Chapter 8
As the field spell Crossover enveloped the surrounding glade to the amazement of the duel spirit spectators, 5 card slates erupted from the ground in front of Ikuchi which symbolised her hand.
"Ready to duel Ikuchi?" I asked.
"I haven't been more ready in a long time!" She said feeling determined and clutching her 2 fists together tightly in excitement.
I then nodded acknowledging her challenge, "Alright, now let's-"
"Hold it!" A voice suddenly interrupted. We then turned around to the direction of the voices.
"Oh guys it's you." I replied seeing my 4 dragons either descending from the sky or charging through the forest path. At the sight of all 4 dragons, the other duel spirits couldn't help but look on in awe and in reverence to their incredible power.
"Sorry we took so long Ryuga." Fafnir apologised, "It took us much longer than we first anticipated but all that matters is that we're here now."
I then turned my attention to a certain member of the group, "I see you found Bahamut, would you mind telling me where you all were just now? I'd appreciate it if you could tell me why you went off without telling us."
"Ummm well," he then scratched his head trying to think of a reasonable excuse, which was hard since he was terrible liar, "We were just catching up….in private."
"Catching up? What is it you're not telling me?" I asked suspiciously with a raised eyebrow.
Noticing her siblings starting to get nervous at their master's vigilance, Tiamat then smirked seeing that it was on her to bail them out, looking around for a decent distraction to shift everyone off topic she then laid eyes upon a night which was perfect as well as surprising her in the process, "Oh my, a duel against the princess?" she suddenly interrupted hoping to distract me and make me forget about my questioning of Bahamut. "A very interesting turn of events."
"Oh! Umm yes that's right!" I said reacting to her on the spot, "Hey Ikuchi, I'd like you to meet my most trusted partners. Bahamut, Fafnir, Jormangandr and Tiamat!" After I introduced them, they each did a respectful bow before her.
"It's an honour to be in your presence your highness." Bahamut greeted.
"Oh the honour is all mine. But you may drop the formalities, we're all equals here so there's no need to be so formal." Ikuchi replied with a bright smile. "Also you all seem to be really close." she added looking at all of us together and noting who we interacted.
"Yup, we're all inseparable just like family! Always looking out for one another and having each others' backs when we need it, just like family back home." I said proudly, "But enough about that, we came here to duel and now it's time to get it underway!" They then disappeared inside my deck as I prepared to duel.
"Alright then, let's keep thing fair and may the best duelist win." Ikuchi replied.
Meanwhile inside the deck, "Hey hee! This should prove most entertaining and amusing, finally something to do!" Tiamat giggled in anticipation of a spectacular duel, she had been bored out of her mind being on the castle almost all day long and it was great to see battle and have some fresh air and be surrounded by nature for a change.
Her siblings then walked up to her, which she took notice of, "I don't normally say this but…." Jormangandr then swallowed his pride at having to acknowledge such a devious trick, "Thanks for bailing us out Tiamat. I don't know what we would have done if you weren't here for us." Bahamut was the one most thankful as he then nodded gratefully.
"It's no problem," she smiled, "I cherish family after all, so it's natural I'd do something like this once in a while."
"Good to know we can rely on you for a change dear sister." Fafnir replied.
"Hey hee," she then grinned deviously, "Just don't forget you guys owe me." she then sang while they all sweat dropped, figuring there would be a catch in it all.
Meawhile back at the duel, we were ready to throw down, "Hey Ikuchi," I said out loud, "I won't be holding back in this duel, so you better be prepared to face my partners at their full strength!"
"I wouldn't have it any other way! You can be sure I'll put in every fibre of my being into this match no matter who I face!" she replied prepared to face down her first ever official challenge and duel in her life.
DUEL!
Ryuga: 4000
Ikuchi: 4000
"You may have the first move, ladies first." I suggested to Ikuchi politely.
"Aww how sweet of you." she replied before shaking her head, "But really, since I challenged you I think it's fair you go first. Infact, I insist as princess of Norvagen." She said sounding as if she was issuing a decree.
"Hahaha. Well, if you put it that way I guess that means I can't refuse." I laughed scratching my head joyfully, "Oh and to be fair, I won't use any action cards during this duel, that should keep things fairly even."
"My how sporting of you." she replied.
Back in my deck my dragons looked on, "They seem to be getting along just fine don't you think?" Jormangandr suggested.
"Isn't that just delightful?" Ffnir thought feeling her heart warmed at the sight of youthful energy and passion.
"Yes…indeed." Bahamut said as he continued to observant vigilantly.
Meanwhile I took no notice of my friends talking behind my back, as I was busy observing my hand carefully, before noticing a useful combo I could put together, "I'll begin my turn by summoning masked dragon in attack mode!" I called out as the red and white dragon appeared on the field with a low growl, "Then I'll activate the graceful charity spell card! Now I'm allowed to draw 3 cards as long as I discard 2 after that." I drew and discarded just the cards I wanted, "I now place a card facedown and end my turn."
