A Duel had just begun, one between two duos. Kazama had one eye shut, his partner being Noboru. Their opponent appeared to be two Vestige Duelists, and it looked like the opponent was taking the first turn. Even the midst of chaos, a Duel could still proceed fairly well. Despite Duel Monsters rampaging all around them.
"I'll start us off by using the already activate Dimensional Corruption Gate. I declare the Pre-Typing Warrior. Next, I Summon XX-Saber Boggart Knight from my hand." The first Duelist started the Duel off. "Then, XX-Saber Boggart Knight's monster effect activates! I can Special Summon an 'X-Saber' monster from my hand - come on out X-Saber Palomuro!"
XX-Saber Boggart Knight: Level 4 EARTH {Warrior}/Beast-Warrior/Effect ATK: 1900 DEF: 1000
X-Saber Palomuro: Level 1 EARTH {Warrior}/Reptile/Tuner/Effect ATK: 200 DEF: 300
An X-Saber Deck, just like the one Yaiba Todo used. Then again, he shouldn't be too surprising. There was a lack of restriction on Decks that Vestige use. At least until they unlock the ability to manifest the Pendulum Cards. So if he at least could recall all his knowledge of Deck, the Duel works out in his favor.
"With two or more 'X-Saber' monsters on the field, I can Special Summon XX-Saber Faultroll! I Tune my Level 4 Boggart Knight to my Level 1 Palomuro! Synchro Summon! Come forth! X-Saber Wayne!"
XX-Saber Faultroll: Level 6 EARTH {Warrior}/Warrior/Effect ATK: 2400 DEF: 1800
X-Saber Wayne: Level 5 EARTH {Warrior}/Warrior/Synchro/Effect ATK: 2100 DEF: 400
"When this monster is Special Summoned: I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Warrior-type monster from my hand! I Summon the Level 3 Tuner Monster XX-Saber Fulhelmknight! I activate Faultroll's effect! I bring back X-Saber Palomuro from my Graveyard! Here it comes! I Tune my Level 6 Faultroll to my Level 3 Fulhelmknight! Synchro Summon! Come forth! XX-Gottoms! Join him now! I Tune my Level 5 X-Saber Wayne to my Level 1 Palomuro! Synchro Summon! Come forth! XX-Saber Hyunlei!" Suddenly, three Synchro monsters were on the field.
XX-Gottoms: Level 9 EARTH {Warrior}/Beast-Warrior/Synchro/Effect ATK: 3100 DEF: 2600
XX-Saber Hyunlei: Level 6 EARTH {Warrior}/Warrior/Synchro/Effect ATK: 2300 DEF: 1300
"I Set my last card and end my turn." The grey-masked X-Saber ended his turn. "Now, entertain me!"
Kazama looked to the cards he had in his hand. More, in particular, a green one that made his eyes widen. When did this get into his Deck? He took it out long ago, so how did it-!? What is he thinking? This could save both of them from playing in the dumb ruleset that the Vestige was choosing to play under.
"I'll take this time to activate this Field Spell from my hand - Dinomic Override Gate! With this Field Spell in play, I get to declare 1 Pre-Typing and for the rest of the Duel, all monsters on my field have a Pre-Typing. For convenience sake, I choose Machine-Type." Kazama looked to his remaining hand before choosing a monster. "Next I activate the Continuous Spell Dinomist Charge to add a 'Dinomist' from my Deck to my hand. I choose Dinomist Spinos'. Since you control a monster with the highest attack, I can Special Summon Dinomist Brachion!"
Dinomist Brachion: Level 5 WATER {Machine}/Machine/Pendulum/Effect ATK: 2000 DEF: 800
"What? Since when did this character get a Field Spell card?!" The other masked Vestige Duelist shouted.
"Kazama, you got a card like them?" Noboru's question went over his head.
