Disclaimer: I do not own any Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's characters! I only own my OCs!
Chapter 49: Duel Academy's Heroine
After I told the Signers, Mina, and Goodwin about the Meklord Emperors being related to Iliaster, Goodwin decided to promote me to Special Agent, so I could scout around in the city whenever I wanted. That meant I wasn't his secretary anymore and I could sleep in a bit. I always had a hard time waking up in time, so I could stay in bed until 10 a.m. I may have been promoted to a higher rank within Security, but I received lower payment checks, but I saved the majority of my money, even with the allowance I received each month. Ever since I was a little girl and began receiving allowance, I saved most of it and rarely spent it.
Today, after some scouting, I headed over to Yusei, Jack, and Crow's place to both hang out and help them with the prototype engine. They managed to rebuild the test Runner, so the experiments had resumed.
Jack sat on the test Runner that was connected to Yusei's laptop by wires. Yusei himself went through all the data, wearing protective glasses, while Crow and I watched from each side of the test Runner to see if everything was looking good.
"70… 80… 90…", Yusei counted as the numbers and charts on the laptop's screen slowly increased.
"Hey, are you sure it'll be okay?!" Crow asked, concerned. "We don't have time for any explosions like the other day!"
"Hmph! That's Yusei for you!" Jack snorted gladly as he pushed the gas pedal. "To think you perfected it this much in just a few days."
"Don't speak too soon or you might jinx it, Jack", I said softly.
"Yeah, no need to worry about the engine", Yusei said.
"Engine?" Crow repeated worriedly.
"About it?" Jack finished.
In the next second, the Deck holder on the test Runner began going haywire, spitting out Yusei's cards all around us and up in the air.
"Oh, c'mon!" Crow whined in disbelief.
"Mamma mia! (My goodness!)" I shouted, surprised.
But that wasn't enough. The test Runner released a thin cloud of smoke that smelled like a combination of several chemicals. I covered my mouth while I tried to fan the smoke away from me while the cards floated down to the floor.
Just as the smoke slowly began to disperse, the twin doors opened by reveal a fuming Zora. "You're being too loud!" she yelled. "I swear, why is it that ya'll are never content unless you're causing a racket?! Honestly, I can hardly tell if you're building or breaking something!"
"We're sorry!" Yusei apologized as he removed the protective glasses.
"Don't blame Yusei for this", Crow said, trying to cover for his foster brother.
"Yes, out of respect for me, Jack Atlas-", Jack began, only to get interrupted by the walking volcano.
"I was talking to you two from the start!" Zora yelled, causing the two young men to flinch back like frightened dogs.
"Zora, we're very sorry", Yusei apologized.
"Oh, you're okay, Yusei!" Zora changed her tone, talking sweetly to him. "A real disaster that was, though. You should take a breather every once in a while! You can't just tinker with your machines all the time, y'know!"
"I'll make sure the boys will take a break every now and then", I told Zora.
"Oh, you're such a good girl, Estelle!" Zora said sweetly. "You're so concerned for your friends, even though some of them are delinquents." Crow and Jack stiffened, knowing she was referring to them. "The man you choose will be so lucky to have you as his girlfriend!" She then changed her sweet tone back to the harsh one at Jack and Crow. "Hey, you! Follow Estelle's example and stop dragging Yusei down and try to cooperate with him a little!"
With that said, Zora finished her lecture session and walked out of the garage, shutting the door behind her.
"What kind of slanted treatment is that?!" Jack muttered once the elderly woman was out.
"Well, I preferred her yelling at us than putting on that creepy-ass, fake smile", Crow said as he formed his fingers into rings and put them in front of his eyes to make them look like glasses to mock Zora.
"Don't say that", Yusei said. "Zora is letting us stay here out of the kindness of her heart."
"And she does trust you three because you are Martha's foster children", I commented softly. "Zora may look rough on the outside, but she's got a sweet heart."
"I don't know 'bout the sweet heart, but…", Crow said as he looked around at the spread cards. "We'd better take care of this…"
I was about to kneel down and start picking up the cards when the twin doors opened once again, but this time it wasn't Zora. It was Leo, Luna, and their friends from Duel Academy; Dexter, Miyuki, Bob, and Patty. They were all wearing their school uniforms, so they must have come here straight after school.
"Yusei! Jack! Crow! Estelle!" Luna called as the group ran down the stairs.
"We came to hang out!" Leo added.
"Hey there", Yusei greeted.
"Always a pleasure!" Crow grinned.
"Be careful, there are cards everywhere!" I called before the children could step on Yusei's cards.
"Not you guys again!" Jack muttered irritably.
"Whoa, kinda disorganized today, huh?" Leo commented when he saw the mess.
"What happened here? Another explosion?" Luna asked.
"Close", Yusei answered.
"This baby seems to be stuck in a bad mood, y'know", Crow said, pointing at the test Runner.
"Oh! It's a Duel Runner!" Bob exclaimed in awe. "Awesome!"
He, Dexter, and Patty gathered around the test Runner while Miyuki stayed close to me. I could tell she wanted to have some sort of physical contact, so I gently wrapped my left arm around her shoulders.
"It's a test frame, huh?" Dexter asked.
"It's so cool!" Patty shrieked in awe.
"Hey! Keep your mitts off!" Jack told them sternly.
"Hey, let us ride it! C'mon!" Bob begged.
"Can we?" Patty asked.
"Forget it! Of all the impudent things!" Jack retorted.
"Okay, if you help us pick up the cards, we'll let you ride it!" Crow said.
I knew what he was actually doing; he wanted to turn the cleaning into a game and get some help from the children. The children were not aware of the real truth, but they had nothing against the cleaning.
"Really?!" Dexter, Bob, and Patty exclaimed happily.
"Crow! You can't just go saying whatever!" Jack glared at his foster brother.
"Where's the harm?" Crow chuckled. "Well, let's get cracking! The one who's collected most cards will get the first ride!"
The children plus Leo and Luna, but minus Miyuki kneeled down to gather the cards. Miyuki looked a bit uncertain as if she had a debate with herself to join the game or not.
I smiled softly and moved my left hand from her shoulder to pat her softly on top of her head. "Do you want to help out, Miyuki?"
