LDS, Miami City, 3rd P.O.V.
Inside of enjoying the festivities above ground in the sun, Kazama loathed the fact he was forced to be underground instead. He had to keep up public appearances yet here he was in the shadows. Not that he always needed to be in them. There was already enough time looking at the screen for him.
"Must I be here?" The Vestige inquired.
"I need you here more than ever. After that stunt last night, I'm afraid students of LDS are disappearing and you're the only one who would know who would be behind this." Reiji explained before showing footage of Sabrine and Kaiser talking; instantly, Kazama tensed up even more. "Do you know these two?"
"...Sabrine Bakuno… that's the name Fiona's going by now?" He grumbled before looking towards the other one, clearing his throat to speak up. "...I know him. He goes by Kaiser Obsidian; one of the top duelists. I'm guessing you're keeping Shun out of this room for this reason?"
"I cannot afford for him to overhear this information just yet. Besides, he's already quite hard to control his temper; I can't allow his rage to overflow if he discovers just what you Vestige really are…" Kazama averted his gaze.
"And you're taking this well?" He had to be honest with the teenager.
"There are many things I have taken well enough. The Vestige is no exception." Reiji noticed as Nakajima and Shun entered. "We will talk later. Can you go check on Yuu Sakuragi?"
"Sure thing. Just don't get surprised if it ends up he's getting targeted next by any strange forces. I'm not being paid to guard his ass." He left, passing by Shun as he departed from the room.
Central Court, Miami City, 3rd P.O.V.
"Now now Ruby, things will be fine! All I'm doing is giving her a quick dose of reality. It will be fine." Tanith spoke to the Duel Spirit, walking through the building toward a room. "Besides, I don't think this Sakuragi guy would mind if I just dropped by his little meeting spot."
The Duel Spirit tilted its head and made a noise once Tanith entered the dark room, making sure to make as little noise as possible to hide out.
"What? I may not be the more tech-savvy person, but I at least learned how to hack Academia Duel Disks to know who's going where." Tanith revealed the location of her targets. "Hopefully I don't have to deal with two duelists. Perhaps I can try out that old dual splitter ball I snagged from that guy. I can see if it can actually split a field into two."
Ruby mewed at Tanith. "I'm not going behind his back while doing this. He's being too cautious right now and I need some fun. Besides, nothing's going to go wrong if I'm out for a bit. He can handle himself."
Giving her a look, Ruby vanished away as Tanith heard footsteps approaching her location. Smirking, she remained hidden as the teenager walked into the room. A perfect view for her to watch his innocent confusion blatant on his face. Looking on, both were greeted by seeing two hooded figures walking towards him. Tanith, still hidden, watched on.
"Are you the one who called me here?" Tanith noticed how the obvious male couldn't tell he was in danger at the moment.
A detail she found quite alluring. Then she watched Serena discard her cloth, issuing a duel without words. Was she going to duel this guy? How intriguing… Tanith watched on. She could at least step in before the poor guy was carded. Gave her something to watch in the shadows before striking.
"The one who called you was me." Now this voice wasn't one Tanith was familiar with; now who was crashing the party?
A tall male stepped from the shadows. Long red scarf, red glasses, grey hair, and a not too profession uniform. Things she wouldn't have ever considered a threat. But the way he presented himself through body language… now she hadn't seen such stride in a long while. Not ever since her ally… Not since that day when their lives changed. From the glory of battles to the horrors of realities sunk their teeth into their lives. Where they had taken the choice; a bad one only to preserve what little happiness they had left. When she had to-!
"President!?" The Yuu boy snapped her out of those thoughts, seeing the President guy stepped between the kid and the other two.
Tanith didn't even notice how her eyes became cloaked in darkness when she started to relapse back. She couldn't afford to go back to then; living in the present was her only way of preserving happiness for their sake. That person… it couldn't possibly be him.
"I apologize, but you must leave." The President didn't look back to the kid. "Your Duel today was splendid. I expect more from you in the future."
The kid quickly thanked the guy before leaving. Serena wasn't too happy and tried to grab her target. A move swiftly evaded by the President's grabbing her arm first. Quite a bold move in Tanith's mind. He was told to leave again and by chance, he looked over towards the hidden girl. Tanith quickly motioned her eyes toward the door and he left swiftly.
