?, Miami City, 1st P.O.V.
"What are we going to do?" Yuzu asked before falling to her knees. "I mean, what can we do?!"
I couldn't help but look away, too uncomfortable with this whole scenario. She… had a point. What could any of us do? Currently injured from a wound was me. Something the new guy, Dennis, noticed that I must have gotten an internal wound or something. Not sure how he knew medical stuff but I now had something to apply pressure. We were camping out in a building for the time being. All of us hiding out in a room while gathering our bearings.
Some better than others.
I was looking out the window, noticing the horrifying destruction going on outside. My gut sank when I forced myself to look away. Currently reclining on a sofa did ease the pain a bit. Physically of course. But not mentally.
Maybe this really is all my fault.
"Now that is the worst train of logic to come from your brain." Alastor started to speak. "Especially when there is a crisis at hand."
"Then what do you suppose I do Alastor?" Rolling my eyes, I checked my injury. It still spiked in pain from time to time. How could I not be shown any physical signs of note yet feel so much!? It's not like anything got burst inside of me, right?
"Asking guidance from me now? Well, if you insist… Perchance, the communication being down is anything but a hindrance."
I just gave him an 'are you kidding' look. "...What do you mean?"
"Those Vestiges are quite tactical; using an event to gather people to use as resources. Then cutting off communications before harvesting of all valuables. To truly be able to stop them, should that be a goal, you must first discover what they aim to harvest."
"Say what now?"
"An invasion begins in search of securing a package. To secure a package, they send one Vestige who controls the Gate allowing Dimension Zero to seep through. Find them and prevent the package from being secure and the harvesting is prevented."
"How does that do us any good?"
"Strangely enough, Vestige usually cannot survive outside the environment of Dimension Zero for very long. There are exceptions - such as half-bloods or those untainted by the power of Dimension Zero to a great degree. Or ones that are… well, I can spare you the details of that for another time. Either way, destroying the Duel Disk of the Gate's commander ensures that the invasions halts and they retreat. Before you even attempt to ask this - Vestige with Duel Disks that control the storm is hard to produce. Thus, destroying one mean it would take them a significant amount of time to return with a new device."
I tried to take in all this information. All without losing my head. "So… we just locate the leader, destroy their Duel Disk and everything stops? That is all?"
"Pretty much. Though I must warn you: the one with the Duel Disk is usually elite. Caution is much advised."
"Well, that doesn't sound so bad. I mean… I got you and BCD. That should work, right?" I tried to shrug.
"Do not believe it will that simple. The Elite Vestige are anything but weak; at your current skill level, he would beat you in about a minute tops."
"Then, how do we get around that? Because news flash: I'm not running away and hiding until everyone is dead."
"You do not need to Duel against them; all you need to summon a monster do something to destroy the Duel Disk. Not everything in this world is solved with a card game. Human."
"But that was the case when humans reincarnated into aliens decided it was time to invade Earth in ZEXAL by playing a card game. Instead of, you know, an actual war with guns, nukes, or mega lasers."
Both of us had a long moment of silence.
"...How do you know that?"
"I watched Yugioh, duh. Besides no matter how much I couldn't stand Yuma as a protagonist: I finished watching ZEXAL for everything but Yuma."
We both had a long moment of silence.
"Hey Lowell, mind if I sit with you for a moment?" Yuzu approached me, leaving Yugo after a long scolding session or something. I was not paying attention.
"Uh, sure. Just don't lean against me." She sat carefully on the cushion; how this thing wasn't destroyed was beyond our comprehension or care.
We sat there with a pregnant silence. I couldn't bring myself to speak to her. Not with an injury nor how much anxiety was creeping up my spine. Why wasn't there a blueprint I could follow? There was nothing like this in Arc-V or any series! Alastor must have left for the time being.
"Lowell, do you think everyone is still at the Stadium?" She finally asked me, slicing the tension.
"The Stadium?" Oh right, kind of forgot this was the Battle Royale part of the show before things went down to shit. "I… I guess so."
"You guess?!"
"If the Stadium isn't by all means destroyed or left in ruins, then sure, they could be there. I just… I don't know Yuzu. I wish I knew okay?!" I just snapped at her, before my wound spiked up. "Ugh!"
"That wound doesn't look to be doing good." Dennis approached us, eyeing my injury. "You need medical attention."
I gently let out a small laugh. "And would suppose I get treated? In case you've forgotten, an invasion is currently taking place and I doubt any hospital will be operational. I might as well just be a liability."
