(A/N: This story takes place primarily within the GX universe of Yugioh, though with my own original characters thrown in to mix things up. This does not mean monsters like Synchros and Xyz cannot appear, however expect the grand majority of cards to be based around that style of dueling. In terms of story structure, expect something like a light novel, with each part being an "Episode".)
EPISODE 1: The Next Queen of Games PT 1
Duel Monsters. Every child that is born hears of this at some point. It is nothing but a card game, and yet it has managed to become so ingrained in society that you can even make a career out of using these simple cards. Of course, to some these cards mean more than just a fun card game.
Some travel to schools dedicated to teaching children the art of Dueling. Training them to become the next best duelist of the world. The King of Games. Duel Academy, founded by one Seto Kaiba, is one of the most prestigious dueling schools in the world. Located off the coast of Domino City, students from all over the world would travel just to get a chance to attend this school.
Today was a great day for those hopeful children, as it was the annual entrance exams of said Academy. Everyone involved gathered at the grand examination building that had been set up near the port of the city. The building itself was unimpressive on the outside, as the main attraction was the 17 separate dueling fields that had been set up inside to test the incoming freshman.
Each person that stepped into this hall had his or her own motivations and goals. Every one of them hoping to take their career to the next level. That was no different for a young girl that stood at the back, saying very little to the people surrounding her.
She had long black hair and fiery red eyes. She wore a black jacket over a blue shirt, and a pair of jeans that had a few holes in them. She stared at all the people around her and sighed. So many people. Am I going to get to go anytime soon.
She stared around the entrance hall, almost seemingly like she was looking for someone in particular. The hall itself had a very simple structure. You had the dueling fields on a lower level, and then the main stands the applicants stood in while they waited their name to be called. This girl though seem fixated on the upper level. The one where the students already part of Duel Academy came to watch the proceedings.
The man she was looking for was obviously not there, because she looked back down dejectedly. He's not here….I guess he doesn't want to see me "embarrass him". Well fine. I don't need his approval anyway. I'm gonna crush these exams…
Before the exams could begin though, the attention of everyone changed toward center stage as someone approached the mic that was already set up. The woman herself seemed to be in her late 30's, and wore very business-like attire: a white dress shirt and tie, over a black skirt and high heels. Her blue eyes, which were covered by a set of glasses, gazed over the students, and after a moment of adjusting her blonde hair she stepped forward towards the mic and spoke.
"Greetings, and allow me to be the first person to welcome you all here. I know you have all traveled for quite a distance to be here, but there is still more to be done. In order to prove yourselves...that is why you have all gathered here. Because in each and every one of you rests the soul of a Duelist, and it's up to us to drag that out of you.
I am Martha Lovegood, Vice-Chancellor of Duel Academy. I will also be acting as your judge, jury, and executioner. We are not here to hold your hand. We are here to test you rigorously. We are here to force you to play your best. If you think you are not up for this task, feel free to leave. But if you think you can become the next King of Games, then come! Show us your skills!"
She pointed out at the crowd to add emphasis to her last point, and it seemed to work. They were riled up, waiting to show everyone what they could do. The girl in particular seemed to clutch her hand up to her heart. That title will be mine. Just watch Kai…
Looking around again, she still didn't find the person she seemed to be looking for. Though she did mentally groan, noticing a male from across the way winking at her. Rolling her eyes, she simply ignored him as the Vice-Chancellor continued talking.
"The way we will be conducting this exam will be simple. We will call applicants 2 or 3 at a time, and you will each take to one of the duel fields, facing off against our hand-picked procters. I warn you though, this will be nothing like your street duels that you will be used to. These duels are designed to test every aspect of who you are, and what skills you bring to the table.
If you win, you will be ranked accordingly, and then we will proceed to Duel Academy once all applicants have taken their exam. Good luck, and one more thing. Remember your seniors are watching...you want to make a good impression."
The girl heard multiple people whisper in surprise as they noticed the older students watching. She chuckled to herself. Did they really not notice? Talk about ignoring your surroundings.
They began rattling off names, and she knew her's would be quite a little while, so, keeping that in mind, she went to sit down. Pulling out her deck, the girl began to look through her cards, wondering what strategies she would use against the proctor.
Being absorbed in her thoughts, there was no awareness of a young man walking toward her. The same young man that winked at her from across the field. He went forward, clearing his throat a little to get her attention. "Is this seat taken?"
She looked up and saw him up close now. He had brown hair, and almost sea green eyes. The outfit screamed that he basically rolled out of bed this morning: a wrinkly tee-shirt and jeans that looked like they had shrunk in the wash the night before.
"Go for it," she said plainly.
