Chapter 6: Yuzu's resolve
Masumi's Point of View
Today was a little special for us.
When the word came about us being handpicked to fight against You Show Duel School came, I couldn't help myself at the thrill of dueling them. Not only that, I heard that the founder of Pendulum Monsters happens to be in that same school. I was genuinely excited.
However, when I heard how the same founder was a culprit who had attacked one of our students, I was furious. To think someone as esteemed as he would do something so low as to attack and injure a student of LDS. Unforgivable. Thinking about this, I've prepared myself to face them with all my might. I've checked my deck to make sure none of my cards were misplaced. Not only that, I tried to remember my training with Maruko-sensei, my Fusion course teacher.
Maruko-sensei was a splendid teacher who teaches in the Fusion course. He taught me everything and thanks to him, I am where I am now. Not only did he taught me about Fusion summoning, he also taught me the importance of being elegant and beautiful. I took that lesson to heart.
He also told me that he learned everything from a retired colleague. Said retired colleague was the one who inspired him to become the Fusion course's teacher. When I asked for a name, all he told me was that he is someone very popular and if I pay attention to my surroundings, I would know who he is.
However, to this day, I still couldn't find out about this mysterious retired colleague he mentioned. All I know is that some guy, who was retiring, cause troubles and left with a huge breakthrough for Xyz Summoning on the way out. This happened a year ago, before I enrolled in LDS. When I still asked Maruko-sensei once more to give me the answers directly, he simply told me.
"You will know him when you see him."
Putting the past aside, I was joined by my fellow ace colleagues from the other courses. Hokuto, Yaiba and Nekoro. If I want to rate how strong we are, I would arrange us from weak to strong, Hokuto being the weakest, since he talks too much and I don't like Xyz in general, Yaiba and I… is somewhat on equal ground. He is passionate that's for sure but not annoying. But the three of us agree that Nekoro is actually the strongest of us all. That's not all, we couldn't do anything against her. Our summoning methods and monsters were completely locked away by her Ritual monsters.
While it was not a happy experience for us, it was however a satisfying experience when I watched Sakaki Yuuya being helpless as he faced off against Nekoro. He could not perform his Pendulum Summon at all. Since most Action Magic could only be effective when the controller controls a monster or in battle. That being said, Sakaki Yuuya didn't have any of his monsters, therefore even if he acquires an Action Magic, it wouldn't do anything much to help him.
Not only that, Nekoro is fast as well as athletic. I've seen her done full splits before and could attest to how flexible she is. Moreover, in our trainings, she was able to walk on narrow surfaces… like a cat.
I watched as Nekoro ascending the stairs, but not before bowing to the other side's teacher before approaching us.
That is strange. In LDS, Nekoro would never bow to anyone… with the exception of her Ritual course sensei, Ibi Richua. I watched as the chairwoman complimenting Nekoro on a job well don-
REAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!"
That surprised me!
I leaned on the window and watched Yuuya writhing on the ground as he clutched his ears shouting, "My ear! My ear!"
What is this? A sitcom?
The next duel was none other than Yaiba and he was doing his usual warm ups. I then analysed my opponents to find out who is who and what do they do. I can easily recognize and know Sakaki Yuuya. I then notice a blue youth boy sitting in the corner eating some snacks. Chances are he is going to be Yaiba's opponent… based on height alone.
However, their teacher suddenly pats the big one's shoulders and encouraged him to be the opponent. And thus, Noboru Gongenzaka, is the one who will be duelling Yaiba. Well, it doesn't matter. Yaiba is as strong as me and I am confident that he will come out victorious.
I then analysed the final member of the youth portion of You Show. Hiiragi Yuzu. Safe to assume, I will be duelling her… but that might not happen. Yaiba got this in the bag.
And I was right.
I watched how his opponent summoned a monster and ends his turn with no face downs.
Rookie mistake.
"I summon XX-Saber Boggart Knight." I heard… wait… I turned and noticed how the other side's teacher called out. What is he doing?
"I summon XX-Saber Boggart Knight (Level 4/EARTH/Beast-Warrior/Effect/1900/1000)" I then heard the same dialogue and turned to Yaiba. And to my surprise, he did exactly how the opposing teacher said.
There was a pause as Yaiba turned to the audience.
