"GAAAAAH!" Cried out a young man at the age of 14. He groaned, rising from the ground after his fake scream and fall.

"Looks like I won." His opponent, a girl, responded with a frown. She reached over, removing her Cards from the grass and returning them into her Deck. She gently brushed her free hand over her clothes, washing away any dirt she might have picked up. "Come on, it's no fun when you look like an idiot dozing off while you play. Are you alright? You seem distracted."

"No, I'm fine. Really." The boy replied, waving his hands in an attempt to ease his friend's worries.

"Hmm…" The girl hummed with a sigh. She's seen this before. Whenever he wasn't okay, he would always wave his hands around. Why, she didn't know. She assumed it was an attempt to hide his face so people couldn't see the emotion running through his eyes. He was really terrible at suppressing his emotions after all, he was a very passionate person.

Eventually, the boy sighed, knowing that she wasn't going to buy his bullshit this time. "Okay. I've just been spending some time thinking...about our future."

The girl winced. "Don't say it like that!"

The boy blinked, briefly chuckling and facepalmed as he realized his poor choice of words. "N-Not like that. I mean...after we reach the world of the pros."

"Do you think the three of us won't be able to make it?" She asked, her face changing into one of curiosity.

"No, not that. I have no doubt that you and Yoshito will succeed. It's just...I'm worried about the audience."

"And why's that?"

"All my life, I've just wanted to bring smiles to people. That way, no matter how bad things are, there's always light in this world. But, I'm worried that the audiences won't smile...that they'll hate me...like everyone else."

The girl sighed. She placed her Deck into her belt holster, crawling on the grass over to her friend, taking his hand within the grasp of her own.

"There will always be someone who isn't satisfied with your Dueling." The girl said, her words much wiser than her age implied. "But, you cannot let that affect you. As long as there is at least one person who is smiling, then you should keep doing what you are doing anyway."

The boy glanced at his friend, staring into her purple, angelic eyes. A stinging feeling arrived in his cheeks. He could feel it, a blush was coming. He quickly jerked his head away so his friend couldn't see him. Confused, she tilted her head to the side so she could try and sneak a look at the face hidden behind his hair. Seeing this, the boy turned his head even more.

His shoulders shuddered, feeling tears coming into his eyes, touched by his friend's kindness. Sometimes, it would annoy him to no end, but right now, it only served to punch him in the gut. It made him even more grateful for the gift he was given. Sure, he was ostracized his entire life, but at least he got to befriend her.

"Thank you...Ray."

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

Hiragi Yuzu's eyes shot open with a start, startled by the sudden noise. Her blurred sight refocused as her eyes readjusted to the lighting, followed by her hearing, to which she could make out a voice...a female voice, calling her name.

"Yuzu!" The voice called again. "Can I come in?"

Yuzu looked around her surroundings, startled. That was only a dream...but it seemed so real. Deciding she would worry about it later, she recounted the events of the previous day.

She was now in You Show Duel School. Well, not the one she was familiar with. Rather, this Duel School was in the Fusion Dimension, and started by Sakaki Yusho himself once again, who was hiding out and harboring former members of Academia who defected after realizing the true horror of the war.

She identified the person calling her as Tenjoin Asuka. The girl who saved her from a trio of security guards who were trying to capture her upon her arrival to the Fusion Dimension.

After meeting up with Sakaki Yusho and discussing what happened to him, she and Asuka bonded over the latter's story of how she defected from Academia. She was then given a place to sleep, and within two minutes of hitting the bed she was out and asleep. It wasn't the most comfortable bed, definitely not as comfy as hers back at home. However, ever since the Friendship Cup, the stress of the war and the separation from her loved ones had kept her up all night. Even with the great treatment and comfiness she felt during the Friendship Cup, it wasn't enough to help her mental stress as she still couldn't seem to fall asleep. She had gone so long without sleep that she practically fell asleep immediately.

With her couple of needed hours of sleep, Yuzu was now ready to face the day.

Groggily, she walked over to the door and opened, revealing a dirty blonde-haired girl.

"Asuka-san. Is something wrong?"

Said girl gave a reassuring smile in response. She shook her head, "No, but Yusho-sensei has taken an interest in you."

