Yu-gi-oh/RWBY Season 2 Chapter 17
Terra Nova
"IT'S THE MOMENT YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! THE GRAND FINALS OF THE WORLD RACING GRAND PRIX! WHO WILL TAKE THE WIN, TEAM NEW WORLD OR TEAM 5DS?"
No words were spoken as Yang readied herself. They had planned for this since "Ghost" attacked. They were ready. As Yang rode to the starting line, she was a little annoyed that she got that little kid Lucciano. He even had one of those, what did Weiss call them, duel boards? Would it even keep up with her? His shit-eating grin didn't help her mood either.
"RIDING DUEL, ACCELERATION!"
To Yang's surprise, the brat could keep up with her, and was even gaining on her. She learned her lesson after Team Taiyo, and kept the pressure on from the beginning. Her persistence paid off, and she got the first corner. "I draw! I summon Synchro Cannon in defense mode." (Level 4/2000) "I set three cards and end my turn." "I draw!" Lucciano responds. (Lucciano 0-1, Yang 0-1) "I summon Sky Core in defense mode." (Level 1/0) "I'll also set three cards and end my turn."
As Yang suspected, he was hiding behind that core and would likely break it if she didn't. She'd have to find a way around that. "I draw!" (Lucciano 1-2, Yang 1-2) "I summon Burning Muscle!" (Level 4/2000) "I tune my level 4 Burning Muscle with my level 4 Synchro Cannon! As life inches closer to death, the heart grows ever stronger! Synchro summon! Appear, Celica Burst Dragon!" (Level 8/3000) As the dragon appears, Synchro Cannon equips onto Celica's arm.
Lucciano smiles. "Just what I was waiting for. I activate my face-down Twin Vortex, destroying both of our monsters!" Two beams of energy fire, one at Sky Core and one at Celica. "I activate my face-down Survival Instinct! Once per turn, if you would activate a card or effect that would target my Celica, I can pay 500 life points to negate the effect!" (Yang 4000-3500) Celica deflects the beam and grows stronger. (Celica 3000-3500)
Her opponent giggles. "Doesn't matter. Now I can summon my ace monster! I summon Skiel Top," (Level 1/600) "Skiel Attack," (Level 1000) "Skiel Guard in defense mode," (Level 1/300) "Skiel Carrier," (Level 1/400) "and of course, Machine Emperor Skiel Infinity!" (Level 1/0-2200) Yang regards the flying monstrosity with bitterness. This is for Weiss, asshole. "Celica, attack Skiel Infinity! Heartbeat Burst!" Celica ignites its fist and flies forward to avenge its comrade. "And as Celica attacks, I use the effect given by Synchro Cannon to discard a tuner and deal 500 damage!" Celica fires out Boost Crystal. (Lucciano 4000-3500) Lucciano smirks at the damage. "I activate my face-down, Infinite Aura, which gains an aura counter for every 100 points of damage I take." (Infinite Aura 0-5)
"I then activate the effect of Skiel Guard!" Lucciano replies. "Once per turn, I can negate your attack!" The bottom part of Skiel lets out a sonic wave that slows Celica down. "I thought you'd try that. I activate my second face-down, Power Pressure! Since you negated my attack, you take 1000 damage!" Celica punches out a wave of energy at Lucciano. (Lucciano 3500-2500) (Infinite Aura 5-15)
What is that even for? Yang wonders. "I end my turn." "I draw!" (Lucciano 2-3, Yang 2-3) "Machine Emperor Skiel Infinity, take her precious Celica away!" Energy ribbons emanate from Skiel's core, vying for Celica. "I don't think so. I activate my face-down Dimension Gate, banishing Celica!" A portal appears and Celica flies through it. "You've simply put yourself in danger. Skiel, attack her directly!" Skiel readies its weapons at Yang, but she doesn't falter.