Miyuki looked at me with slight sad eyes. She looked away and nodded slowly. "Yes…"
"Then don't hesitate", I told her with a gentle voice. "No one is going to judge or hurt you." I leant in closer to whisper in her ear. "And I'll give you an exclusive ride home on my Duel Runner…"
Miyuki perked up when I said that and looked at me with big eyes. "Really?"
"Really", I nodded, straightening up. "Now, hurry and help gather the cards before they run out."
Miyuki nodded before she went to Luna and kneeled down next to her and started picking up the cards. I watched warmly at the children picking up the cards, but then I noticed Yusei had his eyes on something behind me. I followed his glance and looked up at the open twin doors to see another child in the twins' age, dressed in Duel Academy's school uniform, was standing by the threshold. I quickly recognized him as Sly. Back in my dimension, I had a huge suspicion that he was actually Sayer's son because of their similar hairstyle. Though, there was no confirmation whether Sly was the fruit of a one night stand or Sayer had a lover and she gave birth to Sly.
"Hello", I called softly when I had eye contact with Sly. "Are you their friend?"
The others looked up when they heard I was talking to someone. The children's eyes widened slightly when they saw Sly.
"Sly?" Luna called, surprised.
"G-Gah! Why is he here?!" Leo said nervously, as if he was scared of Sly.
Sly turned around to leave, but Luna ran after him while calling his name. The young boy stopped just before he was out and turned back to the female twin.
"What are you doing? Come over here!" Luna said as she grabbed Sly's left hand, surprising him, and pulled him down the stairs. "Yusei! This is our classmate, and he's pretty strong too!" She gave the boy a sweet smile. "Right, Sly?"
"Good to meet you", Yusei greeted.
Sly pulled his arm away from Luna before he turned to the raven-haired Signer. His eyes seemed to judge him as he put his hands on his hips. "Hmph, Fudo Yusei, huh? I knew you weren't as cool as you're cracked up to be."
"What?!" Leo growled angrily at Sly's comment, looking ready to beat him up.
"Hey, what's this, napping on the job?!" Crow interrupted, breaking the tension. "Back to work! Back to work!"
The children went back to gather the cards, and this forced Sly to help out when Luna pulled him down to the ground floor. I decided to help out too and kneeled down to pick up a few cards. I checked each of them and gently wiped them clean before adding them in my small and growing pile.
"I thought I saw it around here…", I heard Yusei mumble behind me.
I looked over my shoulder and saw he had joined the card hunt. He had his back turned to me as he kneeled down to pick up his cards. Sly was on his knees and held a card in his hand. I saw it was Stardust Dragon, which set the alarms off in my head. In the anime, Sly showed interest toward the Signer Dragon and he wanted to steal it from Yusei, but he gave it to the Signer, showing he had a soft spot in his heart.
"Um… You dropped this", Sly said, holding the card to Yusei.
"Thanks!" Yusei smiled softly as he took Stardust Dragon's card and put it in a pocket inside his jacket.
Sly held back a growl, but I could see he gritted his teeth in frustration. I debated with myself if I should give him a pep talk or ignore his secret intension of stealing Stardust Dragon. I nodded to myself, making a decision.
I straightened up and walked over to Sly and crouched down next to him. He didn't see me as he was busy picking up a few cards which he rolled his eyes at. I lifted up my left hand and patted him softly on top of his head.
"H-Hey!" Sly exclaimed, surprised, as he moved his arms to swat my hand off him, but he failed.
"Do you like Stardust Dragon?" I asked softly, catching the boy's attention. "Were you amazed by the dragon's beauty and mighty power when you watched the Fortune Cup?"
Sly blinked with a blank face before he looked away, but he gave me a nod. "Yeah…"
I smiled warmly. "I was too when I saw Stardust Dragon for the first time. I'm very fond of dragon Monsters, but one dragon that's very close to my heart is Star Eater. I'm sure everyone has that one card they feel like it's part of their soul." I patted Sly's head again, messing a bit with his smooth hair. "And I know you will find the card someday."
"And how do you know that?" Sly snorted as he swatted my hand away.
"Because you will feel it in your heart when you find it. It might be tomorrow, or the next day, or a month, or in a few years, but you will find the treasure someday."
Sly eyed me as if I had thrown a second head, but I just smiled at him and straightened up to walk to the other side of the garage when Miyuki called my name. I hoped my words were able to get through the boy's head so he wouldn't try and steal Stardust Dragon again.
XXXXXXXXXX – Ran's POV
It was a nice and lovely morning at the Duel Academy. I was heading to the Principal's office to talk about my future career. My plan was to attend a good university in America, meaning I had to travel overseas after graduation, and get a better education so I could one day take over my family company.
To be honest, I was going to miss everyone, especially Aki. She had become not just a rival, but also a friend. There was no more hostility between us. I smiled inwardly at the thought of my rival. She was a powerful Duelist, so she could aim to become a professional Duelist in the future.
I snapped out of my thoughts when I saw the Vice-Principal, Rudolph Heitmann. He was an odd character and had a different way of thinking than the Principal. Also, he respected Duelists with high potential and strong Monsters and despised Duelists with low potential and low-Leveled Monsters.
"Good morning, Vice-Principal", I greeted with a soft bow.
Heitmann's evil smirk quickly changed into a bright and respectful smile. "Oooh, Kobayakawa Ran! One of Duel Academy's best Duelists in the 12th grade! Good morning, Ms. Kobayakawa! Where are you heading to?"
"I'm on my way for a brief meeting with the Principal before class", I replied.
"Then I shall not stand in your way!" Heitmann continued with his ridiculous act and stepped aside before he walked past me. "Now, if you excuse me, I'm on my way to expel the class that has tarnished Duel Academy's high-pristine reputation, Class 5-C!"
I turned around as I watched Heitmann walk away. His words got stuck in my head. Was he about to expel a class, and not just any class, but the class in which Aki's young twin friends were in?
"Ms. Kobayakawa?" a gentle voice called.
I turned around and stood face to face with the Principal. I could see by his facial expression that he was looking very bothered. "Principal?" I spoke up before bowing as greeting.
