Chapter 2: Make or Break

"Shall we begin?" Brandon asked politely, as the two faced off against each other.

"I'll go first," Michael decided, drawing to start off his opening turn. "I'll begin by summoning Valkyrie Hrist to the field!" A beautiful blonde woman, clad in shining white armour which seemed to glow with a positive energy, mounted her trust grey steed for battle, holding her sword aloft in the air. The few students watching let out quiet gasps of awe at the sight of it, and began talking amongst themselves, shooting intrigued looks of wonder at the scene in front of them.

Valkyrie Hrist
4 Stars
Light/Fairy/1800ATK/0DEF
When this monster attacks an opponent's monster in Defence position with DEF lower then this cards ATK, inflict the difference to your opponent as damage.

"Next, I'll place a card face down, and that's my turn over," He declared. Brandon inclined his head in acknowledgement as he drew to begin his counterattack.

"I'll begin by activating the field spell known as Pandemonium!" A demonic graveyard formed from human bones surrounded the playing field, an eerie mist obscuring their view.

"Now I've set the scene for our match, I'll call to the field Jackal Archfiend, and activate its ability. Since I have Pandemonium active, I could summon it, and by sending it to the Graveyard, it can then recruit one of its allies from the deck, such as my Terrorking Archfiend!" (300ATK/1000DEF, 2000ATK/1400DEF)

A grotesque hunchbacked goblin, naked and bearing its fangs with a head like a jackal's, sank to the ground, where a horrific crunching noise could be heard from the graveyard as it's bones where shattered. Moments later, a larger, more threatening looking goblin climbed out, clad in jagged, crude black armour.

Jackal Archfiend

3 Stars

300ATK/1000DEF

This monster cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. Can only be Special Summoned while there is a face up "Pandemonium" on the field. By sending this card from the field to the Graveyard as a tribute, you may Special Summon 1 Archfiend monster with 2000ATK or less from your Deck. If this card in the Graveyard is removed from play by a Spell, Trap or Monster Effect, draw 1 card.

"Now, Terrorking Archfiend, attack his Valkyrie Hrist!" Brandon commanded, pointing his hand forward at Michael. Instantly, his monster charged headlong at the Valkyrie, brandishing its twin swords, which were dripping with blood. The sultry maiden glanced back without fear for a second, before a shining blue barrier sprang up in front of her, blocking the fiend's attack. Michael smirked as the attack was repelled.

"Not quite, Brandon. I activate my face down Aegis Shield, which protects a Valkyrie I control from being destroyed in battle once per turn. Of course, I'll still take the damage," Michael added, as he braced himself against the hit. (Michael's LP: 3900).

Aegis Shield

Continuous Trap

Once per turn, if a Valkyrie monster you control would be destroyed as a result of battle, it is not destroyed.

"Not bad," Brandon mused, placing a card face down. "I end my turn with this. Let's see how you deal with it!"

"With pleasure," Michael replied, preparing for his next turn. Not bad at all.

"I summon Valkyrie Nouva onto the field!" An identical woman, though this time clad in radiant blue armour, mounted her steed beside her comrade. (1700ATK/200DEF)

Valkyrie Nouva

4 star

Light/Fairy/1300ATK/1200DEF/Increase the ATK of this card by 200 points for every "Valkyrie" on the field.

"Neither will remain for too long though, for now I'll return both monsters to the hand in order to summon Randgrid, Shield Truce of Valhalla!" A beacon of light shone down upon the field as the two horse backed warriors rose into the air, vanishing before the eyes of the room. Moments later, another emerged, this time upon a great winged black horse, its eyes burning with fire as it crashed upon the ground. (2400ATK/1400DEF)

Randgrid, Shield Truce of Valhalla

7 Stars

Light/Fairy/Fusion/2400ATK/1200DEF

1 "Valkyrie Hrist" and 1 "Valkyrie" monster

You can Special Summon this card from your Extra Deck by returning the above monsters on your side of the field to your hand. (You do not use Polymerization). Once per turn, when this monster attacks an opponent's monster, you may reduce the ATK of 1 monster on the field by the DEF of this card until the End Phase.

Brandon nodded thoughtfully, realising Michael's intentions. "I know exactly what you're planning now. Go for it".

