As Yuzu exited the Duel Palace, she could hear Melissa praising her duel with Chojiro to high heaven among the relentless cheering of the audience. That was definitely satisfying for her, as one of her main objectives was reached: to unite everyone in harmony. Now with this, and with City's philosophy of listening to the winner, the stage was set for everyone to hear about the interdimensional war. And Yuya… She was certain to have reached him with her Entertainment Dueling.
However, her trip back to the Council's Penthouse wouldn't come without a surprise, as the screens in the Duel Palace showed the next competitor.
"Serena?" Indeed, Serena was in this dimension, fighting in the Friendship Cup as well. Her opponent was someone named Tony Simmons which… Surprised her, as she felt like, so far, every single one of her matches was one person she knew about against someone she did not.
Bloom Diva joined the pinkette on her way to her room, while she was in the elevator, surprised to see her pensive, despite her tremendous Duel, which lifted the spirits of everyone.
"Hmm… Anything troubling you, Yuzu?"
"Not really…" Yuzu said back. "It's that I was curious to see that Serena has also participated."
"Ah, Serena? You had convinced her not to side with Fusion, correct?"
"It has to be so… Otherwise, she would have been captured, since the Obelisk Force was after her. I doubt Academia would just send a single soldier to an open tournament… Still though, this is a tournament in Synchro… It feels so weird to have many people that I know as participants. I mean… So far, each Duel has had at least one of us participating."
The Fairy reflected a bit on this situation as the two arrived on their floor. "It is strange indeed. Not to mention Reiji's involvement. That means that so far, at least five people, likely six, have come here from Standard."
"Definitely six. Only Reiji could feasibly do something like this. Not to mention him and Reira are hardly seen without each other."
The two then calmly returned to their room, and the first thing Yuzu did was check on Serena's Duel. Bloom Diva joined her, and gasped audibly when she saw who was on Serena's side.
SERENA: 2500 LP
Lunalight Cat Dancer (Level 7/DARK/Beast-Warrior/Fusion/2400/2000)
1 Card in Hand
TONY: 3000 LP
3 x Archfiend Zombie-Skull (Level 6/DARK/Zombie/Synchro/2500/1200)
Equip Spell Zombie Heart equipped to Center Archfiend Zombie-Skull
1 Set Card
0 Cards in Hand
"Cat Dancer?!" Bloom Diva gasped, even putting a hand over her mouth.
"Yes, that is Serena's Ace Monster. A fearsome Fusion that can-" Yuzu stopped for a bit, realizing…
"How do you know about Cat Dancer? I don't recall ever telling you about what Serena used." She saw that the Choir was a bit bashful, and wondered if she had struck something in her. Bloom Diva quickly recollected her thoughts, and had to explain to Yuzu.
"Cat Dancer… Is an old friend of mine, or more precisely… Mozarta's."
"Oh, really?" Yuzu exclaimed, a bit shocked. "You've mentioned that you perform far and wide… Have you met her during a journey of yours?"
The Fairy nodded. "It was a long time ago when we last saw each other. Our lands are quite distant, and we met in a… Special occasion."
"I see…" Yuzu then turned back to the TV to see that Serena had Fusion Summoned a Lunalight that she hadn't seen before.
"Appear, graceful beast who dances in moonlit fields! Lunalight Panther Dancer!" Twirling and dancing in the moonlight, this new Monster of darker complexion wielded golden moon-shaped sabres near her shoulders, scarlet blades that were as long as her arms, and pink ribbons attached to light yellow rings. She had her eyes covered up by black bangs, as was her long tail, paws, round ears, corset with breastplate and leggings, trimmed with white fur all over. She assumed a dangerous pose after her little number, swirling her pink cape as she did..
Lunalight Panther Dancer (Level 8/DARK/Beast-Warrior/Fusion/2800/2500)
"What? Did Cat Dancer transform into a stronger Fusion?" Yuzu wondered, to which Bloom Diva answered:
"Not only a stronger version… A stronger performer and overall version of herself. You shall see soon."
Yuzu gasped when she saw Tony activate Bottomless Trap Hole to destroy, then banish Panther Dancer. Bloom Diva remained calm, however, as she saw her dodge the trap effortlessly, as she cannot be destroyed. Panther Dancer then attacked each Archfiend Zombie-Skull, decimating them all under the time limit posed by Zombie Heart, which threatened to KO Serena should the turn end. Panther Dancer kept getting stronger, bit by bit, 200 ATK by 200 ATK, as she tore apart each one of the Archfiends, attacking them twice, with various combo attacks and slashes, in the same manner as Cat Dancer, but more ferociously.
Panther Dancer ATK 2800 - 3000 - 3200
Tony Simmons LP: 3000 - 2700 - 2400 - 1900 - 1400 - 700 - 0
The Standard lookalike was astonished at what Serena had pulled. This was unprecedented power displayed by a singular monster, she felt. Bloom Diva then explained a bit what she was about.
"Cat Dancer is the proud leader of a tribe of performers in the art of dancing. I have been told that it all started with Blue Cat dancing under the moonlight with a wish: to grow stronger as a dancer and a fighter to protect her friends… And to perform her unique style of fighting." Yuzu listened closely. She saw Blue Cat in an earlier duel with Serena, so it was easy to associate the spike in power between her and Cat Dancer as her getting stronger… Not to mention the fact they're both Cats. The Choir continued:
"As she trained and danced, a shadow of something more powerful, created by the moon, stretched further and further from Blue Cat. She kept dancing until the light brightened at its apex, at which point she glowed a bright blue, yet it was not enough. It took the presence of her training partner, Purple Butterfly, to finally allow the ritual to be performed. As the two ascended in a spiral under the moonlight… Cat Dancer was born."
While fascinating, this essay did raise a question for Yuzu to ask:
"So, does that mean that Panther Dancer came out of Cat Dancer training hard?"
"Indeed, but it hardly stopped there. Actually, this transformation was problematic for her, as it made her more feral than ever at first, unbefitting of her performances. I... Unexpectedly lent a hand."
"Wait, you did?! But how?" Yuzu grew wide-eyed, but the Choir was quick to explain:
"I was to assist in a periodic festival by the Lunalights, in which they impress with the best numbers they have to offer. Suffice to say, Cat Dancer losing control would have ruined it, so Blue Cat had requested my aid... As I saw her pondering on the way to their tribe's village. I was the catalyst for the beginning of Cat Dancer as a performer, meshing her fighting style with graceful movements so that she could keep in control.
In a way... We are also rivals."
"R...Rivals?" The pinkette was awestruck by what she just heard, but was still willing to listen to her companion, nodding to give the signal.
"Indeed. Ever since, her desire for growth has never stopped and she kept performing to surpass herself, as I have. As far as I know, she is the only one of the Lunalights who strives to fight to better herself, assisted by her companions, who prefer to perform to entertain, but never leave her side when in need."
Yuzu, by now, had gotten used to what she thought were Solid Vision Holograms now having stories and motivations. It also seemed that Melodious and Lunalight had different methods of creating new forms and monsters, and their leaders even had a rivalry with each other. A whole new set of worlds that was… Admittedly too much for her at the moment.
"I… Wow! I can only imagine how Yuya's Performapals came to be! Or the Superheavy Samurais… There's a whole new universe out there that I know… Next to nothing about!"
"If you wish, I could share some stories when we have free time. But it is clear that we have bigger matters on our hands now. Actually… Would you mind if I departed the room for a moment?"
"Ah, go ahead. You want to see where Serena might be?"
"Exactly, I may… Manage to do something about this isolation!"
"What are you-" As Yuzu talked, the Choir jolted out of the room and through the door. Without asking any further questions at the moment, she put Bloom Diva's card as close to the door as she could. Bloom Diva surveyed the outside, searching up, then down. Indeed, she saw Serena in the distance closing in to Yuzu's position, but two floors lower. Serena finally found her room, which was revealed to be…
"Her room is two floors below ours, and one room away. It might be near enough for this to work." As the Choir put it.
"Oh, for what?"
"For communicating with Cat Dancer."
Yuzu gasped, as she thought something like this was impossible, yet Bloom Diva attempted to give an explanation.
"You see, there is a slight space between this world and ours. A rift, if you will, in which we may both co-exist. I know it sounds impossible, but… I need to try to reach her while in this rift."
Yuzu didn't even bother understanding what the Fairy said. This sounded really far-fetched, but…
"I don't care how you do it. I don't care what it takes, I need a way to find SOMEONE in this place! You can explain later if you feel like it, but if you need to do it now, go!"
"Right away!" Bloom Diva immediately vanished from Yuzu's presence. The duelist was confused, but if her Ace could somehow find a way for Yuzu to communicate with her Fusion lookalike, it wouldn't matter at all. She cleaned herself up a bit while awaiting her return.