He sat down. "I know this may be a bit presumptuous, but may I ask you your name? I'm Calvin." A goofy smile accompanied his face when he said this, and he even ran his hands through his hair as if it would, by some sort of magic, slick back and make him look more attractive.
She was unimpressed. Wow. Really trying here, aren't we. "Jen."
"Jen. That's a pretty name. So, what brings you to Duel Academy?"
Jen looked him dead in the eye with her next line. "To beat my brother."
He looked caught off guard, but collected himself. "Family rivalry huh? That's cool. Me? I came here to just...ya know, sharpen my skills."
"Just so you know. I'm not interested." He looked like he had seen a ghost at his intentions being caught so easily.
"Wow. Struck out that fast huh…"
She smiled. "Don't quit your day job."
Her ears perked up as she heard "-Jennifer Valentine, report to Duel Field 11!"
Calvin's eyes widened and he almost had an audible gasp. "Jen...Valentine? Wait...you mean like Kai Valentine, the top student of the school? I didn't know he had a sister!"
Jen turned to look at Calvin. "Yeah. He does." She stood up and walked away.
Calvin sat there for a moment before realizing what happened. "Wait...SHE'S JEN VALENTINE?!"
The aforementioned Jen Valentine walked down toward the duel field, hearing the whispers all along the way.
"She's Kai's sister?"
"I wonder what deck she uses?"
"Oh man, I didn't know we had someone like her in our class. I'm so screwed…."
She just smirked. That's right. And I'm going to crush this exam. Because I have to if I want to beat him...
3 YEARS AGO
It was a beautiful summer day. Even in the deep heart of the city, one could easily hear the sound of birds singing. Inside a house in this region, a thirteen-year old Jen roused from her sleep. She stared at her alarm clock. 8 AM…
She suddenly jolted up."It's already 8?!" Quickly, she rummaged around her room and grabbed a set of clothes before running downstairs, where her family had already begun to prepare breakfast.
Her dad noticed, and chuckled. "Jen, you're up early. What's the occasion?"
Jen skidded to a halt in front of the table. "Kai didn't leave yet, did he?!"
Her mother looked at her with a hint of confusion. "No, he hasn't. Why? Did you need to talk to him?"
She let out a sigh of relief. "It's not like that. He said he'd duel me before he left for Duel Academy."
The father set out a plate for his daughter and patted her head. "I thought you said you didn't want to duel Kai anymore after last time?"
"Last time was different! This time I'm gonna win!"
Another voice entered the room. "That's what you said the last 3 times Jen."
She turned to the voice in anger as she saw her brother, Kai, enter. The resemblance was clear, with his black hair and red eyes matching her's perfectly. He wore a casual black shirt with gray pants. He had his duel disk attached to his side, and looked ready to go.
His mother smiled. "Kai, there you are. I was beginning to think you'd miss breakfast."
The demeanour of Kai's face softened when he looked to his mother. "Well, I knew Jen wouldn't forgive me if I left before dueling her. I did promise after all."
Jen beamed with excitement. "Yeah! You promised! And this time I'm gonna win. I've been practicing the last 6 weeks for this!"
Her father looked impressed. "6 weeks? That's the longest yet. I'm surprised you kept track."
"Of course I kept track! Kai's leaving for Duel Academy today, so this is my last chance to duel him."
Kai sighed. "I'm only going to the entrance exams. It's not guaranteed I'll be attending."
The younger sister shot a look at her brother. "You? Lose in the entrance exams? Not a chance! You're the best. Which is why I have to beat you!"
Their mother chuckled. "Alright you two..let's save it for after breakfast, ok?"
Everyone agreed and sat down to eat. The entire time Jen was sitting in anticipation. I'll beat him this time. I know it…
After breakfast, the two children headed out to their yard, the site of many a duels between them. The yard itself was nothing special, but it was the perfect wide open area they needed for this duel.
Kai looked at his sister as she put on her duel disk. They both had the standard issue Kaibacorp duel disk that was used during the Battle City tournament. A base which held the deck, and graveyard, and a "wing" that stretched outward to hold their field.
"I won't hold back, I hope you realize that."
Jen nodded. "Of course. I wouldn't want you to hold back when I win!"
Kai just shook his head and smiled. He had to give her credit for one thing. She was determined. But determination is only half the equation…
"Let's Duel!"
The holographic projects shot out from their duel disks, setting the stage for their match. The duel disks lit up, displaying their information. Everything was set.
TURN 1: JEN
JEN 4000 LP Hand: 5
KAI 4000 LP Hand: 5
FIELD:
FIELD:
Jen smiled as she drew her hand. "I think I'll start things off. Is that ok?" Her brother showed no signs of complaint.
