Chapter 1 Duel of Fate
Strange voices rang throughout a massive cloudy expanse. A young man with black hair and green eyes floated through the cloudy expanse. His hair was tied up in a ponytail with a white band and he had strange bangs that pointed down like an upside down triangle. He wore a plain brown long sleeved shirt and pants. Along with a plain brown poncho.
The man looked perplexed and confused as he listened to the strange voices say incomprehensible things. He seemed to accept this must be some sort of strange dream.
"You state your name.", a loud powerful booming voice demanded the man.
The young man noticeably flinched at the voice. It seemed powerful and dangerous though he wasn't sure how he knew that.
"F-Flynn...my name is Flynn.", the young man answered timidly.
Flynn looked stunned as the voice laughed heartily.
"He has spoken! Your life is now irrevocably changed.", the voice said.
Flynn gasped in surprise as his clothes shifted to a white robes lined with gold with a blue and white coat over it. He had white pants and a brown belt with a sword hung on it. He had white boots with various straps. He had white knee pads over his pants and a white scarf on his neck worn like a bandanna. On his right arm was a metal gauntlet with a red strap around the wrist. A strange blade came out of the side of the gauntlet made of an unknown energy. It was black and the edges were blue.
"The choices you make will no longer bear only on you. What you do...will create a world.", the voice continued, before a strange vortex appeared behind Flynn sucking him in.
He let out a surprised gasp as everything went dark.
He could feel that he was facedown on the ground now. He could smell smoke and heard the roaring of fire. He got himself up gazing around at seemingly alien scenery. He stood on a strange black ground with white lines across it. Fires were everywhere obscuring much of the area. He could faintly make out massive shadows of structures in the background bigger than any building he's seen in his life. He could see a strange white building in a style unfamiliar to him. It was like the ruins of a foreign civilization he couldn't begin to understand. The flames engulfing everything made it seem like he was in Hell. He could only imagine the chaos going on behind the flames.
"Oh so there you are. Hey over here.", an unfamiliar voice said, catching his attention.
He followed the man and was stunned as he saw a man enveloped with light making him unable to distinguish any defining features. The voice made him stand to attention. He had a feeling he didn't want to make the man mad so he listened to him.
"…You finally made it. Now I can take shape too…", the glowing man said.
Now in front of him stood the true form of the man who wore a similar outfit. His robes were more loose allowing his bare chest to show. He wore a blue scarf around his neck seemingly just wrapped around his neck in a strange fashion. He had short spiky black hair and his eyes seemed obscured by shadow.
The man gave off a strange feeling to him. Like the voice he felt a similar sense of danger and power radiating off him. As if the man was more than he appeared to be. Most strangely of all he felt like he knew the man from somewhere. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he feels like he's met this strange man in samurai garb before. Which was strange since he was pretty sure he's never met a samurai before.
"I was fighting damn hard when I waited for you to show up. You do remember me, right?", the man questioned.
"Your…Walter…", Flynn replied, he wasn't sure how he knew his name, but it was like he instinctively knew.
"That's right…I'm Walter. Whatever happens after this, you'd better not forget me. Because you and me are going to make a world where anything can be changed if you have the will…", the man replied.
"Anything? Is such a world really possible? A world where you can be free to do as you please? Issachar would like that kind of world.", Flynn thought.
In contrast to the vivid imagery of the fallen alien civilization Flynn now found himself in a desert. It seemed nearly empty and hollow of all life. He wasn't sure how he imagined the tiny grains of sand so vividly when he's never experienced it himself. All that stood within the void of seemingly endless sand was the decapitated head of the statue of their great founder Aquila. It laid on its side half submerged into the sand as if it was being swallowed. The last fragments of Mikado's identity, his country.
In the distance he saw another man enveloped by light obscuring his features. He wasn't sure how he knew this was a completely different man. He walked through the desolate sands as if his body was in autopilot feeling drawn into the almost divine light of the man like a moth to a flame.
"…Thank goodness you're here. Please, come quick.", the man commanded as he felt his pace quicken without thinking.
Every fiber of his being urged him to listen to the man. He ended up practically sprinting to the man.
"Good, you've come. Now I can take shape too…", the man said.