"I activate the other effect of Dimension Gate. When you declare a direct attack, I can send it to the graveyard to bring back Celica Burst Dragon!" The portal reappears and Celica flies out of it. "I then activate my other face-down, Sudden Ambush! If I summon a monster during your battle phase, I can then force one of your monsters to attack it. I choose your Machine Emperor Skiel Infinity!" Celica Burst Dragon flies towards the monster and tears through its parts, destroying all of Lucciano's monsters. (Lucciano 2500-1200) (Infinite Aura 15-28)
Lucciano grimaces at his blunder. "I activate my face-down Infinite Prison. By discarding a card, I can set a monster from my graveyard face-down as a spell card. I choose Sky Core. Then I set a card and end my turn." The familiar core reappears next to Lucciano. "I draw!" Yang declares proudly. (Lucciano 3-4, Yang 3-4) "Celica Burst Dragon, attack Lucciano directly with Heartbeat Burst!" The dragon strikes Lucciano with such force that Yang is surprised he isn't knocked off his duel board. (Lucciano 1200-0) (Infinite Aura 28-40)
"SPECTACULAR! YANG WIPES OUT LUCCIANO WITH EASE! PLACIDO WILL NOW TAKE HIS PLACE!"
As Lucciano is replaced with Placido, Penny notices Ruby's concern. "Something on your mind?" "Was it just me, or did that seem a little too easy for Yang?" "Hey! Don't sour my victory like that!" Yang yells over the earpiece. "I mean that it felt like he wasn't really trying. And some of his moves just made no sense." "I have to agree with Ruby." Blake comments. "This feels like a long-term strategy of theirs, some kind of trap. Be careful, Yang."
"Ugh, fine." Yang remarks, though she did feel like something was off, too. As Placido rides up to meet her, Yang notices his behavior seems different, more tame. There's still that ferocity underneath, but it's subdued. "I draw!" He begins. (Placido 4-5, Yang 4-5) "I summon Wise Core!" (Level 1/0) "Since I have 2 or more speed counters, I can activate my speed spell Lightning Rod to destroy 1 card I control. I choose Wise Core!" A burst of lightning shoots down from the sky and shatters the core. The five appropriate machine parts fly out of the wreckage.
"I summon Wisel Top," (Level 1/500) "Wisel Attack," (Level 1/1200) "Wisel Guard in defense mode," (Level 1/1200) "Wisel Carrier," (Level 1/800) "and Machine Emperor Wisel Infinity!" (Level 1/0-2500) "I activate the effect of Machine Emperor Wisel to equip your Celica!" Wisel lets out several energy vines at Celica, just like Skiel. "I use the effect Survival Instinct, negating the effect by paying 500 life points!" (Yang 3500-3000) (Celica 3500-4000)
To hell with this plan, Placido grumbles. "I activate my face-down Worldly Barrage to inflict 400 damage to you for every monster I control!" 5 shots fire towards Yang. (Yang 3000-1000) (Celica 4000-6000) "I set two cards and end my turn." Yang draws, unsure what Placido is planning. (Placido 5-6, Yang 5-6) "Celica, attack with Heartbeat Burst! And I activate the effect from Synchro Cannon!" Celica fires out Mischief Ember (Placido 4000-3500) (Infinite Aura 40-45) before it sets its fists alight and swipes at Wisel, but it blocks with its shield. "I activate my face-down Wise G3, tributing Wisel Guard to summon Wisel Guard 3, who can redirect the attack to itself and can't be destroyed by battle once per turn." Wisel's shield expands, becoming more elaborate and advanced. (Level 3/2000)
"Celica can still deal damage, even if your monster is in defense mode." Yang reminds him as Celica pounds its fists into the shield. (Placido 3500-500) (Infinity Aura 45-75) Placido adopts an angry scowl as he growls "You'll pay for that! I activate my other face-down Echo Mirror. If my defense position monster was attacked, but not destroyed, I can draw a card and reveal it. If I get a monster, you take damage equal to that monster's level times 300." Placido draws and shows Wisel Attack 3, so three energy bolts hit Yang. (Yang 1000-100) (Celica 6000-6900)
Placido, Jose communicates with his comrade. What are you doing? I'm winning. Isn't that what we're trying to do? Placido replies. This is not part of the plan. Remember what happened the last time you deviated. Placido winces from the memory, and calms down, which does not go unnoticed by Yang. "You're right, Ruby. They're definitely up to something." "I think it has to do with Infinity Aura. We have to take that out somehow." "Got it." Yang now addresses Placido. "I set a card face-down and end my turn."
"WHAT A SUDDEN BACK AND FORTH! A SECOND WIND FROM PLACIDO, PERHAPS?"
