Foreword: Maybe I'm doing this out of guilt that I didn't do anything for some time... Anyways, the last chapter of the memories. I'd rather not dwell too much in their past since 1) it's not the main plot here and 2) I never intended to write so much about their past from the start.
Anyways, do enjoy, and please give opinions and suggestions if you can!
Touhou Duel Masters Café
Chapter 14 – Pleiades & Constellations
Snapping back to reality, the Second found the First sound asleep, undisturbed by the noises of the crowd as the banquet's third hour arrived.
"…" He slumped back against the tree, and rummaging his white hair under the hood, sighed and took another sip of his juice.
It was another short moment before he slipped back into his memories.
~13 Years Ago~
A boy with dark hair like the First, though longer, dressed in black, and the apparent leader of a group, seemed to take a breath of relief as the four behind him came inside.
A long-haired blonde girl, with a noble-looking aura, in a red dress with a yellow top, following closely behind the dark-haired boy.
A boy in a school uniform, who started to admire the office's decorations as soon as he stepped in, only to be held back and smacked in the head by another boy who sported a fiery red hairstyle and a coat tied to his waist.
Lastly, a girl with tattoos on her face in a loose green shirt and dress.
"Ah! May I have your name?" The First took out a piece of paper and a pencil.
"My name…is Subaru." The dark haired boy replied.
"Tsugumi." That was the blone girl.
"Sora." The tattooed girl nodded.
"Rad." The red hair said. He pulled the last boy back. "This is Edo."
"…Right." The First finished writing down the details. "So… What's the case you have for us?"
Subaru looked around the room, as if searching for something.
"…Where are your other members?" He turned back the First.
"Eh…?" The First was puzzled at the question at this timing, but answered nonetheless. They're clients, after all. "Right now they're on another job, but they should be back soon."
"…Then we'll wait until they come back." Subaru said, and the five of them planted themselves on the large sofa, conversing quietl, except for Edo, who was cracking another joke, only to be smacked on the head again.
"…?" The First decided to keep quiet and wait for the other Pleiades to return.
I wonder what's their business?
"We're back~ hm?" The Second, leading the other Pleiades, opened the door to find 5 unfamiliar faces sitting on the sofa while the First's bored face brightened at the return of his friends.
"Oh, welcome back!"
The five visitors directed their attention towards the duelists.
"…Good then." Subaru stood up, and all eyes trained on him.
"We have… come for a challenge."
"A challenge?"
"Yes… We have heard of your adventures…defeating an ancient malicious spirit and saving this city…among others." Subaru explained, as the others got up from the sofa too.
"That is why we have come from another city, to ask for a challenge! As Constellations, we have another request if we defeat you!"
"Constellations…?" The Second wondered. "I've heard that name before…"
"…Very well!" Artorigus was the first to reply out of the Pleiades. "If that is a challenge, then I have no reason to back down."
"…" Seyfried took out his deck too, and the other Pleiades expect the First and Second followed suit.
"H, Hey, what's with the sudden challenge…" The First was taken by surprise, and only just recovered.
"…Could you tell us that request?" The Second kept his cool, and tried to get a better grasp of the situation. "The one if you defeat us."
"…That is, that you…and you… join the Constellations!" Rad declared, pointing to the First and Second.
"Wha…!" The Pleiades were taken aback, and Karma and Levia especially seethed with sudden anger.
"…" The Second pursed his lips. "Constellations…Constellations…"
"…! The elite dueling group!" He realized. "…So you are the Constellations… But why?"
"We are… lacking manpower. There is an imminent threat that is to come soon…and we need all the power we can have." Tsugumi answered. "We have noticed that your dueling skills are extremely potent…"
"And we have decided that we will have you join us, no matter what." Sora concluded the sentence for her. "Even if by force!"
"It's really fun here!" Edo resumed his happy-go-lucky character, and was subsequently smacked by Rad once again.
"Then you'll have to get through us first!" Levia nudged past Artorigus, bristling with rage, as did Karma. "Don't just barge in and take whatever you please!"
"…We won't have our leaders be taken away from us like this."
"…Then if we win?" The First asked.
"We will leave you alone then…" Subaru started, but was subsequently interrupted by Rad, his deck shining with a red glare.
"Ah…this is taking too long! Let's get this started!"
