Learning to Duel's North Academy

by Hiyuusha

In one world, Konami Kodo became a student of Duel Academy. In another, he attended North Academy instead. This is that story. T for Language, Enzo, and other things.

1. Chapter 1

-What if a different background led Konami to attend North Academy instead?-

Outside of a large, well-kept building, a tall, aged man was growing agitated. Several suited businessmen stood across from him, each of them carrying a large suitcase and what appeared to be some manner of contract. As yet another one of them tried to hand him the form, he swatted it away with his broomstick, and turned toward the men angrily.

"Enough!" he roared, earning several surprised cries from the men as they staggered back. "I told you once, and I'll tell you again! The store's not for sale!"

"Well of course not right now," one of the men said, "but surely after you've read our terms and contract-"

The man who was speaking was promptly silenced by a thwack to the head. The aged man raised his broom once again, as if daring any of his aggressors to say one more thing about a "contract."

"Get it through your educated heads! This Arcade is not for sale! Not now, not ever!" he repeated once more, and he slammed the broom down beside him decisively. "Now leave, before I decide to use one of those machines to show you just how serious I am! You think I can't do it? I may be old but I got strength in these bones! Come on, try me! I'll smash ya beneath the ol' Gradius games!"

The strange words, combined with the sinister gleam in the man's eyes were more than enough to make the men stagger back in fright. Straightening his tie, the speaker for the group coughed twice before fixing the man with a stern glare of his own.

"We'll be back. You can count on that. But for now...just know that you'll regret this, you old geezer!"

With those foreboding words, the man led his group back into their parked car, and they skidded down the street. Just in time too it seemed, for no sooner did they turn the corner did a young man in a dark red uniform emerge from the shop, wiping his greasy hands clean with a cloth. He paused upon reaching the older man's side, and noted the worn out expression on his face.

"What's the matter, Flint?" the young man asked. "Did something happen while I was inside?"

"Ain't nothin' you need to worry about." the old man, Flint, said assuredly. "Just a few buffoons who don't know how to take "No" for an answer. Did you get the car repaired?"

"Yeah." the young man replied. "It wasn't anything serious. One of the pulleys for your serpentine belt locked up. It was a quick fix. I went ahead and topped off your oil and antifreeze while I was at it, you only had a quart in the engine. If you really want to keep this car running a while longer, you need to remember that nothing runs better than-"

"-a well oiled machine. Yes, Konami you've said it all before." Flint grunted, waving off the young man's lecture as he hobbled his way back inside. "Come on then, money's inside. That's what you're waiting for, ain't it?"

The young man, replying to the name Konami, sighed. "You know you don't have to pay me Flint. Just seeing your car up and running is enough of a treat for me. It's a good thing you had me work on it. If you'd taken it to the shop they would have charged you at least a hundred for labor alone."

"Hmph, and that's why they can afford to pay the bills!" Flint replied.

Sliding in behind the counter, the old man reached into the cabinet and grabbed a bundle of coins. He rubbed his hands over them idly, and then shoved them into Konami's waiting hands.

"Here!" Flint said. "Twenty five Arcade coins! Use em' however you like! Just make sure you lock up when you're done!"

"Flint..." Konami sighed. "You know, I don't think anyone else would've taken this as an acceptable form of payment."

"Well, anyone else wouldn't have told me that I don't need to pay." Flint retorted. "It's too late for takebacks now! Run along, go play that Gradius game or something. You're named after the company that produced it, right?"

"Yeah, I suppose." Konami grunted. "That doesn't mean that I want to waste my life away playing their games though. As far as I'm concerned, there's only one game worth my time, and that's Duel Monsters!"

"Hmph, that crap produced by Pegasus?" Flint snorted. "No wonder you don't have any lady friends!"

"I'll have you know that it's a very popular game right now, even among women." Konami countered. "Then again, seeing as you yourself don't play I can't really expect you to understand. Whatever, I'll be sure to drop these coins off at the orphanage. The kids there like to run through this area. Maybe I'll tell some of them to drop by."

"If you do, make sure you tell them to bring their wallets with them!" Flint replied. "In this day and age, I need all the business I can get!"

"Yeah, yeah," Konami sighed, turning on his heel to make for the door. "Goobye Flint. See you next repair job."

Descending into the silky smooth streets of Commoner Town, Konami disappeared into the crowd, leaving Flint alone with his thoughts.

Next repair job huh...? the old man wondered, curling his fingers together worriedly at the thought. If only I could afford it.

He glanced back beneath his counter, and pulled out a small crumpled sheet of paper. It was a notice, for the destruction and demolition of his building. Flint glared at the sight of it, and promptly threw it in the trash.

Flint Lock Arcade... he grimaced. Just how much longer will you last?

Little did Flint know, someone who lived just down the street was thinking the exact same thing.

"Alina? Freyja? I'm home!"

Confidently, Konami stepped inside the dimly lit building that was Card Shop Transcend. Flicking off what few store lights remained lit while he was out, he locked the door behind him and traversed into the "Employees Only" section. What awaited him was something that he did not expect:

A kick in the face.

"YOU'RE LATE!" a small, monster of a girl shouted as she used a flying kick to assault the boy, only to flip away gracefully upon making contact. "Didn't we tell you before?! Curfew is seven o'clock sharp! It's almost nine!"

"Augh! Freyja! Who the hell uses a curfew for a teenager at seven?!" Konami countered, although he had staggered back from the sudden blow inflicted on his person. "I'm starting to think that you just don't want me to have any fun with my friends!"

"Hah! What a joke! You don't have any friends, gearhead! If you did, I'd know about them!" Freyja said mockingly, sticking her nose into the air as she spoke. "Besides, who'd want to hang out with a greaser like you anyway? It's not like anyone in this city cares for someone who spends all their time working on broken machines!"

"Guh...!" Konami grimaced. "That's cold, even for you."

Freyja blinked in surprise. "...Huh? T-That's cold? That's all you're going with? No snazzy comeback? No jibe at my height? Hey, come on, what's wrong with you?!"

Konami rubbed at the growing bruise on his cheek and sighed. "I know, I know. It's off-putting. Sorry midget, but I'm not really in the mood for our usual games right now."

The sudden appearance of a tall, red-haired woman drew both their attention, and she looked down upon them worriedly. "Oh dear," she said, "Konami not countering one of Freyja's remarks? This is most unseemly. Did something happen?"

"Nothing much." Konami murmured, throwing his shoes off and placing his jacket on the clothes rack while making his way further down the hall. "Just old man Flint. I think he's being harassed by some buyers again."

"Hah? You mean that old geezer who runs that broken down aracde place?" Freyja asked. "Huh. I wasn't aware he was still in business!"

"Yeah well he is, and given that he's one of the few decent people left in this area, you better hope your ass that he sticks around." Konami grumbled.

"L-Like I need a guy like him around! He's always staring and me and Alina with those leery eyes of his!" Freyja complained.

"Indeed. I fear it has been quite some time since he's felt the touch of a woman." Alina noted, setting a hand on her cheek forlornly as she spoke. "Unfortunately, he's a bit old for my tastes. Freyja's too, I should think."

Konami and Freyja both felt their eyes twitch.

"AND JUST WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING?!" they both shouted, only to flinch back in surprise upon realizing that they had spoken in synch.

"Forget it." Konami sighed. "It's not your problem. If he does close shop, I'll just have to find some other place to repair things. It's not like it's a dry market after all. Machines will always need fixing, though...I really do wish there was some way I could help the guy out."

With a forlorn sigh, Konami turned the corner leading to his room, and was not seen again for the rest of the night.

-Scene Break-

When Konami awoke the next morning, it was to the sound of cheering. Rumbling applause and all manner of shouts echoed into his room from the streets outside. Quite frankly, the noise was enough to rouse the dead, and as far as Konami was concerned, it had.

"WHAT THE HELL'S THAT RACKET?! DON'T PEOPLE KNOW THAT I'M TRYING TO GET MY BEAUTY SLEEP?!"

Ugh..Freyja.. He thought with a groan, turning over in his bed whilst glancing at the alarm clock beside him. It was eight o'clock. Damn it, usually she wouldn't start yelling and charging in here for another three hours! What in the hell is wrong with her?

The sound of another explosion answered his question. Startling him awake, the noise prompted him to leap up from his bed in surprise, only to calm upon hearing several cheers follow the noise.

A duel then. Or someone watching an action movie with the volume turned far higher than was acceptable in modern day society. Given that this was Commoner Street though...

Sighing, Konami walked to his closet and threw on his morning wear. It wasn't that he wanted to go outside and see what was happening per se, but he had a feeling that if he didn't, Freyja would, and he would rather that they went at least another month without getting complaints about her rather ferocious use of "hands-on approach".

"Oh, so it woke you up too." Alina said, greeting him on his way down the hall. "Freyja and I were just about to head out and see what all the ruckus was. I suppose you intend to accompany us?"

"Yeah, might as well." Konami yawned, trading a glance with the red-eyed Freyja stewing in the corner. "Erm...is she really alright to be going anywhere like this?"

"Perhaps not, but...would you say that either of us are really alright to try and stop her?" Alina inquired.

Konami felt his lips twitch despite himself. "Point goes to you. Well, let's go then. I'd like to try and catch at least another hour of sleep before I need to really get up for the day."