Serena broke out from the other's grip once the door was shut. "If you're going to get in my way, then I'll take you out first!"
Tanith blinked twice in pure confusion. "You've got to be kidding me, Serena. Reckless as ever."
She was glad that comment wasn't heard by the other party's as Barrett spoke up. Taking the place for Serena in order to duel. This was the moment she was looking for. Orb out, Tanith stepped out from the shadows and threw it onto the ground. It was closest to Serena, causing the girl to begin coughing as both males were shocked. Tanith bolted straight into the field before it became seal off. Before she completely immersed herself, she couldn't help but catch the eyes of the President - Reiji Akaba. Didn't last as she landed inside the field.
Landing down, it appeared the orb was doing as it was programmed. It created a small pocket identical location of the room without Barrett or Reiji in sight. Perfect for duels out of public eyes or sneak attacks. Fixing her worn down uniform, she was quick to notice the younger female's peril.
"Hey! What's going on!? Barrett!" Serena stopped yelled upon seeing Tanith approach her, the blue and red uniforms clearly clashing with each other.
"Serena, what a surprise! Who would have the most coveted Fusion Princess would be out of her castle. Does your King known about this?" Tanith taunted the Fusion Duelist. "Surely you'd be with a prince and not with a knight."
"That's enough Tanith!" Serena retorted and activated her Duel Disk. "After what you've done, I'll never forgive you."
"Huh? Why not? I thought we used to be good friends." The snow-haired duelist frowned.
"I would never call a traitor my friend!
"Fine, have it your way." Tanith glared as she activated her Duel Disk. "I will see to it you are put in your place, Serena!"
"Duel!" Both girls exclaimed.
Serena: 4000
Vs
Tanith: 4000
"The first move is mine! I Normal Summon Lunalight Blue Cat and set one card." Serena ended her turn with that play.
Lunalight Blue Cat: Level 4 DARK Beast-Warrior/Effect ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200
"No Fusion Summon? Oh dear. I suppose so; since your deck relies on your opponent's to have monsters to slay. A strategy that will fail for a princess like yourself. My draw!" Tanith drew a card, seeing that it was Serfernus Pit. "I activate the Field Spell Serfernus Pit by reducing my LP to 1000 and heal you for the amount I lose."
Serena: 4000 - 7000
Vs
Tanith: 4000 - 1000
"I discard Serfernus Adder from my hand to Special Summon Serfernus Copperhead to the field. And once per turn when Serfernus Copperhead is on my field, I can banish one Serfernus monster from my Graveyard to Special Summon a Serfernus Normal Monster from my Deck. So goodbye Adder and hello Garter."
Serfernus Copperhead: Level 6 FIRE Reptile/Effect ATK: 2400 DEF: 1000
Serfernus Garter: Level 1 FIRE Reptile ATK: 200 DEF: 300
"Follow this and with my LP reduced to 1000, I Special Summon Serfernus Rattlesnake from my hand. When it Special Summoned to the field, I can add 1 'Serfernus' Spell or Trap to my hand. I choose Serfernus Shedding and activate it immediately. I Fusion Summon using both Serfernus Rattlesnake and Serfernus Garter on my field!" Tanith had both her monster form a magma shell. "The burning venom that runs deep in this land, the Eternal Flame calls to you once again. Let the invaders perish by your intoxicating fangs! Fusion Summon! Rise up Serfernus Diamondback!"
Emerging from the shell came the beast, with bright purple molten and fumes from its body. Obsidian scales remained as before to line the body. What made this monster truly stand out where the jagged pieces of diamond that stuck out and emitting the purple flames; even its eyes were a bright white light as it slithered out. The tip of the tail had a small flame surrounded by jagged diamonds forming a barrier around it.
Serfernus Diamondback: Level 6 FIRE Reptile/Fusion/Effect ATK: 1100 DEF: 2600
"Battle! I attack Lunalight Blue Cat with Serfernus Diamondback! Rattling Infection!" She pointed at the feline.
"What are you doing?! You're monster can't defeat mine!" Serena retorted. "It's not even in defense mode to attack!"