The man also wore a samurai uniform like him and the other man. He wore a yellow scarf in a handkerchief fashion. His uniform was worn much more properly, almost too perfect. He had curly brown hair and his eyes were obscured in shadow like the other man.
But, he didn't feel like he was looking at a mere man instead something much greater and beyond his understanding. His own instincts urged him to listen to whatever the man had to say. The man's polite tone was soothing and almost hypnotic. Like he should just give up everything to him…However Flynn resisted this feeling like his mind was being submerged in the sand not unlike the statue behind the soft spoken man. To avoid his very thoughts and feelings becoming submerged like seemly everything else except Aquila and the man. If he didn't snap out of it and got lost in his voice he didn't know what would happen.
"I prayed and waited…longing for the day you'd come. You remember who I am, right?", the man questioned as Flynn still struggled to stay conscious from his mere voice.
"Your…Jonathan.", Flynn stated, matter of factly still perplexed how he knew the names of these strangers.
"Yes, that's right…My name is Jonathan. You mustn't forget that my future is with you. The two of us are going to make a world where the peace we know today lasts forever…", the man replied.
"That sounds nice…I don't ever want any of my loved ones to get hurt.", Flynn thought.
Suddenly he was transported again to a desolate beach with greying sand. He practically jumped as he heard countless unseen people laughing in an incoherent symphony. The world around him seemed distorted giving him a headache combined with the chorus of laughter. He could swear he could make out the word 'messiah' in an adoring tone. In his vision appeared a little girl with a white dress and black hair. He couldn't make out her face as his mind felt completely disoriented. Something within him pulsed, reaching out to the girl. He didn't know why, but he felt like he had to do something important. That girl was important to something despite her mundane appearance.
"I…revive…for…every…sake…", her voice came out distorted and garbled like everything else.
He tried to listen better to hear her message which desperately tried to break through the distortion.
"Please Flynn, won't you revive me…?", the girl asked.
"Revive? What does she mean? Did she die?", Flynn thought, completely confused.
Suddenly he felt the wind against his cheeks. His eyes were half lidded as he felt his consciousness rousing.
"Hoy…Hoy, wake up. If we're not on our way soon, we'll be late.", a familiar voice said to him.
Flynn's eyes fully creeped open as he found himself lying in the grass before a large lake. His best friend stood before him, a man with a brown ponytail and brown eyes. He wore an elaborate brown poncho and clothes underneath. He has furry brown gloves and boots.
He suddenly remembered what he'd been doing before.
"Are you awake? I admit, I fell asleep too…We've spent so many days out here at Lake Mikado after all…When I thought about this being our last nap here I couldn't bear to rouse myself. So I don't want to hear. "You promised to wake me up, Issachar!" eh? Drat, but now's not the time to argue. We must hurry to the Gauntlet Rite.", his friend Issachar said
Flynn arrived at the castle town beyond the lake with Issachar.
"…Here at last. It's such a long trip from the village. The city is so big, I don't think I could hazard a guess to where they might hold the Rite…", Issachar said and Flynn nodded in agreement.
The buildings surrounding them were massive, but not quite as titanic as those from his dream. Hanging from the buildings were red flags. The buildings were a silver color with many windows. The scale still felt intimidating to Flynn. He cupped a deck of cards close to his chest hoping not to lose them. There were so many people walking about as well, shopping, selling, even performing on the streets. It was frankly more people then he was used to making him hide behind Issachar in nervousness. His fellow looked around for someone to ask for directions though many seemed preoccupied. He found a man in extravagant green clothing with a red cloak.
"Ah, sir! Excuse me!", Issachar called out to him.
"…What is it?", the elegant man questioned.
"Well…Us two…We have come for the Rite and…", Issachar said.
"Hmph…A Casualry brat. The gauntlet rite, you say…? Seek it yourself. Though you may as well begin preparing now for your journey home, hahaha…", the elegant man replied.
"Um…Thank you…? Seems the tales I'd heard of the Luxurors' snoot undershot the mark…But no matter, we'll find someone else to ask.", Issachar said.
After a while of searching he saw a massive crowd near Aquila Plaza.
"Hoy Issachar, over there.", Flynn said as he pointed at the massive crowd near the plaza.
