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Rosalia had been tense all day. While resplendent in a midnight blue silk dress and a black shawl hanging off her shoulders, her knuckles were stark white as they were clenched upon her knees. She had silently thanked God that Sai wasn't dueling tonight multiple times; As if she needed the stress of trying to predict what he was going to do this time. She was having a hard enough time keeping track of three duels at once. "Kendra has her back against the wall," she muttered to herself, though it was clearly audible to the others. "Even with the power of Radiation Dragon, she can't truly go on the offensive as long as Yukihito can turn it against her with his Bujingi monsters." Her knuckles somehow grew even whiter. Her eyes were locked on Yukihito, and there was anger in them. She did not like him speaking to her vice-captain like this. Her eyes flicked to the table beside her. There was an open envelope there, with Kendra's name written on it in Rosalia's own handwriting. Inside, presumably having been read by Kendra before she left it there, was a small index card, which Rosalia had, somewhat embarassedly, given to Vega to give to Kendra before the duels started. She hadn't been able to hand the letter over face to face. Kendra, I've been doing a lot of thinking since we talked at the mall. I'm still so unsure of myself. So unable to be honest about the things I'm afraid of, unlike you and even Sashisematta. Maybe the others as well. I'm still not sure I'm the one to lead Team Genesis. But what I am sure of is that you are an invaluable vice-captain. This is your first showing here in the circuit. You've helped me assuage some of my doubts, even if just a little (we both agreed I still had much to work through); Hopefully this helps do the same for your own. Rosalia The index card was sticking slightly from the envelope. The Duel Monsters card that had been inside was not. Rosalia's gray eyes turned back to the screen. "But she has something in her deck that can turn that tide." Her attention was ripped away from Kendra by a great bellowing roar. She turned her head to take in Daichi's side of the playing field. A great dragon spread its wings, Daichi sat astride it. Rosalia raised an eyebrow, a tiny smile quirking at the corner of her mouth as she noted the coloration of the dragon. "A red dragon," she commented wryly, looking sidelong to Sai. "Looks like Daichi's been taking notes from another Team Genesis member," she joked, the mental comparison to Sai's Crimsongleam Dragon humorous to her. She clasped her hands together as she watched Daichi rush for the Action Card. I hate this aspect of Action Duels... There's no way to consistently predict what happens. She let out a tiny sigh of frustration as Daichi failed to find a Holy Sword. He had been so close. But then Daichi's next move actually caused her to stand in surprise. "His dragon... He's taken the aspect of Action Duels that's most unpredictable: The random cards scattered on the field. And he's turned it into a strength." She clapped her hands back together, but this time in pleasure as Daichi's opponent lost the rest of his Life Points. She turned to Sai again, her smile genuine and warm this time. "He really has been taking notes off you."

The next turn saw Lance bringing out Ignoble Knight of High Laundsallyn equipped with a series of Noble Arms cards and ending the reign of Oafdragon Magician immediately, but at the same time, Daichi did obtain an Action Card after it all. He noted it was most likely due to the fact that his Spell and Trap Zones were completely full, such was the downside of the Noble Knights...full zones and not able to activate anything else. Regardless, on his turn, Daichi most likely surprised everyone by simply Pendulum Summoning Oafdragon Magician once more, this time in face-up Defense and simply...ending turn. It was a strange move for all who watched, but Daichi knew what he was doing. As Lance’s turn popped up in the spotlight once more, he now had a knight clad in black, with his eyes burning red, slightly hunched over as he wielded 5 Noble Arms. [Ignoble Knight of High Laundsallyn/DARK/Level 5/Synchro/Warrior/2400/900] [Destiny, Gwenhwyfar, Caliburn, Arfeudutyr, Set Card] “I may have allowed you to gain one action card, but I shan’t again! I begin by using the effect of Caliburn equipped to High Laundsallyn once more, to gain 500 life, rising from 5500 to 6000! Then I use the equipped Noble Arms - Arfeudutyr, targeting your set backrow for destruction!” "A bold move, however, I anticipated that!" Daichi smirked, snapping his fingers. "Trap activate! Pendulum Switch! I select two of my Pendulum Magicians and have them swap places! And with Oafdragon…I choose Stargazer Magician [Stargazer Magician/DARK/Level 5/Spellcaster/Pendulum/1200/2400]!" In an instant, Stargazer left the Pendulum area and Oafdragon