"Next, I Special Summon Level 3 Tuner Monster XX-Saber Fulhelmknight (Level 3/EARTH/Warrior/Tuner/Effect/1300/1000)." I heard him once more. At this point, everyone's attention is now focusing on him as he said that. Once more, Yaiba turned towards that teacher and… did exactly what he said.
"When there are two or more X-Saber on my field, I can Special Summon XX-Saber Faultroll. Level 3 Fulhelmknight tunes Level 4 Boggart Knight to Synchro Summon Level 7 X-Saber Souza!" He said in one quick succession. Immediately after Noboru Gongenzaka uses his monster's effect, we heard those quotes once more and watched how Yaiba played exactly how the opposing teacher worded.
"Also, can you stop that! That's creepy! How do you know what I'm going to play?" he shouted.
"Not my fault you are predictable. A shame that Gongenzaka isn't in our school. Otherwise, I would have given him some Maxx Cs." He responded with some strange commentary.
Max C? What is he talking about? No, the better question is, who is this person and how is he able to predict Yaiba's next moves? Then again, he did list down a few names earlier, which I immediately identify as deck archetypes. I would know and recognize some of them because I play Gem-Knights while the other aces played Constellar, X-Saber and Nekroz respectively. I then approached Nekoro.
"Nekoro, got any idea who that person is?" I whispered as I nodded to the teacher in charge of You Show.
She glanced at the direction and analysed him. "… Strong…" was all she said. "Smells like sensei…"
Oh yeah… Nekoro has this weird trait that makes her act like a cat sometimes. But still, the things she said. Strong and smells like sensei. Those are not the adjectives I would expect her to say, especially when she, like me, admires and respects our respective sensei.
"And you are cute, thank you for calling me strong." We jumped at the sudden response. Turning to the speaker, I can see that the person we were talking about waving at us before turning back to the duel. He seems to be explaining Synchro Summoning to the LDS group.
"C-Cute… he called me cute… he's nice guy…"
I then watch as Nekoro covered both cheeks with her hands as she tilted her body to and fro.
Ok… who is this guy and what did he do to the quiet and cool Nekoro?
The duel continued between Yaiba and Noboru Gongenzaka and it was… impressive. At first, I thought Yaiba would finish this duel off. However, I was not expecting his opponent to be able to hold out this well. Especially with a monster that has 3500 defense points. Not only that, this is the first and only time I had ever heard of a monster that can attack while in defense!
The most shocking part is when I learned that Yaiba's opponent is using a deck that has no Spells or Traps. That's not all… the duel ended in a draw.
"Now THAT, is an eye-opening duel." I heard the other teacher's commentary, "Guess there are all sort of decks out there eh, and the best can definitely learn something new once in a while." He added and it ticked me off because I can see his eyes narrowing and looking at our direction.
I then heard another You Show teacher spoke from the projection room, whom I remember seeing briefly when we were in the meeting room.
"Chairwoman Akaba, you said that you would take this school if you won the three-match contest. But, it's a draw, so please leave." I recognized this voice as the supposed headmaster and director of this school.
"What are you talking about?" In a stern tone, the chairwoman voiced out, "This is an important duel to settle matters. There is no such thing as a draw!"
"But the duel ended in a draw."
"Which is exactly why we brought FOUR of our aces," she said as she turned to me and that was my cue. "You're next."
"Yes, Chairwoman." I acknowledged and approached the You Show group. As my Fusion Course sensei had taught me, I introduced myself to them and my class.
Sora's Point of View
The duels… have not been disappointing so far. Not only that, I've acquired some valuable information on LDS. In summary, I would say that the Ritual ace is the most threatening one of them all so far. Her Ritual Monsters can prevent us from Special Summoning. I will need to add this into my report.
Before the duel, Gongenzaka expressed his frustration on not being able to participate due to him being in a different Duel School. However, Kyou Yuuki then told him that he could take the duel if he wanted to, even asked the chairwoman if that is allowed. Needless to say, their overconfidence permitted it and as such, he became our next representative for the match.
During the duel, not only did Kyou Yuuki recited every move that Yaiba person did, he also got them all down accurately, as if he had already known how they would all play out. However, the most shocking thing about the duel is how Gongenzaka has been using a deck that has no spells or traps. Not to mentioned, he told me to clean up the lollipop I had dropped.