Kazama winced slightly but didn't take a step back as he grabbed the Pendulum cards in his hand. "With Scale 3 Dinomist Stegosaur and Scale 6 Dinomist Ankylos, I Set the Pendulum Scale! Then with using my Pendulum Scales, I conduct a Pendulum Summon! Come forth my monsters: Dinomist Spinos and Dinomist Ceratops!"
{Scale 3} Dinomist Stegosaur: Level 4 WATER Machine/Pendulum/Effect ATK: 1600 DEF: 1800
{Scale 6} Dinomist Ankylos: Level 4 WATER Machine/Pendulum/Effect ATK: 1500 DEF: 2000
Dinomist Spinos: Level 5 WATER {Machine}/Machine/Pendulum/Effect ATK: 2500 DEF: 1800
Dinomist Ceratops: Level 5 WATER {Machine}/Machine/Pendulum/Effect ATK: 2100 DEF: 400
"Oh, so this guy uses Pendulum Monsters? That won't achieve you a victory!" The X-Saber Duelist pointed. "None of your monsters can overwhelm my Synchro Monsters."
"Dinomic Override Gate's innate effect: all Dinomist monsters I control gain 300 ATK and DEF. But they won't be here for long." Kazama extracted an XYZ Monster from his Extra Deck. "I Overlay both my Level 5 Dinomist Brachion and Dinomist Ceratop! Come before me Overlay Network!"
Kazama hesitated for a few seconds before biting his tongue. Both monsters becoming blue lights that flew into the swirling portal above him. He couldn't help but think back to the past by looking at the card.
"Huh? You're giving this to me?" Kazama asked, seeing Niles offering two XYZ Monsters to the other Duelist.
"I just… I can't stand to look at them anymore. They are no part of me anymore. Not after what I have done to taint the name of their master." Niles was shaking slightly, mostly on his bandaged wrist.
The cards being offered seemed like great cards. Two incredibly powerful monsters if used with his Deck correctly. But to give them up… Kazama clenched his fist. But, he slowly reached out and took both cards. Both Duelist could sense the hostility of the monsters.
"What about the rest of your old Deck? Don't tell me…" Kazama only saw Niles revealing an empty Deck holster. It confirmed his suspicions.
"Those weren't my cards; they never were. So I decided to return them. I don't want a deck to remind me of the blood on my hands." Niles looked away, holding his bandaged wrist as his eyes were downcasted.
Kazama could see the slits. He wanted to say something, but choose not to.
"I can handle myself. I managed to acquire a Deck befitting of me personally." Niles replied by showing the Dinomist Duelist another Deck - the Archetype consisting of Phantomfeit monsters. "Pretty neat, right?"
"Heh, to think you could actually pull that off." Kazama chuckled but then looked to the cards he inherited. "I promise to take good care of these two. If they served you well, then I promise to guard them with my life. Until their original master comes back for them."
Niles gently smiled. "...Kazama, thanks."
"Born from the everlasting evolution of the Cyberstyle, I call to you to embark on this grand quest! Come forth and slay your enemies! XYZ Summon! Rise up! Rank 5! Cyber Dragon Nova!" The XYZ Monster let out a cry as it burst out from the summoning portal, shining a bright red as it did with two Overlay Units flying around it.
Cyber Dragon Nova: Rank 5 LIGHT {Machine}/Machine/XYZ/Effect ATK: 2100 DEF: 1600
"Huh!? Cyber Dragon Nova? But the only guy with those cards should be-!"
"I'm not stopping here. I can use Cyber Dragon Nova as an XYZ Material itself to Rank up to monster higher! XYZ Summon! Descend from the heavens and unveil your unlimited power! XYZ Summon! Rank 6! Cyber Dragon Infinity!" The smaller dragon was replaced by a larger XYZ dragon of red, black and gold.
Cyber Dragon Infinity: Rank 6 LIGHT {Machine}/Machine/XYZ/Effect ATK: 2100 DEF: 1600
The mechanical dragon let out a screech, shouting into the air. Kazama could tell the monster itself was growling more toward him than anyone else. It wasn't fond of being summoned. However, it was needed if they wanted to win.
