he was a fellow practitioner of the art of Fusion Summoning. Of course, neither was she aware that Sora was practically an expert in the art of Fusion. Actually, Sora didn't consider himself an expert. If anything, he was the true expert. A master of the art, perhaps surpassing even the strongest duelist in Academia. Hell, if what he heard was true, then even Yuri had a hard time trying to beat him. But that was neither here nor there. Right now, he had a duel to get back to! "By revealing a Fusion Monster in my Extra Deck, I can add one of its required materials to my Hand." A card popped out from Sora's deck, allowing to pull it out and reveal it to Masumi. "The Fusion Monster is Death-Toy Wheel Saw Lio! So I add one of its Fusion Materials, Edge Imp Saw, to my hand and summon it!"
On cue, the menacing rotating sawblade appeared, its eyes glaring at Masumi as it stood beside Sora.
[Edge Imp Saw / DARK / Level 3 / Fiend / Effect / ATK: 500 / DEF: 1000]
"When Edge Imp Saw is Normal Summoned, I can send a Furnimal Monster in my hand to the Graveyard. Then I can draw two cards, but then I have to send one of them to either the top or bottom of my deck." Sora revealed as he performed the action, taking a card from his hand and slipping it into the slot in his Duel Disk. "Then I activate my newly added Spell: Polymerization! Since you use Fusion also, I don't have to tell you its Effects!" Like with Masumi, a portal opened behind Sora, flowing with a myriad of colors. Edge Imp Saw and Furnimal Dog were sucked inside, losing their shape and becoming mixed into the bizarre concotion. "Steel blades possessed by demons, become one with the faithful beast and show us a new power!" As the portal glowed, Sora slammed his hands together, just as it exploded into light, giving birth to a new monster. "FUSION SUMMON! Show yourself, king of a hundred beasts that tears apart everything! Level 7! Death-Toy Wheel Saw Lio!"
A demented stuffed plushie of a lion emerged, only horribly dismayed. As always, it was an unnerving sight to see such a monster born from an otherwise cute and innocent monster. It was missing a torso entirely, replaced by a spinning sawblade with the limbs and head attached to metal rods connecting to the sawblade. Another sawblade was spinning inside the monster's head, with circular ring sawblades running through parts of its face and circling around the large one.
[Death-Toy Wheel Saw Lio / DARK / Level 7 / Fiend / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 2400 / DEF: 2000]
Masumi's eyes were wide. Her emotions were all over the place, reflecting on her face. Surprise, shock, then morphing into disbelief before it finally settled for anger. "You...! Were you holding back on me?" she asked, scowling in anger. Sora merely shrugged and gave her a dismissing hand wave, which only further caused her to shake with anger. "You little-! Take this seriously!"
"Sheesh, calm down. That look really doesn't suit you at all." Sora chided her. "Anyways, where was I? Oh, right~! I activate the Continuous Spell: Toy Vendor! However, it isn't going to stay for long out here on my Field, especially since I don't have much use for it. By banishing the Furnimal Wing I sent to the Graveyard through Edge Imp Saw's Effect, I can banish a Furnimal in my Graveyard! After that, I can draw a card! If I do all this, then I can also send Toy Vendor to my Graveyard! Toy Vendor's Effect also lets me add either a Furnimal Monster or Edge Imp Scissors to my hand if it gets sent to the Graveyard!" Two cards popped out from his deck, allowing Sora to graciously take them. "As for my next trick, I activate my second copy of the Spell: Polymerization! This time, I use Edge Imp Scissors and Furnimal Bear in my Hand as materials!"
A pair of demonic scissors and a giant plushie teddy bear with wings fell into the portal that opened up again behind Sora. The You Show students immediately knew what was coming, evident by the grimace on Yuya and Yuzu's faces. "Claws of the demon! Fangs of the beast! Become one and reveal a new form and power! FUSION SUMMON!" A new Monster emerged, this one equally as nightmarish as the previous Death-Toy. A giant teddy bear, but mained and torn with its stomach cut open and its mouth separated from its head with blades sticking out from its belly. "Appear, horrifying beast that shreds everything! Level 6! Death-Toy Scissors Bear!"