I watched how Gongenzaka was able to come out with a draw.
"Now THAT, is an eye-opening duel." Kyou Yuuki commented, "Guess there are all sort of decks out there eh, and the best can definitely learn something new once in a while."
Yes… yes… he's right. I hate it when he's always right. I really wanted to shut him up… but I can't. In fact, I am beginning to think that Kyou Yuuki may be much stronger than I thought.
My thoughts were interrupted when an LDS ace approached us. The girl introduced herself and asked which one of us will be her opponent.
This caught my attention, especially when she mentioned that she is a Fusion user. I am curious to know what is she capable of. I wondered if I should accept that challenge? Oh wait, Kyou Yuuki kind of banned me from participating so that means Yuzu will be dueling. When Yuzu declared that, I could see the smug and insulting jeer the fusion ace gave her. So with the exception of the Ritual ace, who is a different kind of weird, everyone in LDS is just a bunch of arrogant pricks aren't they? Oh wait, Kyou Yuuki was from LDS… does that make him arrogant too? Nah, I'd say mysterious.
"Perfect. Yuzu, c'mere a sec. You, on the other hand, mind give us five minutes? I need a pep talk with my student. Especially when she may be suffering from some PTSD from your deviants!" Kyou Yuuki said.
"Wait, sensei they didn't-" before she could continue, Kyou Yuuki raised his voice.
"NOW," he spoke with finality, leaving no room for argument as he patted Yuzu's back and inched her to the stairs. I watched Masumi followed along and shortly after, came out from the duel field side of the door. She took her positions and started stretching as she waited for her opponent.
In those five minutes, I could hear a bit of uproar, all of which were the shocked gasps and outbursts on Yuzu's side. Eventually, Yuzu came out of the door and announced that she is ready. Although, she did steal a glance at Yuuya. Only this time, she seemed to be more confident and the doubtful expression that was on her had seemingly vanished.
It's almost as if Yuzu had become a different person.
A beautiful action field was projected and the name was Crystal Corridor. I guess that field is fitting for Yuzu in a way. After all, she's a girl and girls like shiny things. I would know since I've seen some of the girls in the academy going wild on something shiny. The twins… well one of the twins is like that, the other… she's very dishonest.
Yuzu's Point of View
Kyou-sensei guided me to the stairs leading to the duel field. When he descended a step, he sat down and motioned for me to do the same.
"Alright Yuzu, now's a good time as any to set you straight." He began. "Earlier today, you had a lot on your mind and that is affecting you right now."
He… is right. I nodded in response.
"Alright Yuzu, I may not be the right person to tell you this but I will be very frank with you girl. You are in love with Yuuya." He said with one of the straightest face I've ever seen.
"Huh? WHAT?" I gasped.
"You deny it?"
"Wait, no I- I mean- uh…" that came out of nowhere. I do like Yuuya but not like that…
"Calm down, Yuzu. Just… sit down and listen to an old story." he said casually as he motioned for me to sit down next to him, tapping the spot before he turned his gaze forward and had a… longing look on his face.
I reluctantly complied and sat down next to him.
"I…" he started, "had regrets you see. Well, to be honest, I have many regrets really. Like say, not buying the latest issue of JUMP or ordering the mystery ramen this morning."
What is he on about.
"Well those, are some regrets I can think of for this week. BUT! I do have one regret that to this day, I would lose sleep over, once in a while."
Oh?
"The last time I was able to speak with my family was 7 years ago. As you may have known, well not really but in any case, I used to work in LDS and as such, I… move to this city from a foreign… place." He continued with some pauses.
Kyou-sensei joined You Show Duel School last year and I've always regarded him as a great teacher. Someone who knows a lot of things. Even though I've only know him for a year, I don't know anything else about him. When he told us that he used to teach in LDS, I just cannot help but be shocked at the revelation. I guess that was the reason why he was so knowledgeable. Even still, it doesn't tell me much about where he came from. Now I know that he was a foreigner from a different country outside of Maiami City…
I still failed to see the connection here. If he has moved away from his home to this city…
"Can't you call them?" I asked the obvious.
"I wanted to… but I can't anymore. They aren't in this world. I have been alone ever since."