"Ms. Kobayakawa, I'm afraid our meeting must be postponed", the Principal sighed. "I've got an emergency to deal with, so I have to leave and get help."
I quickly connected the dots together. "Is it about the Vice-Principal? He mentioned something about expelling a grammar school class."
"Yes, that's exactly it", the Principal sighed. "He managed to unconsciously convince me to expel Class 5-C because of their low grades in study Dueling. I tried to talk him out of it, but he can be so thick-headed he doesn't hear what you say to him."
I hummed softly before a smile grew on my lips, knowing who could help Class 5-C. "Principal, let me take of this."
"Huh?" the Principal blinked confusedly.
"I know someone who can help Class 5-C", I said before flipping my hair over my shoulder. "Someone who is very talented and is one of the best Duelists in the Duel Academy."
The Principal pondered about it for a moment before he nodded. "I entrust this to you, Ms. Kobayakawa. But if it should fail, I'll take care of it."
XXXXXXXXXX – Aki's POV
I was talking with Mei and Sakura by the lockers as I put away my briefcase. They told me they visited a newly open café in downtown New Domino City in the weekend and they wanted to bring me there after school today.
"It's such a cute café", Sakura gushed excitedly as she cupped her cheeks in delight. "And the confections are delicious! It's the best place for a date!"
I giggled softly as I picked up the books needed for the first class. "It sounds like the dream place for you, Sakura. Will you bring your date there someday?"
"I'm sure she will", Mei grinned softly as she rubbed Sakura's shoulder blades. "Who can resist this adorable cherry blossom?"
Sakura giggled in response and blushed brightly. "Oh, shush, Mei!"
I was a bit envious of Mei and Sakura's close relationship. I never had a female friend in my childhood, but now I had Estelle, Carly, Misty, Mei, Sakura, and even Ran. I wanted to get lots of experience of girl hangouts.
"Aki!" a familiar voice called.
I turned around and saw Ran walk up to me. She had her arms crossed, but her facial expression showed concern.
"Good morning, Ran", I greeted.
"Hi, Ran", Sakura greeted with a soft wave with her hand.
"Why're you looking so down?" Mei questioned, noticing the blonde's expression.
"I just heard some troublesome news and you need to hear it, Aki", Ran said seriously as she stood in front of me.
"I'm all ears", I nodded, sensing something was wrong.
"The Vice-Principal is about to expel Class 5-C in grammar school", Ran revealed. "Isn't that the class where your twin friends are in?"
"Leo and Luna? Heitmann is expelling their class?" I asked, feeling my eyes narrow in irritation. "Why?"
"He said something about Class 5-C has tarnished Duel Academy's reputation. I suspect it has something to do with the class' study Dueling-"
I quickly opened my locker and put away the books before shutting the locker with a bang, scaring Mei, Sakura, and Ran. "I'm going to visit Class 5-C." I turned to my classmates. "Will you cover for me?"
Mei nodded, her arm wrapped around Sakura's shoulder. "Go. We'll write down notes for you."
"Be careful, Aki…", Sakura mumbled worriedly.
I nodded, silently thanking them, before turning to Ran. "Thank you for telling me this, Ran."
Ran nodded, "Go and stop Heitmann before he expels the class."
I walked past Ran and hurried out of the high school building to get to the grammar school building on the other side of the Duel Academy school ground. It was a good thing I was wearing loafers to school because I could walk faster in them than in my high-heeled pumps.
It took a couple of minutes for me to reach the grammar school. The automatic doors opened as I walked into the building. I hurried to Class 5-C and didn't even bother to knock on the door. I slid it open, surprising the class and the twins' teacher, Ms. Maria Bartlet. Heitmann was standing by the podium in front of the digital blackboard that showed "All Expelled" in big kanji signs.
"Aki!" the twins called, surprised.
"Oh my. You are Ms. Izayoi Aki, the best student in the 11th grade", Heitmann commented.
"You call yourself a Vice-Principal?" I asked seriously while containing my anger as I walked up to Heitmann.
"What are you so mad about?" Heitmann replied, sounding surprised by my reaction. "I think an exceptional student such as yourself should agree with my idea."
"I never approve of adults who try to harm children!" I glared at Heitmann.
I briefly remembered the time I found out the truth about Sayer harming innocent children in the Arcadia Movement to "test" their psychic powers in Duels. After that, I grew protective of Leo and Luna, not wanting to see them or other children get in harm's way. I didn't want any of them go through the same pain that I went through.
"You dare to raise your voice against me?!" Heitmann retorted irritably. "And I'm not harming the kids! I'm expelling them because of their disappointingly low grades!"
I snorted, finding it ridiculous to expel a class just because their grades weren't the best at the moment. "Don't you think it's foolish to discard the passion of study Dueling by making judgements based on grades alone?!"
"The only fool here is you!" Heitmann shouted angrily. "No matter how much low-level failures study Dueling, it is entirely pointless!" He activated a hologram monitor and scrolled down to reveal some of the students' cards, including Leo, Luna, and their friends' cards. "For one thing, there are nothing but a bunch of low-level, dreg cards in these children's Decks. These Duelists are of low-caliber, so they only use low-Level Monsters."
I clenched my hand into a fist, but I kept my anger under control. "You may hate low-Level Monsters, but none of them are dreg cards. In fact, they are essential in the Deck."
"Yes, they are…so they can be used to summon the powerful and high-Level Monsters!" Heitmann retorted irritably before he slammed a fist on the podium. "But my words are final! Class 5-C is hereby expelled!"
"No!" the whole class cried in shock.
"Aki, please help us!" Luna begged from the front row.
"Convince the Vice-Principal that we can do much better!" Leo added.
I nodded to the twins before pointing at Heitmann. "Rudolph Heitmann, I challenge you on a Duel!"
"Huh?! A Duel?" he said in disbelief.
"Yes", I nodded. "If I win, you'll waive this class' expulsions!"
Heitmann growled furiously through his gritting teeth. "Fine! I shall teach you that these failures have no business Dueling myself! Understood?!"
I nodded, "Until then, you'll hold back the expulsions."