"Uncle Yusho has?" Yuzu blinked. He didn't think that she had warranted the man's attention, but seeing as he was a well-respected Duelist (or at least used to be), she felt a great sense of pride well up within her. After all, now she knew Yusho wasn't a coward. In fact, it was the complete opposite.

"Yes. He wants to see your skills in a Duel to see how much you've grown in three years. And he's picked me to be your opponent." Asuka revealed with a challenging smirk.

"Is that so?" Yuzu returned with a smirk of her own. Ever since her performance when saving her, a small part of her had been interested in Dueling with her. After all, as far as she was concerned, she hadn't Dueled a Ritual user in a very long time. It was a rare Summoning Method, even though it was a method all four dimensions had. She remembered the fortuneteller Mieru using Rituals, but that was about it. "Then, I'll gladly accept!"


Later-Duel Arena-You Show Duel School-Fusion Dimension

Yuzu and Asuka walked into the room. A large group of people were gathering around the windows, peering inside. Tenjoin Asuka was most certainly the strongest out of all of them with the exception of Yusho. It was always a treat to see her Duel. Plus, there was the new girl as well who had apparently caught the eye of Yusho.

Needless to say, this match was going to be a very interesting one.

With this walking stick, Yusho limped to the window, supported by two students as the others moved to give him space. He looked at the two Duelists with eager interest.

How much have you grown, Yuzu? He wondered. From what he remembered, Yuzu and his son were evenly matched at their best, but Yuya would always get ahead of himself and screw up. As of now, this was the best chance to see how much his son grew, through one of his best friends. And Asuka was a great Duelist. If anyone were to allow him to see Yuzu's growth, it'd be her.

"Here's to a fun Duel!" Asuka exclaimed, strapping on her Duel Disk and activating it.

A fun Duel? Yuzu thought to herself. It's been a while since she could truly let loose and have fun in a Duel. Because of the war, every Duel had basically been one for survival, whether it'd be to avoid getting sent to the underground facility or being captured by Academia. With this in mind, Yuzu glanced at Yusho, who gave her a smile. Yuya...I wish you were here right now...so you could see your dad. And if you were here right now...you'd want me to…

Yuzu's frown contorted into a wide smile. Following Asuka's lead, she also activated her Duel Disk, removing five Cards from her Deck confidently. She was ready!

"I'm ready, Asuka-san!"

"DUEL!" Both Duelists shouted in unison. As they began, the excitement of the crowd had a noticeable growth.

"This is gonna be great!" A random boy from the crowd grinned.

"I love you, Asuka-san!" A girl squealed with pink highlighting her cheeks.

Responding to the cheers with a wave, Asuka spoke with a face of reminiscence, "It's reassuring to know that despite the lost path you may have been on, there are always people to support you." Turning her attention away from the audience and back to Yuzu, her expression sharpened. "I'll take the first turn! To start, I will Summon Cyber Diver from my Hand!" A pink-haired, light-skinned diver with a skintight one piece swimsuit appeared to the Field, elegantly twirling around on the heel of her foot.

Diver: Level 3, 800 Atk, 200 Def

"When Cyber Diver is Summoned, I am allowed to add a Cyber Angel Ritual Monster from my Deck to my Hand." Asuka explained, quickly looking through her Hand before fishing a Card out from her Deck. She held it up to reveal the added Monster to be Cyber Angel Nasateiya. "Now, I activate the Ritual Magic Card, Machine Angel Ritual! With this, I can release Monsters in my Hand or on my Field whose Levels are equal to or above the Ritual Monster in my Hand that I want to Summon! I release Cyber Tutubon from my Hand." Asuka said, inserting the Monster into her Graveyard.

A large pot with a scorching flame on top of it appeared on the Field. Then, a ghostly image of Cyber Tutubon appeared and disappeared into the flames, sacrificed for Asuka's Monster for whom she chanted.

"Angel of light hiding healing powers. Bring recovery with your lovely form. Descend! Level 5! Cyber Angel Nasateiya!" Asuka exclaimed as a beautiful Monster bearing the appearance of a centaurus appeared to the Field. Nasateiya threw her arms in front of herself, showing that she was placed in Defense Position.