The 5 Pleiades' decks, sans the First and Second's, shone with a ferocious energy too.
"Duema Start!"
"Everyone…"
BGM: A Battle You Can't Lose (YGO Arc-V Sound Duel 1)
"I summon Oriotis." Artorigus's expression was extremely serious, which he had been in duels ever since he had lost Angelica. "Turn End. I'll stop that Gift for now."
"Chi… my turn." Rad drew a card and charged Faerie Gift into his mana zone. "I summon Jonny Walker and destroy him, and boost 1 mana!"
"My turn. I summon Coccolua. Turn End."
"My turn. I summon Ochappi and put Johnny Walker from my grave to my mana zone."
"…" 6 mana next turn already… Artorigus drew a card. "I summon Southern Renaissance for 4 mana, and draw 2 cards. Turn End."
"Heh!" Rad smiled. I'll have your annoying blockers vanish in an instant! I summon Genji Double Cross! Since he's a Speed Attacker, I'll have him attack your shields and destroy Southern Renaissance with his attack trigger!"
The Armored Dragon rushed towards Artorigus, and slashing apart Southern Renaissance who tried to block in vain, cut through two of the blonde teen's shields.
"Shield Trigger, Dragon's Sign! I put Valhalla Knight into my battle zone and Freeze Genji." The Angel Command Dragon froze Genji in his place, leaving him helpless and tired.
"Chi…! Turn End." Rad spat in annoyance.
"My turn. Draw. I cast Solar Charger." Charging a mana, Artorigus did his next move. "I choose Valhalla Knight and Coccolua, and they untap at the end of my turn. Solar Charger is put into my mana zone. Then I summon Murmur. I Freeze Ochappi with Valhalla's effect. Battle Phase. With Murmur's ability, all my other blockers get +3000 power. I attack Genji with Valhalla Knight, and Ochappi with Coccolua!"
The Angel Command Dragon and Justice Wing smashed the two targets into Rad's graveyard, and Rad clicked his tongue.
"Turn End. Valhalla Knight and Coccolua untaps."
"My turn! Charge. I summon Dragon Edge Glenmolt and put the Dragheart Fortress, Forefront Double Cross Shogunate into my battle zone with his effect!" The giant Dragheart Fortress rose up from a vortex, dwarfing all other creatures on the battle zone.
"My turn. I summon another Southern Renaissance with 3 mana, and draw 3 cards." Artorigus' composed demeanor during the duel resembled nothing like the person who joined the Pleiades 2 years ago, his spirit hardened and matured in their adventures. "Then I summon Androm. Mana Arms 3. I tap Glenmolt and destroy him with Valhalla Knight."
"Kuh…My turn, draw!" Rad smiled. "I summon Bolbalzark Ex and untap all card in my mana zone! I cast Hyperdimensional Shooting Hole! I destroy Valhalla Knight and bring out Gaial Kaiser! Battle! Bolbalzark Ex, attack! Double Cross Shogunate's effect, I destroy Southern Renaissance!"
"Coccolua, block."
The power-boosted Justice Wing caught the Hunter dragon's blade and retaliated with his floating orbs, destroying Bolbalzark Ex.
"No matter! I attack with Gaial Kaiser and destroy Murmur! Double Break!"
The Red Command Dragon slashed at two shields while Dragheart Fortress blasted the Initiate and destroyed it.
"Then since it is the second attack of my dragons this turn, Shogunate Ryuukais into Passionate Dragon Genji "Heaven"!"
The Dragheart Fortress transformed into the Dragheart Creature with a burst of fire, and the Gaial Command Dragon roared at the sky.
"Shield Trigger. DNA Spark." One of Artorigus's broken shield shimmered with energy.
"Shield Trigger again!?"
"I tap all of your creatures, and since I have less than 2 shields, I add one card from my deck to my shields face down."
"Chi…Turn End."
BGM: Cornered Duelist (YGO Arc-V Sound Duel 1)
"Draw. I shall show you the determination of my Justice! I summon Valhalla Grande!"
The evolved Valhalla, crashed into the battle field from the sky, instantly Freezing both Genji "Heaven" and Gaial Kaiser.
"Kuh… Your Freezes, how annoying!" Rad glared at Artorigus, who simply stared back.
"Turn End."
