Duel Academy: Another Time…

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Chapter 3
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Joe Milly
3700 3400

"Righty-oh then, I guess I'll finish off by setting a new facedown card and ending my turn," Milly chuckled.

"Right," Joe answered, "And this is my first draw I skip thanks to Reckless Greed. But it doesn't matter. I'll start by switching Muka Muka to Attack Mode, then I summon Giant Rat to the field. And now I-"

"Do nothing, Joey-boy," Milly snickered, "cause I use my trap card: Overindulgence."

Overindulgence
Normal Trap
Discard 1 "Candy Warrior" from your hand to the Graveyard. Your opponent cannot declare an attack this turn.

"And I discard my Candy Warrior-Gumdrop Girl to do that. So you won't be hurting my little sweeties this turn."

"Uh, right," Joe continued, obviously thrown a bit off by how affectionate Milly was towards her cards. "I guess I'll set 1 card and end my turn."

"Oh, goody, it's my turn. But first both of my Candy Warriors gain another C-Counter. And now, I'll start by using this card to get rid of that pesky Muka Muka. I activate Follow the Sweets!"

Follow the Sweets
Normal Spell
Tribute 1 face-up "Candy Warrior" on your side of the field. Destroy 1 monster on your opponent's side of the field.

"So I send Lollipop Lady to the Graveyard, and Muka Muka has no choice but to follow."

"Grr…fine. But while we're at it, I activate The Transmigration Prophecy, and send both of my Reckless Greeds back to my Deck."

"Oh fine, do whatever you want. But now my Sour Soldier will strike down that ugly little rat!"

Sour Soldier charged unheeded once more, and neatly sliced Giant Rat in half, spilling sprinkles onto Joe once again. "And don't forget that his effect adds another 300 onto the 200 damage you take from Giant Rat dying."

Joe Milly
3200 3400

Joe growled as his Life Points disappeared, but didn't look too angry. "Fine, but I get an effect that benefits me from Giant Rat dying in battle. He lets me summon Enraged Muka Muka from my deck. And even though he starts low like the lesser version you just blew up, he grows even faster. After hitting the field, he's up to 3600 ATK!"

"But, that's not fair!" Milly gasped. "Oh poo, fine. I end."

"That's all," Joe laughed, "well, guess I was expecting too much. This is the second and last draw I'll be skipping, but I think I'll have this duel cinched in no time. I'll start by setting 5 cards, lowering my Enraged Muka Muka to 1600. But it doesn't matter, he's still enough to destroy that Sour Soldier without incurring that annoying stall afterwards."

The steaming crustacean creature charged Sour Solder, who valiantly struck back. An explosion erupted as they destroyed each other. "But haven't you forgotten, Joey-boy? Whenever Sour Soldier destroys a monsters, you take 300 damage."

Joe Milly
2900 3400

"It's a paltry price to pay for what I have planned for you. Now go, before I change my mind."

"Testy, aren't we? Well then fine, sweetie, but don't say I didn't warn you. I'll start by activating that little trap card I set last turn. It goes by the name of Candied Whistle Call."

Candied Whistle Call
Continuous Trap
During your Main Phase, you can send the top card from your Deck to the Graveyard. Special Summon from the Graveyard as many "Candy Warrior" monsters as possible. If this card is removed from the field, destroy all monsters that were Special Summoned by this effect.

"So I send the top card on my deck, which just happens to be another Gumdrop Girl, to the Graveyard, and now I Special Summon all my Candy Warriors from there to the field."

"Not so fast. I play my trap card as well. Go, Threatening Roar!"

"Huh? Oh, you. That's like what I just did. Stop copying me," Milly laughed at her own joke. "But fine, I bring out both Gumdrop Girls, and Lollipop Lady, all in Defense Position. But I'll summon Sour Soldier in Attack Position to give you a little scare, hehe."

Candy Warrior-Gumdrop Girl
LIGHT

Warrior/Effect
This card inflicts 500 damage to your opponent during the End Phase of your turn. During each of your Standby Phases, place 1 C-Counter on this card. An opponent's monster cannot declare an attack after battle with this card for a number of turns equal to the number of C-Counters on this card.
1000/1000

Along with Lollipop Lady and Sour Soldier flashing back onto the field, she was joined by 2 more monsters that were mirror images of each other. Gumdrop Girl looked much like she could be Lollipop Lady's younger sister, but wore a purplish dress with much more frills, and each carried a small bag slung over their shoulder. Both Gumdrop Girls looked at each other and snickered, casting glances quickly towards Joe. "But I don't like to let them sit out here all alone. Meet their canine companion, Gumdog."