RIFT BETWEEN WORLDS
Bloom Diva found herself in the rift between the two worlds. It was empty, besides the two portals that led to Yuzu's Point of View and the Conservatory. She couldn't stray too much from said portals, so there wasn't much left to do for her besides singing. And so, she did. A chipper, yet elegant melody with a fairly fast beat underneath it, she made sure her voice could be heard by Cat Dancer, for as long as she felt she needed. After three minutes of singing…
"Oh! That tune… And that voice? Could it be…?"
Bloom Diva felt that in her mind and stopped. She couldn't even believe it worked for a minute! But she found the right opportunity for her to do this, and hopeful, she exclaimed…
"Cat Dancer! After so long, I finally found you!" She communicated telepathically to the Lunalight Fusion, hoping to be heard… "We have linked our thoughts in harmony back then, do you remember?"
After a brief moment, with a thought that said voice was just a hallucination…
"Mozarta? Is that you?! Have you actually become the Bloom Diva I've seen?!"
The Choir teared up to finally hear her dear friend after so long. She needed a second to finally recollect her thoughts, as this visit wasn't only for pleasure.
"Indeed I have! I-"
"OH, IT'S BEEN SO LONG!" Cat Dancer impatiently thought, interrupting Bloom Diva. "I'm so glad to see you well… And better than last time, even! I am so proud!"
"I am glad to see you as well. Since I can hear you in this void, I imagine you have managed to link your thoughts with Serena."
"Oh, right! You too with that Yuzu girl! I saw what you did in the last Duel and it was so… Inspiring! The second I saw you, I just KNEW I needed to step my game up! I was just about to train alongside my companions…"
Bloom Diva smiled proudly, seeing…
"Your spirit has not changed one bit, Cat Dancer. I am pleased. You too have refined your dance in an elegant way. Your rhythm is now keeping up at a faster tempo, and you are wielding your more ferocious forms with an equal finesse."
"These three fiends have made for some excellent pouncing targets, no need to flatter me! You already did by embracing the lovely Fusion ritual! You have become much better not only as a singer, but as a fighter, and…"
Bloom Diva was a bit afraid of what that pause implied.
"A-And…?"
"Somehow, you've become ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!" This critical compliment immediately flustered the Fairy, having her blush. But Cat Dancer wasn't done.
"Your voice absolutely melted me so much that even Serena noticed it! Your attire and how it combines with a moonflower is splendid! Your eyes are so bright and lucid, your-"
Bloom Diva kept getting more and more bashful. Sure, she knew Cat Dancer prior and was pleased with the compliments, but being a Saint as her role now, or due to Soprano's disposition, she suddenly felt more embarrassed than she should while as Mozarta. However, she quickly recovered and interrupted that storm of compliments, as she had a job to do.
"PLEASE, CAT DANCER…! I… Need this to stop before it goes too far."
Cat Dancer sounded a tiny bit offended.
"Hm? I don't recall you ever being this timid! Maybe the Fusion had something to do with it? Honestly, I don't know…"
"Sorry, but…" Bloom Diva continued. "I am afraid my visit is not just for pleasure. You see… My Maestra, Yuzu, Needs to contact someone, and thanks to you, she might be able to talk to her… Albeit indirectly."
"Oh. Yeah, we're on the same boat. Serena is extremely frustrated. Our luck has been AWFUL! I've just managed to communicate with her right after she had broken out of the shell Academia put her in… And since we've come to this dimension, we've only got into TWO prisons! Only the first one was honest! This one is just a Five-star jail they pass off as a hotel!"
"Cat Dancer… Please!" The choir was overwhelmed at this information spoken in a crescendo of rage. "I believe there is much to cover for all of us. I need to inform Yuzu first, she is awaiting my return. Then, we shall discuss all that happened."
The Cat immediately calmed down and reflected.
"Hmm… I agree. While I would love to hone my training, answers come first. I cannot bear to see Serena alone again. And besides… Now we're all in to stop the war."
"Ah! I am glad!" The Fairy exclaimed, then was caught off guard by... "My apologies, what do you mean with the word "all"?"
"Ah, it's kind of a long story…" The Dancer replied, sounding a bit confused. "Look, I'll get you two caught up in a bit. So… We tell our masters, then we meet back up here in 5 minutes?"
"Affirmative. Until then!"
"Later!" Cat Dancer then disconnected from the call, and Bloom Diva set out for Yuzu's position. But she had to warn the others first.
DUEL SPIRIT WORLD - CONSERVATORY
Elegy was near the Flower Portal. She is usually fairly patient, but couldn't hide a bit of her concern when she saw Bloom Diva was getting late to an appointment. She wouldn't have to wait long, however, as she quickly saw the Choir… Awkwardly sticking her head out of the portal, and telling her...
"My apologies, but it seems we must delay our recital. Is Aria with you?"
The gloomy Diva responded: "Currently not. She was quite looking forward to showing you our new performance, so she is in the main hall… But no worries."
"Please relay my message to everyone: we may have new information… And new allies to stop the war. I would love to tell more now, but I must make haste at once!" Bloom DIva then came back and the portal closed without Elegy even getting to say a word.
"It is not usual for our Choir to act like this…" Elegy thought. "The isolation of Yuzu's room must have taken a toll. How cruel of the Council! But if she speaks the truth…"
CITY - DUEL PALACE DORMITORY
Bloom Diva suddenly reappeared to a very pensive Yuzu, who was trying to scroll through channels to find some news channel that would show how things go in city, to sadly find out there was nothing of the sort. All of the channels there seem to try to distract someone who would seek information.
"I found her!"
Yuzu turned around at Bloom Diva's declaration, very surprised.
"R-Really?! Then… That means we can meet with Serena, right?"
"About that… It will not be easy. We have planned to meet up in the rift. There, I cannot relay to you the information Cat Dancer will give me. So… Please Yuzu, tell me what you want to tell Serena."
"U-Um…" Yuzu thought of something that could be useful, only to find… "Ah, I only have a lot of questions… The only thing I could really tell her is… How City works, but I'm sure she knows about that already and… Actually, I have a specific message. It's not much, as we haven't seen each other a lot, but please tell her word by word."
"Certainly." The Fairy nodded, and so Yuzu went.
"Serena… Thank you for listening to me. To us. I'm glad you finally broke out of your shell, that you finally decided to see for yourself instead of believing every order given. I know how much they trapped you, as… Let's face it, one would know that changing right in front of others is a really bad idea unless they're secluded like this… But that's in the past. I've been through some dangerous trials, and almost been captured a number of times, but I'm fine. And I assume you are, as the plan did work after all. Hopefully, we can see each other again in person. Maybe even as duelists, once this is done!"
Bloom Diva listened closely, then confirmed and went off to tell Cat Dancer. They met at the scheduled time and exchanged all the information they could. Cat Dancer in particular had a ton to tell, as Serena. The Fusion Duelist came to know about Academia's atrocities through Shun as Yuzu suggested, and together they repelled the invasion. She is now part of a group known as Lancers, which included all the Standard duelists Yuzu had seen so far, as well as Yuya, Dennis, Shun, Sawatari and Reiji, their leader. They had come to Synchro to gather allies, but were separated. All of them had also come to rescue Yuzu, especially Yuya. They all were arrested in some way by Security, but received the support of the Council, who allowed them all to participate in the Friendship Cup as a chance to prove their strength. Likewise, Bloom Diva relayed all the information Yuzu gave her. About the state of City, how she got in Synchro in the first place shortly after being chased by an Academia Soldier… And her meeting Yugo. It really wasn't much, compared to what Serena had to say. Shortly after, the two Monsters communicated to their respective duelists what the other had gone through.
Yuzu felt more and more relieved after hearing all the support she received, everyone coming to their aid, and… Most importantly to her, being fine. The only sour spot was Serena telling about even more people carded, but there was little to be done here. Now some things made much more sense, with the Friendship Cup and Reiji's involvement in it. There were still holes to be filled, but she was definitely glad to finally talk to someone, even though it's through an indirect and far-fetched way.
"Ah, Yuzu…" Bloom Diva concluded. "I bear a message from Serena. I shall relay it to you as told."
"All right, let's hear it." Yuzu listened closely to what Serena had to say, through the Choir.
"I'm sorry. I was the one that got you in all this mess, all because I wanted answers. I thought that you didn't make it at first when the invasion was over, that you were carded by the Obelisk Force… You were the first one in a long time to show me kindness, and because of me, you put yourself in danger. So I just had to atone for what I've done… But when I saw you in the Friendship Cup, I felt immense relief that you came out of it alive… And respect. Surviving the Obelisk Force is no easy feat, and… Your way of making people smile, which I also saw in Yuya, has done a ton for both of us. I finally understood that this is your strength; this is definitely the reason you got this far. When I saw you win, I felt like all of the weight I had on my shoulders was gone. Cat Dancer was extremely happy too… Actually, you might be the reason I even got to finally speak with her… Yeah, I'll say it. You saved me, Yuzu. Were it not for you, I would have served a cause that I don't even know it's good for the universe personally! I believed what the Professor said… But I also would have believed in the joy of trapping people in cards, were I to go to the frontlines. Ah, it's almost time, uh… Thank you for helping me, Yuzu. For everything. Um… Later. Glad to see you again."
