Again: two chapters into one because the second one of them was really short, as it was an inbetween of two important Duels for Yuzu. Also... Won't do this for the next one. It needs to be standalone.
Comments and Criticisms are appreciated as always!
INTRO END
This momentous day of the Friendship Cup had new revelations, new mysteries, and one objective. To bring harmony to City so that they could be prepared for the war ahead. As fostered as the ideal was of losers being treated like nothing and deserving eternal doom, any direct warning of an invasion would just be passed off as nonsense. Yuzu and Bloom Diva needed to win, and to heal City of this mentality.
The two stood in the room, with not much else to do besides observing the next matches. The Melodious Ensemble is almost ready for the next day to perform, but they needed more clarity from the Duels ahead, especially as Shun Kurosaki and Dennis McField were participating. Lancer vs Lancer, it would be two duelists who could win the trust of the people, as allies for the war, perhaps.
The current Duel was set to be Sergey Volkov vs Damon Lopez. The two really didn't know anything besides their names and what was shown of their appearances. Sergey's overly muscular physique with a tiny waist stood out in particular, as well as his peculiar markings on his face. His Duel Runner was custom made and huge, befitting of him, unlike the fairly standard bike belonging to Damon.
However, right as they were about to start and the sun was setting… The TV suddenly turned off.
"Huh?" The two said in unison, and Yuzu tried to turn the TV on the best she could, but to no avail. Subsequently, she tried turning on the lights, but even that wasn't possible. With no other options, since calling on the phone was a no-go here, she yelled:
"Hey, someone out there? Anyone?!" As she did, the Fairy phased through the door to check if anyone was around. While she didn't see anyone on the floors near Yuzu, she heard footsteps of people running, so something was up with the building and it's possible that they were trying to fix it.
"It seems that they are on their way to resolve this. May I attempt to contact Cat Dancer?"
"Doubt it'll be possible now, but why not?" The Choir then momentarily departed as Yuzu stared outside the window to see if there was anything that could help her, but nothing was distinct enough for her to understand, she was just too far away. Bloom Diva came back shortly after, a bit bummed.
"My apologies, I cannot reach her as of yet. I have a scheduled time in which we will meet, however, so I may ask her then."
"I see… Thanks for trying though." Yuzu said with a smile, which went away swiftly. "If only this could get fixed soon enough, maybe it won't be as much of an issue…"
They tried to think of something for a bit, but with no results. Shortly after, though, the TV turned on again, with the only announcement being that Sergey was the winner of the Duel, claiming it to be lucky.
"Ah… It's over already…" Yuzu said, a bit miffed. "Granted, at least none of our friends got thrown Underground for this…"
"I wonder what concerts they could have brought…"
The two, discouraged, just set off to do their deeds for now. Yuzu would be soon eating dinner, while Bloom Diva would foresee the progress of her fellow Members, and it was going along quite nicely, despite the news… Or perhaps because of them.
Evening had set in the arena, this time the pauses being far longer than the day before. After one of said pauses, the duel featuring Dennis Mcfield and Shun Kurosaki would take place. Meanwhile, another appointment was set for now.
"I shall meet with Cat Dancer shortly." Bloom Diva told Yuzu. "I assume you wish me to tell Serena of our resolution for our next match, as well as ask of this last match?"
"Yeah, that's it." Yuzu responded. "I doubt we'll have much more to share. Being stuck here and all, but… Maybe try to talk about Yugo being Yuya for a bit… See if Cat Dancer and Serena saw the same things we did. Maybe this last match too, I only know Sergey won…"
"Will do. Now is the time."
"All right, take as long as you need to. I'll be fine here."
The Choir nodded, then vanished from Yuzu's sight. Thus… Yuzu sat down on the bed and stared at her bracelet, which was glowing faintly. Pensive, and somewhat bummed out, she tried to make sense of the situation.
"Well… Maybe Yuya and Yugo do have quite a bit in common… Yuto too said something about bringing smiles to the future, didn't he? At least that's what I remember from Yuya. How much am I really involved in this matter? Is Bloom Diva involved too? Serena as well? Ugh, there is so much we have to cover, and being stuck here really doesn't help! If only I could just talk with Yuya! If only… But…"
As she was thinking, she heard someone knock on the door. A letter then passed right below it, leading her to rush to the door.
"Hey, someone out there?" She heard two or three footsteps going away from her, then suddenly nothing, even as she tried to follow.
"Oh, right as Bloom Diva went away so she couldn't check, but… That had to be Tsukikage… Who else could just leave no more footsteps like this? Hikage maybe?" She stopped thinking about it, however, as she took her attention to the letter again, picking it up and finding out that…
"Yuya! He wrote this!" When she found out, she immediately went near the window glass and read it.
"Yuzu… I finally realized.
The reason my voice wouldn't carry, no matter how hard I screamed. And the reason Jack said my Duels were just about self-satisfaction. It's because I haven't actually achieved anything yet. No one will pay attention to me unless I win, like Jack, and become a person they acknowledge. I'm not anyone in this world yet. If no one acknowledges me, then no matter how loud I shout… If I fight a duel just for myself, I won't move anyone's heart. In order to charm the people, engage them, and make them smile, I need to get the viewers to acknowledge me.
I have to beat Jack!
And then I'll beat Academia, and end the dimensional war! Let's go back home to everyone."
At this point of the letter, Yuzu started tearing up with joy. Furthermore, she was quite surprised to read the next words.
"I promised the principal, Futoshi, Tatsuya, and my mom that I'd bring you back, no matter what. I'll save Gongenzaka and Sawatari, too. And I won't abandon a single one of our other friends. I'll make this a world where everyone can smile, and then we'll go home… To all of our homes!
I'll win!
With my style of dueling!
And I'll bring true smiles back to the hearts of City's people!"
"Yuya…" Yuzu's tears started flowing like a river as she held the letter tight on her chest. This is exactly what she wanted him to say, and she couldn't be happier that her dear friend was back, and ready to swing into action. "You finally understood! You have finally come back! I really need to tell him something too! If he can do it, then so can I! Where's a pen and paper?!"
Thus, she started scrambling for anything she could find to write with. Yuzu was here to fight too, to bring smiles to City and mend its immense wound that is the brutal treatment they give any loser. She had to make her voice heard to Yuya, some way or another.
They would be ALL in this together.
RIFT BETWEEN WORLDS
Bloom Diva stood in the void and called out for Cat Dancer. She sang her tune, a more sorrowful one, before getting cut short by the Cat, with a fairly serious tone.
"Ah… I reckon you've seen the whole Underground thing too…"
The Choir then continued, serenely. "Indeed I have. It is dreadful, it is omnipresent… And it is a mindset Yuzu and I shall put a stop to."
"Yeah, I figured you'd say that." The Dancer's voice turned sadder. "Ever since you've fully committed to accompany Yuzu, I could see that you've gotten very good at soothing people's hearts. You two really had captivated the audience back there, I'm sure of it. But hearing all that and people just screaming for blood was just… UGH. Words just come in one ear and out of the other there. Best of luck to you, Bloom Diva."
"Thank you, Cat Dancer. We both were distraught by this revelation… I had almost lost hope for the people of City at first, as the message of friendship touted by this tournament turned out to be completely hypocritical! I was furious, I almost lost myself… But thanks to Yuzu, and all my friends… We have turned our anger into resolution. We shall win our next Duel, and tell City our message to save it!"
The Lunalight became more serene as the Choir continued with her message. This is her first time she had heard about her dear friend being so distraught, but she managed to recover and come back stronger than ever. However, she couldn't help but point out that…
"These last days have been rough for you two, huh?"
"Indeed, but… Yuzu is a stronger woman than anyone could imagine. Thanks to her Entertainment Duel mindset, she has always found a way to push forward, and try to make her mark in the world." The Fairy's speech turned brighter as she spoke. "She too was distraught at the revelation that her Duel sent Chojiro to the Underground… But she recovered, and should be now ready to let her voice be heard. I could not be more fortunate to have her as a partner. Ah, speaking of… How is Serena?"
"Ah, she's… OK now, if not a bit alarmed. She wasn't too shocked that the losers would be sent Underground, just that the people were cheering for them to be dumped there. She told me it was no different than what she'd seen with the Obelisk Force when they attacked and carded all these people."
The Choir's tone turned dour. "That was one of my main concerns. Would the people of City accept if a fellow citizen got carded in front of them as a loser that deserved it?"