"…Hm? There's a crowd at the plaza. Could this be where the Rite is to take place…? Hoy, Flynn. Shouldn't we have a closer look? Well…?", Issachar said and Flynn nodded.
The youth were forming several queues. At the end of the lines was a member of the church holding up a gauntlet.
"Those who have come for the Gauntlet Rite, form up here. You must abide to your turn", a samurai called out.
Issachar quickly grabbed Flynn's arm and ran to the crowd. He could see samurai with weird white cloth on their heads which looked a bit ominous. There was a member of the church holding out a gauntlet.
"This is it...We're finally here...Do you know, I heard a curious thing from the elders at our village. Those who pass the Rite and become samurai must live in Mikado Castle. As I heard it, they can't even go back their hometown, unless it's for a mission. This could be farewell for us, Flynn...", Issachar said.
As Issachar said the last part Flynn squeezed his hand and smiled at him.
"We won't let it be the end. We'll definitely stick together when all of this is done. You've got to believe.", Flynn said, which made Issachar smile back at him.
"Definitely.", Issachar replied, bumping fists with him.
Issachar could see the nervousness in his eyes though he put up a brave front. As they did, a man left complaining about the rite after failing.
"I will become a samurai...I'm definitely going to be a samurai...A samurai and a Luxuror at that…", Issachar assured himself.
"Next candidate, step forth!", the samurai said.
"That's my cue. Here I go to become a samurai! Just know, Flynn...you'll always be my friend.", Issachar said.
"Always.", Flynn said, nodding in agreement.
The man in samurai uniform looked confident as he raised the gauntlet with an white and black blade. Issachar was given another gauntlet by another church member.
"You must press the glass to activate it.", the church member informed him.
Issachar did as he was told and a black and blue blade identical to the one from his dream came out of it.
"Another Casualry…do you even know how to duel?", the samurai groaned.
"Of course I do. Why I'm the best in my village.", Issachar replied.
"So says the other Casualries before you. Despite your answer I'm obligated to explain anyway…you start by drawing five cards. You can only normal summon a monster once per turn yada yada. You have spell and trap cards the later you have to set before activating.", the samurai replied.
"Hoy I got it. So how are we deciding who goes first?", Issachar questioned, already drawing his hand of five cards.
"The challenger goes first. Remember you can't attack on the first turn. You draw one card each turn.", the samurai replied.
"Does he think we've never played the game? Or do people really not know the rules?", Flynn thought, sweat dropping.
"Hoy, you can't normal summon a level eight without tributing two monsters.", another samurai in a duel next to them said.
"Okay maybe people don't know the rules…", Flynn thought, sweat dropping.
"Duel!", Issachar and the samurai said at the same time as the duel started
Issachar LP 4000
Wilson LP 4000
Issachar
Hand: 5
Wilson
Hand: 5
"I draw then I am going to set one monster facedown and set one facedown card.", Issachar said.
Issachar
Hand: 4
"I activate Six Samurai United then I summon The Six Samurai - Iroh. Due to my continuous spell's effect it gains one counter.", Wilson said.
Wilson
Hand: 4
Six Samurai United (Continuous spell card)
Each time a "Six Samurai" monster(s) is Normal or Special Summoned, place 1 Bushido Counter on this card (max. 2). You can send this card to the GY; draw 1 card for each Bushido Counter on this card.
The Six Samurai - Iroh
(WARRIOR/ DARK/ EFFECT/ ATK 1700/ DEF 1200/ LV 4)
Effect: At the start of the Damage Step, if this card attacked a face-down Defense Position monster: Destroy that monster. You must control a face-up "Six Samurai" monster with a different name to activate and to resolve this effect. If this card would be destroyed, you can destroy another face-up "Six Samurai" monster you control instead.
Flynn and Issachar gasped in amazement to see the monster truly appear. This was the magic of the gauntlets. They had heard tales they could summon the monsters within the cards for real. Actually witnessing it though was something else. Flynn thought it was by far the most amazing thing he's ever seen. He took a brief glimpse at the deck he inherited from his father. He desperately hopes both him and Issachar can make it.
"Please give me and Issachar your blessing, noble spirit.", Flynn mentally prayed.
"After the first turn both players can attack. Now I attack your facedown monster.", Wilson said.
