-Steelswarm-
"Onee-chan!" Pop called, "Onee-chan!"
Doremi turned over in her bed. "Five more minutes, Pop-chan…five ore minutes…"
Pop sighed and shook her head. "You're gonna be late for school! Again!"
Reluctantly, Doremi crawled out of bed…and immediately fell to the floor and going back to sleep.
Pop honestly couldn't blame her. She was trapped in a cage hanging from a Lava Golem's neck and was still very exhausted from her ordeal. No matter the case, she needed to get up. School was important too, after all.
As such, Pop decided on a measure and transformed.
"Pretty Witchy Pop-chi!" Pop chanted as she struck her pose, "Pippito Purito Puritan Peperuto! Glass of water, come out!" Her spell did the trick, and a glass of water appeared in her hand. She then splashed it on Doremi's face, waking the pink Ojamajo with a start. "Wake up, Onee-chan!"
Doremi gasped in shock. "Pop-chan!" she shouted. She then clutched her shoulder from where she was burned by Lava Golem. "Aiieee!"
Pop reverted to normal and grabbed her bags. "I'll help you carry your stuff to school, okay?"
Doremi smiled. "Arigatou, Pop-chan."
The day was almost the same as usual. Everyone was glad Hana was okay. Some people wouldn't give her some space and kept asking what she caught to make her miss three days of school while others stepped in and stopped the harassment.
Nonetheless, the day went by quickly and, before they knew it, the Ojamajos were out and headed off to the Maho-Dou. And as usual, it was peaceful and quiet. Hana had gone back to her room for a bit though and almost everyone believed she went there to get relieve the day's stress; they were right, but not in the way they expected. Regardless, she returned to the work floor after a few minutes, refreshed.
A familiar singing caught everyone's attention. Majo Rika groaned as its source popped out of the cash register.
"I've come, bearing some news, good and baaaaad!~" Dela sung.
"Eh? Dela-san?" Doremi began.
"Konnichiwa?" Onpu greeted, confused.
"But we don't need supplies right now!" Majo Rika half-shouted.
Dela shook her head. "Majorin has summoned you girls to the Castle."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Momoko asked, "Let's go!"
"Wait," Onpu said, "Dela-san? You said you had good news and bad news. Can you tell us both?"
Dela sighed. "Well, the good news is Majo Toron has made some headway with her analysis."
"And the bad news?" Aiko asked.
"That's why Majorin has summoned you."
"Then I guess we have no choice then," Doremi said. She then walked to the window and looked up. "But the moon isn't smiling right now."
"Oh, leave the transportation to me!" Dela replied.
The girls all gulped. Something told them this wasn't going to end well…
They all hoped this was to be important. Dela's method of travel wasn't the worst in the world, but it wasn't the best either. In any case, they decided not to converse on the subject and moved on.
Before they knew it, they were inside the Castle. But instead of going to the audience hall, the girls were taken to an arena of sorts. Majorin, Majo Heart, and Majo Toron were there waiting for them.
"I'm glad you made it," Majorin said. She seemed more than a little tired. "Did Dela tell you some of the news?"
"Hai, Majorin-san," Doremi replied, "But she only told us the food news."
"Why have we been summoned?" Aiko asked.
Majorin made the attempt to get up, but Majo Heart stopped her when it looked like she was going to fall back over.
"I was unable to heal Jou-sama, even with my Super Witch form," Majorin replied sadly.
The statement sounded ludicrous on paper, but Majorin's Super Witch form was the most powerful thing they had at their disposal right now. If it couldn't do the job, then there was almost nothing that could be done. And the girls knew it all too well.
"But there has to be something!" Momoko cried.
"If there is, then we have to find that out," Majo Toron replied, "However, what Majorin said isn't all of the bad news."
"EH?!" the Ojamajos gasped.
"Do any of you remember what happened with Majo Tourbillon prior to the end of her curse?" Majo Heart inquired.
The Ojamajos exchanged looks at one another. The curse of the former Queen was something they had barely averted in the end. Had they not destroyed the last cursed bramble, the whole world might have fallen into an endless slumber.