"While this is true, don't you forget that when Diamondback is summoned, all your monsters are changed to defense position and this card gains 300 ATK and DEF for every banished Serfernus monster I have." Tanith corrected the other Fusion User. "This is more than enough to take your pretty cat out."
Serfernus Diamondback: Level 6 FIRE Reptile/Fusion/Effect ATK: 1100 - 1400 DEF: 2600 - 2900
"I'm not falling for that again! I play my Trap Card Lunalight Chasse!" Serena's monster then dodged. "When a Lunalight monster I control would be destroyed by battle, I can negate the destruction and reduce the battle damage by half!"
"But Diamondback still inflicts onto you Battle Damage due to its effect!"
Serena: 7000 - 6800
Vs
Tanith: 1000
"Diamondback changes position after I declare an attack with this monster. But that doesn't mean I'm through yet. Serfernus Copperhead still has an attack. Take out the feline now!" Tanith snapped her fingers, seeing a flame start to form but quickly establishing it as more damage was inflicted to Serena.
Serena: 6800 - 5400
Vs
Tanith: 1000
"I'll set my remaining two cards in hand and end my turn. Let me see how you respond to this. Turn end." Tanith smirked but held the hand that had only started the flame a few seconds ago. It slightly twitches.
"I activate the Spell Polymerization by using Lunalight Blue Cat and Lunalight Purple Butterfly in my hand! Blue cat that prowls through the darkness! Butterfly with violet poison! Spiral into the moon's gravity and become a new power! Fusion Summon! Come to me! Beautiful beast that dances in the moonlight! Lunalight Cat Dancer!" Serena's Fusion Monster appeared with the image of the moon behind it.
Lunalight Cat Dancer: Level 7 DARK Beast-Warrior/Fusion/Effect ATK: 2400 DEF: 2000
"Next I play the Spell Luna Light Perfume. I Special Summon one Lunalight monster in my Graveyard. So I bring back Lunalight Blue Cat!" Serena used her last card in hand to bring back the feline.
Lunalight Blue Cat: Level 4 DARK Beast-Warrior/Effect ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200
"When Blue Cat is Special Summon she can double the attack of a Lunalight Monster. So I double Lunalight Cat Dancer's ATK!" Serena declared. "Then I activate Cat Dancer's effect to tribute Blue Cat and attack all your monsters! Battle! I attack Serfernus Copperhead with Lunalight Cat Dancer!"
Lunalight Cat Dancer: Level 7 DARK Beast-Warrior/Fusion/Effect ATK: 2400 - 4800 DEF: 2000
Both Serfernus monsters were destroyed, exploding upon impact.
"You've forgotten one thing, Serena, while Serfernus Pit is on the field you cannot inflict any damage to me," Tanith remarked, wiping some ash off her shoulder. "But great job getting both Copperhead and Diamondback in my Graveyard."
"Like I need praise from a traitor like you." Serena scowled as her turn ended. "Lunalight Cat Dancer's attack returns to normal.
Lunalight Cat Dancer: Level 7 DARK Beast-Warrior/Fusion/Effect ATK: 4800 - 2400 DEF: 2000
"Traitor? Is that how Academia views my actions? Guess that would be the case. They never allowed any real fun except for your little room. But allow me to show you a taste of why I was known as the Scourge." Tanith drew her next card and smirked. "I activate the Continuous Trap Serfernus Nesting Grounds. By banishing a Serfernus monster in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Serfernus Monster from my Deck. I banish Serfernus Diamondback to Special Summon Serfernus Hoop to the field."
Serfernus Hoop: Level 1 FIRE Reptile/Effect ATK: 0 DEF: 0
"You would banish your own Fusion monster?" Serena looked at in awe of the small burning yellow snake shaped like a loop.
"I don't pull out all my tricks, even when I did babysit you. Now how about I show you a cool trick of mine? I activate Serfernus Hoop's ability: upon being Special Summoned I can target 1 banished Serfernus monster and reshuffle that monster back into the Deck. I choose to shuffle back Serfernus Diamondback and I draw one card." Tanith saw the monster card and smiled. "And since I have at least 1000 LP I Special Summon Serfernus Viper to the field."