"Serena…" Yuzu struggled to take in all that her Fusion look alike had to say. To think that she blamed herself for putting Yuzu in danger while it was the pinkette's decision to exchange clothes and disguises… She was a bit embarrassed to disappoint her and tell her that she ran away and bumbled her way to Synchro. Come to think of it, she hadn't won a single Duel against academia because that twisted botanic cut them all off. But she did feel delighted when she heard that Serena was now fine, and a bit proud of her coming to her senses. She laid on her bed as Bloom Diva watched over her, trying to remember something.
"Uh… My apologies, but I forgot to relay one sentence."
"Ah, what is it, Bloom Diva?"
"If we go word by word, it is…"
"Yuya's been searching you like mad. He must really like you or something, it's almost annoying how much he screamed your name."
And as Serena's words got uttered Yuzu dropped her face on the bed instantly, some steam apparently coming out of it, as if she was almost melting to her sheets.
"Of course… OF COURSE!" Yuzu mumbled, then asked the Choir: "You held this until the last minute, didn't you?!"
"Forgive me…" The Fairy said in an apologetic tone, not an inch of irony in her voice. "Although I must tell everything, I believed this was the best way to deal with your… Quirk."
The pinkette then recovered. "Well, thank you for considering it, at least, but… People just shouldn't say things like that…! Really triggers a nerve in me."
Bloom Diva let out a giggle. At least this was an indication that she wasn't really shaken anymore, that she was at least her normal self, despite everything. A steward then came into the room to offer the dinner service, which was quite the luxurious affair, which prompted Yuzu to stare at the delicacies on the tray, and then tell the Fairy:
"Ah, Bloom Diva… If you have things to do or people to meet, it's best to do it now. I'll be having dinner now, then taking a shower. Feel free to join the others until then! Also… Any more meetings with Cat Dancer?"
"We scheduled one in about an hour from now. If you want to rest then, you may tell me. It does not seem like there is much to do here."
"Well, maybe… It's not like tomorrow I'll have to Duel. I'll see if I can get anything out of this. I would like to hear more about your stories sometime. Your meeting with Cat Dancer must be fascinating!"
"In due time… It is quite a long story. Now then, Bon Appetit. I shall join the others now."
"Alright, Bloom Diva! Take care!"
The Choir vanished from Yuzu's view as she started eating delicately and went to the Conservatory to tell everything that happened. They were somewhat concerned about Bloom Diva's belatedness, but as they heard about all the efforts done to stop the war, they were all relieved and motivated from the news. They all swore to work harder, and take some more rehearsals tomorrow, as there would be no scheduled Duel.
RIFT BETWEEN WORLDS
Shortly after, she met with Cat Dancer once more, before the night set in.
"So… How are you faring?" Bloom Diva started, and Cat Dancer quickly responded.
"Better than ever! Once we knew about Serena's efforts to stop the war, and her finally thinking for herself, something just must have clicked between me and her and POOF! We were able to talk to each other. It… Wasn't easy, considering she hardly interacted with anyone, but now she's cool with it! Once that was done, we worked even harder on our dances! Oh, speaking of talking… When did this happen between you and Yuzu?"
"Ah, it must have been a week before. She wished to learn Fusion, to become stronger to protect her friends, and that is how I, as well as many others, were created. The link happened once my Maestra beat a rival of hers, Masumi, who harshly defeated her before, as her principal attempted to take Yuzu's dad's School, and thanks to our performance they became dear friends. She too was incredulous, but after a long talk, and some ground rules, we have lived our recent adventures together…"
"Aww… Isn't that sweet? In a way, Yuzu's kinda like me! Protecting my friends is how I became Cat Dancer! And I suppose she hasn't stopped once she knew about you."
"Correct. As she learned and learned, she became more eager to protect those around her… And eventually the dimensions, as she became aware of the war." Bloom Diva's mood then turned sour. "It has been a tough week for both of us. Many confusing events, some losses… But Yuzu has always pushed through, and in this last Duel, I saw her grow into our greatest Maestra."
"I can confirm! Your performance was SPECTACULAR! Both of you! Serena too had started to finally grow outside of the shelter those fools at Academia put her in… How brave she is, to have stood up against this threat, by her own accord! I guess I can say both of our Masters are awesome!"
Bloom Diva smiled proudly. "I agree. Though… It was hard for us to see your performance, as our escort back to the Hotel was… Slow."
"Ah, you already saw the part that counted anyway! Really, all that Tony guy did was giving me some cat food. So then, let's get back to it! I see you Melodious have practiced Fusion! See, I told you that it was really good and you could learn from it! Did it take Yuzu to attempt to do that?"
"Ah, not exactly…" The Fairy turned a bit bashful. "We attempted so before, but without Yuzu's motivation, we had little to no results. Ever since, we attempted to reach the realms of newer summoning methods. Harmonia has worked hard for us, but…"
"Oh, Harmonia! I remember her accompanying you! She is your Composer, right?"
"Indeed. She has overworked herself, almost to exhaustion, to call upon new members which hosted these new Summoning Techniques. She has tried with Pendulum, and…"
"OH." Cat Dancer's tone turned dour as the word Pendulum was mentioned. Bloom Diva could hear her furiously scratching her head in her mind.
"If this reawakened that old tic of yours as Blue Cat… Please, worry not and tell me. Have you made strides in Pendulum Summoning, perhaps?"
In a fairly apologetic tone, the Cat responded: "Yyyyep. Not on our own, though. Serena told me that Reiji Akaba gave Pendulum cards to all the Lancers, so thanks to him, two new members joined us: the adorable Tiger, and that STUNNER of Wolf… Ah…"
Bloom Diva was not caught by the thoughts of Cat Dancer of the newcomers, but rather a coincidence she saw earlier.
"Gongenzaka also received Pendulums, did he not? Those too must be Reiji's doing."
"Yeah. Everyone on the Lancers now has them. Except Kurosaki. Serena told me how much he refused to receive them…"
"I see." Bloom Diva then continued with her side. "Our Composer had tried to aid us by using the Pendulumstatues we were rented in the Maiami Championship as reference, but with no success. Yuzu has also attempted to learn Synchro Summoning. While she learned the basics, no new members with the power Synchro brings have joined despite Harmonia's… Efforts."
"You've… Been quite unlucky, haven't you?"
"Not at all. Out of Yuzu's training in Synchro, Score joined and the Saint Instrument was created. While not what we were seeking, they have been essential for our victory in the Friendship Cup. We would have lost were it not for them."
"Really now?!" Cat Dancer was quite confused. "How could these have been part of your Synchro training?"
"I would rather…" Bloom Diva remembered, again, what Harmonia did for this, as a memory that kept haunting her. "...Not tell. Not yet."
The Cat decided to let her be, and tried to lighten her spirit a bit. "Well now! I must say, after what you've displayed today, I felt more invigorated than ever! I know I had to step up my training, so I did! I'm sure the Moon will grant me newfound finesse and power!"
"I am glad to hear it, Cat Dancer! Your spirit remains as fiery as ever! I shall seek further grander melodies for all of us!"
"Oh, I can't wait! You know, I really would like to visit your Conservatory and see you in person…" The Dancer's tone turned more provocative then. "I would hate it if the first time I could see your lovely face would be by tearing it in front of hundreds of thousands…"
Bloom Diva smirked, and even the Cat could feel it. "I assure you, I am quite hard to silence. I would suggest you to be careful, to not be blown away!"
"Ohoho! That's the spirit! And I thought you lost some when you fused… Still, be prepared! The next time we meet on the battlefield, I'll have a show-stopper for you!"
After this rise, both of them turned calmer. The Choir then…
"I am glad to be with you after so long. There is quite a lot to catch up for both of us, but now… I must go. Our priority shall be ending this war."
"Ah, no doubt about it! Anyway, next time in the evening?"
"That is fine for me. Now then, have a serene night and take care, Cat Dancer."
"Ah, you too as well, sweetie! Ta-Ta!" Cat Dancer then leapt out of Bloom Diva's thoughts. The Choir felt relieved to have seen an old friend of hers, and even more so as she was now one of their closest allies to end this grand threat. Coincidentally, she felt called by Yuzu, so she went right beside her. Sure enough, the pinkette had held her Card.
"Yuzu?"
"Ah, Bloom Diva! How did your talk go?" The girl asked once she saw the Fairy.
"Very well! It has been rather pleasant. Cat Dancer is working harder to better herself, because of the war, and perhaps… Because of me."
"Because of our last Duel? So she didn't see you as Bloom Diva yet?"
"Not at all. Again, this form came much later than our latest encounter. She knows me much more as Mozarta."
"I understand. I would love to know more, but I'm tired at the moment. I did watch the replays of the other Duels in the Friendship Cup, not much else is there… Though Shinji wasn't shown fully."
