"Hey! Don't tell me you're ditching class again!" Niles opened his eyes to a voice shouting at him.
He looked up, seeing long juniper green hair tied to one end. Niles didn't have to think twice; it was Meletta. And she was looking quite pissed off.
"...What are you doing here?" He asked, yawning.
"Me? I should be the one asking you! Are you planning to skip class again this week?" She folded her arms. The pout she had on her face was so cute back then. It was adorable.
"And if I was?"
Her eyes widen, getting so easily pulled along. "Y-You! You can't just keep on a missing class just because you want to nap. Seriously, you're going to ruin your grades!"
"Like they haven't been ruined enough." He ran his fingers through some of his hair. "It doesn't matter for me."
"It should matter!" Meletta shouted. "Do you only keeping thinking about yourself? You're only going to ruin things between the people that care about you."
Niles didn't know exactly why she was yelling at him then, but he did realize what emotions were behind them after the invasion. There he saw a more down Mel, no longer sharing that splendid smile or nearly raw and honest emotions. He remembered that one night, she was up late with Ruri's head on her lap. Never once did he mean to visit. It was happenstance.
"...You know you don't have to stare." She said to him, startling him from the silence. "Just don't be too loud; Ruri's finally getting some sleep."
Niles cautiously approached the bed, deciding not to sit and instead stand by. He was aware of how strained things had been, but Ruri was a cornerstone in keeping things together. That was a fact.
"Niles, you're scratching it again." Mel started, moving her head slightly.
His fingers froze. Again, he was subconsciously rubbing at his bandaged wrists. A nervous tick he couldn't get rid of. One that only Mel had caught onto noticing. She never directly asked him, but she did make sure to point it out. Only without alerting the others.
"Here, give me your wrist. The bandages are loose." She extended a hand to catch his wrist.
Niles reluctantly placed his wrist in her care. Her gently fingertips rolled up his sleeves before touching the bandages. Lightly gliding against the skin. The sensation makes his flinch. Almost pulling back in fear and humiliation.
Mel didn't appear phased but gently coaxing him to relax as she was undoing the bandages. He had to look away. Away from the horrid truth on his wrist. Those nights he had dangerous objects, both to burn and slice away at-!
"Niles… they seemed to have healed well." Mel had a soft smile on her face. "They no longer seem infected; you've done well."
Niles was at a loss of words. A genuine smile… from Mel?
She must have noticed as she was wrapping them back up. "They were so bad the first time I saw them. I never knew how much you hated that… the thing on your wrist." Her eyes wavered for a moment. "You don't have to tell me, but I'm glad you stopped. Seeing you hurt… it hurt us as well."
"Us?" He was slightly puzzled.
"Ruri, Shun, and Yuto got so worried; they thought you were ill at one point. I tried to keep them positive. Lying to keep your secret. I have never seen such raw emotion. Especially from Yuto; you two are almost like brothers at this point. Kind of like how Ruri looks to me as her older sister." Mel paused, the conversation suddenly changing direction. "This war… it changes people, for better or for worse. You're lucky Niles. You seem to be the most alike to before Fusion invaded us."
"Mel…" He noticed her looking away. His instincts were telling him how emotional she must be.
"Meanwhile, I'm just… I'm not Meletta anymore." She tightened her grip around his wrist slightly, making sure not to go over the injuries. "I can never be that amazing idol who entertained millions onstage. Not when people look up to me; our survival means I can't… I can't be me anymore. They need a strong person, someone to rely on during this war. A beacon of hope. Something I can never be."
Niles reached out, moving his hand to wipe a tear coming from her eye. She was surprised by the gesture. Both of them blushed when Ruri moved. They put distance between each other as eyes went to Ruri. The teenager was still sleeping. Both of them sighed before Mel looked to Niles.
"You should get going; I don't think Shun's going to like you skipping out on watch duty again." She winked at him. "Let me know if you need to replace the bandages, though they look pretty clean still."
"No worries… you keep helping Ruri and the others. I'll do my part." He walked to the door, stopping before he looked back. "...Mel?"
"Yes?" She looked over to him.
Niles wanted to tell her things would be okay. Things would return to normal. They could win and go back to being students. Civilian life and make the most of things. Survive until the end. But he couldn't say it, not quite. His throat tightened.
