Disclaimer: Minor Spelling, Grammar, and Other Mistakes May Be Present.
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[Maiami Championship Arc Opening Theme (Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V Opening 2: Burn)]
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Scale 015: The Will to Entertain
The next day…
Sawatari Shingo could be seen walking through a park in a foul mood. His head felt heavy as he coped with all of the unfortunate circumstances that he had had to deal with over the past few days.
The most recent of these problems is his loss against Yuya. He was so close to winning that duel too, but Yuya just had to find a way to scrape out a victory.
So now, while I'm stuck on the sidelines, Sakaki will get all the attention by entertaining the crowd. Sawatari thought. It should've been me, not him.
The only good thing that came from his duel against Yuya was a newfound desire to partake in entertainment dueling.
…
Though his sheer dislike of Yuya would never allow him to admit this fact to his face.
Sawatari eventually encountered a park bench right under a tree—the perfect spot. With a nice view of the rest of the park and some good shade from the sun, it was the perfect place for Sawatari to sulk about all the bad things happening in his life.
Sawatari sat down, pulling out three cards from his pocket. His hands began unconsciously shaking as he looked at the cards. Once the feeling was too much for him to bear, he pocketed the cards and sighed.
"What was Akaba Reiji even thinking, letting that guy join LDS…" Sawatari frowned. "And why does everybody think that he's just always been a part of LDS?"
It's almost as if their memories had been altered. But why? Why him of all people?
"I've been curious about that too," A familiar feminine voice said.
"Huh? Who goes there!?" Sawatari jumped up from the bench.
"Calm down, it's just me," Rio said as she jumped down from the tree above them.
"You're…" Sawatari's eyes widened.
"Rio. Kamishiro Rio," She introduced herself. "I never told you my name when we first met a while back."
"I'm Sawatari Shingo," Sawatari returned his own greeting. "But more importantly, why were you eavesdropping on me from a tree of all places?"
"It's not like I was trying to," Rio crossed her arms. "You just happened to show up while I was resting up there."
"You were…resting in a tree?" Sawatari was confused. "Why there of all places?"
"When you don't have a place to stay, you have to get creative with where you dwell," Rio replied.
"..." Sawatari silently blinked at her a few times.
"Anyway, back to what you were muttering to yourself before," Rio changed the subject. "I've also been pretty curious as to why Shun of all people would ally himself with LDS. Especially after his whole mad crusade to take them all out."
"Knowing Akaba Reiji, he must've managed to strike a deal with him," Sawatari deduced. "As for what it's about, I have no idea. And honestly, I don't want to know. I want nothing to do with that guy."
Sawatari subconsciously clenched his fists. Rio seemed to pick up on this action and decided to suggest something.
"You seem pretty stressed out. Why don't we have ourselves a little duel?"
Sawatari looked surprised by the suggestion, "A duel? Why?"
"Before some…unfortunate events, whenever I felt down in the dumps, I would always resort to dueling to cheer myself up," Rio explained. "That way, I can forget all about what had been weighing me down."
"...You do have a point," Sawatari admitted. "But…I doubt I would be much of a challenge for someone as strong as you, who could beat that guy of all people."
"I'm not as strong as you think," Rio stated. "I think his name was Yuuji, right? He managed to weaken Shun down enough for me to finish the job. I wouldn't have beat him if I faced him alone."
"What?"
"And besides, you shouldn't be afraid to go against people stronger than you," Rio continued. "There's no better way to get stronger than to go against the strongest. So don't hesitate and just duel your heart out. At least, that's what my brother would usually say."
"..." Sawatari thought about it for a moment before smiling. "Fine then. I, the Great Sawatari Shingo, accept your challenge!"
Rio smiled back, "That's good to hear. Let's go find a good spot."
The two of them begin walking through the park, looking for a nice open space to duel. Once they found one, they both took their spots on opposite sides.
"You can take the first turn if you want," Rio offered.
"No thanks," Sawatari turned her offer down. "My deck does better going second."
"Okay then," Rio replied as she activated her duel disk. "Even if this is a friendly match, I won't be going easy on you."
"I would feel disrespected as a duelist if you did anything less," Sawatari activated his duel disk as well.
The two of them drew their first five cards, their duel beginning shortly after that.
[DUEL!] The two shout in unison.
Sawatari — LP: 4000
Rio — LP: 4000
[Turn 1: Rio] [H: 5]
"I'll start by activating the Field Spell, Land of Frozen Flames!" Rio announced as she played a card. The surroundings around her suddenly froze over as she did. "While this card remains active, WATER Monsters used as material for an Xyz Monster are treated as two materials!"
"Two materials?" Sawatari's eyes widened in surprise.
"Next, I summon Blizzard Falcon (Water/Winged-Beast/Effect/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1500/LV: 4)!"
An ice falcon with a body made up of blue crystals appeared on Rio's field. She then extended her hand outwards.
"Now, using my Level 4 Blizzard Falcon, I construct the Overlay Network!" Rio declared.
Her aforementioned monster transformed into a ball of energy that was then sucked into a galaxy vortex that appeared in front of her. A pillar of light shot out from the center of the portal as she began chanting.
"Elegant, winged maiden. Use your dazzling crystal wings to unveil the mysteries of the frozen abyss!" Rio chanted. "I Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 4! Ice Beast Zerofyne (Water/Winged-Beast/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2200/R: 4/OU: 1)!"
Appearing on Rio's field now was an elegant, feminine monster with two sets of rigid, blue wings sticking out from its back.