"My turn! I draw!" Ikuchi declared as a new card slate erupted from the ground.
"Hey Ikuchi!" I called out suddenly before she could proceed, "I bet you're probably eager to show me some of your moves, but before you do so I'll quickly use your standby phase to activate the special ability of my arkbrave dragon in the graveyard!
"Huh!?" she was caught completely by surprise, "You can do that!? Also when-" She then realised, "Wait, don't tell me that was the card you discarded using your spell earlier?"
"You catch on pretty quickly," I replied praising her observance, "During the standby phase of the next turn after it was sent there, I'm allowed to select a level 7 or 8 dragon type monster also in my graveyard and special summon it!" A card ejected from my graveyard, "And I choose my level 8 phantom dragon! Which as you can guess was the second card I discarded with graceful charity a turn ago!" The cloud like dragon rose from the graveyard like the ghost it resembled!
"You….planned this from the start of your turn didn't you?" she realised, "Wow, you're even greater than I first thought." she thought to herself inside.
"Yup! But that's not all! I'll now activate the quick play spell known as Adamantine sword revival!" I called out revealing the facedown I had set, "When a dragon type monster has been special summoned from the graveyard, by tributing it I can special summon Diamond head dragon in its place straight from my deck in attack mode!" Phantom dragon exploded into sparkles before joining back together in a massive green dragon with crystal scales. "Diamond head's attack points become equal to the attack points of the tributed dragon +1000! So now he gains a total of 3300 points!" The spirit of Phantom dragon went into diamond head as it glowed with its power boost!
?-3300
"Oh my…." Ikuchi was surprised to see me muster a dragon with over 3000 points during her turn, before narrowing her eyes seriously, "But still, it'll take more than that to scare me!" She then picked out a card slate, "First I activate the spell Moray of Greed!" The card slate flipped forward and glowed, "By shuffling 2 water monsters from my hand into my deck I can then exchange them for 3 new card slates!" 2 of her slates were absorbed into the ground, "I return Giant red sea snake and sea king dragon to my deck and draw!" 3 new slates erupted from the ground. She then smirked at what she had, "It's time for a little change in scenery. I play A legendary Ocean!" She then quickly leapt up a number of platforms, as the spell flipped forward and generated a large wave of water which began to cover the entire field to my alarm!
"Oh man…." I gasped as the huge wave approached me rapidly, luckily my masked dragon was quick enough to fly me right above the water while the other spirits took shelter in the trees or high above in the air. Soon the glade became more like a lake than a field, with it being submerged in water! "Next time a little heads up would be appreciated!" I cried as masked dragon dropped me off at a platform. It then flew back to the lower levels of the field alongside diamond head dragon.
"Hahaha! Sorry to scare you like that, I'll keep that in mind next time." she chuckled, "As for my field spell, while it remains active the levels of all water monsters on the field and in our hands are reduced by 1! Also they each gain 200 attack and defence points."
"That doesn't sound good…" I thought at her field's effects, "With that out she'll be able to summon high levelled monsters more easily, not to mention they'll all get a power boost from the field. Talk about terrain advantage and shifting the odds in your favour."
"You are correct Ryuga, and now I activate the continuos spell known as water hazard!" A second card flipped forward and it made the ocean's waves become more choppy and violent. As long as this stays face up, I can special summon 1 water monster from my hand once per turn, as long as I control no monsters first. And with it I'll special summon Sea Serpent warrior of darkness!" A large wave whipped up from the ocean below me and emerging from the water was an armoured sea warrior!
1800-2000
"Next I summon the dragon dwelling in the deep in attack mode!" A water dragon then shot out of the sea and then landed back in with a large splash before resurfacing again.
1700-1900
"You're summoning monsters in attack mode despite the presence of my diamond head dragon being out?" I questioned.
"I'm well aware of your powerful beast Ryuga, but, what you didn't know was that you have a weaker a monster in attack mode that I can take advantage of with an attack!" she declared fearlessly making her intentions known, "Go my deep dwelling dragon! Attack and destroy his masked dragon!" The water dragon snarled before diving under water and becoming practically invisible underneath the dark blue waters! Masked dragon anxiously looked around before being surprised from underneath, as deep dragon struck out and pulled it under water!
Ryuga: 4000-3500
"Not bad Ikuchi, and thanks for taking my bait!" I called out.
Her eyes widened, "Huh!? What do you mean!?"
"You triggered my masked dragon's special ability! You see if it's sent to the graveyard due to a battle, I can summon a dragon type monster from my deck with 1500 or fewer attack points! So I think I'll call up another masked dragon!" A second red and white dragon appeared in the first one's place curled up on the water surface in defence mode.
"In that case my sea serpent warrior of darkness will have to do something about it! Go Depth Trident!" The water warrior let out a battle cry as it threw its weapon like a spear which then pierced my dragon and caused it to explode!