[Death-Toy Scissors Bear / DARK / Level 6 / Fiend / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 2200 / DEF: 1800]
Sora leaped down to the floor, both hands now in his pockets as he had exhausted all of the cards in his hand. Following him were his Death-Toy monsters, which glowered and growled at Lady Lapis Lazuli, which regarded them with hardly any emotion. Masumi, on the other hand, was starting to grow annoyed. Sora's skill had shown itself for what it was. A wolf in sheep's clothing. 'That's two Fusions in a single turn...' She was now dumbfounded and confused. She didn't understand any of this. His skill was definitely impressive, but why was he here in a school like this?
"Starting to get pretty dull, huh?" Sora said, causing her to raise a brow in confusion. "You keep on talking about gems and whatnot, but if I remember right, the shine and luster of a jewel usually tends to get pretty murky after a while. From the way it looks to me, you're starting to get pretty cloudy. No shine or luster whatsoever."
"What did you just say?!"
Hokuto winced with his fellow LDS student while Ayu sweatdropped. "Um, S-Sora?" she weakly called out to him from the observation room. "I don't think it's a good idea to make her angry!"
"What? I'm just stating a fact."
'T-this cheeky son of a bitch!' Masumi grounded her teeth, threatening to crack them beneath the pressure as her hand balled into fists. When she realized she was getting worked up over his taunts, she tried to calm herself down. 'It'll be fine, Masumi. Keep your cool. Even if he attacks me, this battle is already over. With there being three Special Summoned Monsters out, he'll take 1500 damage when I activate Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli's Effect. And when he attacks me with his Monsters, I'll still have plenty of Life Points left to activate my face-down!' She looked down at her field, a smile hidden well in her mind. 'With Brilliant Spark, I can wipe out the last of his Life Points with Lady Lapis Lazuli's ATK points, even after it's been destroyed! Either way, I've won this D-'
"I end my Turn here."
Masumi's mind went blank. Stuttering, she found herself suddenly thrown off her feet and stared at Sora in disbelief. "What?"
"Did your hearing go out or something?" Sora asked, tilting his head with that damned smile of his still on his face. "I said, I end my Turn here."
He-he was ending his Turn? Without attacking? B-but that made no sense! Surely, at least one of them had to have had some kind of Effect! Why hadn't he bothered to use them?! And why was he choosing not to attack? Seeing his eyes, however, Masumi realized something. Through out this whole Duel, he had never stopped smiling. It was like he was completely confident he would win, even though he was clearly on the losing end. Even when he was being cornered, he never stopping acting so arrogantly. His posture was also a clear tell: he felt he was in no danger. There was no tension on him whatsoever.
And his eyes told her everything. There was a saying that the eyes were like windows to the soul. Revealing a person's character to another. And what Masumi found in his eyes was nothing short of pure arrogance.
Sora Shiunin didn't think of Masumi Kotsu as a worthy opponent, much less someone worth his time. He was looking down on her, like she was nothing.
'You little brat!' Masumi wanted to scream, now officially livid. 'Stop holding back and fight me!' But of course, Sora didn't do anything. Instead, he just tossed another lolipop into his mouth after he was finished with his candy, patiently waiting for her to begin her Turn. With a scowl, she did just that, overwhelmed by anger and the desire to beat Sora Shiunin to a pulp. "My Turn! DRAW!"
Turn 4: Masumi/Hand: 1
"Is it just me, or does Sora not really care that he's losing this one?" Yuya asked, clearly concerned. "I mean, he had a clear shot to attack her earlier."
"He could have used Wheel Saw Lio's Effect earlier, too." Yuzu noted, troubled. She didn't understand what was going on through Sora's head right now, much less whatever he had in mind. "Is he even trying?"
Gongenzaka frowned in disapproval. "He's not being very manly here."
"Sora has to have a plan!" Tatsuya insisted. "Right, Futoshi?"
"I dunno. I haven't really gotten the shivers from this fight yet..."
Yuya sighed, shaking his head. "I hope he just knows what he's doing, otherwise You Show is in serious trouble!" he said before he looked over at Zarc, who had a concentrated look on his face, never breaking away from the Duel. "What do you think, Zarc?" No response. "Er, Zarc...?"
