Arc I: Dawn of the Knight Act 2
"Why is everyone so surprised?" I ask.
"The reason is because you, a transfer student shouldn't be here if you can't Xyz Summon." Someone answered, then tossed me a Duel Disk with a black body which I requested the school regrettably.
The new face scowls at me from the entrance of this classroom, then proceeds to the front desk. Dark gray business suit with a white shirt and a black tie wearing a sharp pair of shades. A tilted gray fedora on the top of his head over his black wavy hair, and a gold watch on his right wrist.
"Kyahh! Professor Vladimir!" A group of female students squealed.
"It's too early for this nonsense. Knock it off or get out of my class."
"Aww, so cold~!"
Professor Vladimir, the youngest Professor to ever enroll into LDS' staff on high regards. Around a year ago, Vladimir-san came from a unknown school overseas, and proved himself by winning the Youth Division Maiami Championships on his first attempt. This year, it said that he's the number two person to win the Pro League. Who was number one again?
"Disregard their behavior. As I stated, a transfer student shouldn't be here if you can't Xyz Summon. This is the homeroom for the advance level Xyz users yet you who can't pull do a Xyz Summon causes unacceptable calamity in the order of the school. As a honorary student that can overlook reluctantly, but there's one thing I won't tolerate. I watched your Duel. You played poorly, got lucky, and still couldn't take a single Life Point. LDS has no time to waste on weaklings. Basically, you are in the wrong room."
"What are you saying?" I ask.
Vladimir-san took a piece of paper from his desk, and starts to write down something.
"Honorary Student or not, as head professor of the Xyz Course, I hereby demote you." Vladimir showed the note to my face.
"D-Demote..."
"You'll be sent to where no advance students wants to go. Back to the beginning, starting from square one!"
...What's going on...? Class hasn't even started, and I turned from a honorary advance student into a beginner student. This pain... I never felt this kind of pain before, and it hurts so much. How can school be so heartless? All because I lost a single Duel...
"Wow, coldblooded as always..." A student muttered. "Maybe even more than usual."
"Can Professor Vladimir do that?" Another student questioned.
"He's been given permission to demote those who fail to meet his expectations. He's within his right." A third student answered.
"Although, he's only allowed to do so within his specialty." Hokuto elaborated while grinning. "Frankly, I'm glad we don't show any mercy to the weak!"
"Shijima!" Vladimir shouted.
"Yes, Professor Vladimir!" Hokuto stood firm and straight.
"You performed great as always. Had you lost to that amateur, I would've seen to either put you on academic probation or suspension for such a disgraceful act. Careful not to let your guard down next time."
"Heh, of course. I don't have to worry about a thing." Hokuto smirked confidently.
"Don't say that I didn't warn you." Vladimir next faced me. "You are relieved for the rest of today, and starting tomorrow you'll report to the Xyz beginning tier classes written on this form. Now, do me a favor, and leave my sight before you disgust me more than you already have."
"...Yes sir."
Then slowly left, closed the classroom door, and proceed to the restroom to... water my eyes out. A man never cries, right?
It took ten minutes before I was able to feel slightly less worse than I felt in my whole life. Ten more to feel hardly acceptable with myself. How will I be able to explain to mother and father about this? I don't think there's no possible way that they will be anything but disappointed. I don't want them to hate me for letting them down so soon after I begged for them to let me attend here. The right word to describe myself is a failure!
I leave now.
If I make a habit out of coming here so often, people around will notice, then the school might start calling me Toilet-kun. Toilet-san if I'm lucky which I am since no one had tried to open the door to the restroom, so locking it was unimportant like me.
"Why hello there." A voice spoke from behind.
A boy with blue eyes having styled short hair in layers of light brown and blonde. He wears a LSD badge pinned to the collar of a type of school uniform that's light blue, grey, white or dark dress shirt with a red necktie, gold red lined white jacket, and red pants.
"Hello." I respond the best I could.
"What's with the weak smile? Lighten up." He smiled cheerfully. "Lucky me for finding you. Deciding to skip class for the day was not in vain it seems. I've been looking for you, for a second I thought you left the school before I got the chance to meet you. That would've been a tragedy."
"Huh, looking for me? You shouldn't have bothered. The school is too big for one person alone to search being the size of a super mall..."
"Yes, but I'm blessed to have friends who I can rely on to help me."
Friends, must be nice...
He then suddenly placed both his hand on my right, and lifted it up.
"Eh?"
"Oh, where did my manners go? I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Sawatari Shingo, a chosen LDS student like you, nice to meet you!" He started shaking it in a greeting manner before letting go.
I place my hand over the one he touch curiously. The warm touch from another person feels nice.
"I-I'm Fujiwara Masato."
"I know. You're the honorary student who has enrolled today."
"...You're half right. I've been demoted to a regular student who has to study from the beginner Xyz class tomorrow."
Like the failure I am.
"I heard. Word gets around fast here. I've come to tell you not to feel bad about it. Sometimes these things happen, but its not as bad as you think. You'll be fine!"
"Thank you, Sawatari-san." I smiled gratefully.
His words have cheered me up a bit.
"Now, let's go."
"Go where?"
"I got a reservation at the LDS Center Court."
"You mean THE LDS Center Court?!" I've always wanted to see it, and planned to, but now I'm unable to without a tough reservation system since my honorary student status was revoked. "You were able to get the reservation?"
"It's no trouble when your father is expected to be the next mayor. All it took was to ask, and he gladly gave it to me." Shingo stated with sparklingly pride.
"Your father must be a very important person."
"Why yes he is."
"Why did you get a reservation in the middle of class time?"