"Once again my dragon's special ability activates! This time however taking its place will be the level 8 Parsec the Interstellar dragon!" In my masked dragon's place rose the insect like dragon with 800 defence points.
"Level 8!?" Ikuchi took a step back, "If that's true then, next turn the conditions are met for an xyz summon right?"
"Wow, you actually remembered from my previous match." I commented impressed that she remembered.
"That's right, how could I possibly forget seeing an all new and powerful summoning method, alongside those other two…what were they called again? Fusion, synchro and….pendulum was it?"
"Why…yes that's right." I replied not knowing how to respond to her, "And you challenged me yet knowing I could employ all those summoning tactics and powers against you?"
"I want to challenge you at your best, if I don't beat you that way I won't be proving myself! However, unlike my attackers in the woods, I'll be more than ready for whatever you throw at me!" Ikuchi declared confidently as she laid 2 facedowns and ended her turn.
"We'll see." I replied, "It's my draw!" I then drew a new card.
Ikuchi then spoke out, "Now that it has reached the standby phase, my dragon dwelling in the deep's effect activates! Now I can place an ocean counter on him!" A set of scales lit up on Ikuchi's sea dragon.
"Ocean counter? What's that do?" I asked curiously.
"It's simple really." she replied, "If my dragon ever leaves the field, all my other fish and sea serpent monsters will gain 200 attack and defence points for every counter he had on him until the end of that turn. So even if you do manage to take him out, if you take too long it'll only make my other monsters stronger!" She explained confidently.
I then chuckled, "You're planning to get payback for that last turn aren't you? Well then, I'll just have to change that with this!" I then took a spell from my hand, "I play card of sanctity! With it we each draw until we have 6 cards in our hand." We both then drew and replenished our hands.
"That's very helpful of you." Ikuchi thanked.
"I wouldn't want either of us to be at a complete disadvantage against the other now would I?" I replied, "And now-"
"Here it comes….." Ikuchi sweated anxiously waiting for it.
I was just about to overlay my dragons, but then decided to do something else and throw her off, "Diamond head dragon! Attack Ikuchi's dragon dwelling in the deep with Diamond Devastator!"
"Huh!? He's…not going to overlay them?" Ikuchi thought in surprise. My dragon then blasted a stream of wind and diamond shards, before she snapped back to the duel, "I activate my trap! Water barrier! When you attack a water attribute monster, this trap cancels out your attack!" A pillar of water shot out from the sea and blocked the incoming attack! "Did you really think it would be that easy?"
I smiled, "I figured you would have a trap ready so it was better to get you to use it now instead of later. Guess I've got no other choice but to end my turn with 2 facedowns." 2 facedown cards materialised under the water
She then pouted in annoyance, "H..Hey! Why didn't you xyz summon!? Are you-"
"Before you jump into conclusions about me taking it easy or mocking you," I said out loud interrupting her, "Let me first clarify that I need my field as the way it is for the moment, as I have something else planned in mind. Also, after seeing you duel I have nothing but respect for your skills as a duelist, so its only fair I show you all the tricks I have up my sleeve right?"
"Hmm okay then." She thought deciding to believe me and then resumed her turn, "It's my draw now!" A card slate erupted from the water, "I'll make you regret not using those 2 monsters when you had the chance Ryuga!" she suddenly called out, "First off, my deep dragon gains another ocean counter with his effect!" A second set of scales lighted up on him, "Now I activate the spell big wave small wave!" The spell showed itself, "With this card, I can destroy all my face up water monsters and then special summon the same number of water monsters from my hand!" A huge wave then erupted from the ocean which swallowed up sea serpent warrior of darkness and dragon dwelling in the deep!
"Now from my hand I call forth 2 of the most frightening sea monsters you've laid your eyes upon!" She declared as 2 tablets flipped forward and shone, "Come forth! Spiral serpent and Kairyu Shin!" A pair of giant sea monsters rose out from the ocean with savage snarls!
"That can't be good…." I sweated nervously at the vicious monsters. My dragons were beginning to acknowledge that the princess was definitely no damsel in distress when it comes to duelling. She takes it to heart and not only fights skilfully but also with passion and connection for the game and with her monsters.
"I'm far from done Ryuga! I also play the trap torrential reborn! When a water monster(s) has been destroyed, not only can I immediately revive them, but you'll also take 500 points of damage for each one brought back!" She declared as her trap flipped up from the water.
"That's even worse!" I gasped in horror as both previous monsters shot out of the sea and then fired a pair of water beams which knocked me off my perch! "Aaaaaah!" I screamed as I fell.