'It couldn't be...' Zarc furrowed his brows, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. 'Sora hasn't taken her seriously at all. In fact, he's just messing with her to make her flustered and screw up, which might end up backfiring on him. But, so far, he hasn't used any of his face-downs, but neither has Masumi. One of his face-downs is that Action Card he got on the first Turn, but he hasn't used it yet. What are you planning, Sora?'
"I activate Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli's Effect! I send a Gem-Knight Monster from my deck to the Graveyard, and afterwards, you take 500 damage for every Special Summoned monster in the field! That also includes your Death-Toy Fusion Monsters, bringing the total to 1500! Lapis Sparkling Cluster!" More sparkling lights were sent Sora's way, only this time slightly larger. The blue-haired teen was unconcerned with them at the moment, instead taking the blow. When the lights exploded, the resulting smokescreen was far larger this time. When it cleared, Sora was still standing in one place, albeit with a fear tears in his clothes.
And much to Masumi's continuously growing anger, he was still smiling.
Sora Shiunin - LP 2800 ~ 1300
"I'll wipe that stupid smile off your face!" Masumi declared, making her hate for him known as she swung her arm through the air. "The monster that was sent to my Graveyard through Lady Lapis Lazuli's Effect was Gem-Knight Lazuli! When sent to the Graveyard via a card effect, I can add a Gem-Knight in my Graveyard to my hand!" As Masumi took the card that popped out from the slot, she glanced at Sora, who seemed partially intrigued by whatever move she had in mind. At the thought of seeing him whimper of fear of the monster she was going to bring to the field was enough to make her giddy. "I activate Crystal Rose's Effect! I send a Gem-Knight monster in my hand to the Graveyard, and then change Crystal Rose's name to that card. I send a second Gem-Knight Lazuli to the Graveyard, and change Crystal Rose's name to Gem-Knight Lazuli! Then I activate the second Gem-Knight Lazuli's Effect from the Graveyard, returning another Gem-Knight to my hand!"
'If you can survive this, Sora Shiunin, then you'll be wishing for me to have finished you off right now!'
"I activate the Spell: Gem-Knight Fusion!" The portal opened behind Masumi again. Crystal Rose shifted over to it while a phantom image of a sculpture resembling Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli appeared, only lacking the blue robe and more plainly colored with dull green eyes. They fell into the portal, mixing together before it was promptly released. From the light was a doppelganger dressed in a dark blue robe. "The blue and green stones that hides mysterious power, become light and appear! FUSION SUMMON! Level 5! Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli!"
Sora whistled. "Not bad... That brings the total of Special Summoned monsters to four now."
"Then you should know what comes next!" Masumi glared as she activates the second Lady Lapis Lazuli's Effect. "You're finished!"
"Sorry, not happening." Sora smirked. To Masumi's shock, when the cluster of lights were about to reach them, they were promptly stopped and prematurely detonated when they crashed into a translucent golden barrier resembling a shield. "The Action Magic: Flame Guard! This reduces any effect damage I take to zero~"
"What?! But when did you have time to-!" She trailed off, suddenly remembering the size of the cloud of smoke that was created when she used her first Lady Lapis Lazuli's Effect. 'Of course! It had to be back then! He used the smoke as cover while he searched for an Action Card!' Begrudgingly, she applauded his resourcefulness. Yet even so, he had only prolonged the inevitable. With a smirk, she continued forward. "I'll be honest, Sora Shiunin... Right now, you are by far the most annoying person I have ever met."Sora's reply to this was, of course, a cheeky grin. "But let's see if you'll still be smiling after this! I activate my face-down Trap: Fragment Fusion! I can Special Summon a Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck by banishing Gem-Knight monsters from my Graveyard, so long as they match the requirements! Furthermore, it's treated as a Fusion Summoning! I banish Gem-Knight Obsidia, Lapis and Alexand from my Graveyard!"
The portal opened up behind her. However, this time was different, in that pieces and fragments of crystals and jewels were swirling around in it. Phantom images of the aforementioned monsters - Gem-Knight Alexand appearing as a silvery-armored knight with a diamond embedded in its breastplate - appeared and fell into the portal, losing shape and becoming a part of this swirling vortex of chaos before it exploded into light, allowing a new monster to appear. A wave of power rushed through the Action Field, with Masumi's proud smile saying it all.