"Because of you."
"Because of me?"
"I want us to become friends so bad I wanted us to spend time together the best way I can present for you. Come, we only have a couple of hours to use it."
Fr-Friends? A-After just meeting? It's too sudden! He even did something like reserving the most private court all for me. Maybe we can be friends.
We head for LDS Center Court, while there I notice he was talking to his D-pad. He told me he's inviting the people he asked to search for me so we all can be friends together. How thoughtful of him. Maybe I can ask permission to address him by his given name. I hope he doesn't think I'm being too forward when I muster the courage to ask him...
"Here we are!" Shingo presented the court his all its magnificent glory.
"Wow!" I gasp in admiration.
"Oh, there are my friends, they also wanted to meet you."
They were three of them. All are wearing the same school uniform as Sawatari-san so they must go to the same academic school. Friends whom go to school together... Impossible for someone like me who was homeschooled.
The taller of the group with the top part of his hair fixed into a short ponytail...
"Hey, Ootomo." The brownish similar undercut styled haired student greeted.
"I'm Kakimoto." The purplish brown haired student with brown eyes greeted.
"Yamabe." The green haired student with brown eyes shortly greeted.
"Fujiwara Masato..." I greet back.
Oh, no. A problem. The type of people whom only introduce only a part of their name. Is it their first or last? Wait, I just remember, its actually common for people to solely use their last names. I think?
"Listen, rumors say you've got a rare one of a kind deck. Something called Satellarknights?" Shingo guessed sounding unsure.
"Yes, I do have them." I pull out my Deck.
"Do you mind if we have a look at them?"
"Um, I don't mind..." I hesitantly spread the cards out revealing them.
"Amazing. You don't also mind if I hold them to get a better look?"
"W-Well..."
What's this strange feeling I'm getting? Could it be not a good idea to let him hold them? But why...?
"It'll be only for a second." Shingo grabbed them forthwith before I could answer. "Take a look."
He shows the cards to the other three who respond in awe praising them. They openly declare their desire to have them as they split parts of the deck equality. It causes me worry when they say those words.
"Now, now, these cards don't belong to you." Shingo took back the cards, returning them to one.
Sawatari-san... I felt better hearing those words.
"These cards belong to me!"
"Huh? Sawatari-san...?"
"The thing is, I only love rare and strong cards, I just hate putting weak cards in my Deck. That's why... These cards are going to become part of my collection!"
What?
"I don't understand. Sawatari-san, didn't you say you wanted to become friends? How does stealing from me accomplish that?"
"You don't get it, do you? Why would I want to be friends with a fallen student like you? You're a failure who is not fit to wield this Deck! A Deck one of kind like this, by rumors said to be the 'Brightest Stars of the Night Sky,' only should belong to the worthy top star student at LDS, don't you think?" He looked through them. "Now that I have this Deck in my hands I'm through with you as soon as you hand over those Xyz monsters you forgot include!" Shingo snapped is fingers as the three walk closer to me.
I see. This is known as betrayal. All the things he said were lies to cheer me up into having the Deck stolen. It hurts, but not as much since my subconscious was preparing me with a warning. I still pick physical pain over this... In this sort of situation, I've been told to do a certain thing. But...
"You're right. I don't deserve a special Deck like this."
"Seems like you understand. Looks like you're not a failure at understanding your place."
"You can have the Deck... only on one condition."
"A condition? I'll humor you. What is this condition of yours?"
"If you defeat me in a Duel."
"You? Defeat me? Is that supposed to be some sort of joke?"
"It must be a joke." Ootomo snickered.
"He must be trying to start his new career as a comedian! I must say, he's not bad!" Kakimoto laughed.
"I bet he'll become the very best if the rest of his jokes are just as good!" Yamabe agreed
"No, its no joke." I affirm. "You said the Deck deserves to be with the worthy top star student at LDS, applying yourself, so if I defeat you, then that means I would be more worthy to wield the Deck, right?"
"Implying that you can defeat me that is. Fine, I'll take on your challenge." Shingo hand signaled, halting the trio.
"Alright."
"Of course, you do know that means you're not allowed to use this Deck in the Duel? Personally, I would like to try them out, but I don't yet have nor know how to Xyz Summon making these cards useless, so I'll using this chance to test out my former newest Deck. What about you? If you don't have a Deck on you that automatically counts as a forfeit making me the winner!"
"I don't have another Deck, but... I do have these."
"Those are... card packs?"
"A dozen. I bought some at the Card Shop at LDS as souvenirs to take home. Thinking it about now, I probably should've bought one of every separate pack... " I open all, check them realizing how lucky I am, and place them inside my Duel Disk. "Now, I'll be using them for our Duel."
"Are you mocking me thinking you can defeat the ace of LDS, Sawatari Shingo with a bunch of random cards?!" Shingo growled. "There's even no need to waste an Action Field facing off against a bunch of random cards!"
By facing him in these condition, and winning... That way... I can truly earn the right to use that Deck. Or at least a second chance, and if I lose, I never deserved that Deck in the first place. Starting now, I don't intend to lose!
"Let's start." I turn on my Duel Disk, revealing a blacker blade than the Duel Disk's Monster Card Slots.
"Yeah, time to put you in your place!" Shingo placed his Deck into his green Duel Disk, revealing a green blade.
DUEL!
Masato 4000 LP
Shingo 4000 LP
"I'll go first!" Shingo declared. "I activate the Magic Card: Painful Choice! I select 5 cards from my Deck, and reveal them to you. You are given the honor of picking 1 card among them while the rest are sent to the Graveyard. Now, take your pick!" He revealed his selected five.