"Sorry, but I need you to behave yourself." He muttered under his breath before raising his voice. "Cyber Dragon's innate effect activates. It gains 200 ATK for every Overlay Unit it has. Since Infinity has three, it gains 600 ATK."
Cyber Dragon Infinity: Rank 6 LIGHT {Machine}/Machine/XYZ/Effect ATK: 2100 - 2700 DEF: 1600
"That isn't all. Infinity can target 1 face-up attack position monster and attach it as a material to this monster. I choose to take your XX-Gottom: Cyber Dragon Infinity - Evolutionary Assimilation!"
?, Miami City, 1st P.O.V.
"...Alastor?" I whispered, seeing the Dark Synchro monster look in another direction.
Something was bothering him. He was looking away from me. Back over toward another area. Did Dark Synchro Monsters have an ability to sense things around them? I didn't want to bring it up entirely. No other person here would be able to see or even hear him anyway. That wasn't all that I noticed.
Berserk Chimeratech Dragon felt restless. Or rather, I couldn't help but want to do something other than being a passenger on Yugo's ride. I guess I had some kind of connection to those Dark Synchro monsters. But what for? Then again, that was the least of my worries… wasn't it?
"...Ber Dragon." Alastor growled out, looking in that same direction.
"Bregon?" I asked lightly.
"Cyber Dragon. I sense one akin to your most recent pickup. It bears the same energy, almost too much alike."
"You can sense other monsters around you?"
"A certain extent. All Dark Synchro monsters share a sense for their surroundings. It is a reason monsters like me are likely more hostile or flighty. Mine are more attuned than most; thanks to my previous Master's persistence no less. However, one other thing that I'm sensing is anything but a Dark Synchro monster. Something quite more dangerous."
More dangerous? Something else out there is more life-threatening than an invasion!? What did Alastor mean by that!?
"Right now, you must focus on recovering and stopping the main Vestige. That is your main priority. Whatever else is out there is not your concern. Should you wish to save these people, you have to destroy the main Duel Disk." Alastor then vanished but B.C.D. seemingly continued to be restless, slightly more than before.
I wish I could have asked more, but he did have a point. Currently, I was in no condition to do anything else. At least, just… yet. Could I really do…. This?
…
…
…
?, Miami City(?), 3rd P.O.V.
Deep underground, a cavern nearly completed covered in darkness held some sort of light. It was a young woman holding an umbrella. She was shrouded by dark blue shadows. In one hand, water from a light pool was currently traveling up her leg and arm before forming a watery orb. It was displaying Cyber Dragon Infinity swallowing its prey. The woman seemingly was enjoying this. A grin stretching her face.
She wasn't alone in the cavern. Right behind her was a strange Icosahedron-like object. It stood out for mainly two reasons. One was its pulsating orange hue. The second was how the stalactites and stalagmites around the object created a sort of cage. The hue of it seemingly was pulsing throughout the cavern. Almost appeared like it was chest this young woman was occupying. A light fog was in the air to fill in the dark gaps.
"How interesting. They are choosing now to bring forth their four dragons? And I thought the Yu-boys were the foolish children here. At least they have some tact." She drew more water into the orb, any drop that fell was quickly pulled back into the orb. "Must they truly want to reopen old wounds this soon?"
She smiled and let out a breath. "What idiots they must have become. If I had the chance, all of them would have been taken out of the picture. But…."
The young woman looked down to her wrists. There, icy shackles and chains were beginning to form. She snarled and clenched her fist. The orb froze and shattered into pieces just like the confinements. None pierced the woman, but she growled before summoning another orb, watching the fight continues on as more XYZ Monsters appeared on the field.
"...That boy I assisted better not die after I interfered to save his sorry ass. I can't afford to risk another move without exposing myself to those high-ass snobs who herd sheep to follow their false savior."