"Indeed. And it's a Wednesday too." Alina despaired. "We have our specials today...well, sitting here and complaining about it won't change anything. Come along Freyja, your victim awaits."

"Ummu." Freyja agreed, stalking out the door like a predator hunting its prey.

Konami smiled dryly at the scene, an expression that soon faltered the second he saw just what all the racket was.

A Duel.

Of course, it was not the duel itself that was unexpected; it was the participants. Namely, the familiar looking old man grimacing in pain.

"No way!" Konami breathed, the sight of the man making him falter in his steps. "That's...Flint?! He's dueling? But I thought-"

He didn't have time to finish his thought aloud, as Flint's opponent, a large, bulky boy in a snazzy vest and blue jeans, declared an attack.

"Alright, Zoa! Let's show this ol' geezer what it means to say No to the Czar! Take him down with a Direct Attack! Devil X-Scissors!"

With a mighty howl the large blue figure the bulky boy controlled lashed out, charging down the street toward the defenseless Flint. Swinging its claws violently, it cleaved through the old man easily, knocking him to the ground with its surprisingly durable mass.

"Flint!" Konami shouted as he watched the scene, surprising both Alina and Freyja as he pushed through the crowd so he could reach the man's side. "Hey, are you alright?!"

"M-My spleen..." the old man complained, rolling his bruised and battered body onto his stomach before trying to stand. "Ughu...this is why...I hate those Duel Monster cards..."

These wounds...they don't look like anything I've ever seen before! Konami thought, examining the man's condition quickly. Hey, hey...don't tell me-

"Well, well, well, what have we here?" the bulky boy responsible for Flint's condition asked while stepping forward. "Seems the old geezer had a grandson laddies!"

"Bastard!" Konami spat, turning to glare at the man while forcing Flint to stay down. "How dare you imply that I'm related to this old man!"

Freyja smiled sheepishly. "Hey, I don't think that's what you should be getting upset about, Konami."

"Those wounds..." Alina agreed. "Solid Vision shouldn't be capable of inflicting real damage. The fact that it has implies that your Duel Disk's settings are misaligned. Given the expression on your face however, I can conclude that this was not due to user error. You...intended to hurt this old man, didn't you?"

"Well well, looks like we've got a smart one lads!" the bulky boy said to the crowd, earning a few chuckles in response. "Yeah, that's right lassie! This old man was getting in the way of my pet project, so I had to put him of the picture! That being said, the fact that he's laying on the ground so beaten is his own fault! My settings may be set to harm, but it's his own fragility that's inflicted so much damage! Hah, that old geezer wouldn't last a day where I come from lad, though I suppose it's to be expected, what with him living in a dump like this!"

Alina frowned at the words, and Konami felt Flint's body tense beneath him.

"You little punk!" the old man cursed, wincing as he tried to lean up. "How dare you insult my home like it's some kind of trash heap! I won't let you get away with - ughou! My back, my back's giving out...!"

Cursing, Flint's body collapsed to the floor in pain before he could stand, prompting Konami to once again glance to him worriedly.

"H-Hey!" he said. "Take it easy, you're hurt!"

Flint scowled. "Take it easy? Take it easy?! No...can't do that! I have to keep going! If I don't, he's gonna...! My arcade!"

Squinting his eyes in confusion at the words, Konami took a moment to survey his surroundings once more. For the most part, everything looked like it always did. The streets surrounding the shop were bustling with activity, and the many other shops lining the street had customers walking in and out. The crowd gathered for the duel was somewhat larger than Konami was used to, but it was nothing to be concerned over, unless...

Konami turned his gaze back to the bulky boy jeering with the crowd. He was large for a teenager, Konami noted, but that wasn't what had drawn his gaze. It wasn't the bulky boy himself that was the problem, it was the large, fully-armed bulldozer behind him.

"Construction...? Here?!" Konami wondered aloud, regaining the bulky boy's attention as he spoke.

"Aye, some well-dressed goons paid me good money to demolish this arcade here, but your old geezer here was standing in the way of it! Things were starting to look hairy, so we decided to have it out like anyone would - with a duel!"

"With a duel? There shouldn't have been anything to duel about!" Konami shouted. "Flint's never played Duel Monsters before, and even if he did, you don't have the authority to demolish this place! It's not your property!"

The bulky boy smirked and folded his arms in response to Konami's comment. "I don't have the authority?" he asked. "It's not my property?" he continued. "You dumb fool! Round these parts, I am the authority! All is in my domain! Or do you mean to say...that you don't recognize me?"

"No." Konami replied with a slack face. "Should I?"

The bulky boy faltered. "Y-Yes! Of course you should!"

"Indeed," someone agreed. Surprisingly, it was Freyja. "That man is Yuri Edogawa, son of Chancellor Edogawa. He's one of the top students at one of the Big Four Duel Academies everyone's been talking about. I read about him on Duelist Weekly."

"I see. So this is Yuri Edogawa..." Alina mused. "He's...larger than I expected."

"Heh, you know you stuff!" Yuri said. "Yeah, I'm the top student of my academy! My name is Yuri, but everyone calls me Czar, and you wanna know why? It's because just like an emperor, I rule everything under the rising sun!"

"You young punks always acting like you're all that...!" Flint cursed. "This store is mine, it's not a part of your wannabe Japan!"

Czar grinned. "Sorry to tell you, but it is, I just annexed it, on the authority of me!" he turned back to the audience and grinned. "Now, rev' her up boys! I want this place nice and flat before the dump truck gets here to clean up!"

Several members of the crowd nodded at Czar's words, and climbed into the bulldozer to crank its engine. The following roar of machinery spurred Flint into action, but his earlier injuries prevented him from halting its approach.

"No!" he cried out, wincing in pain with each motion. "My back...!"

Konami didn't have to be told twice. Leaving Flint where she was, he made to step out in front of Czar, halting both he and his bulldozer's approach.

"You're not going through here." he said, drawing Czar's gaze yet again.

"Oh yeah?" the "emperor" asked. "And who's gonna stop me? You? Hah! Look at you, you look like you just climbed outta bed, and if your dueling skills are anything like your friend's there, then you ain't got nothing to offer me!"

"Take another step through here without my approval, and you'll find out exactly what I have to offer you, scum!" Konami said.

Czar's lips curled upward at the threat. "Well hey now, you really challengin' me boy? You think you got what it takes to go up against the Emperor of the Rising Sun? Heh, alright then. If you really wanna go down in flames, then I'll humor ya for a bit! Hey, one of you punks throw him a Duel Disk! He can't duel without one, see?"

"No need." Konami said, rolling up his sleeves and pressing a finger to the sleek gold band wrapped around his right forearm. Seconds later, the band sprung to life, growing outward and extending down past Konami's elbow to form what appeared to be a metallic armblade. "You see, unlike Flint, I am a duelist, which means that I know better than to go anywhere without my Dueling Equipment!"

The crowd "oohed" at the sight of the highly advanced Duel Disk, and even Czar found it in himself to chuckle in amusement.

"Heh, so the commoner's got some tricks up his sleeve does he?" Czar asked rhetorically. "No matter! You may have a fancy Duel Disk, but it doesn't reflect your skill with a Deck!"

"Heh, that's what he thinks." Freyja smirked, folding her arms. "Hey, Konami! If you lose I'm not gonna forgive you ya know?! Don't forget that you're representing our store right now too!"

"Freyja, now's not the time to be selfish." Alina told her. "We should give him our support, as both his caretakers, and fellow employees of Transcend."

Konami glanced to Flint confidently. "Don't worry, old man." he said reassuringly, meeting his desperate gaze with a calm smile. "Let me handle this. I know you may think I'm nothing more than a mild mechanic with a hard-on for fixing things...but rest assured that I know my way around a Deck as well. That arcade you love so much...I won't let it be turned to scrap metal that easily, especially at the hands of scumbags like this who'll laugh and jeer while doing it!"

"Heh, tough words, hat-guy, but do you have the skills to back em' up?!" Czar asked, activating his own, standard-issue Duel Disk as he spoke.

Narrowing his gaze once more and locking eyes with his opponent, Konami spoke. "Come at me bro, and you'll find out yourself! Now, let's get these gears churning! It's time to duel!"

-DUEL-

CZAR - 4000 LP

KONAMI - 4000 LP

"Emperors rule and commoners drool! That's my motto, and because of it, I decree that I'll be going first!" Czar shouted, drawing his inital hand plus one card. Konami scoffed in annoyance at the boy's tone, but raised no complaint after drawing his own hand.

TURN ONE - CZAR

"I activate...two copies of Fiend Sanctuary!" Czar shouted, revealing two shiny green cards in his hand. "Now I get two Metal Fiend Tokens Special Summoned to my side of the Field, but, just like your card shop, they won't be staying around for long!"

Konami scowled at the words. "Oh yeah? And why's that if you don't mind me asking?"

"Because," Czar replied with a grin, "I'm sacrificing them to summon a new monster - specifically, my Zoa in Attack Mode!"

With a gurgly growl, the large blue fiend responsible for Alina's earlier defeat appeared in the street, bearing giant claws and a face suited for killing. It sniffed at the air curiously for several seconds before crouching downward, and then it turned its gaze toward Konami, imagining the savory taste of his flesh in its mouth.

Zoa - (DARK/Fiend) - LV7 - (2600/1900)

"Next, I'll play two face-down cards and end my Turn!" Czar finished, sliding two Duel Monsters cards into the Spell/Trap slots of his Duel Disk before smirking at Konami. "Hah! Already my side of the Field is in charge! Do you see now how slim your chances of victory are against the Czar?!"

