CHAPTER 3
Jason raised his head, then lowered it again, overwhelmed somewhat with boredom. The title of the lesson was Fusion in the early game, and although it was somewhat interesting to see how special summons were in the very first packs, he couldn't help but feel the topic somewhat pointless, since the game had long evolved since the age of Polymerisation and specific material summon. The teacher was the woman who had announced the winners at the opening of the year. She introduced herself as Hannah Aldein, and he could tell that she was all heart for her students. Soft spoken and dressed in an elegant brown uniform, she knew just how to keep a person stimulated, or if a student was so bored, he would just leave him to rest. Most of the students loved her, and though anyone saw her dueling yet, they all imagined her to be great.
The bell made the distracted students to raise their heads, and the attentive ones to close their notebooks. The teacher got up, and clapped her hands.
"Remember, next week's topic will be Fusion without the use of Polymerisation so be sure to check-up on your reading. So have a good break and a good day".
The students began to leave the auditorium, talking and laughing, some running, some going to their rooms, others to various classes. Oliver, Jason and Andora packed their things and left the room.
"I guess not all the teachers are creepy" said Oliver, rubbing his nose. "Like that Rossler guy. That guy is way too weird. I heard some of the students say that he goes at night into the woods and does voodoo to fix certain duels".
"And you believe that?" laughed Andora. "You read too many comics".
"Well, believe it or not, the guy actually appeared in an order edition of Dueling Legends. And yes, he did admit it to using magic to win some duels".
"Well, in my book that qualifies as cheating. Not to mention disturbing" said Jason.
"Same here, though I could sure use a lucky eye sometimes" frowned Oliver.
Andora checked her watch and tapped Jason on the shoulder with her finger.
"Guys, we need to go. Card design class starts in about…five minutes. So if you want a good seat, I suggest you get going".
They went down the halls in a hurry, Oliver trying desperately to keep up, making sure not to get lost in the crowd. A short beep came from the overhead loudspeakers, followed by the voice of the chancellor.
"Attention all students. Due to the risk of autumn flu, all students must report this afternoon to their respective dorms to receive a preventive vaccine. That will be all".
"Duel action, bed and breakfeast, AND healthcare" laughed Jason. "Looks like we made the right choice, right buddy?"
"Y…yeah, sure" said Oliver, in a cold sweat.
"You okay?" asked Andora, looking at him a bit worried.
"Sure, sure. Come on, let's go, no need to be late to class!"
He took of in a hurry, leaving both Jason and Andora in a puzzled state.
"What you think's wrong with him?"
"Whatever it is, I hope it's not contagious" said Jason, heading for the class.
Oliver was quiet for most of the day. Any attempt by Jason or Andora to get him to lighten up failed. Anytime one of them would bring up the subject, he would just brush it of and change the topic. As the day wore on, he became more and more stressed.
When classes were over, the students went back to their dorms, in front of which several tents were set up, and several nurses were dealing with the vaccination of the students. The line was moving pretty quick, each student getting a quick shot, then a small bandage was applied. Oliver became pale, clutching his books.
"Uh…look Jason, I'm just going back to the dorm to leave these books and I'll come back later. So…see ya."
Jason raised an eyebrow, and Oliver began to feel even smaller, and less significant.
"Oli, you're not scared of a shot, are you?"
"N…no, why should I be?" babbled the younger duelist.
"Look, it's okay. I can come with you if you want. It's not that bad, really".
"I guess…" said Oliver, and joined his friend in the line.
There were only six persons in front, two from their class, and the rest were unknown to them. Oliver remained stressed and shaky, either holding his books or gripping his deck holder.
"Come on, relax" said Jason, as his turn came up.
He raised his sleeve as the young nurse came and cleaned the skin with a sterile swab. Oliver closed his eyes, desperately wanting to be anywhere else. He kept them close until he heard Jason's voice call out to him.
"Come on pal, I'm done, and I'm fine".