"Kuh…I summon Oni Sniper Moel and destroy Coccolua!" The Humanoid/Alien/Hunter entered the battle zone, blasted Coccolua and sent him to the graveyard.
"If you have nothing to do, then my turn. Draw. I summon Valhalla Duke and Freeze Gaial Kaiser. Battle. I attack Genji with Valhalla Grande!" Obeying his master's orders, the Angel Command Dragon blasted the Dragheart Creature and sent him back to the Hyperdimensional Zone.
"Turn End. Oh…and I forgot to tell you, Valhalla Grande's Mana Arms 9. I cannot lose the game and you cannot win the game!" Artorigus told his opponent.
"Chi…! My turn! My ace again!" Rad tapped 6 cards and summoned his drawn card. "I summon Genji Double Cross and attack your shields! With his effect I destroy Valhalla Grande and break your shields!"
"Androm, block." Artorigus calmly ordered the Justice Wing to block the attack, and was easily destroyed by the Armored Dragon.
"Turn End."
"…My turn. Let's end this. I evolve Valhalla Knight into Alphadios!"
The Angel Command Dragon was encased in a white evolution sphere, and the six-armed Lord of Spirits descended upon the battle field.
"Nani!?" Rad's face twisted in surprise.
"Battle. I attack Genji Double Cross with Alphadios."
The evolution Angel Command rushed at the dragon and sliced him apart.
"Kuh…Genji!"
"Turn End. As long as Alphadios is here, neither of us can cast non-Light spells and summon non-Light creatures." Artorigus informed Rad.
"Chi…this is why I hate Blockers…! Even if I'm losing, I won't give up!" Rad grit his teeth and started his turn. "Gaial Kaiser, Double Break!"
"…" The last two shields shattered.
"Moel, Direct Attack!"
"Oriotis, block." The lone blocker Artorigus had stopped the attack, and destroyed Moel in return.
"Turn End…"
"I'll praise you for holding out for so long." Artorigus closed his eyes. "But I can't feel from you, enough determination and will."
He opened and eyes and stared straight at Rad. "As long as you don't have determination of steel and will of iron that surpasses me, you will not defeat my Justice! I will not allow my friends by taken away again!"
"I summon Valhalla Grande once more! Alphadios, attack Gaial Kaiser!"
"Kuh…!" The red-head braced himself as Alphadios destroyed the Red Command Dragon and sent him back to the Hyperdimension.
"My turn…Turn End…" Gritting his teeth, Rad could do nothing to change the situation.
"Valhalla Grande, Alphadios, break all of his shields!"
All of Rad's shields vanished, vanquished by the Angel Commands.
Father Earth and Moel…
"My turn…Turn End." Rad dejectedly drew and card and declared the end of his turn.
"Valhalla Grande, Todomeda!"
"Kuso!" Upon recovering from the blow of Valhalla Grande, Rad smashed his fist into the earth.
Taking a brief look at the Fire duelist, Artorigus turned to watch the other duels.
BGM: Numeron Dragon the Dragon of Genesis (YGO ZeXal Sound Duel 5)
"I summon Aqua Ace Newton! Mana Arms 3 ! I draw a card!" Edo declared as the Liquid People Sen appeared in his battle zone. "Battle! Java Jack, Double Break!"
"Kya!" Revia cowered as Java Jack smashed two more shields, leaving her with one last shield.
"Shield Trigger! Intense Vacuuming Twist! I add Mother's Sanctuary to my hand and bounce Java Jack!"
Edo kept his smiled. "Hehe. He's done well enough already! Turn End! Say, pretty…would you like to go on a date with me after this?"
"If you defeat me, maybe. My turn, draw!" Revia started her turn. "I summon Bronze-arm Tribe! I boost one mana! Then I cast Mother's Santuary! I send the summoned Bronze-arm Tribe to my mana, and bring out Kiriko Cubic with JJ Avarspela as evolution bait!"
The blue Crystal Command Dragon broke out from the evolution sphere, training his high-tech cannons at Edo.
"Kiriko Cubic's effect! I send my entire hand to my deck bottom, and reveal cards from my deck until I reveal 3 spells!"
"Invincible Fortress! Invincible Fortress! Divine Riptide!" Revia uttered the names of the revealed spells and cast them, as all of Edo's shields were sent into his graveyard and both of their mana zone returning to their hands.