"Slim?" Konami wondered. "Hardly. Your monster's nothing special, and I'll prove it...with this! My Turn, Draw!"

TURN TWO - KONAMI

"I'll start by playing Pot of Greed to grant me an additional two cards!" Konami said, drawing twice more before studying his hand. "Next...I'm summoning my Ancient Gear in Attack Mode!"

He placed a lone Monster Card onto his Duel Disk as he spoke, and after doing so, watched as it began to materialize before him on the Field.

Ancient Gear - (EARTH/Machine) - LV2 - (100/800)

"Hah! What's this?! It appears that some garbage has blown onto the Field!" Czar laughed. "Oh I'm sorry, that's just your monster! I hope you don't think you'll actually be able to do anything with a creature that weak?"

"Not at all," Konami said, "at least, not anything you're thinking of, but then that's why I have this - the Spell Card Double Summon! It'll let me Normal Summon another Monster this Turn, which means that I can tribute my "weak" Ancient Gear to summon...the powerful Ancient Gear Chimera!"

With a powerful howl, a three-headed machine in the guise of a mythical beast materialized around Konami's former monster, taking in its power for itself. The three-headed creature roared as its many parts finally merged into one, and it turned all of its heads toward the fiendish opponent awaiting them on Czar's side of the Field.

Ancient Gear Chimera - (EARTH/Machine) - LV6 - (2300/1300)

"Geez..." Freyja sighed from the audience. "I already knew about this and all, but even his Deck is composed of nothing but machines...it's a little worrying."

"Perhaps," Alina agreed, "but if I'm being honest, I kind of like them. They have a certain...antiquity to them, don't you think?"

"Oh, be quiet wouldja?!" Flint snapped, "I'm trying to watch!"

Back on the Dueling Field, Czar was smirking.

"Well," he said, at least that monster's better than your last one...but it still doesn't have the power to defeat my Zoa!"

"Actually, it does, because I still have one more card up my sleeve, Enemy Controller!" Konami shouted, revealing the Spell in his hands as he spoke. "With this, I can change your Zoa to Defense Position, which means that my machine...now has more than enough energy to take him down! Go Chimera! Destroy Zoa with your Mechanized Maul!"

Roaring mechanically, the metal chimera leapt across the Field in a single burst. It tore through Czar's Zoa with immense ease, prompting the monster to vanish into dust almost as if it had never been there in the first place.

"I think that'll do for now. Turn End."

Czar scowled at the almost casual way Konami spoke. It was as if the boy wasn't concerned about losing at all! It was something Czar was going to rectify, immediately.

"Guh...!" the man grunted, glaring at Konami as he did. "You may have bested my Zoa, but that doesn't mean you're any closer to victory! The Czar is still ruling this duel, and you're about to find out why in a second! Now, it's my Turn is it not? Draw!"

TURN THREE - CZAR

"First, I'll activate my Call of the Haunted Trap Card to revive my Zoa in Attack Mode!" Czar shouted, grinning as his fallen Fiend rose from the abyss to obey his commands once more.

Zoa - (DARK/Fiend) - LV7 - (2600/1900)

"But if you think the fun stops there, then you're wrong, because now I'm activating another Trap - Metalmorph, and I'll be using it on my Zoa so that I can bring out something even stronger!"

"Something stronger than his Zoa?" Flint asked in surprise. "But that monster is already so powerful!"

"Hardly. That crap monster is so outdated it's not even funny." Freyja replied. "The only thing it has going for it is Attack Points!"

"Well, it's about to get even more of them, because now I'm tributing my Metalmorphed Zoa...to bring out the mighty Metal Zoa!" Czar shouted.

The shining blue fiend roared as it was once again banished to the Graveyard, only for it to be immediately replaced with a large, mechanical version of itself. The new Zoa sparked with all the power and force of Czar's Metalmorph, yet maintained the dangerous demeanor that its organic self held. It was a powerful combination, one that threatened to overwhelm Konami completely.

Metal Zoa - (DARK/Machine) - LV8 - (3000/2300)

"Tsk...Three Thousand Attack Points huh? Guess you're not as weak as I thought." Konami grumbled. "That being said, I still won't have any trouble defeating you."

"Oh we'll see about that, because I'm far from done!" Czar shouted. "Behold, the Spell I call Monster Reborn! Now, I can use it to bring back my Zoa one more time, which means that you're not just about to be attacked by one monster...but by two instead!"

The two Zoas howled as they stood side by side, staring down Konami's Ancient Gear Chimera as if it were some kind of chewtoy. The mechanical weapon whined at its new competition, almost as if it knew that it was no match for the combined threat the two Zoas posed.

Zoa - (DARK/Fiend) - LV7 - (2600/1900)

"Now, Zoa, Metalzoa, attack!" Czar shouted with a wave of his hand. "Show this punk what it means to rebel against the Emperor! Go! Twin Devil Scissors!"

The two monsters roared obediently, and vanished before Konami's eyes. Moving with speed far beyond that of human capability, the two Zoas cleaved through Konami's machine and Life Points, forcing him to one knee as the effect of Czar's Solid Vision took its toll on his body. An explosion signalled the destruction of his Ancient Gear Chimera, and he glanced to his dwindling Life Points with a scowl.

CZAR - 4000 LP

KONAMI - 0700 LP

"Hmph...like I said, I'll still win." Konami decided after a moment, and he climbed back to his feet.

Czar smirked at the words. "Win? And here I thought you weren't entirely crazy! Not only do I have two powerful monsters on my side of the Field, but your earlier move showed that you were using Ancient Gears! It doesn't take a genius to figure out what cards are in your Deck! After all, a professor at one of the academies uses the same archetype!"

"Oh really?" Konami inquired. "I wasn't aware that just because someone uses a similar archetype meant they have the exact same cards. Just so you know, I know all about "Doctor" Vellian Crowler and his Ancient Gear Golem. That being said, don't think that just because you've had a chance to see his Deck means you've seen mine. My Deck runs an entirely different ace than his, and rest assured that it doesn't require using Spell Gears to bring it out."

"...What? You mean you don't use Ancient Gear Golem?" Czar asked, honestly surprised at the news.

Konami grinned smugly. "No, but don't worry. You're about to see my Deck's ace soon enough. Right now in fact, because in case you haven't noticed...it's my Turn! Draw!"

TURN FOUR - KONAMI

"Alright, it's time I played a Spell Card of my own, and guess what, it's one we've all seen before - Monster Reborn!" Konami revealed, showing off the miraculous ankh before sliding it into his Duel Disk. "Now," he continued, "just as you revived your regular Zoa, I can revive a monster myself! And the one I'm choosing is...my Ancient Gear Chimera!"

A stream of light erupted on the Field, announcing the return of the previously dismantled machine. It howled and whined softly at being forced to fight once more, but Konami paid it no mind, knowing it would not be staying for long.

Ancient Gear Chimera - (EARTH/Machine) - LV6 - (2300/1300)

"Next, I think we'll switch up the scenery with a Field Spell!" Konami shouted. "And this one is a little place I like to call...Geartown!"

Slapping the Field Spell onto its respective slot on the Duel Disk, Konami smirked as the bustling streets of Tropica City were replaced with a cold, industrial factory. Gears churned wildly in the sky and surrounding buildings, giving the world the appearance of a cold, mechanic heart.

Czar and his monsters all glanced around wildly at the sudden change in environment, and the self-proclaimed emperor soon glared at Konami, demanding answers.

"What is this place?!" he asked, "What have you done?!"

Konami smirked. "I've brought you to Geartown, and here, the rules are a little different than you might remember. You see, as long as Geartown is face-up on the Field, then when I'm Tribute Summoning an "Ancient Gear" monster, I can use one less Tribute than required! Of course, this is just what I need right now, because the monster I plan on summoning usually requires two Tributes. Thanks to Geartown however, I only need one, and my Chimera is more than willing to be the sacrifice!"

Without awaiting confirmation that this was truly the case, Konami returned his beastly machine to the Graveyard so that his most powerful card could take to the Field.

"Mechanical beings who carry on the ancient spirits, flock together and become one with new power! Advance Summon! Appear now! Level Eight, Ancient Gear Dragon!"

The sky gave way as Konami slammed his ace card down upon his Duel Disk. The ground and buildings surrounding them shook and trembled as a large behemoth descended from the clouds above, flapping its broken metal wings as if they were fresh out the shop. Its tail whipped about wildly in the distance, and a pair of glowing yellow eyes peered out from its head, making even Czar tremble in his boots. The mechanical being noticed this, and roared all the wilder for it.

Ancient Gear Dragon - (EARTH/Machine) - LV8 - (3000/2000)

"W-Wait...!" Czar shouted, coming to his senses upon seeing its stats. "Three Thousand Attack Points...? Hah! They're the same as my Metalzoa's! In other words, you've failed! You scared me for a second there, but so long as my Metalzoa's on the Field, you won't be able to attack without sacrificing your own monster as well!"

"Not quite, because I still have two more cards to play, and they'll show you just how much of a fool you were to accept my challenge." Konami mused. "Behold, the might of my Megamorph and Limiter Removal! With both their powers supplanting my dragon's, its strength shall rise to new and terrible heights, giving it more than enough power to wipe out not only your monsters, but your Life Points as well!"