"And that's why that logic's got big holes! Still though, when it's so ingrained in your environment, one learns to just accept it. I bet Academia's guilty of this too, trying to impress the nobility of eternally trapping people. Still don't know what happens on the frontlines that makes these people have fun doing it…"
Bloom Diva turned pensive, thinking about Cat Dancer's words… Just WHY was it regarded as a custom? If it is so prevalent, then there must be a reason… Jack's influence? The imbalance of Tops and Commons? Perhaps something else entirely…
"We shall look for answers when we have the possibility. Now, there was something else… Oh, have you watched the Duel between Sawatari and Yugo?"
"I really haven't. Serena didn't have too much interest in it at first, even though she liked the finale, so I took the opportunity to refine my moves. I've almost got it, I can feel it!"
As Cat Dancer started sounding excited again, Bloom Diva went in to try and calm her, a bit worried.
"Ah, I see, but… Please do not forget to take some rest. Harmonia has risked getting hurt and has almost exhausted herself in an attempt to reach out-"
"AH, no worries! I didn't just train all day! I also stayed by Serena's side quite a bit. And I actually would have sat down and watched the next Duel with her… IF IT LET US!" Cat's tone immediately got harsher with her last words.
Bloom Diva gasped, as that was another point of concern with the Fairy and Yuzu.
"Wait! You could not watch it either?"
"WE SURE COULDN'T! All the time, our screen was just blank or filled with static! Serena even tried to hit the TV out of frustration. She HATES missing information!..." The Cat's anger turned into worry as she realized: "Wait, don't tell me that you know nothing of it either."
"I am afraid it is so. Perhaps… An outage in this section? It is a rather large penthouse… And I detected there was some stuff perhaps attempting to fix this."
"Ugh, Tops' finest hotel and they can't get even THAT right. At least the prison I was in didn't have any malfunctions! Well, it seems fine now… I'll get to watch that stupid redhead bite it! It'll be something at least."
Bloom Diva suddenly remembered about said redhead and gasped. "Dennis!"
"Ah, so you too know about him, huh. Makes sense, since Yuzu was with him while I bopped him! The guy really did nothing besides cowering behind bubbles, pah!"
Remembering her past experiences, the Choir shuddered in her thoughts, so much that Cat Dancer could feel it. She approached it almost mockingly.
"Naw, sweetie… Did you get beat by this guy? Really?"
"Um… It is quite complicated but… He had me beat Yuzu with my own voice. He is a formidable trickster and XYZ Duelist, and quite an entertainer, too."
Cat Dancer immediately stopped once she heard "XYZ".
"...Ah. So my Serena was right back then. He was just holding back, but… Why? To not have his cover blown or something?"
"I will admit, I had not watched you perform against him, so I cannot say. There was… Too much around it and I was… Distraught and retreating at the time." Bloom Diva struggled to talk about all that happened after… And prior to Yuzu and Serena's encounter.
"Ah, that loss must have stung… If it's like I think it is and they took control of you to knock Yuzu out… It's not great. Sorry to have brought that up."
"It is fine. There was more hidden beneath the Duel." The Fairy then took a deep breath and started. "We performed in the Volcano Area you too fought in. It was me against Trapeze Magician, Dennis' Ace. They snatched me with a trap and brought me into a Trick Box, in which… They talked to me, and told me about doing them a favor… They told me of a great burden Dennis had in their heart, and to sing my heart out against my own Maestra, so I could relieve Dennis' soul… And I did. I was the agent of Yuzu's defeat. But Trapeze Magician, with a trick, directed my Reflect Shout so that Yuzu would fall to the lava below, deceiving me, thus having me betray my dear friend…" She still struggled to talk about that experience, as she still felt her throat suffer due to it.
After a slight pause, Cat Dancer stepped forward, trying to deduct the aftermath of this shocking maneuver.
"Sheesh… But… I fought Dennis later and I saw that Yuzu was just fine! In fact, she was on his side, right?"
"Indeed!" Bloom Diva continued, more resolute. "I was deceived still, but for an act that would save Yuzu and hail Dennis as the daring Entertainment Duelist who would risk his own life to save his friends. Thanks to a joint effort of him and Trapeze Magician, they not only had Yuzu safe and sound, but she found a new friend. And this… Is when I found her resolve to be her biggest strength. Despite her first loss being by my hands, despite her safety being put at stake… She has found in her the strength to turn that loss into growth. Not only hers… But also mine."
Cat Dancer chuckled, greatly endeared by this speech. "Man, this Yuzu… You were right about being lucky to have her as a friend! Now this only makes me wish we could actually meet in person…"
"I too wish so, Cat Dancer. But circumstances are making this… Quite difficult. Still… If we ever meet on the stage, one against the other, rest assured we will not hold back. We will sing our hearts out for everyone's sake… So my apologies if this will cost you."
"And that's what I wanted to hear!" Cat Dancer giddily told the Choir. "I don't want anyone showing weakness out there and neither does Serena. If we don't chew you out, then I'm sure the audience will anyway!"
"We are not keen on satisfying the audience, Cat Dancer… We intend to save them!" Bloom Diva told the Cat, as determined as ever.
"Splendid! Then… I'll go back to training! I really need to get ready. Rest assured, though, I will assist Serena during Dennis' duel!"
"I see. I shall get back to my fellow members and Yuzu at once. And prepare for the future. Let us meet after Dennis and Kurosaki have finished. Until then, my friend!"
"Sounds good to me! Later, dear!"
With a cheerful outlook, the two then separated for the time being. Bloom Diva then visited the Conservatory to check on everyone. Thankfully, everyone was fine despite the news. The plan was set in stone by now. To show City the error of its ways by saving the opponent while winning. Sure, they would have to improvise depending on the opponent, but they would be carrying out their message even if they would need to send one of their best friends to the underground to do it. Together with Yuzu, their intent was to save these people, as well as everyone else.
CITY - YUZU'S ROOM
"Ugh, is there NOTHING to write with here?! Not even a pen? Yuya must have gotten prepared in advance… SIGH…" Yuzu stamped on her foot in annoyance, trying to find a solution to this problem without avail, then Bloom Diva joined her.
"Um… Is everything all right, Yuzu? And…" Bloom Diva frantically checked on the room, finding out about the letter Yuya gave her. "Where does this… Letter come from?"
The pinkette, still teary-eyed and her smile returned, answered: "It's Yuya! Somehow, he managed to write a letter and send it to me…! He understood too!"
"Sorry, may I read it? I feel like I am missing context here…"
"Sure, go ahead! I'll hold it up for you."
"Ah, no need." The Choir then phased through the floor to read the letter while still standing upright, surprising Yuzu.
"I forgot you could do that…" She said, a bit embarrassed, as Bloom Diva read Yuya's letter, her heart warming up more as she did. After the Fairy was done, she told the Duelist:
"You were right… You have reached him, and he too seeks to fight for saving City from itself, then the war. I assume you are trying to write a letter too."
"Yes, I am, but apparently there's nothing here that can help me!" Yuzu shouted, a bit discouraged.
"It cannot be helped. Our situation led to no time to prepare ourselves for this… But rest assured, if we cannot send a message to him directly, we shall with our performance! The Melodious are ready for our grandest concert!"
"Perfect! Everyone needs to be in top form! Including I. How's Serena now?"
They then discussed a bit about Bloom Diva's encounter with Cat Dancer and how it all panned out. Yuzu was worried about not even knowing how Sergey and Damon's match truly played out, but she was positive for the future. She even poked a bit of fun at the Fairy for being so dramatic about that incident during her Duel against Dennis. By now, seeing Yuzu still smiling about it, Bloom Diva made peace with it.
A bit after, the Duel between Kurosaki and Dennis was to take place. The two duelists jumped off their respective positions and into the track below. The two were described by Melissa Claire as a duelist who crushed the Underground Tournament and an Entertainer who wowed audiences at the Central Park respectively.
"Huh. So they both were separated after all. Serena mentioned something of that sort before they were all brought together by the Council." Yuzu commented.
As she did, Dennis made his entrance by throwing three cards up in the air and having them burst into three fireworks which somehow managed to form a rainbow silhouette of Trapeze Magician flawlessly, wowing the crowd. As expected, Shun didn't do anything of the sort, staying stone cold while driving and getting himself ready for the start.
"How will Kurosaki perform now…?" Bloom Diva wondered. "Last time I saw him, he was filled with vengeful hatred against Sora, but now he is fighting his own ally…"
"Doubt this will change anything for him." Yuzu replied. "As little as I actually saw him, I know he's stone cold and dead set in his goals. If he would have to knock out an ally to achieve them, he wouldn't hesitate. There's still more at stake for him than this City. Well… We will ultimately find out in this…"
DUEL!