"That's one of the monsters you used back then," Sawatari recognized the monster.
"That's right," Rio nodded as a face-down card appeared on her field. "I end my turn with a face-down. You're up."
"Got it," Sawatari nodded. "My turn!"
Sawatari drew a card and began his turn.
[Turn 2: Sawatari] [H: 6]
"I activate Yosen Training Ground!" Sawatari announced as a shrine with countless unlit candles appeared behind him. "Next, I summon Yosenju Kama 1 (Wind/Beast-Warrior/Effect/ATK: 1600/DEF: 500/LV: 4)!"
A silver-haired weasel warrior dressed in a kimono and holding a sickle appeared on Sawatari's field. At the same time, a candle was lit on the shrine behind him.
(Yosen Counter: 0 → 1)
"When Yosenju Kama 1 is Normal Summoned, I can immediately Normal Summon another 'Yosenju' Monster in my hand! Appear, Yosenju Kama 2 (Wind/Beast-Warrior/Effect/ATK: 1800/DEF: 200/LV: 4)!"
Another silver-haired weasel warrior, this one holding a katana, appeared on Sawatari's field. At the same time, another candle was lit on the shrine behind him.
(Yosen Counter: 1 → 2)
"Just like Yosenju Kama 1, Yosenju Kama 2 allows me to Normal Summon another 'Yosenju' Monster from my hand! Please welcome onto to field, Yosenju Kama 3 (Wind/Beast-Warrior/Effect/ATK: 1500/DEF: 800/LV: 4)!"
A third silver-haired weasel warrior, brandishing a dagger appeared. Once again, another candle was lit on the shrine behind him.
(Yosen Counter: 2 → 3)
"You managed to summon three monsters almost simultaneously," Rio was a little surprised. "Not bad."
"I'm not done yet!" Sawatari declared. "I still have Yosenju Kama 3's effect, allowing me to Normal Summon one last 'Yosenju' from my hand! Appear, Yosenju Magat (Wind/Beast/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 100/LV: 6)!"
A sinister weasel with dark fur, wearing a tattered purple robe and red bead necklace appeared on Sawatari's field. In its hand, it held a massive jagged sickle, with blades sticking out from the backside of it. At the same time, another candle was lit in the shine behind Sawatari.
(Yosen Counter: 3 → 4)
"Yosenju Magat's effect now activates!" Sawatari continued. "When this monster is Normal Summoned onto my field, I can Special Summon 1 'Yosenju' Monster from my deck! Come forth, Yosenju Kodam Wind/Beast-Warrior/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 1)!"
A floating eyeball that was wrapped in dead leaves appeared. A fifth candle was lit on the shrine.
(Yosen Counter: 4 → 5)
Sawatari dramatically extended his hand outward. "Battle!"
Yosenju Kama 2 dashed forward, glowing yellow as its ATK decreased.
(Yosenju Kama 2 — ATK: 1800 → 900)
"Yosenju Kama 2 attacks you directly!" Sawatari declared.
"What? But I have a monster on my field!" Rio was shocked. "Unless…"
"Yosenju Kama 2's effect allows it to halve its ATK stat to attack you directly!"
Rio braces herself, countering Yosenju Kama 2's katana with her duel blade. However, she winces as she still takes the damage.
Rio — LP: 4000 → 3100
"Yosenju Kama 1 & 3's effects now activate simultaneously!" Sawatari announced. "When you take damage from a 'Yosenju' Monster's direct attack while they're on the field, I can return one card on your field to the hand, and then add another card from my deck to my hand!"
"What!?" Rio cried out in shock before muttering. "Those are some nasty effects…"
"Yosenju Kama 1 returns Ice Beast Zerofyne to your hand, while Yosenju Kama 3 allows me to add Yosenju Shinchu L to my hand!" Sawatari declared.
Yosenju Kama 1 spins its weapon around, creating a gust of wind that blows away Rio's Xyz Monster as Sawatari then draws a card from his deck.
Sawatari confidently snapped his fingers, "And with that, you have no monsters defending yourself."
"..." Rio only frowned in response.
"Now to end this!" Sawatari announced. "Yosenju Kama 1, Yosenju Kama 3, Yosenju Magat, now attack you directly!"
Sawatari's three monsters leaped forward, preparing to wipe out the rest of Rio's Life Points. However, before they reached her, Sawatari noticed Rio smirking.
"Why are you smiling?" Sawatari inquired. "You're about to lose."
"You seriously think I'll let this end that easily?" Rio asked as she revealed a card in her hand. "I activate Blizzard Harpie's effect! When a direct attack is declared during the Battle Phase, I can immediately end it and Special Summon this card to my field!"
An eagle with a body made up of blue ice appeared. A barrier formed around both Rio and her monster, protecting them from Sawatari's attacks.
[Blizzard Harpy (Water/Winged-Beast/Effect/ATK: 400/DEF: 1400/LV: 4)]
"God dammit!" Sawatari comedically stomped on the ground. "You got my hopes up!"
"You should've expected something anyway since I had a set Trap Card as well," Rio stated.
"That's true…" Sawatari muttered. "Whatever! I activate Yosenju Kodam's effect! By tributing it from my field, I can add 3 'Yosen Counters' to my Yosen Training Ground!"
The floating eyeball bursts into particles. At the same time, three candles were lit on the shrine behind Sawatari.