Oliver gulped and walked forward, slowly raising his sleeve. The nurse threw away the used needle and seringe, and searched in the box for a new one. All the while, Oliver was sweating and shaking becoming paler by the second. His eyes shifted to the nurse, then back to Jason, and back to the needle. He was pondering if he should run, cry, or just faint. He never felt so ashamed, nor so scared. He wanted to run, but then he thought of his friend. He didn't want to look weak in front of him.
"Relax, I never hurt anyone on purpose" said the nurse, as she came closer to clean his arm.
Oliver twitched, and backed away, hitting a well build duelist.
"What's the matter shortie, scared of a little needle? If you can't take it, get the hell outa here!"
He pushed the blonde duelist aside, and before Jason could protest, he walked to the nurse, raising his sleeve.
"Here baby, shove it right in. Make me feel good and cure what ails me."
The nurse gaved him an ugly look, and pushed him aside.
"Back in line gorilla and wait your turn. And if you call me baby again, you'll get the needle trough a really important part of the body".
The muscular boy backed away, and the nurse turned back to Oliver, and reached for his arm. Don't run, don't run, don't run was all he could think at that moment. His entire focus was now centered upon the needle that was coming towards him. Don't…oh crap!!!
With a speed that he himself couldn't imagine having, he threw the books aside, and ran from the line, pushing anyone aside, trying to ignore the laughter of some of the students.
"Olie, wait" shouted Jason, but to no avail. The blonde duelist had already reached the dorm building and had entered.
"Guess it's true what they say, blondes ARE as dumb as they look" said the muscular duelist that had pushed Oliver aside.
Before Jason could protest, he walked to the nurse and raised his arm.
"Here baby, now you can't say no, can't you?"
The woman gived him a dirty look, before sticking the needle in. The brute moaned slightly, making Jason shrug with desgust, before walking away.
"I'm telling you An, I've never seen him this scared. He just took of and locked himself in my room. He hasn't come out since."
"Well, he must have had a reason. Did you try to talk to him?" said the girl.
"I tried, but he didn't listen."
They reached the room door, and Andora knocked twice. There was no answer.
"Oliver, are you in there?"
"Go away, there's nobody in here but us cowards" said a shaking voice.
"Come on pal, this is silly, open the door and talk to us" said Jason.
"Go away!" shouted Oliver.
"Look, last I checked, this is my room as well. Do I have to break it down?"
There was a clicking sound, then the door creeked open. Oliver's familiar face, now ravished by tears looked trough the opening. Jason gently pushed the door, and the two entered. Oliver sat on his bed, his chin touching his knees. He didn't want to look at either of them.
"Pal, is there something you want to tell us?"
"N…no, nothing at all" said the blonde duelist.
"Come on, I know a lie when I see it. Look, if you're this scared, we can talk to Lloyd and maybe he can give you some fake papers or something.
"No, that's the last thing I need. I made a fool of myself today, and I don't need anymore bad publicity."
"Okay, okay, we'll find another solution. Maybe a quick course in self esteem…"
Oliver just ignored him, and continued to stare to the window. Andora walked to him and put her hands on his shoulders.
"Look, it's okay. You don't have to tell us anything if you don't want. But it would sure help us if you could tell us why you are afraid of that shot?"
The boy turned to her, and looked her straight in the face.
"You would be too, if one nearly killed you."
Jason and Andora looked at each other, not sure what to say. Oliver continued:
"I was about five when it happened. I was sick for a few days, though it was nothing serious. My dad was a vet, so he nursed me at home. After two days, I began to have a high fever, so he decided to give me a shot of Penicillin. Problem is, he didn't check the material, and gaved me a dose of penicillin for animals. At first, there was no problem, then that night, I got worst. I was nauseous, had high fever, and didn't even recognize anyone. They rushed me to a hospital, where I stayed about four days, in and out of coma. In the end I pulled trough."
Oliver closed his eyes and sighed.
"The medicine affected my growth system. Brought it to a halt. That's why I'm so short right now. I'll never get any taller or stronger. So, to make a long story short, that's why I freaked out like that today.
"Why didn't you say anything?" asked Andora. "You could have talked to us, there was no need to hide like that."
"What do you care, you're not in my situation. So if you don't mind, I'm going to hide under the bed, until this thing blows over."
