Whew! Finally, I got this chapter done. Two things before the next chapter: there are still those who believe that Sdrive is responsible for this story. He isn't. (well, not wholly responsible anyway) I, Peace Writer, am writing this story as a side story to Sdrive's story, "Ra Yellow". All Sdrive does is make sure I do a good job. (which apparently, I've done so far.) Second, I'm going to start using attack names. They'll be pretty accurate to the Yu-Gi-OH universe for the most part, but if I get one wrong, don't berate me about it, since the English dub is pretty dumb anyway. (with all due respect to 4kids, which I don't know if I have any)
Sdrive: As the editor of this story and Peace's best friend, I gotta say, he did a good job with this chapter. I didn't see the ending of the match at all until I saw the card. I thank Peace once more and just to emphasize, THIS IS PEACE'S FIC WITH OUR CHARACTERS! And Yugioh is not ours.
Champion at Life
Chapter 2: Let the Training Begin!
"BBBBBZZZZZZZZZTTTTT, BBBBBZZZZZZZZZTTTTT, BBBBBZZZZZZZZZTTTTT!"
Selaya awoke to Sunday morning. She shook her head. What in the world was Domid talking about last night? All she needed help on was her Algebra homework. She suspected that Domid may have tried to explain calculus to her during her study session!
Well, at least she got her homework done. Domid promised her that if she got her homework done, he would give her a reward today.
"Okay, I finally got my homework done! Man, are my fingers cramped." Selaya said as she massaged her hand.
Domid smiled. "Well now, since you finished your homework, I guess I can take you to someplace special tomorrow."
"Ahem!" Yamato grunted.
"Oh, uh, I mean, Yamato will take us all to someplace special tomorrow." Domid said sheepishly.
"Really? Wow, I can't wait!" said Selaya, jumping up and down.
But where were they going to take her? As she washed her face, she wondered if the place she was going to was for more training. After all, it wasn't like Yamato to drive people everywhere, especially her. She remembered when Yamato was able to drive, he wouldn't let anyone ride in his van for fear of making it a mess.
Selaya walked downstairs and met her mother and father, drinking coffee, making breakfast, and reading the paper as usual. "Good morning." she said nonchalantly.
"Good morning." replied her parents.
Her mother set a plate of pancakes on the table while Selaya sat down. "So, I hear Domid and Yamato are taking you somewhere today." said Mrs. Samé
"Yeah, how'd you know about that?" asked Selaya, biting into a pancake.
Her father answered "Well, Domid called last night, at around one in the morning, mind you,"
Selaya shook her head as she hid a smile. It was widely known in the household that Domid always made his phone calls as late as possible. It wasn't that he wanted to call so late; he just forgot to call until the late hours of the night.
"And told us where they were taking you. Of course, he also mentioned that it was a surprise. The only thing we were to tell you is to bring your deck."
With a hopeful expression, Selaya said "But you guys can't keep secrets from me, can you?"
Her mother gave a short laugh, and replied "We do that every occasion when you get presents, don't we?"
Defeated, Selaya sighed "I guess you're right," and finished her breakfast. She would just have to wait until noon.
After a few hours of watching the news (nothing good ever aired on Sunday mornings), Selaya answered the knock on the door. Standing there was Domid, and on the street was a green van with Yamato in the driver's seat. "Ready to go?" asked Domid.
"Yes!" Selaya replied, deck in hand.
"Great! Let's go!"
Mrs. Samé called from the kitchen. "Now Domid, you are bringing her back by dinnertime, right?"
"Yeah, don't worry about it Mrs. Samé. You're making meatloaf tonight, right?"
"No, I was counting on your Ramen."
Domid laughed as he closed the door, and leapt into the van with Selaya sitting in the back. After the doors were closed, Yamato started to drive into the city.
"So, where are we going?" asked Selaya.
"You'll know when we get there." said Yamato.
"Can I at least guess?" wondered Selaya, leaning on Yamato's seat.
"You can guess, but it doesn't mean I'll tell if you're right."
"Awwwwww," she whined, sitting back down.