Serfernus Viper: Level 5 FIRE Reptile/Effect ATK: 2200 DEF: 100
"Viper's ability activates! While you control a Special Summoned monster, I can perform a Fusion Summon by banishing itself and one from your Graveyard! Not only shall I banish Serfernus Viper, but I'll also take your Lunalight Blue Cat to perform a Fusion Summon! So break forth from the protective barrier of the skins of your fellow brethren! Fusion Summon! Rise up, Serfernus Husk!" Bursting out from the ground was a snake's skin being filled with bright red-orange magma. The creature let out a shriek upon it appearing on the field.
Serfernus Husk: Level 2 FIRE Reptile/Fusion/Effect ATK: 700 DEF: 900
"Serfernus Husk's ability activates! When it is Fusion Summoned I can treat this monster as the necessary materials for a Fusion Summon that I can conduct instantly." Tanith winked.
"What!?" Serena took a physical step back.
"Too bad the monster will be shuffled back into my Extra Deck when the turn ends but it's exactly what I need. I treat Serfernus Husk as three Serfernus Monsters to perform a Fusion Summon! The body of a mighty serpentine, combine your power with the venom and skills of your allies to become the crowned ruler of them all! Time to go! Fusion Summon! Level 10! Serfernus King Cobra!"
Serfernus King Cobra: Level 10 FIRE Reptile/Fusion/Effect ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500
"King Cobra…" Serena stared hesitantly as it was hissing. "This is your Ace monster? I thought it was Black Mamba."
"Black Mamba is still my lovely and most favorite monster. However, I don't see it fitting for somebody as naive and blindsight as you to be graced with that presence. Now we battle! Serfernus King Cobra, attack Lunalight Cat Dancer! Fusion Flare!" Tanith shouted as her monster charged up the attack.
Serena braced herself for the attack until her monster suddenly vanished in front of her eyes. "What!?"
"King Cobra's Special ability! When it attacks a Special Summoned monster, at the beginning of the Damage Step it is destroyed and you take damage equal to both our monster's combined attack! Fusion Flare Reaction!"
Serena: 5400 - 0
Vs
Tanith: 1000
Winner: Tanith
Serena was sent flying back again by the flame. The holograms of the Duel Disks fading away as they were just there. Tanith standing with Ruby Carbuncle on her shoulder. Serena lying on the ground. Neither one moved.
"...Why… Why did you have to do it?" Tanith looked down to Serena, pushing herself up from the ground. "Why did you have to betray Academia?!"
The former Obelisk Blue Student remained silent. So, the Slifer Red marched up and grabbed the worn school jacket. "Why did you abandon everyone?! Answer me Tanith!"
"I…" Tanith tried to begin before both suddenly heard a tink.
Ruby began to hiss as Tanith's instinct kicked in. Activating her Duel Disk, she shoved Serena away as the pocket dimension shattered. Another duel Disk aimed straight at her neck if the Serfernus Duelist didn't react quick enough. Both blunt blades meant: a sword to the long lance. Kazama had appeared on the scene as both were equal in power. A few sparks flew before they separated; both on edge and ready to strike. Taking a step back, Tanith was quick to notice the defeated bodyguard on the floor.
"...Guess your boss isn't a joke after all." Her remark was made as Serena got up, glaring but turning away.
Ruby continued to hiss but helped ease concern as Tanith decided to deactivate her disk and begin to walk off. Then, something happened that shocked Tanith herself.
"Wait, Serena and Tanith." Both girls were taken by surprise at hearing their names; catching their attention.
"...You know who I am?" Tanith turned around as Serena did the same.
"Yes, you are Serena. You are not Yuzu Hiragi" He looked at the Lunalight Duelist before turning towards the one with the Duel Spirit. "And you are Tanith. You are not Lowell Ember."
"Lowell Ember? What kind of made-up shit is that?" Tanith couldn't help but point out.
"Yuzu Hiragi?" Serena wasn't taking this statement from Reiji as a joke.
"Two people in this world who have an uncanny resemblance to the both of you," Kazama replied. "Though, one more closely resembles the other."