He jumped of the bed, but Jason took a hold of his arm. Oliver tried to shake him off, but he persisted, giving him a kind look.
"Can I ask you something pal, if your duel disk were to explode, would you give up dueling?"
Oliver didn't answer. He just ignored the question, looking to the floor.
"Oliver, you're too strong for that. I know that. I saw it at the start of the year. Can you say that fear is bigger than you? No. you got here, and you're get past this!"
"You really mean that?" he asked quietly.
"I do. And I'll say one more thing: you're braver than me for telling that story. Heck, I did some stuff I don't want to tell you about, but you're here, telling us about the stuff that makes you afraid. Now, can you go and take that shot?"
"Can you come with me?" asked Oliver.
"Sure, why not."
"I guess I can be brave. Heck, I once took a hit from a Grinder Golem. I still have the mark, just not in a place where people can see it. If I could take that, I can take a little needle like that".
The line at the medical stand was almost gone. Only three students were still there, and the nurses were ready to pack up their gear. Oliver took a deep breath, and walked to the stand. Jason followed.
"E…excuse me, I didn't have time to get the vaccine, so… can I do it now?"
The nurse looked at him and smiled.
"Oh, I remember you. You ran away just before I got the job done. So you found the courage in the end, right? Come here please, and don't worry."
Oliver blushed, and followed the nurse. The young woman took a seringe, and filled it with the serum. Oliver raise his sleeve, and closed his eyes shut. He didn't want to think about it, but he was just too ashamed to run. He didn't dare ask if it was over. The biggest focus was on not fainting.
"There, all done" said the calm voice of the nurse.
Oliver opened his eyes, and much to his mental amazement, he was still alive. The nurse had placed a band-aid on the spot, and disposed of the needle.
"Now that wasn't so bad, was it?"
"I guess not."
Jason walked next to him, and patted him on the back. Oliver looked to him and smiled.
"Thanks. I guess all that pep talk does pay off."
"Come on, we still have to read a whole chapter on fusion, remember?"
"Sure, sure. I can use something to get my mind of today."
"Then how about a duel shrimp" said a rude voice from behind them.
The two boys turned, and saw the same well build student who made fun of them earlier in the day. He had a duel disk on his arm, all turned on and ready to duel.
"Duel for what?" asked Jason sharply.
"Well, the way I see it, anybody who isn't man enough to take one stinkin shot has no place here. So how about it kid, care to prove you're a real man, and not some mommy's toy?"
"Forget it pal, let's go. You already proved to everyone that you could face your fears, you have nothing to prove to him."
"Jason."
"What?"
"Can I borrow your disk for a bit?"
The taller boy raised an eyebrow.
"You want to go trough with this?"
"You're darn right I am. I may be a coward when it comes to taking a shot, but I'm no coward when it comes to dueling. I don't need another humiliation for today, thank you very much."
Jason silently removed his disk and handed it to him.
"Good luck" he said and walked back.
Oliver and the muscular boy faced each other, disks at the ready. One of the nurses went to the tent and began to quickly pack some of the more fragile medic gear. She knew from experience that duels tended to get violent.
"Care to go first shortie?" asked the taller boy.
"Call me Oliver. And I don't think I want to call you mr. apeman, so how about telling me your name.
"Just call me Mitch. Now let's duel!"
Oliver 8000 – Mitch 8000
"Here we go" smiled Oliver. "And I start with Magnetic Circle LV2. Now I can summon any level 2 Machine-type monster from my hand. Such as my Morphtronic Celfon, in attack mode".
Something resembling a mobile phone appeared. Then, the phone's parts started to turn, shift, and change shape. After a few seconds, it had become a cute robot with the features of a cellular phone. (100/100).
"And now for his effect: he'll select a random number, then I can check cards from the top of my deck equal to that number. And if any of them are Morphtronic monsters, I can summon them to the field."
The dials on the machine's chest glowed in rapid succession, until they landed on a 3. Oliver picked up 3 cards and smiled.
"Guess I'm in luck. I can now summon my Morphtronic Boomboxen, in attack mode".
A large stereo appeared, then it began to change, taking the appearance of a red and silver robot, with a flat metal dome on it's head (1200/400).