The object in the background changed its pulse. The sudden change caught the woman's attention. Turning back, she noticed the orange hue coming and going. The caged barrier slowly starting to dwindle down.
Head tilted, the young woman held out the orb into the air. There, she noticed the winds picking up in the cavern. Her eyes narrowed. Bringing the orb back down, it lost its form and dropped down into the pool below. Open hand now drenched in water.
"How peculiar; they are only now starting to sense each other. If you dare thinking of waking up, I won't forgive you." She said the object, a slight hum coming from the orange hue. "In fact, I won't forgive any of you if you cause a ruckus. But, if the Vestige decides to stick their hand in a pie that no longer belongs to them, I'll let it slide."
The object pulsed some more. The young woman smiled before outstretching her arm. The pool of water all flew up and converged into an orb. One that displayed a swaying pendulum going from light and darkness.
"I will leave this here until you decide to erase it. You will have to make your decision soon. Until the Pendulum sways in your favor," The young woman collected herself and heel turn, leaving with the fog of the cavern after saying, "I bid you farewell."
The orb continued to pulse before it slowly faded away. A woman with long orange and blue eyes, dressed in purple and blue gowns. Also, like her attire was meant to invoke a magician's apparel. She said nothing but held the pulsating orb in her hands.
Metal clashed as monsters dueled in the midst of the chaos. The mechanical beasts destroying buildings all around.
Kazama knew what Noboru meant. His eye-stinging wasn't just from an eyelash getting in. It was changing back. Back to something of a monster. He really needed to get out this Dimension Zero stuff before it comes back completely. This couldn't just be dumped on a kid. Let alone when he had to believe he'd have to disclose this to a lot of people later on anyway. Best to play dumb for now.
"...It's probably nothing. Just eye contact. I'll take it out once we are in a safe area and I find a mirror." Kazama lied straight through his teeth.
This was pretty concerning. Kazama knew that if the presence of Dimension Zero was starting to affect him this much, then Niles…
His eyes widen in horror. He had enough of a resistance built up over the years to remain in control if he was back in Dimension Zero. But Niles… he said last time just the slightest presence of Dimension Zero sent pain through his nerves. That XYZ Duelist had not built up the resistance of any sort. And with this, the prolonged exposure would only worsen his condition. And if it got worse, then everyone would be in danger around him. Those You Show kids…
"We should get going. The longer we are out there, the longer they are going to be in danger. Being in numbers is better in these circumstances."
The roar of dragons echoed out in the sky. Glowing blue eyes of each dragon head unleashed a bright burst of light. Another female voice was heard cackling. A three-headed dragon roared aloud as it unleashed its strike. The female monster was D/D/D Dark Necroqueen, casting a dark shield to block the incoming attack. Even the three-headed dragon, Midnight-Eyes Prototype White Dragon continued their brutal combat.
Kaiser winced in pain, holding his shoulder. His monster growled and hissed, shoving the rumble aside.
"To think he would scamper away… and that our Duel would be tampered with." Kaiser hissed out, walking over and noticing a broken flash drive. "Guess that means I can't get the Pendulum data without somebody taking the fall. Such a shame. I would have loved to avoid unnecessary sacrifices. Then again, I am not the first to do so…"
Kaiser noticed a call coming through. His dragon vanished just as he was making the call. He supported himself on the desk.
"Kaiser, have you managed to get the Pendulum data of Declan Akaba?" Yang was on the other end, clearly impatient.
"I wish I could say that… be it would appear a certain somebody decided to interfere and cause him to escape. Don't worry; he's quite injured. He can't get escape a predator like me." Kaiser rubbed his shoulder. "But I wasn't expecting him to collapse his own roof in an attempt to flee, tail between his legs."
Yang huffed and groaned, something he knew happened often when she was unsatisfied. "Great. Just fucking great! That's one more shit to add to the pile of the bucket. Another annoyance to the plan. Why were they here and choosing to interfere now? I thought they wouldn't give a single shit about this world after what happened!"