"Yeah," Doremi replied, nervous.
"This crisis is similar," Majo Toron explained, "If you may recall, Majo Tourbillon's magic spread into Mahoutsukai Kai and even Ningen Kai, spreading her despair and misery to anyone it touched." Majo Toron straightened her goggles. "From what we've gathered, the Verz itself seeks to spread and corrupt everyone it touches. And since there is a resonance between our magic and this card game bringing it to life, combined with the earlier crisis, I'm afraid that if we do not stop this virus, all worlds will be doomed."
Aiko, Doremi, and Onpu raised their hands, but Majo Heart shook her head. "Majo Tourbillon's magic was just one example. Jou-sama approaches that level of power, even after chipping her crystal. We can slow down the Verz by closing off Majo Kai from the other worlds when it gets out, but that's all that can be done."
"And here I thought you guys would actually have a better plan than that…" an annoying voice sounded from the corner. The source made its presence known: Skaj. "And yet you're not even scratching the surface!"
"Why are you here?" Majorin demanded.
"Oh…business. Kada wants to know how you're all doing…and…business." Majo Heart and Majo Toron grit their teeth while the Ojamajos drew their porons. "Oh, cooome ON! Is that even called for?"
Majorin gave a hard look at Skaj. "Kada seems to know much more about this than he lets on. And since you're clearly affiliated with him, you must know something too!"
"Yeah…I know stuff. But wouldn't you like to know."
Aiko and Momoko inserted their porons into their bracelets, quickly changing them into their Duel Disks.
"We both challenge you!" Aiko shouted.
"And if we win, you tell us everything you know!" Momoko added.
Skaj smirked. "Okay…but if you lose," Skaj chuckled, "Then wouldn't you be outta luck." Skaj took a deck of blank note cards out of his holster. He frowned and sighed with annoyance. "I'll just have to improvise then…" At once, several cards flew out of the deck and formed a makeshift Duel Disk. "You girls are pretty much amateurs. I can take you both at once if I please!"
Aiko and Momoko inserted their decks into their Duel Disks. Their combined Life Points, as well as Skaj's, raced to 8000 while Skaj inserted his deck.
"Duel!" Aiko and Momoko shouted.
"Let's get this party started!" Skaj shouted, "Light beings first."
"With pleasure! Atashi no Turn! Draw!" Aiko shouted. She looked at her opening hand intently. "First, I summon Rescue Rabbit!" At once, a small rabbit wearing a rescue worker's gear appeared (300/100). "And its special ability allows me to special summon any 2 Lv4 or below Normal Monsters from my deck…so long as they have the same name and Rescue Rabbit gets banished." Rescue Rabbit vanished into a portal. Then, two large hippo-like monsters appeared (1700/1000). "I special summon two Hippozaraus the Great Sneeze!"
"Wow, the old dino rabbit build," Skaj deadpanned, "Go for Laggia? Dolkka? It's really not that amazing anymore…"
Aiko grit her teeth as both of her monsters turned into orbs of blue energy. "With these two Lv4 Dinosaur-type monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" Both monsters spiraled into a red vortex. "Appear now! Evolkaiser Laggia!"
And just like that, a large, greenish dragon emerged from the vortex. It let out a mighty roar as fire erupted from around it (2400/2000).
"And I'll set three cards. Turn end!" Aiko said. Three reversed cards appeared behind Laggia.
"Yeah…And one of those is Lance, another is Road, and the other I don't give a damn about," Skaj deadpanned. He drew his card and gave another deadpan look. First, I'll activate upstart Goblin. You gonna negate?" Then and there, a seemingly rich goblin appeared.
"I'll let it slide," Aiko replied.
The Goblin grinned as Skj drew his card. Aiko and Momoko's Life Points went up to 9000.
"Next, I'll summon Cyber Valley to my field! You gonne kill it?" At once, a serpentine machine dragon appeared (0/0). Aiko shook her head at Skaj's response. "Then I'll just set three cards of my own and that'll be it."