"I…"
She shook her head smiling. "It is alright. We can speak of this later."
"Yo Niles! Still alive?" Fingers snapped in front of his vision, pulling the Phantomfeit Duelist back to reality. "There you all. Kind of blank out on me for a minute. That's not exactly the best thing to do in a warzone like this."
"Ah, sorry." Niles apologized. "I didn't mean to-!"
A light jab at his shoulder was what Niles got in return. Kamden didn't look upset at all. "Chill, I didn't mean to sound rude. I just got a knack at noticing that sort of thing. Been in a war-zone like this before, haven't you?"
Blue-yellow eyes widen at that comment. "How-!?"
"I told you; I got a knack for those sorts of things. That and my friend old friends often had to lie a lot. It comes in handy if somebody is looking to stab you in the back. But that's just me." He shrugged. "So, have any ideas as to where any of your friends are?"
"Wait, aren't you looking for someone?"
"Well, I'm sure he'll come around eventually." Kamden shrugged as both Duelists were taking a small break, waiting for a nearby Duel to finish.
The monsters were causing damage to the roads already. Plus the duo needed a moment to catch their breaths. Niles from the possible motion sickness he had now acquired or Kamden to check up on his vehicle. They weren't entirely wanting to get stalled by Duels. Especially if the people they cared about would be in danger.
Niles couldn't help but feel something… eerily familiar in Kamden. He didn't know what, but he didn't want to ask questions. So, he remained silent. Besides, he had his own problems to deal with.
Their path had soon become blocked by rumble. Much from the monsters and Duelists engaged in fights. Leaving them without any clear routes to the destination. Meaning, they'd have to take strange routes. Kamden offered to lead. Niles accepted the offer. Just to keep his stomach intact. There was no way he was getting used to those soon. Damn his motion sickness.
"Hold it, Niles!" Kamden screeched to a halt, signaling with his hand.
"Another Duel?" Niles inquired to the other Duelist.
"Not quite, take a look at this," The Synchro Duelist pointed to something trailing on the ground. "Does not seem like anything like the others."
It was a fresh trail, that was for sure. But what substance it was sent a chill down Niles' spin. Blood.
The Phantomfeit Duelist covered his mouth, trying to remain composed. The stench was outright sickening. Something about it seemed unnatural at the same time. From his eyes, Niles swore Kamden had an inkling to what might be going on.
"We need to follow the trail," Kamden stated bluntly.
"Why? What if it leads to one of the bad guys? It could be a trap," Niles retorted in an effort to gauge Kamden and his knowledge.
"If it leads to some Vestige or Academia fools, I can kick their asses. If not, then we can deal with it then," The D-Wheel started up once again. "You hopping on or following handsome?"
"I'll follow. From the looks of it, the person shouldn't be far," Niles had seen his fair share of these things. The amount of blood wasn't life-threatening just yet, but it would only allow the injured to move so far before giving out.
Kamden didn't argue and changed the route. Niles followed him on foot. The terrain was preventing the driving Duelist from getting too far ahead. Warped reality seemed to follow the trail. Damage of Dimension Zero was started to set its course. If not stopped soon, Standard would certainly cease to be.
"Trail seems to end around here," The Synchro Duelist pulled to a stop, using his momentum to stop them in a ravine of sorts. Created from two collapsed buildings. "Whoever's hurt has to be here."
"Yeah, and your ride didn't help," Niles rolled his eyes before looking around. "Might have spooked them off."
"Now that's just rude. How about you look 'round over there and I check out the other place?" Kamden referenced the collapsed buildings. "We can cover ground faster."
"Sure."
Just as Niles was about to split, both guys heard a scream nearby. The two instantly rushed over. They were back in an open area. Niles instantly felt blood underneath his foot. Hair raising on his skin, he tried to look around to find the source.
"Out of my way!" A figure shouted as something was thrown from above.
Kamden was lucky to be out of range. Niles, not so much. The force knocked him off balance, crashing into the ground with whatever was thrown. He ended up cushioning whatever had been thrown. Or tossed.