"We are not just going to abandon you!" Yuzu spoke up.
"There might be one operational medical facility still in operation. At the LDS Tower." Tsukikage suddenly appeared by us. "They own a private hospital after all."
"Which means we'd have to head to the Stadium. They'd send emergency personnel to an area nearby the Tower." Dennis nodded.
"L...LDS…" I still wasn't entirely convinced it was the safest bet, considering how much shade Reiji Akaba possessed at first glance. Still, I was clearly sporting an injury. My hands were basically tied. "Well, if that means I'm not lipping around and we get to make sure we are all accounted for, I guess it wouldn't hurt heading to the Stadium."
"Then it is decided! I'll inform Yugo once he returns about the plan." Tsukikage left the room, leaving us three occupants remaining.
"Still can't believe you got saved by Ninja Man over there." I joked a bit.
"It was thanks to Tsukikage that we managed to escape before more of those strange people came. What I can't understand is Sabrine." Yuzu decided to take the bait.
"Sabrine?"
"You know, the LDS girl with dark hair! She mentioned something where before any of this started to happen. We got even got separated from the other girl!"
This intrigued me a bit. I could recall Sabrine being a bit… off when we first met. Was she really apart of Academia and this invasion? Something didn't sit well with her. Same went for Kazama and yet the feeling I got with him wasn't as severe. This weird feeling… did I ever feel this with Niles? Maybe I did when we first met, but I didn't dwell long enough to consider it any different than how I viewed a bully. He did change my view on things quite a bit.
There was a connection between them; there had to be one.
The only question in my was: What?
LDS Tower, Miami City, 3rd P.O.V.
Kaiser slowly entered the control room, all three of his monster following. One growled before slamming its tail. The metal creaking from the sheer force.
"Do not go destroying things; I need this place. Just alert me if you find something valuable." He made some more clicking noises and the monsters went off.
The mainframe was nearby, showing broadcasts flickering on and off. Approaching one of the desks, he traced over the keyboard. Rarely any dust; this was certainly occupied fairly recently. An empty room with this sensitive of contents would allow easy access to any data they sought out. He pulled out a flash drive, plug the device into the machine. A few keys typed in and progress was underway.
"Ah, Declan Akaba, the man of the hour; I have been looking for you." Kaiser grinned when he knew somebody had entered the room. "Or, would you rather I call you Reiji Akaba?"
His monsters were growling, each one at the teenager in the room. Kaiser raised his hand and made some clicking noises with his throat. They stopped before retreating away and into his shadow. It left only two living occupants in the room.
"Listen, I am a man of valor to my people and I know you are one to the people of Miami City. So I come to offer you a solution: one that will surely be of your best interest. Should you value the lives of many over your own: surrender yourself and all the resources of LDS and I'll see to it that this Dimension will not be harvested anymore." Kaiser offered, a hand outstretched.
Reiji didn't extend his hand to shake. Instead, he just stood there.
"Do you truly believe that I would comply under these demands?" Reiji adjusted his glasses. "I am well of how your Vestige work."
"Have you now? I doubt that, considering your lack of preparation." Kaiser raised a hand, one of his monsters manifesting once again. "So make this easy and give up."
The jaws lunged right at Reiji. Teeth met a blade, blocking the strike that would have dealt damage. Kaiser was caught off-guard just like his monster. Reiji's monster flung the beast back; a shining light was emitting from a Duel Disk. Clearly, Akaba had planned ahead.
"So be it then! If you won't comply peacefully, then I'll have to do things the hard way." Kaiser activated his Duel Disk.
"Duel!"
Kaiser: 8000
Vs
Reiji: 8000
"I begin this Duel! With Dimensional Corruption Gate in play, all my monsters gain a Pre-Typing for the rest of the Duel. Of course, I'll be choosing Wyrm! Next, I set one monster and play two facedown. That will be all for now." Kaiser smirked as he ended his turn. "Now, how will you handle this style of Dueling, Declan Akaba?"
Reiji didn't respond at first but drew a card. "With the effect of D/D Swirl Slime in my hand, I am able to Fuse it with D/D Berformet. Arcane swirl that takes on all forms! Engulf the grotesque god and give birth to a new king! Fusion Summon! D/D/D Flame King Genghis!"
D/D/D Flame King Genghis: Level 6 FIRE Fiend/Fusion/Effect ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500
"Are you a fool? Dimensional Corruption Gate takes into effect now that you summoned that monster!" Bright green crackling energy shot from Kaiser's Duel Disk.