Three reversed cards appeared behind his monster.
"And during your End Phase, I'll activate the continuous trap Macro Cosmos!" Aiko's reversed card rose up. In seconds, the scenery changed, reflecting an alien cosmos. "When this card is active, any and all-!"
"B***h, please! I know how the card works," Skaj retorted, "It bans everything that would've gone to the graveyard. Seriously, your deck is the Macro Rabbit variant. Not as good as it once was anymore…"
Aiko glared daggers at the Shadow.
"This guy is getting on my nerves," Momoko muttered, "Atashi no Turn! Draw!" The yellow Ojamajo looked at her new card and smiled. "I'll activate the spell Cyclone! And I'll target that card!"
Immediately, a whirlwind kicked up and bounded for one of the reversed cards.
"If you're gonna destroy it, then why don't I just use it?" Skaj smirked. His card flipped face-up. "This is Giff Card. It give my opponent 3000 Life Points and addition to making your MST fizzle."
A large card appeared before the two Ojamajos. It glowed brilliantly as their Life Points went up to 12000.
"Why is he giving them Life Points?" Hana asked.
"Maybe he wants them to like him?" Pop deadpanned, "He talks a big game and yet…he's making bad plays left and right!"
"He could've used Bad Reaction to Simochi or Fallen Angel Nurse – Reficule to massively damage Ai-chan and Momo-chan," Onpu stated.
"Then…what's his plan?" Hazuki asked.
Majo Toron clutched her chin. "I bet I know…" she said, "Skaj said nothing about him winning…and I've heard of decks like this. He must be setting them up to force a draw!"
"But is there such a card?" Doremi asked. Majo Toron nodded gravely. "Oh no…"
"I summon Madolche Mewfeuille!" Momoko declared. Everyone snapped their attention back to see what their friend just summoned: A small cat sitting on what seemed to be a puzzle piece. It gave them the impression of a stuffed animal (500/300).
"Wuaa! Kawaii!" Hana shouted.
"And Mewfueille has a-!"
"No," Skaj nonchalantly replied.
"Eh?"
"Maybe you should actually see what's next, hmm?" Another of Skaj's set cards flipped face up. "So let's see what these guys on Solemn Judgment have to say about your cat!" At once, the beings depicted on the trap appeared as Skaj's Life Points fell to 4000. They passed their judgment…and immediately erased Mewfeuille from existence. "And since it's a counter trap, you can't use Laggia's effect to stop it!"
"Yeah… but at least Ai-chan' monster is still here…" Momoko retorted. Aiko nodded at her, smiling. "Alright! Evolkaiser Laggia! Attack Cyber Vary!"
As per its temporary mistress's orders, Laggia flew up and wasted no time in blasting the small machine with its powerful breath weapon.
"Fffft! Amateurs!" Skaj deadpanned, "If Cyber Valley is attacked I can banish him, force a replay, and end the Battle Phase!" Immediately, Skaj's monster conjured a portal and vanished through it, causing Laggia's attack to miss. The portal then exploded, stunning Laggia. "Also, I get to draw another card."
Momoko looked at her cards again as Skaj drew his card. "Turn end."
"M'kay," Skaj replied. He drew his card. "Meh. I'll activate another Upstart Goblin!" Once again, the grinning goblin appeared.
"No this time!" Momoko shouted, "I'm activating Laggia's ability! By detaching both Overlays, I can negate any spell, trap, Normal Summon, or Special Summon you try!" Both of the red orbiting lights vanished into Laggia's claws. In an instant, a burst of fiery energy erupted forth, incinerating the goblin. "But they're also banished, thanks to Macro Cosmos…"
"And you have taken my bait. I'll activate another set: Hope for Escape!" The last of Skaj's reversed cards flipped face-up. His Life Points fell to 3000. "By paying 1000 Life Points, I can draw a card for each 2000 point difference between our scores. 12000 minus 3000 is 9000, so I draw four cards!" A road appeared from out of nothingness as he drew his new cards. "And I'll follow up by using One Day of Peace! With this, we each draw a card and all damage is nulled."