"You got it; now I'll activate Ride of the Valkyries, which summons to the field all Valkyrie monsters I have in my hand, which of course are Nouva and Hrist! Of course, they return to the deck at the end of my turn, but I plan to defeat you long before that!"

Ride of the Valkyries

Normal Spell

Special Summon as many "Valkyrie" monsters in your hand as possible to your side of the field. During the End Phase, return all monsters summoned by this effect to the Deck, and shuffle.

A chill rushed through the room, causing the students watching to shudder as the wind carried to the end of the arena. Brandon's expression remained impassive at the three united Valkyries facing him down, heavily outnumbering his lone monster.

"Of course, with three Valkyries on my field, Nouva's attack goes up to 1900. Now, Randgrid, attack his Terrorking Archfiend!" Michael ordered. With a terrifying neighing which pierced the ears of those who heard it, the horse galloped towards the fiend. In one massive swipe, the female champion hacked clean through her opponent. Michael's eyes gleamed for a moment in triumph before reverting to surprise as Brandon appeared unaffected. Through the dust of the attack, a spiked wall had closed around Brandon, protecting him from harm.

"Nice try Michael, but did you honestly believe you had me beaten? Thanks to Archfiend's Curse, my Life Points remain safe, and all I had to do was remove an Archfiend monster in my Graveyard from play. But, for you it gets worse," Brandon added. Over his words, a fissure opened in the ground, and a familiar fiend began to crawl out of it, prepared to fight once more. "First of all, when Jackal Archfiend is removed from the game while it's in the Graveyard, I can draw one card. Second, since my Terrorking Archfiend is destroyed, not only do I get to add a lower levelled Archfiend from my deck to my hand thanks to the power of Pandemonium, but by discarding Desrook Archfiend from my hand, I can simply revive it back onto the field!" (2000ATK).

Archfiend's Curse

Continuous Trap

Activate this when an opponent's monster attacks. By removing from play 1 "Archfiend" monster in your Graveyard, reduce all damage to your Life Points to 0.

Michael nodded, slightly disgruntled by the efficiency of Brandon's counter, but impressed all the same. "True, that did stop me from attacking to finish you off. Now, to make sure I get the best use out of my Valkyries, I'll remove from play Hrist and Nouva from play to summon Skogul, Messenger of Valhalla to the field!" (2200ATK/1000DEF)

Skogul, Messenger of Valhalla
7 Stars
Dark/Fairy/2200ATK/1000DEF
1 "Valkyrie" monster and 1 LIGHT "Valkyrie" monster
This monster may be Special Summoned by removing the above monsters on your side of the field from play (you don't use Polymerization). This monster cannot be destroyed by the effect of Spell cards.

"I end my turn with a face down," Michael finished. Having drawn due to the ability of his card, Brandon wordlessly drew again to begin his next turn. Behind him, the doors into the theatre opened as James and another fellow student walked through, standing by the doors watching the match. The taller of the two, wild looking and muscular with a shaggy, unwieldy mane of brown and blonde hair gave Michael the double thumbs up, dressed in a ripped, short sleeved shirt and a pair of black gym shorts. They stood quietly, watching their friend's match.

"To start off, I'll activate Archfiend's Gift, which for the cost of sending two of my fiendish friends from my hand to the Graveyard, I can then draw two cards from my deck". Taking a minute to decide which monsters to discard, Brandon finally decided, drawing two more cards from his Duel Disk.

Archfiend's Gift

Normal Spell

Discard 2 "Archfiend" monsters to draw 2 cards.

"Now, I'll summon Paladinrook Archfiend to the field!" (1800ATK/1500DEF)

Paladinrook Archfiend
4 Star
Dark/Fiend/1800ATK/1500DEF/This card's name is treated as "Pandemonium". Once per turn, you may increase the ATK of one monster on the field by 500 points until the End Phase. If one or more "Archfiend" monsters on your side of the field are affected by a Spell, Trap or Monster effect, you may discard 1 Archfiend monster from your hand to the Graveyard to negate the effect of that card and destroy it.

"With my front line bolstered, I can finally activate what will become your demise, the Equip spell Kingship". A blackened royal mace, dripping with blood from its victims bathed in the pain of combat, materialized in the air for a moment, gleaming before falling into the hands of the new demon which took up arms on Brandon's field; both glared down towards Michael's Valkyries.