"But, let's leave aside your lookalikes for the time being. Before now…" Reiji began.
"Your name?" Serena interrupted him.
"Reiji Akaba. Do you not remember?"
"Leo Akaba's son," Kazama added on.
"Akaba Reiji. Reiji Akaba…" Tanith trailed off and folded her arms with Ruby's tail flickering around. "Wait…"
"I know I've met Serena once before… but I'm pretty sure we've met each other at some point as well Tanith." Reiji's eyes soon traveled down to the bracelet. "At the Fusion Dimension's Academia."
"Serena, you were the Duelist Leo Akaba had his eye on the most there. Tanith, you were the duelist who rose up through the ranks and became one of Leo's best assassin of Obelisk Blue. And now, you have both appeared in our world." Reiji explained. "For what purpose?"
"Did she improve her skills under Leo Akaba's guidance and got sent here as a vanguard for their invasion?" Kazama added on a question. "Or was it Tanith sent first as a vanguard?"
"Fuck no! I ditched Academia of my own free will. I've been chillaxing here ever since…" Tanith retorted before Ruby just gave her a look. "...Until your lackeys decided to annoy the crap out of me."
"This has nothing to do with Leo Akaba!" Serena snapped back. "I came to this world of my own will! Not under anyone's order."
Serena paused and Tanith decided to stand sideways to view the conversation. Appeared to her that some baggage needed to be dumped down. So, this was her decision. Kazama agreed as well.
"I remember you as well. Three years ago, you crossed dimensions and came to our world. As I saw many of my comrades getting their chance on the front lines, I was left to live a suffocating life trapped in that strict castle. Ever since you appeared three years ago!" She declared.
It was then when Tanith heard the story. One that she knew very well; it was of that day long ago. When Reiji Akaba arrived at Academia. A day in which Tanith wasn't truly aware of. It was brief. She could recall it clearly, from her point of view. Started off like any other day…
Her eyes rose up from her seat, seeing the Professor entered the room where her group of Obelisk Blue soldiers was resting. He didn't need any grand introduction. His presence brought to silence. Everyone quickly rose from their seats as the doors remaining opening.
"Professor!" They all spoke at once and in sync; perfection was key.
"I need you all to come with me. We have an escape and break-in." Leo spoke as everyone got on their Duel Disks. "No time to waste."
"Seems like he's worried about something," Tanith muttered as she fixed her helmet and followed her group.
She found herself following her unit and the Professor to the docks. There, she saw two young children only a few years younger than herself. A boy and girl; escape in their heads. How foolish were they to believe this?
"Your future is here." The Professor spoke aloud as they all got into position.
"Father!" The boy cried out; a term that was surprising to Tanith.
"Selena. I know your abilities more than anyone else." He just ignored his own son, instead of addressing the young girl.
The young girl Selena was close friends with Tanith; since Tanith was one of the youngest Obelisk Blue Students at the time allowed in her presence. Something made Serena different than the rest; a prospect she never understood at the time.
"Then why do you keep me locked on this island!?" Serena asked while Reiji seemed puzzled at how his father didn't address him. "Why do you not use my abilities!?"
"It is not that time now." Tanith couldn't act without an order; only forced to watch this between children and an adult.
"Then when!? When you destroy XYZ?! Or Synchro?!" Serena questioned onward.
"XYZ? Synchro?" Reiji was perplexed by those words of the other dimensions. "Destroy…?!"
"A rumor has been going around… that the advance into the XYZ Dimension is about to start." Shit! Tanith knew she was one that allowed Serena to hear the rumor.
"If you approve of my abilities, then… Now is the time to use them! Add me to the squad! To the vanguard squad!" She pleaded with Leo to have a chance; a way to see the outside world.
"I cannot." Tanith had a hard gulp at the response.
"Why?!" Serena looked betrayed by the answer given.
"You have what you need to do." He just spoke in the same voice as he would in an order.
"Wait a minute! Advance? Destroy? What are you talking about?!" It made sense why his child would be obvious on this matter now; he wasn't a new Academia student like she believed. "What is this place!? Father!"