Ryuga: 4000-3000
"Ryuga!" Ikuchi gasped in shock with the same feeling experienced by her duel spirit friends. "Quick help him!" She called out to her monsters who were about to charge in to catch me but-
"There's no need! It's all under control!" I called out assuringly before turning to my monster, "Diamond head!" My dragon growled and he charged at me, and luckily he came through for me at the last minute by catching me in his claws, "Phew thanks for that." I breathed relieved as my dragon then growled happily to see me alright.
"Hah…." Ikuchi breathed in relief, placing her hand on her chest as she saw I was safe. "S…sorry about that…." she apologised as I landed on the nearest floating platform.
"Don't sweat it!" I grinned, "In fact, that was just incredible! Thanks for the experience!" I cried holding a thumbs up.
She then took a step back at what she just witnessed, "You found that…fun!?" She then shook her head in disbelief and began scolding me, "That's crazy! You could have been severely hurt or worse! There's nothing fun about that in the slightest!"
"Maybe," I replied understanding her concern, "But what's there in an action duel if you can't take a little risk in the process! That's what makes a duel all the more fun!"
"Fun?" she asked curiously.
"The thrill of the duel and the experience of taking part in the battle itself, don't you find that just exhilarating? Also, I just got to show you how close I am with my monsters! I trust them completely that they'll never let me down in a duel nor would they ever let anything harm me!"
"Amazing….He really trusts his monsters dearly in them. It seems there's a lot more to you and your kinship with your beloved monsters than I first Imagined Ryuga." She thought to herself amazed to finally see someone who understood and connected with monsters on an emotional level like she did, "Back to the matter at hand, due to the field spell Legendary Ocean all my water monsters gain 200 attack and defence points! But wait, since my deep water dragon was just removed from the field and then brought back, all my monsters gain 400 attack points till the end of this turn, since he had 2 ocean counters! How's that for a combination!?"
2900-3500
1800-2400
1800-2400
1700-2300
"No way!" I gasped.
"Im not through yet!" she continued to my dismay.
"There's more!?"
"You don't known the half of it!" She smirked, "Before I begin leading my monsters on an undersea assault on your life points, I activate rage of Kairyu shin!" The stone tablet flipped forward and Ikuchi's Kairyu Shin began to roar violently as the strength of the sea began to surge through its body! "Now for every water monster I control whose original level was 5 or more, I can target and destroy that many monsters on your field! Furthermore their monster zones are rendered useless until the end of your next turn!" Kairyu Shin then locked on to diamond head and parsec before charging straight forward and generating a powerful surf which stretched tall over us, as well as absorbing the platforms that got in its' way!
"This is bad…." I thought to myself worried, knowing no amount of life support could keep me from sinking if that wave were to hit its mark!
"I hope you know how to swim Ryuga, because you are about to feel the wrath of the mighty sea!" She called out confidently.
"Good thing you have that trap set," Jormangandr whispered telepathically in my ear, "You know what to do?"
"Way ahead of you." I replied having prepared for this situation and wanting to teach Ikuchi a new lesson of being flexible, "Impressive combo Ikuchi, but like I said earlier, I planned for something like this!" I suddenly called out before leaping onto the floating platforms until I was higher above the incoming tidal waves! "Before I lose my chance, I'll save the both of them by activating the Quick xyz trap card!" As my trap flipped up and glowed, both my monsters changed into a pair of yellow lights which sprung into the air and out of the tidal wave's path!
"Hey! Where did they go!?" Ikuchi gasped in shock as her attention was more focused on my monsters.
"Thanks to the effect of Quick xyz, I'm allowed to build the overlay network using my 2 level 8 dragons and xyz summon a rank 8 xyz monster!" A xyz portal then formed on the ground and both my monsters dived inside it! "Great protector of the peaceful land, hear the prayers of its people who call upon you to aid them in battle!" A huge crack tore in the ground and much of the flood waters began to drain inside it! "I xyz summon! Rise! The tail of the dragon keeper! Rank 8! Jormangandr! Mighty Basilisk of Quakes!" Jormangandr rose from the sea and roared loudly, as his roar sent waves through the water and caused Ikuchi's monsters to struggle against them! "How does it feel Jormangandr? To be able to come out for some fresh air and to stretch your tail?"
"t feels absolutely rejuvenating." he replied pleased.
Ikuchi then took a step back, "X…xyz!? During my turn!? Also….that monster….3000 defence points…" She realised it to be one of the spirits that was with me before the start of the match.
"It's an honour to meet you face to face your highness." Jormangandr said respectfully.
I then smirked, "There's a lot more to summoning than just by the book! Sometimes when the usual way doesn't work, you'll just have to be flexible, adapt and have an open mind for new unexpected approaches! Something you should consider carefully, if you decide to rule Norvagen as queen!"
"Well said Ryuga." Jormangandr said impressed at my use of words.
"Wow….Guess there's a lot more I need to learn about the outside world after all…." she realised amazed at what little she really knew her whole life this entire time. She then smirked eagerly for a counter measure of her own, "Well you're still far from safe Ryuga! The ocean commands all and you have yet to face its full might! But you soon will once my ritual monster takes to the field at this very moment!"