A flag appeared in between both sides. Skaj and Momoko drew their cards, but Momoko remained uneasy.
"And…I'll just set these new cards for now." Three more reversed cards appeared before the Shadow. "Your move, Aiko."
"With pleasure! Atashi no Turn! Draw!" Aiko shouted. A look at her card made her eyes go wide. "Yes!"
Skaj chuckled. "Reverse card, open," he said in a mock Japanese accent, "Trap…ACTIVATE!" The card he revealed was Self-Destruction Switch. "Three guesses what it does…and the first two don't count!"
At once, a button appeared in Skaj's hands. He pressed it…and a massive explosion rocked the area. Aiko and Momoko were blown back while Skaj just stood there, laughing as both of their Life Points fell to 0.
Draw.
"Ai-chan! Momo-chan!" Doremi called. She, Pop, Hazuki, and Hana rushed over to their friends.
"I knew it," Majo Toron said bitterly, "It's one of those decks…"
"Oh well," Onpu said, "At least he has to tell us something now…"
Aiko and Momoko managed to get back up as the others rushed to their aid. They were practically unscathed, despite having been blown to the ground by the explosion.
"Are you two okay?" Hazuki asked, concerned.
"Yeah," Aiko replied, "We're fine." She then turned to Skaj. "You lost Skaj. I think you owe us some information."
Skaj burst into laughter. "The hell do ya mean? Do ya remember what I said earlier?"
"But you said-!" Momoko continued.
"If you win, I tell you stuff. You didn't win, did you?"
"Um, well, true…but you still lost!"
Skaj chuckled. "And did I ever say anything about me winning or losing?"
"That bastard!" Majo Heart said angrily.
"Oh well, it was fun playing with you kids, but now I gotta-!"
Suddenly, another being appeared in the middle of the room. Skaj's smirk turned into a frown as the being revealed himself.
It was Kada.
"And why are you here?" Majorin half-demanded.
"Business," Kada replied, "Her Majesty paid me a visit a while back and complained about never winning a duel. I gave her the Evilswarm deck at her request…and I heard she used it against Evil Rin?"
"Yes."
The Ojamajos, reminded of the terror they felt from those memories, shrunk away.
"Then I suppose you need some information regarding this subject, correct?"
"Me and Momo-chan challenged Skaj to a duel," Aiko replied, "He used Self-Destruction Switch to force a draw and now refuses to tell us anything."
"Idiots. Skaj enjoys trolling his adversaries."
Skaj snorted at Kada's remark.
"And you're here why?" Majorin inquired, "Do you have anything to explain about this crisis?"
"Yes." Kada remained unmoved by all sentiments. "Besides what you already know, the Verz itself is a product of Her Majesty's resonance. The only one who could possibly heal her is herself, no matter how powerful you get."
Majorin grimaced at what Kada said. She didn't want to believe it, but her failure to heal Jou-sama all but confirmed it. But if this bastard could heal her, then he may as well be one of the last hopes they had.
"Very well," Majorin said, "But is there anything you can do about the Verz itself?"
Kada shook his head. "Like I said: The Verz is a product of Her Majesty's magic. And if I may recall, my magic is of a completely different sort. Nothing I can do about it."
Everyone in the room grimaced from Kada's statement.
"Very well then," Majorin replied, "It appears we're stuck with this crisis ourselves." She then turned and addressed everyone besides Kada and Skaj. "Minna-san. I believe we have another Witch to visit. And despite her track record, we may have to get her help."
"Or Skaj and I can make it easier and catch her ourselves," Kada suggested, deadpanning.
Majorin turned back to Kada. "We're listening…"
Skaj face-palmed in annoyance.
Majo Isabelle was busy pacing around her lab. She was trying to devise another scheme to take over Majo Kai with, but nothing was coming up. It was frustrating; the Spanish Witch disliked being unable to come up with her schemes.