"Unfortunately for you my monster has a rock hard will.", Issachar replied as his monster was turned face up.
Golem Dragon
(DRAGON/ EARTH/ EFFECT/ ATK 200/ DEF 2000/ LV 4)
Effect: Your opponent cannot target face-up Dragon-Type monsters for attacks, except this one.
Wilson LP 4000 - 300 = 3700
"Darn…to think I'd let a Casualry deal damage to me.", Wilson grumbled under his breath.
"Heh because my defense is higher you took damage instead. Don't get too cocky now Mr.Samurai.", Issachar replied in a confident tone.
Flynn looked nervous as he saw the samurai getting infuriated. He hoped Issachar would be okay.
"I end my turn…", Wilson replied.
"It's my turn. I draw then I summon Luster Dragon.", Issachar said.
Issachar
Hand: 4
Luster Dragon
(DRAGON/ WIND/ NORMAL/ ATK 1900/ DEF 1600/ LV 4)
Card text: A very beautiful dragon covered with sapphire. It does not like fights, but has incredibly high attack power.
"Woah!? To think a Casualry has a monster that strong.", one of the onlookers commented.
"He won't really let himself lose to a Casualry would he?", another onlooker questioned.
Flynn looked at the various people commenting on the duel.
"You can do it Issachar! Show him what you can do!", Flynn encouraged raising both his fists.
"Heh. I will Flynn. Now, go Luster Dragon destroy his monster! Emerald Flame!", Issachar said, giving Flynn a thumbs up before returning to the duel.
The samurai growled unable to do anything as Issachar's dragon shot green flames at his monster destroying it. The samurai's monster screamed as he was engulfed in flames and dissipated like sand.
Wilson LP 3700 - 200 = 3500
The dragon gave a victorious roar as the samurai frowned.
"I refuse to lose to Casualry scum!", Wilson thought.
He drew his next card, but as he neared his deck on the gauntlet he instead drew a card from his sleeve so swiftly they didn't notice. But, Flynn narrowed his eyes as he watched the duel intently. Issachar was too preoccupied with strategizing, but Flynn could swear he didn't see the card from his deck. As if to confirm his suspicions he heard a low angry grumble from his deck.
"Did you see it too or was I just imagining it? A samurai wouldn't really cheat would they?", Flynn whispered.
"I draw and I summon Marauding Captain! With his effect I can special summon my Tune Warrior from my hand. I bet you can't do this Casualry. You see a special summon can only be done with the right card effect. As long as the conditions are met there's no real limits on special summoning. Observe.", Wilson said as he pointed at his two monsters.
Wilson
Hand: 4
Marauding Captain
(WARRIOR/ EARTH/ EFFECT/ ATK 1200/ DEF 400/ LV 3)
Effect: Your opponent cannot target Warrior monsters for attacks, except this one. When this card is Normal Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower monster from your hand.
Tune Warrior
(WARRIOR/ EARTH/ TUNER/ NORMAL/ ATK 1600/ DEF 200/ LV 3)
Card text: The warrior's antenna can attune it to any energy wave. It can monitor transmissions from miles away but always suffers from bad reception.
"That's not good.", Issachar grumbled, realizing what the samurai was about to do.
"Ah so you know? How rare of your lot. Yes, since I have a tuner and one or more non-tuner monster I can synchro summon a monster equal to its level from my extra deck. The extra deck is separate from your normal deck; it houses potentially synchro or fusion monsters. ", Wilson explained.
"Looks like that Casualry is done for. There's no way he has a card in that deck of his that can defeat a synchro monster.", an onlooker commented.
"Now, I tune level 3 Tune Warrior with my level 3 Marauding Captain to synchro summon. Now, appear the upholder of order! Show this Casualry what a samurai is capable of! Level 6! Goyo Guardian!", Wilson chanted.
Issachar covered his eyes from the bright light emitted from the two monsters as they became small stars. These stars lined up through green rings and a beam of light went through it. Out from the light descended a new monster which lightly shook the ground as its feet landed on the ground.
Goyo Guardian
(WARRIOR/ EARTH/ SYNCHRO / EFFECT/ ATK 2800/ DEF 2000/ LV 6)
1 EARTH Tuner 1 non-Tuner monsters
Effect: When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the GY: You can Special Summon that monster to your field in Defense Position.