Nasateiya: Level 5, 1000 Atk, 1000 Def

"The effect of Cyber Tutubon now activates! If this Monster is used in a Ritual Summon this turn, I can add a Ritual Magic Card from my Graveyard to my Hand." Asuka's Ritual slid out of the slot for the Graveyard. The former Academia student grabbed the Card, briefly showing it to Yuzu before proceeding to insert it into her Duel Disk, activating it once again. "Using this Card again, I release the Cyber Diver on my Field and the Etoile Cyber in my Hand. Ritual Summon! Descend, Nasateiya!" Appearing to the Field was an exact copy of the centaurus already on Asuka's side. Like the first copy, this one was Summoned in Defense Position.

"She's already Ritual Summoned twice?" Yuzu blinked with surprise. As her mind processed this, Asuka continued to make her move.

"I activate the effect of Cyber Angel Nasateiya!" Asuka declared, pointing to the first Nasateiya. "Once per turn, I can target a face-up Monster I control and gain Life Points equal to half its Attack. I'll pick the other Nasateiya!" At that moment, Asuka was showered in a gleam of light, showing her Life getting increased.

Asuka: 4000-4500 LP

The increased Life didn't end there. Asuka proceeded to activate the effect of her other Nasateiya, choosing the first Nasateiya as her target and gaining another 500 Life Points from it.

Asuka: 4500-5000 LP

"I end my turn." Asuka concluded.

"My turn!" Yuzu started, feeling a flame of excitement igniting within her body. She smiled widely as her hand left the Deck. "Draw! If you control a Monster while I don't, I can Special Summon this Monster from my Hand. Come, Melodious Songstress Solo!" Within a beautiful flash of light, a girl in a red dress with blonde hair appeared to the Field.

Solo: Level 4, 1600 Atk, 1000 Def

Yuzu continued, removing a Card from her Hand. "Now, I can Special Summon this Monster from my Hand if I control a Melodious Monster. Sing, Melodious Diva Sonata!" A long-haired girl with an aqua-green dress with musical notes inscribed on it appeared alongside Solo, letting out a beautiful harmony in unison with her companion.

Sonata: Level 4, 1200 Atk, 1000 Def

"Joining her on the stage is Melodious Diva Aria!" Yuzu cheered as the beautiful maroon and pink-colored Monster appeared, descending next to Solo.

Aria: Level 4, 1600 Atk, 1200 Def

"Battle!" Yuzu declared, pointing at Sonata. "Melodious Diva Sonata, attack a Cyber Angel Nasateiya!" Sonata inhaled, ready to release a high-pitched note.

However, Asuka then threw her hand out toward the targeted Nasateiya. "I activate Nasateiya's effect! Once per turn, when a Monster I control is targeted for an attack while I control another Cyber Monster, I can negate the attack!" An invisible wave emitted off of Nasateiya, enveloping Sonata and halting her attack. Said Monster closed her mouth as a result.

Yuzu grimaced out of slight frustration. So, she was only going to be able to take out one Monster. In that case…

"Melodious Songstress Solo, attack Nasateiya once again!"

"Now, I will use the effect of the other Nasateiya to negate your attack!" Asuka exclaimed as another invisible wave froze Solo in her tracks, preventing the Monster from attacking.

"There's no negating this one!" Yuzu proclaimed as she waved at her last Monster. "Melodious Diva Aria, destroy one of her Nasateiyas!" Yuzu's Monster released a high-pitched hum, destroying Asuka's Nasateiya with the sound waves. As the Monster disappeared, a smirk appeared on Yuzu's face. "And, you won't be able to escape from damage. I activate Melodious Diva Aria's effect! Once per turn, when you don't take battle damage from an attack involving this Card, then I can inflict 800 points of damage to you!"

Once again, Aria released a sound wave. This wave bypassed Asuka's remaining Monster and attacked her directly. The Ritual user winced, her body shuddering from the force of the waves.

Asuka: 5000-4200 LP

"I set two Cards." Yuzu finished, glancing up at her opponent. "I end my turn."