XXXXXXXXXX
The word spread quickly that I was going to Duel the Vice-Principal during lunchbreak to save Class 5-C from getting expelled. As soon as the bell rang, I packed my books and grabbed my Duel Disk and Deck before heading to the Duel Stadium where Heitmann and Class 5-C were waiting. Sakura and Mei joined me as we walked to the stadium. I met up with Leo and Luna's class and the children gathered around me to thank me for protecting them.
"You can do it, Aki!" Luna said.
"Be sure to put the Vice-Principal in his place!" Leo said, punching the air.
"I will", I nodded as I knelt down to be on the children' eye level. "But before that, I need to ask you guys for a favor."
"A favor?" the twins blinked simultaneously.
"Remember the cards Heitmann showed us on the monitor? I want to borrow and use them in my Deck", I explained. "That way, we'll be Dueling together and we can show Heitmann that low-level Monsters aren't weak."
"Sure!"
I got seven cards in total and switched out seven of my Monsters to add the cards in my Deck. Once I was done, I strapped the Duel Disk on my left arm and walked toward the Duel field. Heitmann was already waiting, carrying a dark green Duel Disk on his left arm.
"Good luck, Aki!" Sakura called from the gallery.
"Beat Heitmann for us!" Dexter yelled.
"With my Ultimate Winners Deck, your eyes are in store for a treat!" Heitmann chuckled.
The two of us activated our Duel Disks and inserted our respective Decks in the devices. The Duel Disks shuffled the cards before we yelled the magic word to commence the Duel.
"Duel!"
Aki: 4000 LP
Heitmann: 4000 LP
I drew the first five cards of my Deck. I got Magic Planter, Copy Plant, Rose Tentacles, Lonefire Blossom, and Bob's Flamvell Guard.
"Ladies first! I draw!" I called, drawing Patty's Hanewata. "I summon Flamvell Guard in defense mode!"
Flamvell Guard, Level 1, Tuner: DEF 2000
"You can do it, Flamvell Guard!" Bob cheered from the gallery.
"I end my turn", I said.
"Hmph!" Heitmann snorted loudly. "Does its Level of one mean that low-Level Tuner Monsters are the only things you're able to summon? It's my turn! Draw! I summon Ancient Gear Solider in attack mode!"
Ancient Gear Solider, Level 4: ATK 1300
"I admit your dragon has a high defense, but that won't stop me!" Heitmann taunted. "I play the Spell card Magnet Circle Lv2! This card allows me to Special summon a Level 2 machine Monster from my hand, and I summon Ancient Gear Cannon in defense mode!"
Ancient Gear Cannon, Level 2: DEF 500
"Why would you summon that Monster?" I wondered.
"Because, by using this Level 2 Monster, I shall teach you a special lesson", Heitmann laughed. "No matter how many low-Level Monsters you summon, you cannot win the Duel. I will show you that the proper way…by releasing Ancient Gear Cannon to inflict 500 points of direct damage!"
"No way!" most of the children yelled in disbelief.
"Yes way! Now, Ancient Gear Cannon, unleash your power!"
The Monster's glowing orb began expanding until it swallowed itself. After that, it fired several bullets toward me as the orb imploded and vanished from the field. However, my attention was on the bullets that came flying at me.
"Aki!" Sakura shrieked in fear.
"I activate Hanewata's effect in my hand!" I called as I quickly discarded said card. "By discarding it from my hand to the Graveyard, it will reduce the effect damage to zero!"
A half-transparent image of Hanewata appeared in front of me in the size of a soccer ball, but it grew until it protected me entirely from the bullets. The bullets from Ancient Gear Cannon's effect bounced on Hanewata and dispersed when they failed to hit me.
"All right! Hanewata is great!" Patty cheered.
"Another low-Level Tuner, is it?" Heitmann shook his head. "Honestly, you have more lives than a cat! I place two cards facedown and end my turn!"
"I draw!" I called, drawing Ivy Shackles. "I summon Lonefire Blossom in attack mode!"
Lonefire Blossom, Level 3: ATK 500
"Another low-Level Monster? I'm very disappointed, Ms. Izayoi", Heitmann sighed dramatically. "You're one of Duel Academy's best students and you use such Monsters? What are you trying to do?"
"I activate Lonefire Blossom's effect!" I replied. "I Tribute it to Special summon a plant-type Monster from my Deck and I choose Lord Poison!"
Lord Poison, Level 4: ATK 1500
"You used your Lonefire Blossom to summon a low-Level Monster instead of a high-Level one?!" Heitmann gaped in shock. "Why would you waste it?!"
"It's my choice to summon what to summon or not!" I retorted. "Lord Poison, attack Ancient Gear Soldier!"
Lord Poison growled as his claws glowed in purple aura before heading toward Heitmann's Monster.
"I don't think so, Ms. Izayoi!" Heitmann called. "I activate one of my Trap cards; Zero Gravity! This card changes the battle position of all face-up Monsters on the field!"
I held back a growl as Lord Poison and Ancient Gear Soldier switched to defense mode and Flamvell Guard to attack mode.
Lord Poison, Level 4: ATK 1500 – DEF 1000
Flamvell Guard, Level 1, Tuner: DEF 2000 – ATK 100
Ancient Gear Soldier, Level 4: ATK 1300 – DEF 1300
"I place one card facedown to end my turn", I called as I put Ivy Shackles facedown.
"Draw!" Heitmann called. "I switch Ancient Gear Soldier back to attack mode!"
Ancient Gear Solider, Level 4: DEF 1300 – ATK 1300
"But before Battle Phase, I activate the Continuous Spell card, Ancient Gear Castle! This card gives every Ancient Gear Monster 300 extra attack points, and each time a Monster is Normal summoned, it will gain a counter!"
A castle appeared on Heitmann's field that was heavily equipped with missiles, turrets, and cannons. Ancient Gear Soldier ran to the castle and grabbed a missile which it inserted into the bore of its sniper.
Ancient Gear Solider, Level 4: ATK 1300 – ATK 1600
"This is how I discipline bad behavior of the students, and now I'll discipline you, Ms. Izayoi! Ancient Gear Soldier, destroy the pathetic Flamvell Guard!"