"Now Yamato, play nice." grinned Domid.
"Y'know, as driver of this van, I could kick you out." Yamato said offhand.
Domid's grin quickly vanished. "On second thought, do whatever you want."
Selaya looked out the window and saw tall glass buildings, shopping malls, businessmen, and noisy streets. Throughout the ride, she wondered where they could possibly take her that required them to make it a surprise.
Her thoughts were soon answered. After about fifteen minutes, the van approached a crowd of people in front of the entrance to the greatest amusement park known to Domino.
"Kaibaland!" Selaya was overcome with excitement. Kaibaland! The front was guarded by two life-sized models of Kaiba's Blue-Eyes White Dragons. The third dragon was the massive centerpiece of the courtyard in front of the main complex.
"Well, I guess she knows where we're taking her." said Domid.
Selaya had been here just once before, and she had loved it. She and her brother had a lot of fun dueling each other with the holographic dueling arenas. The experience of watching her favorite monsters being rendered in life-sized 3D was breathtaking.
She was completely elated. "I can't believe you guys took me to Kaibaland!"
Yamato replied "It was either this, or sitting home all day bored. And Domid doesn't like being bored on the weekends."
"Yes, it's not very healthy." Domid agreed. "Anyway, I bought us tickets yesterday for today mostly because they're cheaper for Sundays, and we won't have to wait in line to get them today."
Yamato sighed. "What he means is we can go in right after I find the one parking space in this whole lot that's close enough so we don't have to walk for miles." he said as he drove into the lot.
Domid grinned. "Aww, who cares? So what if we walk half a mile? You need the exercise anyway."
Normally, Selaya would scold Domid, but she didn't have to. Instead, Yamato started beating Domid over the head with one arm, still trying to find a suitable parking space. "Guess who's walking home after this?" Yamato growled as he finally parked.
Walking through the gates to Kaibaland for a second time, Selaya could hardly contain her excitement. There were several exhibits and attractions with many kids and adults alike enjoying them. She was in complete awe at walls of glass, sparkling lights, souvenir shops, food stands, and the sight of thousands of people enjoying themselves. And this was only the first floor! "So, what are we going to do? Maybe we can use the Virtual World pods? Or maybe witness some of Kaiba's duels! Hey! Do ya think they sell the new cards here?"
Domid smiled. "Woah, slow down! Okay; we're going to take you to your next bit of training."
Selaya wondered what Domid meant by this. "Training? Are we going to use the dueling arenas? Am I going to face Domid again?" she asked apprehensively as they entered the colossal building.
Yamato shook his head. "No, we have a different opponent in mind."
About a few minutes later, they were standing inside one of the dueling arenas. On one side of the stage, there was a blue podium for one duelist to play his cards, but on the other side, there was a red pillar with a holographic lens.
"A computer? I get to fight a computer?" Selaya asked skeptically.
With a slight chuckle, Domid replied "This computer has given us quite a fight. You see, there are five difficulty levels, and they've recently added a system so we can choose the type of deck the computer will be using. True, it's not the same as dueling a human opponent, but it's a great way to test your skills."
"So, what level did you guys get up to?" she asked.
Yamato answered "Domid and I can beat level 5 pretty often, but keep in mind that we've been playing this game for many years. Just get up there, and Domid will set the computer level."
"So, I'm supposed to duel a robot while you two guys just stand there?" Selaya wondered.
"Of course not!" said Domid, "We'll be sitting up there in the audience."
"Audience?" Selaya glanced around the arena, and sure enough, the seats were filled with about a hundred kids, most of them around nine years old.
Domid grinned as he typed on the computer console. "You see, the one on one dueling arenas are usually private, but this arena is fully open to the public."
Selaya laughed nervously, and said "Umm, I'm not so sure about this anymore. I mean, I've never dueled in front of an audience before!"
After Domid was done typing, he turned back to Selaya. "There was also a time where I had to duel in front of an audience for the first time. And believe you and me; it was far from the last."