It seems you're in a corner now, Asuka-san. Yuzu thought, noting that her opponent currently had no Cards in her Hand. Her next draw would determine who would have the advantage for the rest of the Duel.

"My turn!" Asuka exclaimed, silently praying for a good draw. "Draw! Yes!" Asuka smiled at the sight of the Card. She had a chance. "I activate the Magic Card Pot of Greed! With this, I draw two Cards! Now…" Asuka removed one of the two Cards she drew, inserting it into her Duel Disk. "I activate Foolish Burial, which allows me to send a Monster from my Deck to my Graveyard. I send Cyber Angel Benten to the Graveyard."

A Card was ejected out of Asuka's Deck. The girl grabbed the Card, showing it to be Benten before inserting it into the Grave.

"From the Graveyard, I activate the effect of Cyber Angel Nasateiya! I can banish another Cyber Angel Monster in my Graveyard. Then, I target a Monster you control, Special Summon Nasateiya and take control of your Monster!" Asuka explained as her Monster returned to the Field in Defense Position, banishing Cyber Angel Benten as a cost. At that moment, Asuka's chosen target, Aria, disappeared from Yuzu's Field and was transferred over to Asuka's side.

"I use the effect of both Nasateiya's targeting Aria!" Asuka exclaimed as she was enveloped in light once again. Aria had 1600 Attack. Half of that was 800, but since two effects were being used it didn't matter.

Asuka: 4200-5800 LP

Just like that, she undid the damage I did to her. Yuzu cursed herself internally. She's strong. She will not be going down without a fight.

"Battle! Aria, attack Melodious Diva Sonata!" Asuka declared as Yuzu's brainwashed Monster let out a hum.

"You just fulfilled the conditions of my Trap Card!" Yuzu countered as she opened one of her set Cards. "Melodious Backup Duet, activate! If a Melodious Monster I control would be destroyed by battle, I can halve the damage I take!"

A high-pitched shockwave erupted from her mouth, enveloping Sonata and causing her to scream and shatter. Yuzu screamed as the musical wave ruptured throughout her body.

Yuzu: 4000-3800 LP

Recovering, Yuzu continued to explain the effect of her Trap Card. "Now, I can add two Melodious Monsters from my Deck to my Hand. I add Melodious Diva Viola and Melodious Diva Alta!"

"Alright." Asuka muttered as she removed the remaining Card in her Hand. "I set this Card and end my turn."

"It's my turn now!" Yuzu announced as she drew her next Card. She grinned. It was her time to shine, and boy was she gonna surprise them all. She was going to completely change the course of this Duel. She turned to the bystanders and raised her hands in the air. "Ladies and gentlemen! Today, I have a special treat for all of you, unique to the Standard Dimension!"

Yusho blinked out of surprise. Special treat? Unique to Standard? Just how much had changed in the three years he's been gone?

Yuzu smiled, stealing a glance at the man's face as she spoke the next words. "Now, witness the new Summoning Method, Pendulum, pioneered by the son of Sakaki Yusho, Yuya!"

"Yuya?!" Yusho audibly gasped out of shock, his eyes wide as the audience whispered amongst themselves with confusion. Sakaki Yusho's son had created a new Summoning Method?

Pendulum…

Yusho remembered, it was just like the pendant he had given to his son…

Yuya…

"Now, I, using the Scale 1 Melodious Diva Alta and Scale 9 Melodious Diva Viola, set the Pendulum Scale!" Yuzu swiped the Cards onto the edges of her Duel Disk. The word Pendulum played across the blade as her two Monsters rose beside her encased in a light blue pillar. Yuzu grinned, forming a fist as she felt excitement growing. "With this, I can simultaneously Special Summon Monsters from Levels 2 to 8!"

"What?!" A boy from the crowd croaked.

"Simultaneously Summon?" A girl repeated with shock.

"Pendulum Summon!" Yuzu yelled as she lifted a finger up to an open blue portal above her. Flying out of the portal was her ace Monster, a winged Monster with a dark blue and red dress appeared to the Field, and a blue-haired girl with a purple dress. "Appear, my Monsters! Melodious Pendulum Maestra Prodigy Mozart, and Melodious Maestra Shopina!"