"Alright. Then I'll start by summoning Neo the Magic Swordsman!"
The field exploded with light as the blond, armour clad swordsman emerged from the field, drawing his blade in an offensive stance.
Neo the Magic Swordsman
Level 4 Spellcaster LIGHT
1700 ATK/1000 DEF
"Next, I'll equip him with a card from my hand. Wonder Wand!"
The sword disappeared from Neo as he was now holding a wand with a big gem affixed to the end of it. "This wand's magic power Increases my monster's ATK by 500 points!"
ATK: 1700 - 2200
Kai seemed to show no emotion to this move. This was something that always annoyed Jen. She could never tell if she was doing anything to upset her brother. "I end my turn."
TURN 2: KAI
JEN 4000 LP Hand: 3
KAI 4000 LP Hand: 5
FIELD:
Neo the Magic Swordsman
Wonder Wand (Equipped to Neo)
FIELD:
With a nod, Kai drew his card. "Alright, if you insist."
"I think I should start things off with evening the playing field. I set two cards face-down."
The two cards appeared on the field to the left and right of Kai. "Then, I'll summon a monster as well. Come forth, Shadow Hunter- Joan of Arc!"
The light shined as an armor clad warrior appeared. As the light finished materializing, an image of a woman could be made out. A beautiful woman with long flowing brown hair and enchanting blue eyes. She carried a banner at her side that she raised proudly into the air.
Shadow Hunter- Joan of Arc
Level 4 Warrior LIGHT
1700 ATK/1300 DEF
"I end my turn. Take it from here Jen."
TURN 3: JEN
JEN 4000 LP Hand: 3
KAI 4000 LP Hand: 3
FIELD:
Neo the Magic Swordsman
Wonder Wand
(Equipped to Neo)
FIELD:
Shadow Hunter- Joan of Arc
2 Set Cards
Jen drew her card and sat in thought. Alright Jen, think. Kai summoned Joan, and set two cards down. He probably didn't attack cause she'd just be destroyed...but should I attack?
She sat there for a while, to the point even Kai said something. "Is something wrong? You said you were gonna beat me this time, right?"
"That's right! And don't you forget it!" She wasn't going to let him get to her. She was going to win. "Neo, attack Joan of Arc!"
The swordsman spun his staff around and charged forward. The wand glew with an ethereal light before he slammed a powerful blast of magic straight into the swordswoman. She tried to defend herself, but the magic overwhelmed her, as an explosion noted the monster's destruction.
KAI LP: 4000 - 3600
"Jen, how many times do I have to tell you to think before you act?"
Jen looked confused. "I destroyed your monster didn't I?"
He frowned. One of his face-down cards suddenly floated upward revealing what it was. A card called Counter Move
"You activated my trap card, Counter Move!"
COUNTER MOVE
Counter Trap Card
Jen gulped. Gah! I let him get to me and I messed up!
"When a monster I control is destroyed by battle, the monster that battled with it goes down with it!"
Suddenly, Jen noticed Joan's weapon still lingered in the air. The spear dipped down and slammed straight into the gut of Neo, destroying him instantly.
"If you let your emotions run wild during battle, you make fatal mistakes, like now."
Jen growled from annoyance under her breath. Damn it!
"Well, I can still do something to protect myself. I set one card face-down, and throw a monster face-down to protect my life points!"
The cards appeared in front of her in a flash. "And I end my turn…"
TURN 4: KAI
JEN 4000 LP Hand: 2
KAI 3600 LP Hand: 4
FIELD:
1 Set Monster
1 Set Card
FIELD:
1 Set Card
Kai nodded. "Alright, my move then."
"First, I summon Shadow Hunter- Ronin to my field!"
A young man clad in robes with a sword at his side appeared on Kai's field.
Shadow Hunter- Ronin
LV 4 Warrior WIND
1250 ATK/ 1000 DEF
"Now, by Sacrificing 500 Life Points, I can Special Summon Joan of Arc back to my field!"
KAI LP: 3600 - 3100
Joan reappeared in a flash, taking her side by the Ronin. Jen couldn't help but feel slightly intimidated, but she felt safe knowing she had her face-down card, Mirror Force
Once he attacks, I'll just activate Mirror Force and destroy all his monsters. Sure, Joan can protect itself since there's another Shadow Hunter out, but at least it'll stop his plan…
"Next I'll use my Ronin's effect to sacrifice itself!"
Jen gasped. "Wait, you're doing what?!"
Kai smiled. "You heard me right. I tribute Ronin to Special Summon a Shadow Hunter from my hand. And I think I'll choose Shadow Hunter- Robin Hood!"