The dragon howled as the both spells burst into being, inflicting it with a sudden urge to do something amazing. Spreading its wings anew, the mechanical dragon unleashed a mighty gust upon Geartown, nearly throwing Czar off his feet with the motion.

Ancient Gear Dragon - (EARTH/Machine) - LV8 - (120000/2000)

"I-Impossible! One Hundred and Twenty Thousand - but how?!"

"It's the effect of my Spell Cards!" Konami explained. "Megamorph doubles the attack of the equipped monster so long as my Life Points are lower than yours, and Limiter Removal doubles the attack of all Machine-Type monsters I control until the End Phase, at the expense of destroying all monsters affected by the increase as well! Unfortunately for you, with this next attack, there won't be an End Phase! Let's go, Ancient Gear Dragon! Remove this man from my ideal world! Tear him apart - Limiter Stream!"

The dragon howled as a wave of white light leapt from its jaws, engulfing Czar and the surrounding area whole. The Solid Vision overwhelmed Czar's senses upon contact, annihilating his monsters completely before sending him spiraling into the dirt, completely outclassed, and defeated.

CZAR - 0000 LP

KONAMI - 0700 LP

The crowd was silent.

No one said a word as Geartown faded from view, returning the landscape to its usual, metropolitan appearance. The onlookers stared wide-eyed as Konami lowered his Duel Disk, and the boy glared at his fallen foe, before turning his gaze to those still present in the bulldozer.

"Well?" he asked, "What are you waiting for? You want to run away, don't you?!"

The sudden raise in volume shook the boys into action, and they promptly fled the vehicle, along with several other of Czar's "supportive" fans.

"Che..." Konami grunted, sliding his Deck back inside its holster before deactivating his Duel Disk. "...cowards. At least he had the will to fight."

"Yes, yes, we're all so proud of how you stood up for the old man." Freyja said. "As if this outcome was anything but expected."

He turned his gaze to Freyja and frowned. "Well excuse me princess. What, was my duel not good enough for you?"

"Barely." Freyja decided. "But I digress, the ruckus is over and I'm still in need of my beauty sleep! So, if you don't mind, I think I'll be turning in for another hour or two!"

"Fine by me. I'll catch up with you guys later, after I make sure Flint's alright." Konami said, glancing back at the weary man climbing to his feet.

"Yes, I do believe that is the right action to take." Alina said.

"Indeed." a voice said from the shadows, accompanied by a slow, methodical series of claps. "When one intervenes in such a manner, it is only natural that they take responsibility for what follows as well."

The group all turned as one toward the voice, their eyes narrowing suspiciously at the lack of presence that accompanied it.

"Who's there?!" Konami shouted at once. "Show yourself!"

A few seconds passed, but after a moment, a tall, slim-figured man with spiky-hair emerged from the shadows, complete with a shady-looking smirk.

"Greetings," he said as he approached, "or perhaps, congratulations. It is not every day that one such as Yuri is defeated so...completely."

"Yeah well, it was nothing." Konami said.

"Oh but it wasn't." the shady man countered, smiling almost gleefully at the words. "You see, Yuri here was the top student of a highly-ranked Academy! For his rule to be undone by a commoner of all things is, well, it just screams untapped potential."

"Oh really now?" Konami's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "And what's it to you, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Far more than you know, I think." the man said. "Please, allow me to inroduce myself. My name is Ichinose Foster. I am the Chancellor of North Academy, the school of which Yuri here was supposed to attend."

Flint's eyes narrowed. "You mean to say...you're the one in charge of this overgrown delinquent? You're the one...who sent him here to take down my arcade?!"

"Yes and no I'm afraid." Foster sighed dramatically as he spoke, an action that did little to put the four at ease. "You see, while it is true that Yuri was supposed to be under my care, had I known that he had intended to use our remaining time in this city for such...sinister purposes I never would have let him leave! You simply must believe me when I say that I had no idea this would happen! I am willing to compensate you for any damages sustained of course."

"Humph. How droll." Freyja drawled. "The student makes a mistake and the school immediately comes to cover it up. Why don't you just get to the point and ask whether or not he'll sue?"

Foster blanched. "W-Well now, surely there's no need to throw around the 's' word so blatantly. This was, after all, an isolated incident. I'm sure that we could come to a favorable agreement without getting the court system involved in all this?"

"Indeed. I would rather not waste time enduring the long hours of paperwork as well." Alina said.

"That being said, it's not your choice." Konami said, surprising Alina with the words. "It's Flint's. It was his arcade being targeted after all. Whether he'll take you to court for his injuries or not...is his decision to make."

"Hmph, like I have time for a thing like that!" Flint complained. "My wounds will heal, and my arcade is still standing. I have all that I need right here."

"Y-Yes, indeed!" Foster said, sweating in relief at the old man's tone. "And to help ensure that it stays that way, I am willing to sponsor your Arcade, so to speak. After all, just because you've bested one opponent doesn't mean that another won't appear! In this day and age, people will try and do whatever it takes to throw out the old and usher in the new, so if you truly wish for your arcade to endure, then you must learn how to adapt with the times!"

"He has a point." Konami grunted. "Just because emperor boy here got beat doesn't mean whoever sent him won't try again, and there's no guarantee that we'll be there to help you next time, Flint."

"Grmmgh..." the old man glowered. "What's it gonna cost me?!"

"N-Nothing!" Foster said. "Though...I do admit that there is something I wouldn't mind trading you for..."

"Well, what is it?" Flint asked, narrowing his eyes in disgust. "Out with it!"

"I...well," Foster gulped, before rapidly turning to Konami and bowing his head profusely. "Please come to my school!"

There was a moment of silence.

"What?"

"Oh come now, you heard me say it before!" Foster complained. "It's rare that someone can beat a duelist like Yuri! To think that I'd find someone out here in the slums of some no-name city...it was simply unthinkable! I just have to take it as a sign! Besides, with Yuri beaten people will start to ask questions, and I don't think I have what it takes to answer all of them without conflict! Please, I'm begging you here! Do an old man a favor and say yes! I'll pay you! No, I'll even give you a free card, just, please don't make go back there alone!"

"Are you...are you serious right now?" Konami asked. "You have a lot of nerve, asking me to go to the school that just tried to turn my friend's place into a dump."

"As I said before, North Academy had nothing to do with this event! It was a stupid boy doing stupid things, and I assure you that he will be punished accordingly for them! So...please...!"

"I don't know..." Freyja said with a half-lidded stare. "We kind of need our gearhead here back at the store! And without him, who will I spend my evenings picking on? How do you plan on compensating me for that?"

"F-Free hair gel?" Foster tried.

"What the-?" Freyja sputtered. "Hey! Do I look like some kind of freak who has to look perfect everywhere I go?! Don't kid around!"

"B-But you have drills for hair!" Foster shouted, staggering back in fear of the girl's approach. "Drillhead!"

"Oooh that's it! I'm gonna pound him!" Freyja shouted.

"Now, now Freyja. I think that will be unnecessary. I happen to believe that this is a good opportunity for Konami." Alina said.

"S-See! Someone gets it!" Foster shouted happily.

"And so, I am willing to lend him to you for the payment of nine million DP." Alina continued. "He is worth at least that much to me after all, and he is ever so helpful around the store..."

"H-Hey...what am I? Some kind of product that can be sold?" Konami deadpanned.

"You're a duelist, Konami. So yes." Alina said.

"D-DONE!" Foster shouted. "I'll have them wired to your account immediately! Oh I do hope the Board of Directors will understand me explaining the expenses..."

"Hmph, well whatever. I could probably do with a little change of scenery anyway." Konami sighed. "And I guess I always did want to see what a dueling academy was like."

"Yeah, that's the spirit!" Freyja said with a grin. "You can send us a postcard!"

"I always wanted to attend a dueling academy. I hear that things are different there."

"Indeed. And as for a change of scenery, well, I assure you that there's no other place like it." Foster promised.

"Hmph. And you swear that you'll protect this arcade from any further attacks?" Flint asked. "That you aren't just pulling strings to get the lad to attend your fancy school?"

Foster's eyes narrowed seriously. "Yes. I swear it. On my life as headmaster, I will abide by the terms I have stated here today."

Konami closed his eyes for a moment, and then nodded. "Well, alright then." he said. "If that's really the case...then tell me, where do we go from here?"

-Need a break? Take one now.-

"...Alright, that's everything."

It was late. The lights of Commoner Street had long darkened to give way to the moon, but despite it all, several individuals were still wide awake.

"Are you sure? You've got your toothbrush don't you? And your tidy whiteys? Oh, and don't forget your panic button! Mother always told me not to leave the house without it!"

Sighing, Konami Kodo, defeater of Czar turned to his chatty companion and scowled. "I don't have a panic button, Foster. Why would I? Around here, I'm used to being the panic button."

"R-Really?" the spiky-haired chancellor of North Academy inquired, blinking wide-eyed at the revelation. "But...but how would that work? I mean, is there some area on you that they push or..."

Konami grimaced. "I meant figuratively! Jeez, are you sure you're really the headmaster of North Academy? Thus far, you haven't shown anything that actually proves your worth."

At those words, Chancellor Foster chuckled. "Oh rest assured Konami, I can hold my own with the best of them. I just prefer to leave things to the younger generation these days. It's why we have you children in the first place after all! I mean, what better use for them is there than...entertainment?"