Pendulum Prodigy Mozart: Level 8, 2600 Atk, 2000 Def

Shopina: Level 7, 2300 Atk, 1700 Def

"I will now activate the effect of Pendulum Prodigy Mozart!" Yuzu declared as her ace waved her hand to the side like a conductor. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Melodious Monster from my Hand, Deck, or Graveyard. So, from the Deck, I will be bringing out is Melodious Songstress Soprano!" Appearing alongside her three Monsters was a green-skinned diva in a black and orange dress with a long white skirt.

Soprano: Level 4, 1400 Atk, 1400 Def

"At this moment, I activate the effect of Melodious Songstress Soprano! Using this Card, I can Fusion Summon a Monster using this Card and other Monsters on my Field or in the Graveyard. I fuse this Card with Melodious Songstress Solo!" Yuzu explained as her two Monsters flew into the air, swirling together in a vortex formation. Yuzu brought her hands together, bringing them down as she chanted. "Noble resonance! Solo singer! By the guidance of the baton, assemble your power. Fusion Summon! Now on stage, the song of passion! Melodious Floral Saint Bloom Prima!" A yellow skinned Monster with a yellow dress with red flowers appeared to the Field alongside Mozart and Shopina.

Bloom Prima: Level 7, 1900 Atk, 2000 Def

Bloom Prima gained a yellow hue as Yuzu motioned towards her. "Now, Bloom Prima will gain 300 Attack for each Fusion Material used for this Card's Summon."

Two Fusion Materials, meaning an increase in Attack by 600.

Bloom Prima: 1900-2500 Atk

Yuzu grinned at the sight of her Monsters as she continued. "The show isn't over just yet!"

"What?!" Asuka gasped. The girl was still going?

Incredible...Yusho found himself thinking with a gaze of fire. This Pendulum Summoning…

"I activate Melodious Maestra Shopina's effect! Once per turn, I can add a Light Fairy-Type Monster in my Graveyard to my Hand." Yuzu explained, removing Melodious Songstress Solo from the Graveyard. She then dropped the Card onto her Duel Disk, bringing the Monster to the Field once again. Jabbing a finger at one of Asuka's Ritual Monsters, she continued her play. "Time to battle! Melodious Songstress Solo, attack Cyber Angel Nasateiya!"

Asuka rose her hand in the air, activating Nasateiya's effect once again. Like the last two times, an invisible wave phased through Solo, halting the Monster in her tracks before she could even lift a finger.

Yuzu grinned. "In that case, I'll just keep attacking! Shopina, attack Nasateiya!"

Once again, Asuka used the effect of Nasateiya, negating the attack.

Yuzu pointed at her ace. "Pendulum Prodigy Mozart, attack Melodious Diva Aria! Graceful Wave Burst!"

"Not yet!" Asuka exclaimed, revealing her set Card with a smirk. "Continuous Trap, Spirit Barrier! When I control a Monster, I don't take battle damage."

"In that case," Yuzu replied, opening her own set Card, "I will activate the Trap Card Melodious Illusion, targeting Mozart! When you activate a Trap Card during the Battle Phase, I can negate the effect and Mozart can attack a second time this turn." After her explanation, a gray template enclosed around Spirit Barrier, stopping the effect of the Trap from going through, and Mozart's attack continued. "Now, I use the effect of Pendulum Prodigy Mozart! Once per turn, if this Card battles your Monster, I can target another Melodious Monster on my Field and have this Monster gain 200 for each Level until the end of the turn! I choose Shopina as my target!"

Asuka gasped as she looked up to Mozart, who had gained a red aura signifying her new power up. That Monster's Level was 7...so Mozart was gaining 1400 Attack.

Prodigy Mozart: 2600-4000 Atk

"4000 Attack?!" Asuka widened her eyes with shock.

Green waves erupted from the tip of the Melodious Monster's baton. The waves crashed into Aria, rupturing throughout her body and making the girl scream. Asuka winced, covering her eyes as smoke and dust cascaded onto her body.