"And as for my normal summon, here comes Morphtronic Cameran."
A new machine appeared, having the blitz of a camera attached to it's arm as a weapon (800/600).
"I play two face-downs and end my turn".
"My move then. And I start with the old but powerful Enraged Battle Ox".
A minotaur wearing gold and silver armor appeared, snarling. It swung it's axe menacingly towards the machined (1700/1000).
"Why did I just KNEW you would play Beasts on me" sighed Oliver.
"Too predictable am I? Well, your toys are going back to the kiddy box where they belong. Attack the Celfon my beast!"
The minotaur swung forward, only to be caught in a net of energy. It knocked the beast back, pinning him down.
"What the hell did you do?" shouted Mitch.
"That would be my Morphtronic Bind trap card. Whit it in play, level 4 or higher monsters you have out cannot attack me. The only catch is that I need a Morphtronic monster out to make it work. But as you can see, I have three of them."
"Lucky you. I place a face-down and end my turn".
Oliver 8000 – Mitch 8000
"Back to me I see. First I change my Cameran to defense mode, thus unlocking it's effect. Now you can't target my Morphtronic monsters with card effects. Then I'll give my Celfon another spin".
"The numbers again began to lit up, and they stopped at a five. Oliver checked them, and shouted with joy.
"Somebody sure doesn't like you. I summon Morphtronic Clocken, in defense mode".
In a whir, a large digital clock appeared in front of him. Its numbers read 0:00. (600/1,100).
"And he's about to clean your clock. For every turn he stays in defense mode, he gains a counter. Then, if I choose to sacrifice him, you take 1000 damage for each counter. I end my turn here, and that means he gains it's first counter. Just seven more to go."
Mitch drew angrily, and looked at his cards.
"If you think your trap will stop me, think again. I play my trap: Level Returner. Now I can reduce my monster's level my 2, making him enough to get trough your trap. But that's not all. I summon Sea Koala".
A furry creature, resembling a cross between a koala and a raccoon appeared, settling gently by the minotaur (100/1600).
"Now watch this. Since I have another Beast on the field, my furry friend can make the ATK of any of your monsters 0 until the end of this turn. And I choose your Celfon."
The beast coughed up a hairball, which hit the machine, making him shake. Mitch took another card and chuckled.
"I play Double Attack. By discarding a monster, another one on the field with a lower level can attack twice this turn. So let's do some recycling. Attack his Celfon now".
"Activate trap" shouted Oliver. "I call it Morphtronic Mix-up. Now since I have two of my machines in play, I get to pick two of your cards. Then you pick one, and destroy it."
"Suit yourself kid. But you'll regret that move. I choose my Koala of course."
The beast shattered, but then something else happened. The ground burst open, and a new creature emerged. It looked like a feral green ape, with a huge club swung on it's shoulder (2600/1800)
"What the hell is that?" shouted Oliver.
"That would be Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest. Since you destroyed one of my Beasts, I could pay 1000 lp. to special summon him from the graveyard. He may not be able to attack due to your trap, but my minotaur sure can. So I'll have him attack your Celfon first."
The beast swung forward, and struck the machine with it's axe, making it explode. Then it turn around, striking the Clocken, making it shatter.
"I play a face-down and end my turn. Your move shortie."
Oliver 5700 – Mitch 7000
The blonde duelist drew, trying to stay calm. Okay, my trap will keep him away from my life points, but I need to go on the offensive quick.
"I activate the effect of my Celfon again. So let's see if my luck holds out this time".
The numbers lit up again, and stopped on a 4. He picked up cards, and his heart jumped. Now we're talking.
"I summon Morphtronic Slingen, in attack mode". A blue machine appeared, holding a long cord in it's hands (1200/800). "And with him, I can clean your field of those brutes. By tributing a Morphtronic monster, I can destroy any card I want. So I give up my Celfon to destroy your Battle Ox, and my Cameran to destroy your baboon".
The machine stretched it's arms, and Celfon jumped on the sling. The cord struck forward, striking the minotaur, shattering it. Then Cameran jumped, and the sling shot him forward, striking the club wielding beast, shattering it".