SHUN vs DENNIS
After a slow start, Shun sped up immensely to take the first corner, thus the first turn. He started by Normal Summoning Raidraptor - Skull Eagle, and activating the Spell Card Raidraptor - Call to Special Summon a copy of it from the Deck. Next, he overlaid both Skull Eagles to XYZ Summon Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle, which looked like a gray bird covered in black and pink armor, with various orbs on its chest. The Skull Eagles, used as Materials, activate their effects, increasing the ATK of Fiend Eagle by 300 for each. Next, he detached an XYZ material from Fiend Eagle to activate its effect, dealing damage to Dennis equal to its ATK.
Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle (Rank 3/DARK/Winged Beast/XYZ/1000-1600/0)
DENNIS LP: 4000 - 2400
"This time, Kurosaki is not letting up." Bloom Diva critiqued. "I vividly remember how weak he started in his first turn, setting up his story as a Crescendo to warn the others of XYZ's tragic tale… I wonder why he is not doing so this time."
"Maybe he's saving it for another Duel and wants to win first. This audience just isn't nearly as understanding as Maiami's. Even they had forgotten about it soon after, if I remember correctly." Yuzu commented, a bit annoyed.
Dennis then announced that Shun was holding a Rank-Up Magic on his hand, like last time they fought, and that he would use it subsequently. Judging by Shun's expression, Dennis was right on the money.
"So they dueled before?" Yuzu wondered. "Was it in that Underground Tournament they mentioned?"
Shun then set two cards and passed the turn.
Shun: 2 Set Cards
Dennis would take his turn, and after a slight pause, would start a show with a trick of his. With a snap of his finger, the remaining overlay unit of Fiend Eagle was gone. Turns out, Performage Cup Tricker was Special Summoned by detaching an Overlay Unit of an XYZ Monster on the field. Furthermore, it lowered the ATK of Fiend Eagle by 600, essentially returning it to normal.
Performage Cup Tricker (Level 5/LIGHT/Spellcaster/Pendulum/1200/1400)
Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle ATK 1600 - 1000
"Huh, so taking advantage of strong Monsters seems to be a strong point of Dennis' Entertainment Duel. Probably that's why we lost last time." Yuzu deducted. "I tried to make you as strong as possible, and that was the result." Bloom Diva only nodded as a response, thoughtful in observing Dennis' illusions so they won't fall for them next time.
Next up from Dennis, the Spell Card Magical Pendulum Box. He draws 2 cards, and if Pendulums are drawn, they are added, if not, the card is sent to the Graveyard. Both turned out to be Pendulum Monsters, whose scales he set immediately: Scale 3 Performage Bonus Dealer and Scale 6 Overlay Juggler. Three streaks of light came in from the Pendulum Portal as Dennis declared his Pendulum Summon: Performage Wind Drainer, Wing Sandwichman and Ball Balancer came to join Cup Tricker.
Performage Wind Drainer (Level 5/WIND/Spellcaster/Pendulum/2100/0)
Performage Wing Sandwichman (Level 5/EARTH/Spellcaster/Pendulum/1800/2500)
Performage Ball Balancer (Level 4/EARTH/Spellcaster/Pendulum/1000/1800)
Bonus Dealer's effect then activated, allowing him to draw two more cards if he Pendulum Summons three or more Performages at once. Lastly, he Normal Summoned Performage Fire Dancer to present a full field of Performages ready to rumble.
Performage Fire Dancer (Level 4/FIRE/Spellcaster/Pendulum/1400/1200)
"What an explosive overture… And that will lead to his superstars ready to perform." The Fairy commented as the Level 4 Ball Balancer and Fire Dancer were overlaid.
"Oh, that definitely has to be your friend now." Yuzu said after.
"SHOW MUST GO ON!"
Sure enough, it was the Debut of Trapeze Magician in the Friendship Cup. The Trapeze swing into their opening act translated particularly well to a Riding Duel format.
Performage Trapeze Magician (Rank 4/LIGHT/Spellcaster/XYZ/2500/2000)
And now, a brand new XYZ Monster for the duo, Performage Shadow Maker, overlaying the remaining Level 5 monsters. It came from the ground as a shadow looking like it wore a suit, complete with tie and green top hat, wielding a giant pair of scissors.
Performage Shadow Maker (Rank 5/DARK/Spellcaster/XYZ/2600/1000)
"Come to think of it… We have not seen what Trapeze Magician can truly do, correct?" Bloom Diva asked her partner, who shook her head.
"They should have an effect that requires a material to be detached…"
Dennis activated Trapeze Magician's effect, targeting Shadow Maker, allowing it to attack twice. Shadow Maker, as it was targeted, activates its effect, allowing it to summon a copy of itself, but with no XYZ materials. One would be provided by Cup Tricker as it was sent to the Graveyard, transferring the Overlay unit of an XYZ monster to another, so from the first Shadow Maker to the second. He used Trapeze Magician's effect to make the second Shadow maker attack twice, triggering its effect again and summoning a third Shadow Maker. With this, Dennis created 4 XYZ monsters, for a total of 6 attacks.
Yuzu's mouth was agape and Bloom Diva's closed off with her hand as both were utterly flabbergasted by what they were seeing. The power displayed by Dennis in their duel was nowhere near this high.
"That is… A rapid crescendo which aims for a swift finale!" The Choir went first, then the Duelist.
"I've never faced anything like this before… Now, Kurosaki's Rise Falcon could swing for immense damage, if Shun survives this turn."
As they were thinking, Trapeze Magician attacked, delivering a swift trapeze kick to Fiend Eagle, destroying it.
SHUN LP: 4000 - 2500
"...Big if there." Yuzu commented, and the Fairy thought:
"Oh, so that is how Trapeze Magician actually attacks…"
In that instant, Shun activated the Continuous Trap Raidraptor - Target Flag, targeting Trapeze Magician, and marking their eye. The Magician was heard laughing at the mark, but something felt off about it. The Choir remained pensive and alert upon hearing that. Shun then proceeded by drawing one card, revealing it to Dennis. It is Raidraptor - Last Strix, a Monster Card. If Trapeze Magician leaves the field, Dennis' hand would be revealed. If there were any cards with the same type, that being Monster, they would be destroyed.
"What makes him so confident he can accomplish that?" Yuzu asked, the Diva remaining silent.
Shun activated the Quick-Play Rank-Up Magic Double Doom Force. It revived the destroyed Fiend Eagle and XYZ Summoned only using that monster, the result being a Raidraptor with double Fiend Eagle's rank. Revolution Falcon came down with fiery might, ready to fight at full force.
Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon (Rank 6/DARK/Winged Beast/XYZ/2000/3000)
Bloom Diva shuddered upon seeing that Monster again. Sure, it was on their side in this war, but it didn't change the fact that, true to Shun's message, it wreaked havoc upon the Neo Heartland Action Field. Yuzu was hoping that it would not cause the same carnage again, while the Fairy attempted to listen to what Kurosaki was trying to communicate with it.
Shun activated Revolution Falcon's effect, attempting to destroy Trapeze Magician and deal half of its ATK points as damage.
"But why?" Yuzu asked. "Trapeze Magician already attacked, and they negate damage that's lower than their Attack! It would be pointless!"
"He is trying to carry out his message!" Bloom Diva gasped, prompting Yuzu to look at her, worried. "He is trying to conduct his concert, in order to tell his tale. At last!"
The Choir sounded quite happy. If she was right, they would be able to tell the people about the war.
"Are they… Collaborating in order to warn everyone? It makes sense if they're both from XYZ, as Serena had said when she first saw him… But shouldn't they… WAIT! Shun has a reputation as undefeated! As one who won! Yes, he has the opportunity to tell them!" Yuzu exclaimed. Not as happy as Bloom Diva, but with that, she could hope that their message would get across, so perhaps they would get support.
Dennis, meanwhile, countered by activating Performage Magic Tactician in his hand. By sending it to the Graveyard, as well as the third Shadow Maker, the one which could only attack once, to change the target of a Monster effect to another monster he controls, that being his second Shadow Maker. He then ended his turn, declaring that he knows that any Special Summoned monster that battles with Revolution Falcon will have its ATK reduced to 0. He ended his turn, glad to have Trapeze Magician safe. As he did, Shun approached him and asked him a piercing question:
"You mean to hide your true self until the end?"