Asuka: 5800-3400 LP

"Bloom Prima can attack twice per turn. So, Bloom Prima," Yuzu exhaled as she called the name of her Monster, "Attack both Nasateiyas!" Yuzu's Fusion Monster exhaled, releasing a high-pitched wave that caused both of Asuka's remaining Monsters to shatter into pieces. As she cleared out the rest of Asuka's Monster, Yuzu closed her eyes, disappointed that the Duel has to end here. "Forgive me, Asuka-san, but it ends here. Melodious Pendulum Maestra Prodigy Mozart, attack my opponent directly!"

Asuka grunted out of minor frustration as she directed a hand at her Graveyard. "From the Graveyard, I activate the effect of Cyber Diver! When you declare a direct attack on me, I can banish this Card along with other Monsters in my Graveyard in order to Special Summon a Ritual Monster from my Deck whose Level is less than or equal to the combined Levels and negate the attack. I banish this Card, one Nasateiya, and Etoile Cyber!" Asuka explained as she removed said Cards from her Graveyard. "Angel of light hiding eternal power. Now show your form to this vast world, and illuminate all creation! Descend, Level 10! Cyber Angel Vishnu!"

Descending in front of Asuka was an angelic Monster in pink and purple spandex. Encircling above her head was a large gold circle which seemed to be used to charge up some sort of attack. Mozart halted all movements meant for attack as soon as said Monster appeared.

Vishnu: Level 10, 3000 Atk, 2000 Def

A 3000 Attack Monster so easily? Yuzu thought to herself with initial shock. Ritual Summoning was stronger than she realized.

"If Vishnu is Special Summoned, I can destroy all Fusion Monsters you control and deal 1000 damage to you for each Monster destroyed!" Asuka quickly explained as a green energy gathered within her circular weapon.

Calmly, Yuzu raised her hand toward Melodious Diva Viola. "The Pendulum effect of Viola makes it so Melodious Fusion Monsters I control can't be destroyed by Card effects."

"What?!" Asuka gasped out of shock at this new news. "A Pendulum effect?"

Yuzu nodded in response. "Yes, most Pendulum Monsters have both a Monster effect and a Pendulum effect. A Pendulum effect can only be used when a Monster is in the Pendulum Zone, which Viola is in right now!"

Asuka narrowed her eyes, glaring at the Monster who had ruined her plan. These Pendulum Monsters...they're very versatile.

"I end my turn." Yuzu concluded with a sigh. Also, at that moment, the effect from Melodious Illusion wore off, so Spirit Barrier regained its effect and also Prodigy Mozart lost her bonus Attack Points.

Prodigy Mozart: 4000-2600 Atk

"It's my turn!" Asuka exclaimed as she swiped the Card off her Deck. Glancing at her new Card for a split second, she returned her attention to her newly Summoned Monster. Maybe she wasn't able to succeed with her effect, but that didn't mean she still couldn't go on the offensive. "Battle! Cyber Angel Vishnu, attack Prodigy Mozart!" Vishnu held out her hands, two balls of light appeared above them as a blinding wave of light shot out from the wings. The light enveloped Prodigy Mozart, destroying the Monster. Yuzu let out a whimper, shielding her from the cloud of smoke that was released upon her Monster's destruction.

Yuzu: 3800-3400 LP

Asuka looked down at her Duel Disk, expecting to see the image of Mozart go straight to the Graveyard. However, what she was not expecting was…

"Your Monster got sent to the Extra Deck? But how?" Asuka mumbled with confusion at seeing the Monster faceup in the Extra Deck.

Yuzu gave a sly smirk. "When they are destroyed, Pendulum Monsters are sent to the Extra Deck instead of the Graveyard."

"Such flexibility…" Asuka whispered to herself with wide eyes. Breaking out of her shocked trance, she removed the only Card in her Hand and inserted it into his Duel Disk. "I set a Card and end my turn." Asuka concluded as a facedown Card appeared and disappeared in front of her.

"My turn, draw!" Yuzu yelled, gracefully drawing the Card. She smiled. They were definitely going to be surprised by this. "Using the already set Pendulum Scale, I Pendulum Summon!" A portal formed above the girl, a single Monster flying out of the portal. Taking form in front of her was the recently destroyed Prodigy Mozart. "Returning from the Extra Deck is Melodious Pendulum Maestra Prodigy Mozart!"