"You're a piece of work, you know that kid."
"Why? Because I figured out the problem of your big green goon? You can revive him if another beast is destroyed, but not if himself is destroyed. So that means you're wide open".
Morphtronic Slingen swung it's cord like a whip, hitting the muscular duelist, making him grab his shoulders.
"Oh, and my Boomboxen can attack twice during each turn"
The machine let out a strong sound wave, making both duelists cover their ears. The muscular duelist snarled, clenching his fists.
"I end my turn, go right ahead."
The muscular duelist drew, and laughed.
"You haven't seen the last of my baboon. I summon my Gene Wrapped Warwolf, in attack mode".
A four armed creature appeared, looking like a cross between a white ape and a werewolf (2000/0).
"And now I activate my face-down: Destruction Potion. All I need now is to destroy a monster I control, and I gain life points equal to the ATK of that monster. Of course, since a Beast is destroyed, you know who return, right?"
The werewolf shattered, and Mitch glowed with a purple light. Then the ground shook again, and the Green Baboon appeared, swinging it's club.
"I think your trap was around long enough. I play my Mystical Space Typhoon, to destroy it. And with it gone, so is your defense."
A fierce wind blew, making the trap shatter. The baboon lunged forward, striking Slingen, making it shatter. Oliver looked in shock, as the beast went back to Mitch's side of the field.
"I play a face-down and end my turn. Make your move shrimp."
Oliver 4300 – Mitch 4400
"We're almost tied kid, let's see if you can break the tie" laughed Mitch.
"Let me worry about that" snapped Oliver back.
He drew, sweating slightly. He cleaned his glasses, and checked the card. Okay, time to destroy that baboon again.
"I begin with my Morphtronic Scopen. And thanks to it's effect, I can special summon a Morphtronic monster from my hand. And who better than Morphtronic Magnen Bar".
The microscope shaped machine appeared. It struck the ground with it's tentacles, pulling out a creature shaped like a magnetic bar, with small arms and legs (100/100).
"Now, time for some synchro action. I tune my Boomboxen, my Magnen Bar and my Scopen, to summon my ace monster".
The machines dissolved into seven orbs of green light, shooting to the sky. It took the shape of a dragon-like creature. It's armor was yellow, and it's left arm looked like the shovel of a digger, while the right looked like a jackhammer. It landed behind Oliver, letting a strong shriek (2300/2500).
"Say hello to my Power Tool Dragon" said Oliver full of enthusiasm.
Mitch didn't bother to reply.
"Tough huh? Well, this is where it starts to go down hill for you. Thanks to my monster's effect, I can take 3 equip spell cards, and you have to pick one, and add it to my hand."
"Fine, I pick the one on my left" said Mitch coldly.
"Well that's just fine. I equip my monster with these cards. First Megamorph, to give my monster a boost. Then, my Power Pickaxe. And lastly, my Power Shield."
The mechanical dragon changed dramatically. It doubled in size, completely dwarfing the Green Baboon (4600/2500). It's right arm changed into a sharp, sword-like pickaxe, and a ring of metal discs appeared around it's torso.
"Time to take that thing back to the zoo. Power Tool Dragon, attack".
The machine struck the beast in the chest with it's pickaxe, sending Mitch back due to the shockwave.
"Activate trap!" shouted the muscular boy in anger. "it's called Animal Trail. And since you destroyed one of my beasts, I can add another one from my deck to my hand".
"You'll need it. Especially since your baboon won't be coming back. Due to Power Pickaxe, I can remove from play 1 monster in your graveyard to give my dragon 500 ATK until the End Phase. And with that I end my turn"
Power Tool Dragon let out a sigh, as it's ATK lowered (1150/2500).
Mitch drew, eyes narrowed with anger. He looked at the cards in his hand, and smiled.
"You're not the only one who can bring out a tough monster. So watch this. I play the spell card Ambush Pounce. And with it I can summon a level 4 Beast from my hand. And who better than Des Kangaroo".
A creature appeared, looking like a cross between a human, a beast and a reptile, wearing a boxing outfit (1500/1700).