Ancient Gear Soldier aimed its sniper at the dragon Monster and fired the missile it grabbed from the castle. The missile whistled as it flew through the air and hit Flamvell Guard. The dragon cried in pain as it exploded into pieces. I used my right arm to shield my face from the wind caused by the Solid Vision.
Aki: 4000 LP – 2500 LP
Heitmann: 4000 LP
"Aki!" the children called my name worriedly.
"I end my turn", Heitmann called. "Do not play with my patience, Ms. Izayoi! You don't want to face the true fury of my Ancient Gear Monsters!"
I had heard about the Ancient Gear Monsters in one of the classes. They were considered vintage Monster cards and some of the most powerful Monsters the teachers in the Duel Academy had used. I didn't know the Vice-Principal had them, but that wasn't going to scare me.
"I draw!" I called, drawing Luna's Kuribon. "I activate my Continuous Trap; Ivy Shackles! All face-up Monsters you control become plant-type Monster during my turns only, Heitmann!"
"Not if I activate my other Trap, Royal Decree!" Heitmann called, revealing his Continuous Trap card. "Royal Decree negates all other Trap effects on the field as long as it's active, meaning your Ivy Shackles becomes useless!"
I growled softly, but I was also relieved that Ivy Shackles was still on the field because I could use it for my next combo. "I activate Magic Planter! I send my Continuous Trap card to the Graveyard to draw two cards from my Deck." I discarded Ivy Shackles and drew Sly's Eccentric Boy and Dexter's Batteryman AA. "I summon Eccentric Boy in attack mode!"
Eccentric Boy, Level 3, Tuner: ATK 800
"And Ancient Gear Castle gains one counter due to you normal summoning another low-Level Monster!" Heitmann declared.
Ancient Gear Castle: 1 Counter
"When the Level 3 Eccentric Boy becomes Synchro Material, it will select one more Monster from my hand, so I tune him with Level 3 Batteryman AA!"
Batteryman AA appeared on the field in his half-transparent form because he wasn't active on the field. Eccentric Boy spun around, causing a magenta tornado which swallowed both him and Batteryman AA.
"What is this?! Tuning with a Monster in your hand, you say?!" Heitmann gaped in disbelief.
"Splendid hunter and dweller of the sacred forest, with your whip of punishment in hand, come forth now!" I chanted as rose petals rained around me. "Synchro summon! Appear now, Splendid Rose!"
Splendid Rose, Level 6: ATK 2200
"Because I used Eccentric Boy as Synchro Material, Splendid Rose's effects cannot be activated and is negated, and she'll be removed from play when she's removed from the field", I explained. "Splendid Rose, destroy Ancient Gear Soldier with Rose Whip!"
Splendid Rose controlled her whips and sent them at Ancient Gear Soldier, recklessly whipping the machine Monster until it shattered into pieces.
Aki: 2500 LP
Heitmann: 4000 LP – 3400 LP
"Alright, Aki!" Mei cheered from the gallery. "Keep it up!"
"I end my turn", I called.
I could have attacked with Lord Poison, but I wanted to keep him in defense mode a little bit longer.
"So you managed to scratch my beloved Ancient Gear Monster, but it's far from over!" Heitmann called. "I draw! And I activate Ancient Gear Castle's third effect!"
"It's got another effect?" I asked in disbelief.
"Yes, it does", Heitmann nodded. "If I Tribute summon an Ancient Gear Monster, I can Tribute this card instead, if the number of its counters is equal to or greater than the number of required Tribute. Ancient Gear Castle has one counter, but it's enough to Tribute summon Level 6 Ancient Gear Gadjiltron Chimera from my hand!"
Ancient Gear Castle crumbled into pieces and shapeshifted into a huge machine Monster that surely looked like a chimera. It has three heads, one of them looking like an Ancient Gear Golem, the second a bird, and the third a dog, and it had a long tail that resembled a scoop.
Ancient Gear Gadjiltron Chimera, Level 6: ATK 2300
Oh no… It was stronger than Splendid Rose by 100 points of difference.
"Ancient Gear Gadjiltron Chimera, rip that rose apart!" Heitmann yelled.
The chimera Monster swung its long tail and grabbed Splendid Rose with the scoop. My Monster struggled against the grip, but it was useless. Ancient Gear Gadjiltron Chimera threw the Synchro Monster into a wormhole that appeared on the field, shattering into pieces just before she was removed from play.
Aki: 2500 LP – 2400 LP
Heitmann: 3400 LP
"I end my turn with that", Heitmann called. "Your Lord Poison will be the next plant to face my lovely chimera!"
"I draw!" I called, drawing Miyuki's Shiba-Warrior Taro. "I summon Copy Plant in attack mode!"
Copy Plant, Level 1, Tuner: ATK 0
"Another low-Level Monster with zero attack points? This is getting really boring", Heitmann rolled his eyes. "I expected more from you, Ms. Izayoi."
"Watch and learn, Heitmann", I grinned softly. "Copy Plant's effect! I can target one other plant-type Monster on the field that has a Level and Copy Plant will become that Monster's Level until the end of this turn. I choose to copy Lord Poison's Level, so Copy Plant becomes a Level 4 Monster!"
Copy Plant, Level 1 – Level 4, Tuner: ATK 0
"Now I'm tuning Level 4 Copy Plant with Level 4 Lord Poison!" I declared as both Monsters flew up to the air for the Synchro summoning of a new Synchro Monster I had recently added to my Deck. "Surge, my black mist of vengeance! Synchro summon! Come, Thought Ruler Archfiend!"
Thought Ruler Archfiend, Level 8: ATK 2700
"Isn't that Sayer's Monster?!" Leo yelled in shock from the gallery.
Yes, I added a copy of Sayer's old Synchro Monster, Thought Ruler Archfiend, to my Deck. I didn't really have any sentimental feelings for it, but I figured I should try using other types of Synchro Monsters instead of just Black Rose Dragon and my other two plant-type Monsters. I got the psychic Synchro Monster card from Sayer shortly after I joined the Arcadia Movement, but I had never used it before.
"What a mighty beast!" Heitmann commented. "It's stronger than my chimera!"
"And there's more to come!" I called. "Thought Ruler Archfiend, attack Ancient Gear Gadjiltron Chimera!"