(Yosen Counter — 5 → 8)
"I then sacrifice 3 'Yosen Counters' to activate Yosen Training Ground's effect!" Sawatari continued. "Allowing me to add 1 'Yosenju' Monster from my deck to my hand!"
(Yosen Counter — 8 → 5)
Sawatari drew a card and revealed it.
"The card I added was Yosenju Shinchu R," Sawatari stated.
A face-down card then appeared on Sawatari's field.
"I set one card and end my turn," Sawatari concluded. "And during my End Phase, Yosenju Kama 1, 2, & 3's effects all activate, returning them to my hand when they were Normal Summoned this turn!"
The three weasel warriors were engulfed in vortexes of wind as they were sent back to Sawatari's hand.
"It's your turn now," Sawatari stated.
"Very well. My turn! Draw!" Rio drew a card as she began her turn.
[Turn 3: Rio] [H: 2]
"I activate Pot of Greed!" Rio declared. "Allowing me to draw two cards."
Rio draws two more cards from her deck. When she looked at what she drew, she smiled.
"This'll work…" Rio muttered before continuing her turn. She extended her arm outward once again. "Using the Level 4 Blizzard Harpy on my field, I reconstruct the Overlay Network!"
Just like before, Rio's monster transforms into a ball of energy that is absorbed into a galaxy vortex that appears in front of her. A massive pillar of light shoots out from the vortex's center.
"Elegant winged maiden. Use your dazzling crystal wings to unveil the mysteries of the frozen abyss!" Rio chanted. "I Xyz Summon! Return to my field, Ice Beast Zerofyne (Water/Winged-Beast/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2200/R: 4/OU: 1)!"
The feminine monster with rigid, blue wings returned to Rio's field.
"I now activate Ice Beast Zerofyne!" Rio continued. "By detaching one Overlay Unit from her, the effects of all other face-up cards are negated until my next Standby Phase! Furthermore, 1 Monster on your field loses 300 ATK for each card negated!"
Rio quickly counted the cards on the field.
"I had 1 face-up card negated, while you had 2 of them," Rio stated. "So you're monster loses 900 ATK in total!"
Zerofyne rises into the air, using its power to freeze Yosenju Magat.
(Yosenju Magat — ATK: 2000 → 1100)
"I equip Wings of Silence to Zerofyne!" Rio declared. "When a 'Winged-Beast' Monster is equipped with this card, it gains 300 ATK!"
Zerofyne's rigid wings begin to glow, expanding in size and changing shape into a more angelic appearance.
(Zerofyne — ATK: 2000 → 2300)
"Battle!" Rio moved into her Battle Phase. "Ice Beast Zerofyne attacks Yosenju Magat! Ice Ray!"
Zerofyne begins to shoot out ice crystals from its wings, piercing through and destroying Sawatari's monster, and causing him to wince as his Life Points drop.
Sawatari — LP: 4000 → 2800
However, Rio was surprised when she noticed Sawatari had a smile on his face. He began laughing as his set card was flipped face-up.
"You fell for it!" Sawatari shouted. "I activate my Trap Card, Yosenjus' Sword Sting! When I control no monsters, by revealing two Yosenju Monsters in my hand, I can return up to that number of cards on your field to your hand! I'll return your Trap Card along with Xyz Monster!"
Sawatari revealed Yosenju Kama 1 and Yosenju Kama 3 in his hand. Shortly after, a gust of wind shoots out from his trap card, threatening to blow away Rio's cards. However, Sawatari is stunned when only Rio's Trap Card is returned to her hand.
"Huh? Why is your monster still on the field!?" Sawatari cried out in shock.
Rio smirked, "Wings of Silence has another effect. A monster equipped with it is unaffected by my opponent's Spell/Trap Card effects!"
"And you didn't think to tell me that before I activated my effect?" Sawatari frowned.
"Why would I give away valuable information to my opponent?" Rio frowned back. "The more information you withhold from your opponent, the better."
"Tch…" Sawatari clicked his tongue.
If he can return cards on my field back to my hand, I should place other decoy cards to try and protect the truly important cards. Rio assessed.
Three face-down cards then appear on Rio's field.
"I set three cards face-down and end my turn," Rio concluded.
That should keep my Trap Card safe if I'm lucky. Rio thought.
"My turn! Draw!" Sawatari drew a card and began his turn.
[Turn 4: Sawatari] [H: 6]
"I activate Yosenju Oroshi Channeling!" Sawatari started. "I can only activate this card when I control no monster on my field. Thanks to its effect, I can add a Level 5 or higher 'Yosenju' Monster from my deck to my hand!"
Sawatari drew a card from his deck and revealed it.
"The card I chose to add was Mayosenju Daibak!"
Sawatari mixed the card into his hand. After glancing at his cards for a second, he picks three out.
"I summon Yosenju Kama 1 (ATK: 1600/DEF: 500/LV: 4)!" The same silver-haired weasel warrior with a sickle appeared. "Just like before, Yosenju Kama 1's effect allows me to summon Yosenju Kama 2 (ATK: 1800/DEF: 200/LV: 4)! And just like Yosenju Kama 1, Yosenju Kama 2's effect allows me to summon Yosenju Kama 3 (ATK: 1500/DEF: 800/LV: 4)!"
Two more silver-haired weasels, brandishing a katana and a dagger respectively, reappeared on Sawatari's field.