"I'm not done, I still have a normal summon left. So here is the next ingredient to your destruction: The Earth-Hex Sealed Fusion".
The new creature that appeared looked like a conglomerate of rocks and fleshy body parts (1000/1600). The two creatures leaped, merging into a vortex of energy.
"You may play the fancy synchro monsters, but I prefer good old fashion fusion. So here comes the boss from down under: Master of Oz".
The result was a giant, standing even taller than Power Tool Dragon. It still had the body of Des Kangaroo, but the head of a koala (4200/3700).
Ho boy, this could get messy thought Oliver at the sight of the giant.
"Time to scrap your machine. Oz, take him down!"
The beast struck the machine with it's fist, but much to Mitch's surprise, all that happened was that the dragon shank down.
"What happened?"
"That's the other effect of my dragon. I can prevent him from being destroyed by destroying an Equip Spell card instead. So I give up my Megamorph, to restore my monster's ATK. And thanks to my Power Shield, battle damage from the equipped monster".
"I end my turn" said Mitch coldly.
Oliver 4300 – Mitch 2400
Oliver drew, looking a bit scared. Okay, this could turn things around.
"I play Card of Sanctity. Since my hand doesn't have much, I can draw a full one. So go ahead and take yours as well".
Both drew, and Oliver shouted with joy.
"O yeah, now we're talking. First I play the spell card Morph Charge. By removing from play Morphtronic monsters in my graveyard whose combined level is equall to that of a Machine-type monster on my field, that monster can attack twice this turn. Then I play the equip spell Rocket Pileder."
A massive rocket-like engine appeared on the back of the mechanical dragon, making him surge with energy.
"Attack his beast again".
"Are you crazy, your monster will be destroyed".
"How quick you forget. I take no damage due to Power Shield. And as for my other equip…well, you'll see".
Power Tool Dragon struck the great beast, knocking it back. As the dust cleared, Mitch looked in horror at the result. The skin of the beast was singed, and the clothes were torn (1900/3700).
"What the hell did you do?"
"It's the effect of my Rocket Pileder. If my monster battles, your monster looses points equal to the ATK of my monster. And don't forget, I still have my monster's other attack. So send him packing"
"Hey, wait!"
The engine of the rocket lit up again, and the dragon leaped forward. It struck the beast with it's pickaxe, making it shatter. Mitch clentched his fists, snarling with anger.
"I end my turn."
Mitch drew, and looked at his cards.
"I should thank you kid, your last card just gaved me the tools it needed to win".
"You wish".
"Says you. I play Ayer's Rock Sunrise. With it, I summon back my Master of Oz. and for each Beast in my graveyard, one of your monster looses 200 ATK."
A massive rock appeared, glowing in the sun, with Master of Oz sitting heroic on it. At the same time, Power Tool Dragon groaned, sinking to it's knees (1500/2500).
"Didn't you figure this out, I take no battle damage due to my Power Shield.
"I did figure it out. That's why I summon Magic Hole Golem".
A strange rock-like creature appeared, it's body looking like a ring of stone, and small wings on the side (0/2000)
"My dragon isn't my target kid, it's you. Magic Hole Golem lets one of my monsters attack directly each turn. The only catch is that I have to cut it's ATK in half to do so".
All color drained from Oliver's face, as reality began to sink in. The beast jumped from the rock, and struck the ground with it's fist. The shockwave made the area shake, Jason and the other students around having to make great efforts not to fall to the ground. Hold on Oliver, hold on was all that Jason could think over the noise and Mitch's laughter.
The blonde duelist stood up, rubbing his head. His vision was cloudy, and he began to feel his legs on the brink of collapse. He looked up, first at the beast, then at his own dragon, and lastly at Jason.
"One more blow, and you're done kid"
"One more blow? It will be. I won't loose this duel, and I certainly won't run. Not from dueling".
Oliver 2200 – Mitch 2400
"My move, and let's see if my deck comes trough for me".
He checked his card, and smiled.
"Once again I use my dragon's effect. You know the drill".
Mitch yawned, and pointed to the middle card and Oliver added to his hand.