"True self?" The duo's excitement turned into confusion at the utterance of those words. "What could Kurosaki mean by this…?"
"Perhaps… Dennis is not collaborating?" The Fairy asked, only to be met with Trapeze Magician audibly laughing to the TV… And making the Choir flinch for a moment.
"What's wrong, Bloom Diva?" The pinkette asked, to be met with…
"Trapeze Magician… They are uneasy…"
"Uneasy? I did notice their laughter being different, but… Are you sure about it?"
"Undoubtedly. They are progressively more nervous as Shun mounts his offensive… But why? Was it a comment about Dennis hiding… His true self…?" Bloom Diva's speech started staggering, until she gasped, remembering Trapeze Magician's words while they were inside the Trick Box.
"He seems lost lately… Almost as if something else is clogging his mind…"
"Bloom Diva?" The pinkette asked in confusion, and the Fairy replied.
"Those were the words Trapeze Magician told me while we were in the Trick Box. They told me that Dennis needed help, that something was weighing him down… But what could it be…?"
"Dennis…" Yuzu said, seeing that his Trapeze Magician was the target of Revolution Falcon's attack, which had an Overlay Unit detached to attack all of its opponents. "If it's anything like before, if it's anything like his duel with Sora… We need to watch it. Are you OK to do that, Bloom Diva?"
Meanwhile, Dennis used the Action Card Battle Change to redirect the attack towards Shadow Maker. As he did, Bloom Diva thought of when she fainted when witnessing Frightfur Chimera during Sora's duel with Shay. With full acknowledgement, she responded, more determined than ever.
"...Yes. I will see this through! I shall hear your message, Kurosaki!"
Revolution Falcon's effect activated, dropping Shadow Maker's ATK to 0. As an extra safety measure, Dennis used Overlay Juggler's effect to attach Shadow Maker as an XYZ material for Trapeze Magician, which earned a nervous laugh from them. Shun then attacked Trapeze Magician once more, as the target was changed earlier. Again, Revolution Falcon's effect made their ATK 0, and their laughter was getting desperate, adding a shriek between bursts.
Performage Trapeze Magician ATK 2500 - 0
"Trapeze Magician…" Bloom Diva clasped her hands in worry. "I can hear you are getting more and more worried… Just what could be Dennis truly hiding?
"I don't intend to enjoy your Duel. To me, this is a battlefield!"
Yuzu gasped alongside the Choir, having fully understood what these words from Shun meant. But before they could make it out, Trapeze Magician was fully caught in Revolution Falcon's Revolutional Air Raid, letting out one last yell before disappearing, only the marked eye mask remaining.
"Trapeze Magician!" Bloom Diva and Dennis shouted, genuinely distraught at what had occurred.
"Now… Kurosaki… Just what do you want to tell us?" Yuzu asked, afraid of the answer.
DUEL SPIRIT WORLD - ?
Trapeze Magician had just reappeared on a familiar place through a yellow portal, falling on the floor flat on their face, and their mask shortly after, now missing the mark from Raidraptor - Target Flag, which they picked up. They were joined by familiar mechanical barks. The blue metal giant right behind them, sitting on a chair that was too small for them, tried to calm them:
"NOISE EXCEEDS ACCEPTABLE LEVELS: INITIATING HUSHING PET PROGRAM.
PS PS PS PS PS…"
"AW DOGGONE IT!" Trapeze Magician yelled as they got off the ground. "Now the terrible secret will be unveiled to the public! The one illness of Dennis' heart! WHYYY?" They deflated dramatically, arms put in the air, then they were suddenly slapped from behind.
"Aw, now, stop being a goofball, you!" They were met with a young looking, aqua-skinned woman donning a gold mask with red eyes, with red marks beneath them. Her hair was combed in big dark green twintails with yellow accents that were covered by blue orbs at their ends, which were also present as her earrings and near her purple shoes. She was wearing a blue bodysuit with pink accents, an indigo breastplate, skirt, and arm folds over it; as well as an indigo funky, twin tailed hat with bright yellow stars drawn on it and a purple cape.
"Yeah, THAT will be revealed, but it won't be the end of the world! He can just pass it off as having it learned somewhere else and POOF! I will appear! Now, I can just get him some Action Cards and we will just-"
"NEGATIVE. MASTER HAS CALLED. SHOW MUST GO ON. BEGIN OPERATION ENTERTAINMENT DUEL 2: FIRE AND FLAMES EDITION."
At its command, the four mechanical dogs, each bigger than the last, warped out of the area in sequence.
"OH, NO IT'S THAT THING!" The girl yelled, and Trapeze Magician pleaded to the robot as if it'd work.
"Please, this is going to be absolutely atrocious for Dennis, the others, and us too!"
"IF IT IS BAD, APOLOGIES. BUT WE MUST." The giant then warped out of the room, leaving a stunned duo of performers behind. The girl then asked, monotone:
"Dennis has lost his mind, hasn't he?"
"WHAT ELSE COULD IT BE-E-E-E?" Trapeze Magician then kneeled on the ground exasperated, and their companion decided to leave them be to join some other Performages who were watching the scene, deeply afraid.
CITY - DUEL PALACE
Trapeze Magician's ATK being 0 meant that their damage-negating effect wouldn't work anymore. However, it was them who managed to grab the Action Magic Damage Banish before disappearing, reducing the battle damage to 0. Even still… Shun's main objective was reached. Target Flag's effect activated, as Trapeze Magician left the field. It got destroyed and Dennis was forced to reveal his hand at last. It only contained a single card…
Polymerization.
"Polymerization?" Yuzu asked as Bloom Diva shuddered. The Fairy's suspicion would be more and more founded as Shun angrily goaded him to use that card, set 2 cards, and ended his turn.
Shun: 2 Set Cards
"There is no other Finale, no other Message." The Choir explained with a dour, sorrowful tone. Yuzu was quite nervous, and didn't want this to be true. "Kurosaki has conducted in a suboptimal manner technically, but perfectly to convey his story. The Action Field has once again become a battlefield. And his opponent… Is being goaded into telling the story he wants to convey. There is no doubt: this is…
Raptor's Requiem."
Dennis conducted his next draw like he was a completely different person, sounding much darker than he ever has. He then proceeded with his terrifying performance.
"I activate the Spell Card Chaos Ancient Gear Fusion! I send Polymerization from my Hand to the Graveyard, and banish XYZ Monsters in my Graveyard equal to the number of fusion components I need! Then, I can Special Summon a set of fusion components from my Deck and Extra Deck, negating their effects and summoning requirements!
Ancient Gear Hunting Hound,
Double Ancient Gear Hunting Hound,
Triple Ancient Gear Hunting Hound,
Ultimate Ancient Gear Hunting Hound!
I Special Summon a total of four Ancient Gear monsters!"
Four mechanical dogs appeared for everyone in the Duel Palace to witness, each one with one more head than the last. Yet… They would not stay there for long at all. Yuzu and Bloom Diva were speechless, merely awaiting Dennis to finish his Fusion Chant.
"Mechanical hunting dogs, inheriting the souls of antiquity, bring your ten heads together and achieve the power of chaos! FUSION SUMMON! Appear, Level 10 Chaos Ancient Gear Giant!" A Giant mechanical construct emerged onto the Arena, with a frame that towers over everything that the Friendship Cup has ever seen. Dark Blue metal heads were all over its design, as its chest, head shoulders, arms and feet, all joined together by gray gears and joints. Its central, singular eye in its head glowed fiercely, staring down at Shun Kurosaki.
Chaos Ancient Gear Giant (Level 10/EARTH/Machine/Fusion/4500/3000)
"Such a huge monster…" This is all that Yuzu could think at the moment, shaken by its sheer, terrifying size.
"I… Feel nothing from it. Almost as if it was merely made to obey… And destroy." Bloom Diva commented, struggling to comprehend what she was seeing. However…
"So… You are from Academia!"
"Now… It's time for the Hunting Game!"
That exchange between Shun and Dennis sealed the deal. Yuzu felt her heart sink as the revelation set in.
"So… He was with them after all… You were right, Shun was after this reveal the entire time! Why…"
Bloom Diva felt herself choke, she couldn't utter a word. This is the same guy whose Ace Monster had asked her to do a favor… This is the same guy who she wanted to help… And in the end… She was deceived, betrayed… By an Academia Soldier. A Soldier who perhaps faked to be her friend. She teared up, and struggled to stand as she usually would and instead kneeled to her platform, having Yuzu look upon her in great concern. She may have tried to prepare herself, but those words… The Hunting Game… Have brought too much upon her.