D/D/D Flame King Genghis: Level 6 FIRE Fiend/Fusion/Effect ATK: 2000 - 1000 DEF: 1500 - 750
"I paid very close attention to how you function as a Duelist. Your D/D/D rely upon benefits involving swarming the field with Fusion, Synchro, and XYZ monsters. It is so primitive a method. Everything about your strategy falls apart the moment you get restrained." Kaiser gloated. "I expected more from a kid of your intelligence."
"Maybe you should keep your mouth shut. I have yet to finish my turn. I activate the Continuous Spell Forbidden Dark Contract with the Void." Reiji said.
"Forbidden Dark Contract with the Void? What kind of card name is-!?"
He couldn't finish as a searing pain shot from his wrist to his shoulder. A red aura now surrounded his Field Spell. Kaiser scowled at the sight of it.
D/D/D Flame King Genghis: Level 6 FIRE Fiend/Fusion/Effect ATK: 1000 - 2000 DEF: 750 - 1500
"As long as I control this card, the effects of your Field Spells are nullified for any monster I control. It was necessary that I have a card like this should any of you Vestige choose to Duel me under your discombobulating ruleset. It would be impractical of me to be unprepared. Your kind hasn't been the most secretive in their activities."
"To think you managed to produce a card in such little time. I should have known you were up to something with accepting my challenge."
"That is only the beginning my strategy to eliminate Vestige like you out of the picture."
"Oh really? Now that sounds quite a bit interesting. Somebody like you is planning to take us out? Even with the threat of your father leading a massive war and destruction to the remaining dimensions, we Vestige are still a problem. Priorities, priorities. Continue with your turn, and maybe you can see how fruitless your plan is a fight is to us Vestige."
"We will see about that. Additionally, I Normal Summon the Tuner Monster D/D Nighthowl from my hand!"
D/D Nighthowl: Level 3 DARK Fiend/Tuner/Effect ATK: 300 DEF: 600
Kaiser growled through his teeth as Reiji smirked. "When this card is successfully summoned, I am able to Special Summon one 'D/D' monster from my Graveyard and make its ATK 0. Be reborn, D/D Berformet!"
D/D Berformet: Level 4 DARK Fiend/Effect ATK: 1400 - 0 DEF: 1800
"I Tune my Level 4 D/D Berformet to my Level 3 D/D Nighthowl! Roar that slices the darkness, Gain the speed of a whirlwind and become a new king's cry! Synchro Summon! Be born! Level 7, D/D/D Gust King Alexander!"
D/D/D Gust King Alexander: Level 7 WIND Fiend/Synchro/Effect ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000
"D/D/D Flame King Genghis' effect: When another 'D/D' monster is Special Summoned, I can Special Summon a 'D/D' monster from my Graveyard! Be reborn! D/D Swirled Slime! Additionally, I activate D/D/D Gust King Alexander's effect! When another 'D/D' monster is Special Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'D/D' monster from my Graveyard! Be reborn again! D/D Berformet! I double D/D Swirled Slime's Level with D/D Berformet's effect!" The second monster manifested on the field.
D/D Swirled Slime: Level 2 - 4 DARK Fiend/Effect ATK: 200 DEF: 200
D/D Berformet: Level 4 DARK Fiend/Effect ATK: 1400 DEF: 1800
"I Overlay my Level 4 D/D Berformet and Swirled Slime! In order to subjugate all that resides within this world, descend now onto the peak of the universe! XYZ Summon! Be born! Rank 4, D/D/D Wave King Caesar!" The third monster appeared on the field.
D/D/D Wave King Caesar: Rank 4 WATER Fiend/XYZ/Effect ATK: 2400 DEF: 1200
"Three monsters on the field already, not to mention you got Fusion, Synchro, and XYZ. Just wonderful." Kaiser hissed under his breath.
"Without your Field Spell, your strategy falls apart. That much I am certain. I attack your face-down monster with D/D/D Gust King Alexander!" Reiji declared, unleashing a powerful strike.
From the turbulent winds, the faced-won was revealed to be a small dragon. Once they out a cry as it shattered into pieces. Strangely enough, Reiji noticed how the effect of Alexander's effect seemingly wasn't just Solid Vision. He suspected as much, while he may have hindered the effect of the Field Spell affecting his monster, all the other effects still are being applied.
Kidmodo Dragon: Level 3 EARTH {Wyrm}/Dragon/Effect ATK: 100 DEF: 200
"Why thank you so much for that Akaba, for by destroying Kidmodo Dragon, I can Special Summon a Dragon-Type monster from my hand. Prototype Dragon Curse!" Kaiser revealed a monster in his hand before summoning the burning dragon skeleton.