The Professor gave them the order not long after and Tanith walked and forcefully grabbed onto Reiji. Her fellow soldiers grabbing onto Serena. A deliberate choice to keep her presence a secret. Their friendship would break otherwise. They were kicking and screaming, yet she couldn't do anything. An order was an order back then. Failure had a harsh punishment.
It was hard to know exactly what punishment Serena suffered. She knew what she did to Reiji Akaba back then. Tanith was ordered to put the bracelet onto his wrist. She did it. Despite his pleas and cries. Standing back, she watched him vanished away. Back to the Standard Dimension. An action she would later regret. A fault that led her to make a reckless choice. One that damned herself and the ones she loved.
The next thing she knew she was sent up to Serena's room, the small girl having a chain locking her to the ground. It was quite frightening to see. How serious the Professor was as Tanith closed the door behind her. She didn't even look up as the Obelisk Blue student knelt down on the floor.
"Hey, Serena…" She tried to be positive, but the princess didn't respond. Just looking out the small window inside the lonely room.
"These last three years, I have been making preparations to crush Leo Akaba's ambition. This is also why I have become the President of Leo Corporation in his place." Reiji's voice brought her back to the present day. "I have worked finding and training Duelists with potential. Such as Kazama. All of it is to protect this city, the land we live in. Do you not wish to join me, Serena?"
"Join?" Tanith remained silent since the last bit wasn't directed toward her.
"Yes. To protect this place together from Leo Akaba and Academia." Reiji offered her the chance.
"Don't be ridiculous." Her answer was clear. "I only came here because I heard there were remnants of the XYZ forces here. They must be quite skilled if they could defeat an agent of Academia. If I can defeat him, I can make Leo Akaba acknowledge my abilities!"
"...Do you really believe that will work?" Tanith decided to speak up at that prospect.
That brought attention to Tanith, the Duel Spirit of Ruby vanishing. "Listen, Serena. I won't admit that your drive to prove yourself is very admiring… but let me remind you of one thing. Would an XYZ remnant truly just be some random-ass kid who has had enough time to get out in public and duel for fun? If I were a remnant, I'd be brutal; something that wasn't seen in that match involving the pink-haired kid."
"His name is Yuu Sakuragi." Kazama corrected Tanith.
"Who cares? I don't need a name to get my point across. But what I am saying is that you're not exactly the smartest when it comes to doing a simple job. An XYZ remnant would remain very brutal and defensive when any person Fusion Summons. Their anger won't be hidden during a duel; that should be your first cue. So, that would mean you've been carding random ass students and just give the authorities of this dimension a more likely chance to catch you like this."
"And how do you know all this?" The LDS Vestige questioned the Serfernus' Duelist.
"I am a formerly Obelisk Blue Soldier. Known as the Scourge before I decided to ditch the boat." Tanith responded before sensing the anger from Serena.
"Well then, where would you say he is then!?" She barked it out.
"Duelist from the XYZ Dimension?" Kazama faked the question, knowing full well it was about Shun Kurosaki and then… Yuto.
"I don't know of one." Even Reiji lied to her face.
"Then I'll search on my own!" Serena swiftly did a heel turn. "And you better not stop me again Tanith."
"Oh, I'll be there to kick your ass every time you mess up," Tanith smirked at Serena's statement. "Good luck though!"
"If you cause a disturbance in this town I will not be able to overlook it. That applies to both of you." Reiji warned both girls as even Tanith was starting to depart. "Even you both didn't come here on Leo Akaba's orders, if you refuse to join me, then I'll consider you an enemy."
"Hah! Like to see you try!" Tanith joked, unaware the unconscious duelist was starting to wake up.
"I won't let you!" Everyone was caught off guard as the light of Barrett's duel disk glowing red. "With this, I have told Academia exactly who we are."
Then, Barrett just vanished; which was very awkward. "Forced return, huh?"
"Force return?" Kazama and Reiji were both perplexed.
"Basically, if you do something Academia deems 'unworthy' you get forced teleported back to Academia. That is unless you hack and break your Duel Disk, like mine." Tanith showed hers, bearing some damage.
"Eventually, pursuers from Academia will come to bring me back," Serena stated the obvious fact. "Just like you saw three years ago."