"So he can just cycle those monsters on and off of his field whenever he wants…" Rio assessed. "Interesting…"
"It's too soon to be impressed because this is only the beginning!" Sawatari declared before revealing two cards in his hand. "Using the Scale 3 Yosenju Shinchu L and the Scale 5 Yosenju Shinchu R, I set the Pendulum Scale!"
Sawatari placed the two cards on opposite ends of his duel disk, the word [PENDULUM] appearing in between in rainbow font as two stone statues with blue and red face masks respectively, rose into each zone. The numbers 3 and 5 appear in a strange golden font.
"That's the Pendulum Summoning that Yuuji guy did a while back," Rio was surprised. "Now that I think about it, you did mention that you were also able to use it."
"Yeah, it is. But I use it much better than he does," Sawatari boasted. "And I'll show you soon. But first, Yosenju Shinchu R's Pendulum Effect activates! When I control a 'Yosenju' Monster on my other Pendulum Scale, its Scale Number rises to 11 until the end of this turn!"
(Yosenju Shinchu R — SC: 5 → 11)
"Now, thanks to my Pendulum Scale, I can summon monsters Levels 4 through 10 simultaneously!" Sawatari announced as he began chanting. "Glorious power born within the abyss, grant me your strength! Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my monster!"
A typhoon of green winds is shot out of the portal.
"Appear, the wind-clad sacred beast, Mayosenju Daibak (Wind/Beast/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 3000/DEF: 300/LV: 10/SC: 7)!"
Appearing on Sawatari's field now was a massive green canine. Its body was made up of nothing but green, wisp-like flames.
"Mayosenju Daibak's effect activates upon its summon. With it I—!" Sawatari was about to continue his play when he was interrupted.
"Woah! Look, they're having a duel over there!"
"Isn't that guy the one from the tournament who dueled against Sakaki Yuya?"
"Now that you mention it, you're right. Oooh, I can't believe I get to see him dueling here of all places."
"Yeah, I know, right? His duel against Sakaki Yuya was down to the wire."
"Huh?" Sawatari was surprised when he noticed a small crowd forming around their ongoing duel.
"Oh my, it looks like our duel has drawn a bit of attention," Rio smiled. "Though, I guess that's mostly because of you."
Because of me? Why? Sawatari wondered. I know I'm amazing and all, but I lost that duel against Sakaki. As much as I hate to admit it, I'm nowhere near as good as Yuya at entertainment. They shouldn't be excited to see me at all.
However, in contrast to his thoughts, Sawatari smiled.
"Well, this is quite unexpected. But I'm not one to turn down blessings that are handed to me," Sawatari commented. "If the people here want to see The Great Sawatari Shingo, I should give them a show they'll never forget."
Sawatari then extended his hand to the sky and struck a pose.
"Mayosenju Daibak's very special effect activates! When this star is summoned onto my field, I can return two cards that my opponent controls back to their hand!" Sawatari announced before snapping his finger. "At this moment, two of your back row will be exiting stage left!"
The horn on Mayosenju Daibak's head shoots out a gust of wind that blows away two of Rio's three face-downs.
"Now with the prologue out of the way, I'll move to my Battle Phase!" Sawatari announced. "Yosenju Kama 2's effect activates! By halving its ATK, I can attack my opponent directly!"
(Yosenju Kama 2 — ATK: 1800 → 900)
Yosenju Kama 2 leaps towards Rio, slashing at her with its katana. Rio parries the attack and flips back a few times to increase the distance between them.
Rio — LP: 3100 → 2200
"Now, since a 'Yosenju' Monster on my field has inflicted damage to my opponent directly, Yosenju Kama 3's effect activates, allowing me to add another 'Yosenju' Monster from my deck to my hand! I add a second copy of Yosenju Oyam to my hand!"
Sawatari added a card to his hand and revealed it before continuing.
"Just like Yosenju Kama 3, Yosenju Kama 1's effect also activates under the same conditions!" Sawatari declared. "I get to send 1 other card on your field back to your hand. I choose to send that final Trap Card of yours back!"
"Not this time!" Rio shouted as her set card was flipped face-up. "I activate the Counter Trap, Hydro Spiral! When an effect in activated during the Battle Phase, I can Special Summon 1 WATER Monster from my graveyard! Return to my field, Blizzard Falcon (ATK: 1500/DEF: 1500/LV: 4) in defense mode!"
A vortex of water appeared in front of Rio. Shortly after, a crystal falcon appeared on rose from within it. Surrounding the monster was a faint blue aura.
"Upping your defense, huh? Let's see if that'll be enough!" Sawatari smiled as the massive green canine on his field let out a deafening roar. "Mayosenju Daibak attacks Ice Beast Zerofyne! Tempest Gale!"
Using its horn once again, Daibak sends a powerful gust of wind at Ice Beast Zerofyne, blowing the monster into the air and causing it to burst into particles. Rio winced as her Life Points dropped.
Rio — LP: 2200 → 1700
"I'm not done yet! Yosenju Kama 1 attacks Blizzard Falcon!"
The silver-haired weasel rushes forward, using its sickle to slash through the blizzard falcon.
"And finally, Yosenju Kama 3 attacks you directly!"
Sawatari's third silver-haired weasel leaps into the air, chucking its dagger at Rio. Rio sidesteps away from the spot she stood at, narrowly avoiding the dagger.
Rio — LP: 1700 → 200
That was close. Rio thought. I could've lost there if he played even slightly differently.
Rio then smirked.
Guess he isn't as bad as I thought he was. He has some skills to back up all of his boasts.