Prototype Dragon Curse: Level 5 FIRE {Wyrm}/Dragon/Effect ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500
"When Prototype Dragon Curse is successfully summoned to the field, I can destroy 1 card on my field and add a 'Prototype Dragon' card from my Deck to my hand. I destroy one of my face-down to add 'Prototype Dragon Flare-Eyes' to my hand. And due to Curse's effect destroying my face down, I can use the effect of Cursed Fang Offering from the Graveyard. I banish Red-Eyes Black Dragon from there to bring forth this monster from my hand: Be born anew Prototype Dragon Flare-Eyes!" A dark dragon appeared with molten material causing underneath the scales. Some even dripping out from its eyes and mouth as it let out a cry.
Prototype Dragon Flare-Eyes: Level 7 FIRE {Wyrm}/Dragon/Effect ATK: 2400 DEF: 2000
"When Flare-Eyes is Special Summoned by an effect of a 'Prototype Dragon' it ends the Battle Phase!" Flare-Eyes let out a screech, seemingly stunning the other monsters on Reiji's field. "You're lucky I did not have any of my other monsters in hand. Otherwise, I could have ended you this very turn."
"I can see that: your 'Prototype Dragons' are quite infamous. Am I correct to assume then that you are the one who wears the Blue-Eyes mask?"
"Indeed I am! Clever, clever Akaba; you must have seen my dear Midnight make its debut against those poor excuses of Duelist. And you will see exactly why no one ever stands in my way. My move: I activate the Continuous Trap Cursed Host Offering! With this in play, instead of conducting my Normal Draw Phase, I can remove from play 1 monster from my Deck and Special Summon a "Prototype Dragon" from my hand. I choose to banish Light and Darkness Dragon to release Prototype Dragon Twilight." Another dragon appeared on the field, one that seemingly had light and dark grey scales covering its body as it let out a cry.
Prototype Dragon Twilight: Level 8 LIGHT {Wyrm}/Dragon/Effect ATK: 2800 DEF: 2400
"Next I activate Flare-Eyes ability. I sacrifice 500 LP to add a Fusion Spell to my hand. And with Polymerization, I activate it to fuse Prototype Dragon Flare-Eyes and Prototype Dragon Curse on the field. A haunting soul and burning eyes that pierce the darkness night, merge into one and be born anew! Seek and destroy all those unworthy of your might. Fusion Summon! Be reborn! Cerise-Eyes Malison Prototype Dragon!"
Kaiser: 8000 - 7500
Vs
Reiji: 8000
Instantly there was a snarling roar from the dragon, red eyes lit with rage and slitted pupils starting from a dark canvas of scales. Bursting from its body was bright and hungry red and orange flame, scorching from every crack and outlining its form. Its wings were dripping specs just like its mouth, molten magma dripping just like from the tip of its tail.
Cerise-Eyes Malison Prototype Dragon: Level 8 FIRE {Wyrm}/Dragon/Fusion/Effect ATK: 3500 DEF: 2000
"You see… I got this little bad boy from a naive young man who thought to stand in my way. And I'll show you the exact same thing I showed him! Twilight's ability activates: I target Cerise-Eyes and it gains ATK equal to the total Level and Rank of all currently banished monsters from this game. Eclipse Illusion!"
Cerise-Eyes Malison Prototype Dragon: Level 8 FIRE {Wyrm}/Dragon/Fusion/Effect ATK: 3500 - 5000 DEF: 2000
"Prototype Dragons are my specialty. And you're about to see why my Deck is so legendary! Time for battle: I attack your Fusion Monster with Cerise-Eyes! Brazen Burning Slash!"
Kaiser: 7500
Vs
Reiji: 8000 - 5000
"That won't be everything: Prototype Dragon Twilight's ability allows Cerise-Eyes Malison to attack all monsters you control. Now get rid of his other two monsters! Brazen Burning Slash!" Kaiser declared as his monster charged forward.
Kaiser: 7500
Vs
Reiji: 5000 - 100
The impact from the attacks was strong enough to send Reiji back quite a bit. Each attack more vicious than the last. Once the smoke and dust settled, only the two dragons remained. Each snarling and retreating back to their master. Kaiser was cackling a bit as he stood above the other user.