Yamato told her "This duel is meant to prepare you for two things: the difficulty of facing someone whose deck you don't know or how difficult he is, and the standard tournament environment. Domid and I had to go through both, countless times. In order for you to win a tournament, you must do the same."
"Yeah, so have fun!" Domid winked.
A minute later, Selaya was on the platform, ready to duel. The dueling arena lit up, and the surrounding lights dimmed.
"Computer activated. Place deck on dueling pad to start."
Selaya did so, and drew her five cards.
"Life points set. Drawing initial hand. Determining first turn. Player goes first."
Selaya: 8000, Computer: 8000.
Selaya drew her sixth card, and said "I summon Hysteric Fairy in attack mode!" A business-like blue haired woman sporting a set of glasses and a pair of wings appeared on the field. (4/1800/500)
A good amount of the crowd cheered at the sight of the fairy. Even Selaya was amazed. "Wow! I can't believe I'm seeing my cards for real again!" She then took a card from her hand. "I set one card facedown, and end my turn." A card appeared behind Hysteric Fairy.
The computerized voice said "Drawing one card. Set one monster in defense mode. Set two cards facedown. End turn."
In the stands, Yamato and Domid found a good place to sit within the audience. Yamato asked Domid "So, what level did you set the computer to?"
Domid focused on the duel, and replied "Level 3. It was the same level I tried the first time I've used this place."
"And what deck type are you having her face?"
With a wondrous look on his face, Domid replied "A deck type that I've never been able to beat when I was her age."
Yamato raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure she can handle it? 'Cause if it's the same deck type I'm thinking of, then she shouldn't attack that monster."
"Don't worry: let's see how she reacts." said Domid.
Selaya flipped over her facedown card, and said "I activate Solemn Wishes! Now I gain 500 life points each time I draw." A heavenly light shone upon her as she drew. (8500/8000)
She then placed a card down. "I summon Maha Vailo in attack mode!" A mage dressed in blue and wearing a blue headdress hovered next to Hysteric Fairy (4/1550/1400). "Hysteric Fairy, attack with lawful light!"
The Hysteric Fairy opened her book, and from it came a blinding ray that struck the facedown monster. A large turtle with a pyramid on its back appeared before being destroyed. (4/1200/1400)
"Destroyed Pyramid Turtle. Monster effect: When destroyed by battle, search deck for one zombie-type monster with defense of 2000 or less, and special summon it to field."
"What?" wondered Selaya.
Domid nodded. "Just what I thought: she has no experience in facing zombie-decks. I wonder how much experience she actually has."
Yamato looked at him. "You know she's in trouble, right? She's facing a deck that's far superior to hers."
But Domid merely replied "True, but that's only one third of the game. The low level on the AI should balance things."
Yamato nodded. "However, now she will have to face some really powerful monsters. Pyramid Turtle can call forth nearly any zombie monster in the game."
Domid agreed. "And those that can't be special summoned by Pyramid Turtle either have a special summoning requirement, or can be special summoned through other means. Let's see if she can handle it."
"Search for Patrician of Darkness." A white haired blue zombie in a red cloak and black armor stood on the field. (5/2000/1400)
"No!" Selaya cringed. She didn't know what to make of this: she didn't expect to face a monster this powerful on the third turn. "I, I, end my turn." she said, bracing for the worst.
"Draw card. Set one monster in defense mode. Patrician of Darkness attacks Hysteric Fairy."
The zombie glided over to the Hysteric Fairy, and covered her with his cloak. When it removed the cloak, the fairy had disappeared. Selaya quickly glanced at Maha Vailo. (8300/8000)
"End turn."
Selaya took a deep breath before drawing her next card. Another ray of light shone as she took her draw. (8800/8000)
She smiled as she looked at it. "I play Malevolent Nuzzler, and attach it to Maha Vailo!"
A green woman materialized behind the mage, and gave her a massage. (4/2750/1400)
Selaya grinned as she said "Normally, Malevolent Nuzzler increases a monster's attack by 700 points, but my Maha Vailo gains an extra 500 for each equip card attached to her! Maha Vailo, attack Patrician of Darkness with mystic armed assault!"