"As expected… If what Yugo told us was true, then the last thing the Tops would want is for the Commons to take over. Since he won, I only expect more of this as the tournament progresses. Perhaps Crow is also with him?"
"I…Think? If, as Serena told us, they've been together in the hideout before going to prison... Really not helpful to divide us, considering the war. I don't think they appreciated our stunt."
"I hope they will, once we reveal our mission. Although…" Bloom Diva turned quite pensive, as she tried to recall these past Duels. "Has anyone warned the audience of the war?"
The pinkette was quite shocked and thought: "...NO, actually. I guess they're being careful about it, or following Reiji in some way. Either way, it's too soon." Then she stopped for a bit. "Wonder if anyone's read our fliers. Or if they got removed…"
Seeing Yuzu murmur more and more, Bloom Diva decided to call it.
"It is best for you to rest, Yuzu. Today has been a tough, but glorious concert. You deserve it."
"Bloom Diva… Thank you. I couldn't do this without you."
The Fairy's smile turned more endearing. "And neither could we, without your conduct. Have a serene night, our Maestra."
"Good night, Bloom Diva. Ah, and feel free to do as you wish tomorrow morning. I will wake up later, as I have no Duels. Still, do come to me once I'll call you, OK?"
"Will do."
And thus, the two separated and finally rested after a long day. Some questions were still in order, but they were sure to have made significant progress. The next morning, Yuzu woke up later than usual, but had set an alarm to set off just before the first match, breakfast already made, this time eaten with much more finesse. Then she saw the fireworks above the Palace and got started on watching the broadcast, to see the last 8 contestants. Sure enough, Yugo, Sawatari, Dennis, Shun were there, as well as some others, but when she saw who went first…
"Yuya!" Yuzu then called Bloom Diva, who came a bit later.
"Ah, good morning, Yuzu. Now, what is the mat-" And the Fairy saw him too. "Yuya is performing! And is that…"
Yuzu too noticed who Yuya was facing, but couldn't quite put it yet. However, once she saw the name "Duel Chaser 227"...
"It was the cop who almost arrested us!" Yuzu exclaimed. "That's one of the last people I'd expect to take part in this! Is he out of a job or something?"
Sure enough, it was revealed by Melissa that he was outcast once he had lost the Duel and now regarded as a Commons. It seemed that this duel was his chance at a comeback.
But next, Yuya stepped in. He was met with relentless boos, trashing him as he went to the starting line.
"H-Hey, why are you booing?!" The duo heard Melissa say, and Bloom Diva got quite angry at these words.
"He has been cast to infamy with his Duel against Jack! Is she so oblivious to the workings of this place, or is she a filthy liar?!"
"I only hope that our feelings have reached him…" Yuzu murmured. "I'm sure we did the best we could. Now he needs to pull through!"
"I believe he can win this race. It is for the best to win, as he must have witnessed the cruelty of this philosophy first hand, then he can-"
"Wait!"
Yuya's reach to the screen interrupted Bloom Diva's thoughts instantly.
"This is the Friendship Cup! Do you know what happens to the losers of these Duels?"
The two quieted down to hear the rest of these harrowing words.
"They're sent to an underground waste-process facility!"
The Choir and Yuzu froze in fear. Could this really be the terrible secret they suspected the Council was hiding?
"Those who come down never get out! They're made to do hard labor for life!"
"OH NO…!" Yuzu covered her mouth in utter shock. "Gongenzaka's in the underground? And Tsukikage?!"
Bloom Diva tried hard to get words out of her mouth: "A-and… We have sent Chojiro there! Our Song of Harmony has meant doom for our opponent…!" The Fairy trembled, and shivered, and covered herself with her arms. She was about to break down. Thoughts of how she almost sent Yuzu to a lava pool during her duel with Dennis came flooding back, leading her to once again be horrified of what she'd done… Except that was a stunt which ended ultimately well. This time, it spelled doom for their opponent. Her singing just sent a person to a life sentence.
Yuzu too was shocked, but kept her attention to listen to Yuya… But she hadn't found any more words from him. Instead, she found the crowd..
Cheering for the cruelty. There was a message of Friendship thrown around, and that was fully knowing of the terrible fate that awaited the defeated… And Melissa only confirmed with a happy attitude, but chilling words:
"What's wrong about it? It's only natural for losers to end up at the bottom!"
Yuzu could not believe it. This really was the crowd they'd united the day before. This was the crowd who had applauded everyone, and it's like all of it never mattered. When the joy comes from the loser being thrown away, there is no way the message of everyone taking joy from the duel could be realized. Every Duel would result in people suffering for eternity.
Bloom Diva was perhaps in a worse state. After all they've done to unite the city, its terrible secret not only had been revealed, but laid bare, for everyone to see. She could not think straight anymore. All the reveals were overwhelming her to the point that she couldn't even think rationally… Only feel. And the feelings were of fear. A fear instilled by a system that would disgrace anyone for making a misstep. And all this fear… Turned to rage.
"Hypocrites…"
The Fairy trembled even harder, tears pouring out of her face that were visible for even Yuzu to see. The hands that were each in her shoulders started slipping away, turning into fists as they went downwards. She became incredibly rigid, and stood up shaking, a feeling so overwhelming that even Yuzu felt it, leaving her completely speechless.
"HYPOCRITES! You claim to be bringers of unity, to be the one place where all are equal and in harmony, yet you send valiant performers to the shackles of eternal forced labor as punishment! AND YOU REVEL IN IT!"
"Bloom Diva…" Yuzu felt completely powerless, yet she tried to call out the Fairy, to snap out of it. She shared those feelings, but was horribly afraid they would spiral out of control. Indeed, her seething rage was only rising.
"This is an affront to dueling… NO, TO LIFE! How will everyone be brought together if it comes at the cost of who loses? How will it feel when YOU lose, when you are brought to the brutal requiem of INESCAPABLE SUFFERING?!"
"Bloom Diva!" Yuzu was slowly gaining the strength to try to get Bloom Diva to snap out of it.
"HOW WILL YOU FEEL UNDER THE FLAMES WROUGHT BY THE RUTHLESS NATION?!"
"BLOOM DIVA! PLEASE STOP! It's useless to lose yourself in rage! We cannot bring harmony to this dimension if we are lost! If we are suffering like this!"
"...!" The Choir suddenly stopped, all her ruinous sensations vanishing, bit by bit… All her anger, slowly fading away. All her trembling, turning from a shake akin to an earthquake to an incoherent puttering that sent the Fairy shivering. All she had left is immense sorrow, and guilt for worrying Yuzu so much.
"F-forgive me… I cannot bear this cacophony… This… Wretched… City…"
"I know… This way of thinking is unjust. Even if we weren't Entertainment Performers who want to make everyone smile, there's no way everyone would just accept people suffering like this as a custom! Did Yugo even know this if it was so usual for the spectators?"
"I… Know not…" The Fairy then broke down crying, kneeling on her flower platform. She felt completely powerless inside this cage the Council called a Hotel. Yuzu was stuck there to prevent the word from spreading, and so was she. But…
…The Choir soon stopped, and reminded herself of the words spoken by everyone.
"City listens to the winners."
"City listens to the winners."
"If you want to keep competing, just keep WINNING. Win your way through the top."
This discord in her mind soon stabilized into a sorrowful elegy, a painful reminder of the philosophy of this city. But with this sorrow… A new resolution came. And so she clapped her head, surprising her companion greatly. After a deep breath, and a singular, now uniform note, not held back by tears of rage, she addressed Yuzu properly, at last, in a serious tone.
"I apologize for worrying you so. Now I understand how to proceed."
"...Huh?" The pinkette only got more confused.
"It is clear that we cannot bring these people together by soothing their spirits. As much as it pains me, their minds are corrupted to the core by the philosophy of winning at all costs. And for every win, there is a loss. There is someone who has to suffer. As much as we did yesterday, it was only a small bit of awareness that flew through their heads. I know yet not how we shall do it, but our next performance will be an Elegy. A reminder that their divided philosophy and blatant hypocrisy will crumble under a unifying threat. That we need to stand united! And smiles alone will not bring these people together. They treat them as fickle! Only winning will. Because, ultimately, City listens to the winners."
"Bloom Diva…" Yuzu was awestruck at such a grim speech. She had never been like this since the first moment she saw her. She couldn't fully agree with such a drastic shift.
"I'm sorry you feel this way… But I don't want to just throw away what I duel for! I still want everyone to feel better and united! I'm sure something can be done about this…!"
"Yuzu!" The Choir was fairly assertive, but… "Worry not. I have not lost faith in the people of City. I am convinced we can still save them from themselves. That we can still bring peace and harmony, and relieve their souls from this burden… The burden of winning… Or losing everything."
Yuzu thought of these words… Despite the rage the Fairy felt, she still hadn't lost hope! But she was not done yet.
"It will be an arduous journey, but I am certain we can soothe everyone's souls. We just… Need to take a different approach. But you are right, Yuzu. We cannot do it if we are lost in our cacophony." Then she smiled brightly.