"What a shame this must be. At least with this, I cannot declare another attack and you will be defeated on your own terms. I expected more from you, Declan Akaba. With both, you and the Pendulum Data secured, perhaps I could spare the citizens of your city from the harvest. I'll end my turn there." Kaiser smiled, knowing what was to come once the turn had passed. "Perish!"
Cerise-Eyes Malison Prototype Dragon: Level 8 FIRE {Wyrm}/Dragon/Fusion/Effect ATK: 5000 - 3500 DEF: 2000
"What a shame, and to think he'd play so low. He must really want you dead." A voice spoke to Reiji, disappointment clear in her tone. "Akaba, could you mind not dying here? It would ruin the moment if you were defeated like it was nothing by some jerk like him."
Time seemed to slow down, and by some sort of magic, everything began to feel damp in the room. At least to Reiji Akaba. Standing up, he saw a figure with an umbrella. They seemed to the source of things. Appearance shrouded in shadow, he wasn't sure how to make of this strange encounter when it should have been a defeat.
"Who… what are you?" Reiji asked, to which the figure seemingly tilted their head and tapped their chin thoughtfully.
"...Consider me - an ally of sorts. One that watches over things and decides to intervene when clearly there are cheaters playing around. Did you not see his sleight of hand while he banished cards? Then again, I don't expect much from you at this moment. Especially so soon." The figure responded before lifting a hand with a glowing card. "Technically, I am forbidden from interfering in Duels, but since your opponent is deciding to be a dirty, lying cheater… I can bend the rules a bit."
The card floated into Reiji's hand, eyes analyzing it instantly as the light died down, revealing the card. It was an effect monster, but one he had never seen before. It seemed to be reacting to the card in his hand.
"Should you accept, I can grant you temporary access to a Skill that will be key to your survival in this Duel. You can activate the Skill and draw upon this card. Then, the remainder of this Duel will be in your hands once the playing field is set. There is the only thing I ask of you. Only once they have been driven off from Standard. Is this acceptable?"
"Interfering a Duel? Surely you hold more power than that." Reiji stated before looking to the figure. "But for you to interfere, are you enemies with the Vestige?"
"I will happily indulge a few questions once this storm has passed. But slowing time is taking a toll on my powers. Now, do you accept my offer or not? Questions such as my stance against the enemy mean nothing if you don't survive this Duel."
Reiji pondered for a few seconds before responding. "Make sure you hold up your part of the deal."
"This Skill shall serve you well; you know exactly what to do. I won't disappoint, but make sure you're prepared the next time they strike. You're quite fortunate to gain my blessing… Akaba. "
Just as instantly the time stopped, the figure vanished as with the dampness of the room. Time slowly started to return to normal, but Reiji noticed the card had vanished. Most likely back into his Deck, but knowing exactly what Skill was given to him gave him an advantage before. Just as his Duel Disk signaled his Draw Phase, instinct and gut kicked in for what he would do next.
"I activate my Skill - Relay Soul Reincarnation! When my LP would reach 0 during my turn, I can Special Summon a monster from my hand instead." Reiji knew it was the card he pulled. "I choose to Special Summon D/D/D Dark Necroqueen!"
The feminine monster appeared on the field, wearing a dark army seemingly created from bones of the undead. She had blue skin visible while her helmet was a decorated black and white dragon skull with horns on either side. Strangely enough, the skull helmet also acted like a crown. Her dress was of elegant design, pamper with grey fur that matched the cloak. Her cloak also doubled as wings, currently folded and hidden. Gloves were clawed and made of bone that carefully holds a staff crafted from bones with a glowing blue aura at the tip. She laughed as she appeared, choosing to twirl on her staff before landing.
D/D/D Dark Necroqueen: Level 8 DARK Fiend/Effect ATK: 2700 DEF: 1800
"What!? That can't-!" Kaiser was shocked, taken aback by the sudden appearance of the monster. "How did you acquire a Skill or a monster like this!?"
"Let's just say you underestimated me." Reiji decided not to disclose the mysterious figure, at least for now. "But since I used my Skill, I won't take any more damage for the rest of this Duel. Not as all as D/D/D Dark Necroqueen is on the field. Speaking of which, her abilities come into play. While a Field Spell is on the field, Dark Necroqueen gains the Pre-Typing 'Spellcaster' and she gains ATK equal to our LP difference. Know where this is going?"
D/D/D Dark Necroqueen: Level 8 DARK {Spellcaster}/Fiend/Effect ATK: 2700 - 10,100 DEF: 1800
Kaiser clenched his teeth, seemingly nervous as Reiji snickered. "We are just getting started."
