Yu-Gi-Oh! Circus
A/N: Some of the card mechanics may be off since I'm still kind of a newbie when it comes to the card game. Only played Duel Links with a bit of the original card game years ago, so please do say if I messed up the rules! I will be using the game's original rules with 8000 LP and a deck of 40-60 cards. Also yeah the duels are written to be long. I wanted it to seem entertaining with the banter between the duelists and making the monsters more lively, but do tell me if that is not what you all like? Just testing the waters before I start writing more chapters.
Roshambo – Another name for rock paper scissors
Yuuto yawned in boredom as he listened to Circus' leader, King, type using the organization's master computer. He ran a hand through his jet black hair and brushed a long bang away that was covering his left eye.
"King, when will you be done?"
"Patience, my Queen. It takes time to test a new function."
"I know... Has the Ringmaster called us with a mission yet?" Yuuto questioned.
"No, so we're free to do whatever we please right now. Now, can I get back to my work?"
Yuuto nodded and King made a small noise of irritation before focusing back on his task. Yuuto watched how his black rimmed glasses reflected the screen with thousands of lines. All of those variables and algorithms seemed like magic to the young adult, so King took the task of maintenance whenever Circus wasn't deployed on missions.
He looked exhausted, with dark circles apparent on his face. Yuuto was slightly worried, as the lack of sleep has taken a toll on the man, but he knows that the leader of Circus always pulled through despite the harsh circumstances. Then again, he couldn't blame him with what was happening around here.
Recently there has been an influx of newcomers to the island. It was normally a good thing to see new faces on this otherwise isolated island, however, there have been a rising number of duelists having their cards stolen. Yuuto knew that those two seemingly unconnected events are definitely related to each other in some way. But in what sort of way, he didn't know. All he could do was wait as King had suggested.
Even though it was a smart choice, it was frustrating to sit back and do nothing while this was all happening in front of his eyes. As if sensing his distress, King pressed the back of his tanned right hand on Yuuto's cheek. The warmth contrasted with his cold skin, something that the young adult took note of.
"You're eighteen. I'm not going to say you can't do something. After all, you're second in command, I trust your instincts. I was simply giving you advice just like you do for me. Also, go put on a jacket. I don't want you getting sick."
"Yes sir," Yuuto grumbled with a pout as he got up from his chair. He walked over to the clothing rack in the room and put on his olive green jacket.
"After this, why don't we have a game of chess? It has been awhile since we had a match against one another," King asked with a sly smile while placing his glasses onto the desk.
"No. You need to sleep. Also, you beat me every single time."
"...The most powerful piece in chess is the queen," King suddenly said.
Yuuto quirked an eyebrow at this, "Yes? You told me this before."
King chuckled, "A pawn is promoted into a queen in most cases... They are the most important piece at the end game when all hope is lost."
The black haired man was bewildered with his outbursts, "Are you okay? I didn't think you were this sleep deprived-"
King raised a hand, interrupting his younger subordinate from speaking further, "I'm fine. Just thinking."
"Stop working and go to sleep already. I know that you somehow always deal with it just fine, but you can't be like this for those times when we need you the most."
"Yes, mother. You're right. I suppose this should be it for the night."
"...Are you trying to sass me?" Yuuto questioned with a hint of amusement.
"Perhaps."
"Pft, that's my role. Not yours. I'm the sass queen and you're the one who is the level headed and fair king."
The other man rolled his crimson red eyes, "What, so I can't have my fun? I feel like I'm getting the short end of the stick here."
"Didn't you just say that the most powerful piece in chess was the queen?" King seemed to realize what Yuuto was pointing out because he began to laugh. "Congratulations. By your own admittance, you answered your own question. Now go home and sleep. Seriously."
King sighed, "Okay, okay. Goodnight, my Queen. I will see you back here during the evening tomorrow."
Somehow Yuuto was able to drag himself home and sleep. He never realized how tired he was yesterday, but now he can tell with how his body felt like lead. There were definitely going to be strange looks from his fellow students.
He groaned into his pillow trying to think up of some excuses if someone inquired about his health. He shouldn't have stayed with King so late last night, but he didn't want to leave the man alone. He would have overworked himself until he fell asleep at the desk again. Then again he could have asked his subordinates, Bishop or Knight for some help regarding the matter.
Yuuto glared at his school uniform sitting innocently on a chair nearby. Oh right, he has to go to school today because Sunday is over. What a joy. His most loved part of the day. He secretly hoped that the school will vanish, but of course that is unlikely. At least this was his last year, so the torture will end soon.
He got up and walked over to the bathroom. He didn't shower in the morning and opted to brush his teeth instead. The black haired man didn't bother combing his hair since it looked passable. With a quick change into his uniform he slowly descended down the stairs towards the kitchen.
He looked around the furnished apartment while grabbing a slice of bread. There wasn't anyone else living here, just him now. He smiled bitterly at the thought and pushed the front door open. It was time for a new day.
"Yuuto, you look so dead today! Are you really going to be fine?" Asked a girl with a green colored high ponytail and way too many teddy bear hair clips. The two were in the park as they need to go through it to get to school.