Yamato commented "She pulled that card out of nowhere, but I wonder why the computer searched for Patrician of Darkness with Pyramid Turtle, and not something stronger. There are several better selections to attack with."
Domid replied "Yes, to attack with. But zombies are not all about attacking: they are also about manipulation. I have a pretty good idea what the other facedown monster is." He sighed. "Maybe level 3 was too high."
"Acivate Patrician of Darkness's special effect: select your opponent's attack targets. Redirecting Maha Vailo's attack to facedown monster."
Before Maha Vailo made a move, the Patrician of Darkness made a gesture with his hands towards the mage. Maha Vailo proceeded to strike the facedown monster, which was revealed to be a purple robed skeleton with a large scythe. (3/300/200)
"Attacked Spirit Reaper. Special effect 1: this monster cannot be destroyed in battle. Special effect 2: if this monster is the target of any card, destroy this card. Special effect 3: If this card attacks your opponent's life points directly, discard one random card from the opponent's hand."
The Spirit Reaper shattered into bones. Then, with an unearthly moan, it reassembled itself.
From the sidelines, Domid nodded. "Perfect; now all of Selaya's attacks will be redirected to that Spirit Reaper, creating the perfect defense. Let's see what she does."
Selaya pondered her next move and said "I set one monster in defense mode, and end my turn." A card appeared beside Maha Vailo.
"Draw card. Summon Soul-Absorbing Bone Tower in attack mode."
Black fog covered the field. When it dispersed, a large black tower covered in bones had risen (3/400/1500). Selaya was completely puzzled at this play. "Only 400 attack points?"
A few kids around the stadium wondered "What's that computer doing?"
"Who would ever play something that weak in attack mode?"
"Its defense is much higher than its attack!"
Yamato shook his head. "That's not good."
Domid nodded in agreement. "Soul-Absorbing Bone Tower is one of the most devastating zombie monsters around. She'd better find some way to get rid of it, and fast!"
"Soul-Absorbing Bone Tower special effect one: this monster cannot be attacked if another zombie monster exists on field."
Selaya gritted her teeth. "Which means that I can't attack that tower even if I somehow get rid of Patrician of Darkness."
"Activate magic card: Book of Life. Effect one: special summon one zombie type monster from graveyard onto field. Effect two: remove one monster in opponent's graveyard from play. Summon Pyramid Turtle in defense mode. Select Hysteric Fairy to be removed from play." A green Egyptian book covered in pictures depicting a revitalizing chalice and hieroglyphs rose from the ground. The book opened, and a soul escaped from Selaya's graveyard. The shapeless form made its way to the computer's side of the field, and plunged into the ground to be replaced with Pyramid Turtle (4/1200/1400).
Feeling a little nervous, she took Hysteric Fairy from her graveyard pile and put it into her pocket. "Now I can't summon my Soul of Purity and Light if my Maha Vailo is destroyed." she thought as she checked her hand.
Yamato commented "That Pyramid Turtle is the least of her worries. Now the other effect of that tower activates."
"Soul-Absorbing Bone Tower special effect two: If a zombie monster is special summoned, send two cards from top of opponent's deck to graveyard."
Really nervous now, Selaya looked at her top two cards.
"Noooooo!" she moaned: the two cards were Mobius the Frost Monarch, which she could live with being in the graveyard, and a Des Frog, which she couldn't.
Domid was a little worried. "That's a hard blow. Des Croaking was one of the ways out of this jam. Let's see if she can improvise."
Yamato replied "I don't think it will matter. That computer has all the advantage in the world against her cards: four monsters to two, and two facedown cards to Selaya's one Solemn Wishes and one Malevolent Nuzzler."
"End turn."
"The computer didn't attack my facedown monster, probably because it thinks it's something that can turn the duel around." Selaya thought. She drew her card and gained more life points. (9300/8000)
Smiling, Selaya said "I play the magic card Brain Control! By sacrificing 800 life points, I can take control of one of your monsters. And I choose Patrician of Darkness!" The card appeared on the field, and two stringy arms reached out towards the blue zombie. (8500/8000)
Yamato said "She's going to sacrifice it for something, probably for her Des Frog."