"Eh, Eh~!?" Edo's eyes spun in circles. "Hey, cyo, wait…"
"Kiriko Cubic, Direct Attack!"
Revia turned in time to see the results of her younger sister's results.
"Alcadeias D, Direct Attack!"
"Kyaaa!" Blown back by the card's impact, Levia landed at her sister's feet.
"Levia!" Revia immediately crouched down to inspect to the defeated Levia. She was only a little bruised, but defeated nonetheless.
"Uh…****-kun…Revia…I'm sorry…" She apologized weakly.
"It's okay, you did your best…" Revia assured her. "…I wonder how the remaining two will fare?"
Subaru and Sora led Karma and Seyfried back after their duels.
"…Kuh…****,****, we're sorry…" Seyfried hung his head in defeat, and Karma looked like she was on the verge of tears.
The First patted Karma on the shoulder. "I understand. You've tried your best."
She just sniffled and nodded.
The Second helped Levia up. "You ok?"
She nodded in return, but still struggled to stand by herself.
Subaru looked towards the First and Second.
"Now…it's 2 to 3."
"We'll make it 4 to 3 then!" The First took out his deck and faced Subaru. "We won't be leaving our friends behind like this."
"Yeah. Suddenly barging in and doing all you want… We demand a clear explanation after this!" Giving Levia to Revia, the Second brandished his cards too.
"Very well." Tsugumi stepped to Subaru's side, her eyes fixed on the two duelists in front of them. "We would be explaining anyway… but now, we shall utterly defeat you and bring you to our side!"
"…****, ****, do your best." Artorigus told them, while Seyfried and Revia silently gave their support and nodded.
"****-kun…" Levia took a deep breath and called out the Second's name.
"…" Karma gave the First a light hug before retreating to the side.
"Duema Start!"
BGM: Rivalry (YGO 5Ds Sound Duel 2)
"I cast Aquan Jr.'s Delivery!" The Second revealed the top 3 cards of his deck and added all to his hand since they were Light or Darkness cards.
"I cast Aquan Jr. Delivery." Likewise, Tsugumi cast the same spell
"My turn. Draw! I cast Formation in the Springs, and revive Shachihoko Kaiser from my graveyard with Atutso as evolution bait!" The Second brought out his core creature, and the Rainbow Command Dragon/Alien howled at Tsugumi, who did not faze in the face of it.
"My turn. I summon Shackle Armor!" The Initiate/Grand Devil appeared on Tsugumi's field. "With his ability, my spells cost 1 less to cast and your spells cost 1 more to cast. Turn End."
"…My turn." The Second drew a card and charged Persistent Prison of Gaia into his mana, and tapped the 4 mana that were available. "I summon Dolmarks. I destroy him and send Phal Pierro from my mana to my grave."
"…" Tsugumi sent Tignus from her field and Heaven's Gate from her mana to her graveyard.
"Shachihoko Kaiser's ability! I put Intense World! Shachihoko Kaiser from my Hyperdimensional Zone into my battle zone since one of my none Psychic creatures were destroyed!"
The second Shachihoko Kaiser, albeit Psychic, appeared beside the original Shachihoko Kaiser.
"Turn End."
"My turn. I summon Mil Armor." Tsugumi chewed her lip. "Turn End."
"The start of my turn. Intense World! revives Phal Pierro, and I destroy him to salvage Formation in the Springs from my graveyard. Shachihoko Kaiser's effect! I bring out Mother Alien Gladly from my Hyperdimensional Zone!" The Second declared, and the Alien queen materialized.
"Draw. I summon Zabi Demona and destroy him with his effect to bring out Zabi Jekyll from my Hyperdimensional Zone. Shachihoko Kaiser's effect! I bring out Alien Father Just One Dance?"
The Death Puppet Alien appeared, as the Alien King joined his wife on the Second's field.
"I end my turn here."
"Kuh…Draw. With Shackle Armor's effect, I cast Heaven's Gate! I put two non-evolution Light Blockers, Baulion and Emeralda into my battle zone from my hand!"
A lion Angel Command and an Angel Command erupted out from the shimmering gate to the heavens, crashing down on the battlefield in their golden armor.