We couldn't believe what we just heard, "Ritual monster!? Now!?"
She nodded having waiting patiently for this moment, and now the time has arrived for her to give me a taste of the ocean's true might! "I activate the ritual spell known as Offering to the Sea!" The card tablet flipped forward and depicted a cult of cloaked sages in a large boat riding across a stormy sea with thunder and lightning. The sages were holding up a ritual raven bound in ropes, which they were prepared to toss into a huge whirlpool with a ritual circle at the center of it. "With this spell, I can ritual summon any water monster from my hand by sacrificing monsters from my field or had whose total levels equal that ritual monster! Now! I offer up my now level 4 Kairyu Shin and level 3 Dragon dwelling in the deep!" A huge whirlpool sprung up from the ground in front of Ikuchi as the tablet glowed both her chosen monsters were sucked into its depths! "Great beast of the sea, with the power of the oceans in your veins, arise from the dark depths and bring forth the great deluge! I ritual summon! Come forth! Level 7! Southern ocean Diabolos!"
As the whirlpool disappeared, a dark shadow could be seen from deep under the surface, as a pair of yellow eyes shone. A massive eruption came from the water as something burst out of the sea surface! As the surf cleared, staring back at me in the eye was the pointed head of a giant green plesiosaur, whose head resembled that of an ichthyosaur's! besides its massive body and deep green colouring it also had a lining of yellow spinal fins, facial spines and long flippers. At the end of its massive tail to had a whale's fluke. It's head also had a red gem embedded in its forehead and it screeched loudly, forcing me to cover my ears in pain.
Southern Ocean Diabolos, Level 7, Sea Serpent, Ritual, WATER ATK: 2100 DEF: 1900
"Whoa…that thing is really big…." I said impressed as the plesiosaur's size rivalled that of my dragon, Jormangandr.
"If you think he's powerful now just you wait! Thanks to the power bonuses from Deep dwelling dragon and my field spell, Diabolos gains 600 attack points!" she announced as the sea began to channel more power into her mighty behemoth.
2100-2700
"Not bad, but even with those power ups it still doesn't have enough strength to overcome Jormangandr's 3000 defence points!" I called out.
"Hold on! There's one more thing you should know." she interrupted confidently, "When ritual summoned, Diabolos automatically destroys all cards on your side of the field!" She quickly called out to my shock.
"It can what!?"
"Go! Demonic deluge!" she commanded as her monster bellowed, it then lifted half its body out of the water before slamming down hard and generating an enormous tsunami that began to traverse across the field, to the awe of the spectating duel spirits and my horror.
"Ryuga! You know what to do!" Jormangandr yelled looking up at me from the ground!
"I'm on it! I activate Jormangandr's special ability! Earth barrier!" Jormangandr swallowed one unit before slamming hard on the ground with his front limbs! It caused a huge wall of solid rock to erupt from the ground in front of him, which diverted the water wave away from both him and me! "By using an overlay unit, Jormangandr negates his own destruction from an opponent's effect or attack!" In the meantime my facedown card was swept away by the flash flood, not before it flashed at the last second.
"Very impressive…." Ikuchi noted at my dragon's great durability and spirit, "Diabolos can't attack this turn due to his special ability, so it seems I'll just have to attack with spiral serpent then! Wash that dragon away with Spiral stream!" Her monster hissed before charging a powerful water beam in its jaws and then firing it straight at Jormangandr!
I then smirked myself, "You should have paid more attention to my field just now Ikuchi, but because you didn't and were too eager to jump into battle, it's going to cost you dearly!"
"Huh!?"
"Right before Diabolos' Demonic Deluge struck, I quickly activated my facedown which was trap booster!" The spell card revealed itself in ghost form from the sea, "All I had to do was send a single card in my hand to the graveyard and for this turn only I can activate a trap from my hand!"
"A trap from the hand!?" she couldn't believe what she just heard.
"That's right!" I answered before taking a trap card from my hand and activating it, "And the trap I choose is dragon dance! When you attack a dragon type xyz monster on my field this trap lets me banish 2 dragons from my graveyard! And I banish Arkbrave dragon and Phantom dragon!" The spirits of both my dragons rose from a shining portal in the ground and began to dance elegantly together in the air. As they did the spirits around us began to cheer in excitement while Ikuchi looks don completely speechless at the sight.
"I…don't believe what I'm seeing…it's duelling and yet…it's so incredible I have no words to describe it!" Ikuchi called out unable to describe her upwelling emotions.
I then smiled at her being amazed, "What you see before is a duel style I learnt back home, the entertainment duel style!"
"Entertainment?"
"The way we duel isn't solely for winning, we strive to give to the audience smiles and happiness!" I explained, "As well as it teaching them that not only monsters and duelist can together to work as one, but also the true meaning of duelling as a mean of unity and peace!"