Domid shook his head. "She's not going to get the chance. I think the computer's finally going to activate one of those down cards."
His experience with zombie decks proved correctly as a card rose on the computer's field. "Activate facedown trap: Tutan Mask. Negate and destroy one card that targets a zombie monster. Brain Control is negated." An ancient Egyptian mask appeared on the field just as the brain control card reached for Patrician of Darkness with its stringy arms. The mask emitted a magical glow, and the brain control card shattered just as the arms laid on the zombie.
Selaya was clearly not happy about this. She thought to herself "Man; there are only so many cards that can help me now. It's pointless to attack, as that Patrician of Darkness will just redirect it to Spirit Reaper. What do I do?" Aloud, she said "I end my turn."
"Draw card. Switch Soul-Absorbing Bone Tower to defense mode. Summon Nightmare Horse in attack mode." A horse seemingly made from ectoplasm wrapped in gauze materialized from thin air (3/500/400).
"Nightmare Horse special effect: this monster may attack opponent's life points directly."
Selaya gritted her teeth at the effect of Nightmare Horse.
Yamato said "Well then, that changes the duel a little. Now Selaya won't gain anything from her Solemn Wishes card."
However, Domid still looked worried. "I think the computer's looking to do a little more to her than that."
"Playing magic card: Polymerization. Fuse Spirit Reaper and Nightmare Horse to create Reaper on the Nightmare." The Spirit Reaper jumped on the back of Nightmare Horse and raised its scythe menacingly (5/800/600).
"No," thought Selaya.
Domid shook his head. "Now she's in trouble."
"Soul-Absorbing Bone Tower activates: send two cards from top of opponent's deck to graveyard."
Selaya reluctantly took the top two cards and sighed in exasperation as she moved them to the graveyard.
"Reaper on the Nightmare special effect 1: this monster cannot be destroyed in battle. Special effect 2: if this monster is the target of any card, destroy this card. Special effect 3: this monster may attack opponent's life points directly. Special effect 4: If this card attacks your opponent's life points directly, discard one random card from the opponent's hand."
"She's going to start losing life points and cards now." said Yamato.
"Reaper on the Nightmare attacks directly." Spirit Reaper pointed with his scythe, and the two of them galloped towards Selaya. The reaper slashed her with the scythe, hooking one of the cards in her hand.
"No! My Soul of Purity and Light!" cried Selaya. (7700/8000)
"End turn."
As Selaya drew (8200/8000), she thought "Well, if there's any consolation, that Reaper on the Nightmare can still take damage from Maha Vailo." Aloud, she cried "Maha Vailo; attack Reaper on the Nightmare!"
"Activate facedown magic card: Book of Moon. Flip one monster into facedown defense position. Target; Maha Vailo." A blue book depicting the crescent moon rose from the ground. When the book opened, a dull light shone on Maha Vailo, and the mage instantly formed back into a facedown card.
"Hmm, interesting play by the computer. That move sends Malevolent Nuzzler to the graveyard." thought Yamato.
Domid shrugged and said "I guess that's why this computer's a level three."
Selaya took a card from the field and said "That's okay, for I have a backup plan. First, I pay 500 life points to put Malevolent Nuzzler on top of my deck (7700/8000). Next, I'll play the spell Pot of Greed to add two cards to my hand!" A green clay pot appeared with a sleek grin on its face.
Nodding, Yamato commented "Nicely done."
"Indeed, waiting to play Pot of Greed instead of playing it at the beginning of her turn. She's learning well." agreed Domid.
Selaya drew her two cards (8200/8000) and said "I play Malevolent Nuzzler, and attach it to Reaper on the Nightmare!"
The same green woman descended on the field, but as soon as it made contact with the reaper, the reaper screamed and collapsed into the earth along with its companion.
With a nod, Domid commented "Hard not to see that move coming. Now she has to find some way past that Soul-Absorbing Bone Tower."