"Bloom Diva… Please… Stay with me! I'm scared too. I'm scared that Academia might have reached us… But we can't lose hope yet! Not while we're still standing."
"I-I…" Bloom Diva finally was able to speak again, thanks to Yuzu's encouragement. "I… Will not falter. I have promised to see this through. Dennis has yet to get past Kurosaki, so it is up to them to conduct this duel… So that everyone will be led to salvation!"
The Fairy wiped her tears and stared back at the TV, seeing that the Raidraptor Continuous Traps Shun had set were not working at all: Chain Lock change a monster's position if it was stronger than any Raidraptor and Reactor would destroy any monster that changed its position and inflict damage equal to its ATK… But Chaos Giant was completely unaffected by Spells and Traps. It also prevents Monster Effects from being activated as long as it's fighting them.
The duo watched as Chaos Giant got its grip on Revolution Falcon, which desperately tried to engulf the construct to no avail. Its flames died out as the giant flew up and slammed it against crystal pillars, and destroyed part of the exterior of the stadium along with it. It then threw the Falcon directly at the road, still somehow not causing any damage to Shun's life points.
"W-Why is Chaos Giant taking so long?" The Choir said, as the Falcon managed to get away momentarily, only for the Giant to sprint ahead and punch it to the other side, breaking one of its wings. Yuzu, afraid and clasping her hands, answered:
"He's toying with him. Dennis is toying with him. Why is he fighting this way? Not even Sora hesitated in a moment like this, even as he proclaimed that the Hunting Game was up…"
Dennis decided, at last, to go for the gold, Chaos Giant throwing the mangled Revolution Falcon directly at Shun, creating a large dust cloud… The duo shielded their eyes in fear as the finishing blow was dealt… But…
SHUN LP: 2500 - 200
Shun came out of the dust cloud still riding, and with a new companion. This was Last Strix, the card he previously drew. Its effect from the hand activated as the damage was dealt: It reduces the damage dealt for every Spell and Trap he controls, then two, by 100 points, and Special Summons itself in defense position.
Raidraptor - Last Strix (Level 1/DARK/Winged Beast/100/100)
It was then revealed that Chaos Giant can attack all Monsters opposing it, once each. With a tiny monster making no difference as long as it's in defense, the giant, somewhat amusingly, decided to destroy it by lightly tapping it. Dennis then ended his turn.
"Phew… Kurosaki managed to hang in there…" Yuzu murmured. "Now… Maybe he has just the card to turn this around?"
"Perhaps he does…" Bloom Diva followed up. "His determination is as strong as ever. No doubt, should he find the right opportunity, he shall seize it for the Grand Finale."
While waiting for Shun's turn, Dennis' words caught their interest:
"Ah, why don't I tell you the story I had up my sleeve? Yes… From when I was in Heartland City."
At the mere mention of the name, the two gasped, then immediately shut up and nodded to listen to what Dennis had to say.
"You see, I was having fun there as a street performer. My illusions and tricks were quite a hit with the crowd, attracting people all over… Including Academia's target. I found her, and thanks to my greatest partner in Entertainment Dueling, Trapeze Magician… I brought her to me for a duel that would excite everyone… Or so it seemed. All the watching adults and children were smiling. But the moment I found her, my fun was over. It was really awful… I wanted to keep doing street shows. But because I found her, I had no choice but to give the sign to start the hunting game. And so, the others came and, as you know, they wreaked havoc the way you'd expect. But my task was one, finding that target. That one girl who I brought to the stage… And that I would have to show… My partner, so he could bring her to the Professor. Her name was Ruri."
At the mention of Ruri, the duo gasped. Yuzu tried to quickly think of the implications of such a story.
"W-Wait… But… Dennis was the one who started this? So that means… He was sent in to look at Ruri and have her captured… And his partner… Could it be… That Academia soldier we fought? Could it really be that Dennis was sent to capture me too?! Serena as well?!"
"That is what he says." Bloom Diva confirmed with a cold tone. "Now I understand, Trapeze Magician. Dennis was under orders of Academia. That is his role… And his greatest burden!"
Yuzu froze, not knowing what to make of this, but Bloom Diva continued. "Academia has warped his heart to believe that his cause is just. But he is truly an Entertainment Duelist! His performance, and that of Trapeze Magician… I saw they were genuine. But he has been convinced of this senseless mission being more important! He has been warped like Sora, and so… We shall save him from Academia's clutches!" The Fairy was decisively more resolute than last time, holding back her tears, hoping that his heart could be at peace. Her companion, however, was much more afraid.
"I don't know… He has been sent to capture after Serena and Me, how could we ever convince him if that would only bring him closer to Academia's goal… And we're also stuck here, so it would be really difficult for us to reach him…"
"I activate the Rank-Up Magic Soul Shave Force!"
"Especially if Kurosaki gets to him first!"
As they were talking, Shun found this last trump card. It halved his life to Special Summon Revolution Falcon from the Graveyard and use it as an Overlay component. Furious, Shun went for his Summoning Chant.
SHUN LP: 200 - 100
"Proud falcon be wreathed in the fires of rage and become a bolt that scorches the ground beneath! RANK-UP XYZ CHANGE! Take flight, Rank 8 Raidraptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon!" The avian looked nothing short of fully mechanical. Clad in white, with a single dorsal wing, twin boosters on its sides, and protrusions on its limbs that hosted several pipes akin to Revolution Falcon's. Several green orbs hosted its body, and they glowed as it got ready… Ready to strike the Giant with unyielding rage.
Raidraptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon (Rank 8/DARK/Winged Beast/XYZ/3000/2000)
"I will crush you until there's nothing left!"
"Oh no…" Yuzu shuddered from Shun's words. "Kurosaki is doing this again! Is he going to destroy the Arena?!"
"I cannot see another outcome…" Bloom Diva responded, paralyzed. "Both Kurosaki and Satellite Cannon Falcon are blinded by rage. They would bring this place down if they could!"
Shun explained his trump card's effect. By detaching an Overlay Unit, it brings an opposing Monster's ATK down by 800… For EACH Raidraptor in his Graveyard, and with Revolution Falcon detached, he'd have 5.
"Let your fire burn for as many of your allies as you have lost!" Satellite Cannon Falcon's dorsal wings spreaded and divided themselves, and all of its cannons were pointed at Chaos Giant… As well their rage.
"FIRE ONE!" A ghostly image of Skull Eagle came into Satellite Cannon Falcon's core, its wings glowed brightly, and all of its cannons shot at Chaos Giant, engulfing it in a stream of green lasers. Both Bloom Diva and Yuzu clasped their hands in fear, hoping that Shun's rage would not bring chaos loose.
Chaos Ancient Gear Giant ATK 4500 - 3700
"The road that stretches before you is the road of loss and despair!"
"FIRE TWO!" The second Skull Eagle came so the Cannon could strike again, slowly dismantling the Giant. Just the Giant, for now.
Chaos Ancient Gear Giant ATK 3700 - 2900
"Learn the sadness of my little sister, Ruri, whose future was stolen from her!"
"FIRE THREE!" Fiend Eagle came this time to power up another attack, further putting the Giant in disarray.
Chaos Ancient Gear Giant ATK 2900 - 2100
"Kurosaki's rage is… He's too far gone now…" Yuzu shook in fear and the Fairy was speechless. While the bracelet glowed, the two were too focused on the carnage on screen to notice. Dennis tried to go for an Action Card, but he passed by a section of the track which was filled with debris from Chaos Giant's earlier rampage.
"Feel the hatred of my irreplaceable best friend, Yuto, whose will was left unfinished!"
"FIRE FOUR!" As Shun commanded, Last Strix went into the Falcon's core. This time, the Giant was visibly knocked back and fell on its knees, shaking the road beneath it, and engulfing Dennis in a dust cloud.
Chaos Ancient Gear Giant ATK 2100 - 1300
"Dennis!" The Choir shouted as he was going for another action card above the shaken ground, but came just short of actually grabbing it. "Your Entertainment style, and your trickery have disappeared in favor of chaos… Could it be that the Action Cards have forsaken you as well?"
Shun, undeterred by the wreckage around him, continued. "No matter how much it burns, the fire of rage of the friends sealed as cards will never burn out!"
"FIRE FIVE!" Revolution Falcon came in to deliver the last strike to chip away Chaos Giant's power, now unable to move at all. The whole area around it, a corner of the stadium, is now reduced to rubble.