"Worry not, I have not lost my way. With you, I never could! Thank you… Truly!"
Yuzu felt immensely relieved, and unafraid to express her feelings through her words.
"I have to say, you really worried me back there for a minute. But I couldn't blame you one bit. What we both saw was despicable. It's getting harder and harder to bear… But I'm glad you snapped out of it."
"It seems I was still too naive." Bloom Diva reflected.
"Don't be silly, how could we expect something… LIKE THIS?!"
"Hm… Regardless, it is our duty to save these people, and warn them of the war. But this process will not be straightforward, and I doubt it will be doable within the next Duel. Surely… I will have to form a script with all my fellow members. We will all work together to save City from itself… Then the war."
Yuzu went back to her bright self as soon as she heard that. "Good to hear! Now… I'm sure we will do fine in our battle. But we're not alone in this. I know Yuya's currently fight-"
Both awkwardly stared at one another, realizing that they forgot about…
"YUYA!"
They were so in shock that they forgot that Yuya was dueling at this moment! And sure enough… This will be a tough battle for him as well. And so, they turned their full attention to the match that was unfolding… The one that may decide Yuya's destiny.
YUYA vs DUEL CHASER 227
YUYA LP: 3400
Performapal Bot-Eyes Lizard (Level 4/EARTH/Reptile/1600/1200)
Performapal Fireflux (Level 4/LIGHT/Insect/Pendulum/1200/1600)
Performapal Odd-Eyes Light Phoenix Scale 3
Performapal Odd-Eyes Unicorn Scale 8
DUEL CHASER 227 LP: 4000
Goyo Predator (Level 6/EARTH/Warrior/Synchro/2400/1200)
Goyo Arrow equipped to Goyo Predator
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!"
Yuzu was glad to see Yuya come back to his performance. After her and Bloom Diva have seen their performance to unite be in vain, they were at least relieved to know that, at least, Yuya was healed.
"I'm about to show you some surprising illusions to bring smiles to everyone's faces!"
Yuzu also saw the crowd at least getting interested in Yuya's antics.
"Yes! Yuya, now you can really tell them your message! Now go!"
Bloom Diva was more cautious.
"I hope this will last… I hope Yuya's message will be truly heard, instead of being brushed off."
Yuya activated a series of illusory effects. Bot-Eyes lizard "disguised" itself as Odd-Eyes Dragon so Odd-Eyes Unicorn could boost its ATK by another Performapal Monster's. Fireflux was chosen, and thus the seemingly helpless Lizard was able to beat the stronger Goyo Predator. Fireflux then attacked directly, turning what seemed to be a reckless play into a beautiful comeback, enrapturing the spectators.
Performapal Bot-Eyes Lizard (Odd-Eyes Dragon) ATK 1600 - 2800
DUEL CHASER 227 LP: 4000 - 3600 - 2400
Bloom Diva was very pleased with how Yuya performed.
"I see… He could have dealt significantly more damage with Dark Rebellion, yet he preferred not to, as it would have gotten stale from Jack's Duel, and because it would not be as much of a unique show. Well done!"
"We know Yuya's heart is in the right place with this! If he keeps this up, there's a chance!" Yuzu followed up.
Yuya then ended his turn with a smile on his face. As he did, the illusion wore off.
Performapal Bot-Eyes Lizard ATK 2800 - 1600
Duel Chaser then fought back harshly. His first move was to activate Monster Reborn to bring Goyo Predator back and immediately attacked Bot-Eyes Lizard with it. Yuya tried to go for an Action Card to save himself, but Duel Chaser 227 immediately bumped him out of the way, having the attack get through.
YUYA LP: 3400 - 2600
"Yuya!" Yuzu tried to call out to him, and Bloom Diva was not pleased either.
"That was a dirty maneuver, but perhaps it is part of the Duel…!"
"And it won't stop here!"
Yuzu remembered Goyo Predator's effect of reviving any monster it destroys by battle. Bot-Eyes was revived, and then attacked Yuya's Fireflux, which marked the end of Duel Chaser's turn.
YUYA LP: 2600 - 2200
"It's not over! The fun is just getting started!"
With this, Yuya swung back. He performed a Pendulum Summon with his already set scales, returning Fireflux from the Extra Deck and finally getting the real Odd-Eyes onto the field.
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (Level 7/DARK/Dragon/Pendulum/2500/2000)
"There he is!" Yuzu exclaimed.
"Yes, Odd-Eyes has returned to us, at last." Bloom Diva followed up. And albeit I only have a limited interpretation from a TV screen, I can see they are ready as ever to perform!"
"But… Wait…" The pinkette noticed something strange. Yuya… Wasn't smiling! Despite a potential finishing blow dealt by a combination of Odd-Eyes Unicorn and Dragon's effects, Yuya hesitated to even call out the effect. Growing more and more anxious, she called him out.
"Yuya… What's wrong with him?!"
The Fairy, apprehensive, hypothesized:
"Perhaps… Yuya is not ready?"
"Is it because he would send the Duel Chaser underground?"
"Most likely… I know not how he got this revelation, but it seems it has struck him deeply. I do not envy him."
The Choir's tone turned more aggressive as she heard the chanting of the audience, knowing that they wished the kid to finish off his opponent.
"How savage…! This is a gladiatorial opera for them!"
Yuya hesitated, thus 227 jumped from the side of the arena and got the Action Card Battle Lock, allowing him to skip Yuya's Battle Phase.
"No…!" Yuzu lamented Yuya's missed opportunity, but couldn't really blame him. The crowd was chanting for him to send his opponent into oblivion!
"This is no good… How could no one protest this? Is it so ingrained in their thinking that they do not care at all?!"
This worry by the Fairy only intensified as the audience booed Yuya for hesitating.
"I can't believe this…! And to think we need to get these people ready for a war!" Yuzu only got more worried and Bloom Diva became more furious.
"I do wonder how they would react were they to be invaded…! Would they accept the carded ones as losers who deserved it?!"
"Please, Bloom Diva… We should think about it later, when you are calmer! Yuya may be in trouble right now!"
The Choir nodded and they turned their attention back to the duel. Duel Chaser by then had another Synchro Monster on the field familiar to the pinkette, presumably Bot-Eyes was used as Synchro Material for this.
Goyo Chaser (Level 5/EARTH/Warrior/Synchro/1900/1000)
"I can't see how he's supposed to break through Odd-Eyes like this… HUH?!"
And just as Yuzu was talking, Duel Chaser 227 revealed that he would use Polymerization, the one given by his Director, apparently. The two Goyo Synchros had formed a new powerful boss Monster, Goyo Emperor. A younger-looking clear white creature than the Synchros she had seen before, sitting on a floating red and brown throne and wearing yellow, red and blue royal garb with black and red shoulder pads.
Goyo Emperor (Level 10/EARTH/Warrior/Fusion/3300/3000)
"Fusion?! Does all of the Police have this at their disposal?" Yuzu asked, shocked. Bloom Diva remembered how Yuzu's training started.
"Yugo showed us that the City database only included Synchro in their card pool for searching. They either intend for Fusion to be a Summoning Method exclusive to higher class citizens, or maybe… There is something else…"
But that was the least of their worries. As they talked, Goyo Emperor destroyed Odd-Eyes in battle with a flame breath. Shortly after, Odd-Eyes revived due to Emperor's effect, but it went to the Duel Chaser's side, greatly worrying the duo.
YUYA LP: 2200 - 1400
Bloom Diva in particular was paralyzed, hands over her mouth, having flashbacks of the time she came to Dennis' side… Though that was all an act to gain Yuzu and Dennis' friendship, and a favor. There? If things got worse, it could very well mean the end for Yuya.
Odd-Eyes then attacked Fireflux as if it were possessed, and it too gained Goyo Emperor's effect, assuming control of Fireflux and leaving Yuya wide open for a direct attack.
YUYA LP: 1400 - 100
Bloom Diva braced herself, covering her eyes, but Yuzu saw that Yuya was not flinching, despite everything… Maybe he had a plan… And sure enough, as Duel Chaser 227 was attacked, Performapal Odd-Eyes Light Phoenix's effect activated. It destroyed Odd-Eyes unicorn in its Pendulum Zone to Special Summon itself. Yuya managed to hang in there for this turn after all.
Performapal Odd-Eyes Light Phoenix (Level 5/LIGHT/Winged-Beast/Pendulum/2000/1000)
Bloom Diva opened her eyes again. "My apologies… It is not usual for me to act like this, but the prospect of this… Ruthless Hymn is…"
"I agree, it's too much." Yuzu followed that up. "Maybe even for Yuya… He's not acting like himself."
Bloom Diva returned her attention to the match, trying to follow the Red Biker as closely as possible. Indeed, it seemed like his enthusiasm had completely vanished, even though his chances at victory did not. He activated Double Reborn Level 4, allowing each player to Special Summon a Level 4 Monster in defense position. But more than the effect, the duo was focused on how Yuya carried it out… It seemed… Quite aggressive. Duel Chaser 227 summoned Jutte Lord while Yuya summoned Bot-Eyes Lizard.