"A duel as a means to give to others…." she was almost speechless at this new discovery, that practically opened up new horizons and possibilities for her, "That's beautiful…."
"I am honored by your praise princess, but sadly no amount of flattery is going to save your spiral serpent from my basilisk's counterattack! You see now your monster loses attack points equal to the combined attack points of both my dragons! And since their total is 5100 it exceeds spiral serpent's attack points, so now you're going to be hitting yourself with 3000 points of direct damage from Jormangandr!" They both then possessed Spiral serpent as it attacked causing the spiral stream attack to shrink until nothing reached my basilisk! Jormangandr then opened his jaws and began to charge an orange sphere in his jaws, "Go! Earth pulse!"
"Oh no! Not good!" she gasped as her attack was about to backfire. "There must be something I can do….." she thought to herself frantically before looking up above her, seeing it to be her only option, "I hope you don't mind Ryuga, but I'm going to take your advice right here and now!" To my surprise she then began to leap up on top of her Diabolos' head which then threw her higher above the platforms towards a certain target I wasn't expecting her to go for.
"You're using an action card!?" I gasped as she grabbed it and landed safely on another platform.
"You didn't say I couldn't use them!" Ikuchi grinned cheekily, "Also you said it yourself Ryuga, I should try having a more open mind to any kind of situation, now it's time to see if it pays off!" She then took the card and eyed it, "Let's see here…" Ikuchi muttered as she took a look at the card she acquired and then sweatdropped, "Oh dear…" At that point, Jormangandr had finished charging his attack and blasted her spiral serpent back a couple of feet away, causing it to screech in pain and the sound waves shook Ikuchi up quite a bit! "URGH!" she grunted as she barely managed to hold herself together.
Ikuchi: 4000-1000
"I assume you didn't get something you could use?" I asked curiously, "Action cards can be a coin toss so there will be times when you don't get what you want or need."
"Perhaps, but I'm still going to make best use of what I have!" She said holding up the card, "Go damage draw! Since I took over 2000 points of battle damage I can now draw twice! So here we go!" 2 card slates then erupted from the in front of Ikuchi.
"Not bad for a beginner," Jormangandr commented impressed.
"Yeah, but with the way she duels, let's see if those cards she got can help her out in this situation." I replied looking on to what would happen next, and to see if my suspicions were correct.
As Ikuchi looked at her new card slates she then smiled, "Ryuga was right, if I truly believed my deck and monsters will answer…." She then proceeded with her end phase as there was nothing more her monsters could do, "I end my turn with 2 facedown cards. Now that the end phase has been reached, the effect of my dragon dwelling in the deep ends so now my monsters have their attack points lowered by 400."
2700-2300
2400-2000
She then thought to herself remembering her facedown cards, "Alright here goes, if Ryuga attempts to switch his dragon into attack mode to attack my weakened spiral serpent, my first trap ice barrier shall freeze him in place and reduce his attack points to 0 making him an easy target for my monsters! Also, if he happens to summon another dragon with very high attack points, my second trap tidal advantage ought to cut it down to size by half and prevent any of my monsters from being destroyed by battle! No matter how you see it, this duel shall be mine!"
I noticed that confident look in her eyes and decided may the best duelist win this. "Here we go Jormangandr! I draw!" I drew a new card and observed it and my hand, "Your heart's clearly in the right place Ikuchi, that much I can agree on. From what I've seen so far, you really are experienced in duelling and in providing the perfect conditions to ritual summoning. I also noticed that you have a deep connection with your monsters, which is also just as important. That deserves plenty of respect."
"Awww thank you Ryuga." she said feeling honoured and happy to be praised.
"However, you still have quite a ways to go before you can stand at my level. And I'll show you by wrapping this duel up here and now." I then declared.
"And….how do you plan on doing that?" Ikuchi asked suspiciously, "Your dragon is still in defence mode, it can't initiate attacks unless it first switches its battle mode."
"Under the normal rules perhaps, but like I said before, every rule has a loophole to it! You'll have to be flexible and learnt to adapt to different situations and times. But how about I show you what I mean!" I called out taking a spell from my hand, "I play monster reborn! With it I'll revive masked dragon from my graveyard!" A portal in the ground opened and my red and white dragon flew out of it and next to Jormangandr. "Now I activate the spell Guard plus! By tributing a monster on my field, another monster gains attack points equal to its defence points! So now by sacrificing masked dragon, Jormangandr now gains its' 1400 attack points in his defence points!" Masked dragon exploded into sparkles which were then absorbed into Jormangandr, causing his armoured mountain like scales to shine brighter and harden!
3000-4400
"I still don't see the logic to all this." Ikuchi said out loud puzzled by this move, "Why bother to increase your monster's defence points when it has to use attack points while in attack mode to battle?"