Chaos Ancient Gear Giant ATK 1300 - 500
"That is enough now, Kurosaki! Stop it! We need to bring harmony to this place, not war!" Yuzu shouted, and Bloom Diva had to hush her.
"We cannot reach him… He is no longer intent on performing… Just exacting his revenge, no matter how much it destroys…"
"Battle! Take flight, Satellite Cannon Falcon! Attack Chaos Giant!" The Falcon then shot up to the sky, tearing the clouds open. Upon feeling its presence as it soared, Bloom Diva rushed outside of the window to check the sky. Yuzu stared terrorized at the TV, noticing a small yellow light, like a star coming from above.
"P-Please… Don't tell me that this is Kurosaki's doing! Don't tell me that it has his sights on the arena FROM THAT FAR AWAY!"
"I cannot see otherwise… Satellite Cannon Falcon has ruptured the sky, and is now enacting his ruinous finale…"
Shun prepared his last words to the Ex-Entertainer:
"Feel what those you hunted felt… AND SHATTER! ETERNAL AVENGE!"
Yuzu was completely muted as the light started to glow green, and got closer and closer, until the feed was engulfed in light, focusing on Chaos GIant shattering and disappearing like it was just a piece of paper getting burned, only hearing Dennis' rupturing screams. Bloom Diva saw the laser come down from the sky directly, and in tears, as it hit the Duel Palace in a big explosion. Raptor's Requiem, had once again, led to sheer destruction for revenge.
DENNIS LP: 2400 - 0
The Fairy came back to Yuzu's room to assist her. She then saw Dennis was on the ground, unconscious. Just like with Sora, Shun had come to approach him with a menacing walk, then the footage cut off of that to show the destruction on display: half of the stadium's track was wrecked, as well as a small portion of the stands being now emptied due to the destruction. It was unknown if no one was gone, let alone injured, and yet…
"They… Are cheering for it…" Bloom Diva trembled, utterly shocked to see the images on display.
"All this destruction, all this uncertainty… AND THEY ARE CHEERING FOR IT?!" Bloom Diva shook her fist, and stood upright. Yuzu could see how her Spirit was shaking, and her clothes were billowing in the wind, almost as if she was caught in a whirlwind of her own making.
"Bloom Diva! Please, don't do this!" Yuzu pleaded to no avail, as the rage of her companion was rising.
"ARE THEY SO APATHETIC AS TO IGNORE A WAR?! WILL THEY JUST SIT THERE AND CHEER AS THEIR CITIZENS GET SEALED AWAY FOREVER?!" The Fairy shouted, tearful with anger and disgust, and ready to explode, but then…
"Some people listened to you… Maybe they were too scared to say it?"
Opera's words made her focus for a tiny moment. She saw that some people were scared out there, they were just drowned out by the excitement of everyone else. As she saw those people get overtaken, she clinched her head in frustration, her whirlwind billowing harder as the pinkette froze in fear, but then…
"NO!"
Suddenly, after this crescendo of anger, Bloom Diva stopped decisively, the wind seemingly gone… And all that was left was heavy breathing by the Choir.
"Bloom Diva! Are you OK now?" Yuzu asked, concerned, as her partner's breathing got more steady, and in a diminuendo of tension, she calmed down at last.
"I will not lose myself again, my apologies." Bloom Diva addressed her partner. "Despite this sheer display of ignorance and apathy, there is hope underneath. Our plan remains unchanged. Tomorrow, we shall save City from itself. I believe we can still do it."
"What about Academia?" Yuzu asked. "Now with Dennis, they may know we are here! Serena and I may be in danger, as well as all of Synchro!"
"It is out of our control. We know not of Dennis' fate, but he most likely will be thrown in the Underground, alongside the Lancers who he betrayed. The Friendship Cup, albeit it locks us in, gives us some safety so we can spread our message, as long as we remain in the tournament… And we shall!"
Yuzu managed to get some confidence back, seeing that Bloom Diva was not wrecked by the happenings, despite what they did, then she stopped, realizing:
"Oh wait, how can they continue this? The stadium is wrecked! I dunno if an Action Field can solve this!... You know what, I know you have to get to Cat Dancer and the Melodious Ensemble, so I won't hold you up any further. I'll try to find out anything else that could be useful in the meantime."
"I see, Yuzu. Very well. Until then… The others must know what has just occurred."
The Choir then left Yuzu's sight while she was scrambling for information. They would need any help they could get at this point.
Meanwhile, someone else had their own perspective on this event, right as it ended.
"That… Rat… Bastard." Serena thought, fairly motionless as she was made rigid by what Dennis' presence and role meant. "I can't believe he managed to deceive me twice!"
"Sooo…" Cat Dancer asked from inside Serena's mind, fairly worried. "Now that we know Dennis is a spy… Just when has he told us about our location? And when do you think the army will come here?"
"I don't know, but I know one thing. If Reiji's as good as he's supposed to be, he has found a way to check on him this entire time. Or if not him, the others. Also he got beat hard. I doubt he's a problem on his own anymore. The issue is… If anyone else comes in contact with him. I doubt Academia would only send one person to spy. Even then, it should be a matter of days before the Obelisk Force arrives if we're lucky. They need to reassemble their forces, but they're pretty good at doing so."
"I see… Well… Stick to the plan and fight them once they come?"
"Why do you even ask? I'm NOT going back there! I wasn't keen on being taken back then, and I'm even less so now!"
"Hah! That's my Serena!" Cat Dancer's usual enthusiasm came back. "We're in this too! They'll have to deal with my claws and pass through me before they'll get to lay a finger on you, I promise!"
Serena smirked at that remark. "Dependable as always, Cat Dancer! Now, you need to meet up with Bloom Diva?"
"Yep! I'm sure she needs some pep talk after what she's seen, if her previous encounter with Dennis was any indication, and…" Cat Dancer noticed the crowd cheering. "Ugh, these people…"
"This really isn't how to approach a war… They are so clueless." Serena was discouraged too by the attitude of the audience. "Alright then, go meet up with your singer friend. Oh, and please… I've got a message for Yuzu."
"All right, let's hear it! I'll send it word by word!"
Serena told everything she needed to. The Cat, with a chuckle, then set off.
"Got it! Later, Serena!" The Defected soldier turned to watch the TV, trying to scrape for as much information as she could.
RIFT BETWEEN WORLDS
Bloom Diva and Cat Dancer met up as usual, the Fairy communicating with an even more sorrowful tune than last time.
"Just as I expected… Believe me, that wasn't fun for us either. I'm… Really sorry for what happened." Cat Dancer remarked.
"No need, Cat Dancer. This is another of Academia's misdeeds, corrupting the heart of another person under an insane ideal. I have no grudges towards Dennis, despite his ruinous actions. And City, too. I see it now. To Yuzu and I, they are lost souls who need to be brought to the right path."
"...Huh." The Cat thought: "You've really set on your role of a Saint, huh? I wonder why… Could it be the Fusion that sparked that? Or maybe… Yuzu?"
"I would say… Both." The Choir responded. "My role as a Saint and performer was set once I was created, but as I saw the world with Yuzu, as I witnessed all that happened around her… I understood its purpose." Her speech turned dour as she went on. "All is established by influence. With the promise of a utopian, united world, Academia has influenced the hearts of many. They have been led to believe that under said premise, imprisoning people in cards is morally just. Likewise, the whole of City had been led to demoralize the defeated in such a way they shall never return. It is frightening how similar these mentalities are…"
Cat Dancer remarked, hearing no more from the Diva:
"So that's why your mission is to save them by stopping that mentality. First City, then Academia."
"I am glad you understand! Yuya, too, is fighting alongside us. He has set out to win the tournament and beat Jack Atlas. That way, he is convinced his voice will be heard at last."
"That's… Quite an uphill battle both of you'll have to go through. Are you sure you'll be okay with this?"
"I have found hope, created by Dennis' terrorizing performance." Bloom Diva responded, more resolute. "Some people have manifested fear, drowned out from the excitement in the audience. It is up to us to let these voices ring, and if we win, we may be able to truly make an impact next time. Likewise, Yuya has found resolution, after falling to darkness."
"Really glad to hear it, but… Don't count us out!" Cat Dancer said, a bit aggressively. "Serena's a target of Academia too now… And I think that has got her even more riled up to fight against it. Based on what she told me, there's still some time before the Army arrives, IF it does. The Friendship Cup is the more immediate matter, at least. If we somehow end up matched against each other… I don't want you to hold ANYTHING back!" Finishing up with a giggle, she said: "But I'm sure you know that already!"