"I equip my dragon with Ring of Magnetism. My monster may loose 500 ATK, but now you can only attack him if you want to. Then I play the card you gaved me: Shield Reflector. And as for what it does…you'll just have to wait and see. I end here.
"Time to finish this. I play Wild Nature's Release, witch gives my monster a bonus equal to the DEF of my monster".
The beast glowed, and it's muscles increased in size (7900/3700).
"Then here comes another old favorite: Mystical Space Typhoon. There goes your shield"
A tornado engulfed the dragon, making the shield shatter. No, he'll loose thought Jason in dismay.
"Time to go back to the cradle. Master of Oz, finish him."
The beast jumped, running heavily towards the machine. Then something happened. A large mirror appeared, and Master of Oz vanished into it".
"What…"
"You should have destroyed my Shield Reflector. With it, if the equipped monster is attacked, you take damage equal to the ATK of the monster you attacked with BEFORE you can deal any damage"
"No way…you couldn't…"
Another large mirror appeared behind Mitch, and Master of Oz came trough it, striking his master with it's fist, knocking him back.
"Game over" said Oliver coldly.
Oliver 2200 – Mitch 0
The blonde duelist sank to his knees, exaused. Jason walked to him, helping him get up.
"So, still think I'm a coward?" he asked triumphantly.
Mitch didn't answer. Fists clentched, eyes full of hate, he walked away. Oliver just ignored him.
"So how's that self esteem?" asked Jason.
"Well, I'm here for only a week, and I kicked a bully's ass, I confronted my childhood trauma, and I made a friend like you. So it's about as good as it's gonna get".
"Can I get you something? The 24 hour buffet is still opened"
"You don't have to tell me twice, I may be small, but I still have an appetite"
0 0 0 0 0 0
As the boys returned to their dorm, they were met by one of the third year Slifer Red students. He was tall, having short brown hair. A duel disk was around his arm.
"Excuse me, which one of you is Oliver?"
"That would be me"
"Well, you better go to Lloyd's office. He said he wants to see you now."
Oliver gaved Jason a worried look, but the taller boy patted him on the shoulder with approval. He went of, walking to the second floor, until he reached the office of the dorm head teacher. He knocked, and entered.
The room looked more like a war memorial than a teacher's office. Several pictures of men in uniforms were hung on the wall, one of them showing someone who looked like a very young George Lloyd. On the wall next to the door there were hung two rifles, and a grey duel disk, decorated with silver plated bullets. George got up from his chair and walked to the boy.
"I hear you've been doing some dueling this afternoon".
"Y…yes sir" said Oliver in a shy voice. "But I only did it to prove a point".
"And you did. Anyone who can stand up to someone who calls him a coward is tough in my book."
"I'm not really strong sir. Heck, the only reason I came here was because my dad persisted. If he didn't keep pressuring me to have the little bit of confidence I have now".
He knew he had said too much and closed his eyes. George walked to him, and placed his hands on his shoulders.
"Tell me, do you have a favorite card?"
"That's easy, Power Tool Dragon hands down. Why?"
"Well, I believe that the effects of our favorite monster characterize us as well. Do you understand what I say?"
"I was hoping you could tell me."
"Okay then. Tell me what is your monster's strongest point?"
"It can survive destruction by sacrificing an Equip Spell card" said Oliver after a brief thought.
"Now you get it. Your monster survives just like you: by sacrificing something. That's what you did today. You sacrificed your fear to become stronger".
Oliver closed his eyes in wonder. He never thought that a man like him could engage in such deep thinking. He slowly raised his eyes.
"Sir, what is your favorite card?"
George took his deck, and looked trough it. He took a card and handed it to Oliver. The boy took it and looked at the text.
"Cool. 3100 ATK and…whoa, you can Synchro Summon it with more than one Tuner?"
"Actually, you can use only tuner monsters if you want to. It's my best monster, and it's effect represents me"
"How's that?"
"I served in the army" said George slowly "I killed people and it didn'tcome cheap. Sometimes I had to sacrifice my men to take something the enemy had."
He took back the card, and sat down on his seat. Oliver also placed his Power Tool Dragon in his Extra Deck.