Her fairy, Bebe, was sleeping on a soft chair while disguised as a cat. She hadn't had a long day, but she had nothing to do otherwise. That, and it was difficult to be the companion to and evil Witch who went mad every other moment.
Suddenly, Majo Isabelle began snickering. "Bebe! Wake up!" she shouted. Bebe grumbled herself awake and returned to her true form. Her expression was one of pure annoyance. "I finally have a scheme!"
Bebe scoffed. Those who could accurately read her expression would get "You aren't even keeping with the times…" or something similar.
"Oh, don't look at me that way!" Majo Isabelle scolded, "Because I'm finally going to-!"
A knock on the steel door caught her attention. "Majo Isabelle! We appreciate your privacy, but we're coming in regardless!" shouted a male voice. At that time, the door was literally blown off its hinges, impacting with and ruining some equipment in the process. Skaj and Kada entered. "I'm so sorry, but I'm afraid you're coming with us, b***h!"
Majo Isabelle got over her initial shock in a heartbeat. "Que? Two human boys in their late teens-?" She noticed that Skaj wasn't casting a shadow. "Okay, a human boy in his late teens and his Shadow have come to make a nuisance of themselves in my lair?"
"Correction," Kada replied, not showing emotion, "You are being drafted by those you want to conquer. You will come quietly if you know what's good for you."
"Do you think they succeeded?" Hazuki asked.
"It hasn't been that long," Onpu replied, "Just give them a bit more-"
Then and there, a being appearing from the shadows interrupted the purple Ojamajo. There was no doubt who it was…and it was clear he was dragging someone using black chains. Moments later, another being teleported into the arena. And once again, there was no doubt who it was. And he was carrying a small cage at the end of a pole. Inside the cage was a familiar-looking fairy.
"I see you made it back, Kada. Skaj," Majorin said, turning towrd them, "And I see you also brought Majo Isabelle."
"She didn't wanna come quietly," Skaj said mockingly. He then threw the Witch to the ground before the red-violet Witch. "And here's your special delievery!"
Majorin looked at the Spanish Witch in surprise.
"Qué demonios son esos hijos de puta ...?" Majo Isabelle mumbled.
"Kada. I asked you and Skaj to bring her alive," Majorin scolded, "Not beat her half to death!"
"I gave her a warning before we made our move," Kada explained, "If this Witch wasn't interested in coming quietly, then it's her problem. Besides, we did bring her alive." Majorin glared daggers at the Puer Magi. "My work here is done. Skaj and I will take our leave."
And with that, Kada teleported, dropping Bebe's cage in the process. Skaj wasn't far behind, freeing Majo Isabelle as well; though he was more than a little frustrated at the chore he was roped into. They both left the girls with several more questions…questions they chose to save for a later date. For now, they had to confront Majo Isabelle.
Majorin personally dealt with her. "Okay, Majo Isabelle," Majorin began, "As much as we despise you for your past actions, we need your assistance."
Majo Isabelle got to her feet. Anger was clearly evident on her face. "And I will aid you, why?"
"We have crisis on our hands that threatens all worlds, you included," Majo Heart replied.
"And I don't think you want this to ruin your chances at world domination, do you?" Majo Toron added.
Majo Isabelle glared daggers at all three Witches. "I am going to need far more than that to-!"
"You're up against four Witches and seven Ojamajos, all of whom want your threat over with once and for all," Majorin retorted, "I would suggest you make the right decision and give your assistance."
Majo Isabelle again glared daggers at them. But she knew Majorin was right. She was by herself, no weapons, inventions, or anything useful and her magic would never be able to overcome them like this. She hated it, but she really and truly had no choice.
"Fine," Majo Isabelle said bitterly, "But once this is over-!"
"We know."
Bebe groaned in her cage. She then pulled down her lower right eyelid and blew a raspberry at Majorin…if only to get at her in some form or another.
Majo Rika and the Ojamajos returned to the Maho-Dou in discontent and dismay. To them, events had gotten out of hand. Between forcing a team-up with Majo Isabelle and Kada and Skaj being well on the suspicious side, they were more than a little uncomfortable.