As she ended her turn, Selaya thought "Well, there goes that wall. Now I have to draw something that can bring down that Patrician of Darkness."
"Draw card. Patrician of Darkness attacks the facedown monster." The blue zombie traveled across the field and covered the facedown card. Maha Vailo materialized briefly before vanishing under the cloak.
"Set one card facedown. End turn."
BeforeSelaya could draw however, the facedown card revealed itself. "Activate trap card: Bad Reaction To Simochi. Any life points gained by opponent is instead dealt as damage." A black aura surrounded the Solemn Wishes card on the field.
"Okay then," said Selaya, a little miffed. She drew her card (7700/8000). She thought "Well now; I've drawn something that'll stop his monsters right in his tracks."
"I set one card facedown, and end my turn."
"Draw card. Switch Soul-Absorbing Bone Tower to attack mode. Patrician of Darkness attacks the facedown monster."
The Patrician of Darkness prepared to glide across the field once again. It sped towards the facedown card.
Domid exclaimed "If this attack goes through, that Soul-Absorbing Bone Tower can start attacking her directly!"
Selaya flipped over a card. "Not this time! I activate my trap card: Wall of Revealing Light!"
A blinding ray of light divided the field in half, stopping the surprised zombie. "With this card, I pay 2000 life points to keep all of your monsters with 2000 or less attack points from attacking!" (5700/8000)
Yamato smirked and said "Well, well, how often have we seen that card?"
Domid also couldn't help but smile. "It seems Kokuro has rubbed off on her. The thing with that card however is you have to spend the correct amount of life points: too much, and it defeats the purpose of using Wall of Revealing Light. Too little, and the opponent can get a monster out that can get past the wall, as Kokuro has experienced himself many times. Anyway, with that play, Selaya's bought herself some time."
"Cannot counter trap card. Must end turn."
Selaya drew (5200/8000) and thought "Well, I think it's time I go on the offensive." Aloud, she cried "I play Monster Reborn to bring back Mobius, the Frost Monarch!"
The magic card bearing the revival crest appeared briefly before an icy blue warrior clad in heavy armor rose from the ground in a whirlwind of snow. (6/2400/1000)
Some of the kids were murmuring "When did she play that monster?"
"She never summoned something that powerful during this duel."
"Still looks cool though,"
Selaya smiled and said "It's a good thing the computer discarded my Mobius with that tower. Even though his effect doesn't activate, he still has enough attack points to take down your Patrician of Darkness. Go Mobius, attack with frozen wind!"
The cold warrior summoned the icy powers around him, and launched a swirling vortex of wind towards Patrician of Darkness.
"Patrician of Darkness effect activates: redirect attack to Pyramid Turtle."
"What?" wondered Selaya. The zombie made a gesture, this time towards Pyramid Turtle (4/1200/1400). The wind followed suit, and struck the giant turtle, shattering it.
"Destroyed Pyramid Turtle. Monster effect: When destroyed by battle, search deck for one zombie-type monster with defense of 2000 or less, and special summon it to field. Special summon Soul-Absorbing Bone Tower in attack mode."
A second tower rose from the ground next to the first, and both towers glowed with an eerie light. (3/400/1500)
"No way!" Selaya despaired, realizing what this meant.
Domid and Yamato winced. "That was a costly mistake. Now she can't attack either tower even if Patrician of Darkness is destroyed. This is bad." said Domid.
"Soul-Absorbing Bone Tower activates: send two cards from top of opponent's deck to graveyard."
Selaya once again moved two cards to the graveyard: Rising Energy and Solar Ray. "I set one monster in defense mode. Your move." she sulked.
"Draw card. Activate magic card Monster Reborn. Special summon Pyramid Turtle in attack mode."
The decorative symbol appeared on the field once more, and the giant turtle made its presence known again. (4/1200/1400)
Selaya frowned. "For a zombie monster, I'm getting sick of seeing that thing!"
"Soul-Absorbing Bone Towers activates: send four cards from top of opponent's deck to graveyard."
Selaya shook her head as she did so. "Mirage Dragon, Dust Tornado, Heavy Storm, and a Dimension Wall. At this rate, I'll run out of cards!"