"This powerful spell not only increases the attack strength of my Paladin by 700 points, it comes with a devastating effect. By sacrificing an Archfiend to the mace, its magic can then destroy up to two monsters you control and a face up card on your side on the field. So, say goodbye to Aegis Shield and your two Valkyries!"

Kingship

Equip Spell

Equip only to a face up "Archfiend" monster you control. Increase the ATK of that monster by 700 points. Once per turn, if there is a face up "Pandemonium" on the field, you may activate this effect: By offering 1 other "Archfiend" monster you control as a tribute, select up to 3 face up cards your opponent controls and destroy them.

With a growl of anguish, the sub-ordinate was suddenly sucked into the mace, which had begun to emit a ghastly green aura. It continued to vibrate and shake with fearsome force, creating a shrill shockwave which covered the entire theatre, forcing all those present to clamp their hands over their ears to block out the droning noise, as the shockwave blast smashed into Michael's field, destroying his face up barrier which was protecting his warriors, alongside the larger of his soldiers. However, Skogul had shielded herself and her winged white house from the blast, and remained unscathed.

"What?" Brandon's eyebrows raised in surprise at this turnaround. "Your Skogul survived".

"It can't be destroyed by Spell cards, so your Kingship was worthless against it," Michael explained. Still didn't stop him from blowing my field wide open though. I have to stop him getting anymore of advantage.

"Your Skogul may have escaped the power of Kingship, but it's still no match for my Paladinrook Archfiend. Not only is it powered up by Kingship, but I can also power it up to 3000 attack thanks to its ability. Now, my Paladin, attack and wipe his last line of defence!"

Clutching its new weapon, the armoured fiend opened its jaws, letting out a cackle of bloodlust and charged at its adversary. However, Michael smirked; this was what he was counting on.

"I reveal my trap card, Nordic Reincarnation. This trap can activate when a Valkyrie on my side of the field is attacked. Now, by removing it from play, I can summon to the field the spirit of the Norse whom die in battle; Einherjar, which I'll put onto the field in Defence!" Skogul let out a shrill battle cry of vengeance as a mystical white light enveloped it, lifting it into the air as it evaporated, escaping the blades of Brandon's archfiend. Moments later, a stout, well-built male crouched onto the ground, hidden behind a huge double horned shield in the shape of a deer's antlers. His helmet was similarly horned, and his whole body was radiating with an otherworldly glow. (2400ATK/2400DEF)

Nordic Reincarnation

Normal Trap

This card can be activated only when a "Valkyrie" monster you control is targeted by an attack. Remove it from play, then Special Summon 1 "Einherjar" from your Deck, ignoring summoning conditions.

Einherjar
6 Stars
Earth/Warrior/2000ATK/2400DEF
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or set. This cannot be Special Summoned except by removing 2 "Valkyrie" monsters in your Graveyard from play. This monster cannot be destroyed as a result of battle. Increase the ATK of this card by 100 points for every monster that is removed from play.

"Not only can't this champion of Asgard can't be destroyed in battle, but its attack power increases by 100 points for every monster that is removed from play, giving it 2400ATK points. Now my life points are safe!" Michael declared, confident in his defences. That confidence however quickly turned into one of shock, as the still attacking archfiend leapt into the air, bypassing his defender. It was heading straight for him.

"What the –," Michael demanded, as it struck him directly, forcing him backwards from the impact. (Michael's LP: 900)

"Simple really, I simply instructed it to attack you directly. Thanks to Knight to D4, it allowed an Archfiend monster to be able to sneak past any defences you have and aim for your Life Points!" Brandon explained.

Knight to D4

Quick Play Spell

Select 1 "Archfiend Monster you control; this turn, that monster may attack your opponent's Life Points directly.

"That ends my turn. Let's see what you've got".

"Michael's in trouble now," James's friend whispered, worry furrowed on his forehead. James only chuckled.

"Deigo... You underestimate Michael too much, bro. He'll pass this just like he has done for every one the past four years. Trust me".

Michael's face was set in concentration as he drew for his turn: his eyes lit up.

"Sorry Professor, I would spend more time here and continue this duel, but this is over. I'll start by activating the spell Hammer of Thor. Firstly, I must have either a Valkyrie monster or Einherjar on my field to activate. Then, by removing it from the game, it destroys every card on the field".