"Seeing as there is nothing else I could do this turn, I'll cut things short for now," Sawatari stated. "During my End Phase, all of the monsters on my field are returned to my hand, and Yosenju Shinchu R's Scale Number returns to normal."
Each one of Sawatari's monsters was absorbed by the winds, returning to his hand.
(Yosenju Shinchu R — SC: 11 → 5)
"Sawatari is looking even better than he did in his match against Yuya," One of the spectators commented.
"That girl isn't doing bad herself. She managed to survive his relentless assault," Another spectator commented.
"Looks like it's my turn now," Rio put a hand over the top of her deck. "Draw!"
[Turn 5: Rio] [H: 3]
Rio took a moment to look at the card she had drawn before continuing.
"I activate Monster Reborn!" Rio announced. "With it, I target Ice Beast Zerofyne in my graveyard and Special Summon it back to my field!"
The feminine monster with rigid blue wings reappeared from a portal that formed in front of Rio.
[Ice Beast Zerofyne (ATK: 2000/DEF: 2200/R: 4/OU: 0)]
Rio then extended her hand outward.
"Battle!" Rio moved into her Battle Phase. "Ice Beast Zerofyne attacks you directly! Ice Ray!"
Sawatari smirked, "At this time, Yosenju Oyam's effect activates! When you declare a direct attack, I can discard 1 'Yosenju' Monster in my hand to summon this card onto my field in attack position! I send Yosenju Kama 3 to my graveyard."
Sawatari discards a card. Shortly after, a giant monster with a body cloaked in darkness appeared in front of Sawatari.
[Yosenju Oyam (Wind/Beast/Effect/ATK: ?/DEF ?/LV: 6)]
"What the hell is that?" Rio was surprised by the sheer size of the monster. "And what's up with the unknown ATK and DEF?"
"I don't need to answer that," Sawatari smiled. "If you want to figure out, you're going to have to attack my monster."
"Using my own tricks against me, how cruel," Rio frowned.
Rio fell into deep thought for a moment.
Should I continue my attack? Rio wondered. It would be bad for me if I left this monster on the field unaccounted for.
But that was probably what Sawatari wanted in the first place, so she would be falling right into his trap.
Rio then looked at the card in her hand.
If Ice Beast Zerofyne happens to be destroyed this turn, I'll at least survive my next turn thanks to this card. Rio thought before nodding. Okay, I've made my decision.
"Ice Beast Zerofyne attacks Yosenju Oyam! Ice Ray!" Rio declared.
Zerofyne rises into the air, its wings glowing as countless shards of ice are shot toward Sawatari's monster.
"Yosenju Oyam's other effect activates!" Sawatari announced. "When it is summoned by its effect, its ATK and DEF become equal to the original ATK of the monster that it is battling!"
(Yosenju Oyam — ATK: ? → 2000, DEF: ? → 2000)
(Ice Beast Zerofyne — ATK: 2000)
Yosenju Oyam uses one its its giant arms to grab Ice Beast Zerofyne, crushing it in its grip and turning it into particles. At the same time, the massive monster is hit by Zerofyne's attack, letting out a loud, pained groan before bursting into particles as well. Both players wince from the shockwaves of the clash.
"Yosenju Oyam's effect activates, allowing me to add a 'Yosenju' card to my hand when it is destroyed. I add a second Yosenju Oyam to my hand!" Sawatari added a card to his hand.
Rio paused for a moment before placing a card on her duel blade. A set card then appeared in front of her.
"I set one card and end my turn," Rio concluded.
"Then it's my turn now! Draw!" Sawatari drew a card and began his turn.
[Turn 6: Sawatari] [H: 5]
"I summon Yosenju Kama 1 (ATK: 1600/DEF: 500/LV: 4)! Yosenju Kama 1's effect activates at this time as well, allowing me to summon Yosenju Kama 2 (ATK: 1800/DEF: 200/LV: 4) to my field as well!"
Two of Sawatari's silver-haired weasel warriors reappeared on his field. At the same time, two candles lit up on the shrine behind him.
(Yosen Counter — 5 → 7)
"I then activate Yosen Training Ground's effect! By sacrificing three Yosen Counters, I can add 1 'Yosenju' Card from my deck to my hand! I choose to add a second copy of Mayosenju Daibak!"
Three candles became unlit as Sawatari added a card from his deck to his hand.
(Yosen Counter — 7 → 4)
"Next, I activate Yosenju Shinchu R's Pendulum Effect again, increasing its Scale Number from 5 to 11!"
(Yosenju Shinchu R — SC: 5 → 11)
A portal then appeared above Sawatari, with two green typhoons shooting out from the portal.
"Glorious power born within the abyss, grant me your strength!" Sawatari chanted. "Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my two copies of Mayosenju Daibak (ATK: 3000/DEF: 300/LV: 10/SC: 7)!"
Two massive canine monsters with bodies made up of wisp-like green flames appeared. Two candles lit up on the shrine behind Sawatari.
(Yosen Counter: 4 → 6)
"Great, now there are two of them," Rio frowned.
"Mayosenju Daibak's effect activates upon its summon once again!" Sawatari announced. "I can target up to 2 cards on your field and return them to your hand. I'll return your singular set card to your hand!"
Rio adds her set Trap Card back to her hand.
"And with that, you now have nothing protecting yourself!" Sawatari announced. "Now here comes the finale! Battle!"
One of Sawatari's Mayosenju Daibak let out a deafening roar as it began charging up its attack.