…
Oh my god…
"I'm… sorry for your lost sensei." Was all I could say. Kyou-sensei had lost his family at the age of 20. I am aware of sensei's age since he did told us about it. But still, to lose his parents just after his coming of age is… just sad.
"Don't be Yuzu. It is meant to be after all." His eyes became forlorn as he sighed, "There are so many things I wanted to tell them you know. My first job working in LDS, the things I did and taught there, the people I met… even met this one girl I like."
Eh? Kyou-sensei had a crush? I wonder who is it.
"Trust me when I tell you this, I know the signs when I saw them."
…
But you're wrong, sensei. It wasn't love… was I wanted to tell him that but somehow, I didn't want to interrupt him. I can't really tell him that since he told me how he lost his parents.
"I… was hesitant you see. I wanted to move on but… in the end I couldn't." He gave me a wide grin at the last sentence. "Every time I wanted to confess to her, my parent's face just kept flashing back to me. There was that one time when I wanted to share a kiss with her under that moon light, at the fountain… well their face popped up and haunted me."
"That sounds like a trauma, sensei." I spoke.
"Yes… in a way it does sounds like it. But that's not the main point here. What I wanted to say is this, Yuuya is here now and with us, with you. While he's here, I want you to be more honest with yourself."
I am… not really in love with him… I just…
"You've known Yuuya for years now, Yuzu. You know who he is. If anything, you should have more faith in him. The Yuuya we both know is an idiot."
"Well, you aren't wrong on that." I agreed, especially the silly antics he did. When he put it this way, I did felt stupid for mistaking that masked duelist as Yuuya. Even though they look the same… now I realized that they are different people. But still… love huh…
When I thought of Yuuya, I suddenly felt strange, like I can do a lot?
"There you go, you ARE in love with that idiot. Besides, it's not a bad thing. You have time, Yuzu. A lot of time. But my suggestion for you, is to be there for him." Kyou-sensei said as he stood up and patted his back.
"Eh, what do you mean?" I was confused by that last statement.
"Exactly what I meant, Yuuya is following the footsteps of his father, Sakaki Yuushou. I've seen a few entertainers in my life and some of them put up fake faces for the sole purpose of putting bread to the table. It's not always sunshine and rainbows, Yuzu. It's not pretty."
"That's… that can't be true! Yuuya won't be like that." I argued.
"Of course not," he responded, "He has you."
"Eh?"
"Yuzu. YOU are his pillar. He doesn't know this YET. But, out of all the people around him, he needs you the most. The moment he loses you, he WILL lose his smile."
"That…" I don't know what to say. I can only think about his words. But more importantly, deep down, I am actually glad to hear those words. But at the same time, if I am gone then Yuuya would…
"Yuzu," I heard Kyou-sensei spoke again, "Come, it's time for your duel." He reminded me.
I almost forgot about that… no, more importantly, I am not sure if I can concentrate.
"Yuzu." He called again, "If all else fails, look at Yuuya and ask yourself this question: Who is Yuuya?"
"Wha- but-"
"Try. Just try." He said. "Promise me you would try."
I didn't say anything, I just nodded.
"Excellent, here take these." He then pushed some cards into my hands. "Think of them as rewards for listening to my story."
Uh… but I…
He opened the door to the duel field and beckoned me through.
"Ah geez!" My head is in a mess now so I pushed the cards into my duel disk and walk to the duel field.
My father had decided on a duel field called Crystal Corridor and he even embarrassingly speak so loud over the mic. Geez. I turned and as I did, I caught a glance of Yuuya…
Who is Yuuya… he's… my friend… he's from You Show Duel School… he's someone important to me… he is…
You ARE in love with that idiot.
Sensei's words echoed in my mind… I looked again and… he was right. I placed my hand on my chest. I can feel it beating faster and louder… I am… in love with that idiot.
"Oi! Are you there? Oi!" I heard my LDS opponent from the opposite side of the field. I turned my attention to her. She chuckled, "Spacing out already? Are you taking this duel lightly? Or did you really think you are actually shining? You must really love your father if you think that you're actually shining."
"What did you say?" I inquired. Was she talking about my father? Sure, my father can be embarrassing at times, but he meant well. I only wish he would tone down a little.
She stared and in a boastful tone state how her father is a jewel merchant, how she has seen many jewels as a child and how she has seen them shine. Then, she talked about how I am not shining and how I am perplexed.