Flynn gaped at seeing a synchro summon using the gauntlets for the first time. It was so beautiful the two monsters came together with teamwork to create a stronger monster. He never imagined a synchro summon would look so flashy. His eyes sparkled with childish excitement at the spectacle. If he becomes a samurai he could see something that amazing every day.
"Don't listen to them Issachar! You can still win!", Flynn encouraged.
"Heh. I'm afraid you're wrong, boy. Now, Goyo Guardian crush his Luster Dragon! Absolute Authority!", Wilson replied.
The samurai was confused as his monster didn't obey him, instead attacking Golem Dragon. The other dragon, unable to withstand the powerful monster's attack, dissolved with a pained roar.
"Ahem! I told you to attack his other dragon!", Wilson barked angrily pointing at Luster Dragon.
"It's not his fault. You see while my Golem Dragon is face up on the field you can only target him for attacks.", Issachar explained.
"I see…so the attack was redirected…unfortunately that means you'll take no damage. No matter. My monster's effect activates allowing me to special summon your Golem Dragon it destroyed to my side of the field.", Wilson replied, making Issachar's eyes widen.
"You're stealing my monster? I didn't expect that from some Luxuror like you.", Issachar replied.
"All is fair in love and war. Now, I end my turn.", Wilson replied.
"My turn I draw. Nice.", Issachar said as he looked at the card he drew.
Issachar
Hand: 5
"I activate Ancient Rules allowing me to special summon one level 5 or higher normal monster from my hand without tributing. I choose Seiyaryu from my hand. Now, rise up mystic dragon with the soul of a mighty warrior! Burn away all evildoers with your flames of justice! Level 7! Seiyaryu!", Issachar said.
Issachar
Hand: 3
Ancient Rules
(Normal spell)
Effect: Special Summon 1 Level 5 or higher Normal Monster from your hand.
Seiyaryu
(DRAGON/ LIGHT/ NORMAL/ ATK 2500/ DEF 2300/ LV 7)
Card text: A mystical dragon that burns away the unworthy with its mystic flames.
"It's real cool seeing you up close buddy.", Issachar said as he patted the dragon.
The dragon turned to him with a toothy smile. It let out a happy roar.
"Now, let's get him Seiyaryu. Soul Saber Stream!", Issachar called out.
Seiyaryu shot a white pillar of fire at the captured dragon.
"I end my turn." Issachar said, he sweated nervously as the samurai laughed mockingly.
"You fool I draw. I summon The Six Samurai - Kamon. Now, I gain another token now I activate my continuous spell to draw two cards.", Wilson said.
Wilson
Hand: 5
The Six Samurai - Kamon
(WARRIOR/ FIRE / EFFECT/ ATK 1500/ DEF 1000/ LV 3)
Effect: Once per turn: You can target 1 face-up Spell/Trap Card; destroy that target. You must control a face-up "Six Samurai" monster with a different name to activate and to resolve this effect. This card cannot declare an attack during the turn this effect is activated. If this card would be destroyed, you can destroy another face-up "Six Samurai" monster you control instead.
"Now, I can tribute my spell to draw two cards using its effect. Goyo Guardian! Absolute Authority!", Wilson said.
Wilson
Hand: 7
"I activate my trap card Threatening Roar. Now, you can't declare an attack this turn.", Issachar countered.
Threatening Roar
(Normal trap)
Effect: Your opponent cannot declare an attack this turn.
Seiyaryu roared at Goyo Guardian forcing him to stop his attack.
"Grr…I end my turn.", Wilson replied.
"I draw and I activate Swords of Revealing Light. With its effect you can't attack me for three turns. Now, I attack your Kamon. Soul Saber Stream!", Issachar called out, many watching gasped in shock seeing Issachar was holding out this long against the samurai.
Swords of Revealing Light
(Normal spell)
Effect: After this card's activation, it remains on the field, but you must destroy it during the End Phase of your opponent's 3rd turn. When this card is activated: If your opponent controls a face-down monster, flip all monsters they control face-up. While this card is face-up on the field, your opponent's monsters cannot declare an attack.
