After what I bore witness at the docks, there wasn't much for me to do other than get back to the others. According to Sora and Niles, Yuzu had asked Sora to teach her about Fusion Summoning so she could prove Masumi wrong and grow stronger. I completely understood her reasoning and didn't find any issue, though when Niles said that there was a strange Duelist that fought Sora and vanished when Yuya arrive… I knew that it had to have been Yuto. Especially since Yuzu told me later that it was the strange duelist from before. Though when we got back to living average Duelist lives, I was surprised to her Yuzu wanting both Niles and I to watch. In my gut, I felt that if she mastered Fusion that she'd come to us for private lessons for Synchro and XYZ. Not that I'd mind but, with her current knowledge I feared for her even attempting to Synchro Summon.
...Yet more of my fear and anxiety was resting on something else than her Dueling Abilities.
"Hey Lowell, are you sure you're alright?" Niles asked me, bringing me back out the long string of thought I had towards the previous events.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry, I was just…" My voice trailed off, watching Yuzu make her move, "Seeing if Yuzu could actually perform a Fusion Summon that's all!" I snapped my fingers to go back to faking my interest in the training.
Telling him about who I thought I saw wouldn't have changed much of anything. I couldn't bother to risk saying his name; not when I had so much doubt and questions. Until I could further confirm who I saw under the hood no one else needed to know. So much of this was making my head hurt. Luckily I didn't feel a headache coming on. Though I wouldn't bother telling him anything; focusing on Yuzu should be my priority.
"I activate the Magic Card: Polymerization from my hand!" Yuzu revealed the Spell card while she spoke. "I'm fusing Aria the Melodious Diva and Sonata the Melodious Diva! Enchanting melodies bloom in splendid glory and play for us a new harmony! Fusion Summon!"
Suddenly the error message appeared on her Duel Disk, making the process stops before it could even begin to merge her monsters. Niles snickered as I held back a bit of laughter.
"Wh-why did the error popup?!" Yuzu was so rattled. "Why didn't it summon my Fusion Monster?! Come on!"
Sora had one of his huge lollipops stuck between his teeth. "Hey, did you remember to put it in your Extra Deck?"
"Huh? E-Extra?!" By then, both Niles and I started bursting out into laughter. "H-Hey! This isn't funny!"
"I've told you a ton of times that Fusion Monsters go into your Extra Deck, not your Deck!" Sora yelled from across his field.
"That's the truth Yuzu and applies to nearly all other monsters except for Rituals," Niles explained before returning to laughing, "But for you to do this again!"
"Th-that's right…" Yuzu looked towards her main deck, eyes wavering as she pulled it out. It only took her a few seconds to find her Fusion Monster. The purple background contrasting the other cards inside. "Not again…"
"Hey Yuzu, here's a little tip for you when it comes to knowing which cards go into what deck," I felt pity for the girl, so I got up from my spot and walked over. I pulled out one Effect Monster, Spell, Trap, and her Fusion Monster from her Deck to hold in my hands. "Your main deck should only consist of brown cards - Effect Monsters, green cards - Spell/Magic cards and pinkish-purple cards - Trap cards. Only exceptions are when you have normal monsters - which are most likely a bright yellow - or Ritual Monsters - often are just Blue. All other cards go straight to the Extra Deck. No exceptions there…" I gave the four back after showing them each off respectively, "Unless a brand new type of monsters that share a color of a pre-existing card. Then we'd just have to see the ruling for how they are supposed to play."
"Wow… you really know a lot about dueling Lowell," Sora made a remark as I was returning to my spot. "I bet you could even master Pendulum Summoning if you have Pendulum Cards like Yuya."
"As if that would ever happen," I waved him off as I sat back down, "Besides… I think I'm pretty much happy with what I got right now. Maybe next time I'll throw in an XYZ or Ritual to surprise everyone!"
"Though I got to say, I'm really sad you won't be joining us in the Miami Championship," Yuzu had successfully placed her Fusion Monster into her Extra Deck. By now the Duel was over, so we were just hanging out. "I thought for sure you'd be participating."