"Indeed. We shall not back down from any challenge. If anything, us giving our all in our duel would only get one of us closer to our goal. If we can convince the audience that you were amazing, and to root for you, despite losing, it will be a huge step forward. We already know you two are amazing, so it will just be a matter of convincing others!" The Fairy's tone turned brighter with that last phrase.
"Oh, PLEASE! Flattery will get you nowhere, dears! You're not getting top critic reviews just with that, you know it!" Cat Dancer said provocatively, and they both shared a laugh.
"In all seriousness, despite us not seeing much of your progress, I can already tell Serena has grown a lot since her encounter with Yuzu. Now… How have the two of you met?"
"OH! Hehe… Well…" Bloom Diva could hear Cat Dancer scratching her head somehow as she tried to explain. "It went something like this…"
YUZU'S HOUSE (A WHILE AGO)
Serena had just recently gotten her newer attire up, shortly before giving Yuya the one she had worn before, Yuzu's school uniform. She then heard a voice from inside her…
"Lookin' good! Gotta say, that schoolgirl outfit was quite gaudy."
"WHAT THE-, WHO IS-?"
RIFT BETWEEN WORLDS (NOW)
"And that's how it went! Not the best point to start, but it led us here!"
Bloom Diva chuckled at the swift pace of that story. "Ah, if it consoles you, my encounter was quite similar. I accidentally revealed myself in front of her friends and it was… Quite the unfortunate timing. But we managed to sort out all our problems in the evening!"
"Yeah, it's not exactly easy to get used to, actually… At first, Serena thought it was a sick joke. She slowly started to believe me, though! I consider this a great accomplishment for her. From what little I've seen up to that point, she isn't exactly the social type. Makes sense, she has been stuck there for pretty much forever…"
The Choir remained pensive and lamented that she couldn't help her much herself.
"I truly wish her and Yuzu would know each other better. But we are stuck here, in our own rooms, and relaying messages like this just will not do."
"Yyyyeah… Speaking of, I've got one from Serena."
"Very well, please go ahead."
Cat Dancer's message was received with a warm smile from the Fairy. She, in return, told the Lunalight a bit about Yuzu's recent developments, such as receiving a letter from Yuya. Then, the two excused themselves and were set to meet soon.
CITY - DUEL PALACE DORMITORY
Yuzu was reading Yuya's letter again. It seems that she was more and more comforted by it every time she read it. The Fairy came in and materialized herself to see how she felt at the moment. Yuzu saw her shortly after and asked her:
"Oh, Bloom Diva! So, how did your meeting with Cat Dancer go, exactly?"
"Fairly well, all things considered. It looks like this latest development has made her more eager to fight for the right cause. I also bear a message from her."
"Oh, I see. I'm listening!"
The Fairy then relayed the message:
"Hi, Yuzu. I hope you're doing well, despite everything. You know as much as I know about the War and what we'll do to fight it now, so… I won't talk about that. I wanted to ask you a question… If and when we get out of this, after the war is over… Would you mind teaching me how you duel? You may know, Entertainment Dueling is not my thing. But… The way you dueled with your monsters is unlike anything I've ever done. I don't think I've ever found dueling… Fun, as I grew up. I believe you can help me in doing that. I know there are others who could duel like you do, but… Sawatari did fine, guess… Yuya always tries hard but seems to be stopped by SOMETHING each time, like he's never allowed to do that, and Dennis… You know. I'm asking this because I found it's what makes you strong… And also because Cat Dancer said it would be good for me to loosen up and have fun, but I can't really afford to do that now. So… Hopefully I'll get to the point that I can. Ah, I better not catch you holding back tomorrow. ESPECIALLY if you're against me. Well… Good Night, Yuzu."
Yuzu teared up a bit. She was glad to see Serena starting to open up after all that happened to her. She was worried about Yuya at first, but would then loosen up. Hopefully Serena has known by now that even Yuya's recovered from that stunt during his Duel with Duel Chaser 227. There was, however, one question from the Pinkette:
"Uh, anything else in that message? Are you sure you didn't forget anything else?"
"No, that is all." Bloom Diva responded, serenely.
"Ah, phew! Well… There's not much on my end. I tried to see if there were any replays of the matches that were had today, but the last duel caused too many issues and they said they're focusing on making sure the Friendship Cup would continue tomorrow."
"It is for the best. I was told it should be a matter of days before Academia comes to Synchro, should it be notified of Dennis' disappearance."
"I definitely think so. Well, then we have no duels to waste. We'll put our all in each one of our Duels!"
The Choir nodded in approval. "Serena shall do the same. I have no doubt both her and Cat Dancer will put their all into their fight. And they have no doubt you will too, so let us. Now, I shall be off meeting with Cat Dancer once more, and the Ensemble next. Any requests?"
"Yeah, I've got something to tell Serena, then I'll go to bed. Dwelling on what happened today any further won't do me any good, so I'll call it a night."
"As you wish, Yuzu." The Fairy listened carefully to her partner's words and understood them easily. She nodded in understanding with a smile.
"Ok, all set then! Thank you so much, Bloom Diva! I mean it!"
"Ah, no problem." The Choir replied with a warm smile. "All this for you, and more. Have a serene night, Yuzu."
And so, the pinkette slept well thanks to the comfort provided by the bed, and her friends' warm words and steeled resolve.
RIFT BETWEEN WORLDS
As she was a bit early, Bloom Diva decided to take a quick visit to the Conservatory to explain what happened during the duel. More bad news really wasn't ideal for the Melodious Members to hear, but needed to be relayed. Didn't help the fact that the portal shook once again due to the Choir's outburst after the duel with Dennis. It wasn't really time to dwell on these issues. She had to meet up with Cat Dancer once more before tomorrow, and left the Members to settle down for the night in the Conservatory. She linked with Cat Dancer, to find out she was the one who waited for the other this time.
"Is everything OK, dear?"
"Yes, Yuzu was glad to have received that message. Forgive me for being late, but I had to warn the Melodious of what happened during the duel. It displeased me, but it needed to be done. Now they are all settling down, and they shall be ready to let their voices ring."
"I see, my dears had to be warned too. The Lunalights are perfecting their moves for tomorrow, before resting. Soon, I will join them. Believe me, the form is almost complete! And I'm sure it'll be a shocker!"
"I am glad. You seem to be striving in perfecting this Fusion ritual of yours."
"Of course! It's working wonders for me, and the others seem to enjoy it too! They've become excellent at backing me up when I go all out! I wonder, why didn't you try to do that yourselves? You've told me your efforts to implement Synchro Summoning in your ranks were in vain… Maybe Fusion's just good for you! Maybe it's meant for you, as much as it was meant for us!"
"Ah…" The Choir responded, a bit flustered, then she explained: "There are some members of our Ensemble who have talents related to Fusion Summoning, actually: you already saw what Soprano is capable of, and Opera does have a hidden talent used when she is part of a Fusion Summon. TamTam is also another eager member who works very well alongside me. I just believed that, with Yuzu's will to learn Synchro, and Harmonia's curiosity, as well as mine… We had to seize the opportunity. Alas, it did not go well."
"Oh… Well, what do I know?" Cat Dancer remarked, with a chuckle. "I see your curiosity has only strengthened since our first encounter, and you went all the way with Harmonia just to meet us!"
"Ah, you must also thank Yuzu. She too is working hard to better herself, and by extension… All of us."
"Well, Serena too! If there's a positive thing about her fighting Academia, other than the obvious, is that she felt that she's finally getting to prove herself for the first time in a while! Her drive has only become stronger, and so has mine!"
Serenely, the Choir said: "I hope we will see your efforts bear fruit properly tomorrow. Whether it shall be against us or not. Oh… I bear a message from Yuzu. Allow me to relay it before I depart and rest."
"Sure dear, I've expected this!" And so, the message was told and perfectly understood by Cat Dancer. "Perfect! Now then, I think we'll be off for today. We should meet tomorrow morning, as well as when one of our partners is about to start their Duel. Deal?"
"Excellent. I shall depart now. Take care, Cat Dancer, and please do not overexert yourself."
"Aw, what's the worst that could happen? I'm sure I'll come back stronger than ever! Ta-ta, dear!"
And so, the two went their separate ways. Bloom Diva went back the Conservatory, while Cat Dancer had a message to deliver.