Her Ace Monster had arrived.
"Gem with facets of day and night! Brilliant black stone of untold power! Become one with the blue shard and create a new light! FUSION SUMMON!" A towering giant stepped forward, the ground trembling with each step. It was a knight, clad in thick and heavy armor with broad pointed shoulders and enormous gauntlets. In hand, it wielded a giant sword, embedded with an assortment of jewels that ran down the blade, all the way to the tip. Diamonds decorated this towering behemoth's armor, with the largest piece being the one in its chest. "Supreme radiance who illuminates everything! Level 9! Gem-Knight Master Dia!"
[Gem-Knight Master Dia / EARTH / Level 9 / Rock / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 2900 / DEF: 2500]
Sora looked at the towering knight, his mouth opening slightly. "...okay." he said quietly after a moment. "Maybe you aren't a greenhorn after all." He then watched Masumi leap up to the stairs that led up to the second level of the Action Field. There, on the railing, was an Action Card.
Masumi swiped it and whirled around on her feet, immediately putting it to use. "I activate the Action Magic: Recycle! If I used an Action Magic, I can change Recycle's name and effect to match that Action Magic! I change Recycle to Bi-Attack, and the one who receives its Effect is Gem-Knight Master Dia!" Her eyes burned and blazed as she swung her arm. "I'll finish you off, here and now, Sora Shiunin! Now, Battle! I attack Death-Toy Scissors Bear with Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli! Lapis Diamond Storm!" Scissors Bear attempted its best to defend Sora, destroying a few of the crystal javelins that were thrown its way, but in the end it was promptly skewered and destroyed, the shockwave brushing up against the blue-haired Fusion duelist and causing his clothes to flap.
Sora Shiunin - LP 1300 ~ 1100
"Then I attack Death-Toy Wheel Saw Lio with my second Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli!" Sora raised an eyebrow, watching as the two Monsters clashed. Wheel Saw Lio threw out saw blades, but just as they sliced apart Masumi's monster, it found itself meeting the same fate as Scissors bear and was skewered, resulting in both monsters being destroyed. Masumi smirked as she put a hand to her hip. While it did seem like she went for mutual destruction in order for Master Dia to have a direct attack on Sora, she also did in case he had something up his sleeve that would defend him against her ace monster's attack. It was only a matter of what would end him first. "And now, the final blow! As of now, three attacks have been declared! Thus, Gem-Knight Master Dia's ATK is doubled by three times!" The hulking jeweled knight's gemstones began to glow as it raised its blade, become wreathed in a powerful white aura that sent ripples of power across the Action Field.
[Gem-Knight Master Dia - ATK: 2900 ~ 8700]
"Let's end this! Gem-Knight Master Dia! Attack Sora Shiunin directly! Diamond Spark Slash!"
Everyone from You Show cried out for Sora, realizing now that he was more or less screwed. They watched helplessly as Master Dia raised its blade, which was swallowed in a myriad of lights, increasing in size. Taking a stance, Gem-Knight Master Dia reared its sword behind it, and then swung, creating a giant arc of light that was sent flying straight at Sora, who stood there with his smile still glued to his face.
"It's over." Zarc said, breaking his silence. "Sora..."
Reiji pushed up his glasses, creating a reflective glare. "...has won."
"I activate my face-down! The Action Magic: Wipe Out!" At the last possible second, Sora flipped up the card he had obtained since the first Turn. When the arc of light struck the card, a gale of wind suddenly began to kick up, pushing back against the arc of light as it grew in size. The powerful gales caused ripples across the Action Field, as if damaging it. Masumi shielded her face against the mighty winds while Sora took it all in stride, finishing off the last of his lolipop. "When this card is activated, all monsters on the field are destroyed!"
The winds overpowered Master Dia's attack, sending it back at it. With one mighty gust, all of Masumi's monsters were destroyed. A moment later, however, only silence fell on the Duel Area. Masumi lowered her arm, looking at Sora while he stared back, still smirking. 'It's over.' she thought, letting her smirk become more prominent. 'I've won. No matter what Trap card he has, he's lost. There's no way he'll win now!' She flipped her hair as she put a hand to her hip. "I'm surprised you lasted this long, but I'm afraid this duel is now officially over."