The XYZ Duelist landed on the ground, feeling whatever was thrown roll off of him. As she sat up, he noticed something felt more… liquidy than just solid. A quick look at his hand after examining the weird-feeling area gave him an answer. Blood. Niles knew it wasn't from him. The only thing he got was some slight pain on his palm and his side.
Looking to what had collided into him, Niles froze. He wasn't exactly ready to see this face. Especially when their eyes met. He wasn't ready. He really wasn't ready.
"N...Niles!" The expression on Yuto's face conflicted with him.
Niles didn't have a chance to respond as Yuto clutched at a wound. The XYZ Duelist quickly wound the fresh wound. The younger male hissing as the older one contemplated on what to do.
"Kamden, what a surprise to so you!" Sabrine cheerfully waved at the two below. "Long time no see!"
Both males tensed up, looking up to see the Vestige smiling down upon them. Both of them knew the sinister intent in the greeting. Orange irises carrying a deceitful attempt. She gracefully descended down, jumping and landing on the same plane. Niles could feel the tension of the air. Even Kamden's playfully vanished as he glared at the female. Niles was quick to notice Yuto tensing up.
"Aw, what's wrong? Is that how you are going to greet an old friend?" She asked Kamden, not bothering with the other two.
"Like we were ever friends." Kamden spat back.
For a moment, Sabrine looked offended. But she soon changed, shaking her head with a grin. "You never change, do you? And I see you picked up another friend of yours…"
Niles narrowed his eyes. He then noticed a change in her expression, one of more surprises than glee.
"Hold on a second, are you-?" Sabrine cut herself off, before putting back on that cheerful facade. "Never mind that! You two are just the ones I've been looking for! For you see, I know that you, Kamden, have something that belongs to me."
"You? Hah! Like the Tempest Core was ever yours, to begin with; I see you're still aligning yourself on the wrong side." Kamden said spitefully.
"Wrong side? I could say the same to you, traitor." Sabrine activated her Duel Disk. "And I'm not planning on letting you leave until I have the Tempest Core for myself!"
"You cannot simply have it. And what makes you think you can outplay me?"
"I've got an extra bonus to ensure that you won't be winning that easily." A glistening gleam started to shine from her Duel Disk. "And I'm an Elite member of my group; your years on the run won't be able to surpass my skills."
From above, a gated cage fell from the sky. It was larger than the rest, crushed and caging a good amount of the area. The shockwave of it landing nearly knocked Niles off balance. Sabrine laughed as she taunted Kamden to accept. The Dragunity Duelist sighed before his D-Wheel turned on.
"Fine, but you asked for it." The winds picked up as Kamden boarded his vehicle. "Let's do this!"
Niles sat out of the duel, trapped as a spectator as Kamden sped off, the Duel Disk of his ride activating. He had to make sure Yuto's wound wasn't too fatal. Hopefully, his basic medical knowledge
"Duel!" Both yelled out.
Sabrine: 8000
Vs
Kamden: 8000
"I take the first turn and I use my Skill to play… this Field Spell! I choose Dimensional Universal Gate! Then, with Scale 3 Nebula Scout Cygnus and Scale 8 Nebula Scout Crux, I Set the Pendulum Scale!" Sabrine revealed both her Pendulum cards, placing them on her Duel Disk.
"Pendulum Cards!?" Niles and Kamden were surprised, as both monsters appeared on the field, taking place on either side of the Pendulum Scale.
The field was enveloped in a space-like appearance, with celestial bodies of galaxies, nebulas, and constellations spanning the skies. The two Pendulum cards seemed to glow in the presence of the Field Spell. Cygnus appeared as a feminine figure resembling a swan, but the feathery armor was a dark blue and glowing spots outlined the constellation of Cygnus. The same was done with Nebula Scout Crux, but appearing more block-ish and covered in more armor.
{Scale 3} Nebula Scout Cygnus: Level 2 LIGHT Psychic/Warrior/Pendulum/Effect ATK: 600 DEF: 1400
{Scale 8} Nebula Scout Crus: Level 1 LIGHT Psychic/Warrior/Pendulum/Effect ATK: 100 DEF: 0
"With this, I can Pendulum Summon monsters from Level 4 to Level 7! But, I'm first going to activate the Ritual Spell Astrollite Transformation!" The card depicted a feminine monster's transformation from a star. "With this, I can Ritual Summon any Astrollite monster from my hand as low as I tribute monsters from my hand or field. I tribute Astrollite Lady Asterism in my hand to Special Summon Astrollite Valkyrie Neptune!"