The psychic Monster roared as he flew toward the Ancient Gear Monster. Thought Ruler Archfiend opened his mouth and fired a large black mist ball. When the mist ball hit the chimera, it exploded into pieces.
"When Thought Ruler Archfiend destroys a Monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, I gain Life Points equal to that Monster's original attack", I quickly added.
So while Heitmann had to use his arms to shield himself from the shards of his destroyed Monster, my body got enveloped in a bright green aura as my Life Points recovered and went over the 4000 points.
Aki: 2400 LP – 4700 LP
Heitmann: 3400 LP – 3000 LP
"Go, Aki!" Miyuki cheered from the stands.
"I end my turn", I nodded.
"I may have underestimated you, Ms. Izayoi", Heitmann growled. "I draw, and I summon Giant Rat in defense mode!"
Giant Rat, Level 4: DEF 1450
"I end my turn", Heitmann muttered.
"Aki can win this! She's pushed the Vice-Principal into a corner!" Patty called.
"I draw!" I called, drawing Swords of Revealing Light. "Thought Ruler Archfiend, destroy Giant Rat!"
The Synchro Monster easily slashed the beast Monster with his right hand. Giant Rat yelped in pain as it shattered into pieces.
"Thought Ruler Archfiend's effect!" I declared as I was once again covered in the healing aura.
Aki: 4700 LP – 6100 LP
Heitmann: 3000 LP
"When Giant Rat is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special summon one EARTH Monster with 1500 or less attack points from my Deck in attack position!" Heitmann declared. "I summon my second Giant Rat!"
Giant Rat, Level 4: ATK 1400
Heitmann was obviously trying to get some time if he summoned a second Monster that had the Special summoning trigger effect. He wanted to bring out his stronger Monsters, but I wasn't going to allow him to try attacking me.
"I play Swords of Revealing Light! For the next three turns, you cannot attack me!"
Four swords of light appeared on the field and stabbed themselves at the corner of Heitmann's field, trapping him and Giant Rat inside a glowing transparent cage.
"I end my turn."
"I draw!" Heitmann yelled.
"Oh yes, the cards are here!" Heitmann began laughing. "I begin the turn by playing the Field Spell; Mausoleum of the Emperor!"
The ground shook as a large mausoleum raised up from the ground. I quickly had to catch my balance when the floor underneath me raised up until I stood on a platform above a bottomless pit. Heitmann stood on his own platform with Giant Rat still standing in front of him.
If Heitmann decided to play this particular Field Spell, that meant-
"I activate Mausoleum of the Emperor's effect!" Heitmann interrupted my thoughts. "During any Main Phase, the Duelist can pay 1000 Life Points times the number of Monsters normally needed for the Tribute summon of a Monster! I pay 2000 Life Points to Normal summon a Level 8 Monster from my hand!"
Aki: 6100 LP
Heitmann: 3000 LP – 1000 LP
"This is the beginning of your demise! I Normal summon Ancient Gear Golem!" Heitmann continued.
The bottomless pit shone brightly as a large machine golem raised up with a red glowing eye. I shivered a bit by its glance as it had its eye on me. So this was the legendary Ancient Gear Golem…
Ancient Gear Golem, Level 8: ATK 3000
"Unfortunately, it cannot attack because of Swords of Revealing Light, so I switch Giant Rat to defense mode and end my turn", Heitmann dramatically sighed. "But once I've got all the cards out, it'll be checkmate for you, Ms. Izayoi!"
Giant Rat, Level 4: ATK 1400 – DEF 1450
"Draw!" I yelled, drawing one of my two Hedge Guards.
Swords of Revealing Light: Turn 1/3
"Thought Ruler Archfiend, destroy Giant Rat!" I commanded.
My Synchro Monster slashed the rat with ease as I gained additional Life Points.
Aki: 6100 LP – 7500 LP
Heitmann: 1000 LP
"Giant Rat's effect!" Heitmann declared. "I Special summon Chronomaly Mayan Machine from my Deck!"
Chronomaly Mayan Machine, Level 3: ATK 1500
"I end my turn", I called.
"Draw!" Heitmann called. "Now then, if none of you were aware of it, Chronomaly Mayan Machine can be treated as 2 Tributes for the Tribute summon of a machine-type Monster!"
"What?" I mumbled in disbelief.
"I release Chronomaly Mayan Machine to Tribute summon my second Ancient Gear Golem!"
Ancient Gear Golem, Level 8: ATK 3000
I growled inwardly. Now there were two Ancient Gear Golems and both of them were too strong for Thought Ruler Archfiend to destroy.
"My Ancient Gear Golems are not just powerful, but they've got the best defense!" Heitmann laughed. "This, you children, is how a real Duelist Duels with the high-Level Monster cards than with your dreg cards! I end my turn."
"Even if you keep summoning high-Level Monsters, they're useless if they can't attack", I pointed out.
"That is what a sore lose says right after they lose", Heitmann snorted. "Are you suggesting you have some chance in this situation that you so kindly put yourself into?"
"Yes, I do! Draw!" I called, drawing Black Garden.
Swords of Revealing Light: Turn 2/3
"I summon Kuribon in attack mode!"
Kuribon, Level 1: ATK 300
"Are you seriously wishing to get pounded to the ground with another low-Level Monster?" Heitmann rolled his eyes.
"No, but it will all change when I play my Field Spell; Black Garden!"
The mausoleum slowly got decorated by thorny vines that grew around us. Black roses grew from the roots as a gentle scent filled the air.
"Whenever a Monster is summoned, their attack points are halved and the opponent will receive a Rose Token", I briefly explained. "I end my turn."
"Trying to lower my other Monsters' attack points? We'll see if you can stop me with your garden. Draw!" Heitmann called. "Lucky for you, I cannot do a single thing, so I end my turn."
"Draw!" I called, drawing Ego Boost.
Swords of Revealing Light: Turn 3/3
"Swords of Revealing Light is now over, so your Monsters can attack the next turn", I called as the glowing cage on Heitmann's field vanished. "I summon Shiba-Warrior Taro in defense mode!"
Shiba-Warrior Taro barked as he rushed out of a gate and joined Kuribon. He got wrapped by the rose vines to show his attack points were halved even though he was in defense mode.