"I salvage 2 Heaven Gates from my graveyard with Baulion's effect, and with Emeralda's effect, I add 1 card from my hand to my shields. Turn End!"
BGM: Jack Battle (YGO 5Ds Sound Duel 2)
"…" 6 shields plus 4 blockers… "Intense World!'s effect. I revive Phal Pierro, and destroy him. Since I have no spells, I cannot salvage anything, but that's good enough! I bring out Victorious Prin and choose Baulion with her effect!" The royal princess now stood beside her parents.
"Alien Father's effect! Psychic Link with Alien Mother! Come, Captivating Dancing Alien!"
The king and queen of the Aliens linked, forming the 2-part Psychic Super Creature.
"My turn, draw!" The Second stepped into his draw phase and untapped all cards in his mana zone. "…I summon Cebu Akuman!"
The Alien reincarnation of Aquan appeared, a wide and strange grin on his face, and revealed the top 3 cards of the Second's deck.
"I add School Man and Dolmarks to my hand, and send Aquan Jr.'s delivery to my graveyard. I summon School Man and destroy him and Cebu Akuman."
"…I destroy Baulion…"
"Shachihoko's effect! I bring out Intense Boiling! Hot Spring Gallows and Intense Sumo! Thrust Wrestler!"
The remaining parts of Gallows Extreme Dragon rose up from a rift.
"…So Shachihoko's creature spamming abilities are even faster and arguably stronger than Heaven's Gate…" Sora observed from the sidelines.
"Don't lose, Tsugumi!" Edo cheered on for his teammate.
"****-kun…!" Levia was happy to see the Second having the advantage.
"…Battle!" The Second ordered. "Captivating Dancing Alien, attack! Dancing Alien's effect! I destroy Victorious Prin, Zabi Jekyll, Intense World!, Intense Boiling!, Intense Sumo! and Shachihoko Kaiser!"
"For each creature destroyed this way, I burn one of your shields! Go, Dancing Alien!"
The Alien couple let out a giant beam of energy, instantly vaporizing Tsugumi's shields.
"Shachihoko Kaiser's effect applies to himself too! I bring out Prin once again, and Emeralda cannot block or attack!"
The princess reappeared, freezing the Angel Command Dragon in her place.
"Dancing Alien, direct attack!"
"Mil Armor, block!"
The Initiate was shielded Tsugumi from the attack, and was destroyed in an explosion.
"…Turn End."
"…My turn!" The blonde girl thought hard while examining her hand.
I've only got two blockers left…and even if I evolve Alcadeias D, he can't attack…!
"Kuh…I summon Lord Reiss! I draw 1 card with his effect. …Turn End…"
"My turn! I summon Celeste, Explosive Enforcer and des… Nani!?" The Second sensed something, instantly breaking off the duel and materialized Bolshack Ulpheus to parry the incoming beam that shot straight at the duelists from the sky.
BGM: Yusei Battle (YGO 5Ds Sound Duel 1)
"I summon Time Tripper." The fat Ghost appeared out of thin air on Subaru's field.
"I summon Berlin." The Hedrian/Hunter/Initiate modeled after a bell appeared beside the First.
"I summon Abayo Shabayo and destroy him. Then you must destroy one of your creatures." Abayo Shabayo threw his chains around Berlin, causing both to explode and disappear.
"I summon Jenny, and I'll take away that Tigernitro from you hand!" The Death Puppet slashed at Subaru, dropping the Funky Nightmare into his graveyard. "Turn End."
"…My turn. I Fortify one shield with Rose Castle! Jenny gets -1000 power and is destroyed." One of Subaru's shields transformed into a small Castle with thorns, and Jenny vanished into light.
"I cast Hyperdimensional Emperor Hole and give -2000 to Time Tripper to destroy him, and I bring out Temporal Suppressor Dias Z." The First declared as the Ghost vanished in a puff of smoke, and the Dragon Zombie/Demon Command burst out of the Hyperdimension. "Turn End."
"..." Subaru drew a card. "I cast Moonlit Demon Wolf Castle's Howl and destroy Dias Z with Mana Arms 5." The Psychic creature was sent back to the Hyperdimensional Zone without activating his effect once.
Rad, who stood at the sidelines, stared intently at the First's cards.
This feeling and deck structure…Bolmeteus Control?