"You're right about that." Sora acknowledge, surprising her. She felt a shiver run down the back of her spine when she saw Sora's smile grow wider, and somehow more menacing. "A shame it'll end in a draw."
"What?"
"You were planning on using your face-down, Brilliant Spark, to finish me off if your Ace couldn't land the final hit, right?" Masumi's eyes widened. Suddenly, she felt as if she had just been dumped into the world's coldest ocean. "That's your main strategy, using Master Dia and Brilliant Spark as a combo. If you can manage it, you can even finish your opponent's off in a One Turn Kill. Have to say, it's a pretty impressive strategy."
"H-how?!" Masumi found herself asking in a shrill voice. "How could you possibly know that?!"
"When I applied for LDS, I made it a point to study any competition I might have while there." Sora told her. "Especially since I was going to try my hand at the Fusion Course. You participated in a lot of duels, so it was pretty easy to gather some intel." He chuckled as he wagged a finger at her. "And that, of course, makes you pretty predictable. For starters, you get worked up too easy. And like any amateur, you were too eager to show off your hand. You making all those Fusion Summons made things easier for me. Especially since it means that five Fusion Monsters were destroyed this Turn."
"Wh-what do you mean?!"
Sora's smile turned wicked as he revealed his trump card. "I activate my second face-down, the Trap: Fusion Chaos! When a Fusion Monster on my field is destroyed, I can activate its Effect. For every Fusion Monster that was destroyed this Turn, we both take 800 damage." Realization dawned on Masumi. She felt the strength in her legs start to waver. Above them, a mass of power suddenly began to swell, forming into a gigantic ball as energy around them began to flow into it, which caused it to increase in size. "Including my Death-Toy monsters, the monsters that were destroyed this Turn were your two Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli and Master Dia. That's five monsters." The giant ball of energy continued to grow, though it was beginning to grow unstable. It was writhing, threatening to explode and release itself. "That brings the grand total of damage to 4000. Exactly the amount of Life Points you have. Oh, and don't bother trying to activate Brilliant Spark. Fusion Chaos will finish first before you even have a chance at wiping out my Life Points."
Sora then snapped his fingers. The ball of energy reached its apex and promptly exploded, consuming the whole Duel Area. The explosion of light was far too harsh as it forced everyone to shut their eyes tight and shield their faces. "Ack! Too bright!" Shuzo cried as he too have to shield his eyes.
For a minute, it was impossible to tell what was happening inside the Duel Area. Once the light faded, and everyone opened their eyes, they were able to see the results. The Action Field had already dissipated, reverting the room to little more than a simple metal box. Sora was still standing, hands in his pockets with an innocent smile while Masumi had fallen to her hands in knees, head bowed in frustrating defeat.
Sora Shiunin - LP 1100 ~ 0
Masumi Kotsu - LP 4000 ~ 0
DRAW! ! !
"D-damn...!"
Masumi refused to cry. She refused to show tears. She refused to allow herself to cry. This... This was utterly humiliating. She had been played. From the very start, he had her eating out of the palm of his head, leading her around, all the while preparing to take her down. She never stood a chance, did she? The moment Sora ad grabbed that Action Card and prepared that Trap Card, she had already lost. The skill he displayed was leagues above her own. No wonder he was so confident. 'If he wanted to...' she thought, hands tightening as a tear rolled down her face. 'He could have beaten me, without bringing this duel to a Draw.'
"For an amateur in Fusion, you were pretty good." Sora said as he unfurled another lolipop into his mouth. He turned on his heel and walked away, waving her goodbye as he did so. "If you ever want a rematch, I'll be happy to accept, miss jewel~"
"...damn."
That was all Yuya could say. In fact, that one word seemed to summarize everyone's thoughts on the duel's climax completely. The brown-haired duelist that was next to go looked positively livid. Hokuto had even been forced to restrain him when he threatened to go down there and kick Sora's ass himself. Himika Akaba's look of utter disdain, aimed directly at Sora, also summarized what exactly she had thought of that much. She knew that Masumi was outclassed, but even she had some hopes that she could at least unsettle or reveal even a hint of his true nature to the You Show students, as a way to implant doubt and lessen their trust in him.