"You expect I would know? Clearly, you should have more information about that. I have no clearance into that intel. Unlike you, Director Yang."
"Shut up! I get your fucking point. But if Declan is indeed injured, he won't be able to have a complete comeback. But with them in the picture, our operation may get comprised if either Core manages to sense the presence."
"True. The interference would damage both us and those who resist us. I have means against such dirty tricks. Not like it can work if they won't appear themselves. How is Sabrine doing? I assume she went after the Tempest Core?"
"Sabrine is…" Yang paused for a few moments. "She is quite a character. One that I have no wish to associate with. Yet she was transferred over due to her 'skill set.' Her last conversation involved a bit about Yuya and Yuto. Two characters who I desire no such interest in even seeing let alone hearing off. As long as both of you complete your missions, I couldn't give any amount of Ra's Divine Shit on whatever other motives you have."
Kaiser snickered. "Ra's Divine Shit. Never thought I'd hear that ancient saying like that in this age. What next? You want to break space and time itself?"
"Don't push your luck Obsidian. I can terminate your life in an instant; I am the higher power here. No matter how much the members of the Council treat you as our… messiah."
"Don't worry. I can prove my worth to you yet. Though I know one thing about whoever remains alive in the city. All will be heading to the Stadium for cover. The damn child decided to put up defenses for that reason. Nothing that a quick E.M.P. can't undo, right?"
"No."
"Really? I thought you didn't care about the lives of these characters?"
"I am not wasting my resources to drop one of those! Besides, I have other things to worry about. Just do your job, or else all of us will be punished if something goes off the rails." Yang hung up after that, not wasting another moment with the Duelist.
Kazama Fan Cards
Dinomic Override Gate
Field Spell
When this card is activated: Declare 1 Pre-Typing. For the rest of the Duel, as long as this card remains face-up on your side of the field, all monsters gain the chosen Pre-Typing. This effect cannot be negated. All "Dinomist" monsters on the field gain 300 ATK and DEF. If a "Dinomist" monster you control battles, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step.
Predating the Hiatus Author's Note
Originally I wanted to write a full Duel this episode, but since I needed a break from an entire Duel, I decided to split this into parts with gaps in between. Plus I gave a conclusion to Reiji and Kaiser's Duel. (At least for that Duel, I wasn't entirely willing to leave it on a clip hanger for like six additional chapters.)
Post Hiatus - Kind of - Author's Note
Okay, this took longer than I thought. Sorry for the hiatus out of nowhere. I had to take care of some things in my real life. That and I just get myself back into the writing groove. It was pretty bad; the only thing I could write then was this chapter. (Which I'm still a bit hesitant on posting, but hey I'm doing it so I can get moving on.) I do plan to finish this story, but it will take some more time than I thought. We will have to go to irregular scheduling until I find the motivation and groove to write this story.
But if you want to check out my other story, I have a Yugioh VRAINS story in the works. It is called VRAINS - Compendium. That story is being updated around once every week with additional uploads happening only when I wouldn't be able to update for some weeks. It is also a good display of how the future chapters are going to be like and the improvements I've been making to my skills at writing Duels. I think the time of and writing VRAINS Duels has helped me get a better handle on Duels.
I won't abandon this story as the last one. I love the ideas and plans I got for this story too much. So I will finish it eventually, putting a finale toward Lowell and this journey. If all goes as planned and I can get back to writing both my stories simultaneously, I'd have an idea for how the schedule would go. No way I'd be spilling the beans now; not until I have a solid writing schedule.
So please be patient and I thank you all for reading and hopefully understanding. Though enough of that mess of a wall of text, how about I check and see if I missed anything while I was gone? I'll make it easy and just shout out anyone who either followed or favorited since… 3/22/2019. Sound fair? Okay, so I'd like to thank the following: 97 and The Three Kings.
So until next time, I'll see you once the Pendulum swings once more!
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!