took his place, while his place was taken by the aforementioned Stargazer. “But your card still gets destroyed!” Once the switch resolved, the revealed trap shattered, and Laundsallyn’s attack fell [2400->1900] “Then I special summon Noble Knight Custennin, as I control a Noble Arms! Then I normal summon Gwalchavad alongside it!” The two knights appeared on either side of High Laundsallyn, only to immediately turn into bright yellow balls of energy. They began to swirl around, before slamming into the ground, forming a galactic spiral in their wake. “The rightful king rises once more, appearing with holy blades in hand! Xyz Summon, Artorigus, King of the Noble Knights! [LIGHT/R4/Warrior/Xyz/2000/2000]” The spiral erupted with light, revealing an imposing man wielding a sword that looked like Caliburn, with its edges opened to leak out blue wisps, “And then I detach the Xyz Material Gwalchavad from him, in order to target Spells and Traps you control up to the number of Noble Arms I control… And since I have four, I target both of your Pendulum Scales! Go, Artorigus!” "You would think that, but however, it's gonna be hard considering I have this here…" Daichi said, holding the Action Card. "Action Card activate! Pride Shield!" He placed the card on the Duel Disk. "Now for my lovely audience that may not know…Pride Shield keeps my cards from being destroyed, so long as I control a monster on my field with the highest attack or defense…and would you look at that: I control Stargazer Magician! Which means my Pendulums are safe!" Stargazer took hold of the Pride Shield, lifted into the air and held it up in front of him and the two Pendulum, protecting them. "Nifty little spell if I do say so myself." “Tch, fiend! I will not permit your tricks much longer!” With a movement of his hands, a shimmer appeared in front of Artorigus, with a golden-trimmed sword rising from it. As it did, the king reached out, the sword opening up portions to leak out blue energy as he took hold of it. Once more, a blinding light covered the arena, with Lance’s voice cutting through. “Holy king, receive the lady’s blessing as you make your stand! May your righteous path carry us to victory! Xyz Change, Sacred Noble Knight of King Artorigus! [LIGHT/R5/Warrior/Xyz/2200/2200]” The knight stood tall, wielding both Caliburn and the sword that had just appeared, covered head to toe in that glowing blue aura. “By banishing the Excaliburn in my Grave, I can perform this Xyz Change!” "The sacred king…truly a marvel to see in front." he nodded, before turning on his heel, running off to find another Action Card. "Best to run off until a strategy presents itself!!" “Halt! I activate Sacred Artorigus! By detaching Custenning from him, I destroy your star wizard!” Artorigus raised Excaliburn to the sky, red energy spiraling around it, then slicing it towards Daichi’s only monster. The energy struck true, destroying Stargazer., as Lance adjusted his position to point dramatically at Daichi. “Charge, my liege! Attack the magician directly!” Daichi skidded to a halt, finding his Action Card, though he was now up against the wall. Stargazer was gone…and now he was being rushed at. "My, my…this might be the end of the road for me…" he said, tipping his hat slowly over his eyes. "Then again…maybe if the audience would believe hard enough…a miracle might present itself in the situation." he smirked under his hat. Artorigus stopped suddenly as Daichi’s scene began, earning a step back from Lance. As the audience murmured in confusion, the knight duelist’s voice rose. “And what cheap trick do you have this time, knave!?” "Oh it's simply a bit of audience participation." Daichi said, still smirking under his hat. "After all, we're entertaining the masses, it's only fair they get engaged…and believe for their favored Duelist to bring forth a miracle. After all, that should resonate with you, Sir Knight. Think of it, as the masses cheering for you against those you clash swords with." He began to raise his voice. "So, audience…let's hear it…do you think that this simple magician can pull out a miracle while facing down a king of knights?" “Y-you can do it!” came a single young voice from the crowd, amidst the murmurs, “Pull out a miracle!” This put the biggest smile on his face, as he chuckled. "Children have the most faith in things than anyone else in this world. Well then, I suppose I may have a trick in my hat, can't let the kid down…" he said, moving a card from his hand to the graveyard, immediately taking his hat off. "...why don't you come out and say hello!" The hat was taken off, but soon began to start floating and suddenly…a brown furred creature with big eyes and a small red bow tie appeared from it. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like you all to meet the latest star to my show! Hattrickuriboh [Hattrickuriboh/LIGHT/Level 1/Spellcaster/Pendulum/300/200]!!!" It simply made a few cooing noises and waved its little green clawed hands. “And what, exactly, does this mongrel do?” "Mongrel?" Daichi gasped, seeing Hattrickuriboh start looking teary-eyed. He began to pat the head of the monster. "It's alright buddy, you aren't a mongrel. But as for what he does, it's simple really. Once I discard him, as I just did…he can allow me to Special Summon a Pendulum Monster from my Extra Deck! Hattrickuriboh, if you please." The monster nodded, dove back into the hat and it began to move violently, almost cartoonishly. After a moment, a card came out of it, it being Stargazer Magician and once more…it made its way on the field yet again. "So now, Stargazer is here once more…so seems like you'll have to declare your attack with the king of knights, sir Knight." “Gah, I suppose I must cancel that charge. Instead, High Laundsallyn, attack Stargazer!” The black knight blitzed forward, 1900 attack to Stargazer’s 2400 defense. However, before its blade could even hit the mage, a silhouette appeared from Laundsallyn, flying from the knight and strangling Stargazer, destroying both the silhouette and the Pendulum Magician. “I used my Gwenhwyfar, who was equipped to Laundsallyn. Since he is a DARK monster, her effect destroys herself and a monster that he battles! With that I go to Main Phase 2 and…” Lance glanced to his grave, then his hand, grimacing, “I end my turn. Your last stand, wizard.” "Then I shall make it my grand performance!" Daichi laughed, drawing for turn. He looked at the card inquisitively but he nodded. "Firstly! Oafdragon's Pendulum skill! With it, I can add Stargazer to my hand!" With that, he added the magician to his hand and nodded. "Secondly! I activate Pot of Desires!" The card was played, bringing forth a…uniquely designed pot before Daichi. "At the expense of banishing a total of ten cards…I will be allowed to draw two new cards! At this moment, this turn resides within these two cards…a true gamble in this performance." He moved his hand slightly, waving it in front of the deck. "Now…" he grabbed ten cards and tossed them into the pot. It moved slightly after the cards were presented and two cards flew off the top of his deck and into his hand. Daichi looked at them, surprised at what was presented to him. These two with those in his hand… BGM The young man snapped his fingers, the spotlights aligning on him. "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!! It is with a heavy heart that I say that this is the curtain call on our performance, but as I said moments ago: this will be a grand performance! Now, watch carefully and don't blink, or else you'll miss the show!" He smiled all the while, before turning towards Lance. "For my first trick: I summon Timebreaker Magician [Timebreaker Magician/DARK/Level 3/Spellcaster/Pendulum/1400/0], in his debut performance!" Before Daichi was brought forth a young child holding a sword. “Timebreaker allows me to target itself and one monster my opponent controls…and banishes them until the next Standby Phase! Now, Timebreaker, let’s show Laundsallyn the vanishing act up close! Go! Time Leap Surprise!” Timebreaker nodded, before rushing towards Laundsallyn and immediately having the two of them…vanish…without a trace. “Even so, the noble arms will return! When sent to the grave, these blades can return by equipping themselves to a Noble Knight I control- Sacred Noble Knight of King Artorigus!” “This is true, and under normal circumstances, this would be devastating for this magician…however…” Daichi wagged a finger in Lance’s direction. “Not this time. For my second trick: I shall make the Scared King…disappear! I activate the Spell Card: Dark Core!! At the expense of one card being discarded, I can banish one face-up monster on the field.” he simply smiled, discarding the Action Card in his hand before snapping his fingers. “Artorigus, it’s time you laid your crown down for a bit and take a rest.” Just like that, Artorigus vanished from the field. “That’s two of your monsters gone, sir knight. How’s that for my last turn?” “Even so, can you deal with my life, before my black knight returns?” “Simple…with the main attraction for this performance!” Daichi held two cards up in his hand. “Metronomic pendulum! Swing and sway once more to captivate the audience! Give way for the final act of this performance! PENDULUM SUMMON!! Now, put your hands together!” He placed both cards on the Duel Disk, and smiled widely. “The repeat performer: Stargazer Magician…and, for its debut! Please, give a warm welcome to my newest performer!!” Within moments, something fell from the sky above, like a comet and once it was between him and Lance…it exploded in a beautiful array of colors…before showing what now was before him. “May I introduce: Crystal-Horned Dragon!! [Crystal-Horned Dragon/DARK/Level 6/Dragon/Pendulum/2200/1400]” The red dragon roared loudly, it’s crystalline horn shining beautifully