Shiba-Warrior Taro, Level 2, Tuner: DEF 600
"Black Garden's effect! You gain a Rose Token, Heitmann!"
Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800
"And I end my turn", I said.
"So you added a weak little puppy to your collection? But that won't help you at all! Draw!" Heitmann yelled. "I play Ancient Gear Workshop! I can add an Ancient Gear from the Graveyard to my hand, and I choose Ancient Gear Cannon, which I summon directly in attack mode!"
"Black Garden's effect!" I called. "Your Ancient Gear Cannon's attack points are halved and I gain a Rose Token."
Ancient Gear Cannon, Level 2: ATK 500 – ATK 250
Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800
"The pawns on the chess board have been put in place!" Heitmann laughed. "I now play Polymerization to fuse my two Ancient Gear Golem and Ancient Gear Cannon to Fusion summon the most powerful Ancient Gear Monster in history! Come, Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem!"
Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem, Level 10: ATK 4400
My eyes widened at the sight of the Fusion Monster's original attack points, but Black Garden was still active. "Black Garden's effect!"
The vines wrapped themselves around Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem as a Rose Token sprouted in my last open Monster Zone.
Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem, Level 10: ATK 4400 – ATK 2200
Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800
"It may have been a tiny setback, but Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem is the strongest Monster in my Deck!" Heitmann called. "I may not get rid of your Archfiend, but I can still attack your weak low-Level Monsters! Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem, destroy Kuribon!"
Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem raised its mechanical arm and swung it toward Kuribon who cried in fear at the sight of the incoming attack.
"Kuribon's effect!" I called. "During damage calculation, when she's attacked, I take no battle damage from the battle, but you gain Life Points equal to your Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem's attack points, and Kuribon returns to my hand!"
Kuribon glowed in a golden light before she returned to my hand, but she left behind a golden silhouette of herself on the field. Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem destroyed the silhouette, but the particles restored Heitmann's Life Points.
Aki: 7500 LP
Heitmann: 1000 LP – 3200 LP
"Hmph! So your weak fur ball managed to escape Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem's wrath, but next time, you won't get lucky! I end my turn!" Heitmann growled impatiently.
This Duel had really gone on for a long time. I had to start working on the end.
"Draw!" I called, drawing Wicked Rebirth. "I summon Kuribon once again in attack mode, and Black Garden's effect activates! Her attack points are halved and you gain a Rose Token."
Kuribon, Level 1: ATK 300 – ATK 150
Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800
"What must you be thinking?!" Heitmann yelled in frustration. "Why do you keep summoning your low-Level Monsters?!" He then gaped in realization. "Wait! Are they-?!"
"Finally figured it out?" I smirked softly. "The cards I've been using are from the children's Decks you called 'dreg Monsters'!"
"You can fill the numbers all you want, but low-Levels are low-Levels!" Heitmann yelled. "My high-Level combo will not come down!"
"Neither Level nor attack power determine a Duel!" I called. "I tune Miyuki's Level 2 Shiba-Warrior Taro with Luna's Level 1 Kuribon and my two Level 2 Rose Token! Chilling flames engulf the entire world. Pitch-dark flower, set into bloom! Synchro summon! Appear now, Black Rose Dragon!"
Black Rose Dragon, Level 7: ATK 2400
Black Rose Dragon raised up from the light with a roar as the wind blew around us. It wasn't as violent as it used to be when I had no control over my psychic powers. This time, I made sure it wouldn't cause any damage to the environment and not hurt someone.
"Black Rose Dragon's effect! When she's Synchro summoned, she destroys every card on the field, including yours, Heitmann! This also means she goes straight to the Graveyard!"
Black Rose Dragon roared as the wind grew stronger around the field, destroying the two Field Spells and two Synchro Monsters, and Heitmann's Rose Token and Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem.
"Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem's effect!" Heitmann declared. "When it's destroyed, I can Special summon one of my Ancient Gear Golem from the Graveyard, ignoring its summoning conditions! Raise from your grave, Ancient Gear Golem!"
Ancient Gear Golem, Level 8: ATK 3000
"You wasted your best Monsters instead of using them to destroy my Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem, but even if you did destroy it, I'd still be able to Special summon Ancient Gear Golem!" Heitmann laughed. "And your Black Garden is gone, so my Monster's attack points aren't halved!"
I ignored him as I picked up my Trap card. "I place one card facedown and end my turn."
"It's time to end it once and for all! Draw!" Heitmann yelled.
"I activate my Continuous Trap; Wicked Rebirth!" I called quickly. "By paying 800 Life Points, I can Special summon a Synchro Monster from the Graveyard in attack mode, but its effects are negated! Come forth, Black Rose Dragon!"
Aki: 7500 LP – 6700 LP
Heitmann: 3200 LP
Black Rose Dragon raised from a gate with a roar and flapped her wings, causing rose petals to fly around on the field.
Black Rose Dragon, Level 7: ATK 2400
"Using your signature Monster as a shield? Good thing you summoned it, because the end has come!" Heitmann yelled. "I play Limiter Removal! Ancient Gear Golem's attack points are doubled until the end of this turn! However, at the end of this turn, Ancient Gear Golem is destroyed. A big price to pay, but I've got more than enough Life Points to stay alive! Ancient Gear Golem, destroy the rose Dragon!"
Ancient Gear Golem, Level 8: ATK 3000 – ATK 6000
Ancient Gear Golem clenched its right hand into a fist and punched Black Rose Dragon straight on her chest, shattering her into pieces.
"I activate Hedge Guard's effect in my hand!" I quickly declared. "During damage calculation, when my Monster is attacked, I can send Hedge Guard from my hand to the Graveyard to not only protect Black Rose Dragon from destruction, but also halve her attack points for the rest of the turn."
The shards of Black Rose Dragon flew back to the field and formed Black Rose Dragon again, standing tall without a single scratch.
Black Rose Dragon, Level 7: ATK 2400 – ATK 1200
"What a waste of card! You'll only take more damage if you halve your Monster's attack points!" Heitmann pointed out.
Aki: 6700 LP – 1900 LP
Heitmann: 3200 LP
I was low on Life Points now, but I was still alive because of Thought Ruler Archfiend's effect that allowed me to increase my Life Points before. If I hadn't Synchro summoned him, I would've lost by now.