The Ritual Monster appeared, blooming forth with long dark blue hair and glowing white eyes. Her face was obscured by a large mirror she was holding over face while dressed in a cascading gown of many blues. She was in defense mode; something both males instantly recognized by the stance the monster had.
Astrollite Valkyrie Neptune Level 4 WATER Spellcaster/Warrior/Ritual/Effect ATK: 600 DEF: 2400
"Neptune's effect activates, allowing me to add an Astrollite Equip Spell to my hand. I add Astrollite Lunar Mirror and equip it to Neptune. I end my turn with that." Sabrine had an empty hand, but a solid field in her eyes.
"You obtained Pendulum cards, but you're not using them? Guess that means they aren't worth much in Duels, are they?" Kamden grinned, pleased to find them a waste of space in his own eyes.
"These cards will display their full potential soon enough. Make your move and you might find out."
"With pleasure! My turn!" He drew his card, checking the monster just drew. "I Summon Dragunity Senatus and use its effect. By discarding a Dragunity card in hand, Senatus can equip a Dragunity Tuner to itself. I choose to equip Dragunity Phalanx! Though, Phalanx has an effect to Special Summon itself once it is in the Spell and Trap Zone!"
Dragunity Senatus: Level 4 WIND Winged-Beast/Effect ATK: 1800 DEF: 1600
Dragunity Phalanx: Level 2 WIND Dragon/Tuner/Effect ATK: 500 DEF: 1100
"Already preparing a Synchro Summon? You never change." Sabrine shook her head.
"I Tune my Level 2 Dragunity Phalanx to my Level 4 Dragunity Senatus! With the stormy ravine at your command, rise up to blow the competition out of the sky! Synchro Summon! Fly high: Level 6 Dragunity Knight - Vajrayana!" The monster broke out from the winds, letting out its cry.
Dragunity Knight - Vajrayana: Level 6 WIND Dragon/Synchro/Effect ATK: 1900 DEF: 1200
"I use Vajrayana's effect and equip a Level 3 or lower 'Dragunity' Dragon monster to this card. I choose to equip Dragunity Phalanx onto this monster." Kamden declared before looking at his hand.
"You planning on using Vajrayana to overpower Neptune? You really are predictable." She shook her head. "Dragunity is such a predictable Deck."
"That is what you think; then again, I'd expect nothing else from the likes of you. You never did appreciate the classics." He winked before pulling a card from his hand. "I Special Summon Larvae Dragun from my hand. When it is Special Summoned while I control a Dragon-Type Synchro, I can Tribute it to Special Summon another Dragon-Type Synchro from my Extra Deck. Come forth, Buster Dragon!"
Buster Dragon: Level 8 DARK Dragon/Synchro/Effect ATK: 1200 DEF: 2800
"Buster Dragon…?" Sabrine was perplexed by its appearance, "Why, of all things, would you summoned that!?"
"You'll see! Now we battle! I attack your monster with Vajrayana! And I activate my monster's effect; I send Phalanx to the Graveyard to double its attack!" The Dragon-Type Synchro monster charged up its attack against the Ritual-Type monster.
Dragunity Knight - Vajrayana: Level 6 WIND Dragon/Synchro/Effect ATK: 1900 + 1900 = 3800 DEF: 1200
"I told you; too predictable! I activate the effects of Cygnus and Lunar Mirror! Cygnus gives my monster 200 ATK for each face-up card I control and Lunar Mirror doubles Neptune's stats! So your dragon's about to be wiped off the field!" Sabrine declared as the mirror was glowing on her monster.
Astrollite Valkyrie Neptune Level 4 WATER Spellcaster/Warrior/Ritual/Effect ATK: 600 + 800 + 1400 = 2800 DEF: 2400 + 2400 = 4800
Kamden grinned just as both monsters clashed. A puff of smoke obscured their vision. Niles waited until the mess settled and was shocked to see the Dragon-Type Synchro monster flying victoriously. Sabrine was coughing a bit, clearly angry as her monster still stood. However, he did notice that it was the female who took damage and not Kamden.