When she said that, I instinctively turned to Yuuya's direction. He had a concerned look.
YOU are his pillar. He has you. Have more faith in him.
Kyou-sensei's words echoed into my mind. Honestly, what was I thinking. He's right. Yuuya is Yuuya, whoever that masked duelist is, even if he looks like Yuuya, in the end they are both different people. Yuuya doesn't Xyz Summon. Yuuya acts like a fool. But most importantly, Yuuya is the one who made me felt this way.
"You're right, I am… or was perplexed. But not anymore." I declared as I readied my Duel Disk. "Thanks to my sensei, I am now aware of my situation. If you think that I am perplexed, then I will prove you wrong!"
Masumi's Point of View
The eyes are a window to one's true feelings and soul.
I have seen many gems and can tell the difference between a real gem and a fake. Not only that, I can even tell if a person is strong or weak based on the shine of their eyes alone. My papa had taught me everything he knew about gems. From him, I've learned that gems are more than just colours and toughness. Their true value lies in how clear they are, how polished they are and how well they are cared for. I've learned a lot as I grew up with my papa.
Then, I've started to realize something as I learned how to duel. A few years ago, I was able to tell the strength of a duelist from their eyes alone. When I look into a person's eyes, I can see how brightly they shine. At the time, I had watched two duelist dueled in my neighborhood and can tell who would win or lose based on their eyes alone. The duelist who would come out victorious is always the one with the brightest shine.
From then on, due to my sudden aptitude in dueling, my papa sent me to the most elite duel school there was, LDS.
I told him that I am fine with the No. 2 Duel School but he strongly advised against it. So we settled for the best since its MUCH better than the second.
In any case, I didn't start off well and soon learned how big the world truly is. Even though I didn't do well at first, I still persevere. Just like the gems that had persevere and form into gems. Then, one day, I met Maruko-sensei. Maruko-sensei was unlike anyone I've met in LDS. Right off the bat, his eyes shine the most. Which made me want to join his course, the Fusion course.
Under his tutelage, I rose up and become a diamond. Not only that, I was even given the fusion course's best Fusion deck for my effort. The same could be said for the other aces. They too performed well in their course and were given their course's respective best deck as a result.
When I looked into the deck, I was already in seventh heaven. The deck spoke to me, resonated with me even. And I was glad to have chosen the Fusion course. Not only that, I was told that all the ace courses' decks were built by the same person. The same person whom had inspired Maruko-sensei and many other teachers and seniors alike in LDS.
I really wanted to meet this person. I want to know what kind of person they are, and how their eyes look like.
I saw the door opened and out comes my opponent.
Ah yes, the rough diamond. Cloudy, unrefined and above all else, unpolished.
"You're right, I am… or was perplexed. But not anymore." she declared as she readied her Duel Disk. "Thanks to my sensei, I am now aware of my situation. If you think that I am perplexed, then I will prove you wrong!"
…
What is going on?
I blinked as I reexamined her eyes again. They were different. Too different.
Originally, her eyes were cloudy, opaque, unpolished, all of the words you can use to describe gems that are of poor quality. Now, they were shining brilliantly, radiant, and above all else… she's flawless. What happened in that short duration that changed her completely?
At the audience room, I then saw their teacher looking at her with a knowing smile. He then noticed me staring. Now that I know the source of her sudden change, I quickly turned away and faced her.
Readying my duel disk and with the Action Duel chant completed, we began.
"DUEL!"
Masumi – 4000 5
Yuzu – 4000 5
"I'll go first, I activate the spell card Gem-Knight Fusion from my hand!" This is pretty much the standard combo I would always start with. "This card lets me Fusion Summon using Gem-Knight monsters in my hand!"
"Fusion Summon, huh." My opponent spoke. She then looked at her hands and back to my field.
"I'm fusing Gem-Knight Tourmaline and Gem-Knight Emerald from my hand." I pick the two cards and send them into the Graveyard, "The secret stone enveloped in lightning! The glimmering green that brings luck! The swirling light combines into a new brilliance! Fusion Summon! Appear, the seeker of victory. Gem-Knight Topaz (Level 6/EARTH/Thunder/Fusion/Effect/1800/1800)!"
A yellow knight in topaz appeared.