"Mayosenju Daibak now attacks you directly!" Sawatari declared.
Mayosenju Daibak shoots a heavy gust of wind from its horn towards Rio, who stares at the attack unfazed. She then revealed one of the cards in her hand.
"I activate the effect of Crystal Mimic Bird!" Rio declared. "Once per turn, this card can copy the effect of a card in my graveyard and immediately make use of it!"
"What?" Sawatari's eyes widened in surprise.
"By copying Blizzard Harpy's effect, I can Special Summon Crystal Mimic Bird (Water/Winged-Beast/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 1) to my field in defense mode!" Rio announced as a small crystal bird appeared on her field. "Furthermore, when a monster is Special Summoned by this effect, the Battle Phase immediately ends!"
A barrier formed around Rio and her monster, protecting them from Sawatari's attack.
"After its effect finishes resolving, Crystal Mimic Bird is sent to the graveyard," Rio stated as the small crystal bird on her field bursts into particles.
"Way to ruin my dramatic finale," Sawatari frowned before shrugging. "Oh well, I guess I'll let you have one more turn. It'll be more entertaining for the crowd anyway. I end my turn."
Sawatari's monsters are engulfed by winds, returning to his hand. At the same time, Yosenju Shinchu R's Scale Number returns to normal.
(Yosenju Shinchu R — SC: 11 → 5)
"I hope you won't eat your words when I win this next turn," Rio commented as she placed her hand on the top of her deck. "My turn! Draw!"
[Turn 7: Rio] [H: 2]
Rio glanced at the card she drew for a moment before playing it.
"I activate Card Exchange!" Rio declared. "By discarding 1 other card in my hand and paying half my Life Points, I can draw two cards from my deck!"
Rio gritted her teeth as her duel disk shocked her.
Rio — LP: 200 → 100
She then sends her final remaining card to the graveyard before playing her hand over the top of her deck.
"Here we go…" Rio muttered. "Draw!"
She drew with all her might, her deck glowing briefly in response. When she looked at the two cards she had drawn, she smiled.
Looks like luck is on my side once again. Rio thought.
She then revealed one of the cards that she had drawn.
"I activate the Quick-Play-Spell, Rank-Up-Magic Miracle Rebirth!" Rio announced. "By targeting one Xyz Monster in my graveyard, I can Special Summon an Xyz Monster 1 Rank Higher using this card and that monster as material!"
That's the move she pulled against that bastard back then. Sawatari's eyes widened in shock.
A portal appeared in front of Rio, with Ice Beast Zerofyne emerging from it.
"Using the Rank 4 Ice Beast Zerofyne, I rebuild the Overlay Network!" Rio declared.
Zerofyne transforms into a ball of energy that is then absorbed into a galaxy vortex that had formed in the sky. A pillar of light shot down from it, illuminating the area as Rio began chanting.
"Supreme dragon who governs the frigid skies. Descend from your throne!" Rio chanted. "Rank Up Xyz Change! Come forth, Rank 5! Ruler of the Frozen Skies, Crystal Winged Frost Dragon (Water/Dragon/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 2500/DEF: 3000/R: 5/OU: 2)!"
A massive blue-scaled dragon with two sets of wings made out of ice crystals appeared on Rio's field. The magnificent dragon lets out a triumphant roar, announcing its presence.
"Battle!" Rio wasted no time, immediately moving into her Battle Phase. "Crystal Winged Frost Dragon attacks you directly!"
The magnificent dragon flaps its wings, soaring into the air, shooting a beam of ice out of its mouth towards Sawatari.
"Did you not learn from before?" Sawatari frowned. "Yosenju Oyam's effect activates from my hand when you declare a direct attack, allowing me to Special Summon it by discarding a 'Yosenju' Monster from my hand!"
Sawatari discards a card from his hand as a massive monster cloaked in shadows appears in front of him.
[Yosenju Oyam (ATK: ?/DEF: ?/LV: 6)]
"Yosenju Oyam ATK and DEF then become equal to your monster's ATK!" Sawatari declared.
(Yosenju Oyam — ATK: ? → 2500, DEF: ? → 2500)
The massive monster extends its arm, grabbing Crystal Winged Frost Dragon with its arms.
"Yosenju Shinchu L's Pendulum Effect then activates!" Sawatari continued as Yosenju Shinchu L bursts into particles. "By tributing it from my Pendulum Zone, I can negate the destruction of a Yosenju Monster on my field! Meaning Yosenju Oyam won't be destroyed by your attack—!"
"You're not the only one with an effect like that!" Rio cut in. "Crystal Winged Frost Dragon's effect activates! By detaching one Overlay Unit, I can negate an instance of its destruction! Meaning my monster is also safe from the attack!"
Crystal Winged Frost Dragon absorbs one of its two Overlay Units, breaking out of Yosenju Oyam's grip and distancing itself from the massive monster.
(Crystal Winged Frost Dragon — OU: 2 → 1)
"So you managed to keep your monster on the field. You no longer have any way to deal any damage to my Life Points," Sawatari stated. "And with your minimal defenses, I'll be able to wipe out the rest of your Life Points on my next turn."
"That's what you think," Rio suddenly smiled.
"Huh?" Sawatari raised an eyebrow.
"I'll admit, you're definitely a lot more skilled than I gave you credit for when we first met," Rio said. "But even though you are skilled, you forgot one thing."
"And that is?"
"The result of a duel is never set in stone."
Rio then revealed the only card remaining in her hand and played it.