Majestic Mech - Goryu, Gilford the Lightning, Zaborg the Mega Monarch, Guardian of Order, and Phantom Dragon. Those are all very powerful and rare monsters. Not to mention his cards are all Parallel Rare cards. And I have to pick which one he gets? At this point, it doesn't matter which one he gets.
"I choose Majestic Mech - Goryu!"
He adds Majestic Mech - Goryu, than discards the rest to the Graveyard.
"Next, I activate the Magic Card: Trade-In! I discard 1 Level 8 monster, and I get to draw 2 cards." He sent Majestic Mech - Goryu to the Graveyard, and drew two. "I summon Lightray Grepher." A black haired, bowl cut, muscular man appeared with a red handled sword, in a light blue-white vest, light blue belt with a yellow x, and white pants.
"Lightray Grepher" (1700/1600)
"I end my turn." He finished.
"My turn." I draw.
This is strange. He did all that, and only summoned one monster while sending five monsters to the Graveyard?
"I summon one monster face-down, and set one card. Turn end." I finish my move.
It's best I play defensive now, and see what he's got in store before making any sudden moves.
"What, that's it?" Shingo sneered. "You talked big, and still think you can beat me? I'm disappointed, but what can I expect from a Deck made entirely of trash. My turn. Draw!" He drew. "I activate the effect of the two Lightray Grephers from my hand. By discarding each 1 Level 5 or higher LIGHT monster from my hand, I can Special Summon them to my field!" He discarded two copies of a Level 5 LIGHT monster.
"Lightray Grepher" (1700/1600)
"Lightray Grepher" (1700/1600)
"I still haven't Normal Summoned this turn. I summon Freed the Brave Wander!" Shingo summoned a gallant looking, long haired blonde man in shining silver armor etched in gold who entered the field with his fluttering green cape, and his sword on standby.
"Freed the Brave Wanderer" (1700/1200)
"Oo, Sawatari has four monsters on his field while his opponent has one!" Ootomo announced
"He doesn't stand a chance!" Kakimoto declared.
"Here we go! Battle! I attack your face-down monster with one of my Lightray Grepher!" Shingo ordered his monster as it swinged its blade down on the backside card.
Revealing the card was a dragon of white on the backside/face, and red on the front side.
"The card you destroyed was Masked Dragon. When its destroyed by battle, and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon 1 Dragon-Type monster with 1500 or less ATK from my Deck." In place of the dragon, comes another of the same kind in defense mode.
"Masked Dragon" (1400/1100)
"Then, I'll just have to attack it with another Grepher! Go!"
"When its destroyed by battle..."
"Masked Dragon" (1400/1100)
"My last Grepher!" The third Grepher destroyed the third Masked Dragon. "You are out of copies unless you don't know the rules of three!"
"Armed Dragon LV3" (1200/900)
A new monster popped up, an orange-gray baby dragon who's belly is covered in a single row of spikes.
"A LV monster, huh? Too bad a LV monster are difficult for amateurs like you to master, but it wouldn't have stayed around long enough for you to try using its effect anyway! Freed the Brave Wanderer attack Armed Dragon LV3!" Freed drew its sword, and proceeded to slay the baby dragon.
"Trap Card: Sakuretsu Armor." I reveal my trap. "When an opponent's monster declares an attack, it destroys the attacking monster."
"What?!"
My monster is now cloaked in armor, the moment the sword makes contact, reaction to the attack destroys the attacking monster instantaneously.
"There's nothing left I can do this turn." Shingo admitted. "I end my turn..."
"My turn." I draw. "During my Standby Phase, Armed Dragon LV3's effect activates. By sending this card to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon Armed Dragon LV5 from my hand or Deck!" I choose deck.
"Armed Dragon LV5" (2400/1700)
Replacing the baby dragon, comes one in a rough looking red-gray, more grown big boned form covered in more spikes.
"You performed a LV up?"
"Armed Dragon LV5's effect! I can send 1 monster in my hand to the Graveyard in order to destroy 1 face-up monster with ATK less than or equal to that monster on your field. I send another Armed Dragon LV5 to the Graveyard! It's ATK is 2400, which is enough to destroy any of your monsters. Like one of your Grephers! Destroyed Pile!"
The big-boned dragon fires his spikes like missiles at one of his triplet warriors.
"Next, I summon Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV4." I summon a wingless silver falcon.
"Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV4" (1600/1000)
"Armed Dragon LV5! Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV4! Attack his Grephers!"
Armed Dragon slashes one of the Lightray Grephers with both claws diving down on him.
Shingo( 4000 → 3300)
"Err!" Shingo grunted, then changed to a grin. "Fool! You accidently attacked with both monsters, including that chicken who has less ATK points than my remaining Lightray Grepher!"
"It wasn't an accident, because I activate the Quick-Play Magic: Rush Recklessly! My CHICKEN gains 700 ATK until the end of this turn!"
("Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV4": 1600 → 2300/1000)
The wingless falcon let out a squawk, rushing forward faster and stronger than a bull ramming the remaining Grepher in the gut.
Shingo( 3300 → 2700)
"I end my turn with two cards face-down, but it doesn't stop there. Armed Dragon and Horus' effect activates from destroying a monster by battle this turn. Both shall level-up even further!" Armed Dragon LV5 grew up into its ultimate form of a full-grown dragon. Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV4 grew wings transforming into a actually looking silver falcon.
"Armed Dragon LV7" (2800/1000)
"Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV6" (2300/1600)
"Err, this wasn't how it was suppose to be! You're suppose to be an amateur!" Shingo complained. "How were you able to master LV monsters so easily?!"