"Draw. I cast Fortune Slot." The First revealed the 4 card on top of his deck. "I add Eternal Ryuusei Kaiser, Eternal Sword and Noble Enforcer to my hand. Turn End."
"This luck to have Fortune Slot work like Cyber Brain… My turn, draw." Subaru charged a mana. "I summon Batou Shoulder and Pork Beef." The Ghost and Funky Nightmare materialized on Subaru's battle zone. "Turn End."
"My turn." I can't cast spells easily now…then! "I summon Bolshack Superhero! Batou Shoulder gets destroyed since he has less than 3000 power." The Armored Dragon rushed towards Batou Shoulder and crushed the Ghost with a swift strike.
BGM: Swing! Pendulum of Souls (YGO Arc-V Sound Duel 1)
"My turn! I cast Death Gate, Gate of Hell and destroy Bolshack Superhero. Then I revive Tigernitro! Turn end, Mana Arms 5! You must discard all cards in your hand except for 1."
"…" The First discarded his hand, Ryuusei Kaiser coming out to the battle zone due to Madness.
"I cast Eternal Sword! I target both your creatures in the battle zone, and target Time Tripper and Dismantling Puppet Jenny in your mana zone." He cast the Hall of Fame spell, and Subaru destroyed Pork Beef and Time Tripper, and returned Tigernitro and Jenny.
"I draw a card when Pork Beef is destroyed." Subaru said while drawing from his deck.
"Battle. I attack your fortified shield with Ryuusei Kaiser!" The Hunter Dragon slashed away the shield fortified with Rose Castle and the shields beside it.
Death Gate…
"My turn. I cast Hyperdimensional Revive Hole and return Time Tripper to my hand. The I bring out Black Ganveet and destroy one of your tapped creatures. Be gone, Ryuusei Kaiser!"
The Demon Command rushed through Ryuusei Kaiser and sent him to the graveyard.
"I summon Perfect Galaxy! Shield Force! I choose one of my shields, and as long as this shield is here, Perfect Galaxy gains Blocker and does not leave the battle zone!"
"When your turn ends, Black Ganveet awakens since you have no cards in you hand." Subaru said as the Demon Command awakened to his powered form.
"My turn. I summon Ryuusei in the Dark! Now all non-Darkness creatures are put into the battle zone tapped and all my Darkness creatures get Slayer.
"Then I summon Dragon God Heavy and destroy Galaxy. But he stays in the battle zone instead, and I draw a card."
"Kuh…" Subaru destroyed Black Ganveet.
"I cast Energy Light and draw 2 cards. Turn End."
"My turn. I summon Ulvorof, Dragon Edge! I equip him with Go To Hell, and revive Pork Beef from my graveyard."
"…This is dragging on for some time…it's a race to see who draws their ace…" Seyfried muttered, as Karma clutched his clothes tightly, her eyes on the duel.
"I'll have to make this quick then…! Ore no… !"
He was about to draw his card when he turned, and almost called out Alphadios when Bolshack Ulpheus blocked the incoming beam.
"Hnggh!" Bolshack Ulpheus' sword stopped the sudden attack, but was nearly blown back by the sheer force of the beam.
"What happened!" The First asked the Second.
"…Look at that." He only pointed towards the sky, and everyone looked in that direction.
"Wha…?"
"That is!?"
Subaru solemnly nodded. "That is one of the reasons why we're here."
"Diabolos Zeta…!" Artorigus stared up at the creature hovering above the city.
"He's one of the creatures from another dimension…trying to take over this world. That's why we need your help!" Subaru reasoned. "Your power is invaluable. I'm sure the other Constellations would appreciate it if you come with us."
"…" Cutting away a part of his soul, the First materialized Lionel, Zenith of Ore and Alphadios, while the Second and Artorigus did the same with Katsuking MAX and Valhalla Grande.
"We'll take care of that first. And we'll talk later."
The Constellations materialized their own creatures too. Dorballom D, Alcadeias D, Genji Double Cross, QED, Don Grill…
"Let's go!"
"…Ha…" The First, Second and Artorigus slumped on the ground, tired after the battle, and weary from the toll on their mind and soul. The Constellations were in no better shape either. Protecting the city and dealing with a creature like Diabolos Zeta wasn't a cake walk for them.