The Ronin disappeared in a flash of light, being replaced by a green-clad hunter taking his stance in a nearby tree, bow at the ready.
Shadow Hunter- Robin Hood
Level 7/Warrior/EARTH
2500 ATK/2000 DEF
His signature monster...already… Jen was not feeling good about the duel. Not one bit. Usually when he pulls him out, he's getting ready to win…
Kai pointed straight at Jen. "You have a lot of potential Jen, but you still have a long way to go to beat me. Robin Hood, why not show her your effect. Destroy her face-down!"
Robin hood pulled back an arrow, aiming directly at Jen's face-down Mirror Force. After a moment, he fired, hitting the card with a bulls-eye. Kai got to see the card right as it exploded.
"Mirror Force, huh? That would have been bad for me. Unlucky for you that I think my actions through…"
Jen scoffed under her breath. Just like you to kick me while I'm down…
"Robin Hood can't attack when I use his effect, but that doesn't stop Joan of Arc!"
The woman charged forward. The monster Jen laid face-down was revealed. A creature called Alchemist's Apprentice.
Alchemist's Apprentice
Level 3/Spellcaster/LIGHT
ATK 1400/ 1200 DEF
It looked to be a female magician trying to defend herself with a magic deck of playing cards. Joan simply brushed the cards aside and destroyed the monster. Jen was pushed back by the force of the explosion.
"I end my turn. Your move Jen."
TURN 5: JEN
JEN 4000 LP Hand: 2
KAI 3100 LP Hand: 2
FIELD:
FIELD:
Joan of Arc
Robin Hood
1 Set Card
Jen surveyed the field. She didn't like her odds. Even if I set another face-down, Robin Hood will just eat it up. And if I try to attack, I'm sure his face-down is something to deal with it….
"Jen. You've lost."
She stared down her brother with a look of anger. "I…"
PRESENT DAY
I won't lose this time. Just you watch Kai…
She was standing before the proctor. He smiled at her. "Miss Valentine, correct? Your brother has made quite a name for himself here. I would be lying if I didn't say I'm excited to see what you bring to the table."
Jen pulled out her deck and plugged it into the duel disk. "You'll find I'm quite a bit different from my brother."
He nodded. "Alright. Are you ready for your exam?"
Looking at him with determination, she smiled. "I was born ready."
"LET'S DUEL!"
To be continued….
(A/N: Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it as this is the first time I've ever wrote anything Yugioh related. Anyway, this is the section where I will discuss the cards that appeared in this episode! They will be separated by whether they are real cards that appear in the game or cards I created. Without further ado, enjoy!)
Original Cards:
Shadow Hunter- Joan of Arc
Level 4/Warrior/LIGHT
1700 ATK/ 1300 DEF
Effect: If you control another "Shadow Hunter" monster, this card is unaffected by your opponent's card effects. If this card is destroyed (by battle or card effect), you may add 1 "Shadow Hunter" monster from your deck to your hand. If this card is in the graveyard and you control a face-up "Shadow Hunter" monster, you can pay 500 Life points. Special Summon it. You can only use 1 effect of "Shadow Hunter- Joan of Arc" per turn, and only once that turn.
Shadow Hunter- Ronin
Level 4/Warrior/WIND
1250 ATK/ 1000 DEF
Effect: This card gains 300 ATK for each other "Shadow Hunter" monster you control. You may tribute this card; Special Summon 1 "Shadow Hunter" from your hand, except "Shadow Hunter-Ronin". You may only use this effect once per turn.
Shadow Hunter- Robin Hood
Level 7/Warrior/EARTH
2500 ATK/ 2000 DEF
Effect: If you control another face-up "Shadow Hunter" monster, your opponent cannot target this card for attack. Once per turn, you may target 1 card on your opponent's side of the field; destroy it. (Cards and effects cannot be activated in response to this card's activation) This monster cannot attack the turn you activate this effect.
Alchemist's Apprentice
Level 3/Spellcaster/LIGHT
1400 ATK/ 1200 DEF
Effect: Once per turn, you can place a Spell Counter on this card. You may remove Spell Counters from this card, and for each one removed add 1 Spell Counter to cards you control that can have Spell Counters on them.
Counter Move
Counter Trap Card
Effect: Activate only if a "Shadow Hunter" monster you control is destroyed by battle. The monster that battled it is destroyed as well.
Real Cards:
Wonder Wand
Equip Spell Card
Effect: Equip only to a Spellcaster-Type monster. It gains 500 ATK. If you control the equipped monster and this card: You can send both to the Graveyard; draw 2 cards
Mirror Force
Normal Trap Card
When an opponent's monster declares an attack: Destroy all your opponent's Attack Position monsters.