"I activate the Quick-Play-Spell, Crystal Fury!" Rio declared. "By tributing one WATER Monster on my field, I can target 1 monster on your field and destroy it!"
"But what's the point in that—?" Sawatari wondered aloud before pausing, his eyes widening in realization. "Wait…"
Rio smirked.
"That's right, I activate Crystal Winged Frost Dragon's effect once again! By detaching another Overlay Unit, I can prevent one instance of its destruction!"
Crystal Winged Frost Dragon absorbs its remaining Overlay Unit, soaring into the air and shooting a beam of ice at Yosenju Oyam, freezing the monster completely and causing it to burst into particles.
(Crystal Winged Frost Dragon — OU: 1 → 0)
"Furthermore, when Crystal Winged Frost Dragon has no Overlay Units attached to it, it gains 500 ATK, as well as an additional attack during the Battle Phase!"
"What!?" Sawatari cried out in shock.
Crystal Winged Frost Dragon lets out a deafening roar as its entire body begins to glow.
(Crystal Winged Frost Dragon — ATK: 2500 → 3000)
"This is the end!" Rio extended her hand forward. "Crystal Winged Frost Dragon attacks you directly! Crystalline Judgement!"
Crystal Winged Frost Dragon uses its power to form a massive spear of ice, sending it towards Sawatari. The attack lands right in front of him, exploding upon contact with the ground and sending him flying away, concluding the duel.
Sawatari — LP: 2600 → 0
Winner: Rio
—Clap… Clap… Clap! Clap! Clap!
As Crystal Winged Frost Dragon dematerialized, the crowd that had formed around their duel began clapping.
"That was incredible!"
"You both did amazing!"
"What an incredible duel!"
Sawatari was a bit surprised by their praise, dusting himself off as he managed to get back on his feet. Rio approached him.
"What are you doing looking so confused?" Rio asked with a smile. "You should wave back at the crowd when they cheer for you."
"They are?"
"Do you need to get your ears checked or something? Yes, they're cheering for both of us. It would be rude if were didn't respond to them."
"R-Right," Sawatari nodded before turning to the crowd of people.
As he saw all of their happy expression, he felt his heart warm up with pride. It was at this moment that he confirmed the feelings he felt after his duel against Yuya weren't just him being delusional. Entertaining the crowd, having other people smile because of him. That was what he wanted.
"Thank you, thank you. I'm glad you guys enjoyed our duel," Sawatari addressed the crowd with a smile.
<><><><><><><><><><>
A while later, after speaking with the crowd for around an hour, they finally dispersed.
Rio fell to the ground, letting out a deep sigh.
"That took forever. I don't get how people like you can deal with all of them at once," Rio commented.
"Come on, it's not that bad," Sawatari said.
"Unlike you, I don't like being the center of everybody's attention," Rio rolled her eyes.
"Then I'm sure glad I'm not you, then," Sawatari smiled.
"Sometimes I don't want to be me either…" Rio muttered.
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
Rio then stood back up, patting down her clothes before turning back to Sawatari.
"Now that you're feeling better, take me to this Akaba Reiji you were talking about," Rio said. "I still need to make sure that Shun is doing alright."
Especially since I haven't heard from Yuto in a while. Rio thought. He might have an idea of where he is.
"..." Sawatari silently stared at her.
"U-Um…that is if you can do that," Rio corrected herself. "If not, that's fine too. I'll figure something."
"No, I'll help you," Sawatari shook his head before pointing at himself triumphantly. "I actually happen to be incredibly close to Akaba Reiji. If there's anybody in this world who can get you a meeting with him, it's me."
Rio sweatdropped at Sawatari's boast, "Why do I feel like that's a lie?"
"I'm just going to ignore that," Sawatari said as he began walking away. "Let's get going. Akaba Reiji and I are busy people, so there's no time to waste."
You were just sulking on a bench alone like 2 hours ago.
Rio thought with an exasperated expression before chasing after him.
<><><><><><><><><><>
Meanwhile, in the Fusion Dimension…
"Let me go!" Sora lashed out as he tried to escape from the scientists who were binding him down.
"Stand still, we're still trying to make a copy of your memories, Shiunin Sora." One of the scientists stated.
"There's no time for that!" Sora shouted. "I still have unfinished back in Standard! There are still Xyz Refugees running around over there! I swear I'll defeat them this time until there's nothing left of them!"
Sora tried to force himself out of their hold, forcing more scientists to hold him down.
"Hold him still! I'll inject some anesthesia into him to calm him down!"
"Right!"
"Let me go! I SAID LET ME GO!"
While Sora was locked in an altercation with the scientists, a certain young woman eavesdropped from the outside in the shadows. She had long lavender hair, which was tied into a ponytail by a yellow bow. As for what she was wearing, she wore a standard red uniform, given out to lower-ranking students from Academia.
"Xyz Refugees?" The young woman smirked. "This is just perfect."
She began walking away, moving into a more lit area, which lit up her other features. Two key features are a certain bracelet and the fact that her face looked identical to Hirragi Yuzu.
"I'll take down those Xyz Refugees before anyone else," The Yuzu lookalike declared with a determined expression. "I'll prove to the Professor that I'm worthy of being on the front lines."
What she didn't know was that there was someone else who was nearby, overhearing her.
"Akaba Serena, the Professor's adopted daughter, is planning to disobey her father's orders of staying put…" Ryouga muttered before shrugging. "Eh? Not my problem."