Gumdog
WATER

Beast/Effect
This card is changed to defense position when it is Normal Summoned or Flip Summoned. As long as this card remains face-up on your side of the field, your opponent cannot designate "Candy Warrior-Gumdrop Girl" as the target of an attack.
100/1900

Now a purple puppy flashed into play, barking happily as both Gumdrop Girls rushed to it and started petting it before quickly returning to their places. "They little girlies love him, and he loves them back. With him out, you can't attack my Gumdrop Girls anytime soon."

"Whatever. Are you done yet?"

"Oh, such impatience. Fine, Joey-boy, if you insist, I'll let you go. But," she taunted as Joe reached to draw, "not before my Gumdrop Girls get to play a little trick on you. You see, at the end of each of my turns, each of them gets to inflict 500 points of damage to your Life Points. Get him girls!"

Both Gumdrop Girls, who had been snickering the whole time, launched into action, reaching into the little bags they had slung over their shoulders, and pulled out the item which gave them their names. Reaching back, both slung their gumdrops at Joe, exploding on impact.

Joe Milly
2200 3400

"They'll regret that soon enough. My turn, and now I get to draw. So first, I use that card I drew. I activate Fissure, and blow up your Gumdog."

The little puppy yipped as ground formed beneath it, cracking open to swallow the dog whole. "But I'm not done yet," Joe exclaimed, "cause now I play Premature Burial to get back my Enraged Muka Muka. But why stop there when I can chain one of the cards I set last turn? I'll use Inferno Reckless Summon along with that to get the other two out of my deck. Altogether, it'll cost me 800 Life Points, but it's sure to be worth it."

Joe Milly
1400 3400

Joe grinned as three Enraged Muka Mukas appeared on the field, creating a huge cloud of steam above the playing field.

"But," Milly questioned, "those little things are only at 1200. What could you possibly do with them?"

"I'm glad you asked, cause now I choose to activate the rest of the cards I set last turn. I activate 3 copies of Jar of Greed, adding 3 cards to my hand. But I won't stop there, I also flip over my facedown monster, revealing it to be Dark Mimic LV1, which adds another card to my hand. Altogether, that's an addition of 4 cards to my hand, raising up all my Enraged Muka Mukas to 2800. And now, I'll start by using two of them to destroy those annoying little girls."

Both Gumdrop Girls cried out and grabbed ahold of each other as Enraged Muka Mukas leapt towards them, landing in an explosion of holographic dust. "And now to dispose of your Sour Soldier!" Joe exclaimed.

The last Enraged Muka Muka charged forward, crushing the Sour Soldier to pieces.

Joe Milly
1400 2800

"And it seems unfortunate that I cannot continue, but Dark Mimic LV1 is too weak to destroy Lollipop Lady. I'll set 1 card and let it be your turn."

"Hmph, meanie. You'll pay for destroying them all. So first I draw, then Lollipop Lady gains a counter. I start by equipping Lollipop Lady with Sugar Rush."

Sugar Rush
Equip Spell
A monster equipped with this card has its ATK doubled. During your second End Phase after activating this card, decrease the monster's ATK to 0. This card cannot be destroyed by a card's effect or returned to the hand.

As she played the spell, a pouch appeared on a strap over Lollipop Lady shoulder. Reaching in, she pulled out a bag of sugar candies, and munched it down in no time. Feeling supercharged, Lollipop Lady readied her weapon for an attack. "This raises her to 3000 ATK, well than enough to handle what you have. So now, I attack that ugle little box thing and end this duel, Joey-boy!"

"Heh," Joe laughed, "I think now. Time to reveal my set card: Book of Moon. This allows me to turn my Dark Mimic LV1 into Face-Down Defense Position, so for starters I'll be taking no damage from this attack. And next, I add a new card to my hand, raising all the Enraged Muka Mukas back to 2800 ATK."

The Dark Mimic disappeared as its card went facedown, but quickly reappeared when Lollipop Lady struck it, only to shatter upon destruction. Joe could only grin as he drew a new card.