"Well shit. Guess that means if they find me and my partner, we're going to have our asses dragged back with you." Tanith glared at Serena.
"When that happens, it will cause more than just a disturbance. But I won't let them catch me." Serena seemed to have some doubt. "Once I defeat those pursuers, as well as the XYZ Duelist Leo Akaba, will have no choice to acknowledge my abilities!"
Serena stormed off and Tanith glanced back toward the two boys. Then, she walked off without any consequences. Kazama noticed Reiji Akaba reaching for his phone but then making a gesture. One he knew as to keep tabs of Tanith and that they'd be speaking later.
A safe distance away, Tanith stopped and pulled out a card from her deck. Ruby Carbuncle manifested again. Wasn't on the monster card she held firmly in her grasp. Her mind was clouded with those flashbacks. The ones of a life she once held as the golden standard. How easily did it crumble by a solid truth? Breaking the foundation set upon lies. Damning her into this new lifestyle.
"...It wasn't my fault Serena." She hissed through her teeth; Ruby noticing tears forming in her eyes. "If I didn't intervene, then he'd be…"
Tanith stopped herself. An arm wiping tears from those eyes. Wheezing before clearing her throat. Ruby rubbed against her head as Tanith grinned.
"No crying. Wouldn't want to show weakness based on just one fucking girl. Would I?" She continued to grin and shoved the card back into the deck. "This was my fucking choice after all. I got to live with it for the rest of my life. For her sake, for his sake, and for their sake. I will survive."
Tanith Fan Cards
Serfernus Adder
Level 3 Attribute FIRE
Reptile
ATK: 800 DEF: 200
A serpentine given life anew, it serves the eternal flame to maintain its power. It is most often seen dragging offerings back to its master.
Serfernus Rattlesnake
Level 4 Attribute FIRE
Reptile/Effect
ATK: 1000 DEF: 1800
Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must first be Special Summoned by having 1000 LP or less. When this card is Special Summoned: You can add 1 "Serfernus" Spell or Trap from your Deck to your hand. You can only activate 'Serfernus Rattlesnake' once per turn.
Serfernus Diamondback
Level 6 Attribute FIRE
Reptile/Fusion/Effect
ATK: 1100 DEF: 2600
"Serfernus Rattlesnake" + 1 other "Serfernus" monster
When this card is Fusion Summoned using a Normal "Serfernus" monster; all monsters your opponent controls are changed to Defense Position. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect's activation. While this card if face-up on the field, all "Serfernus" monsters can inflict piercing damage to your opponent. This card gains 300 ATK/DEF for every "Serfernus" monster currently banished. This card can attack while in face-up Defense Position. If it does, apply its defense for damage calculations.
Serfernus Nesting Grounds
Continuous Trap
Banish 1 "Serfernus" monster in your Graveyard; Special Summon 1 "Serfernus" monster from your Deck to the field. You cannot Special Summon any other monsters other than "Serfernus" monsters for the rest of the turn.
Serfernus Hoop
Level 1 Attribute FIRE
Reptile/Effect
ATK: 0 DEF: 0
When this card is Normal or Special Summoned: Target 1 "Serfernus" monster banished; shuffle that back into the Deck and draw 1 card. You can only activate the effect of "Serfernus Hoop" once per turn.
Serfernus Husk
Level 2 Attribute FIRE
Reptile/Fusion/Effect
ATK: 700 DEF: 900
1 "Serfernus" Monster + 1 Level 4 or lower non-Serfernus Monster
When this card is Fusion Summoned: it can be treated as the necessary materials for 1 "Serfernus" Fusion monster. Immediately after this card is Fusion Summoned, Fusion Summon 1 Serfernus Monster from your Deck by tributing this card. (This is treated as a Fusion Summoned.) The Fusion Monster summoned this way is shuffled back into the Deck during your Endphase. Once per turn, while this card is in your Graveyard: You can banish this card and, if you do, banish one monster your opponent controls.
Serena Fan Cards
Lunalight Chasse
Normal Trap
When a Lunalight Monster would be destroyed by battle; negate that monster's destruction and reduce all battle and effect damage by half until the end of the turn.