"Can I ask one more thing?"
"Sure kid"
"If you had to choose between dueling and the army, what would you choose?"
George chuckled and leaned back.
"For me, dueling is like a war. Sometimes you win, sometimes you loose. There's your average garden variety duelists, and then there's the heroes. Like you."
"L…like me?"
"Sure. Anyone who can duel his way out of his fear is a hero in my book".
Oliver walked out, going to his room. He felt strange. Full of hope. And despite his weariness, he could feel himself full of energy.
0 0 0 0 0 0
As Oliver finished getting into his pajamas, Jason came from the bathroom, drying his hair with a towel.
"So what did the big guy wanted to talk about?"
"Oh, you know, the usual teacher stuff" said Oliver absently.
"I hear that" said Jason, getting into bed. "My teachers back in primary school used to do that. Didn't listen much though".
"Maybe you should have" said Oliver, turning of the light.
Maybe though Jason.
Oliver closed his eyes, and as the ever familiar sleep came upon him, resting his body, one word continued to keep his mind awake. Hero.
0 0 0 0 0 0
FEATURED CARD REVIEW
Power Tool Dragon
Level 7 / Machine / Synchro / EARTH / ATK 2300 / DEF 2500
1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
Once per turn, during your Main Phase, you can select 3 Equip Spell Cards from your Deck, have your opponent pick 1 of them at random, and add it to your hand. Return the remaining cards to your Deck. If this card would be destroyed while equipped with an Equip Spell Card, you can send that card to the Graveyard instead.
PTD is an often overlooked card. With 2300 ATK he's not the best investment for a 7 star summon, and neither is it's 2500 DEF. But where this card lacks in offensive power, it excels in hand advantage, as well as defensive power. The first effect is incredible. Gaining a free Spell every turn is good, even if it's limited to Equips. True, you can't pick what you want, but if all 3 cards are powerful, it may not make a difference. This effect is best used in Traditional Format, where access to cards like Premature Burial, Snatch Steal, Butterfly Dagger – Elma, Megamorph, Mage Power or United We Stand can be a game winning maneuver.
The second effect is good if backed into a corner. Being able to sacrifice other cards to keep your life points safe from direct attacks is good. Also, you can back up this effect with Hidden Armory.
Rating – Traditional 3 / 5
Advance 2.5 / 5
Morphtronic Deck 4 / 5
Art 3 / 5
0 0 0 0 0 0
NON TGC CARDS USED
Ambush Pounce
Spell / Normal
Special summon 1 level 4 Beast or Beast Warrior type monster from your hand.
Power Shield
Spell / Equip
Equip only to a Machine-type monster. Battle Damage from the equipped monster becomes 0.
Morph Charge
Spell / Normal
Select 1 Machine-type monster you control, and remove from play Morphtronic monsters from your graveyard whose combined level is equal to the level of that monster. The selected monster can attack directly that turn.
The above cards are my own creation.
Animal Trail
Trap / Normal
Activate only when a monster you control is destroyed by battle. Select 1 Beast-Type monster from your Deck, and add it to your hand.
Used in Yugioh GX episode 50
Shield Reflector
Spell / Equip
Each time the equipped monster is declared as an attack target, inflict damage to the attacking monster's controller by half the ATK of the attacking monster before the Damage Calculation is resolved.
Used in the Yugioh GX manga
Magic Hole Golem
Level 3 / DARK / Rock / ATK 0 / DEF 2000
Once per turn, activate by selecting 1 face-up monster you control. The ATK of the selected monster is halved until the End Phase, and can attack your opponent directly during this turn. During the turn you activate this effect, other monsters than the selected monster cannot attack.
Rocket Pileder
Spell / Equip
If the equipped monster attacks, it cannot be destroyed by battle. At the end of a Damage Step in which the equipped monster attacked, the monster attacked by the equipped monster loses ATK equal to the ATK of the equipped monster.
To be released in the booster pack Absolute Power Force
Coming up…
Dark secrets begin to be revealed, as Jason, Oliver and Andora travel to one of the oldest parts of the island. Find out in Call of the Haunted.