Sabrine: 8000 - 1500 = 6500
Vs
Kamden: 8000
"Wha-!? How?!" She screamed.
"I activated the Quick-Play Dragunity Chivalry. When two Dragon-Type monsters battle, the effects of the target are negated and you take double-piercing damage." Kamden revealed the Quick-Play Spell. "So when you activated your effects, I knew it was the perfect chance to take out your monster… but it appears she somehow survived."
"I used one of my Pendulum effects," Sabrine explained, revealing that Cygnus was missing from the Scale. "But you haven't won just yet; no wonder why you have Buster Dragon despite not running that engine."
"What can I say? I'm resourceful; unlike you. And with that, I'll set a card and end my turn. But thanks to Dragunity Chivalry, I can equip Buster Dragon to my Synchro monster. Oh, and my dragon's attack returns to normal."
Dragunity Knight - Vajrayana: Level 6 WIND Dragon/Synchro/Effect ATK: 3800 - 1900 = 1900 DEF: 1200
Sabrine hissed, completely angry to find that the monster had still survived. She couldn't possibly fail here. The next card from her Deck was drawn, but she wasn't going to get off completely free. "Lunar Mirror destroys itself during my Standby Phase. Thanks to Dimensional Universal Gate, I can Special Summon a monster with a Pre-Typing in my Graveyard: I Special Summon Astrollite Lady Asterism!"
Astrollite Lady Asterism: Level 4 LIGHT Psychic/Warrior/Effect ATK: 1300 DEF: 1000
She then looked at the card she drew. "Perfect! I Summon Astrollite Lord Earthshine and activate his effect to add an Astrollite Spell from my Deck to my hand."
Astrollite Lord Earthshine: Level 4 LIGHT Psychic/Warrior/Effect ATK: 1900 DEF: 0
"Now watch boys! With the Level 4 Astrollite monsters I control, I build the Overlay Network!" Sabrine spun around as a portal emerged. "I will use both Lady Asterism and Lord Earthshine as material!"
"XYZ Summon?" Kamden narrowed his eyes as Niles was surprised by her sudden shift in playstyle.
"With these two Level 4 Astrollite monsters, you'll see what powers I've obtained from Dimension Zero. Xyz Summon! Be reborn in the champion's image: T.A.E.E.S!" From the burst forth a strange pulsating dark material. Inside it seemed to be a spiraling blue and red force. While it appeared the creature inside was silent, the pulsating dark material let out something akin to a metallic screech. A defining feature was its scorpion-like tail and appendages; almost like it would latch onto its prey. In fact, it appeared more feral and bug-like than the other monster Sabrine had in her Deck thus far.
T.A.E.E.S: Rank 4 LIGHT Machine/Psychic/XYZ/Effect ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000
Both males were stunned at the monster's appearance. Enough to make Sabrine smile widely. Something about the creature angered Kamden, his expression darkening.
"What did you do!?" He snapped.
"Oh? I thought you wouldn't be so easily triggered by a lovely little bug of mine." She clasped her hands, discarding the furious look on the Synchro Duelist's face. "T.A.E.E.S is a very important monster. One I earned. Something a low-leveled deserter like yourself would never possess. I will have the Tempest Core one way or another… T.A.E.E.S!"
The monster lunged on toward the Synchro Monster. Kamden didn't have a chance to activate his set card.
"Kamden!" Niles shouted.
The Synchro Duelist remained up, but the glow of the XYZ monster caught his attention. It lost an Overlay Unit dread suddenly filled Kamden.
Sabrine kept her grin. "Oh, did I mention that if T.A.E.E.S attacks or is attacked, I can detach an Overlay Unit and absorb your monster? Not to mention this little bit… hope you like some burn damage!"
The monster's stinger suddenly unleashed a powerful beam. It shot right through Kamden. He screamed as he felt the damage burning right through his body. Somehow not finding himself sliced in half, he was nearly knocked off his ride. He somehow managed to stay on.