Jutte Lord (Level 4/EARTH/Warrior/1700/1200)
Yuya then used the Lizard's effect to treat it as Odd-Eyes Dragon. This allowed it to evolve, by tributing Odd-Eyes Light Phoenix. Thus, the Odd-Eyes Dragon in name transformed into Saber Dragon, a version of Odd-Eyes that was clad in shining white and gold armor, from head to tail, with sharp wings, dual on each side.
Odd-Eyes Saber Dragon (Level 8/LIGHT/Dragon/2800/2000)
Saber Dragon then attacked Jutte Lord and destroyed it. Then, his master had this to say.
"This has just started."
This was unlike Yuya at all. He sounded more aggressive than ever. And it only kept rising as he activated Saber Dragon's effect. As it destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, it can destroy another monster on the field, that being Goyo Emperor. As he did, he took control of Odd-Eyes and Fireflux back, and attempted to score a direct KO with the former. The two then spotted two Action Cards, and went to grab them. The duo went silent as it all unfolded.
The two slammed their bikes' sides constantly, trying to one-up the other in a fierce clash, managing both to snatch an Action Card each. The action cards taken were Evasion for Duel Chaser 227, and No Action for Yuya, which negates another Action Card. Yuzu and Bloom Diva gasped as they saw Duel Chaser skid back and Yuya pulling ahead, and Odd-Eyes roaring at the Policeman, striking its bike with the mouth and knocking him to the floor for the KO.
DUEL CHASER 227 LP: 2400 - 0
As all of this chaos unfolded, there was one clear image, one clear script that both could follow.
Yuya had won… And City loved him for it. The crowds roared for his brutal victory, Melissa had praised him for his performance… And yet he was angry. It was seen on the victory screen how much he despised this. It was clear in his expression and movement that this just wasn't right. It was clear in a rush to rescue the injured Duel Chaser 227, screaming to not bring him to the underground, that this just was so abhorrent to him!
"City… Won this battle." Those were Bloom Diva's last words before she turned away from the screen in disgust. She then continued to a stunned Yuzu:
"Yuya could not perform at all. His Song of Smiles was stopped by the eerie reality of this place. He was dragged by the crowd to sing for them, to be their plaything. It was too overwhelming… When faced with the harsh reality of sending someone to their eternal demise… Nobody could make everyone smile. Not even one as talented as Yuya."
Yuzu shed a single tear before getting off the bed and staring at the windows outside, the Choir joining her.
"I don't think it's just that." The pinkette followed up on Bloom Diva's words. "When he did his last turn, Yuya sounded… Really resentful. Like, after all the insults he's received, for a moment, he lashed back in rage. Not nearly on the same level as we first saw him… How could it be, since he looked like he was possessed, but…"
"I can confirm. Not only Yuya, but also Odd-Eyes. He too tried to perform, but was stopped by the ruthless tactics, as well as the ruthless crowd. He snapped back once he returned to Yuya's side. I could feel his aggressiveness towards his opponent right then. I am convinced, both hate this situation."
Yuzu then turned to the Fairy with a sad look on her face. "Bloom Diva… Look, if Yuya didn't quite make it, then it may very well be our turn next to Duel. We have to get prepared until then. I'll be fine here… I suggest you go back to your friends. You… Really need a plan, also someone to console you now… And I think I did the best I could. Sorry if it wasn't enough."
"I truly wish you could join us…" Bloom Diva remarked. "It would be unjust for me to leave you alone in a situation like this. You too need-"
"I'll be fine!" The Maestra lashed back, her grief gradually turning to determination as she spoke. "As long as I know that Yuya can get out of this, I'll be fine. He always has thus far, I'm sure he can do it right now too. But… We'll help him all we can, and for that… You need help too. We'll do this all together, Bloom Diva! As you said, we'll save City from itself!"
Bloom Diva felt reinvigorated as Yuzu's determination grew, and she finally gave a smile in return, noticing a pattern.
"How many times have we been pushed back to rise again, now?"
"Huh?" Yuzu was caught off guard by the question, but the Choir elaborated.
"Each time we were held back, each time we discovered something abhorrent… We always got up and pushed forward. Many brown notes, interferences, and impolite guests of all methods, but thanks to each other, our Sonata has never stopped."
"And there's the Bloom Diva I remember!" The pinkette smiled openly, explaining: "Really thought that was the last straw once I saw you like this. I didn't blame you, one bit! This is not only cruel, but an affront to what Dueling, no, LIFE is about! But you almost lost yourself for a moment… But you managed to get back on your feet just fine!"
"And so will all of us!" Bloom Diva now looked more determined than ever. "I have left my fellow members in the dark for too long! Now, I shall depart, and have us organize our next concert. We shall make our voices heard!"
"Yes! Feel free to take as much time as you like... And thank you, truly. I could not have done this without you!"
"Neither could I."
The two had one last, happy exchange before Bloom Diva left Yuzu's sight. As she did, Yuzu returned to stare at what she saw below from her windows and thought out loud:
"Man, and I thought this City looked beautiful. I mean, where else have you seen such clear waters, futuristic, beautiful islands, and giant Sawatari hologra-"
And the realization set in.
"Sawatari!" Indeed, she forgot that it was his turn now, and apparently Bloom Diva did too. The duelist kept thinking:
"Hmm… I don't think she would like to miss this, but now she's got other matters on her mind and… I doubt she would want to see another match of this tournament… Oh well."
And so, she turned to watch the next match, being quite surprised at who he was facing.
"YUGO?! Oh, now he's gonna have to endure that smug imbecile…"
But then, memories started to flood back of the genuine fun he seemed to have with Yuya due to their Entertainment Dueling. Also, he IS fighting to stop a war, as Serena had told her.
Thus, she shut up and watched, waiting for the Fairy to do her dues.
DUEL SPIRIT WORLD - CONSERVATORY
Bloom Diva attempted first to reach out to Cat Dancer, but to no avail. By her intuition and the Dancer's words, she too had started preparing herself for Serena's next match. Only the destination left.
She warped in from the portal, to find Harmonia and Shopina waiting for her with agitated looks on their faces. The Composer came running to her first.
"Bloom Diva! Shortly after you left, the Flower Portal started shaking and trembling! Nobody here knows why!"
"Uh, did it? I may be the reason why…" The Choir started putting her right hand up anxiously, knowing that she must tell them what she witnessed, but extremely hesitant to do so, as she thought it would be too much to bear. Harmonia and Shopina, noticing that, came after her and held her other hand, nodding both, signaling that they were ready to listen to whatever she had found.
And so, she relayed the information the best way she could: by singing. It was a sorrowful elegy of slow, uneven tempo which resonated throughout the conservatory, accompanied by an ominous latin chant, which is possible, but rare for her to unleash alongside her dulcet tone. This alarmed the whole Melodious Ensemble, as thoughts of hundreds of thousands cheering for the people's eternal suffering came through them as her memories, and how it had overtaken the messages of hope and unity Yuya and Yuzu tried to spread. Hearing this, everyone came near the fusion portal to listen to the Choir. As she finished, she found that everyone had come, including the kids, with worried looks on their faces… And so, she started talking.
"I am sorry, everyone… It seems as if our efforts were in vain after all…"
Then the other Members who just came each had their own response.
First up, Elegy, softly: "How dreadful… This is worse than anything I could have the heart to recite…"
Then Serenade, much angrier: "Were they not the people who spread the idea of friendship in this tournament? How vile!"
Then Solo, really disappointed: "How good is sending a message to hundreds of thousands if they will just reject it?! And to think I was excited for this…"
Canon followed her up, pensive: "I told you it wouldn't be easy, considering what Yugo had said. But this is… Ugh, it's so much worse than we could have imagined!"
Sonata remembered Yugo's words which were relayed previously here: "He told us that it was the Tops who had resentment towards their lessers. But from what you've told us… So do the Commons?"
Aria had just accompanied Tamtam, Opera, and Score to join the group, still too scared to talk, and tried to console them.
"Listen, everyone… This is awful, I know… But we've been through many trials in the past. I'm sure we can find a solution to this as well."
"That is why I called you all here." Bloom Diva then explained. "As I said, our efforts were ultimately in vain. The message of Friendship and unity? All accepted as an illusion. But there is one aspect we can take solace with. Yuzu won. And with more victories, City gives us more of a voice. With our first victory, we have at least enraptured the hearts of people who wanted us to succeed. It is time to reach out for them in our next Duel, and show them how their philosophy could only hurt them in the future. By treating our next opponent as our equal, by comforting them on their loss if we succeed, we can show them how to view a performance through proper eyes. Our objective for the next round shall be to save City from this rotten mentality, and bring harmony to it. Their discord cannot continue; if it does, they will not be ready for the incoming invasion."