"Nope. I'm perfectly okay with missing the Championships. Niles and I would technically be in the Junior section and not the Junior Youth anyway." I shrugged, "Being a supportive member is more of my deal anyway. Hugging up all the spotlight isn't my kind of style anyway."
"You had front-row seats to both of Sora's duels, right Yuzu?" Niles asked the Melodious Duelist.
Yuzu nodded and Sora removed his lollipop from his mouth. "I could have beaten them both without using Fusion, but I went ahead and did it so you could study it properly!"
"I'm… sorry," Both her eyes were downcasted, looking at the ground.
Sora then jumped from one of the crates and landed beside Yuzu. Stuck his head close to her own. "I bet you were thinking about him again, weren't you!"
Suddenly Yuzu was surprised before looking away. "I knew it! That's why you've been Dueling so absent-mindedly! So who is he?"
Of course, Sora was prying into this mess with Yuto. I wish I could have spoken in her stead but I didn't. Mainly because if I did I would have revealed too much about him. Though I do wonder where he could be? I know Yuya was off doing something… possibly another one of his qualification duels.
"...You said it was the second time that you have met him like that?" Sora's last question stuck out as I saw Yuzu turn her determined gaze towards the horizon.
"Yeah. The first time was here as well." She wasn't lying; I was there as well when Yuto showed up. Though something about him seemed different. Perhaps it was because…
"And so that's how he went and stole your heart, then?" Oh by the light of Rah Sora please don't start the shipping games.
"Wha-?! That's not what I'm-!" She suddenly looked up to me, "Lowell!"
I raised an eyebrow. "What are you expecting me to say? This is all on you. I have no issues with Yuto."
"I'm pretty excited myself too, though." Sora turned back towards the three of us, "After all, he seems like a pretty interesting guy. How about you Niles?"
"...Actually, I would like to see this guy in action before I make any move," He continued drinking his banana smoothie.
"If that Masumi Koustu didn't butt in, I might have been able to Duel him too…" Out of nowhere, this kid pulls out a fully wrapped and preserved chocolate bar; serious Sora, how do you keep so many sweets on your person!? "That was really disappointing."
"No! You can't duel him!" Yuzu exclaimed.
"Why?" I knew where this was going, so I went to get another one of the rock candies I bought and began to have it.
"Because… he's dangerous." Yuzu's eyes narrowed. "Outside of an Action Field created by the Real Solid Vision System, in that warehouse out of nowhere… Why was he able to create actual shockwaves…? And on top of that, why… Why would he say that to me?"
Right, this is kinda hard for anyone to process. I mean, I would be too if somebody as ruthless as Yuto had to be kind to me for no apparent reason. Or even if… my friend from so long ago was to appear and act like I'm an enemy and not a friend. This is hard to put into words about how I would comfort her. Yuto's own situation was something I only had a faulty foundation of. With how far I know of the story, much was left to be desired. Locating and confronting both Shun and Yuto should yield some answers so my choices had an impact.
"Hey, sorry guys but I need to get going," Niles rose up from his spot, smoothie already depleted. "I promised a friend that I'd spend so time at the local arcade. Hit me up on the group message when the next time we're meeting up."
"Sure thing," I waved as he began to depart. Despite how Niles goes from hot to cold, he really did remind me of my old friend. Though not by his deck or all his attitude. If anything, I could consider him to be a friend of mine. Even with how much my gut was still saying he wasn't somebody to trust. "So, are we going to go back with the Fusion Summoning training or do you want to take a crack at Synchro Summoning Yuzu?"
"Um, well…" Yuzu's voice trailed off but before she could reply something went off. Her bracelet began to glow brightly for all of us to see. "The bracelet, again!"
It looked to only last for a few seconds before it went away. This bracelet was also a mystery as to why it activated whenever Yuto and Yuya were in the same vicinity. Speaking of which…
"I knew you'd be here!" Yuya got all our attention from the docks, hands on his waist.
"Yuya!" Yuzu said.
"Hey, Yuzu, can't you come back to Duel School already?" He asked, walking closer to us, "And were you two encouraging this?! I'm getting tired of the Principal asking me every day..."
Somewhere in Miami City, 3rd P.O.V
When Niles thought he left, nothing out of the ordinary would occur and he could get back to his business for the rest of the day. Yet instead, he was suddenly bathed in a bright light before it faded. Opening his eyes, nothing resembling the docks was anywhere in sight. An alleyway was his backdrop and he groaned.