"Probably has to due with the fact that I grew up using them as a child."
"Whatever! Don't get carried away! I, the chosen Duelist shall turn this Duel around with one draw!" Shingo drew. "Perfect! I'm chosen by the cards yet again! The Goddess of Victory is shining towards me! I activate the Magic Card: Card of Sanctity! This card allows us to draw until we have 6 cards in our hand."
We draw our cards.
"Next, prepare to be star struck at my legendary combo! When there are 4 or more LIGHT monsters with different names in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon this card from my hand! Lightray Daedalus!"
"Lightray Daedalus" (2600/1500)
A large sea serpent with scales of white, one piece of mouth and two pairs of eyes, the upper eyes are yellow and the lower are blue.
"When there are 5 or more LIGHT monsters with different names in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon these two cards from my hand! Lightray Diabolos! Lightray Gearfried!"
"Lightray Diabolos" (2800/1000)
A demonic white-light blue dragon descends as the creature spreads its light blue wings.
"Lightray Gearfried" (2800/2200)
The great tanned knight wearing a heavy white armor suit etched in gold, holding a jeweled cutlass-like sword on his right, and a jeweled matching to his armor shield.
"I activate the Magic Card: Soul Release! I can target up to 5 cards in any Graveyard, and banish them! I choose 3 of my LIGHT monsters, and your 2 Armed Dragon LV5! If 3 or more of my LIGHT monsters are banished, I can Special Summon these two cards from my hand! Lightray Madoor! Lightray Sorcerer!"
"Lightray Madoor" (1200/3000)
Conjuring an ice wall behind him, a masked, faint blue haired wizard wearing a cape fluttering up in the air comes to the surface.
"Lightray Sorcerer" (2300/2000)
A magician covered from head to tow in white, light blue trimmed robe armor.
"Whoa, its the legendary combo Sawatari always tried to accomplish!" Ootomo shouted excitedly.
"I didn't think it was even possible!" Kakimoto admitted.
"Yeah, Fujiwara doesn't stand a-" Yamabe froze.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, its just the name Fujiwara sounds familiar..."
Did he just summon a bunch of monsters in one turn? Why do I have the sudden urge to say that's against the rules? So, this is why he sent all those monsters to his Graveyard. It was to prepare for summoning these types of monsters in advance. Calling himself the ace of LDS wasn't just self-proclaimed...
"I activate Lightray Sorcerer's effect! Once per turn: I can target 1 of my banished LIGHT monsters and 1 face-up monster on the field, I shuffle the first into my Deck." He did. "And banish the second. I choose your Armed Dragon LV7!" The fully robed magician held out both his hands, channeled a ball of light, and sent it to the dragon, and the dragon disappeared from sight. "Now, its unable to attack this turn, but that doesn't matter with this many monsters. Battle! I attack Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV6 with Lightray Gearfried!" Shingo ordered.
The tanned knight thrusts downward with his sword aiming for the falcon's heart.
"Not so fast!" I reveal my face-down. "Trap Card: Magical Arm Shield! When your monster declares an attack while I control a monster, I can take control and redirect the attack to that monster. I choose Lightray Diabolos!" The mechanical toy grabs the white demonic dragon like a claw machine to my field.
"They have the same attack... So that means!"
The attack doesn't stop, and upon contact both self-destruct.
"Both are now destroyed."
"Grrr! I still have three monsters, and two attacks left. I attack Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV6 with Lightray Daedalus!"
The giant sea serpent blasts a light colored, stream of water drowning the silver falcon.
Masato( 4000 → 3700)
"Next, I attack you directly with Lightray Madoor!"
A wave of ice sends me back a few feet.
Masato( 3700 → 2500)
"I end my turn." Shingo finished. "I may have not finished you off this turn, but at least all your monsters-"
"That's where you are wrong."
My full-grown red-gray dragon returns to the field.
"What?! That's not possible! I banished that monster!"
"Again wrong. I banished it." I say, as my Trap Card shows itself.
"That's-! When did you-?!"
"Interdimensional Matter Transporter. I activated this card the moment before the light sphere finished the job. It banishes a face-up monster I control until the End Phase. Now, your turn ended, it returned, and my begins!" I draw. "I activate Armed Dragon LV7's effect! I send 1 monster in my hand to the Graveyard to destroy your face-up monsters with ATK less than or equal to that monster! I send Metaphys Armed Dragon to the Graveyard! It's ATK is 2800, which is enough to destroy all of your monsters! Genocide Cutter!"
The full grown red-gray dragon sends three wind disk at his monsters.
"No, my legendary combo has been completely destroyed!" Shingo gasped.
"With no monsters left, you're wide open. Armed Dragon LV7, direct attack! Armed Punisher!"
The dragon slowly pulls back an arm, and launches it like a drill at him.
"Gahhh!"
Shingo( 2700 → 0)
"The Duel has ended, and I won. Please hand over my Deck." I put my hand out.
"Hmph, I don't think so." Shingo waved my hand aside. "I'll be keeping these and take your Xyz monsters by force!"
So he doesn't plan to honor his promise? If it comes to it, I'll have to-
"Not on my watch, Sawatari!" A new voice declared.
The slightly below-average height teen having a canine smile leapt from the stands onto the floor carry a wooden katana. He has long spiky brown hair and amber eyes. He wears a dark blue long-sleeved shirt and pants under a tan jacket with an orange interior with his LDS badge pinned on the collar, and the sleeves torn off, brown socks, and burnt-orange and grey shoes.
"It's Todo Yaiba!" The three people gasped.
"What do you want Yaiba-kun?" Shingo asked nicely. "The five of us are busy right now. Come back another time."