in the spotlight. “I figure I bring forth a dragon to do battle against a heroic knight such as yourself. I believe I’ve done a pretty good job in that department, don’t you?” “It is quite fitting, I must give you that. But does it truly stand up to the task you claim it will achieve?” “Oh my dear noble knight, you should know me by now…” Daichi smirked, tipping his hat slightly. “It surely does. Speaking of, allow me to show you. Crystal-Horned Dragon’s skill activates! When it’s Normal or Special Summoned, I’m allowed to banish a total of five Spell cards from my opponent’s graveyard. And when it does, it gains 300 attack for each one! And if I do the math correctly…” he paused, comedically counting on his fingers. “That would raise it up to 3700 attack! And if memory serves…you have just enough Spells in your graveyard just ripe for the banishing!” Lance watched as the three noble arms and the two Action Spell - Holy Blade left his graveyard, cocking a brow. “As I see it, sir wizard, you are 1100 damage short. Lest you foolishly scrounge for another Holy Blade, which risks a penalty. Alas, I have been unable to play my own Action Card…” “Right you are…but…” Daichi proceeded to climb on top of Crystal-Horned’s back. “I won’t know unless I try! Stargazer, Crystal-Horned…let’s fly!” The dragon immediately took off, beginning to fly with Daichi riding on it, Stargazer flying closely behind. The energy was high in the auditorium, he was 100% sure about it. It wasn’t going like his debut was…and he knew it, and maybe that’s why he was grinning like a damned fool. Nevertheless, he finally saw an Action Card and immediately grabbed it before jumping off Crystal-Horned and landing down elegantly. “...alas, it isn't the Holy Sword…I suppose you were correct in the assumption that I couldn’t grab another. Luck wasn’t on my side as it was yours, sir knight.” “Then have your attack. I will end this next turn!” “Oh, I believe you misunderstood, sir knight…I didn’t get the Holy Sword, but perhaps I can just borrow one of yours.” Daichi now wore a mischievous grin on his face. “Crystal-Horned Dragon’s second skill activates! At the cost of one Spell card…or in this case…an Action Spell card…I can have my dragon select one of the Normal Spells or Quick-Play Spells in my opponent’s banished zone, return it to your graveyard and subsequently activate the effect of said Spell! Annnnnd you so happen to have a total of two Holy Swords, it’s only fitting I select one and use one myself. Crystal-Horned, if you please…one Action Spell - Holy Sword to his graveyard!” The dragon roared the moment Daichi discarded the Action Spell and its crystalline horn glowing as a singular copy of Holy Sword was dropped back into Lance’s graveyard. Soon, the effect would be active as the dragon seemed to get stronger (Crystal-Horned Dragon: 3700 ATK -> +1200 -> 4900 ATK). “With the performers finally ready, it’s time to draw the curtains on our performance!” Daichi said, pointing at Lance. “Battle! Crystal-Horned Dragon, attack the noble knight directly! Magical Crystal Strike!!” The dragon roared once more, the horn on its head growing large and somewhat sword-like as it flew at high-speeds towards Lance, slashing at him with the horn, making quite the fantastic and captivating display in the process. “Come then! I will stand strong until the end!” Lance Sheridan LP: 5500 -> -4900 -> 1100 “I wouldn’t expect anything less but that, sir knight!” Daichi said happily. “Stargazer! Draw the final curtain! Starry Assault!!!” Stargazer Magician simply nodded, it’s staff in hand, rushed towards Lance and struck at him, stars and shining particles appearing in the process. Lance Sheridan LP: 1100 -> -1200 -> 0 “Aaand Daichi has done it! The magician and his dragon have slain the holy knight, taking the win from right under his nose!” Lance stood strong as the attacks had finished, but let out a long sigh when it was over, a wide smile on his face as he began to step forward. “Oookay then! That was pretty impressive, kid!” The man spoke, his voice now a bit whimsical as he approached Daichi, extending his hand, “I wasn’t sure how this would go after seeing your first game, but I guess you really did just try to bring the best out in your opponent. Good game!” Daichi smiled, his hand meeting Lance's. "What can I say, I had to give them a better show than my debut. But it was a good game, maybe try not to give me such a close shave next time." The young man laughed, before moving slightly and turning towards the audience. "Ladies and gentleman, please give a warm hand to my opponent, Lance Sheridan! And until I see you all again under the moonlit sky!" He took a bow, Lance most likely doing the same. “If you ever need somewhere to get away to, let me know. My team is a bit… brutish, but the captain and I are good friends. She acts uptight, too, but she’s a total dork.” "Heh, I'll keep that in mind."