An awkward silence suddenly hung between them.

"...you are just all kinds of weird aren't you?" Konami asked with a sigh. "I think I'm really getting in over my head here. Alina, please tell me it's not too late to reconsider!"

The older red-haired girl smiled awkwardly at Konami, but continued to count the numerous bills stuffed in her hands. "Oh, I'm ever so sorry, but once a transaction has been made there are simply no refunds allowed! I'm afraid you'll have to put up with his antics for at least the next six months."

"Wha-?! Hey, that's not what you tell our customers!" Konami complained.

"Well," Freyja moved to interject, "most of our merchandise isn't being sold to someone with Nine Million DP! Now, stop complaining and get in the car! You're burning moonlight sitting here talking to us like this!"

"...Says the one who was all but begging me to stay a few hours ago." Konami sighed. "Fine, I get it. You don't want to give all that coin back. Glad to know that money's still the only thing that's important to this family."

"We could use it." Alina shrugged. "And don't forget that you agreed to this as well. If you're having second thoughts now, remember that you have no one but yourself to blame."

"Says the woman who sold me to make a quick buck." Konami muttered distastefully. "Duelists are products Konami, you're a piece of merchandise as well Gearhead! Bah, curse you both. May Swordstalker have mercy on your greedy souls."

"Oh stop being so dramatic already!" Freyja said with a roll of her eyes. "You're going to school, not to some kind of labor camp! You should enjoy it! Besides, it's not like you won't be able to talk to us! With telecommunications as they are now, we're but a push of a button away! Erm...as long as you have a signal that is!"

"Indeed," Chancellor Foster agreed, "North Academy may be a bit out the way, but know that it, like all academies, has access to the latest state-of-the-art facilities. You will be capable of contacting your family whenever you wish, provided you maintain the privilege of doing so, that is."

Konami felt like inquiring more on just what that meant, but before he could ask, the sound of a blaring car horn set him off.

"Hey! How long are you going to take saying your goodbyes?! I'm burning fuel here!" the driver complained, earning a soft sigh from the Chancellor.

"Well, you heard the man. Say goodbye to your family Konami. It's well past time we left for sea."

"Yeah, yeah, I've got it." Konami sighed. "Alright Freyja, Alina. This is it. The next time you see me, I'll be a big bad Academy student."

Freyja smirked and folded her arms. "Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. Despite everything I say, I'm actually going to miss you a little, gearhead."

"And I you, she-devil." Konami replied immediately. He turned to Alina to await her reply.

"I wasn't expecting you to leave so suddenly." she admitted. "That being said, all men have to leave home someday...and it seems that the day has finally come for you." taking a step forward, the older woman ran her hands through Konami's hair before placing a sleek red cap on top of it with a smile. "Be strong, be wise, you have everything you need inside of you Konami. Do yourself proud, and remember that no matter what happens...the bond with your Deck is the most important one there is."

The driver blared the car horn once more, and Freyja rolled her eyes at the noise. "Oh shut up already!" she complained. "Can't you see we're trying to have a moment here?!"

The driver shrugged impatiently in his seat, and Konami took the hint.

"Alright," he told Alina, stepping back after embracing her in a hug one last time. "we're going. Freyja, stay out of my room while I'm gone, and be sure to check in on old man Flint from time to time. This is all for nothing if his store tanks after all, so I'd like for you guys to keep an eye on him, no matter how often you feel his eyes...well, studying you."

Freyja snorted at the comment, but agreed nonetheless. Alina smiled at the sight. "Be safe, would you? And please try not to break anything the day you get there? I know you like fixing machines Konami, but..."

"...I got it, don't worry. I won't do anything you wouldn't do." Konami promised. "Well, I'll try to anyway." he slid into his seat, and closed the door behind him. Leaning through the open window however, he found himself waving to the pair as the car finally began to pull away. "I'll let you guys know when we arrive! Until then...Sayonara!"

He continued waving until the two were no longer in sight, and then pulled himself back inside the vehicle.

"They're nice people, your family." Chancellor Foster said from beside him. "I almost resent myself for splitting you up."

"Don't worry about it." Konami said, turning his gaze to the front while rolling up the window. "It's not like we won't ever see each other again. Besides, shouldn't you be more focused on how you're going to explain my sudden arrival? That Yuri guy's suspension caused you a few problems right?"

"M-More than a few..." Foster said sheepishly, rubbing his hands together as he spoke. "Still, so long as there's someone to take his place I suppose I shouldn't be too worried. As long as the academy has an emperor, then I can rest easy."

"Is that so..." Konami mused, drumming his fingers along the armrest at the thought. "That reminds me, you never quite told me just what kind of school North Academy is. I mean, I know it's a Duel Academy and all, but how's it run? What are the classes like? Housing? Unlike most people, it's not exactly like I was able to go and get a tour of the place after all. You guys just kind of threw me into this."

"Hm, well when you put it that way I suppose there's no way that I couldn't tell you just kind of ant nest you're walking into." Foster said with a grin. "North Academy is...cold, so to speak. Given that the campus itself is located on one of the largest ice structures ever discovered, it's natural for temperatures to drop as low as sixty below on a windy day. Of course, the campus itself is far warmer than the rest of the island. Dry too! Why, I think I remember a student or two actually complain about the heat sometimes!"

"So the temperature is all out of whack, got it." Konami said. "And classes?"

"They're split up into years. Tell me Konami, are you familiar with Duel Academy's ranking system?" Foster asked, earning a nod from the boy.

"Of course." Konami replied. "In this day and age who isn't? I'm pretty sure everyone's at least heard about Kaiba's famous dorm system based on the Egyptian God Cards. Slifer Reds are the lowest of the low, Ra Yellows are the average duelists, and Obelisk Blue is reserved for the elite class, right? Why, does North Academy use something similar?"

"You could say that." Foster confirmed. "That being said, there are still a few differences. You see, whereas Duel Academy maintains its records based on win ratios alone, we classify based on year, allowing our rising duelists to see how they compare to those of their generation. Each class is given a rank and color that will stick with them throughout their three years at the academy. Much like Duel Academy, we base our colors off of a certain archetype of cards, but whereas their colors as sacred...our colors come from a more sinister selection." Foster paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. "Let's see...if I remember correctly, I do believe that the first years this time around where to be bestowed the title of Eraser Red. Oh, the third years are Avatar White and second years Dreadroot Green you see, not that you'll need to worry about them any time soon."

"Eraser Red, Avatar White, and Dreadroot Green huh...?" Konami asked, visualing the colors in his mind. "Not only did you base them off the Wicked God Cards, but the colors...what is this, Italy?"

"Well one of our chairmen is from Venice...but I digress." Foster said. "Each year has its own ranking system, with the best duelist being bestowed the title of "leader" amongst their year. The four duelists beneath that leader are sort of...enforcers of that leader's will, and it is ultimately up to those five duelists to decide how things will be run during their stay at the academy."

"Hmm...given how stressed you were about Czar being done in, and how he was acting..." Konami sighed. "...he was the leader of his year, wasn't he?"

Foster smiled. "I knew you were a smart one." he said, turning to gaze out the window as he spoke. "Yes. Yuri Edogawa was the leader of the Eraser Red class year. Given that you, an outsider, were the one to have beaten him, ordinarily he would have received a chance to retain his position following a challenge from one of the four emperors...given that he has been suspended however...I'm afraid that with your arrival to the Academy, you will be taking his place."

"I see, so I'll be taking the Czar's place..." Konami nodded, rubbing his chin in deep thought. He paused. "Wait, WHAT DO YOU MEAN I'LL BE TAKING HIS PLACE?!"

"Well you were the one to beat him after all." Foster explained. "And since you've accepted my offer of admission, that means the hassle that comes with outsider defeats no longer applies. As things stand, Konami Kodo, a first-year Transfer Student defeated Yuri Edogawa on his date of admission, essentially taking the throne and mantle before even stepping foot on campus. It's really quite the tale. I'm sure everyone's talking about it already back at the school!"

"Foster...!" Konami growled, grinding his teeth together angrily at the thought. "You didn't say anything about this when you asked me to sign up! I thought I'd be able to just blend in and enjoy my time there or something! You're telling me that I'm already in the spotlight?!"

"Well...yes, that's exactly what I'm saying!" Foster laughed. "But Konami, think of all the attention your family's card shop will get because of it! I mean, North Academy is the most famous duel school after Duel Academy after all. People are bound to talk about this!"

"Psh, whatever man. This just better not come back to bite me in the rear." Konami grumbled. "If it does, you'll have a lot more to worry about than explaining some expenses to your "Board of Directors" or whatever."

Foster grinned wildly at the words, and lightly clapped Konami on the back several times happily. "That's the spirit!" he exclaimed. "Now, it seems we've almost arrived! Look outside, and gaze upon the instrument of our arrival - North Academy's prized sea vessel, the Praetor!"

Gesturing outside the slowing car's windows, Foster directed Konami's eyes toward a large - no, gigantic submarine. Though it looked every bit as normal as any other submarine (save for the size of course), Konami couldn't help but feel like something was off about it...the name perhaps?

Praetor...

Konami felt his eye twitch. "Why do i feel like I should be amusing some blonde woman in red right now?"