Placido ignores them as he draws. (Placido 6-7, Yang 6-7) "I set two cards face-down and end my turn." Yang draws, wary of Team New World's plan. (Placido 7-8, Yang 7-8) "I activate my face-down Synchro Sonic, destroying cards you control up to the number of synchro monsters I control. I choose your Infinite Aura!" Celica creates a large energy ball in its hands which it fires at Placido's card. "I counter with my own face-down, Infinity Guard Formation! By negating the effects of all monsters I control, my card won't be destroyed." Wisel intercepts the energy ball, taking the brunt of the impact. (Machine Emperor Wisel Infinity 2500-0) Worried over failing to take out Infinite Aura, Yang continues "I set a card. Celica, attack Wisel with Heartbeat Burst!" The dragon easily wipes out all of Placido's monsters. "I discard a card to use Infinite Prison to bring back Sky Core." Placido explains as the damage knocks him back. (Placido 500-0) (Infinite Aura 75-80)
"ANOTHER STRONG VICTORY FROM YANG XIAO LONG! ALL THAT'S LEFT IS JOSE!"
Yang has no time to worry about what the last member of Team New World is planning as her circuit takes her back to the stands. She is far too distracted seeing Jose run onto the track and his duel runner catch up to him, followed by his jumping into his duel runner. "I draw!" He declares, leaving Yang speechless. (Jose 8-9, Yang 8-9) "I summon Grand Core!" An orange core in similar design to the last two cores appears. (Level 1/0)
Yang braces for the inevitable as Jose continues. "I activate my face-down Explosive Blast, destroying Grand Core and dealing 400 damage to you." The core explodes, and the shockwave hits Yang. (Yang 100-0) As Yang is knocked back, her signer mark glows brightly and her entire duel runner is enveloped in a warm blaze. "I double tune my Level 8 Celica Burst Dragon with my Level 2 Boost Crystal and my Level 2 Mischief Ember! The approach of death only brings Life to its apex! Burn away the pain and proclaim your dominance! Synchro Summon! Appear, Celica Nova Dragon!" (Level 12/4000) "Celica Nova Dragon keeps me in the duel and gains Celica Burst Dragon's attack! Burning Survival!" (Celica Nova Dragon 4000-7000)
Jose doesn't react to the spectacle of Celica Nova Dragon's summon and simply continues his turn. "When Grand Core is destroyed, I can summon my ace monster! I summon Granel Top," (Level 1/500) "Granel Attack," (Level 1/1300) "Granel Guard in defense mode," (Level 1/1000) "Granel Carrier," (Level 1/700) "and Machine Emperor Granel Infinity!" (Level 1/0) The pieces combine to create an orange tank-like robot.
"Granel gains attack and defense equal to my life points." (Granel 0-4000) "I then activate my speed spell Takeover! By destroying one card on my side of the field, I gain 100 life points for every counter on it!" Infinite Aura is destroyed and Jose is wrapped in a green glow. (Jose 4000-12000) (Granel 4000-12000) "Twelve thousand attack points?" Yang points out in disbelief. "I set a card. Granel Infinity, attack Celica Nova Dragon with Grand Slaughter Cannon!" The machine aims its cannon and a beam larger than the bridge fires out, wiping out Celica and sending Yang flying backwards.
"WHAT A WIPEOUT! NOT ONLY HAS JOSE TAKEN OUT YANG, BUT NOW HE HAS 12000 LIFE POINTS, AND A MONSTER JUST AS MASSIVE! HOW CAN BLAKE BELLADONNA WITHSTAND THIS BEHEMOTH?"
"I activate the effect of Granel Attack, equipping Celica Nova Dragon to Granel Infinity!" Energy ribbons shoot out of Granel's cannon, dragging Celica Nova Dragon out of the graveyard and into Granel's core. (Granel 12000-16000) Yang returns to the dueling pit with a regretful expression. "Sorry. I couldn't stop it." "Nothing we can do about it now." Blake says as she accepts the Active Duelist tag from Yang. "Let's see if I can squash that monster." She rides out to meet Jose, who regards her with indifference.
"I draw!" (Jose 9-10, Blake 9-10) "I activate the effect of Speed World 2 to remove 10 speed counters," (Blake 10-0) "to destroy one card you control. I choose Granel Infinity!" A shot fired from Blake's duel runner. "Foolish. I activate my face-down Infinity Wall, negating any effects that would destroy a card I control this turn." An energy wall appears around Granel, blocking the shot. "Did you really think that would work? Against the awesome power of Destiny, you are nothing more than a fly trying to topple an elephant. Take any action you wish, but it will change nothing."