"What?!" Asuka blinked out of shock. "You can bring Pendulum Monsters back from the Extra Deck?"

"Correct." Yuzu answered with a smile.

Continuous looks of awe came from the audience as they took in the many attributes that these new Cards had. A technique like this could help plenty in their bout against Academia!

"Battle!" Yuzu threw her hand to the side, moving her finger to Prodigy Mozart. "Melodious Pendulum Maestra Prodigy Mozart, attack Cyber Angel Vishnu! Graceful Wave Burst!" Mozart unleashed her attack, and as she did, her effect was activated, giving her 2000 Attack as the target she chose was Vishnu, whose Level was 10.

Mozart: 2600-4600 Atk

"Trap Card, activate!" Asuka exclaimed, revealing her only set Card. "Doble Passe! When an Attack Position Monster I control gets attacked by one of your Monsters, I can make it become a direct attack!"

Yuzu widened her eyes out of shock. "What? But, if you take a direct attack, then…"

"I'll lose?" Asuka finished with a knowing smile. "Don't forget that your Melodious Illusion wore off, so my Continuous Trap Spirit Barrier can work now! Now, since I control a Monster, I won't take any battle damage!" The Cyber Angel user stood unfazed as Mozarta unleashed her attack. The attack connected, but it didn't even tickle Asuka, simply passing through the girl instead. "Now, the Monster whose was originally targeted for an attack can make a direct attack on you! Go, Cyber Angel Vishnu!"

Vishnu jumped into the air, her gaze skipping over Yuzu's Monsters and at the girl herself, who gasped with alarm as the Monster released two beams of light at her. The lasers connected with Yuzu's body, causing the girl to cry out in pain as she was thrown to the ground from the impact.

Yuzu: 3400-400 LP

Yuzu groaned, rising to her feet and switching all of the Monsters left on her Field to Defense Position. She had only 400 Life Points, she couldn't risk taking anymore damage. She followed this move by ending her turn.

To think...that Ritual Monsters were so strong! Yuzu thought to herself as she looked down at her Scales, a drop of sweat dropping onto the top of her hand. I became too overconfident. First I got Synchro, then I got Pendulum, so I thought that I didn't have much room to grow. But, clearly…

"My turn, draw!" Asuka cried out, drawing a Card from her Deck and glancing at it. She briefly closed her eyes before glancing over to the spectating audience, filled with looks of awe and joy, completely entranced and entertained by the Duel. Then, she saw the proud smile on her teacher's face. Yusho gave them both a nod of approval, something that did not go unnoticed by Yuzu. The pinkette couldn't help but let out a joyous smile at the acknowledgment.

She may lose here, but she was getting acknowledged by a pro...and she was having fun again in a Duel...with no life-threatening stakes attached.

I wish things could be like this forever…

"It ends here, Yuzu." Asuka announced as she placed the Card she drew onto her Duel Disk. "From my Hand, I Summon Cyber Tutu!" A girl in a skintight baby blue and burgundy colored bodysuit with pink hair and a clear skirt danced to the Field, a smile adorned on her face.

Tutu: Level 3, 1000 Atk, 800 Def

"When all Monsters you control have a higher Attack than this Monster, Cyber Tutu can attack you directly!"

"What?!" Yuzu gasped as the Monster leaped into the air, jumping over her own trio of Monsters, landing right in front of her. The female dancer twirled on her heel and let out a battle cry, thrusting her heel into Yuzu's stomach. The girl let out a groan, doubling over and falling to her knees as the dancer and the rest of the Monsters on the Field disappeared.

Yuzu: 400-0 LP

"Asuka-senpai won!"

"That was a great Duel!"

"She's soooo hot!"

"I dunno, the other girl did pretty good too!"

The audience applauded the two Duelists. Yuzu removed a hand from her abdomen, seeing Asuka walk over with a hand held out. She accepted it, rising to her feet and shaking her opponent's hand.

"Great Duel!" Yuzu praised the girl, throwing her head back to move her bangs out of her eyes. "I never expected Ritual Summoning to be used that effectively!"

"You surprised me too." Asuka returned with a smile as she and Yuzu broke their handshake. "That Pendulum Summoning is something else. Plus, I didn't think you could use Fusion Summoning either."