"Just what I need… getting teleported to someplace else than my destination…" He crushed the empty container before throwing it. "I keep forgetting when Yuto is around…" His hands soon became fists. "...Damn it! I don't have time for this!"
Before he could start running, a large noise akin to an explosion went off. Instead, he began running towards that direction and found himself in an alleyway, behind a masked Duelist. There was a large avian monster against another. That wasn't what caught his attention; what was behind the LDS Duelist made his eyes widen. Behind and seemingly just arriving on the scene was Yuto with his mask, who looked both at Shun and Niles.
"Yuto!" Niles swore under his breath, seeing the XYZ Duelist almost make an attempt to get closer.
His vision suddenly changed, to one of a ruined city where Niles stood as the empty wind past by. Where the sky was covered by clouds, casting a darken grey to the ruins around him. What once was a city thriving with lights and life appeared as an abandoned wasteland. Desolate and dark, where the XYZ Duelist stood.
Niles wore a completely different outfit. A grey formal shirt with a dull red tie, as well as a dark brown parka plus dark pants and brown boots. In his left ear were two grey pierces, matching the two silver rings on his right hand were just above on his wrist was a tied red scarf. Around his waist, he wears a belt with two Deck holsters on each side.
One of his hands was holding a card, worn down and rough on the edges. "...Damn it! How long must this go on?!"
The Duelist shoved the card back into his pocket as he heard something nearby. Turning around, he saw a bright monster in the sky. Completely shining a bright white and gold as it faced some other beast. He only watched as both monsters clashed and broke into buildings, crumbling them one right after the other.
"Niles!" The Duelist snapped out of his thoughts, seeing a short green-haired girl running towards him. She had bags under her eyes despite the forced smile on her face, "There you are! Everyone was looking for you!"
"Ah…! Sorry ******…" Niles replied looking away, "I just needed to…"
"There's no excuse Niles! It is way too dangerous for you to be running around when Academy soldiers are just around the corner!" Her stern scolding would have continued if not for shockwaves erupting from the two fighting monsters. "Ah!"
He moved fast, grabbing the young lady and pulling her close as the ground rumbled. The monsters fighting continued to do so. Debris flying out from all places.
"We can't stay here! We have to go now!" The two began to run off, not looking back despite the roars and screams.
A strong force of wind snapped him back from his memories, seeing the avian bird taking off towards its target. Niles swore as he turned away and ran. Not taking a chance to look back at the faces or voice calling his name.
Lowell Ember's Apartment, Later that Night, 1st P.O.V
The craziness died down after the whole thing and by the end of the day, I was in my apartment after doing some cleaning. Feet kicked up on the coffee table and enjoy a good book I managed to snag at a local bookshop. Been quite a long time since I got to enjoy some alone time. Speaking of which, I got another large tub of ice cream to snack on. No stains on any of my belongings so far. Yet even as I ended the latest chapter, I couldn't help but get unfocused on the words.
Instead, those words vanished as of all things I thought of that Duelist. The one backdropped by flames and seemingly had a unique shade underneath the dark cloak. Then again, was it really the color that was throwing me off? Or was it the… uniform underneath?
My hands closed the book as I placed it aside. A quick scoop of ice cream entered my mouth as I continued to ponder. Surely it had to be that uniform… but why would somebody wearing that uniform be here?! There wasn't a legit reason for anyone like that to be here so early. Or to even be featured in the show! What should I do? Going after Yuto and Shun would be the most ideal simply because I knew where they should appear next. Yet this new Duelist throws a wrench into everything! What if I went after them? Could some light be shed upon this situation? Then again…
"That card that brought me here led me straight to them…" I stated aloud just to myself. "And since the MacGuffin is driving this point somewhere, does that mean it wants to find this Duelist?"
I began to rub my aching temples. "Man, I think I'm feeling as shitty as Yuzu…" Then I glanced at the clock not far from where I was, "...Shit, if I'm staying up this late I'll be late for tomorrow!"
Getting up, I started to put things away to prepare for the next morning. Yet perhaps I should have stayed up with what had transpired that night that may have indirectly involved me.