?, ?, 1st(?) P.O.V.
"Ugh, let's go. Can't do anything with the Phantoms if she's here." The bully walked off, followed by their group.
"People these days…" Niles grumbled as he got up.
"You didn't have to do that," Yuto said to Mel, seeing her take the plastic cup from her hair.
"Like I would allow either of you to just take that and I could do something," Mel responded as she flung it into the trash can, only to grab at her shirt. "They are lucky it was just water. It is nothing to go overboard about."
Yuto still could remember lunch that day clearly. When Mel, one of the most popular students came to the aid of himself and Niles. Almost seemed like a dream. It was strange to see her like this. Refusing aggression and simply taking it. The drink clearly inflicted something to Mel. Her eyes were raging with fury when they left. And yet she restrained herself. It was an odd day indeed.
Especially when the Invasion happened, when he returned to base to see Mel and Shun arguing over something. Her appearance had changed drastically. Her long juniper green hair once tied into a side ponytail reaching her knees had dropped. Now her hair and bangs were much shorter, now into a low ponytail tied by a red material curved to her right. Of course, she still was wearing her dark cloak, tattered and worn down. The once glittery and shining pink dress now was dull to the sight, glitter barely recognizable. Frills of the skirt was torn and tattered, almost like her white stockings that peaked out from the brown combat boots.
The only thing that seemingly survived post-invasion was a silver earpiece with a styled microphone - one that pop-idols would wear. That and a silver necklace with a green gem embedded in a peacock-shaped holder. Barely anything of the sweet and reserve Mel was gone, just like her original name.
"...I keep telling you Shun! Someday that reckless behavior of yours may end up killing you!" Yuto overheard her booming voice from the base, even as he tried to ignore the arguing,
"And what do you suppose we do!? Play defensively and watch as more and more of us get carded?!" Shun spat back. "If anything, I have been one coming back with more Duelists. Unlike you!"
"Oh don't you dare put the lives of others as your excuse to me Kurosaki! Because one day your actions are going to cost the lives of others. Ones that you will never get back."
"You think you can do better!?"
"I can do leagues better than you ever could Shun Kurosaki!"
"Both of you! That is enough!" Yuto jolted, seeing Kaito glaring at both. "The more you argue, the more Academia has a chance to wipe us all out. Is that what either of you want?"
Both were silenced, but Mel flipped some of her hair. She caught Yuto in her sights, forcing the Phantom Knight Duelist to look away as the conversation went on.
"Niles and I came back from a run. Looks like we got a good stockpile of resources packed a few miles from here. It could last us an extra month should Academia not reach there before us." Kaito laid out the plan, pulling out a map or something. "Mel, think you can buy us time in a few days to gather supplies?"
"Not an issue. They don't call me the Mockingbird for nothing. Just give me a day or two to scout about, and I'll ensure they won't take a step toward the stockpile." Mel hummed aloud, strutting away.
Yuto wasn't sure how much time past, but he remembers one night where they were both up. Late at night, gazing out toward the stars. The conversation was pretty bland, at least for what he could recall. Though, one part did stick out to him, one where they were confiding in each other a bit.
"Hey, I'm sure Niles has reasonings for keeping secrets. Even if he doesn't express it in the best of ways, I can tell he still loves you a lot." Mel gave him an affirming hand on his shoulder. "I've known you two for my whole life! There is no way he doesn't care about you. You're a good kid Yuto. Nothing would ever change my opinion on that. Ever. And Niles, well…."
Mel was cut off by a sudden alarm. It caught both of them off guard. Yuto instinctively tensed up as a roar broke the silence all around them. Her eyes widen as he looked toward the sound. From above, a dragon flew around destroying the building and tearing up the earth. His heart continued to race as it set a fire. All without a care to the destruction left by its rampage.
"Yuto! Get the others ready to evacuate immediately." She barked orders as she activated her Duel Disks. "These guys don't know where to quit, do they!?"
Yuto jolted back into reality; his hand gripped the worn-down photo, seeing everyone smiling and happy. Back in a time that lacked any real conflicts. Where the innocence amongst friends remained. His hand quivered, holding what seemed to be the only physical remnant of a bygone era. It was nothing like reality, both in his dimension and Standard. Yet even then, the memory resurfacing brought pain for Yuto a bit.
"...Why did this have to happen to us?" Yuto questioned aloud, hands tightening as his eyes were shut.
