Chapter 54: Future Pendulum

For the citizens of Paradise City, the immediate conclusion of Z-ARC's attempted resurrection and the end of Leo Akaba's invasion plans, the changes immediately noticeable had been drastic. For one, there were four new cities that had appeared out of the blue, three being from the other three dimensions as they'd been informed, and the fourth was as much a mystery to those in the know as to the general citizenry.

Many had also woken up to changes to their decks, which was largely unexpected. The former Standard Dimension, for the most part, didn't use summoning methods, in fact, Special Summoning was often limited to some Spells or Traps. But many had found several Pendulum cards in their decks, and also somehow the knowledge of how exactly to use them. Many had gathered around those that knew how to Pendulum Summon beforehand, though, as it was an entirely different beast knowing how to use something and how to use it effectively.

As a result, exhibition matches had become quite popular, especially ones containing the pioneer of Pendulum. Yuya had never felt more overworked, however. Almost every day he was doing at least two duels to almost sold out stadiums, just to showcase what you could do with Pendulum. Yuya understood why these were necessary, but his body felt like it was about to collapse. It also didn't help that Declan was refusing to create a Pendulum Course at his newly renamed Akaba Duel School until peace had been well and truly set up and maintained, which included the conclusion of the tribunal, which only seemed to be further and further away as new lieutenants of Leo's were captured and brought before the representatives of each city.

After finishing an incredibly close and tiring exhibition, Yuya was sitting in his dressing room, looking over his deck, a cold towel wrapped around his shoulders to relieve some of the tension. "Hopefully not much longer," He wistfully sighed to the cards, "Oh yeah, did you hear? Apparently that Den City focuses on Link Summoning," Yuya pulled the few Link monsters he had to the front of his deck, "A city full of people who know how to use cards like you better."

'You have nothing to worry about, Master.' A feminine voice spoke to Yuya, 'You wield us with pride and skill, and most importantly, joy. That is what matters.' A deep draconic roar sounded as well, seemingly in agreement,

"Thanks, Beyond," Yuya responded to the duel spirit. Ever since Z-ARC was defeated, it had seemed like Yuya had suddenly become privy to the goings on of his cards, not that he was complaining, although three in particular were rather talkative. After all, it allowed him to duel better, "But I'd like to go there someday. Learn from their best like others do here." A sad smile took over Yuya's face, "I know that what drove him to his madness has been mostly dealt with, but why do I feel as though I may succumb to that madness?"

"Because you care, Yuya," Zuzu's voice interrupted Yuya's vocalised thoughts, "And that's what makes you different."

"Ah, I didn't see you enter, Zuzu!" Yuya happily said, looking up from the cards, "When did you get here?"

"Just in time to hear you rambling about Z-ARC again. And Yuya? I do get your worries, but he was a different person to you, you understand?"

"Yeah, but you say it's because I care. Z-ARC did, or at least Zarc did," Despite the verbal similarity, both Yuya and Zuzu knew who each referred to, "But it was the fans that drove him insane. He cared about what the fans wanted, what they felt they needed!"

"That was in a dimension long gone. Dueling philosophy has changed, and people love to smile. I bet that Z-ARC was only created because people forgot that dueling is supposed to be for fun, for smiling and laughing. And that's something I know you won't let people forget." Zuzu smiled,

"Thanks, Zuzu," Yuya smiled back, "Is there something going on? It's a bit weird for you to meet me here, don't you think?"

"Yeah, there is. You want to get out of here, right?"

"More than anything!" The two laughed,

"Well, while you were dueling, Declan asked me to get you and we're to head to his office. The rest of us will also be there."

"I wonder what for?"

"I don't know. But almost anything's better than this, right?"

"Yeah! Let me get ready and then we can head off?"

"Sounds good. I'll be in the lobby." Zuzu smiled as she headed off, Yuya sighing. Standing up, Yuya took the towel off to go to the showers, and started to think. It was a strange thing, liking your best friend as more than that, he'd recently come to realise. He didn't know why but after countless jokes by other friends, he'd reflected on what exactly he eventually wanted out of his relationship with Zuzu, and he'd come to the realisation that he was attracted to her. Of course, he had no clue if she reciprocated, and he was too scared of ruining their friendship if he confessed and she didn't.

'You know, Master, our former Master had the same quandary regarding his Queen.' A refined male voice said,

'Indeed! It's rather funny to see you two stressing over the same things!' A brasher male voice added,

"Astrograph, Chronograph, please don't. I get you're trying to help, but it isn't if that makes sense."

'Ah, my apologies, Master. I merely thought it prudent to point out such a similarity.' Astrograph apologised,

"It's fine. I'd just rather be my own person, completely detached from Z-ARC. He may be part of my past, but he isn't me. Not by a long shot."

'Of course!' Chronograph agreed, 'You know, I did do some research on the best spot to take your lass if you feel like it.'

"'My lass'? You do realise how strange that sounds, right?"

'On second thought, yes.' Yuya could hear the embarrassment in Chronograph's voice, 'But that's besides the point.'

'Why would you even be doing such research, brother?' Astrograph asked,

'Well… There is this cute one-' Chronograph was cut off,

'And I've heard it all.' Astrograph sighed as Yuya started to laugh,

"Y'know, I never had siblings, but it feels like I do with you two."

'If that's what you wish to see us as, Master.'

"Well, I'm going to have my shower now, so some privacy?"

'Of course.' The two sorcerers said simultaneously and their presences faded from Yuya's mind. Having a quick shower, Yuya pulled a change of clothes on, and headed out to the lobby, where Zuzu was waiting for him.

"Well, shall we?" She smiled sweetly, and Yuya smiled back,

"Yeah." And they walked out of the stadium towards the Akaba Tower.

Hey all, firstly let me say sorry that I took so long to get this out. I said last time I'd upload at normal time, but proceeded to basically disappear from this fic for a whole month, and for that I'd like to apologise. It was just caused by a mess of responsibilities that fell on me, plus not exactly knowing how I wanted this chapter to go. I've also been finalising my plans for Pendulum of Circuits and also writing for my other fic, and as a result I've found myself almost lacking for free time. This fic only has two chapters left, and I want to get them out as soon as possible, so expect another update soon-ish. It certainly won't be as long as the wait for this chapter, that's for sure.

Reviews:

Aqua: Thanks so much for your continued support, and thanks so much for your understanding. You won't believe the joy I feel when I get to read your reviews!

MedusaxCrona: Thanks for the review, and to answer the question, from ARC-V, I really can't wait for Lulu, Rin and Yuri to be added to Duel Links, the former two as they will be getting characterisation that was sorely missing in ARC-V proper, and the later as he's just a really good character. At the same time, I'm also hoping that Zarc eventually gets added, especially if he uses his Original Dimension appearance, not demonic Yuya. For the other series, I can't really say as the only one I'm really as invested in as ARC-V is VRAINS, and beyond characters like Ghost Gal, who has already been confirmed, and Akira Zaizen, there aren't really many characters, especially with distinct, printed decks, that exist. I suppose Roboby and Soltis!Ai would also get added eventually as well, and I can't say I'm not interested to see how Ignister would play in Duel Links.

Thank you all so much for reading this fic, and I'll be getting the next chapter out as soon as I can! See you there! - NightWingBOI