LDS, The Next Morning, 3rd P.O.V
The other left the room, but Reiji waited until they gone before sighing. "You know, you don't have to sneak around here." He mentioned as a teenage male appeared from the shadows, arms folded as he walked over to in front of his tables.
Now he was different in both attire and form from any other LDS student or person affiliated with the school at all. He possessed black hair, messy, wavy which is tipped with a blue color. Amber eyes pierced the silence as the leather gloves tightened over his long white-sleeved dress shirt. Black leg-strap pants with two yellow straps over his right leg and one other yellow strap under his left knee. A silver chain holding several keys hung to his side. His black duel disk was around his wrist, clearly in sight.
"What? Did you want my presence to cause a panic after another incident," He asked, walking to the desk. "I know what happened; guess those Duelists are still kicking."
"You wouldn't be here if you didn't find something out," Reiji straighten his back. "What did you discover?"
The strange Duelist chuckled before pulling a card from his deck and inspecting it. "Just like your hypothesis, the attacks to LDS weren't in any way connected to Yuya Sakaki. They are in fact from outsiders - most likely from the XYZ Dimension if those readings of yours are to be taken into account. No sign of any Fusion activities."
"Anything else you'd like to add?" The Duelist then threw the card onto the desk for Reiji to pick up.
"Oh, there's one last thing." The male tossed the card onto Reiji's desk. "I've discovered another reading of that strange force you told me not long ago. Did some snooping and you were correct on one bit; the force was akin to the other few you detected not too long ago. Yet not exactly to the same degree."
"How so?" Reiji reached for the card on the table as the informant snickered.
"Unlike the previous times, the signature readings and scarring around the area were the exact same except for the point of origin. Whoever or whatever came through used the method of teleportation but not from the same location as before." Opening his eyes, the ambers gazed away. "I'm still conducting my own private investigation per your request. Not sure if this one is hostile but I can guarantee that it has nothing to do with the current attacks on LDS."
"I see, look into this matter more. I cannot grant you any more resources, but I believe you have as much as you need." A glisten in Reiji's eyes became noticeable.
"No problem. Just keep your end of the deal and I'll be the best asset in your closet," He began to stroll towards the doors, "...But if you terminate our deal without telling me, I'll make sure to ruin your reputation."
Waving, the male left the room. Reiji Akaba now the only occupant of the office space overlooking the entirety of Miami City.
"...Just what is going on here…" His eyes narrowed, seeing the same hooded figure as Lowell saw with a backdrop of fire. Though he saw something that she didn't - the hooded duelist held a Fusion Card. Yet any other details were hidden by shadows and flames.
You Show Duel School, Miami City, 1st P.O.V.
"Duel!" We both exclaimed.
Lowell: 4000
Vs
Yuzu: 4000
"The first move belongs to me. I Normal Summon Bestia Mustang!" I placed the card on my Duel Disk. "Then I set two cards and end my turn."
Bestia Mustang appeared as a humanoid male with long dark brown hair that had messy bangs covering his eyes. He wore a brown jumpsuit that contrasted his more tanned skin. Similar to that of Bestia Valliant Alicorn, the lower half of his body was more horse and hooved than human. The dark mane of the mane-like hair also appeared separately wrapped around his hands.
Bestia Mustang: Level 4 LIGHT Beast-Warrior/Effect ATK: 1300 DEF: 800
"No Synchro Summon yet?" Yuzu inquired.
"Nope. I don't need to extend my plays just yet. Show me what you got Yuzu."
"Fine! My turn! When I control no monster, I can play the Spell 1st Movement Solo. With this, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Melodious" monster from my hand. I choose to Special Summon Serenade the Melodious Diva!" Yuzu had a monster appear on her side of the field.
Serenade the Melodious Diva: LIGHT Fairy/Effect ATK: 400 DEF: 1900
"When Serenade is Special Summoned, I can have an additional summon. I choose to summon Aria the Melodious Diva."
Aria the Melodious Diva: LIGHT Level 4 Fairy/Effect ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200
"Now battle! I attack your monster with Aria!" Yuzu declared as her monster lunged at my own.