Something about recalling Mel was bringing back those memories. Memories of the past where things were simple. Not like now, where every day was a warzone. When every morning was a blessing to simply just wake up. He saw how it was tolling on everyone he loved. Shun grew bitter and cold, Niles grew more distant and alone and Mel nearly changed into another person. The only one who didn't seem affected was Ruri, who was the one brave enough to put Shun and Mel in their place before a brawl broke out. Ruri had been the shining light in that darkness. It even got Mel to act like her old self. It was just so-!
"...Arvest…" A crackling voice broke the illusion from Yuto's grasp.
Eyes widening, he folded the photo quickly and hid it away. Activating his Duel Disk and eyes scanning around, the Phantom Knights Duelist was on edge at the strange voice. It sounded nearby. Focusing it led him to also noticing racing footsteps passing by. Yuto went by and took a look. The chaos had died down by where he was. Though now wasn't the time. He had to get going and meet up with Shun. Contacting Shun should have been earlier and not during this chaotic invasion of strange masked Duelists. Things were getting strange and he knew that the longer he stalled, the worst things were going to get. If he could just find Shun and make sure he was alright-!
"...Harvest!" Yuto instinctively dodged away, his body moving on autopilot as something crashed right where he was standing only moments before.
Getting up, Yuto turned and his eyes widen, seeing a large monster pulling out its sword from the ground. It had directly punctured where he was just moments prior. He knew what was to come, especially since he soon found the Duelist commanding the monster. Strange as it was, a weird feeling crept up his spin just by seeing her. It was a teenage girl - that was for sure and she appeared like any other of the masked Duelist. Most of her face was obscured by a white mask covering her entire face. Even what she was wearing was a white uniform of some sort. Something was different and the feeling creeping up his spine got worse.
It paralyzed his body in fear; his instincts running wild. Yet he knew one thing; he had to Duel this person if it means survival. Especially with what it shouted as she lunged right at him.
"Harvest!"
New Skill Found!
Relay Soul Reincarnation - Activate when your LP would reach zero. Instead, Special Summon 1 monster from your hand. While it is face-up on your side of the field, you take no damage. When it leaves the field, your opponent wins the Duel.
Reiji Fan Cards
Forbidden Dark Contract with Void
Continuous Spell
Activate this card when your opponent controls a Field Spell. While this card is in your Spell and Trap Zone, all monsters you control are unaffected by your opponent's Field Spell effects. Once per turn, during your Standby Phase: Take 2000 damage.
D/D/D Necroqueen
Level 8 Attribute DARK
Fiend/Effect
ATK: 2700 DEF: 1800
While this card is face-up on the field and there is a Field Spell: this monster gains the Pre-Typing "Spellcaster". When your LP is lower than your opponent, this card gains ATK equal to the difference. This card cannot be destroyed by battle or card effect against monsters with Pre-Typings. If this card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard; You can add 2 "D/D" monsters from your Graveyard to your hand.
Kaiser Fan Cards
Prototype Dragon Curse
Level 5 Attribute FIRE
Dragon/Effect
ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500
(This card is treated as "Curse of Dragon" while in your hand.) If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: Destroy 1 card you control, and if you do; add 1 "Prototype Dragon" card from your Deck to your hand. You can activate the effect of "Prototype Dragon Curse" once per turn.
Cursed Fang Offering
Normal Trap
If this card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard by a "Prototype Dragon" effect: You can activate this from the Graveyard. This effect can only be used once per Duel. Activate this card while you have 1 "Prototype Dragon" in hand that is also treated as another monster. Banish 1 monster that isn't a "Prototype Dragon" from your hand or Deck, and if you do; Special Summon 1 "Prototype Dragon" from your Hand or Graveyard that is treated as the banished monster while in the hand. You can only use the effect of "Cursed Fang Offering" once per turn.
Prototype Dragon Flare-Eyes
Level 7 Attribute FIRE
Dragon/Effect
ATK: 2400 DEF: 2000
(This card is treated as "Red-Eyes Black Dragon" while in the hand.) When this card is Special Summoned via a "Prototype Dragon" effect: End the Battle Phase. Once per turn: You can pay 500 LP and if you do; add 1 Fusion Spell Card from your Deck to your hand.
Cursed Host Offering
Continuous Trap
Activate this card during your Draw Phase. During your Draw Phase: You can instead banish 1 monster from your Deck and Special Summon 1 "Prototype Dragon" from your hand. Once per turn, during either player's phase (Quick Effect): Target 1 "Prototype Dragon" monster you control; banish that monster and negate the effects of all cards on the field, and if you do, Special Summon 1 Banished Monster. That monster gains 1000 ATK for every card on the field and can attack all monsters on the field. At the end of your turn, banish both this card and the monster Special Summoned by this effect. You can only activate one effect of "Cursed Host Offering" once per turn.