"Hmhmhmhm...you as well?" Foster asked. "It seems most people have that reaction. Regardless, it is magnificent, no? A state-of-the-art design, completed but a year ago after draining funds from our...less than amicable school activities."

"Ho...? Taking funds away from student clubs to build a giant submarine for yourself..." Konami drawled. "Isn't there some kind of law about that?"

"I-It was for the school I swear! N-Not that I don't take it out for a spin every once and a while." Foster coughed. "Why, just the other day I..."

Disembarking as Foster began to ramble on and on about his numerous tales with the machine, Konami grabbed what things he could and began to make his way toward the nearest access hatch. Foster had followed him with several more items of course, and it took all Konami had to not berate the man for droning on about the topic. He understood, the submarine was "amazing", or whatever.

"Let's just go already." Konami sighed, sliding his way inside the submarine as Foster opened the hatch. "How long is the trip supposed to take anyway? I'd like to have at least some idea of how long I'll be stuck in here with you so I can mentally prepare myself."

"Oh, shorter than you think, I expect." Foster replied with a smile. "Foogle Maps expects the trip to only last a few days, if that! Truly, this submarine is a blessing to the inhabitants of North Academy!" he shivered as if remembering something terrible. "Oh you just don't know how lucky you are Konami! Back in my day we didn't have a submarine to get there! We had nothing but small wooden rafts, because no cruise ships would dare approach on fear of ending up like the Titanic!"

"And the submarine helps why then?" Konami inquired.

"Because where ships go through," Foster said, "this submarine goes under! No more will icebergs stand in our path! Our journey to North Academy lies straight ahead, and not even alligators will halt our approach!"

As if responding to his very words, a series of loud, blaring horns began to sound, spurring Foster into motion.

"Got everything?" he asked Konami as he blurred by, earning a nod from the boy after a single moment. "Good, because I'm closing that hatch! That sound you're hearing? It means we're about to dive!"

The subsequent lurching of the vehicle was enough to confirm that statement, and Konami grabbed onto one of the handrails beside him to stop himself from falling. Foster had done the same it seemed, and he smiled sheepishly at Konami before brushing past him again to guide him through the facility.

"It's all rather confusing," he said, "but we manage easily enough! Quarters are down the hall and to the left, and if you ever need to...ahem, "relieve" yourself, then there's a hatch across the way! You should see it sometime, they even have a peephole where you can see your..."creations"...float by!"

"That's disgusting." Konami grimaced, wrinkling his nose at the thought. "You don't have a...sewage tank or something it goes in?"

Foster smirked. "Couldn't afford it."

"And that's a lawsuit just waiting to happen." Konami sighed beneath his breath. "You might want to invest in one." he told Foster. "It'll save you the trouble of having to explain yourself to the courts later!"

Foster shrugged, not opposed to the idea, but far too focused on other things to truly care. Continuing his tour, he explained to Konami the processes and procedures of the submarine, and told him just where he was and wasn't allowed to go during his time aboard.

Contrary to what the man had said however, Konami didn't find any of the information confusing at all. Though he was a gearhead, as Freyja liked to call him, Konami wasn't stupid. He knew that submarines were well out of his area of expertise, and he was just happy to stay within his quarters for the duration of the trip. Studying the machine could come after he wasn't in danger of drowning in the event he screwed something up.

The trip itself was rather short, as Foster had said it would be. Despite that, Konami took pride in the fact that he hadn't stayed cooped up in his quarters the whole time. The crew were especially kind, perhaps due to his status as the new freshman King, and had been more than happy to answer any questions he might have had about the submarine's many components. By the time he was preparing to disembark, he was confident that he understood how the machine worked a little more, though he knew that he was nowhere near skilled enough to even think about working on one just yet. Still, the experience had been enlightening, and granted him further opportunities to study submarines in the future...if he ever decided he wanted to do such a thing.

Unfortunately, it'd have to wait. They were arriving at North Academy after all, and as a result, Konami needed to cast aside his mechanic thoughts and set his cold, iron dueling heart on fire.

Grabbing what few things he needed on his person (Foster assured him that the crew would drop the rest of his things in his room), Konami followed the man out of the submarine's exit hatch and shielded his eyes from the first blinding rays of the sun he'd seen in days.

Then the cold set in.

"Wow," he muttered, rubbing his exposed hands together softly as he followed Foster out into the frozen wastes, "you really weren't joking around. This place is freezing!"

"Yes," Foster agreed, shivering in his boots as he continued to march step by step, "but don't worry. It's warmer once you get inside the school gates! The floors are heated, the buildings are heated...we're working on producing artifical air as well but...well, our weather machine's down right now!"

"You have a weather machine?" Konami asked in surprise.

"Yes, yes we do." Foster smiled bitterly. "Not that the blasted thing works mind you. Some day I suppose. You're a mechanic, right? Maybe you'd like to take a look at it!"

"...eh, my gears are more tuned for cars...but I'll see what I can do." Konami said. He turned his head forward, and gazed upon the large, stony gates coming into view. "Is that it then? The entrance to your esteemed academy?"

"Yes." Foster replied. "North Academy! You'll be there soon Konami...to sit upon the frozen throne of kings!"

"Uh...great." Konami said dryly. "But if I'm honest, I'm just happy to be getting out of this cold weather! Any longer, and I might catch a cold! Not that I've ever had one, mind you."

Foster ignored him, but not out of spite or jealously. They had arrived.

Spreading his arms wide like some kind of pastor, Chancellor Foster raised his head to the sky and allowed the light of the gate to wash over him. "Greetings, North Academy!" he shouted, his voice far louder than Konami figured a man like him could produce. "I have returned!"

For a moment, there was silence. After the silence however, came a groan. The gears along both sides of the stone gates began to churn, and as they did, so too did the gates themselves begin to move, granting entry to the two young men who stood before it.

"Is coming here always going to be so dramatic?" Konami asked as they passed through the gate.

Foster simply chuckled in reply. "Oh yes. The sight of those gates opening to the chosen duelists...ah, it's a sight that never gets old!"

"-We say that the same could be said for your hair, Chancellor." a young voice said from in front of them, and a sandy-haired teen Konami's height appeared, extending his hand toward the pair. "Welcome back, Foster. I take it this is the new student we've all heard so much about?"

"Ah, Enzo." Foster said, meeting the boy's hand with a firm shake. "It's good to see you. I trust everything's been well in my absence?"

The boy sighed, retrieving his hand only to scratch it through his hair at the thought. "As well as it could be, what with Yuri gone and all. To think he'd be taken out so blatantly like that...you must have quite some skill."

The words were said to a silent Konami, who simply nodded at the words. "Maybe...or he just wasn't good as you all make him out to be."

"Right?" Enzo agreed, though the smile on his face seemed remarkably fake.

"Oh yes! I didn't introduce you two yet, did I?" Foster asked, turning between the two quickly. "Konami, this is Enzo Mitagawa! He's one of the Four Emperors of your Freshman class."

"Four Emperors?" Konami inquired, recalling what little Foster had told him about them. They were those who stood directly beneath the King...acting as his enforcers, or aggressors, depending on their mood. "I see. In other words...you're one of the stronger duelists here at the Academy."

Enzo's fake smile turned into a sheepish one, and he scratched the back of his head once more. "Oh, well...I don't know about all that! The upperclassmen are all pretty powerful themselves you know, and as far as the first-year Emperors go..." a depressing aura suddenly overtook him, and he fell to all fours and drooped his head. "...I'm undeniably the weakest!"

Foster laughed. "I take it that it was at their urging that you're the one meeting us out here today then?"

"Yeah," Enzo sighed, climbing back to his feet as he spoke. "that damn Tasha couldn't be bothered, and ojou-san is still overseas doing...whatever it is she's doing."

"What about the last Emperor?" Konami couldn't help but ask. "You only mentioned two others, there's four total, right?"

"Well, yeah...but regarding the last guy..." Enzo trailed off and averted his gaze, as if frightened of something. "...well, let's just say that we don't talk about him."

Konami smiled dryly. "Fair enough." he said. "I'm sure I'll have time to get acquainted with you all regardless, seeing how Foster here expects me to rule over you all with an iron fist."

"N-Now I never said iron!" Foster complained, staggering away from the two whilst shaking his hands wildly in front of him. "In fact, I don't think I mentioned a fist at any time either!"

Enzo couldn't help himself. He chuckled. "Wow, I knew the guy who beat Yuri had to be some kind of special but this...this is just too much! You may have gotten past Yuri without a scratch and all, but don't think you can treat us Emperors the same way pal. It was only a matter of time before one of us took him out anyway, but now that you've done it for us, all that's left is for us to deal with you."

"Ho...? Is that a challenge then?" Konami wondered, raising a brow at the thought. "If it is, I'll let you know that I'm free for a duel whenever. Are there any regulations or rules that I need to know about before throwing down around here?"

"Regulations? Rules? Ha! You hear this guy Foster?" Enzo laughed, shaking his head at the mere thought. "Newsflash kid, you are the king right now, no matter how temporary your position lasts. Right now, you make the rules."

"Oh really?" Konami blinked. "In that case, let me go ahead and make my first decree!" he swept his hand out into the open, as if issuing a warrant from a grand ruler himself. "As long as I am King of this academy...all women's baths are to remain co-ed!"

A strange, amicable silence fell over the school.

"UUUUWOOOOOAGGGH!"