Wilson LP 3500 - 1000 = 2500
"Hoy he might actually win!", one of the onlookers said.
"There's no way of knowing for sure. It's too early to tell.", another one said.
The samurai growled lowly as he heard this.
"To think this Casualry trash is causing me this much trouble. I can't lose to a Casualry…", Wilson thought as Flynn's eyes narrowed, keeping his attention on the samurai this time.
"I end my turn.", Issachar said.
Once again he mocked drawing a card. Flynn's eyes widened as now he was sure of what he'd seen before.
"He is cheating! How could a servant of the lord cheat?!", Flynn thought as the grumbling from his deck was louder this time.
Flynn sweated nervously feeling his monster spirit was angry like it wanted to teach the cheating samurai a lesson. The samurai smirked as he drew the card.
"I draw and I activate Mystical Space Typhoon destroying your face down card.", Wilson said.
Wilson
Hand: 7
Mystical Space Typhoon
(Quick-play spell)
Effect: Target 1 Spell/Trap on the field; destroy that target.
"Now, I activate Kamon's effect, destroying your face up spell Swords of Revealing Light.", Wilson said.
"Crap…", Issachar grumbled, getting nervous as he looked down at his hand.
"I summon Kagemusha of the Six Samurai and I activate Monster Reborn bringing Kamon back. Now, I tune Kagemusha with Kamon! Great leader of the samurai raise your mighty blade to crush my enemies! Your overwhelming power will quell the ramble! Level 5! Legendary Six Samurai - Shi En!", Wilson chanted.
Wilson
Hand: 5
Kagemusha of the Six Samurai
(WARRIOR/ EARTH / TUNER/ EFFECT/ ATK 400/ DEF 1800/ LV 2)
Effect: During either player's turn, when exactly 1 face-up "Six Samurai" monster you control is targeted by a Spell Card, Trap Card, or card effect that could have targeted this card: You can activate this effect; that Spell/Trap/effect now targets this face-up card on the field, instead.
Legendary Six Samurai - Shi En
(WARRIOR/ DARK / SYNCHRO/ EFFECT/ ATK 2500/ DEF 1400/ LV 5)
1 Warrior Tuner 1 non-Tuner "Six Samurai" monsters
Effect: Once per turn, when your opponent activates a Spell/Trap Card (Quick Effect): You can negate the activation, and if you do, destroy it. If this card on the field would be destroyed by battle or card effect, you can destroy another "Six Samurai" monster you control instead.
Flynn's eyes were like dinner plates as he saw the samurai summon another synchro monster. While paying keen attention to the samurai's movements he realized the card he drew from his sleeves was Monster Reborn. He still couldn't fathom why he would do this.
"No way he has two?!", Flynn questioned.
"Heh. You shouldn't be shocked. Unlike you lowly Casualry we have many synchro monsters. Now, Goyo Guardian destroy Seiyaryu. Absolute Authority!", Wilson said.
"No, I can't stop this one.", Issachar said, grimacing as Goyo Guardian destroyed Seiyaryu and then forced the dragon over to his side.
Issachar LP 4000 - 300 = 3700
Seiyaryu whimpered in pain in its confinement. Issachar reached out for the dragon, but then Shi En swiped its blade at Luster Dragon, destroying it too.
Issachar LP 3700 - 600 = 3100
"No Issachar…", Flynn thought.
"I end my turn. Heh. You might as well give up Casualry. I have your dragon now.", Wilson taunted.
Issachar closed his eyes praying as he drew his next card.
Issachar
Hand: 4
Issachar opened his eyes gazing at the card he drew before smirking.
"I'm still in this!", Issachar thought.
"I activate Hammer Shot, destroying the strongest monster on the field. That would be your Guardian.", Issachar said.
Issachar
Hand: 3
"Denied. I activate Shi En's effect negating and destroying your spell card.", Wilson replied.
"Heh. Just because I'm a Casualry doesn't mean I'll be one forever. I'm gonna be a samurai and not just that! The greatest samurai ever! I activate Cost Down. I can reduce the levels of all monsters in my hand by two. That makes my level six dragon here a level four. A boundless potential awaits inside your sacred horn! Under my command you shall use it as a blade of justice to cut down evil! Level 6! White-Horned Dragon!", Issachar said.