"Um… I am sure that… Some people listened to you… Maybe they were too scared to say it?" Opera stunned the group, somehow bringing up a fantastic point. Maybe fitting, considering she usually is quite timid. Shopina directly supported her.
"Hmm… It is tough to verify, being so isolated… But there were people out there that cheered for Chojiro at the time, despite his loss. They praised him because he still captured the hearts of the audience. I refuse to believe that no one supports him now, as he is in the Underground Facility."
"I could see people were really excited, even for just the moment I was there!" Score added, and Tamtam finished.
"Maybe they had a bad teacher too! Is it Jack?"
Bloom Diva wondered if that were the case as the others were talking. He was the King, after all. And the conqueror of the "winner takes all" philosophy. But was he really supporting the enslavement of those who lost? Was this really the living legend who started from the bottom? He must have seen oppression coming from above if he did… So many questions, not enough answers, yet one resolution.
"We know little, but rest assured… We shall bring peace!"
The Ensemble all agreed and supported her, giving her a warm smile. Harmonia then talked to her:
"Thanks for warning us, we'll prepare for our next match! I'll see if I can get some scripts done, too! Now… You should probably get back to Yuzu. We're sure she suffered as much as you did for this."
"That is true. I came here at her request, as she wanted us to all be ready as well. Now, I shall return to her."
Bloom Diva then excused herself and was met with cheers and salutes from the whole ensemble.
"Let Yuzu know we'll be by her side and that we'll be ready!" Harmonia shouted, which prompted a nod from the Choir, who then warped away.
CITY - COUNCIL PENTHOUSE
Yuzu had watched the start of the Duel between Sawatari and Yugo, and she was quite stunned at what the former had pulled. He bumbled his way into getting the first move with a wheelie that she wasn't sure was even intentional, then had a bunch of Monsters she was totally unfamiliar with and that… Somehow fit him? Bloom Diva came back to assist her, at the request of Harmonia.
"Yuzu! I have spoken to the others at last! They are aware and willing to assist you!" The Fairy started, and Yuzu turned around to face her.
"Ah, Bloom Diva… You came back way sooner than I expected. Are you all right?"
"Indeed, we are! Harmonia and Shopina are taking the charge for this assignment, but I have spoken to them of my plan. Now, they requested me to stay by your side for the time being."
"Thanks, but… I'm not sure you really want to watch what is up now."
"Worry not, I have made peace with the consequences. Our goal is to mend these wounds. Now… Let me see, who is up now?" Bloom Diva turned to watch the screen, and got caught by Sawatari and his monsters passing through a gleaming "ABYSS ACTOR" gate made of colored lights while posing for the audience. It was revealed that this was Abyss Script - Opening Ceremony's effect, which made him gain 500 LP for each Abyss Actor on the field in attack position. By his side, Superstar stuck out of the group of Actors, what looked like a classily dressed black puppet with a gray face, glowing eye, and a purple cap.
SAWATARI vs YUGO
SAWATARI LP: 4000 - 5000
Abyss Actor - Extras Scale 3
Abyss Actor - Funky Comedian Scale 8
Abyss Actor - Superstar (Level 7/DARK/Fiend/Pendulum/2500/1800)
Abyss Actor - Sassy Rookie (Level 4/DARK/Fiend/Pendulum/1700/1000)
1 Card in Hand
YUGO LP: 4000
5 Cards in Hand
"Sawatari and… Yugo?!" These were two people the Choir admired, being put one against the other. The penalty would be eternal doom, so it would be natural for her to be deeply concerned. She breathed deeply, however, and accepted it.
"I knew this would come. Not sure when, but it will be only one of us who shall escape this underground pit. What we can only do is try to fight it. Perhaps the way the two will conduct could soothe their spirit, as well as ours."
Yuzu felt relieved hearing the Choir say that, so she invited her to "sit down" alongside her. A breath and a movement later, they were beside each other. At that point, Yugo had already started his plays, by having three familiar faces on his side of the field.
Speedroid Terrortop (Level 3/WIND/Machine/1200/600)
Speedroid Taketomborg (Level 3/WIND/Machine/600/1200)
Speedroid Red-Eyed Dice (Level 1/WIND/Machine/Tuner/100/100)
The outcome of such a setup was obvious for the duo. The three were all used for the Synchro Summon of Clear Wing. It got unleashed and flew courageously beside Yugo.
Clear Wing Synchro Dragon (Level 7/WIND/Dragon/Synchro/2500/2000)
"She is as determined as ever… Almost like the news of the Underground did not faze her, were she to have listened."
"I can see that… You told me that Yugo and her had that shared dream of getting to the top… Wait, her?!" Yuzu turned around, surprised by Bloom Diva's assessment.
"I had finally got to understand her more, yet I was not too sure at first. Clear Wing's instincts are to protect and reach the ones dear to her. That is what I understood back then. Besides, Yugo's determination will be sure to carry out the message of the war eventually, should we fail, and Sawatari… May be our last hope at an Entertainment Duel getting through."
Yuzu couldn't help but feel a little disgusted at what the Choir uttered. "I'm sorry, I'm really not used to the words "SAWATARI" and "LAST HOPE"! But… I can see him being the last resort if even Dennis fails… I can't see him having much of a chance against Kurosaki."
As they talked, Clear Wing had attacked Sassy Rookie, but its effect activated, negating the destruction. Yugo then set 2 cards to end the turn.
SAWATARI LP: 5000 - 4200
Yugo: 2 Set Cards
As Sawatari began, Yugo immediately activated Dragon's Bind, targeting Clear Wing. This prevented Sawatari from Special Summoning monsters with the same ATK or lower than hers. Next up, he activated Follow Wing, which makes Clear Wing indestructible by battle and any monster that is Level 5 or above which battles her would be destroyed, and its ATK points added to the dragon.
"He learned to counter Pendulum Summon already?" Yuzu asked. "This really limits Sawatari's options."
"Hmm… He has treated his Entertainment Duel as a performance of him slaying a dragon, it seems, and this strategy only seems to enforce that image. Now he is the one on the backfoot, whose strategies have been compromised and countered. I wonder how he will respond." Bloom Diva pointed out.
Undeterred, Sawatari drew and summoned Leading Lady, a cat-girl looking fiend who was dressed like a Halloween witch and posed cutely. Bloom Diva placed Sawatari's monsters in closer inspection, noticing that all were missing an eye.
Abyss Actor - Leading Lady (Level 4/DARK/Fiend/Pendulum/1500/1000)
He then used Superstar to add Fantasy Magic to his hand, which can return Clear Wing to the hand, only to be met with Clear Wing's Dichroic Mirror effect, which negated it and destroyed Superstar, boosting her ATK.
Clear Wing Synchro Dragon ATK 2500 - 5000
Not letting up, Sawatari activated Abyss Prop - Wild Wagon. A more spectacular show than most Continuous Spells the two have seen, it was a chariot led by demonic horses which led a streak of purple fire behind them. Leading Lady and Sassy Rookie hopped on to the wagon, running away from the Dragon.
"Quite a peculiar performance…" Bloom Diva critiqued. "This is unlike any I have seen, somehow fitting both Riding Duels and Entertainment Duels splendidly. A story of unlikely heroes attempting to scramble and defeat a huge dragon…"
"You don't happen to know them, do you?" Yuzu asked, and Bloom Diva shook her head in response. "I wonder how THESE came to be now. Were they all in Reiji's back pocket or something?!"
"Wait…! Clear Wing is…"
As Bloom Diva noticed, Clear Wing was roaring strongly towards the two Actors, who were scared… Or perhaps acting like so?
"Is she… Playing the part of the Evil Dragon?!" Yuzu exclaimed.
Sawatari ultimately couldn't do much besides ending his turn.
Clear Wing Synchro Dragon ATK 5000 - 2500
Yugo drew, and almost like he was doing a rude move, declared that Clear Wing will attack Leading Lady instead of the Sassy Rookie who can protect her. However, when a valiant knight cannot protect a sweet lady, the wagon can. The Abyss Prop prevents destruction of one Abyss Actor monster once per turn.
SAWATARI LP: 4200 - 3200
Sawatari had a countermeasure, however. Leading Lady's effect allows her to lower the ATK of a monster by the Battle Damage taken. Clear Wing had another effect, as a Level 7 or above monster was targeted by an effect, she could negate it and destroy the card. However, thanks to Abyss Prop, during the battle phase, one monster was unaffected by card effects, that being Leading Lady.
Clear Wing Synchro Dragon ATK 2500 - 1500
"This was a trill of strikes from both sides which led to a subtle, yet fierce counterattack." Bloom Diva critiqued. "The plucky heroes have managed to find the big Dragon's weakness, weakening both its attack power and the effect of Dragon's Bind. They can now strike back with full power for the Grand Finale."