"How about I do, but after you give back his cards?"
"Hm, its odd for you to care about the weak? Not that it matters. You are aware how powerful my father is. He's going to be the next mayor. Any physical threats are meaningless, and will get you in trouble if you do anything that you'll surely regret."
"Heh, I don't need to threaten a coward like you with violence. Surely you know, that your Duel Record will record your loss to him."
"Unfortunately..." Shingo disgusted by the fact.
"But, what they don't show is how you lost. By a bunch of random cards, I wonder what the school will think of you once they know about that tidbit of information." Yaiba grinned like a shark.
"Blackmail, now who's the coward?!" Shingo exclaimed.
"A warrior strikes a castle where its wall are most venerable."
"Seriously?! If word gets out..." Shingo turned blue staring at me. "Take them!" He returned my cards. "Let's get out of here!"
He ran on out of here in a hurry, and his trio followed after him.
"Well, my work is done, I'm outta here!" Yaiba dashed away.
He left too quickly. I didn't get the chance to thank him... No ones here but me.
Since, I'm now alone...
"Thank goodness! I didn't think how long I could keep it up!" I exhale out of relief, stretching my arm widely.
Acting cool and composed during that whole Duel was way too exhausting! And, so embarrassing I could just faint. I couldn't even imagine how embarrassing I would be if they commented on my Duel Disk's pitch black blade!
I lay myself down to the fresh clean floor while looking around the room.
Can't believe I had the chance to Duel in a splendid arena, even though the circumstances weren't as pleasant as I thought it would be...
There's still time rented on this place so I might as well stay for a while, and fully explore.
When the next reservation came, I sneaked out the back, and decided it was time to head home. That was when I realized that starting tomorrow I was to report to my demoting classes. That event only took my mind off the situation temporary. My parents will be disappointing when they find out.
"Hi, there!" Someone snapped me out of my mental confliction.
She is a fair skin, red-haired child, golden eyes and a large multi-colored headband. She wears a short cream t-shirt with a striped pink and red long t-shirt. Her attire also consists of a red skirt and long black socks. She wears brown shoes and has a blue bracelet.
An elementary school girl... I think I'm more than capable of holding a normal conversation with a child at the very least.
"Why hello child." I waved, friendly. "Nice weather out here, right?"
"...I guess so." She replied, thinking about it for a bit.
Score! Sociality with children is easy!
"Is there anything you want from me?"
"Actually, yes. I need you to come with me." She started, hastily pulling on my sleeve.
"W-Wait." I try, stopping my tracks but... the wind must be blowing strongly opposed my direction since I'm unable to stop. Y-Yes, that must be it! After a moment of silence, I decided to speak up. "Where are you taking me?"
"You'll see~" She said, baiting. "By the way, my name is Ayukawa Ayu, and yours?"
"I'm-"
"We're here!"
The place wasn't that far fortunately.
What I see is an odd sight. Expressive art sculptor if I call it with only two words. A building smaller than its surrounding ones. This place reminds me of an indoor playground I went to at one time ago. The walls are ones I find on a childish version of a rock climbing wall. Connecting to the ground, is a red spiral staircase I saw in a fun house TV show leading to a tree house shape box. Above that, is a green lined, big rectangular caged ball pin with the bottom part having a white color with a light green horizontal stripe, while the top part having bright orange letters saying...
Too bright out to see them clearly.
There is two yellow slides that converge into one ending on my left, departing from the ball pin room, and next to the same side is a cylinder with the top half being yellow while the bottom half is blue. At the end of the cylinder, is a more rectangular, teal color building with blue windows in a form that reminds me of an ice cream sandwich's side. Between the yellow slide and red staircase, into a self-opening green door, attached by a blue cylinder, above is another smaller rectangular white building. Above that is the blue-yellow cylinder on the left side, and the rectangular ball pin on the right.
"Huh? This is... a daycare center? Did you need an escort here?"
"Wha- I'm not that young!" Ayu puffed her cheeks.
"Sorry, Ayu-chan." I apologize.
"Ayu!" Another children's voice spoke.
He is slightly tanned skin child with dark yellow hair having a darker shade on his sides and orange eyes. He wears a red shirt over his hooded, yellow sweater containing a red bear symbol in the center, bright orange overalls, and green suspenders with a black stripe matching his wristbands..
"Oh, Futoshi-kun, I see you didn't find someone."
"Yeah, there was no one who gave me the shivers on sight..."
"Always shivers with you."
"I'm Harada Futoshi. The kind of guy who gets lots of shivers!" He energetically introduced to me.
When I think of shivers, its normally the other kind with me.
"Anyway, let's go!" Ayu dragged me inside. "Hey, Yuzu-oneechan! We're back!"
Footsteps are quickly approaching this way. The young girl has blue eyes and dark pink hair, which she wears tied up in pigtails, clipped down by blue, spherical hair clips. Her hair also features two lighter pink bangs that fall to the side of her face. She wears a sleeveless light-blue and white shirt with a musical note on the right collar, along with a red tie, an odd bracelet, and a dark red skirt and dark stockings.
"Ayu-chan! Futoshi-kun! Where have you been-?" She noticed at me. "Who are you?"
"He's going to be your Duel opponent!"
"Duel opponent?" We both said in unison.
"Before the start of class, when we found out Yuya-niichan was sick today, you said out loud you felt like you wanted to Duel with someone." Futoshi explained. "That was why we searched around the city for someone, but only Ayu managed to find someone..." Futoshi sulked.
"You looked very sad when Yuya-niichan didn't come today." Ayu mentioned. "We thought having a Duel with someone strong would cheer you up."