"A hand fusion on your first turn. But I've seen better!" the corner of my opponent's eyes turned to the audience for a moment before she return to me.
"Don't underestimate it. How you deal with this monster will determine your fate. I set one card and end my turn." I declared.
Masumi – 4000 1
Yuzu – 4000 6
"My turn, draw!" I watched as my opponent had a surprised expression. She paused as she read the card and then her eyes widened before turning to the audience. She turned back and once more, continued.
"I activate the spell card 1st Movement Solo. When I control no monsters, I can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Melodious" monster from my hand or Deck. From my deck, come forth, Serenade the Melodious Diva (Level 4/LIGHT/Fairy/Effect/400/1900)! When this card is Special Summoned, I can Normal Summon 1 "Melodious" monster in addition to my Normal Summon. With this effect, I will tribute Serenade the Melodious Diva to Advance Summon Mozarta the Melodious Maestra (Level 8/LIGHT/Fairy/Effect/2600/2000)."
I watched her do her combo, starting off with a simple Special Summon and then an Advanced Summon. A rarity but nothing I cannot handle next turn.
"Next, I activate Mozarta's effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon 1 LIGHT Fairy-Type monster from my hand. With her effect, I Special Summon Choju of the Trillion Hands (Level 6/LIGHT/Fairy/Effect/1400/1000)!"
A golden figure appeared and it had a lot of hands…
"When this card is summoned, I can add 1 Ritual Monster and 1 Ritual Spell from my Deck to my hand." She did exactly that. "Next, I activate the Ritual Spell that I've added, Dawn of Herald!"
The card revealed itself and at the same time, an altar appeared.
"I must tribute monsters from my hand or field whose total Levels are exactly 6. I tribute Choju the Trillion Hands!" I then watched her monster levitate to the altar and calcified. As it did, my opponent chanted, "From realms beyond the skies, where colours converges, arise as the angel pure and filled with the rainbow's embrace. Ritual Summon! Shine boldly, Herald of Perfection (Level 6/LIGHT/Fairy/Ritual/Effect/1800/2800)!"
I watched how the statue broke, piece by piece, crack by cracks and then, a bright blinding light filled the room. I covered my eyes to adjust to the sudden brightness and then I witnessed… perfection.
"There it is!"
"Yuzu-neesan's ace monster!"
"I'm not finished! I activate Dawn of the Herald's effect from my graveyard. When Herald of Perfection is Ritual Summoned with this card, I can banish this card and then return 1 monster in my graveyard and to my hands that was used to Ritual Summon it. I return Choju of the Trillion Hands."
"Now, battle. Mozarta (2600) attacks Gem-Knight Topaz (1800)! Graceful Wave!" A sonic boom echoed out and with it, my monster was destroyed.
Masumi – 3200 1
Yuzu – 4000 4
"How's that? That's how I deal with your monster!" she boasted but little did she know, the reason why she could was because I allowed her to. I returned her a knowing grin. "In that case, Herald of Perfection (1800) attacks you directly!" she declared and I just took the damage.
Masumi – 1400 1
Yuzu – 4000 4
I heard the You Show side cheering her on.
"Seems like you have some skill, but don't think that you've won." I said as I patted my shoulder.
"Say whatever you want, because this duel is over." She declared. "I set a card and end my turn."
A bit preemptive but she is right, this is over, for her that is.
Masumi – 1400 2
Yuzu – 4000 3
"My turn! Draw." I pulled and could see my victory. "I summon Gem-Knight Alexandrite (Level 4/EARTH/Rock/Effect/1800/1200) from my hand!" A knight clad in alexandrite appeared, "His effect activates! By sending it to the graveyard, I can Special Summon 1 Gem-Knight from my deck! I Special Summon Gem-Knight Crystal (Level 7/EARTH/Rock/Normal/2450/1950)!" The knight in alexandrite shined and, in its place, a knight clad in crystals appeared.
"Do you plan to beat my Mozarta (2600)? It does not have enough attack points!" My opponent commented.
Got you.
"I activate my trap card, Fragment Fusion! By banishing Fusion Materials from my Graveyard, I can Fusion Summon one Gem-Knight monster!" I explained.
"I see… sensei was right, you can use trap cards to fusion summon. However, I came prepared. I activate my face down trap card, Dimension Barrier!" She declared and revealed the card she set.