"Okay." Yuzu found herself short of breath, not realizing until now that she had been holding her breath. "Are we positive that Sora's a kid?"
"I...I think he is?" Yuya said, albeit unsure himself. "Either way, that was-that was freaking savage. He knew her strategy right from the start?!"
"He purposely ended the Duel in a draw." Gongenzaka mentioned, folding his arms. "But why? The way I see it, defeating her like this is very insulting to her pride."
'Gon has a point.' Zarc thought, frowning. 'Being played like that, not to mention the realization that he could have beaten her if he was serious, is definitely not going to sit well with her.' He then saw Masumi rise up to her feet. When he saw the look on her face, he blinked. Then he smiled. 'On second thought... It might've been a good idea if you had beaten her, Sora.'
Ray wasn't sure if she should have felt disappointed, angry or sad. Disappointed that Masumi had allowed herself to get so worked up and falling for her opponent's taunts, angry that Sora would tear into her so viciously and wound her pride like that and sad that Masumi had lost. Duelists were prideful by nature, that was an indesputable fact. There would always be anger and/or disappointment from a loss. "This may serve as a lesson for her." Reiji coolly told her, though she could tell even he was a bit disturbed by Sora's way of beating her. "He's quite skilled...and that is worrisome, especially considering his words. How many people has he studied up on?"
"Good point." Ray hummed, glancing down at the floor. If the spy from the Fusion Dimension was to be believed, he had studied his opponents and enemies. Did that include her and her brother as well? How many people had he already found a way to exploit and defeat? It was a terrifying thought indeed, as well as a worrying one. When she returned her attention back to Masumi, she found the girl already on her feet. When she saw the look on Masumi's face, she couldn't help but smile.
A fire had been lit in Masumi's heart. One that ignited a drive unlike any other before.
Yaiba: The name's Yaiba Todo, of the Synchro Summon Advance Course.
Yuzu: I can't lose here! Especially not when everybody's counting on me!
Ray: That girl...!
Zarc: That voice... Are you-?!
Reiji: Shall we begin, then?
Next Scale: Symphony VS Battle Spirit
Card Information
Edge Imp Crochet / DARK / Level 5 / Fiend / Effect / ATK 1800 / DEF 2000 / You can Normal Summon this card if you control one other Edge Imp monster face-up on your field, except for "Edge Imp Crochet." If your opponent declares an attack on a Furnimal Monster that is Level 4 or lower while this card is in your Hand, you can activate this Effect: send this card to your GY; negate the destruction of that card and reduce any battle damage you would be dealt by half. This effect lasts until the end of the End Phase. If this card is used as a Fusion Monster Material while in the GY: return this card to the bottom of the deck.
Fusion Recipe / Spell / Normal / Reveal 1 Fusion Monster in your Extra Deck and add 1 of the Fusion Materials whose name is specifically listed on that card from your Deck or Graveyard to your hand. You can only activate 1 "Fusion Recipe" per turn.
Fusion Chaos / Trap / Counter / If a Fusion Monster you control is destroyed this turn: Inflict damage to both player's LP equal to the number of Fusion Monsters destroyed this turn X 800.
Wipe Out / Spell / Action / Destroy all monsters on the field.
Recycle / Spell / Action / Target 1 Action Magic in your GY: change this card's name and effect to that.
AN: Oh, damn. Another update already? And sorry if the quality of the duel was maybe a little lower than usual. My usual YuGiOh partner is out on vacation, lucky bastard, and my classes for the Fall Semester started on Friday, so I've had less time to work on the chapter than I would normally like. That being said, however, this is my first actual duel all by my little lonesome.
...okay, well not entirely. I did ask for feedback and edits from The Don. Still kind of proud of myself, even though I feel like I could do better. Also forgot to say this, but big thanks go to Donny for help making the Duel with Hokuto a reality.
Also, I remember somebody in the reviews saying that their birthday was today. Happy birthday, dude.