"Maybe that move didn't work," Blake replies. "But I didn't have only that to rely on. I activate my Speed Ritual Spell Psycho Night! Since I have exactly Zero speed counters, I can tribute monsters from my hand, field or graveyard with a total level of 8 or more to ritual summon. I banish the level 8 Celica Burst Dragon from my graveyard!" Celica Burst Dragon rises from the graveyard only to explode into 8 balls of blue flame. "The culmination of Man's folly becomes my greatest power! Rise and show your enemy their weakness! Ritual Summon! Appear, Psycho King!" The flames gather together and from a tall, lanky demon in power armor, adorned with a red crown and wielding a large sword with many ghosts appearing around it. (Level 8/0)
"SHOCK! A NEW MONSTER FROM BLAKE BELLADONNA! AND A RITUAL MONSTER TO BOOT!"
"When Psycho King attacks a monster with higher attack, not only isn't it destroyed, but you take the battle damage I would have taken. Psycho King, attack Granel Infinity with Evil Force!" The king raises his sword and a black and red version of Granel Infinity appears. "I activate the effect of Granel Guard." Jose replies. "I can redirect the attack to Celica Nova Dragon." A green light fires from Granel's cannon, and Celica Nova Dragon appears. (Level 12/4000) The fake Granel Infinity changes into a version of Celica and possesses the original, causing Celica to turn and attack Jose. (Jose 12000-8000) (Granel 16000-12000)
"Ha!" Blake cheers. "Even in defeat, our monsters will always fight back! I set three cards and end my turn." Jose lets out a small metallic chuckle, which unsettles Blake. "What a transparent strategy. Since our machine emperors absorb synchro monsters, you thought you could outsmart me by simply playing a different type of monster. You blind simpleton. This is the folly of mankind! I draw!" (Jose 10-11, Blake 0-1) "I activate the effect of Speed World 2, removing 10 speed counters," (Jose 11-1) "to destroy one card on your side of the field. I destroy your Survival Instinct!" Jose fires a shot from his duel runner, destroying the trap left behind by Yang.
"During the battle phase, the effect of Granel Attack turns Celica Nova Dragon back into a monster during my battle phase, but it can't attack directly." The dragon is summoned out of the cannon again. (Level 12/4000) "Attack Psycho King with Life-force Explosion!" "I activate my face-down Scrap-Iron Scarecrow, negating your attack and resetting itself." Celica is stopped by the trap's sudden appearance. "Now, Granel Infinity, destroy her Psycho King with Grand Slaughter Cannon!" As Granel readies its cannon to fire, Blake is quick to react. "I activate Mirror Mail, changing Psycho King's attack to match Granel's!" Psycho King summons another double of Granel, and the two fire large beams at each other, which shatter the glass walls of the track, and sends dust flying towards the stands. As the dust settles, however, only the real Granel is left standing.
"Granel Carrier can prevent my monster's destruction by battle once per turn. Now I can show you a trick of my own. Assault Mode Activate!" Blake gasps in horror, recognizing the trap from her confrontation with her mother as it transforms Celica Nova Dragon. (Level 12/4500) (Granel 12000-8000) "Celica Nova Dragon Assault Mode gains attack equal to my life points, and while it is on the field, I take no damage. And just like its original version, it can't be destroyed or targeted by your cards or effects." (Celica 4500-12500)
"Celica Nova Dragon Assault Mode, show her the meaning of inevitability with Life-stream Supernova!" Celica charges up a massive build-up of energy, before firing it at Blake, covering her in light. (Blake 4000-0) Despite being badly hurt by the attack, Blake maintains her smile. "I activate my face-down, Wartime Compensation. Since your monster just dealt damage to me, I can take control of it." Celica Nova Dragon Assault Mode is moved over to Blake's side. (Celica 12500-8500) "I told you. Even in defeat, our monsters always fight back. Same as us." With that, Blake rushes over to the dueling pits to meet Ruby. As she does, Jose is left amazed that Blake never summoned her synchro monster despite the pressure he exerted. If he had a heart, he would feel respect right now.