CITY - SERENA'S ROOM
Serena was awaiting Cat Dancer's return after checking the TV, a bit frustrated that there weren't any replays because of the mess that Dennis had wrought. The Cat made her presence known shortly after.
"Well, all done out there! Any news, dear?"
"Still nothing…" Serena responded, in a dour tone. "No replay footage or whatever tonight. And they were quite vague about the duels that occurred today. To heck with this, I'll call it a night."
"Um, actually… Would you mind listening to this message from Yuzu?"
"Oh. Do tell."
The message was then narrated as Serena sat down to listen.
"Hi Serena! Yes, I would absolutely love teaching you! I'm glad you asked! This may not look like much, but learning to enjoy Duels, as well as other things, and doing them for fun can bring out a lot more in you than you realize. I know it's hard for you, considering your upbringing, but I'm sure, with time, you can learn to appreciate fun! Also, there's not only me you can rely on. I'm sure, right now, even Cat Dancer can give you some tips! But… Do it when you really want to. If you force yourself to have fun, you really miss the point of it. But who knows? Perhaps it'll come up on its own, and you won't even realize it. Anyway, for now, just do what you're best at. We're all in this together! Good night, Serena!"
Serena could only respond with a long, winded sigh.
"It just feels… So weird to me. But after what I saw, I do want to at least try. Though… I wouldn't really be good at it."
"I've been saying this for a while now. Serena, I know it might not be the best time for me to say this, but you're too rigid! Sometimes, you just need to loosen up and have fun!"
Serena got quite irritated at how direct Cat Dancer was with that delivery. "Yeah, easy for you to say. But being "rigid" means being efficient, and that's what brought me here. That's what brought me in as a contender."
"Yeah, and that's what would have dragged you back to Academia, were it not for others." Cat Dancer snarkily replied. "Remember your time with the Obelisk Force?"
As painful as it was to hear, Cat Dancer had a point. She had fought Academia students for so long, they got so used to her deck and learned to counter her strategies. But now it wasn't the time for her to worry, as she wouldn't have to face them in the Friendship Cup anyhow. The Blue-Haired then thought:
"Look, I know you're doing this for me, but it's not as easy as you guys make it. Now, if I could only see you guys in your world, maybe it'll be easier, but right now, I can't even see you. So… I'll just do what Yuzu advised. For now, I'll Duel as I always have. I'll loosen up when I can afford to."
"I see… Sorry about that, dear. I just learned from you." Cat Dancer replied with a chuckle.
"Hmph. Well… Thanks for everything, Cat Dancer. Now, you said you were gonna train, didn't you?"
"Absolutely! I'll get this ritual to complete, I promise! I just need to find the right rhythm and I'm set!"
Serena then saluted her with a smirk on her face. "I see. Well, bye for now, Cat Dancer. Make me proud!"
"I will, Serena! Ta-ta!"
And so the Cat bolted out of Serena's mind. The girl fell in a deep sleep shortly after, being comforted by Cat Dancer and Yuzu's words.
DUEL SPIRIT WORLD - CONSERVATORY
Night had fallen for a while now. The recent developments had not been good news for the Melodious Ensemble, but they did not change their plan of conduct. Their objective remained the same: to unite City in harmony with their melodies and win, so they can warn everyone about the war. Most of the members were sleeping peacefully, fully prepared for the Duel ahead.
…Most of them.
Canon was standing in the woods nearby, walking nervously back and forth and punching the trees in frustration before finally sitting down, demoralized.
"Canon… I know tomorrow will be difficult. But we need to do our best regardless."
Solo had just chimed in, fully suspecting that something was up with the Masked Melodious. She responded in frustration:
"I… Just… Ugh! I'm not sure we'll get these people to hear us at all! If a GIANT ROBOT that destroyed a portion of the stands wasn't enough for the people to pay attention, then what will?"
Solo kneeled down to Canon's height, trying to reassure her: "They're not paying attention because the giant robot lost. City being like it is now, we need to keep winning, and if we don't do our best out there, we will only make it harder for ourselves."
"But will we even know if tomorrow will change anything? Yesterday, they've only pretended to be on our side right before throwing our message into the garbage once Yuya had tried to say it! And we've only got one shot!"
"Canon…" Solo was struggling to console her, seeing as she wasn't really wrong in anything here.
"What's more, now that Dennis has revealed himself, we may get those warmongering beetle-heads knocking on our doorstep any time now, and our Yuzu's a prime target! And those just… Don't give a fuss about it! They'd rather go with that stupid mentality than try to listen! CAN'T YOU SEE WHY I DON'T LIKE THESE PEOPLE?!"
"Canon, an unwelcome audience is still an audience, and as such, if they come, we shall perform for them."
Another voice came right as Canon was rambling furiously: it was Shopina, who was quite concerned for the blue-haired. She then continued.
"You have every reason to be furious at these people, but it will not help us in our goal. I am convinced that some people in City support Yuzu for more than just her skills, it is just a matter of letting these voices ring."
Canon tried to calm herself down, and spoke much more reasonably.
"I… I know, but… I really don't want to see your efforts… Yuzu's efforts, wasted like this. It's like your performance went in an ear and out the other for everyone that watched us…"
"Not everyone!" Solo said cheerfully. "Remember, there is someone quite important that I know has fully listened to us AND is with us in conveying our message!"
"Y…Yuya?" Canon guessed correctly, by Solo's reaction.
"Yep! Yuya! Maybe he didn't do too well this time, but he's in it with us too! And thanks to the letter Bloom Diva mentioned, we're sure that they will do this both together! If one of them goes down, the other will carry the torch! And as long as one of them wins next time… Just think where they are! Among the 5 best duelists recognized by City! They'll just have to listen at that point!"
Canon put some thought into this and slowly calmed down, giving a faint smile at the end.
"You're right, this was not all in vain. Thanks, Solo. Sorry to have made all that fuss here, Shopina."
"No need to apologize." The Maestra responded. "Still, it is best that you go to bed now. You need to be ready. Or will you perhaps sleep here, outside?"
"C'mon, Canon! Don't make us drag you inside!" Solo told the masked Melodious in a playful tone.
"I'll move, I'll move…!" Canon retorted and got up. "If I come up on stage tomorrow, I'll make sure they all hear us!"
"That's the spirit!" Solo gave a warm smile to her companion. "I did so last time, it's only fair that I'll pass the baton to you!"
"That shall be for Yuzu to decide." Shopina admonished the duo. "Remember, she is our Maestra now, so allow her to be in charge."
"Ah, sorry! I got carried away!" Solo scratched the back of her head right before Canon passed by her and lent a hand on her shoulder, indicating with her head that they should go back. The duo went, on each other's shoulders, and Shopina followed them with a smile.
Next morning rolled in, and Harmonia got to compose early. Soprano oversaw her and wondered what this was about, to find a Composer that scratched her head in frustration.
"Um, hello, Harmonia. May I pay a visit?"
Upon hearing the Songstress, Harmonia turned around and saluted her.
"Hi Soprano. Yes, you can come in! I'm hardly getting anything done anyway…"
The composer got up to meet with Soprano. "I thought with all the events we got, I could make something out of it, but… It just won't come to me!"
"Are you too shaken by these events, Harmonia? Perhaps they are clogging your mind…"
"I don't know, maybe? But we've got into other trouble and I could still make SOMETHING…"
"Perhaps this may help you. As Bloom Diva, I have talked with Cat Dancer of our woes with the Inspiration. She advised us to focus on one style instead of implementing more. That is what Cat Dancer's focusing on at the moment."
"Ooh boy, when it comes to stubborness, no one beats her. She's got her claws firmly grasped on that thing, huh. And to think, when I met her, she had just managed to evolve into Panther Dancer… I don't just want to replicate her! I can't really work on the same script over and over, I don't think we've shown her how this works!"
"It would certainly be delightful if she came to our Conservatory. Perhaps in the future… We know the Luna Well is quite far from here, and now… There's simply no time."
"Yeah, you're right." Harmonia's expression then turned brighter. "You know what, I'll hold off for today. I'll cheer on Yuzu against whoever she faces!"
Soprano gives her a warm smile in return. "I am glad. Now… I should meet Mozarta when the time comes. We have an appointment with Cat Dancer, after all."
"Sure thing! Tell her good luck for me!"
"Will do."
Soprano then greeted Mozarta and the two quickly fused to make Bloom Diva. The Choir set out for the portal immediately, ready to face this new, momentous day. They shall bring true smiles and harmony to City… With their victory.