"Sacrifice Pyramid Turtle and Patrician of Darkness. Summon Despair from the Dark in attack mode."
The lights grew dimmer as the two monsters dissipated and thick fog started to fill the arena. From out of the smoke came a towering ghoul with piercing yellow eyes shrouded in flames. (8/2800/3000) Several kids shrieked in fear, and Selaya herself was shaking in terror.
"Activate magic card: Book of Taiyou. Flip one facedown monster into face up attack position. Selecting monster." A Red book depicting the sun with the great eye in the center appeared on the field. The book emitted a red beam that hit the monster Selaya had just played, revealing a purple haired mage holding an elegant staff. (1/300/400)
Selaya said "You've revealed my Magician of Faith. Her effect allows me to take back a magic card from my graveyard." She was still shivering as she took a card from her graveyard.
"Despair from the Dark attacks Magician of Faith."
The giant ghost stretched a decaying hand and grasped the frightened magician. Her expression matched Selaya's as she was pulled into the darkness. (2700/8000)
"End Turn."
Selaya couldn't move: she had truly underestimated the computer. After all of this, she was not only far behind in life points, but her Mobius the Frost Monarch, her strongest creature, paled in comparison to the towering ghost that stood before her. She had to lean against the dueling platform to keep herself from sinking to her knees.
Yamato wondered aloud "I don't know what card could possibly help her now, especially against a monster that falls just short of Kaiba's Blue-Eyes and a defense that can drain her deck."
But Domid stood, face determined, and shouted "C'mon Selaya: there's still hope as long as you have at least one point left!"
Selaya looked towards Domid, a surprised look on her face. Her face brightened, and she answered Domid with a firm nod. She turned to look at her deck.
As Domid sat back down, Yamato grinned at him. "You had to do that, huh?"
"Well, I thought she needed some motivation." Domid replied.
Staring at the top card of her deck, Selaya thought "One card. One card, then I'll have nothing else left." She drew her card (2200/8000), and thought deeply before finally looking at it. Her eyes widened.
"I play the magic card that I got from my Magician of Faith: Monster Reborn!"
Perplexed, Yamato thought aloud "I don't believe a monster has been played that has more attack points than that thing."
Domid shook his head. "You're right, but then why would she," He froze in mid sentence. "Unless,"
"I use Monster reborn to bring back my Des Frog in attack mode!" A green frog appeared on the field, croaking occasionally. (5/1900/0)
Selaya kept going. "Now, I'll sacrifice my facedown T.A.D.P.O.L.E. to summon another Des Frog from my hand!" The small monster appeared briefly before growing into a similar frog. (5/1900/0)
"And my Des Frog's effect activates! When Des Frog is tribute summoned successfully, I can summon an additional Des Frog from my hand or deck for every T.A.D.P.O.L.E. in the graveyard. And one just went to the graveyard, so I'll summon the final Des Frog from my deck!"
The third frog materialized next to its two brothers. (5/1900/0)
"Finally, I'll play the magic card I just drew: Des Croaking! This magic card can only be activated when I have all three Des Frogs on my field, and it destroys all cards on my opponent's side of the field! Go Des Croaking!"
The three frogs stopped making noise for a split second, and then all three of them croaked loudly in unison. The resulting shockwave wiped out all three zombies and the Bad Reaction to Simochi card.
"Go Mobius, attack with frozen wind!" The icy warrior summoned the vortex again, and this time the wind tunnel slammed into the computer projector. (2200/5600)
"And I'm not done yet. Des Frogs; finish this with Low Eradicating Energy Tones!"
Each of the frogs sang an unnaturally low tone that rocked the field. The notes eventually reached the computer, shaking the projector.
Selaya: 2200, Computer: 0.
"Congratulations player: you are the victor." said the computer before the holograms disappeared and the lights brightened the arena. For a split second, everyone stood in awe. In the next, cheering and applause filled the arena. Even Yamato was applauding.
Domid was in shock as his hands started to feel numb from clapping. "Those Des Frogs; they're amazing! I never thought she could get all three out, but she did it!"