Sabrine: 6500
Vs
Kamden: 8000 - 5000 = 3000
"You're fortunate I won't be attacking with Neptune. Otherwise, you'd be in so much more pain." Sabrine taunted as her monster seemed to call down. "I will end my turn with that."
Kamden hissed, having to slow down but look at his hand. "...Damn, you've improved quite a bit… though I can't stand how one like yourself is using… that monstrosity."
He was easily referring to the XYZ monster. Sabrine shook her head, a smirk on her face while she responded. "T.A.E.E.S is an example of the ever-growing power Dimension Zero possesses. I recall the days where we couldn't replicate or even produce cards that we dreamed or desired for Decks. You do as well, do you not?"
"Like small talk is going to change my mind." He spat on the ground, drawing a card from his Deck. "I have had enough of those lies…"
"Lies? Lies!? Pardon me, but our community never lied once in their lives!" Sabrine retorted instantly. "You have only been deceived! Turning your back on your own friends and family for what? The teachings of a rogue woman!? She's the reason we're even in this mess!"
"...At least with her, I haven't fallen to your level." Kamden flipped over his Trap, showcasing a spring of sorts where one monster was descending from the sky in the midst of a storm. "I activate the Trap Reincarnation Winds! By banishing a Synchro-Monster in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a WIND-Type Reincarnation monster from my Deck that has an equal level to the banished Synchro Monster. I banish Buster Dragon to Special Summon Reincarnation HeartDrake!"
From the sky, a four-legged monster landed upon the ground. Plated in metal scales, its two yellow eyes were glowing as it let a mechanical cry. It seemed to be channeling an electrical storm with the contraption running along its spine down to its tail. Creating an arch of charged electricity amidst the wind.
Reincarnation HeartDrake: Level 8 WIND Dragon/Effect ATK: 3000 DEF: 2800
"Re...Incarnation?" Sabrine blinked twice, confused at hearing the monster's name.
"HeartDrake activates now! It shuffles three monsters from my Graveyard back into my Deck and I draw one card," The Drake clawed the ground, unleashing wind from underneath as Kamden drew his next card.
"What good will that do? As long as I control T.A.E.E.S, attacking with monsters is pointless! Besides, you can't possibly manage to burn me to death. Unless you willingly risk your Core! But, I think you won't, right?"
The Synchro Duelist paused for a moment. The winds startled to rile up before he placed a monster on his Duel Disk. "I Summon Dragunity Couse."
Dragunity Couse: Level 2 WIND Dragon/Tuner/Effect ATK: 1000 DEF: 200
"Another Synchro Summon? Please, you're practically giving me a victory."
"I Tune the Level 4 Couse to my Level 8 Reincarnation HeartDrake!" He ignored her commentary as both monsters vanished. "Born of the reincarnating streams of time, break free from the storm to put an end to the injustices! Become one with the Dragunity to pierce beyond the sky! Synchro Summon! Be reborn from the winds, Reincarnation Dragunity Knight - Hrotti!"
Reincarnation Dragunity Knight - Hrotti: Level 12 WIND Dragon/Synchro/Effect ATK: 4000 DEF: 4000
The Synchro Monster let out a roar, piercing beyond the barrier to split the distorted skyline as it appeared. Blue scales rested underneath the metal armor. The beast snarling as it was picked up by the air.
"Hrotti's effect! When it is Synchro Summoned, I can banish 3 or six cards from my Extra Deck face down and draw 1 to two cards! I banish three to draw," Kamden grinned at what he saw. "Battle! I attack T.A.E.E.S with Hrotti!"
The back of the Synchro Monster seemed to generate power from the storm in its wings, lighting up its spine and eyes.
"If you wish to crash so badly, I'll grant it! I activate T.A.E.E.S' effect and-!" Sabrine was cut off as bolts of lightning struck the arena. "What-!?"
Looking up, she noticed a monster. One completely enveloped by electricity that seemed to pounce onto her XYZ monster.
"Hrotti has another ability. If you try to activate an ability while I only have WIND-Attribute monsters, I can shuffle a Reincarnation Monster back into my Deck and negate the effect! That means the battle continues! Hrotti - Hurricane Sword of Demise!"
The monster unleashed its attack, seemingly forming into a sword that pierced right through the XYZ Monster, causing it to break away as Sabrine let out a scream.