"Ugh. You're so loud, Sora. Or should I say... Bishop."
"W-wha?! Where did that come from? Shush! We're suppose to keep our identities a secret for our own safety! We never know if our enemies will do something if they figure it out!"
"R-right. Sorry, I'm not sure what I was thinking there."
"You stayed up with King didn't you?" Sora questioned with a glare. Yuuto was going to get one of her infamous lectures again if the feelings from his gut were telling him anything.
"Don't you dare start lecturing me. Do you really think I would listen to anything you're saying anyway?"
"Ugh. If only Knight was here. Then she would get you to listen to me. Also King. I need to yell at him too for risking your health. The nerve of that man!"
"The knight never lets her princess down. Sorry King, you'll have to deal with Sora and Knight for today," Yuuto murmured to himself while trying to wake himself up.
"But seriously. You going to be okay? I have an energy drink for gym... Though I think you need it more than I do," Sora stated as she rummaged through her bag for the drink.
"Thanks. Going to need it. Should keep me energized through the whole day," Yuuto said.
The girl laughed, "Yep. Especially when you don't drink that many energy drinks in the first place. You'll be hyper for the first hour! I kind of want to see that..."
"Too bad. We're in separate classes."
She made a pouty face, "And I hate that! I want to be in the same class as you! Not stuck in a class with no one I know..."
"We could always make new friends."
"I know, but with our association with Circus? It's better if we don't get too close with other people too much. They will-"
"Get hurt in the end," Yuuto finished for her while Sora nodded in return. She gazed pensively at the sky with a sullen look on her face. Suddenly her chocolate brown eyes widened as they both heard a child's plea for help.
"Hey, something is happening," Sora said quietly as she took Yuuto's hand and hid them in a nearby bush. There was a group of teenagers surrounding a young boy. The man, who Yuuto assumed was the leader, was holding up a card, Alexandrite Dragon.
The man laughed, "You said your name was Ryu? This card is way too good for a duelist like you!"
"S-stop! That card is precious t-to me, Sol!" The child named Ryu cried out.
"No way. I won this card fair and square!"
"No! I saw one of your goons take it from my bag while we were dueling! G-give it back please!"
Yuuto grit his teeth, "They look around our age. Ugh, this is pitiful. Well, what should we do? We have school. Even though I hate going, we'll be penalized harshly otherwise."
"Those uniforms are ours. We will meet them after school," Sora stated with a glint in her eye. "Then we'll get the boy's cards back. Simple. All we need is a little... Incentive... But I'm sure you have an idea for that, Queen? It's your specialty after all."
"Heh. You know me well, Bishop. Look out, it is time that you are punished for your misdeeds."
So, here was Yuuto in that same park with an outfit that looked like he was going to go to a masquerade. He donned a black mask with a blue feather poking out. It was to help conceal their identities apparently as King had insisted for their safety.
Yuuto sat cross legged on a bench with his visible crystal blue eye focused on the pitiful man in front of him. Bishop's plan worked well. Using a letter with the promise of rare cards, he lured his fellow classmate out. Meanwhile she would track the other members down, dueling them for the cards they took from other victims. He shook his head in disgust and inserted his deck into a slot in his duel disk.
"So, sinner, what will it be? Will you accept my challenge?" Yuuto taunted, already knowing how these type of people will respond. The man in question responded by repeating Yuuto's action with fear in his eyes. It seems like he already knows who his alter ego is as Queen of Circus. He was going to have his fun toying with his mind.
"I-I will get those cards you said in the letter right?!"
"Of course. I'm a man of my word," Yuuto replied. He took a deck out containing those very cards he promised.
Not like he was going to lose though.
"Then let's go!"
Yuuto rose from his seat and said, "I see. Let the game begin!" He followed up on his statement by pressing a button on his duel disk with the other doing the same.
"Duel!" They both shouted.
("Starting Duel: Queen vs Sol")
Queen: 8000 LP (Deck Count: 40)
Sol: 8000 LP (Deck Count: 49)
"So, should we roshambo or flip a coin to determine the turn order? I will let you choose..." Yuuto said with a grin. Sol grit his teeth and shook his head slightly. He seemed to already make the other uncomfortable, perfect.
"Flip a coin! Luck is always on my side!" Sol exclaimed.
"All right. No need to yell," Yuuto replied before taking out a small coin. "Heads or tails?"
"Heads!"
Yuuto flicked the coin into the air with his thumb. The two duelists watched as it landed on the ground with heads face-up.
"Ah hah! I told you that I am blessed by luck! I will go second!"
The young adult glared at his opponent, already annoyed by his overconfidence. These types of duelists always got on his nerves and this was no exception. The two drew five cards and Yuuto began scanning his hand for a possible strategy.
Queen's Hand: Royal Magical Library, Magical Citadel of Endymion, Book of Secret Arts x2, Card Trader
Oh, this is a bit of a pickle. But it isn't that bad of a hand. I can work with this. Yuuto thought as he began his plan.