"The reason is because of Jormangandr's special ability!" I finally answered, "My basilisk has the power to attack no matter which mode he is in as long as he has overlay units! And if he attacks while in defence mode, his defence points are applied during damage calculation!"
"It can.…attack while still in defence mode!?" she exclaimed seeing that her traps were completely useless in this situation.
"Now you see what it means by duelling outside the box!" I replied guessing from her expression my combo found the loophole in her facedowns, "You put up a good fight Princess, but I'm the one who's coming out on top in this duel! Go Jormangandr! Attack Southern Ocean Diabolos with Earth hammer!" Jormangandr nodded as he roared loudly and raised his tail up high, Ikuchi thought she would make it in time for an action card but she underestimated Jormangandr's power, as he swung his tail almost as fast as lightning struck! The club landed straight at Diabolos causing it to screech in pain before finally exploding!
"AAAAHHH!" She cried as the shockwaves caught her midair and she fell.
"Ikuchi!" I cried out in shock. Luckily for the both of us, she was saved at the last moment by Kairyu Shin who stretched its long body out and caught her on its back. "Phew…." I breathed relieved, also happy to see the strong connection she had with her own monsters.
Ikuchi: 1000-0
Ryuga: WIN!
As the duel ended, the waters quickly receded and our monsters vanished along with the field back into their cards and slates. I then leapt down the platforms one by one until I touched ground level, and then made my way over to Ikuchi who was lying down on the field of flowers.
"I lost….I guess I still have a long way to go." she said to herself seeing her weakness, and her duel spirit friends came around to comfort her discouraged feelings. She then smiled, "Thank you my friends, I don;t know what I'd do, if I never had friends like you to care for me." she said as they helped her up.
"You okay?" I asked as I came up to her. The spirits then backed away and decided to give us some space, also respecting the power I displayed in the duel.
"I'm fine Ryuga, thank you for your concern." she said before smiling warmly, having gotten over her defeat already thanks to the encouragement from her friends, "You know, you really are strong and it was a good duel too. Actually, even though I lost, I still was a lot of fun!" she cheered.
"I'm glad you feel that way." I said relieved, "Duelling is more than just winning or losing, it's also important to have a great time too and to make sure it's fulfilling. Also, defeat isn't something to be afraid or ashamed of, after all no one can win forever not even me!" She then gaped, surprised that someone like me could still lose duels here and now despite my still and power, "But, the most important thing is not how many opponents you defeat, but also learning from defeat and standing back up again."
Ikuchi then thought it over and decided to speak up her thoughts, "I thank you very much for accepting my challenge Ryuga, you duelled honourably and I enjoyed it very much." she said bowing, "In fact after that 1 match, I feel like I've learnt a lot more about you and your bond with both your people and monsters, as well as my own personal limits. But that's not good enough, I know I still have a ways to go before I can reach where I want and need to be."
"I see what you mean Ikuchi." I replied impressed by her enthusiasm, "That's very wise thinking, to know there's always room to improve, and when you first acknowledge your defeat and weaknesses only then will you be able to move forward."
"And that's why…Ryuga…." he then walked up to me before blushing slightly, "If it's alright…well…Argh! This is so hard to say…." she muttered embarrassed.
"Yes? If there's anything you want to say feel free to speak. I'll hear you out." I said encouragingly.
"O…okay then", She then clasped her hands together and mustered enough confidence to speak, "Can you please take me on as your student!?" she blurted out.
Her request was so out of the blue and so sudden I had no idea how to respond as I took a few steps back in bewilderment, "S…say what!?" I gasped, "My…student!?" I could feel my heart racing like crazy, as raindrops of sweat began to drip from my face.
She then fell on her knees and bowed down, which was odd coming from a royal, "This is the first time I've had so much fun with duelling and I want to anti new doing so!" she pleaded, "I really want to learn all things that only you know! I want to learn more about your other types of summonings but even more so, I want to learn more about your world and even that amazing duel style you pulled off during our duel!"
'W…well…" I then scratched my head unsure of what to do.
"You….can't?" she looked up at me with sad eyes, which I admit sparkled almost like the water surface with her tears, and were quite hard to resist and deny. In fact looking into them I noticed a sort of purity within them, that she was willing to do anything for me to say yes.
"I…it's not like that!" I cried out waving my hands frantically, "It's not that I can't teach you! It's just…Well….I've never taken on a student before, so I…I just know if I'm cut out for it!" I said to her.
"Please!" she begged further, "I don't anyone else except you! With you teaching me I know I can get stronger. Much, much stronger! Not just so I can look after myself, but also so that I can look after Norvagen when I one day take the throne, and I'll be sure to lead them on by example to the true unity it once had!"