"No, that wasn't supposed to happen! Hmph, fine then. I set a new monster and end my turn, spoil sport," Milly finished, whispering the end to herself.

"Good, I draw, raising my monsters to 3200 ATK. But I think I'll lose the boost and rather activate the card. Say good-bye to Sugar Rush because I activate Mystical Space Typhoon. Now to wipe out your monsters; and I'll start by taking out that Lollipop Lady first."

The first Enraged Muka Muka charged forth, crushing the still supercharged Lollipop Lady to dust.

Joe Milly
1400 1500

"And next I destroy that facedown monster."

The second Enraged Muka Muka charged forth, smashing into Milly's card with a gush of steam.

"Fine, but that card happens to be my Sticky Sucker."

Sticky Sucker
LIGHT

Aqua/Effect
If this card is destroyed and sent to the graveyard as a result of battle, Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Candy Warrior" monster from your deck.
800/1000

"And he's so sticky, he'll pull my Lollipop Lady to the field in Defense Position."

"I don't care, she'll be crushed by my last monster."

The third and final Enraged Muka Muka charged forth, stamping Lollipop Lady into pieces. "Now, that's all I can do now. I'll set 1 card let you take your last move and see what comes of it."

"Last move," Milly repeated, "Oh, I don't think that's quite right, Joey-boy. I start by drawing, then I summon my third Lollipop Lady to the field, and then send the top card of my deck, a yummy little friend called Captain Chocolate, to the Graveyard to activate Candied Whistle Call again. You do remember that card, right? It gives me back Sour Soldier, both Lollipops, and Captain Chocolate himself."

Candy Warrior-Captain Chocolate
EARTH

Warrior/Effect
Each time this card destroys an opponent's monster in battle, increase the ATK of this card by 500. During each of your Standby Phases, place 1 C-Counter on this card. An opponent's monster cannot declare an attack after battle with this card for a number of turns equal to the number of C-Counters on this card.
2000/2500

Rising in a brown flash of light, a massive warrior coated in slightly syrupy brown armor rose, brandishing a broad sword made of chocolate squares. The warrior grinned and heaved his sword onto his shoulder in preparation for battle.

"And with three sweet little Lollipop Ladies on my field, all my monsters get 1500 added to their ATK. That puts Captain Chocolate up to 3500! And next I'll use a Spell by the name of All the Toppings."

All the Toppings
Quick-Play Spell
Select 1 face-up "Candy Warrior" monster you control. Destroy it and distribute new C-Counters equal to its level among your monsters.

"This let's me send Sour Soldier to the grave, and put 4 brand new C-Counters onto Lollipop Lady. To top this just desert for you, I'll strike down an Enraged Muka Muka with Captain Chocolate."

Captain Chocolate charged the living rock, slicing downward with one mighty stroke of his sword to split the creature in half.

Joe Milly
1200 1500

"And now, Joey-boy," Milly chuckled, "you take your last turn, cause even though I've had a lot of fun with this duel, I'm going to end it my next turn."

"You think so? Fine, then I draw, raising my last two Mukas up to 4000, enough to match Captain Chocolate."

"Nope," Milly grinned, "cause he gained 500 when he killed your third little crab."

"Hmm…well, then I guess I'll tribute my Enraged Muka Muka to summon Grasschopper. Next I play Swords of Revealing Light. I'll end my turn with that."

"Stalling," Milly laughed, "but oh, I thought you knew better than that, Joey-boy. My deck is at its best the longer the duel takes, so I enjoy it being drawn out like this. But sadly, I'm going to end it. After drawing, each of my Candy Warriors gain a new counter. And next I play Bon Bon Bomb!"

Bon Bon Bomb
Normal Spell
Remove 4 C-Counters from the field to destroy 1 card on your opponent's side of the field. This effect cannot be negated.

"So, by giving up the 4 counters I stuck on Lollipop Lady, I can destroy a card on the field, like that annoying Swords you have in play. And with them gone…"

"No, you can't…"

"Yes, I can and will. Captain Chocolate! Strike down his Enraged Muka Muka for the win!"

Captain Chocolate hollered a victory cry before striking out with his sword one more, obliterating Joe's Enraged Muka Muka and his Life Points.