"Bestia Mustang's ability activates. My monster cannot be destroyed by battle as long as you control more monsters than I do. Sprinted Shield!" My monster's mane suddenly formed a protective barrier between the attack.
"But you still take the damage." That much was true; I couldn't avoid the damage being dealt.
Lowell: 4000 - 3700
Vs
Yuzu: 4000
"With that, I end my turn."
I brushed off the damage. With what I had in store, I couldn't bear to make a mistake. Not just yet. "Okay, my turn! Draw!"
I glanced at what I drew and smirked at what I got. "I Normal Summon Little Magi Girl. But she's not going to be here for very long. I Tune my Level 3 Little Magi Girl to my Level 4 Bestia Mustang. Shine forth from the heavens your star-gazing main! Bring forth the Light for which we all seek! Synchro Summon! Reveal your true form! Level 7, Besita Valliant Alicorn!"
Bestia Valliant Alicorn: Level 7 LIGHT Beast-Warrior/Synchro/Effect ATK: 2400 DEF: 2700
My monster landed on the ground, wings folding on her back once touching solid ground.
"She Synchro Summoned again." I heard Niles make note of, but I decided to continue the Duel.
"Battle! I attack Serenade with Valliant Alicorn: Chivalry Judgement!" MY monster took flight as the magical swords were channeled.
Lowell: 3700
Vs
Yuzu: 4000 - 2000
"Wow! In just one attack Lowell wiped out half of Yuzu's Life Points!" Sora exclaimed as my monster flew back to my side.
"I end my turn with that move." I decided to keep the Quick-Play Spell and other two monsters in hand.
"Geez, you weren't kidding on holding back." Yuzu got up from the ground. "Then that means I got to show you exactly how serious I aim. I'll start by doing this! Once per turn, I can deal 800 LP of damage to you directly when you don't take battle damage with Aria."
Lowell: 3700 - 2600
Vs
Yuzu: 2000
Maybe I should have taken out Aria instead. Then again, I could easily end this Duel while how little her Life Points are currently. For somebody who's serious about Fusion Summoning, she sure lacking in some basic knowledge.
"Next, I Special Summon Sonata the Melodious Diva from my hand. I can do so while I control a Melodious monster. With her on my field, all my monster gain 500 ATK and DEF." Yuzu declared as both her monsters were surrounded by an aura.
Sonata the Melodious Diva: LIGHT Level 3 Fairy/Effect ATK: 1200 - 1700 DEF: 1000
Aria the Melodious Diva: LIGHT Level 4 Fairy/Effect ATK: 1600 - 2100 DEF: 1200
"I Tribute both Sonata and Aria to Summon Mozarta the Melodious Maestra from my hand." Hold on-! How did she get the big boss monster out her that fast!? "Then I activate her effect to Special Summon another Aria the Melodious Diva from my hand."
Mozarta the Melodious Maestra: LIGHT Level 8 Fairy/Effect ATK: 2600 DEF: 2000
Aria the Melodious Diva: LIGHT Level 4 Fairy/Effect ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200
"Not bad Yuzu." I smirked. She figured out that Valliant Alicorn couldn't bounce her monster back when it was Tribute Summoned. Too bad it appeared like she was going to fall for my Trap anyway.
"Now we battle! Mozarta, attack Valliant Alicorn!" Yuzu changed her plans, exactly what I prepared for.
"...Looks like this is game set. I reveal my face-down: Magic Cylinder. When my opponent declares an attack, I can negate the attack and inflict your monsters Attack directly to you." I smiled as the artwork came to life, though a bit more burnt like my Trap card. "Now, take this Yuzu!"
Lowell: 2600
Vs
Yuzu: 2000 - 0
WINNER: Lowell
The field faded away, leaving up there all alone as I walked over to Yuzu. I wasn't sure how she'd respond to that fast of a Duel. I mean, I took her out during her own turn! Not really common in Yugioh back on Earth. Usually, people try and get it done within a single turn. Be it the first or second turn to keep your opponent from maximizing on longer combos.
"Why didn't you use it during your Duel with Niles and Yuya?" Yuzu went on, about my monster effect. "You could have stopped Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's attack with that effect."
"I could have… but I kind of wanted to enjoy the spectacle." I shrugged before pocketing the monster away.