"I end my turn, and that means Ancient Gear Golem is destroyed", Heitmann called as his Monster shattered into pieces.
"And Black Rose Dragon's attack points return to normal", I added.
Black Rose Dragon, Level 7: ATK 1200 – ATK 2400
"Win this now, Aki!" Mei yelled from the stands.
I nodded as I reached for the top card of my Deck. "Draw!"
The card I had just drawn was the last one of this Duel; Leo's Morphtronic Remoten!
"It's over, Heitmann", I told him.
"Say what?" Heitmann wondered.
"I summon Morphtronic Remoten in attack mode!"
Morphtronic Remoten, Level 3, Tuner: ATK 300
"That's my Monster!" Leo cheered from the gallery.
The Morphtronic Monster began playing a song I had heard in the radio before. It was very catchy.
(Insert "FREEDOM" (TV Size long intro ver.) by La-Vie)
"It's time to end it! Black Rose Dragon, attack directly!" I yelled.
Black Rose Dragon used her Black Rose Flare to decrease Heitmann's Life Points without hurting him. He still cried in shock due to the Solid Vision effect as he was enveloped by the black and purple rose petals.
Aki: 1900 LP
Heitmann: 3200 LP – 800 LP
"I'm still standing, Ms. Izayoi…", Heitmann grunted after the attack. "And your low-Level Monster is too weak to finish me."
"Not if I play my Quick-Play Spell from my hand; Ego Boost!" I called. "When a Monster declares an attack, I can increase one Monster's attack points by 1000, and I choose Morphtronic Remoten!"
Morphtronic Remoten, Level 3, Tuner: ATK 300 – ATK 1300
Heitmann began panicking at the sight. "No way…!"
"Morphtronic Remoten, attack directly!" I yelled.
The Morphtronic Monster raised the volume of the song as it flew towards Heitmann. The Vice-Principal yelled in panic before Leo's Monster punched him in the chest.
Aki: 1900 LP
Heitmann: 800 LP – 0 LP
Heitmann lost his balance and fell down on the floor on his backside, looking tired and very defeated.
XXXXXXXXXX – Normal POV
The children in the stands cheered happily at the result of the battle, but those who were extra excited were Leo and Luna's friends because Aki had used all seven cards they had lent to her.
"Aki won! She won!" Miyuki cheered.
"And she used all our Monsters to beat the Vice-Principal!" Patty added.
"And she finished Heitmann with my Monster!" Leo said proudly as he patted his chest.
The twins' class got up from their seats and hurried to meet up with Aki on the Duel ground. Sly remained calm as he walked after the group with Ms. Bartlet. Sakura was still cheering for Aki's victory and couldn't resist wrapping her arms around Mei's shoulders.
"She did it, Mei!" Sakura smiled widely. "She did it!"
"Of course she did, Sakura", Mei chuckled, patting her friend's head lovingly. "She's the best student in our grade for a reason."
Heitmann was still in disbelief for not just losing the Duel, but also by how many low-Level Monsters Aki had used against him and how she used them to win. "It can't be. How could my Winners Deck be defeated? I can't believe that even low-Level Monsters could have this kind of potential!"
"Do you see it now, Vice-Principal?" Aki asked as she walked over to the fallen man. "What's really important isn't how high one's Level is. It's a heart that makes a serious effort to learn something. And there are children here who are doing just that, by making a serious effort to learn Dueling!"
"A very nice speech, but that's expected from my best rival."
Aki turned to the open door leading to the Duel ground and saw Ran by the threshold, clapping her hands, with the Principal standing next to him. "Ran? Principal?"
"It was very impressive, Ms. Izayoi", the Principal nodded as he walked over to the Duelists. "It seems you've managed to give Heitmann a good lesson with the children's Monsters."
"Principal?!" Heitmann said in disbelief.
"I had a hard time trying to repair your thick-headed brain, Heitmann", the Principal told the Vice-Principal. "I was going to ask someone else that an old friend of mine recommended, but Ms. Kobayakawa stopped me and told me to leave the matter to her."
"You wanted to repair me, Principal?!" Heitmann asked in shock.
"And how did it go, Vice-Principal Heitmann?"
"Yes, sir. I have made a mistake…", Heitmann admitted in defeat.
Leo and Luna's class ran out to the field and surrounded Aki in joy, congratulating her and showering her with praise.
"These children's expulsions…", Heitmann began, causing the class to grow stiff in shock. "…shall be waived."
The class let out a sigh of relief before they continued cheering, this time for not getting expelled.
"Thank you, Ms. Izayoi", the Principal thanked Aki.
XXXXXXXXXX – Sly's POV
I stayed in the background as my classmates surrounded Aki and thanked her for saving them from getting expelled. I didn't think she would actually win against Heitmann. Not that it mattered to me. I didn't really enjoy my time at the Duel Academy, but then again I didn't like being at home too. I still questioned myself why did I come to watch the Duel if I didn't care? Was it because I had lent my Eccentric Boy to Aki and wanted it back afterward?
Even so, I got both relieved and confused when I saw Aki Synchro summon Thought Ruler Archfiend. I had never seen that Monster before, but I felt something odd toward it when it appeared on the field. As if it was the missing piece of the puzzle in my heart.
"Sly."
I looked up to see Aki crouch down in front of me with a smile. "Thank you. Your card helped me a lot", she said as she held Eccentric Boy's card.
"Sure", I shrugged, looking away, before I snatched my card.
I pocketed my card as I watched my classmates walk after Aki. They were all clinging onto her as if she was a super celebrity. I lagged behind as I kept thinking about Thought Ruler Archfiend.
Why did that single Monster's appearance affect me? Why did I feel like it was meant to be mine? I quickly recalled Estelle's words the other day when she asked me if I liked Stardust Dragon, and then that speech about finding the card that was part of one's soul. At first, I thought she talked rubbish, but now… I felt very conflicted.
Was Thought Ruler Archfiend the card? The card that was meant to be mine?
I had to see it in action again someday to verify it.
XXXXXXXXXX
Inoue Miyuki belongs to Springflowerangel.