Children are so sweet.
"You guys..." The pink haired girl touched by their action, then looked at me. "I'm Hiragi Yuzu, nice to meet you. Welcome to the You Show Duel School."
"You Show Duel School?" I repeat.
This... is a school?
"We're a school who practices the art of Entertainment Duels."
The school is quite small in both quality and quantity compared to LDS, but... The place has this warm cozy atmosphere which LDS does not. Though that's naturally expected even from the number one Duel School to have its shortcomings.
"Hmm." Yuzu started staring at me suspiciously.
"Wh-What is it? Is there something on my face?"
"Um, Ayu-chan? I'm having a hard time seeing why you picked him?" She turned to me, smiling awkwardly. "I mean no offense, but you look like that you wouldn't hurt a single fly."
"None taken." Maybe a little...
"Look what's on his chest." Ayu pointed.
"That's... a LDS badged?! Could you be a student from LDS?"
"...No, I'm afraid I'm not the LDS student you think I am."
"Then, what about the badge?" Futoshi asked.
"It's a necklace I got from one of their gift shops as a souvenir."
The Leo Duel School being the number one makes the school itself an rival to all schools in envy. They all seem like nice people, I don't want them to treat me like an enemy/rival, I'll also end up causing an underestimation of the school with my current measly skills.
"I guess that makes sense. There's no way a LDS student would shamelessly wear their symbol of pride in a disrespectful manner." Yuzu realized.
! Is that why I was given those scowls and dirty looks by some of the staff? I-I didn't know!
"If you're not enrolled in any school, you can enroll in You Show Duel School-!" An energetic, hot blooded voice came running in.
The man has dark blue eyes and spiky brown hair in the center and orange spiky hair on his sides. He wears a dark blue shirt with flames over his red-orange jumpsuit with a green trim and red fire design.
"Dad!" Yuzu took out a fan, and smacked him with it. "Sorry, this is our principal. He tends to get too hot blooded sometimes."
Hitting people with a fan, I say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Violence is never the answer. I tell her, but I'm scared how'll she will retaliate...
"You can call me the fiery hot-blooded Principle Shuzo if you enroll, but first I like to see how well you can fare against my daughter!"
"H-Hold on, dad! I never said I-" Yuzu tried to get a word in.
"Let's Duel." I suggest.
"Eh?"
"Ayu-chan, and Futoshi-kun went out of their way in an attempt to cheer you up, so there's no way I can refuse. Isn't it the same with you?"
"You're right. Let's head to the field."
"Okay."
I follow her to their field which turns out to be the ball pin, there's a window which I can see the children. Pretty fun size arena compared to the place I was previously.
"This will be an Action Field. I hope that's alright with you."
Action Field? I haven't ever been in one before. They are the current thing in Maiami City. This is an experience I eventually need to learn fully about so having a small Duel School's duelist as a opponent is perfect. Best I don't tell her so she doesn't have to hold back on me.
"I don't mind."
"Good. Action Field On! Field Magic! Wild West Duel Town!" Shuzo declared, changing the field to a wild west theme like the name implies.
Since this is an Action Duel. The principle must've went to work the Solid Vision which surrounds the entire field. The Duel takes place in the entire area, and each one different with this one being wild west theme. I heard monsters are so real you can ride on them.
We activate our Duel Disk.
"Then let's start! Duelists locked in battle!" Yuzu started the chant.
If I'm right, it goes like...
"K-Kicking the earth..."
"Dancing in the air alongside their monsters!"
"Th-They storm through this field!"
"Behold! This is the newest and greatest evolution of Dueling! ACTION-!"
"DUEL! " We both shouted.
Masato 4000 LP
Yuzu 4000 LP
Wow, that was more difficult than I thought. Hope it doesn't get more intense than that.
Hm? I wonder what was those thousand lights filling the area were?
"I'll go first! My turn! Draw!" Yuzu drew. "I summon Aria the Melodious Diva!" What appeared is a peach-skinned female wearing flowing, regal clothing, and a single right orange wing on her back with a piano-key design.
"Aria the Melodious Diva" (1600/1200)
Yuzu moves around grabbing a... card?
"Action Magic, Extra Summon! This card lets me perform one additional summon, and treat the monster as a Special Summon monster. By releasing Aria the Melodious Diva, I Advance Summon my Elegy the Melodious Diva!" A light green skinned female in indigo regal flowing clothing, and a left purple wing with a piano-key design like Aria.
"Elegy the Melodious Diva" (2000/1200)
I see what those lights were now... These Action Cards were scattered around the field as part of the Action Duel. It looks like you're only allowed to hold one at a time, if not, she would've started hoarding them.
"If I control a Melodious Diva monster on the field... I can Special Summon this card. I Special Summon Sonata the Melodious Diva!" A yellow skinned female in light blue regal clothing in a musical note pattern, and a piano-key design, blue wing on the same place as Elergy.
"Sonata the Melodious Diva" (1200/1000)
"Elegy the Melodious Diva's effect, since this my monster was Special Summoned, all Fairy-Type monsters I control gain 300 ATK." Yuzu informed.
("Sonata the Melodious Diva": 1200 → 1500/1000)
("Elegy the Melodious Diva": 2000 → 2300/1200)
"I end my turn."
"My turn. Draw." I draw. "If you control a monster and I control no monsters, I can Special Summon this card from my hand, but its ATK and DEF become half. Vice Dragon." A purple dragon that could use some meat on his bone.
("Vice Dragon": 2000/2400 → 1000/1200)
What I'm about to do maybe a... certain move.