Revision: 11/30/18
The final Revision to note of as the Duel between Tanith and Serena is changed to reflect the new Serfernus Deck. Added a bit to the flashback as well. After this, I will not be going back to edit any of the previous chapters for Standard. Though I guess I'll explain the idea I have for Tanith's Deck here and instead of when she first dueled.
The concept for Serfernus still remains a Fusion-Style Deck but I wanted to play a gimmick that involved maintain LP lower than your opponent. Most of the Level 4 or higher Serfernus monsters have effects that let them be Special Summoned if you have 1000LP or less. Most monsters below Level 4 are Normal Monsters. The banishing mechanic kind of still sticks from what I wanted with the original. There isn't much else to say other than a card like Serfernus Viper banishing a monster from your opponent's Graveyard is a way Tanith takes out resources from her opponent. Or uses Serfernus Boomslang to empty out the Graveyard and power up her monsters. Obviously, Serfernus King Cobra is the boss monster - having an effect similar to El Shaddoll Construct.
Other than that, if you have chosen to read back when this was officially dropped: congratulations. You have officially caught up and can read the new chapter! Enjoy yourself.
Serena has finally arrived and wouldn't you know it, Tanith has joined in this chapter well. And these two girls have a bit of history together and duel. Who expected this kind of outcome between the Lunalight and Serfernus Duelist? I wanted to flesh out her deck some more and give it more of a different flare from before. Besides, it gave a perfect segway into the insight Reiji Akaba has into this whole ordeal. And with exploring Tanith as a character. While officially having Tanith interact with people and foreshadowing her Fusion pal currently hiding away. Who I will introduce soon enough; he's supposed to be a surprise after all.
Also, I just noticed how long this chapter was; wasn't expecting to write this long of a chapter but I rather keep this one large chapter. As a result, there is going to be one more chapter before the Battle Royale begins! We shall see what exactly had befallen last time with Lowell and those of You Show Duel School. There is one last chapter I have prewritten and is currently in the editing stage. That won't be posted very soon. Simple because of everything but the beginning of the chapter I am happy with. Don't know when that will come out. Give it about a week to be posted.
Surprisingly, I've got two reviews this time! Sadly, I didn't see if anyone favorited or followed the story - so we'll move onto the reviews!
Darkblade2814 - Yuri is going to be a very interesting character to write in regards to what will befall our heroes during the Battle Royale. Anything to be said about him will be shown off once he enters the picture. I got some plans for him.
If you have been making a couple of cards to show them, I would love to take a look at them. DM me once you got them ready; I'll be waiting.
A quick note to everyone is that I may be accepting card/deck suggestions when we finally begin the Battle Royale Duels! Both canon archetypes or fan archetypes! I'll inform everyone more about that when the first chapter of the Battle Royale is slated to take place. Which should be around Chapter… 19 or 20 (depending on how I decide to pace things.) So if you're interested, then get prepared!
Diabolic Tracer - I won't exactly say much in regards to Sabrine's character entirely. What I will say is that for the next upcoming chapters we will get to see more of her character come to light. (Since I came to the realization that I was lacking enough scenes to Sabrine as a whole. Funny you should mention Vector vibes from her. I was going for more of another character but I think Vector also suits her.)
As for the Pendulum Card deal with Kazama and Reiji, let's just say Kazama is only partly aware of how they work. For Reiji, well I guess I could say the reason why but that's kind of trending over spoilers in an upcoming chapter. I'll probably go back and edited that bit to fit in better.
The offscreen duel between Isao and Yuya will be addressed next time. Addressing it in this chapter would have made things longer than I'd like. Nothing more to be said since this chapter is a breather between Point A and Point B. I know without Dark Rebellion or Odd-Eyes Rebellion that the Battle Royale will be quite different.
And as for a quick little note for everyone: I've already prewritten drafts for chapters all the way to the beginning of Episode 21. I would just dump the load, but the rest is in the editing stages. Things have started to get rolling where I just stopped. Major Duels are going to be thrown down.
Ah! Here is a question I can ask your readers. A great segway to get the mind turning gears. What Battle Royale Duels are you expecting to see? I'd like to hear this ahead of time to see what everyone is expecting.
Either way, I'll see everyone when the Pendulum sways again!