Suddenly, all of the academy began to shake, and freshmen males of all sizes poured out of the woodwork to express their love for the new rule. Even Enzo had been thrown back from a torrent of blood that spewed his nose, his mouth uttering several female names happily.

Konami smirked and folded his arms.

"Just kidding. I'm not a pervert."

And just like that, their cheers turned to outrage.

"G-Gwough! No way..." Enzo sputtered, his face red with embarrassment as he wiped the blood from his nose. "...to think you'd trick us like that, what kind of cruel king are you?! There's no way I can let this stand!"

"Hah?" Konami asked, squinting his eyes at Enzo in disbelief. "What, don't tell me you really thought I'd let you guys perv on our female classmates? What kind of creep do you take me for?!"

"The kind that shoots holes through every lively young man's dream!" Enzo declared, pressing his hand to his heart as he spoke. "The thought of seeing those maidens...so fresh...so pure...! To think that I might actually be able to grasp one of those supple but sweet-! No, mere words are not enough to describe this feeling! It demands vengeance...it demands retribution, and I, Enzo Mitagawa, demand a duel!"

"Classy speech." Konami replied, and he activated his Duel Disk. "Well, let's get this over with. I still need to unpack."

-DUEL-

ENZO - 4000 LP

KONAMI - 4000 LP

"This blood of mine is boiling with an awesome power!" Enzo declared. "Enduring all, its fierce flow tells me to grasp victory! So you know, I think I will! And what better way to do that is there...than by going first?! My Turn! Draw!"

TURN ONE - ENZO

Glancing at the six cards clasped tightly in his hand, Enzo wasted no time in beginning his move. Quickly reaching for one of the cards, he raised his hand wildly before slamming it down upon his Duel Disk. A golden light erupted in the space between himself and Konami at the motion, and a large, grotesque-looking creature doused in purple shimmered into view, as if emerging from an illusive mirage. Raising its large claws the purple being howled, and the grounds of North Academy shuddered in response.

"Hehe," Enzo grinned, rubbing his nose while gazing upon his monster. "So, how does he look? The Grave Ohja I summoned in Attack Position?"

Konami narrowed his eyes and glanced at the thing.

Grave Ohja - (EARTH/Rock) - LV4 - (1600/1500)

"Breakable." he replied after a moment. "And I'll prove it right now! It's my move! Draw!"

TURN TWO - KONAMI

Konami glanced at his own hand of six cards after drawing, and didn't think twice about reaching for a monster card. Enzo's monster was not the strongest his machines had ever faced after all, and Konami had just the monster to prove it!

"I summon my Ancient Gear Knight in Attack Mode!" he shouted, placing the Gemini Monster's card onto his Duel Disk before watching a hologram of the forgotten warrior rise before him. Armed with a mechanical lance and a sturdy iron shield, the knight creaked and groaned before facing its future opponent valiantly, as if preparing for its eventual defeat.

Ancient Gear Knight - (EARTH/Machine/Gemini) - LV4 - (1800/500)

"Now," Konami continued, "go, Ancient Gear Knight! Smash that overgrown rock in two! Mechanized Melee!"

Nodding its old, creaky head once, the old machine heard and obeyed. Scurrying into action, it charged across the Field lance raised, and pierced its way through Enzo's lone monster with a mighty blow. Grave Ohja sputtered and twitched as the machine's lance tore its way through its abdomen, and several seconds had passed, it exploded into a thousand pieces, prompting Enzo to shield his eyes from the blast.

ENZO - 3800 LP

KONAMI - 4000 LP

"Tsk...! Not bad," Enzo drawled, lowering his raised arm to regard his opponent cautiously, "but you'll have to do better than that if you want to bring the raging earth to a screeching halt!"

"Oh yeah?" Konami inquired. "Well then how about this?! I'll lay one card face-down and end my Turn!"

Enzo sighed. "How meager, and here I was hoping you'd bust out some kind of complicated move or something! Oh well, I guess beggars can't be choosers, and right now, I'm definitely begging. Begging for a better opponent that is! Now, it's my Turn! Huzzah!"

TURN THREE - ENZO

"I'll start by placing a monster face-down in Defense Position!" the boy began, smirking as the familiar brown and black cover of a Duel Monsters card appeared on his side of the Field. "Of course, there's no way I'll stop there, not when I still have to repay you for that earlier attack! Luckily for me, I have a good idea on how to get some revenge for that little trick - an idea known as the mighty Gigantes, who'll be joining us in Attack Mode!"

No sooner did the boy finish speaking did a large, armored ogre sprout from the ground, wielding what appeared to be a broken tree trunk as a weapon. Roaring angrily as it took to the scene, the creature dubbed Gigantes pounded its chest before turning to face the much smaller Ancient Gear Knight. It grinned.

Gigantes - (EARTH/Rock) - LV4 - (1900/1300)

"What the-? Hang on a moment there!" Konami shouted. "You just set a monster! You can't summon another to the Field after doing that!"

"Wrong pal," Enzo replied, "you see, I can't Normal Summon a monster to the Field after doing that, but Gigantes here can't be Normal Summoned see? He can only be Special Summoned, by removing one EARTH-type monster in my Graveyard from play."

"An EARTH-type monster?" Konami grimaced. "Like your Grave Ohja!"

"That's right!" Enzo said with a grin. "So you see, it's really thanks to you that he's able to be out here in the first place! And ya know, I have a good feeling that he's wanting to thank you for letting that happen! So go on Gigantes! Show this guy what you've got! Attack the Ancient Gear Knight with that bangin' tree of yours! Giganto Gloom!"

The oversized monster howled at the command. Swinging its weaponized tree trunk like a baseball bat, it tore into the side of Konami's machine and sent it flying into the sky where it promptly exploded. Shards of the Ancient Gear Knight's broken remains rained down upon the Field seconds later, forcing Konami to grimace in distaste as his Life Points fell.

ENZO - 3800 LP

KONAMI - 3900 LP

"I think I'll go ahead and end my Turn there. I don't wanna make things too hard for ya after all!" Enzo smirked.

"Oh believe me, you might want to kick things up a notch or two if you want to try and keep up with me!" Konami countered. "But since you went ahead and ended your Turn and all...I'll draw!"

TURN FOUR - KONAMI

"And what do you know?" he asked a second later, glancing at the drawn card as he spoke. "It's just what I needed, another monster! Please, give a warm welcome to my Ancient Gear Soldier!"

Several cranking gears merged together to become a single united being, and Konami grinned at the sight, recognizing it as one of the more well-known Ancient Gear Monsters. Bearing a single gun, the soldier raised its head to lock eyes with Gigantes, and responded to the behemoth's roar with a mechanized shout of its own.

Ancient Gear Soldier - (EARTH/Machine) - LV4 - (1300/1300)

Enzo blinked in surprise. "Uh, hate to break it to ya, but that monster there doesn't have the stones to go up against my Gigantes! Ya dun' goofed pal!"

"Oh really? I don't think so." Konami replied, earning a confused look from Enzo in response. "Then again, unlike you, I happen to know what my face-down card is! A game-changer, one that happens to go by the name of Solidarity!"

He flipped his face-down upward as he spoke, revealing the prized artwork of the "Ojama" brothers holding hands.

"When this card is face-up on the Field while I only have one Type of monster in my Graveyard, all monsters I control of the same Type gain Eight-Hundred Attack Points! So, tell me Enzo, still think my monster doesn't have the "stones" to go up against your giant?"

The sandy-haired teen merely grimaced in reply, turning bitterly toward his Duel Disk to regard the change in Konami's monster.

Ancient Gear Soldier - (EARTH/Machine) - LV4 - (2100/1300)

"Now, attack!"

Not needed to be told twice, the enhanced machine raised its gun and unloaded a flurry of bullets upon Gigantes, prompting the monster to scream and howl in pain and fear. The tree trunk in its hand fell to the ground as it attempted to protect itself, but the motion was to no avail. Several more bullets pierced through the giant's skin, and the behemoth fell back, unable to pay the cost of living any further.

ENZO - 3600 LP

KONAMI - 3900 LP

Konami had taken the upperhand once more. Despite that however, Enzo couldn't help but grin at the scene...a grin that was explained seconds later.

SMASH!

"What...?" Konami breathed, his eyes widening as he watched his lone Spell Card sudden shatter into dust. "My Solidarity...! What have you done to it?!"

"Not me," Enzo explained. "Gigantes! See, when he goes down he goes down kicking and screaming! In other words, if he's done in by another monster's attack, he makes sure to take all your Spell and Trap Cards with him! Sure, it puts me down another monster...but now you can't rely on that Solidarity card of yours anymore, and it's about to get even worse for ya, because it's my move!"

TURN FIVE - ENZO

"Wondering what I meant by that?" Enzo asked. "Well, allow me to show you! It's time for a Flip Summon...and the monster I'm flipping is...Medusa Worm!"

A large, toothy insectoid burst from beneath the card hologram at the words, and quickly began circling around the Field in search of prey. Konami staggered backward at the sight of it, if only due to its repulsive appearance.

Medusa Worm - (EARTH/Rock) - LV2 - (500/600)

"Five-Hundred Attack Points?" Konami wondered. "I hate to throw your own words back at you but...even without Solidarity, my Ancient Gear Soldier still has more Attack Points than your monster!"