"Minna-san?" Doremi began, "Don't you think Majo Isabelle is going to pull something sooner or later?"
"You too, Onee-chan?" Pop replied.
Doremi sweat-dropped. "Glad I'm not the only one."
Everyone noticed that Aiko and Momoko had gone over to a table to sit. They seemed bummed out…and for good reason. Hana went up to them.
"Ai-mama? Momo-chan?" Hana began, "Please don't let Skaj get to you. Hana-cha doesn't like seeing you like this." Aiko's and Momoko's mood didn't change. "Hana-chan knows what would help!"
Hana leapt back and crossed her arms. "Pororin Pyuarin HanaHana Pii!" she chanted, "Turn Ai-chan and Momo-chan into their ace monsters!"
"Wait! Hana-chan!" Aiko called.
Too late.
Hana's magic already affected them. A poof of smoke later, and Aiko was dressed as Evolkaiser Laggia while Momoko was dressed as Queen Madolche Tiaramisu. Both looked more than a little embarrassed in the getup.
"Uh, Hana-chan?" Aiko began, "Uh…"
Momoko looked over herself, giggling. "I'm a queen of sweets…and you're my dragon partner!"
Aiko groaned…but couldn't help but laugh.
"Hey!" Pop half-shouted, "Why do they get to have fun?"
"Don't jinx it, Pop-chan!" Doremi half-shouted back.
Too late. Hana already heard the red Ojamajo's gripe and had begun to cast her spell again. Everyone took cover as the spell was cast.
Once the smoke cleared, everyone looked over themselves.
"Hihihihi!" Hazuki giggled, "I'm…dressed as Daigusta Sphered!" She even had the staff and Vylon Shere-derived armor to prove it, though her hair remained the same. "You look great too!"
Onpu sighed. She was dressed as Stardust Dragon/Buster. "Now I know how Ai-chan feels…" she deadpanned.
Pop was dressed as Haze Beast Basilicock. "Great! I'm dressed…as a flaming chicken…snake…thing!" she griped. She sighed. "I guess I asked for it though…"
"WAAAH!" Doremi screamed as she fell over. She was dressed as Number 33: OOPArts Super Weapon – Machu Mach…and it was very ungainly. "Why do I have to be dressed as a floating city?! I really am the unluckiest pretty girl in the whole world!"
Hana was smiling and laughing. She was dressed as Sacred Ptolemys Messier 7. "Maybe Hana-chan needs some…support?" She quickly fell over herself…but she still laughed. "Ai-chan! Momo-chan!" Right then and there, the costumes vanished…and Hana automatically reverted to her normal clothes. "Oops! Hana-chan used up all her magic again…"
Everyone sighed. Despite being more than a little embarrassed, everyone's spirits had been lifted. And they could thank Hana for her recklessness later…
"If you girls are done messing around," Majo Rika scolded, "You might want to head on home. It's getting late and your parents are probably getting worried. Did that cross your mind?!"
At once, the Ojamajos jumped and quickly obeyed their mentor. They bid a hasty farewell and headed back to their homes. Hana was, of course, the only one to stay behind.
She headed back upstairs to her room. She knew she really stirred things up and provided some good laughs here and there…but she was still more than a little down about the earlier events. She entered her room…and her attention almost immediately drifted to her closet. A sly grin crept onto her face.
Majorin was, aside from the still unconscious Jou-sama, by herself in the clinic. She could never leave her alone like this, even if she had to save herself. The most recent events had left her distraught and distrustful.
Kada and Skaj were untrustworthy in her eyes and Majo Isabelle was a ticking time bomb just waiting to stab everyone in the back at the most inopportune time. She had to make sure Jou-sama was safe and sound. And if she had to die to save her again, then she was more than willing to do so.
A sound toward the rear caught her attention.
"Nani? Who's there?" Majorin half-demanded, "Show yourself!"