"A PYRRHIC VICTORY! EVEN THOUGH JOSE WIPED OUT BLAKE BELLADONNA, SHE MANAGED TO STEAL HIS MONSTER RIGHT FROM HIM! BUT WILL IT BE ENOUGH FOR RUBY ROSE TO SECURE THE VICTORY?"
As Blake returns to the dueling pit and hands over the Active Duelist Tag to Ruby, she gives the team leader a fist bump. "Kick his myopic ass." Ruby nods as she rides out to meet Jose. "Jose, Placido, Lucciano. For everything you've done, everyone you've hurt in the name of "Destiny", I will destroy you once and for all! I draw!" (Jose 1-2, Ruby 1-2) "If I control a level 5 or higher monster, I can summon Elder Treant from my hand without tribute!" A wizened tree-man appears. (Level 5/1200) "Since I just summoned a plant-type monster, I can summon Branchling from my hand!" A childish branch-like boy appears. (Level 2/400)
"I tune my level 5 Elder Treant with my level 2 Branchling! The bloom of evolution blazes forth. Grow and grow ever stronger! Synchro Summon! Appear, Crescent Rose Dragon!" (Level 7/2400) "I activate Crescent Rose's effect to destroy one card you control. Crescent Shot!" Crescent Rose fires a shot from its tail straight to Granel. "I activate the effect of the Infinity Wall in my graveyard, banishing it to prevent my Machine Emperor from being destroyed this turn." The energy wall reappears, absorbing the shot.
"Then I attack with Celica Nova Dragon Assault Mode! Life-stream Supernova!" The dragon fires its assault, but the energy wall absorbs the attack, though Jose still feels the brunt of it. (Jose 8000-7500) (Granel 8000-7500) "I activate my speed spell Reentry! When my monster attacks your monster but fails to destroy it, I can attack again!" Celica fires another salvo, and the punishment is a little worse. (Jose 7500-6500) (Granel 7500-6500) "During my battle phase, I can tribute a monster I control that just attacked to summon Bombardment Acorn from my hand!" A fairy in a suit of acorn armor parachutes in. (Level 1/500) "When it does, I can summon an Acorn token for each time that monster attacked!" Two more fairies in acorns drop down. (Level 1/500)
"I then activate the effect of my Time Cheater in my hand, discarding it to perform a synchro summon this turn." A dashing thief appears and shoots out a ray of energy from his watch, transforming the three acorns into Ruby Dragon. (Level 3/1300) Ruby drives forward, red lightning crackling off of her. "The next branch of evolution appears! Blaze forth, my greatest power! Accel Synchro! Be Born, Silver Eyes Rose Dragon!" Ruby disappears only to reappear behind Jose with her Accel Synchro monster. (Level 10/3500) "Since I used Time Cheater to summon a synchro monster, I can't activate the effects of synchro monsters I control for the rest of the turn, so I set a card and end my turn."
Jose brushes off dust from his shoulder. "Impressive. But ultimately futile. I draw!" (Jose 2-3, Ruby 2-3) "Granel Infinity, attack Silver Eyes with Grand Slaughter Cannon!" Granel readies its cannon to fire, but Ruby is unfazed. "I use the effect of Silver Eyes to banish itself and negate the attack!" Silver Eyes disappears into a portal. "Ineffectual. With the effect of Granel Top, when my Infinity monster attacks your synchro monster, your monster's effects are negated!" Granel fires out a laser lasso that pulls Silver Eyes back into reality.
"Just what I was waiting for." Ruby remarks. "I activate Synchro Reflect! When the effect of my synchro monster is negated, I can negate the effects of all monsters you control with a lower level until the end of the turn!" The lasso is multiplied and binds up Granel. (Granel 6500-0) Jose is unable to do anything but watch as Granel continues its attack, firing an energy beam that Silver Eyes easily counters with its own. As a result, all of his monsters are destroyed. (Jose 6500-3000)
"How do you like that, Jose?" Ruby taunts. "It's time to put your plans to a halt!" "Don't be so sure." Jose replies. "Thanks to your efforts, your synchro monsters, my field is now a burnt wasteland. Heh. It reminds me of what will happen in my own time." "Your time?" Ruby wonders as she notices something strange from the stands. Placido and Lucciano seem to fly into the open sky and Jose joins them. An infinity symbol appears where they are gathered before flashing a bright light. Once the light fades, a new man appears, dwarfing the size of the three who appeared before.
"I am Aporia."