A bolt of jagged lightning struck the playing field; its loud crack emitted some shrieks from the few watching. A colossal hammer smashed onto the ground, which was picked up by Michael's monster. Slowly and inexorably, it pointed it towards the ceiling, where it began to crackle ominously with static electricity.

I still have Paladinrook's effect, which can save my field getting completely wiped out, Brandon mused carefully. However, Michael had read his intentions.

"Hammer of Thor can't be negated. There's nothing you can do to stop our fields being destroyed".

Hammer of Thor
Normal Spell Card
Remove 1 "Valkyrie" or "Einjerjar" monster on your side of the field from play. Destroy all cards on the field. This card's activation and effect cannot be negated.

With another thunderous crash as lightning struck the ceiling, dust filled the room as both sides of the field were completely destroyed.

"Now to end this. I summon Elite Attack Troll onto the field, and equip him with the spell Megamorph!" Michael continued. A colossal mountain troll heavily equipped with plate armour and brandishing a massive spiked club grunted angrily, its tiny red eyes glaring at Brandon with murderous intent. (2800ATK/1000DEF)

Elite Attack Troll

8 Stars

Earth/Beast-Warrior/2800ATK/1000DEF

If you control no monsters, you may Normal Summon this card without Tribute.

Brandon silently applauded. "Good move," he complimented.

"Since I have no monsters on the field, it requires no sacrifices to summon it. Furthermore, Megamorph doubles the attack of my Elite Attack Troll to 5600, since I have fewer Life Points then you. Now, finish his Life Points!"

The troll lumbered heavily towards Brandon, who was now wide open against its swinging club, knocking him onto the ground as his Life Points reached zero. The graveyard slowly dissipated, melting away into the air as the duel ended, Michael deactivating his Duel Disk and placing it back onto the table. As the few students watching applauded the match, Brandon got up, smiling at the success.

"All right!" James shouted, raising his hand dramatically into the air with joy, running over to bump fists with Michael. Brandon watched on, amused.

"Well, I don't think I have to make you wait to see if you passed when it was clear you have, so congrats on your smart play throughout! You've definitely improved".

"He was the man!" James grinned.

"And as for you James, when am I going to get the essay you still owe me from two weeks ago? Because the next time you try the excuse you did last time you're going in detention," Brandon warned, though his twinkling eyes hinted he was joking.

"But Allisdair did eat it! It was a dare!" James protested, as Deigo dragged him out of the theatre. Shaking his head, Michael followed.

"Nice work bro," Deigo said, clapping Michael on the shoulder. He was carrying a heavy rucksack with the handle of a tennis racquet hanging out of it.

"Cheers; how was tennis? Also are we still meeting with Jonathan and Chris for lunch?"

"Easy, me and Ashleigh battered them 6-2, 6-4. Jonathan kept getting angry and trying to use the drinks bottle he had brought with him as the umpire. But no, Chris had to head back to the company to take care of business matters as their dad is still on a trip".

"Bet Jonathan loved that," Michael murmured, as they walked down the left side corridor, heading towards the lunch hall. It was congested; many fellow students passing by as they headed towards their own endeavours.

"Yeah, you know what he's like. He's pretty resentful Chris has more importance in the co-operation then him, but he is a year younger than him," James reasoned. "Lunch then what? We've got rest of the day off".

"Sounds good. Go on, I'll follow", Michael replied. As Deigo and James went on ahead, he looked around; the crossway in the corridor was now deserted. Moments later, he followed after them. Around the corner, a stocky, broad shouldered male watched from the corner of his slanted brown eyes, his eyes on Michael's back as he followed his friends. His coarse chestnut brown hair was unkempt, as though he hadn't paid much attention to it in days. With his brow furrowed in concentration, he lifted up the mouthpiece of his receiver

"I've found him. Now what? Do we strike?"

"Not until everything falls into place. Failure now will set us back a long way which would make tedious interruptions" a harsh voice rasped in his ear. "Do your duty and keep a watch on his movements. As soon as it is ready, we will move to stage two. Do not fail".

"Of course. I won't let you down. Any word on him?" The stranger whispered, keeping a constant lookout for any potential eavesdroppers.

"As soon as there is a lead on him, we will act. And you must hope not, Jibodi. Report back every day with any information on his movements as you can. The success of our stratagem depends upon this going ahead".

With that, the line went dead.

….

End of Chapter 2.