"I active the Magic Card: Lightning Vortex. Discard 1 card; and this will destroy all face-up monsters you control."
"What?!"
Lightning descends on the poor creatures turning them to ash.
"I now tribute my Vice Dragon to Advance Summon Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV6."
"Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV6" (2300/1600)
I decided to use the LV Deck against her. It came to my attention that using my Satellarknight cards would disgrace my opponent having close to zero knowledge on them. Before today, I never used those cards, and didn't plan on using them today, but was pressured into using them, and look where that got me. I only looked at the card's pictures in wonder, and didn't memorize all their effects or possible strategies. Professor Vladimir was right about me playing poorly. Using a Deck with such experience with.
"LV?" Ayu tilted her head in confusion.
That's why for today, I'll use what I know best.
"What are those?" Futoshi asked.
"LVs are monsters that can send themselves to the Graveyard to summon a more powerful version of themselves once certain conditions are met." I educated them. "However there are exceptions, I play the Magic Card: Level Up!. By send this "LV" I control to the Graveyard; I Special Summon its higher level form ignoring its summoning conditions. I Special Summon Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8."
"Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8" (3000/1800)
Even though, using them reminds me of the past...
"Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8 attacks directly. Black Mega Flame." The fully adult silver falcon engulfs my opponent in a dark blue flame.
Yuzu finds another Action Card. "Action Magic, Evasion-"
"That won't work. Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8's effect activates. It can negate the activation of a Spell Card and destroy it."
"That means all Action Cards are now useless!"
I'll push through!
Yuzu( 4000 → 1000)
"I send one card face-down, and end my turn."
Oh, I see an Action Card.
"My turn!" Yuzu drew.
I pick it up and see what it is. Huh?
The next moment, a bullet fires at my monster sending static shocks all over its body.
"What just happened?"
I didn't even activate this card.
"Looks like you grabbed the Action Trap Card, Disarm. All your monster's effect are negated and lose 800 ATK points until the End Phrase."
("Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8": 3000/1800 → 2200/1800)
That's an odd one that doesn't seem helpful for me.
"Oh, another Action Card. ...It's another trap?"
"Action Trap, Misfire. It gives your opponent another card draw from their Deck." Yuzu drew a second time.
Third's time the charm- Another Misfire?!
"Tough luck. Action Traps are usually rare and never good." Yuzu drew again.
I didn't know those Action Cards had a critical downside like this, though I should've expected it. Getting three Action Traps in a row won't make Action Cards a good memory for my first. I'm so unlucky.
"Since your Horus' effect is negated, I activate Magic Card: 1st Movement Solo! If I control no monsters: I can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Melodious" monster from my hand. I Special Summon Serenade the Melodious Diva!" The monster has light purple skin wearing a yellow dress with a wide red ribbon around her waist, and a single right purple wing on her back with a piano-key design.
"Serenade the Melodious Diva" (400/1900)
"This card can be treated as 2 Tributes for the Tribute Summon of a Fairy-Type monster. I tribute Serenade the Melodious Diva to Advance Summon Mozarta the Melodious Maestra!" A fully grown woman has light blue skin with clear light teal blue eyes, a red dress gown designed in a curved yellow musical note pattern, and yellow-trimmed, butterfly wings matching her flawless skin.
"Mozarta the Melodious Maestra" (2600/2000)
Whoa! Her Deck is filled with so many beautiful monsters but this one takes the cake. Mozarta is a really beautiful monster. I might develop a card crush on her~ J-Just kidding, my OTCC Lyna!
"I activate the effect of my Mozarta the Melodious Maestra! Once per turn: I can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Melodious" monster from my hand. I Special Summon another copy of Sonata the Melodious Diva!" A copy of Sonata came onto the field.
"Sonata the Melodious Diva" (1200/1000)
I tribute Sonata the Melodious Diva to Advance Summon Shopina the Melodious Maestra!" Another Melodious with light purple skin, dressed in a purple dress gown playing a spiritual keyboard, and a yellow-trimmed, light blue butterfly wings growing from the back of her waist.
"Shopina the Melodious Maestra" (2300/1700)
Once per turn: I can target 1 LIGHT Fairy-Type monster in my Graveyard; add it to my hand. I add another copy of Aria the Melodious Diva, then summon her!"
"Aria the Melodious Diva" (1600/1200)
Those Action Traps have started to catch up on me. Perhaps I should avoid using them...
"Battle! I attack Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8 with Mozarta the Melodious Maestra! Graceful Wave!" The musical goddess waved her baton, her wings glowed bright green while the light sound of a piano played, and sent forth a blast of sound on my weaken monster.
Masato( 4000 → 3600)
"I attack you directly with Shopina the Melodious Maestra!"
She lets out gusty sonic vibrations.
Masato( 3600 → 1300)
This isn't good! I might have no choice to-
"Aria the Melodious Diva attacks you directly! Sharpness Voice!" The female screeched a sent a wave of pink music notes that turned into a blast of vibration.
"If this attack hits, Yuzu-neechan will win!" Ayu announced.
I have nothing to lose, so I leapt for an Action Card.
"Action Magic: Evasion!" I activate, dodging the attack.
"Aria the Melodious Diva's effect activates! Once per turn, when my opponent does not take any battle damage from an attack involving this card: I can inflict 800 damage to my opponent! Resonate Wave!" Aria screeched a scream of sound.
My ears!
Masato( 1300 → 500)
"I end my turn." Yuzu finished.
That was a close one. I didn't expect a Duelist from a small Duel School to give me more trouble than the ace of LDS Sawatari-san, but to be fair I kind of dug myself into this hole, so I must be the one to fill it. By taking advantage of the hole she left out.