Sabrine: 6500 - 1500 = 5000
Vs
Kamden: 3000
"Not bad," Sabrine hissed out as the electricity died down. "You still haven't beaten me yet! I still have the advantage."
"You won't have it for long, Sabrine. I'll end you soon enough." Kamden had to end his turn. Hoping that he managed to draw the correct card next turn.
"No, I'll be the one to end you soon enough! Then with the Tempest Core in my hands, Dimension Zero will be one step closer to victory."
"Dimension… Zero?" Yuto's question came out of nowhere, somehow bringing some awareness back to both Duelists outside of the field.
"Oh right, I forgot you two were there," Sabrine folded her arms, annoyed to have to deal with two other people. "I don't have time to waste telling either of you anything. Not with what other things are going on nearby."
"...You don't mean," Niles began as he was supporting his friend.
"Things might be a little off course, but it will course-correct itself eventually. Which reminds me!" The female Astrollite duelist suddenly became cheerful. "It is about time for the cute and the fierce to come into the picture."
"Cute and the fierce?" Kamden was put off by her words as well.
"Oh yes! It will be so nice once we get three main Summoning Methods together! Would you like to see? Oh, Neptune!" She gestured to the Ritual Monster, whose mirror began to shift into depicting something entirely different.
Everyone seemed transfixed on the mirror before it was showcasing another battle. One where Yuto and Niles instantly knew who was fighting.
"Shun!?" Both XYZ Duelists exclaimed.
"Correct! And he's currently the adorable little Sora~! Wouldn't you all like to see how that ends?" Sabrine suddenly clapped her hands together. "I'll give you all the front row seats! Neptune~!"
The ground beneath them suddenly began to shake. The cage around began to twist and deform as Neptune's mirror began to glow. And before they knew it, the ground caved to one side, sending everyone falling in that direction.
Sabrine Fan Cards
Dimensional Universal Gate
Field Spell
If there are monsters with a Pre-Typing on the field, they are destroyed during the End Phase of the controller's turn. This effect cannot be negated. If there are monsters with a Pre-Typing on the field: You can Special Summon 1 monster with a Pre-Typing from your Graveyard during the Standby Phase of your turn. There can only be 1 "Dimensional Gate" Field Spell on the field at a time.
Nebula Scout Cygnus
Level 2 Attribute LIGHT
Psychic/Warrior/Pendulum/Effect
ATK: 600 DEF: 1400
{Scale 3}
{Pendulum Effect: You can only Pendulum Summon "Nebula" or "Astrollite" Monsters. This effect cannot be negated. Once per turn, all Astrollite monsters on your field gain 200 ATK for every face-up card you control during the Damage Step. If an Astrollite Monster would be destroyed by battle or card effect: You can destroy this card instead.)
Monster Effect: If this card is Pendulum Summoned by a "Nebula" or "Astrollite" monster: You can add 1 "Astrollite" card from your Graveyard to your hand. Also, you cannot Special Summon monsters from your Extra Deck, except for "Nebula" or "Astrollite" monsters.
Nebula Scout Crux
Level 1 Attribute LIGHT
Psychic/Warrior/Pendulum/Effect
ATK: 100 DEF: 0
{Scale 6}
{Pendulum Effect: You can only Pendulum Summon "Nebula" or "Astrollite" Monsters. This effect cannot be negated. Once per turn, if you control no monsters: You can destroy this card, then Special Summon 1 "Astrollite" or "Nebula" monster from your Deck. If an Astrollite Monster would be destroyed by battle or card effect: You can destroy this card instead.)
Monster Effect: If this card is Pendulum Summoned by a "Nebula" or "Astrollite" monster: You can add 1 "Astrollite" card from your Graveyard to your hand. Also, you cannot Special Summon monsters from your Extra Deck, except for "Nebula" or "Astrollite" monsters.
Astrollite Transformation
Ritual Spell
This card can be used to Ritual Summon any "Astrollite" Ritual Monster. You must all tribute monsters from your hand or field whose total Level equal or exceed the Ritual Monster. While this card is in your GY (Quick Effect); banish it, and for the rest of the turn, negate the effects of face-up monsters on the field that were Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, except for "Astrollite" monsters.