Prototype Dragon Twilight
Level 8 Attribute LIGHT
Dragon/Effect
ATK: 2800 DEF: 2400
(This card is treated as "Light and Darkness Dragon" while in the hand.) While face-up on the field, this card is also DARK-Attribute. Once per turn (Quick Effect): Target 1 "Prototype Dragon" on the field; that monster gains 100 ATK for the total Level/Rank of all monsters currently banished and it can attack all your opponent's monsters, but it cannot declare a direct attack and no other monsters you control can't attack.
Cerise-Eyes Malison Prototype Dragon
Level 8 Attribute FIRE
Dragon/Fusion/Effect
ATK: 3500 DEF: 2000
1 Prototype Dragon Flare-Eyes + 1 Prototype Dragon Curse
You can also Fusion Summon this monster by using 1 "Red-Eyes" Monster and 1 "Curse" monster as material. Must first be Fusion Summoned. During the Damage Step, if this monster battles a Dragon-Type monster: it gains 1000 ATK until the end of the Damage Step. When this card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard: Target 1 banished Dragon-Type monster; Special Summon that monster regardless of its Summoning Condition. You can only use each effect of "Cerise-Eyes Malison Prototype Dragon."
Originally, I was going to post this with the second chapter. But I decided not to since this Chapter was already pretty much done and the other, has only been briefly outlined and would take me almost another two months. So consider this a special surprise! I promise that I'll be working on the next chapter once I get my real life all set and done. Despite some things, I wanted to post this up and not hold back for another chapter. The next chapter would have taken about one more month and I didn't want to take that long.
So *minor spoiler* here: Reiji and Kaiser's Duel may or may not be concluded/continued next chapter. Won't say why, but I want to put that out there. Kaiser also got some story drops about him. Though this won't be the last of Kaiser for the time being.
Thanks to doanvuthuynguyen04 for the follow and favorite. Now onto a quick response to Diabolic Tracer:
Skills were something fun I wanted to add to spice things up. Besides, I'm not planning on having them be used in every Duel. They'll be added for certain Duels - something that will be explained later on. As for a proper Dark Synchro Summon, that will happen eventually; just for story reasons, we haven't gotten even a true Dark Tuner monster yet.
Episode 25: Cursed Strings of Corruption
Yuto's Duel against the mysterious Gem-Knight Duelist. In the midst of the battle, the Duelist reveals their trump card by taking Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon captive! Can Yuto achieve victory without his signature monster? At the same time, Kazama and Noboru find themselves working together to drive back a duo using Constellar and X-Saber monsters!?
Episode 26: Constellar Saber Pawns
The Duel with the Constellar and X-Saber Duelists continue against Kazama and Noboru. Can the combined powers of Dinomist and Superheavy Samurai be enough to stop the advance? Powers of the Pendulum and Synchro face off against the combined might of Synchro and XYZ!
Episode 27: Grudge Match
A fierce and rage-fueled Duel between Sora and Shun despite the destruction around them. Unaware that just nearby, Niles and Kamden come across an injured Yuto! Confronted by Sabrine, she issues a Duel for The Tempest Reactor Core in Kamden's possession. Deep down, it appears Sabrine and Kamden have more than meets the eye in this Duel!
Episode 28: Clashing Methods
Sabrine and Kamden Duel continues to tear through the Ancient Ruins zone. In the midst of their Duel, they collide into Sora and Shun's ongoing Duel. Niles and Yuto find themselves caught between both sides. What will become of these Duels?
Episode 29: Battlefronts Collide
Kazama and Noboru exit the frigid Action Field and convene with Lowell's party, which had just recently exited the volcanic Action Field zone. This brief moment is short-lived when they are ambushed by Vestige Duelists. Having no other option, everyone prepares for combat. Yet in a moment of weakness, the ground suddenly gives beneath Lowell and…!?
Episode 30: The Scourge of Academia
Fed up with events transpiring, Tanith's hand is forced when the safety of herself and her companion is compromised. She ventures out to seek refuge for her companion. The Fusion Duelist comes across an unexpected situation and faces a terrifying decision. With three lives on the line with this Duel, Tanith battles to secure her future by fighting her past!
That will be all for now! Until next time, I'll see you when the Pendulum Sways!