"Yes, but it isn't enough." Yuzu said with a frown. Her frown contorted into a smile. "You have shown me that I still have room to grow as a Duelist. This makes me want to study and utilize all of the Summoning Methods in my Deck. I want to become even stronger so I won't be a burden against Academia!"

"Please! As you are now, you'll definitely give a lot of soldiers a run for their money. However, if you need any help with Ritual Summoning, I'll be glad to help!"

Before Yuzu could offer her thanks, Yusho limped up to them with his walking stick, a proud smile on his face.

"Great win, Asuka. You are as strong as ever." Yusho complimented as he turned to look Yuzu in the eye. "And you, Yuzu, you have grown into a fine Duelist as well. That Pendulum and Fusion combo was amazing, and very entertaining as well. I believe you will become a great Entertainment Duelist!"

"Thank you, Uncle!" Yuzu shut her eyes, smiling widely.

At that moment, before they could further reflect on the Duel, two girls walked up to the trio. They flashed Asuka and Yuzu a smile before speaking to Yusho.

"Sensei, it's time for your treatment." One of the girls said.

"Okay." Yusho nodded.

Yuzu watched with sadness as Yusho walked off with the two girls supporting him. She remembered what Asuka had told her the day she had arrived. Yusho had gotten his leg injured in a Duel with Academia's Commander-in-Chief Edo Phoenix. Unfortunately, they didn't have access to sufficient medical facilities as they had ties to Academia that could expose them. As such, Yusho's leg could not be properly treated at the moment.

"Uncle…"


Meanwhile - Academia - Professor's Throne Room

"There have been sightings of runaways on the mainland." The emotionless voice of Akaba Leo droned as his cold eyes scanned the movements of the disciple in front of him, Yuri. "I want you to investigate."

The Predator Plants smirked, giving a nod in response as he turned and walked out of the room, leaving Leo to himself.

You don't have to wait much longer, Ray. Moving his thoughts away from his daughter, he glanced to the wall concealing the room Darkness was rejuvenating in. I will not let you die.


Card Catalog

Cyber Diver, Level 3, 800 Atk, 200 Def, Warrior, Light: If this Card is Summoned, you can add a Cyber Angel Ritual Monster from your Deck to your Hand. If your opponent declares a direct attack, you can banish this Card and other Monsters from the Graveyard. Then, Special Summon from your Deck a Cyber Angel Ritual whose Level is less than or equal to the combined Levels of the banished Monsters and negate the attack.

Melodious Diva Alta, Level 4, 1200 Atk, 1600 Def, Fairy, Light, Scale 1: Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, if you control no Monsters, you can shuffle Melodious Monsters from your Graveyard into your Deck. Then, Fusion Summon a Monster from your Extra Deck using the shuffled Monsters as Materials. Monster Effect: Once per turn, you can release this Card. Then, add a Fusion Card to your Hand from your Deck or Graveyard.

Wasn't 100% on how Melodious Illusion worked so I made it so the negated the Card returns to normal at the end of the turn.


Happy Halloween, y'all. Hope you guys have had a great one. My porch basically got raided by kids at one point, it was bad.

Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed that Duel between Yuzu and Asuka. Honestly I didn't want to make Yuzu lose, but then I considered that she already snagged a win off of Serena and that if Sergey hadn't run away, she would have most likely won the Duel (I wasn't going to have her lose there anyway). Plus, then we got this next chapter preview…

Ordered by the Professor to investigate the mainland, Yuri runs into a group of students from You Show. After easily dispatching of them, Yuzu and Asuka arrive on the scene. Wanting to make up for her humiliation in Standard, Yuzu engages Yuri.

There's the preview, it's been a while since I've done one of those. Anyways, after that chapter we're going to veer back to the Xyz Dimension. Also, I think I've been asked how long the Xyz Dimension arc will be, and I estimate about 15-20 chapters. I'm not 100% about that though.

PenX5: Hope you remember your password lol. Glad you enjoyed it.

Apple Bloom: I'm glad you thought it was good.

Anyways, that's all for now. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.

Take care, goodbye!