"How will Yugo deal with this?" Yuzu said, somewhat worried. "It's getting harder for me to find enjoyment in this when the punishment for losing is being sent to the Underground…"
"The two conductors do not seem to mind. If anything, they are getting more and more motivated as the duel progresses." Bloom Diva's comment led Yuzu to pay attention to the two duelists, as much as the TV would show, to really see that they're fired up. The Choir then continued:
"I have come to a realization: we must put aside the dread of the Underground, and set our mind well so we can achieve our goals… And ours is to change this City! We will perform, undeterred by this fear, and make our voices heard! They seem to understand this as well."
The pinkette did pay attention to the two duelists, and they looked more determined than she has ever seen them, and fully enraptured by the Duel. It seemed to have caught Bloom Diva too, and she thought she couldn't bear to watch it…
"Maybe having you watch this was the right decision!" Yuzu said, with a smile.
Sawatari began his turn by reviving Superstar from the Extra Deck, now that he could. He then activated Funky Comedian's Pendulum Effect, returning Superstar to the Extra Deck to boost Sassy Rookie's ATK points by Superstar's.
Abyss Actor - Sassy Rookie ATK 1700 - 4200
This allows him to attack Clear Wing at full force, blowing back Yugo significantly. Then, he proceeded to reduce Clear Wing's attack to 0 with Leading Lady.
YUGO LP: 4000 - 1300
Clear Wing Synchro Dragon ATK 1500 - 0
"YUGO!" Yuzu yelled, still not wanting a dear friend to be sent to the Underground like this. She was still quite afraid of what would come next, not even noticing Sawatari mockingly blowing a smooch to signal Leading Lady's "Last Kiss", that being the finishing blow.
However, Yugo sped up and snatched an Action Card with great prowess, it being Miracle, which let him hang in there by halving battle damage.
YUGO LO: 1300 - 550
"Oh! He picked it up so deftly!" Bloom Diva commented. "It must have been your Action Duel Showcase, Yuzu!"
"Yeah, he adapted really quickly!" Yuzu commented. "Almost as if…"
Sawatari then passed over to Yugo, declaring to finish him on the next turn.
Abyss Actor - Sassy Rookie ATK 4200 - 1700
However… Yugo had held all of his hopes into the last card, and this was heard once he drew.
"I GOT IT!"
He summoned Speedroid Double Yoyo, allowing it to Special Summon a Level 3 or lower Speedroid, the one chosen being Red-Eyed Dice.
Speedroid Double Yoyo (Level 4/WIND/Machine/1400/1400)
He then used those two for the SYnchro SUmmon of Hi-Speedroid Hagoita, which looked like a giant green and pink racket, with tubes all over it and, with badmintons flying beside it.
Hi-Speedroid Hagoita (Level 5/WIND/Machine/Synchro/2000/1000)
He then activated Hagoita's effect to target Clear Wing and change its level. However, he negated it with Clear Wing so he could boost her ATK by a significant amount.
Clear Wing Synchro Dragon ATK 0 - 2000
"What a peculiar way to use its effect, I wonder how he could take advantage of it…" Bloom Diva was a bit puzzled by Hagoita's effect being negated. "Seems like a specific move, I wonder if it is the same as when Sawatari fought against…"
"THE FUN IS ONLY GETTING STARTED!"
"Yuya?!" Both Fairy and Duelist were shocked that Yugo had just said Yuya's catchphrase.
"It could not be… Perhaps Yugo learned it from your last duel, Yuzu?" The Choir asks, but…
"I don't really do it like this!" The pinkette thought. "He is doing it exactly as Yuya would!"
Yugo would then start his biggest act. The Normal Spell Card Hi-Speed Relevel allowed him to banish Hagoita to set Clear Wing's level to the one Hagoita had, and boost her ATK by that level x 500.
Clear Wing Synchro Dragon ATK 2000 - 4500
He then prepared to battle and attack Leading Lady. As he did, he made one final declaration.
"Now, the grand finale! Clear Wing, I need your help!"
The two were further and further confused by what Yugo was pulling, but soon realized, as Clear Wing was preparing her Whirlwind Hell Dive Slasher, she stirred up a backdraft which allowed Yugo to speed up considerably beside Sawatari, utterly baffling him, as well as terrorizing the two Actors on the Wagon, who held each other to not fall off of it. This allowed Yugo to jump off the ramp and pick up the Action Card right above Sawatari. A stronger gust of wind made sure he'd land safely past him and he declared:
"Action Magic! High Dive! Clear Wing's Attack points are increased by 1000! Now, Whirlwind Hell Dive Slasher!" The Dragon then prepared its signature attack with a ferocious display. Sassy Rookie closed its eyes and Leading Lady stared dumbfounded at her, and then held up a white flag shakily as if to surrender. But to no avail, as Clear Wing charged straight at them, stopping Sawatari in his tracks and having Leading Lady finally wave said flag while dizzy and out of the wagon, before falling over and disappearing.
SAWATARI LP: 3200 - 0
The duo was stunned at what they saw. A dizzying finish which had everyone roaring in excitement, even applauding Sawatari as he lost, who was frustrated, but quickly got up and saluted the audience, then talked to Yugo before getting dragged Underground.
"Sawatari… You did great out there, truly. I hope you can find a way out somehow." Yuzu spoke first, then turned to the Fairy who shared these thoughts.
"The adventure of plucky heroes meets a tragic end, and the punishment is eternal labor. I do not think that was intentional… But alas, perhaps there is a way out, if they're at least allowed to be together."
"Not much we can do now while we're stuck here. Might as well talk about Yugo, or… Yuya?"
Bloom Diva nodded, "You may be correct in this assessment after all. All the notes he put, all the melodies he created… It truly seemed like Yuya's entertainment Duel… Catchphrases, collaborating with monsters… Though that may be also inspired by you and your efforts to show him an Action Duel and how you perform."
Yuzu crossed her arms in thought, trying to reminisce about each aspect of her time with Yugo. "Well, I only showed him the basics of Action Duels, but he quickly learned how we fight with how Hi-Speedroid Kendama handled that ring it snatched from me. I did say "The fun has just gotten started" in my duel against Chojiro, but I did not say it the way Yuya does! And about his final attack with Clear Wing… He said "The Grand Finale", didn't he? Sure, it's a thing he heard from me, but… Yuya also did."
"Clear Wing too…" Bloom Diva continued. "She has performed her role assigned to her, that of an evil dragon, exemplarily. I believe that was an aspect more present in Yuya's duel than ours… And I felt she truly became one with Yugo during that moment, the Whirlwind Hell Dive Slasher…"
"There is a connection between the two after all… Stronger than I thought." Yuzu stated. "I only hope this won't spell more trouble."
"Right… It would be unfortunate to have yet more problems on our hands. Fighting a war is no easy task."
"Yeah, that's saying it lightly! Uh-" Yuzu then realized something and went to check on the screen, only to realize that Yugo just… Kind of left without saying a word about…
"THE WAR! NOBODY TOLD ANYTHING!" Yuzu held her head in anger while Bloom Diva facepalmed. For one reason or another, the message of an incoming interdimensional war just wasn't getting through yet, perhaps with more victories and duels on the side, it could finally happen…
BONUS SCENE - ?
Performage Trapeze Magician had just gotten all of their mates ready. They would know that they were to face Shun Kurosaki again, so this was their chance to finally show the Raidraptors what they were made of after their previous duel was interrupted.
"Ah, yes! We finally get to perform on our greatest stage ever!" Trapeze Magician exclaimed, very excited. "I'm sure these avians will make for an excellent adversary for our greatest sho-"
"BARK! BARK BARK!"
"WOOF!"
Trapeze Magician suddenly stopped, wondering what the heck that sound was. It was one they hadn't really heard before, so they went cautiously. A nearby Shadow Maker made a shadow door for the Magician to open and go outside, like they teleported. They were shocked to find several gray and brown mechanical dogs, each one with more heads than the last, and a single blue mechanical giant right behind them, which started talking in a deep robotic voice one would expect.
"APOLOGIES FOR THE NOISE. HUSHING PET PROGRAM IS NOT YET FULLY FUNCTIONAL."
"U-um, hi, big fella!" Trapeze Magician scaredly asked. "What is it that you're doing here in this place?"
"MASTER HAS REQUESTED OUR PRESENCE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. OPERATION ENTERTAINMENT DUEL 2: FIRE AND FLAMES EDITION."
"...Oh. Aw crud." Performage Trapeze Magician scratched their head. "I'm gonna have a lot to answer for after this, huh… Hope Dennis won't have to resort to this, or we're all doomed."
OUTRO BEGIN
Yet again, two for one here. They're connected enough as is anyway.
Some notes for this. I do have the reveal of Cat Dancer as Serena's Duel Spirit. I changed the dialogue a bit to make it more consistent with what was put out, and I recognized I also did some inconcistencies in regards to other scenes in the future while revisiting this, so it'll be good to change them up as well.
Also I need to clarify: besides the Action Card, I also changed Hi-Speed Relevel so it included its effect in the OCG. That was the only way I could figure out a simple solution to a Duel which was effectively wrong due to Clear Wing destroying everything despite it not being supposed to.
Comments and criticisms are appreciated as always!