"Yes," Yamato agreed, "I just can't believe we're going to encourage her to use her frogs a lot more."
The two descended down the stairs, and Selaya ran to meet them. "I can't believe I won! I really thought I was gone for a second there."
Domid was beaming. "For a moment, I thought so too."
"You did very well." said Yamato.
"Yeah, definitely." Domid agreed. "Well, after watching a duel like that, I've worked up an appetite. Let's have lunch!"
Afterwards, the three saw the prototypes for the new duel disks that are being tested for next year.
"Wow, they look so much cooler than the old ones!" said Selaya.
Domid couldn't help but read the manual. "Yeah, check it out! This thing has holographic amplifiers that make the monsters seem even more realistic. The sleek design can withstand nearly any environment, and can recognize counterfeit cards. The satellite uplink can store the stats for every duelist who uses it, and the lightweight frame is coated with a permanent chrome finish."
Yamato snatched the manual away and said jokingly "Domid; only you can make something so cool seem boring."
After riding most of the rides, they decided to watch a few of Kaiba's duels, including his duel against Yugi at Battle city.
"Wow," said Selaya as the three of them exited the theatre, "That was a very close duel. I mean, the way they both prevented each other from summoning their god cards, and how Kaiba reduced Yugi's deck to three cards, and how Yugi pulled out that win at the end, it was awesome!"
"Yes, they are both masters in dueling" Yamato agreed.
"They're both brilliant is what they are." said Domid.
"And to think; Kokuro is probably learning from him right now." said Selaya.
"Well, if he is, then good for him. We're just lucky that the backup cameras caught the footage of that duel. It said on that plaque that the main cameras were destroyed due to unknown causes, but one camera caught the rest of it." said Domid.
At the end of the day, Domid, Yamato, and Selaya walked back towards the van. Hugging a brand new Blue-Eyes White Dragon plushy, Selaya said "Wow; that was fun! I wish we can come back here."
Domid smiled and replied "Well, maybe after you win a tournament, we can all celebrate here when Kokuro gets back."
"Yeah, that would be great." thought Selaya. She could just imagine going to Kaibaland with everyone not more than a day after she won her first tournament. She could see the joy on her brother's face already.
"So, I do believe someone is walking home." said Yamato nonchalantly.
Domid's eyes widened, and in the next second he was pleading "Aww, come on! That's at least three miles!"
"You need the exercise!" growled Yamato savagely.
After they drove back to Selaya's house, Domid remarked "I can smell the meatloaf already!"
"Yeah, yeah, just thank Selaya that you're here in time to eat it." said Yamato as he glanced towards Selaya.
At the dinner table, Mrs Samé had the meatloaf steaming ready on the table. During dinner, Selaya wondered aloud. "So, what level was that computer?"
Yamato finished chewing his meatloaf and replied "You're asking us now? Too late; you don't get to know."
"Awww!"
It was Domid who answered "Level three."
Selaya's eyes widened. "Really? Man, that felt like level five!"
"Believe me," said Yamato, "if that computer was level five, you wouldn't have had a chance."
Domid agreed. "Many people who use zombie decks are a lot faster and more potent at destroying their opponents. The computer was holding back."
At this, Selaya sulked. "So, I'll never beat a strong opponent?"
Yamato replied "You will eventually, but your deck isn't strong enough. However, I think that Domid and I are interested in your frog cards."
With a nod, Domid said "Yes, those frogs are easily underestimated, and could be the downfall of any duelist who has that mindset. Well, next week, I think we should try and get you qualified for the regional tournament."
She perked up. "Really? Do you think I'm ready?"
Domid shrugged and said "Well, we won't know until you've faced other opponents, right? Besides, now's a good time as any."
As Selaya continued to eat her meal, she thought about becoming the regional champion. Fantasies of thunderous applause and having her name known to everyone started to fill her mind. "Could I really become champion? Yes, I have to. I'll become the best duelist in Domino!"
"But of course, we'll have to look over your homework next week as well." said Domid.
"Aww man!"