Dimension Barrier?
"I declare 1 card type and for the rest of this turn, neither player can Special Summon monsters of the declared type. That's not all, I can also negate the effects of all monsters of that type while they are on the field." She explained and I am confused. "The card type I declare is Fusion! With that, this turn, we both cannot Special Summon Fusion monsters and the effect of all Fusion monsters that are on the field are negated until the End Phase!"
…
"WHAT!"
Sora's Point of View
No way!
I wanted to deny all of this! When he taught us how easy it was to counter and stop Fusion Summons, I had been… in denial of such a feat. Now however, I must reevaluate how possible it is. That's not all…
Yuzu just used a trap card that can stop ALL of the Summoning method! I then remembered how Yuzu added some cards into her deck at the last minute. As I scanned the room, I can see the shocked expressions from all of the LDS parties. The You Show group on the other hand were all smiles but Kyou Yuuki was the only who gave her a knowing smile and hum. Did he give her that card?
If that is the case…
Who is Kyou Yuuki?
I watched how the Fusion ace's trap card had been rendered useless and was forced to be sent to the graveyard. After which, she started running around to hunt for an Action Card, which she did and activated it.
"I activate Action Magic: Polished Brilliance! With this effect, one of my monsters gain 500 attack and it can attack every monster my opponent controls for this turn!"
This isn't good, for Yuzu, so how will she deal with this? I wondered as I put my snack away, now this duel has my full attention.
"In that case, I activate Herald of Perfection's effect, when my opponent activates a spell, trap or monster effect, I can discard 1 Fairy-Type monster from my hand to the Graveyard and negate the activation! Then I can destroy it!" Yuzu declared.
Another card that negates effects!
I then watched how Masumi activate her last card in her hand, Monster Reborn. She is going to bring back her Fusion Monster… but I watched how Yuzu activated Herald of Perfection once more…
Not only does it negates the activation of any card effects, it is not once per turn!
Does that mean… it can also stop Polymerization?
This is not good at all. Originally, I thought Yuya was strong with his Pendulum Cards, however I must rethink my opinions about Yuzu. This girl has become a bigger threat to us! And the reason is none other than the teacher of You Show.
I watched how the Fusion ace had no choice but to attack Yuzu's Herald of Perfection. Once she did, all she could do was end her turn.
Yuzu's Point of View
"This duel is over Masumi, my turn!" I pulled out my next card, "I activate Mozarta's effect and with her, I can special summon Elegy the Melodious Diva (Level 5/LIGHT/Fairy/2000/1200)!" A fairy in purple appeared, "With her effect, all Melodious monsters that were special summoned cannot be destroyed by card effects and that's not all, if she was special summoned, all Fairy-Type monsters I control gain 300 ATK. However, that's not all, I activate the spell Dark Hole! This destroys every monsters on the field! But with Elegy, I am protected from that!"
As I said that, a large black hole formed in the middle of the field, absorbing the Gem-Knight my opponent controls. This may seem like a waste of resource, however Kyou-sensei taught us the importance eliminating possibilities and opportunities for opponent. This is also especially important in an Action Duel where my opponent can go around and scavenge for cards. With her monster destroyed, my chances of winning is significantly higher.
Normally, I would allow my opponent a chance for a comeback. However, this is not the time for that. I am different now. I am doing this for the school. And for myself too. And just for that alone, I will push forward.
"This is over, Masumi. My monsters will attack you directly." I declared.
Masumi – 0 1 LOSE
Yuzu – 3350 1 WIN
"ALRIGHT! YUZU-NEE DID IT!" I heard the kids cheering for me from the audience. I also heard the door opening from the back and out came Yuuya. He ran up to me and…
"Eh?" I gasped at the sudden gesture. Especially when I could feel his arms around me.
"You did it Yuzu!" He said, "You're amazing!"
I couldn't say anything because Kyou-sensei's words kept coming back to me. Reminding me to be there for him. "Yuuya…" I could only blurt out his name. When he removed himself from me, I then saw a glimpse of the other Yuuya on him. They may look similar but now I am sure that the Yuuya that I saw at the warehouse and the Yuuya that I am seeing right now are both completely different.
After all, this is the Yuuya that I… fell in love with.