He begins walking in the opposite direction, a grin present on his face as he does so.
<><><><><><><><><><>
Meanwhile, in the Standard Dimension…
It was currently nighttime. Yuga could be seen on a balcony, looking at a beautiful view of Maiami City at dusk. The young man was currently deep in thought about something.
"That day, I lost control of myself again…" Yuga frowned. "It felt much different than any other time I lost control."
He heard a voice. One that repeated constantly in his mind until it made him mad.
"To become one…" Yuga muttered. "What does that even mean?"
He needed answers, and soon.
"Maybe I should have a chat with them. Haruki Yuuji and Sakaki Yuya."
From what he heard from Shizuka, they happened to be present during that incident, and lost control of themselves just like he did.
Luckily for Yuga, that time would be very soon.
He pressed a few buttons on his duel disk, taking a look at his upcoming match.
<><><><><><><><><><>
Maiami Championships Round 2:
Junior Youth Match 12:
Ibarahana Yuga vs Sakaki Yuya
<><><><><><><><><><>
It looks like Akaba Reiji decided to hold up his side of the deal after all. Yuga smiled.
"There you are!" Shizuka suddenly shouted, startling Yuga a bit. "What are you doing out here this late?"
"I…was thinking," Yuga answered before shutting of his duel disk. "What about you?"
"I wanted to check up on you before I call it a day," Shizuka said as she put her hands on her hips. "I can't leave you out of my sight for more than an hour without you causing trouble after all."
"Mhm…" Yuga just agreed.
Shizuka frowned, "You still thinking about what happened yesterday?"
"Yeah," Yuga nodded. "I…just have a bit of a bad feeling about it."
Shizuka walked up onto the balcony, leaning against the edge of it and looking out towards the city.
"You can always confide in me about your troubles," Shizuka smiled at him. "We're best friends. Just like how you always have my back, I always have yours."
"..." Yuga silently smiled at her before looking out towards the city. The two share a moment of silence in each other's company before Yuga eventually speaks up again. "I'm scared."
Shizuka's eyes widened in surprise. "Scared? You? That's a first. You weren't even scared when Academia invaded our homeworld."
"It's different this time," Yuga said. "I'm not scared of someone or something else. I'm…scared of myself. Of what I might become."
"..."
"I've been losing control of myself a lot more recently. While I haven't done anything bad yet, I'm worried that I'll eventually go too far and hurt someone, or even worse, hurt you."
"Yuga…"
"I originally thought it was just a trauma response caused by Academia's invasion, but after what happened yesterday, I feel like there's more to it than that."
Yuga grimaced as he clenched his fists.
"And that's what scares me. Who knows how far I could go? I might be fine now, but what about tomorrow? In a week? A month—?"
Yuga was cut off when he felt arms wrap around him. When he looked to see what caused it, he noticed Shizuka, who hugged him tightly.
"You don't have to worry about that. You're a good person. Even if you do have some darkness within your heart, as long as you fight like the Yuga I know, you'll be able to overcome it."
"..."
"And you are not fighting alone. I, along with the rest of the people from our homeworld, are fighting with you," Shizuka reassured him.
"..." Yuga was silent for a moment. A small smile then crept up on his face. "You're right. I'll be fine. Thanks for the pep talk."
Shizuka released Yuga from her hug, backing away slightly and smiling at him.
"No problem. Anytime."
She then let out a long yawn.
"Well, I'll be going to sleep. Don't stay up too long, 'kay~!"
"Right." Yuga smiled back at her. "Goodnight, Shizuka."
"Goodnight, Yuga."
Shizuka made her way back inside, presumably going straight to bed. Once she was out of sight, Yuga's smile faded.
"I just hope you're right…" Yuga muttered.
He went back inside as well, deciding to put his own thoughts on pause for now.
<><><><><><><><><><>
Custom/Altered Card/s:
Monster Card/s -
Yosenju Magat
ATK: 2000, DEF: 100, LV: 6
Wind/Beast/Effect
Monster Effect: If this card would be Normal Summoned by "Yosenju Kama 1, 2, or 3's" effects; you can Normal Summon this monster without the need for a tribute. If this card is Normal Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 "Yosenju" monster from your Deck, except "Yosenju Magat". During the End Phase, if this card was Special Summoned this turn: Return it to the hand.
Crystal Mimic Bird
ATK: 0, DEF: 0, LV: 1
Water/Winged-Beast/Effect
Monster Effect: You can target 1 WATER Monster in your Graveyard; this card gains that monster's effect until the End Phase, then immediately resolves that effect as if it were this card's own. Send this card to the graveyard immediately after its effect resolves. This effect of "Crystal Mimic Bird" can only be used once per turn.
Crystal Winged Frost Dragon
ATK: 2500, DEF: 3000, R: 5
Water/Dragon/Xyz/Effect
3 Level 5 Monsters
Monster Effect: If this face-up card would be destroyed (by battle or card effect), you can detach 1 material from it instead. While this card has no Xyz Materials, it gains 500 ATK, and it can make a second attack during each Battle Phase.
Spell/Trap Card/s -
Hydro Spiral
Counter Trap
When a card or effect is activated during the Battle Phase: Special Summon 1 WATER monster from your Graveyard in Defense Position.
Card Exchange
Normal Spell
Discard 1 card, then pay half your Life Points; draw 2 cards.
Crystal Fury
Quick-Play-Spell
Tribute 1 WATER Monster you control; target 1 monster your opponent controls, and destroy it.