Majorin looked around. There was nothing to discern. And then she saw who it was…
Featured Duel: Aiko and Momoko vs. Skaj
This duel is a two-on-one game. Skaj however, will have 8000 LP whereas Aiko and Momoko will share their 8000 LP. Aiko and Momoko will also share a field, graveyard, and banish pile.
Aiko and Momoko LP (8000) – Skaj LP (8000)
Aiko's turn:
Aiko has Rescue Rabbit, Forbidden Lance, Macro Cosmos, Starlight Road, and Jurrac Guiba as her opening hand. She draws Monster Reborn.
Aiko summons Rescue Rabbit. She activates its effect, banishing it to special summon two Kabazauls to her field. She then overlays both to Xyz summon Evolzar Laggia. She sets Macro Cosmos, Starlight Road, and Forbidden Lance and then ends.
Skaj's turn:
Skaj has Gift Card, Hope for Escape, Solemn Judgment, Battle Fader, and Cyber Valley as his opening hand. He draws Upstart Goblin.
Skaj activates Upstart Goblin, drawing 1 card and giving his opponents 1000 LP; he draws Self Destruct Button. He summons Cyber Valley, sets Solemn Judgment, Hope for Escape, and Gift Card, and then ends.
During his End Phase, Aiko activates Macro Cosmos.
Aiko and Momoko LP (9000) – Skaj LP (8000)
Momoko's turn:
Momoko has Madolche Chateau, Madolche Puddingcess, Madolche Mewfueille, Madolche Messengelato, and Mystical Space Typhoon as her opening hand. She draws Dark Hole.
Momoko activates Mystical Space Typhoon, targeting Skaj's set Gift Card. Skaj chains it, giving Aiko and Momoko 3000 LP while leaving MST useless. Momoko then normal summons Madolche Mewfueille; Skaj activates Solemn Judgment, halving his LP to negate and destroy Mewfeuille. Mewfeuille is banished due to Macro Cosmos.
Momoko attacks Cyber Valley with Laggia, but Skaj activates its effect, banishing it to end the Battle Phase and also let him draw a card; he draws Hope for Escape.
Momoko ends.
Skaj's turn:
Skaj draws Upstart Goblin.
Skaj activates Upstart Goblin, but Momoko chains by activating Laggia's effect, detaching both materials and negating Upstart Goblin's activation; the materials are banished due to Macro Cosmos. Skaj then activates Hope for escape, paying 1000 LP; there is a 9000-point difference between his and their LPs, so he draws 4 cards; he draws Solemn Warning, One Day of Peace, Threatening Roar, and Swift Scarecrow.
Skaj activates One Day of Peace; since Momoko is still in control of the field, she is the one who draws; Skaj draws Tragoedia while Momoko draws Madolchepalooza. Skaj sets Hope for Escape, Threatening Roar, and Self Destruct Button and then ends.
Aiko and Momoko LP (12000) – Skaj LP (3000)
Aiko's turn:
Aiko draw Tour Guide from the Underworld.
During her Standby Phase, Skaj activates Self Destruct Button; the difference between his and Aiko's and Momoko's LP is more than 7000.
Aiko and Momoko LP (0) – Skaj LP (0)
It is a Draw!
I…I didn't think things would come to this. It's me and her…and from the looks of things, she's been practicing. If I am to beat her, then I must have faith in my deck. But somehow, I don't think that will be enough…
So this Light being thinks she can defeat me and reclaim the Seals? I don't think so! Though I detest using a game of chance to determine things like this, it has become quite intertwined with our magic. Indeed, I've noticed that our wins seem to weaken the Light Beings…and –ugh– vice-versa! But to weaken Light Queen with this card game…that will make my day!
Thanatos Ein has begun its approach…
A/N: I kept the duel shorter than usual here. And I admit, this chapter has more padding than the previous ones and had a more lackluster duel. But his isn't the defining chapter of the fic.
The complete Spanish sentence Majo Isabelle spoke is supposed to translate to "What the hell are those bastards…?" She doesn't know what a Puella/Puer Magi (and by definition, a Shadow Puella/Puer Magi) is…