"Yuzu? Yuzu?" I heard him calling me and I immediately snapped back to reality. "Are you alright?"
I shook my head, "I'm fine, Yuuya… let's go to everyone." I said as I dragged him by the hand as we joined the rest of the school.
Thank you, sensei. I will be Yuuya's pillar.
Masumi's Point of View
I… lost? Before I knew it, I had already lost the duel. Then it hit me. I hesitantly turned my attention to the audience to try and catch a glimpse at the chairwoman. As I expected, she was seething while chewing on her thumb nail. On the other hand, I could catch Hokuto snickering at me. The rest of the aces, Yaiba and Nekoro were neutral.
I climbed up the stairs and into the audience room as I am fully prepared for a verbal lashing. As I move my legs past the You Show group, who were all delighted at Yuzu's victory, I then heard her conversation with their teacher.
"Well done Yuzu, those weeks of practicing Ritual Summoning paid off," he complimented.
"Sensei…" she responded. "Here you are." Yuzu took out the card and handed it to her teacher. I then saw the card in question, Dimension Barrier. The card that completely locked me out of my Extra Deck. The worst part of it all, my entire deck revolves around Fusion Monsters and to have them locked out of my strategy is just…
"Keep it, Yuzu." He shoved the cards back to her, "I have spares. Besides, your deck could use some improving. And speaking of improving… seriously, that Masumi girl. The fact that she uses that deck and didn't win on her first turn is honestly extremely insulting." I then heard his rant.
Oh?
"Excuse me?" I raised my voice and couldn't help but interrupt.
He turned and I suddenly froze. As I caught a glimpse of his eyes, I then finally understood my opponent's sudden change.
This man's eyes… they were like flawless diamonds. His eyes are green like emeralds but there is only one thing I can compare his eyes with and it was diamonds. The most beautiful gems that I have ever seen. If I am to compare his eyes with Maruko-sensei's, it would be like comparing a rock to a flawless diamond. The differences are too great!
"Hey… you alright girl?" he asked. "You zoned out there."
I coughed to recomposed myself.
"What do you mean by that," The fact that he talks about my deck, which was THE best fusion deck LDS had created, didn't sit well with me, "Do you even know what you are talking about?" I inquired and angrily raised my voice. How dare he talks about my deck when it was given to me by Maruko-sensei himself!
"Of course I would know, I was the one who assembled your deck." He responded.
"This deck was given to-"
…
What did he said?
"Didn't you hear me? I was the one who assembled your deck. Not just yours," he then turned to the rest of the LDS aces, "I assembled all of your decks. Although, 2 of you have been using them as I intended it. YOU and the Xyz ace didn't even use them right."
He then goes on a rant, saying how my deck could easily FTK the opponent to which he went on and on about it. It sounded ludicrous at first but eventually, I could see it and even picture it in my head as he went on. Only then I realized that he was right, it was actually that easy and that I have been sleeping on my deck all this time…
It pains me to admit that he was right.
"I can't believe Maruko didn't teach you that, considering I used to teach him that combo. Oh well, his lost."
When he said that, my attentions are all on him again. Only this time, I remembered what Maruko said to me. How I would know him when I see him. Could it be… is he…
"How do you know… Maruko-sensei?" I asked rhetorically but I still wanted to confirm my assumptions.
"Kishiga Maruko? Yeah. I used to inspire and taught him how to Fusion Summon. And so did all of your teachers." He then turned to the rest of us. "Kishiga Ai, Sakuri Haisu, and Ebi Richua." Those are the names of our respective course's teachers. Kishiga Maruko is the Fusion Course's teacher, his younger sister, Kishiga Ai, taught Synchro. Sakuri Haisu, the self-proclaimed villain, is the Xyz course teacher while Ebi Richua is the Ritual course's teacher.
"Huh, they are still teaching even now. I am glad that they are still doing well, even after my retirement."
Retirement… then he is…
"Eh? Wait! Are you saying you…"
"No way…"
"So that's why you have Ebi-sensei's smell on you."
"Eh?" he blurted at the last comment.
"You're the Machine Emperor?" I heard Hokuto's voice and everything just confirmed my thoughts…
"What? You want an autograph? Didn't think I'd became THAT famous after I left a year ago. But sure, where do you want me to sign? Let's see what to write. Oh I know, how about, learn how to read."