Astrollite Valkyrie Neptune
Level 4 Attribute WATER
Spellcaster/Warrior/Ritual/Effect
ATK: 600 DEF: 2400
You can Ritual Summon this card with any "Astrollite" Ritual Spell. Must be Ritual Summoned. When this card is Ritual Summoned: Add 1 "Astrollite" Equip Spell from your Deck to your hand. Once per turn, if an Astrollite monster is being targeted for an attack (Quick Effect): Change the target of the attack to this card, and if this card is destroyed: banish your opponent's monster that battled. If this card is not destroyed by battle; send 1 "Astrollite" Equip Spell from your Deck to the Graveyard instead. This card cannot attack the turn it activates this effect.
T.A.E.E.S
Rank 4 Attribute LIGHT
Machine/Psychic/XYZ/Effect
ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000
2 Level 4 LIGHT Monster
You can only control 1 'T.A.E.E.S.' on the field. Once per turn, when this card attacks or is attacked (Quick Effect): The attack is negated and attach 1 monster your monster controls as an XYZ Material. Then, your opponent takes damage double the attack of this card. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect. During the End Phase, if this card did not attack or wasn't attack that turn: Detach 1 XYZ Material.
Kamden Fan Cards
Larvae Dragun
Level 1 Attribute EARTH
Dragon/Effect
ATK: 0 DEF: 0
If you control a Dragon-Type Synchro Monster: You can Special Summon this card from your hand. When this card is Special Summoned by its own effect: You can Tribute this card; Special Summon 1 Dragon-Type Synchro Monster from your Extra Deck. That monster cannot attack and is destroyed during the End Phase of that turn. You can only use this effect once per Duel.
Dragunity Chivalry
Quick-Play Spell
Activate only when you and your opponent control at least 1 Dragon-Type Monster. During the Battle Phase, when your monster attacks: negate the effects of Equip Spells on Dragon-Type monsters except your own, and if you do, inflict double piercing damage to your opponent. During your End Phase after this card was activated: Equip 1 monster you control to a Dragon-Type monster. You can only use 1 "Dragunity Chivalry" once per turn.
Reincarnation Winds
Normal Trap
Banish 1 Synchro Monster from your Graveyard, and if you do, Special Summon 1 WIND-Type Reincarnation Monster. You can only use "Reincarnation Winds" once per turn.
Reincarnation HeartDrake
Level 8 Attribute WIND
Dragon/Effect
ATK: 3000 DEF: 2800
Cannot be Normal Summoned. If this card is Special Summoned by a "Reincarnation" Spell or Trap: Shuffle up to three monsters in your Graveyard back into your Deck and draw 1 card. Once per turn, during the End Phase, if this card was Special Summoned or flipped face-up this turn and you control no "Reincarnation Summoner": Return it to the hand. You can only each effect of "Reincarnation HeartDrake" once per turn.
Reincarnation Dragunity Knight - Hrotti
Level 12 Attribute WIND
Dragon/Synchro/Effect
ATK: 4000 DEF: 4000
1 Dragunity Tuner + 1 or more non-tuner Reincarnation Monsters
When this card is Synchro Summoned: Banish 3 or 6 random face-down cards from your Extra Deck, face-down; draw 1 card for every 3 cards banished. If your opponent activates an effect while you control only WIND-Attribute monsters: Shuffle back 1 one your banished "Reincarnation" WIND-Attribute monsters. When this card is sent to the Graveyard while equipped with a monster(s): Special Summon the monster(s) equipped to the card. You can only use the third effect of "Reincarnation Dragunity Knight - Hrotti" once per turn.
So yeah, I wasn't going to add too much plot since I planned for like, two Duels to happen in this Chapter, but then angst decided to barge in and kick my butt. Thus leading to this… the mess of a Chapter. Which I'll be keeping as is.
As much as I was tempted to finish the Duel this chapter, I decided not to do so. At least just yet. And did I forget that Niles and Yuri were there too? Nope, I just wanted to focus on the Duel. Besides neither of the Phantom XYZ Users has enough interesting dialogue to put into the chapter.
Next chapter, though, well… you will all see. Next time when the Pendulum Swing.
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!