"****-kun!" Levia, having mostly recovered from the duel, rushed to the Second's side while Karma And Levia came over with cups of water.
"Thank you…you were a great help." Subaru nodded towards them while Tsugumi stabled his weakened body.
"Will you reconsider? There are more creatures like this…and we would appreciate it if you come with us."
"We will try to fulfill your requests if you do, if it is within our power. Remodeling your office, anything." Sora added.
"…" The First looked at the Constellations, then back at his friends. "I…"
Karma looked at him with anticipation.
"I…We'll think about it."
"…I understand. But please do give us an answer soon…there isn't much time." Subaru said, evidently slightly disappointed at the response.
"Have you not forgotten?" Rad butted in. "The duels were inconclusive! I demand a rematch to decide the final results!"
"Yeah!" Edo agreed, and although Tsugumi remained silent, it was evident that she wants to have another go.
"You…!" Levia fumed, but the Second stopped her with his hand.
"Very well… I shall dance with you until the end. You?"
"Ah…" The First concurred with his friend. "If you want another fight, then I'll play any time!"
"Guys…" Subaru tried reasoning with his companions, to no avail. Sora, sensing the inevitable, just sighed and sat at the side.
Rad, standing up, took out his deck. "If you're not doing it, egghead, then I will!"
Tsugumi's deck shone once more as she stepped up beside the red-head.
"Very well!"
"Duema Start!"
~2 years later~
"Kuh…It's finally this time of the year again huh…" The First stretched his fatigued body. "We finally get on our…vacation."
"Yeah." The Second smiled. "As per our "contract"."
The final duels two years ago ended in victory of the First and Second.
However, they finally joined the Constellations, much to the dismay of the Pleiades.
But on one condition. They only fulfill their role for 6 months each year. The other 6 months, they stay with the Pleiades.
When they weren't away, the Pleiades added two more members to fill in their roles. Three, a mysterious girl who's carefree and comes and goes as she pleases, and Alphonse, a cousin of Artorigus.
The First and Second bumped into Dione and Valzaark in the hallway.
Dione, with short blue hair and an exposing outfit, Valzaark, with the same short blue hair and dark skin. They were mostly seen together, and they were the type to keep their thoughts to themselves and be quiet, so no one really knew what they thought most of the time.
"It's your time to go again." Dione acknowledged their presence, while Valzaark just simply nodded.
"Yeah. We'll see you in 6 months. Take care of yourselves." The First smiled towards them, and entered the elevator.
"Oh…right. It's your vacation time." Haruna, in her usual red attire and hair tied back in a pony-tail, greeted them as they stepped into the elevator. Chitose, wearing his usual blindfold, gave them a cheerful "hello" too.
"Yeah…you guys enjoy your Chirstmas too, eh?" The Second playfully nudged Chitose, who smiled in return.
"Yeah, you go back to your girlfriends too!"
"Heh… How I hope they were…"
The elevator was reaching the ground floor.
"Oh…and you guys…should pay a little more attention to Izabella." The First told the two. "She has been spending a little more time with Subaru and acting a suspicisouly… So better keep an eye on her."
Haruna nodded. "Will do."
Chitose patted the First and Second as the elevator's doors opened.
"…!? Everyone!" They were in for a surprise when they saw the Pleiades in front of them.
"Heh… We were told to keep it a secret." Chitose grinned. "Enjoy your holiday!"
Karma and Levia held up nine plane tickets back home, smiling.
"Thank you, everyone…coming so far to greet us…" The First sniffled.
"Haha…! Everyone, it's been 6 months huh… Come on, let' go back home!" The Second laughed happily.
The moment they stepped out of the Constellation's headquarters, the sky turned black.
"Ha!" The First opened his eyes, finding himself back in Gensokyo. The banquet was slightly quieting down, but still crowded and plentiful with snacks and drinks.
He woke up just in time to hear Reimu's announcement on the stage.
"And now! For the main event that spans throughout the banquet! The tournament between the best of the best!"
….
A tournament…
Decks:
The First: Bolmeteus Control
The Second: Shachihoko Kaiser
Subaru: Mono Black Control
Tsugumi: White Blue Heaven's Gate
Rad: Steroid Gift Beat
Edo: Mono Blue Liquid People Beat
Artorgius: Mono White Valhalla
So anyone recognized the Constellations too?