"Hmph," Joe chuckled as the holograms faded, "well, I guess that was to be expected. Both from an Obelisk and a relative of the man who made this game. Good game, but don't think you're be so lucky next time."

"Hehe," Milly laughed, "no, I'll be even luckier!" Laughing at Joe's shock, she quickly hopped off the platform and hurried out of the arena.

Jumping down after her, Joe stared at Lee and Ian, who happened to still be seated next to the entrance. "Did she just? I can't believe that woman!" Stalking off back towards a group of Obelisks, both of them heard him call back, "you two seemed to have enjoyed the duel, especially you there who's been watching the last three. Let's hoped you learned something to help you through the dorms." Before Ian or Lee could respond, he was already too far away to hear them.

"That was…interesting," Ian commented.

"Sure was. I was beginning to think this guy was unbeatable, but then she just…and he…and then she…I mean, wow! That was an incredible match! And she's related to the Pegasus? Wow. Buddy, I am so loving this. But, I can't help but feel like he was mocking us in the end."

"You think? But I have some studying to do, so I'll see you later."

As Ian made his way for the door, his attention was caught by the person walking in. That's Aaron. What's he up to? And why does he look so determined?

Indeed, it was Aaron, who determinedly walked straight towards Mitch, who had somehow appeared next to Lee when Ian wasn't looking, and called out, "I challenge you to a duel."

"Huh?" Mitch could only reply, "who are you and why are you challenging me?"

Cringing as if struggling to keep it together, Aaron continued, "I heard you were a really good Ra Yellow, and if I beat you…well, I have to duel you."

"Dude, take on someone else. I don't have the time to waste on glory-seeking…"

"Hey, pal," Lee interrupted, "give our friend here a chance. It's obvious someone put him up to it, so maybe you should give him a good show. Besides, I haven't seem them cards of yours in action yet."

"Lee, you can't be serious," Mitch questioned.

"No, I'm seriously serious, buddy. Duel him. What harm could it do?"

"Well, for starters, it looks like this guy is going to bolt at a second's notice, and I don't want to give him the wrong impression. But screw it, if you insist. Now stop staring. And, oh hey Ian! Where are you going? Stick around. I need someone not-crazy to stick around. And you, pal, what's your name."

"I'm…Aaron Strobers," Aaron stammered.

"Well, Mr. Aaron Strobers, today's your lucky day. Most students tend to only duel others from their dorm, but you're lucky enough to duel someone a step up. So hop up there, and let's see if you can back up that challenge."

Responding to Mitch's acceptance of his challenge, Aaron didn't so much as hop up to the platform as scurry. Mitch simply strolled along to his place, and calmly activated his duel disk. "And since I'm such a nice guy, I'll even let you go first."

Seemingly startled by this gesture, Aaron could only look dumbfound before finally drawing his cards. "Alright then, I, uh…set 1 monster and…1 facedown. Then I end."

"It's a good start, but I'm afraid you'll have to do better than that to back up that challenge. I'll start by activating Mystical Space Typhoon on your facedown card."

Aaron gasped as the vortex struck his facedown Magic Cylinder, crushing it and sending it to the Graveyard. "I'm sorry if you planned on using that. And now it's time to summon Shadowknight Archfiend."

As the card materialized onto the field, blackness creeped forth, finally spilling out Shadowknight Archfiend, who merely spread its wings and readied its sword for battle. "And without further ado, I strike down you facedown monster."

Shadowknight leapt forward, slashing Aaron's card to shred, revealing it to be Shien's Footsoldier. Aaron shielded himself defensively as Shadownknight settled back into its original place. "Now, aren't you going to use Footsoldier's effect?"

"Oh, right. I…uh…summon Six Samurai-Yaichi from my deck to the field in Defense Position."

"Good, but don't think I'll remind you of all your cards effects. Now, before I end, I'll be activating the Field Spell Pandemonium."

Abrupt enough to make Aaron jump, the field was completely consumed by what appeared to be an ancient and creepy temple grounds. The 'sky' changed to overcast, and was tinted orange. "With this, I won't have to pay the cost of having my Archfiend's out, among other things. And to be safe, I also activate Field Barrier. Now, show me what you are capable of, and don't let me down. I'm sure you have the moves to defend against me. If not, well…heh, then shouldn't have challenged me."

Next Chapter: Archfiend's Strike! Samurai Counter-Attack?