"Wow! I never knew Valliant Alicorn could have that kind of effect." Sora came up to us, followed by everyone else. "I wouldn't like to battle that kind of monster. Just kidding!"
"You know, for somebody who hasn't Duel in a while, you still play decently." Niles folded his arms. "You sure you weren't lying about that?"
"I wasn't lying! I'm just… I just guess my skills aren't as dull as I thought thanks to you guys." I giggled a bit. "I feel more at ease with my Dueling skills than before. Well, there is one I'm for sure right about now with this over. I'm not teaching you Synchro Summoning."
The whole reason we were having this Duel right now was that Yuzu was adamantly asking me to teach her Synchro Summoning. Something I was against for obvious reasons. Whatever was compelling her wouldn't do so good by focusing on two new methods. Yuzu could barely even Fusion Summon at this moment. Tossing up a bit of Synchro with Tuner monsters would burden her even more. Not to mention she wasn't supposed to learn Synchro Summoning this early on - if ever.
Secondly, I couldn't exactly bear trying to teach her after who I discovered last night. I knew exactly who was by that fire. It frightened my mind with the prospect of that character existing in this series. Sure, I know in GX they had some returning characters for a cameo. Would this event occur in this series as well? Kind of doubt it.
Lowell Fan Cards
Bestia Mustang
Level 4 Attribute LIGHT
Beast-Warrior/Effect
ATK: 1300 DEF: 800
This card cannot be destroyed by battle as long as your opponent controls more monsters than you do.
Revision: 10/22/18
Yuzu and Lowell's Duel, while brief, served a point and a needed victory for Lowell. Plus it gave her a reason to justify not teaching Yuzu Synchro Summoning. At least to her mind for the moment. This is also to show Lowell is indeed at least practicing her skills. Otherwise, this would all be happening off-screen. Gave a good excuse to show off the possible combos and shun downs Lowell can pull off. So unlike previously, there is a short Duel.
That should be everything I would like to note in this revision. So some of the notes below may no longer apply anymore.
And thus ends this exciting update to Yugioh Arc-0! No Duels for this Episode sadly; I wanted this to be another breather while introducing some new aspects. Not a really focused Lowell chapter towards the end simply because I felt that we needed to cover bases a bit further out. So I hope you all enjoyed the little treat of seeing a bit more of Niles and a possible familiar Duelist with Reiji Akaba. No spoilers here folks! Pieces are aligning to who is the mysterious duelist is and I've already dropped a hint by Reiji's observation.
Next time I'm expecting to write a Duel so that may take longer than this chapter was to just rough draft. And this should hopefully be a surprise for what's to come. Not sure if then I'd like to directly reveal them just yet. May hold off a bit longer for who is beneath the cloak. But I promise next time there is most likely going to be a Duel.
I was really surprised to see how many people actually came and followed/favorited this story! So thanks to Kingster16, Xander1996, and chobits15 for the follows! Thanks to William152 and Zaconator and Zackis for the favorites! An extra thanks to CAD270895, Diabolic Traitor, MaskedGamer, MeiLinX, darkblade2814, and king of the lion for doing both! Now onto addressing the review left behind for the previous 5 chapters:
Diabolic Tracer - Ah yes, thank you for being the first to review the reboot! That aside, I'd be happy to address the little point with the Duel between Lowell and Sabrine for how the LP went from 4000 down to 300. The effect of Bestia Mustang only prevents the monster from being destroyed by battle. There was nothing to say she still wouldn't suffer the battle damage; so she still took the damage regardless. I will probably go back and make that a bit more obvious. Also when I went back I noticed how I forgot to add an effect in for one of Sabrine's monsters! That should be fixed alongside some minor tweaks to the Chapter.
And with the third statement, I'm happy to announce that from this point on I'll try and list all the fan-made cards and their effects to make it easier for readers! Some information may be redacted if they weren't directly used in the Chapter. Otherwise, it is fair game. By the time I post up this chapter, I will already have that done so it will remain consistent with upcoming chapters! Hopefully, I got the card wording right; if not I'll go back and re-edit them to more properly fit in with the universe.
That should be it for now; until next time I'll see you later!