"I set this monster facedown," Yuuto said as he placed the card on his duel disk. With nothing else to do he ended his turn.
"Hah! Is that all you've got? My turn! I draw!" The other duelist drew a card and briefly took a look at his hand before saying, "I normal summon Alexandrite Dragon in attack position!" (Level 4 / ATK: 2000 / DEF: 100) A dragon with scales that were lined with jewels appeared with a loud roar.
Ah, the card that he stole from Ryu... Already using it? What a miserable man who holds no remorse for such a thing.
"I set two cards facedown in the trap zone."
"Battle! Alexandrite Dragon attacks your facedown monster!"
Alexandrite Dragon (ATK: 2000) vs Royal Magical Library (DEF: 2000)
Nothing happened.
Sol grunted, "Hmph. I end my turn." (Sol's Hand: 2 cards)
Yuuto blinked somewhat amused, "It seems your luck is beginning to run out. The game only begins from here. I draw."
Queen's Hand: Magical Citadel of Endymion, Book of Secret Arts x2, Card Trader, Magical Undertaker
"I activate a field spell, Magical Citadel of Endymion. Royal Magical Library receives a spell counter."
The field on Yuuto's side altered into a city surrounded by trees. Magical energy coursed through the area with rings of red letters from an unknown language pulsing from the citadel in the plaza. Yuuto stood on top of a house's roof, gazing down at his opponent.
"...Heh. Impressive, huh?"
"What? Isn't that one of the most useless field spells ever? Haha! You talk big for someone with a bad deck!" Sol taunted, but Yuuto only smiled wickedly in return.
"All cards have a use. You just need to know how to use them. Of course that is, unless you made a deck without much knowledge for coherence... Or are stupid for thinking that stealing will make a great deck. You really must not have that much confidence in your own dueling abilities if you're stealing others' cards..."
"What was that you punk?!"
Yuuto only laughed in return, "What you think it means, obviously."
"You will pay for that!"
"Sure. Now, are you going to let me continue my turn or do you have a kink with someone berating you?"
Sol clenched his fists with his face scrunched in anger. Yuuto's lips curved into a small smirk and he began his next move.
"I activate a spell card, Card Trader. In each standby phase, I can shuffle 1 card from my hand into my deck in exchange for drawing one card. Magical Citadel of Endymion and Royal Magical Library receive a spell counter each."
A strong pulse of energy resonated from the citadel. One of the buildings began to float with all that energy. It seems that with every spell counter, a building will float.
"My spell card, Card Trader activates. I choose to send this card, Magical Undertaker, into my deck and shuffle. I draw a card."
Queen's Hand: Book of Secret Arts x2, Crusader of Endymion
Perfect. Just what I needed. I will need to wait until the next turn to really use its effects though.
"I normal summon the Crusader of Endymion in attack position." (Level 4 / ATK: 1900 / DEF: 1200)
"Pft, your monster doesn't stand a chance against my monster with 2000 attack!"
"Oh, really?"
"Huh?"
"I activate the spell card, Book of Secret Arts. This card will boost a spellcaster monster's attack and defense by 300 points. With this card, my monster's attack is boosted to 2200-"
"Hold it! I activate De-spell from my trap zone! You spell card is destroyed!" And with that the card was sent to the graveyard. Not a problem though.
Yuuto smirked, "A minor setback. I activate the spell card, Book of Secret Arts again. With this card, Crusader of Endymion's attack is boosted to 2200 and defense to 1500. Magical Citadel of Endymion and Royal Magical Library receive a spell counter each."
"What?! You had another?!"
"Next, my monster's effect activates. Removing three spell counters from the Royal Magical Library, I can draw one card."
Queen's Hand: Magician's circle
"I set this card facedown," Yuuto said. He really needed to be careful with how fast he was going through his cards. Perhaps it was time to build a new deck, but right now there was a battle to complete. "Battle. Crusader of Endymion attacks your Alexandrite Dragon. Cut through the darkness, the chosen protector and sword of Endymion!"
Crusader of Endymion (ATK: 2200) vs Alexandrite Dragon (ATK: 2000)
The Crusader's sword had trouble cutting through the jewels, but with mental encouragement from Yuuto he succeeded. The sword sliced through layers of scales, resulting in a mortified cry from the dissipating dragon. The Crusader raised his sword in a triumphant pose to celebrate his victory.
Sol: 7800 LP
"Gah! Urgh... You're not as bad as I thought," the other man shook his head and laughed. "But this duel will turn around! Just you watch!"
"My turn is over. It's your move."
"I draw!" Sol's face instantly turned into a grimace.
"What's wrong? Didn't get a "good" card?" Yuuto mocked in an effort to have an idea of what his opponent's current situation was like.
"S-shut up! I-I got something great!"
Bingo. Judging from his reaction it was probably a spell or a trap card. Perhaps even a low stat monster. His self proclaimed luck has truly gone sour.
"So, what will you do now?"
"I set this monster facedown. And... I end my turn." (Sol's Hand: 2)
"I see. Then, it's my turn."
Turn Two End