I draw.
Since this is an Entertainment Duel School. I might as well try to put a show for the kids.
"Hey, children! Want to watch me make a comeback from behind and win this Duel!" I ask cheerfully.
"Can he really win?" Ayu asked herself.
"I want to see if he can!" Futoshi felt eager.
"Well, aren't you acting overconfident all of the sudden? Let's see what you got!" Yuzu smiled.
"You'll see." I predict. "I summon Unmasked Dragon." The unmasked counterpart of Masked Dragon having red flesh for skin; its eyes glow green.
"Unmasked Dragon" (1400/1100)
"Next, I attack Aria the Melodious Diva with Unmasked Dragon!"
"But your monster doesn't have enough attack!"
"I know."
Masato( 500 → 300)
"When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard: I can Special Summon 1 Wyrm-Type monster with 1500 or less DEF from my Deck. Come forth, Metaphys Armed Dragon!" The phantom dragon counterpart of Armed Dragon LV7 where its appearance is hardly visible.
"Metaphys Armed Dragon" (2800/1000)
"Whoa, he destroyed his own monster on purpose to summon a more powerful monster in place!" Ayu exclaimed.
"I'm getting shivers!" Futoshi wiggled around in excitement.
"Battle! I attack Aria the Melodious Diva with Metaphys Armed Dragon! Phantom Armed Punisher!"
"Action Magic, Miracle!" Yuzu activated from her hand. "My monster's destruction is negated and Battle Damage is halved!"
"I hoped you do something like that. I reveal the card that'll end this Duel! Trap Card: Metamorph! It gains 300 ATK and DEF. "
The barely visible dragon becomes coated in metal armor.
("Metaphys Armed Dragon": 2800 → 3100/1300)
"That's still not enough."
"Hold on~ There's more! If the monster attacks, it gains ATK equal to half the ATK of the attack target!"
("Metaphys Armed Dragon": 3100 → 3900/1300)
"Can you guess how much damage she'll take total?!" I gave a question to the crowd.
"Let's see, carry the one-hundred..." Futoshi calculated with his fingers. "You subtract the total attack of Metaphys from Aria..."
"Divide the damage by two. But, wait! You must include adding half the attack of Aria..."
"Times up! The answer is... 1150 points of Damage!"
Yuzu( 1000 → 0)
"I lost." Yuzu sighed. "Oh, well, it was still a fun Duel."
"Yes, I agree. It was closer than I thought it would be." I fall to my knees, breathing heavily.
Those Action Cards are definitely a game changer. Makes Dueling more complicated, and exhausting from moving around.
"You certainly did well for your first time. You're a natural, and a quick learner."
"You knew?"
"Of course. The way you moved, and how you acted was pretty obvious."
"Oh..."
"Also you look pretty worn out from moving around a little." Yuzu added, sweat dropping.
"I'm not use to physical activities..." I huffed deeply, as the children came in the arena. "So how was my attempt at Entertainment Dueling?"
"You looked very cool!" Ayu cheered.
"It gave me shivers!" Futoshi wiggled around.
"Thank you, but... honestly it was kind of embarrassing that I didn't know if I end up fully conscious when the Duel was finished..." I turn red in the face.
"Nonsense!" Shuzo energetically slapped me in the back out of nowhere which causing me to yelp quietly in shock. "A couple of lessons at You Show, and you'll be a staged ready!" He then handed me a pamphlet. "You have to join us! Come on! Pleeeaaaseee-!"
"We're not going to get more students if you act overly desperate!" Yuzu unleashed her fan on him again.
"S-Sorry..." Shuzo whimpered.
Is he really the father?
"I appreciate the offer, however I'm unable to accept due to complex circumstances." I respond to the offer given to me. "Speaking of which, I need to go home."
"Awww..." The two children whined.
"Come on, don't be like that, I promise to visit whenever I can."
"Pinky promise?" They both asked holding out their pinkies, as I respond with my own.
As long as I'm not busy, I can visit time to time.
"You're welcomed anytime-" Yuzu paused, realizing something. "...What's your name?"
"Now that you mentioned..." Ayu recalled. "I didn't get the chance to learn your name!"
"Me neither!" Shuzo and Futoshi gasped.
I forgot to introduce myself...!
"I can't believe it took this long to realize this..." Yuzu sighed disappointedly at herself, then faced me. "H-Hey... This might be a little late, but... could you give us your name?"
Wait, this might be a blessing in disguise! If I give my name, then they'll be able to look me up on the Duelist Network, and discover I'm a LDS student. I can't let that happen, but... I really hate lying...
"Is it too late?" Yuzu assumed with a guilty expression by my silence.
"N-No, its... its... Madoka Madoka!" I blurted out the first name that came to mind, and accidently repeating it.
"Um, so your name is... Madoka Madoka?"
"..." I nod.
"Wow, and I thought my name was re... repetitive? Yeah, I think that's the word!" Ayu let out a giggle.
"Your parents must've had a heck of a naming sense!" Futoshi gave his opinion.
This coming from the one whose name sounds like fundoshi?
"Hey, you two." Yuzu scolded, then faced me again with her hand extended out. "Well, I hope to see you around, and have a rematch, Madoka-kun."
Ah~ I know she must be calling me by a fake family name, but I can't help but feel happy about someone calling it unconditionally like its my given name.
"Anytime, Hiragi-san." I accept the handshake.
Hey, just want you to know about one-third of this was originally part of the 1st Act of this story. That's why Act 2 was longer than the last.
Thank you for those who read my first story, left reviews, and sent PMs. Makes me want to continue, and work on the next act immediately.