"True," Enzo agreed, "but Medusa Worm has a special ability! Whenever it's Flip Summoned, I can automatically destroy one of your monsters. In other words, it doesn't matter how many Attack Points your Soldier has. It'll still fall prey to my worm's teeth! Now, go on Medusa Worm! Piledrive that thing back into the history books! Rockslide Rage!"

A shrill screech filled the air as the giant worm obeyed, and in seconds the ground surrounding Konami's monster had caved in, leaving the machine stranded as the worm came in for the final assault. A loud, dust-filled explosion swept through the area as the Medusa finally struck, and Konami shielded his eyes from the wave, knowing that things had just become that much more difficult for him.

"And it's about to get even more difficult!" Enzo said right then, as if he had read the boy's mind. "Because now I'm tributing my Medusa Worm to bring out something even more powerful - a monster born from a time when even your gears were nothing more than ideas on a page - the mighty Hieracosphinx, in Attack Mode!"

A golden light descended from the skies as a beast with the body of a lion and head of an eagle flew into view. Landing gracefully, it stared upon the Field with a regal poise, and snapped its head toward Konami as if understanding the situation.

Hieracosphinx - (EARTH/Rock) - LV6 - (2400/1200)

"Guh..!" Konami grimaced, taking a step back at the monster's stats. "Twenty-Four Hundred Attack...!"

"Alright!" Enzo cheered, clenching his fist tightly as he spoke. "My patience has paid off! It's finally time for a Direct Attack! Go on, Hieracosphix! Do you thing with Eagle Wing!"

Cawing violently, the powerful beast rose up on its hind legs and began to flap its powerful wings rapidly. Golden light seemed to flood forth from its being with each movement, and Konami could feel the life being drained out of him as the seconds droned by.

ENZO - 3600 LP

KONAMI - 1500 LP

Shit...! Konami thought, shielding his eyes as the light finally began to die down. That was too much damage at once! I need to recover...

"Ha!" Enzo's shout broke him from his thoughts. "Looks like Yuri's conquerer isn't so tough after all! Whaddaya say boys?" the sandy-haired teen asked their audience. "After I'm done wiping the floor with him here, should I go ahead and reinstate his first and only decree?"

"YES!"

"FUCK YEAH!"

"Heh," Enzo chuckled, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he did. "Alright then! After I'm King, it'll be co-ed baths for life!"

"Hmhmhm...seems like they're getting a bit rowdy." Chancellor Foster said to Konami. "Don't tell me you actually intend for it to end this way?"

Konami scoffed at the thought. "Don't be ridiculous. My engine hasn't run out of fuel just yet. I still have plenty of power in me, and I'll use every drop of it to turn this thing around!"

Foster smiled. "That's the spirit! I'd hate having to explain to parents why their daughters are getting hit on in the baths, so if you could wrap this up before they get out of hand any further..."

"Yeah, yeah. Just sit over there and watch. This duel...will end with my win!" Konami declared. "Draw!"

TURN SIX - KONAMI

"I'll start by placing one card face-down on the Field!" Konami shouted, watching as the card hologram appeared on the Field before him. "Next...I'll perform a monster summon! Ancient Gear Cannon, appear before me now!"

Several small gears materialized seconds later on the Field, each and every one of them attached to a pair of small turrets. The guns spun wildly as if being calibrated, before finally setting on facing Enzo directly, ignoring his larger monster completely.

Ancient Gear Cannon - (EARTH/Machine) - LV2 - (500/500)

"Huh? You summoned it in Attack Mode?" Enzo asked, his eyes widening in surprise. "But why-"

"-because, now I'm going to tribute it to give you a few more things to think about! Let's go, Ancient Gear Cannon! Pave the way with a direct hit! Cannon Ball!"

Each of the weapon's turrets fired a series of weak bursts towards Enzo, prompting the boy to raise his Duel Disk to shield himself. His winced as if feeling the Solid Vision for real, and staggered backwards in mock pain before glancing at his Life Points.

ENZO - 3100 LP

KONAMI - 1500 LP

The Ancient Gear Cannon fell apart seconds later, it's attack only good for one burst. Enzo chuckled at the sight.

"You know, I think I've finally figured you out." he said, drawing Konami's curious gaze. "You're a freak! A loon! I mean, you had the perfect opportunity there to defend yourself, but instead you decided to sacrifice your monster just to inflict me with a few measley points of damage!" Enzo paused to sigh. "Man, and here I thought you might've actually been a challenge. Ah well, if that's the way you wanna play it then fine! I'll hurry up and make this quick!"

He drew a card.

TURN SEVEN - ENZO

"Alright Hieracosphinx, let's wrap this up!" he shouted next, pointing toward Konami for the finale. "Hit him one more time with that Eagle Wing of yours! From this day on, it's Enzo's time to shine!"

"Sorry to rain on your parade, but I'm still busy shining over here!" Konami countered, flipping a card face-up. "Witness...the power of my Magic Cylinder! It'll take in the power of your monster's attack, redirecting it so that it is not I who will be taking the damage...but you!"

Enzo's eyes widened at the declaration, and he glanced up from his Duel Disk just in time to see a powerful wave of light wash over his form. He smashed his eyes shut at the sight, and raised his arms to shield himself despite knowing that it wouldn't do anything. The damage had been done.

ENZO - 700 LP

KONAMI - 1500 LP

"You...I underestimated you!" Enzo muttered, his eyes narrow.

"Yeah, and it's about to cost you this match!" Konami replied. "My Turn, Draw!"

TURN EIGHT - KONAMI

"I activate...Foolish Burial!" Konami shouted, revealing the Spell Card in his hand before placing it on his Duel Disk. "Now, I can search through my Deck for one monster to send to my Graveyard, and I have just the one in mind! Behold, my Ancient Gear Chimera!"

"Pft!" Enzo huffed, unimpressed by the monster's appearance. "Big whoop! Even if you bring it back with a Monster Reborn or something, it still doesn't have the Attack Points to destroy my Hieracosphinx!"

"Who said I was bringing it back?" Konami questioned, bringing a pause to Enzo's thoughts. "I intend to use my Chimera for an entirely different purpose...one you'll understand once I play this - the Spell Card Ancient Gear Factory!"

As he placed the card upon his Duel Disk, a large, mechanical device rose up behind him, complete with a casting set and bucket full of hot iron.

Konami smirked at the look crossing Enzo's face. "Confused? Allow me to explain how it works. You see, Ancient Gear Factory allows me to banish "Ancient Gear" monsters from my Graveyard whose total levels are double the amount of another "Ancient Gear" monster in my hand. Then, if the "Ancient Gear" monster I selected has a Level higher than Five, I'm allowed to Normal Summon it this Turn without a Tribute! Right now, I have the Level Four Soldier, Level Four Knight, Level Two Cannon, and Level Six Chimera in my Graveyard! By banishing them all, that gives me a total Level of Sixteen!"

"S-Sixteen?!" Enzo shouted. "But that means...that you can Normal Summon a Level Eight monster!"

"And I have just the one in mind!" Konami shouted. "The powerful Ancient Gear Dragon!"

The factory exploded as Konami's ace monster came charging through its walls, fully prepared to eliminate any and all threats its creator faced.

Ancient Gear Dragon - (EARTH/Machine) - LV8 - (3000/2000)

"It's the final act...and that means that we'll need a change of scenery to go with it! Since it's dragons we're talking about...then there's only place I can think of that would suit us!" Konami roared, reaching for the final card in his hand. "Come forth Continuous Spell - Ancient Gear Castle!"

The western cowboy-like surroundings of North Academy suddenly vanished, and in its place, a large, mechanical castle arose, surrounded by all manner of ancient weaponry. The Ancient Gear Dragon roared as it soared about the castle overhead, before perching on the building's peak and glaring at Enzo's lone monster.

Ancient Gear Dragon - (EARTH/Machine) - LV8 - (3300/2000)

"What...?! It gained even more Attack Points?!" Enzo gasped, clenching his fist at the thought.

"It's the effect of my castle." Konami explained. "While it's active, all "Ancient Gear" monsters gain Three-Hundred Attack Points. In this case...that's just enough for my dragon to wipe out the rest of your Life Points. Face it pal, your perverted paradise won't become your reality! It's time for you...to face the facts! Go, Ancient Gear Dragon! Bring down the lightning! Limiter Stream!"

The dragon roared, and the world Enzo knew was engulfed in a blazing light.

ENZO - 0000 LP

KONAMI - 1500 LP

The Field returned to its former state at the confirmation of victory, and the crowd gasped in surprise as they saw Enzo fall to his knees in defeat.

"Oooh...Ooooh...!" the boy mumbled, bowing his head and banging his fist against the ground as tears began to pool in his eyes. "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry, guys! Our co-ed paradise...I couldn't make it a dream come true!"

Slowly, the crowd around him too began to sniffle at the turn of events, and they rushed to support Enzo for his manly attempt at victory.

"It's alright, boss!" they cried as one. "We can try again next time! Our co-ed baths...! We'll build them ourselves!"

Struck by the powerful passion the group surrounding his defeated opponent seemed to have, Konami took a step back and sighed.

"So this is North Academy, huh?" he asked Foster, turning his gaze to the night sky as he spoke. He allowed a subtle silence to fall between them before reaffirming his decision. "Interesting...I suppose if it's always like this, then being at the top...wouldn't be too bad."

Foster smiled lightly in agreement, and the two turned to face the crying swarm of students, wondering just what twists and turns would await them in the future.

-Chapter End-