I could see how determined she was that she would even resort to prostrating herself before me. Tot think she was willing to go that far and sacrifice all of her noble pride and dignity just to have me make her stronger as a person. "Wow, she's even kneeling down on the floor. She sure is intent on this request, also to see her bow down like that….isn't that against the law for someone of her status to bow like that, to an outsider of all people?" I thought to myself nervously, feeling the immense pressure weighing down tremendously on me, "Wh-What should I do? I never took on an apprentice of my own, but…it wouldn't be right to refuse. Also, she's definitely got determination and a good heart, those are essential qualities needed in a strong duelist. Maybe…just maybe…I'd like to see just how far she can go as a duelist." I then made my decision and stood confidently as a master would, "Alright Ikuchi stand up." I said firmly.
She then looked up and stood, "Y…yes?" She waited in anticipation for my answer to her,
"I've decided to consider your request," before I could give her a chance to smile and cheer like a little girl, "However, I do have 2 conditions that I hope you can meet."
"Oh….So….what may they be?" she asked curiously. Bracing herself as well for any criticism or challenge I may throw at her.
"The first is that my teaching is not for the faint of heart." I stated, "I expect you to put in everything you have into what I teach, never do it apathetically. Hope you can realise if you can't commit then you'll never be able surpass your current self."
"Okay, I understand fully." she replied finding the request to be reasonable, and requiring her full commitment for once she sets down this path she will have to see it through, "And…what is the other request."
I then smiled, "Second, lets not have any of this master-student relationship between us. In fact, I really just want you to be my friend."
"A…friend? You…and me?" she said surprised.
I nodded. I then noticed a small smile come across her face, and all of a sudden she began to giggle, before turning into uncontrollable laughter! "Tee hee hee! Hahahahahaha!"
I then took a step back in shock, "H..Hey! What's gotten into you all of a sudden!? What's so funny!?" I gasped in alarm, also finding it mildly disturbing.
"Nothing! It's just this feeling of happiness gushing out from deep inside me….It's incredible." she laughed with joyfully before standing up high full of energy, "You're actually the first friend I've ever made! Human friend to be precise! Someone I can relate to and someone I can fully trust!"
"Wow….That's…quite an honour." I breathed before smiling myself, "Well then Ikuchi, as your new friend I'll be happy to help you get better from here on out. When shall we get started?"
"How about tomorrow morning?" she suggested, "Right before dawn while everyone's still asleep, we'll meet right here at this very spot! I look forward to you teaching me many things!"
"Then it's settled." I replied in agreement before noticing the sky had started to turn bright orange, signalling the approaching evening, "Whoa, I never imagined how much time had already passed."
"Well then shall we head back?" Ikuchi suggested, "It's getting quite late and my father will probably throw a fit if he finds out that the 2 of us aren't within the palace grounds."
"I hear you. Alright, lead the way Ikuchi." I said.
"Gladly." And with that, after saying goodbye to all the spirits in the forest the 2 of us set off down the same forest path back to the castle on the other side.
Meanwhile in the deck, "Hahaha! It seems our boy has managed to win over the heart of Norvagen's princess!" Fafnir laughed in amusement at the sight, "Good for him!"
"With her supporting us, we're one step closer winning over King Avalon's trust and support with the 4 dimensions," Jormangandr added feeling pleased with both he duel's result and having had his chance to get out in a long while, "And with his help, maybe we can even find a way to return home right Bahamut?" they then turned to their brother who was focused intently on the conversation between the 2 humans.
"Hmmm…." he muttered carefully while scratching his chin.
"Bahamut?" Tiamat asked, "Is there something on your mind again that you're not willing to share…again?" she asked while leaning in closer.
He then narrowed his eyes until they were as sharp as daggers, "Don't you feel it?" he said without facing any of them.
"Feel what?" they asked.
"Remember the seal on Leviathan's tomb?" he answered before reciting it, "Let one whose soul is as pure as the most tranquil and peaceful of waters, as well as carrying the powerful strength of the great blizzard, may the ritual to free the dragon who sleeps in stone be made known." He then turned his eyes over to the best possible candidate he had in mind for the task, "I think….we may finally found the key to setting her free."
They were taken aback by his statement, clearly not expecting it in the slightest, "Bahamut, you don't think-"
He then shook his head before lowering his head and closing his eyes, "I can't say exactly for sure, right now it is far too early to make rash conclusions. But one thing I do know is that only time will tell if she may be the chosen one." He then opened them firmly, "The one to possess the breath of the dragon queen."
Unbeknownst to all of us, a shaded figure had been observing us carefully since the very beginning from the shadows created by the trees. As silently as he appeared, the figure then turned around and left the glade without making a single sound.
And there goes chapter 8. Hope you enjoyed it as it soon picks up more in chapter 9.
Offering to the sea
This card can be used to ritual summon any WATER ritual monster. You must also tribute monsters whose total levels exactly equal the levels of the Ritual monster you Ritual summon.
Southern Ocean Diabolos
You can ritual summon this card with Offering to the Sea. When this card is Ritual Summoned, destroy all cards your opponent controls. This card cannot attack the turn it is Ritual Summoned.