Cost Down
(Normal spell)
Effect: Discard 1 card; for the rest of this turn, reduce the Levels of all monsters in your hand by 2 (even after they are Summoned).
White-Horned Dragon
(DRAGON/ DARK/ EFFECT/ ATK 2200 / DEF 1400 / LV 6)
Effect: When this card is Normal or Special Summoned: Target up to 5 Spell Cards in your opponent's Graveyard; banish those target(s), and if you do, this card gains 300 ATK for each card banished by this effect.
"Grr…it was a fake out.", Wilson grumbled.
Flynn smiles as the dragon roared with intensity radiating extreme power. Issachar sweat dropped glad that the play worked out for him. He actually intended to destroy Goyo Guardian with the spell.
"What's that supposed to do? You can't defeat my monsters even with that trash card.", Wilson replied.
"No card is trash! All cards are sacred! I'll show you why my family holds this card sacred. Use your effect White-Horned Dragon! Anti-Magic Horn! I can target up to five spell cards in your graveyard to banish and you have three. My dragon gains 300 attack points for each card banished.", Issachar said.
The dragon's horn glowed brightly as it drained the power from the samurai's spells.
White-Horned Dragon ATK 2200 (300 x 3) = 3100
"Now attack Goyo Guardian, White-Horned Dragon! Shining Horn Slash!", Issachar ordered.
The dragon flew at Goyo Guardian who raised its weapon. The dragon slashed with its horn like a blade of a sword tearing the flesh of Goyo Guardian. The monster dispersed into particles from the attack.
Wilson LP 2500 - 300 = 2200
The samurai was stunned and infuriated as Issachar smirked.
"No…you will not win.", Wilson grumbled.
"I end my turn.", Issachar replied.
Flynn gaped as for the third time the samurai drew from his sleeve.
"U-Unbelievable! You're a cheat. I know you are drawing cards from your sleeves. I wasn't sure the first time, but I know for sure now.", Flynn said pointing at the samurai.
"Where's your proof? You haven't seen anything have you?", Wilson questioned, turning to the monk.
"Ah…no esteemed samurai. No warrior of God would cheat.", the monk replied.
"Are you sure you saw that Flynn?", Issachar questioned and Flynn nodded.
Issachar turned glaring at the samurai, trusting his fellow.
"You saw nothing, man.", an onlooker said.
"Those Casualries are seriously so desperate they'd defame a man of God.", another onlooker said.
"Those Casualries have no shame…", a different onlooker said.
Flynn's cheeks flushed red infuriated no one besides Issachar seemed to believe him. The way everyone looked at him made him want to hide under a rock. A card on the top of Flynn's deck glowed ominously in rage.
"Now, time to end this little charade. I activate Raigeki, destroying your monster and your last hope.", Wilson said.
Raigeki
(Normal spell)
Effect: Destroy all monsters your opponent controls.
Wilson
Hand: 5
White-Horned Dragon roared in pain as it was struck down by lightning from above.
"White-Horned Dragon!", Issachar called out.
"Now, I switch your former dragon into attack mode and attack you directly with both of my monsters! This is the end for you!", Wilson said.
Issachar LP 3100 - 2500 - 2500 = 0
"Oh……", Issachar walked away past Flynn wistfully.
His friend hung his head in defeat, retrieving Seiyaryu and giving the gauntlet back.
"No this is all wrong! This was Issachar's dream and he was cheated out of it! How could he…to Issachar…", Flynn thought.
He knew Issachar didn't want to go back home and he never wanted to be a farmer. A samurai was all he ever wanted to be. They had trained together tirelessly for this opportunity. This wasn't right. It would be one thing if they lost fair and square, but this wasn't fair.
Many gasped in surprise and shock as a monster spirit materialized behind Flynn without a gauntlet. The samurai gasped, stepping back and drawing his sword. The monster wasn't fully materialized which was evident by its translucency. It was a grey bony dragon with four curved horns. Where it's heart should be was an ominously glowing red core. It had a long tail with a bone arrow point at the end. It's lower body had a smaller set of two wings. It's main wings were merged with its hands making it a wyvern. It had glowing red eyes and red orbs embedded into its long neck. It gave off an intimidating aura. It was an aura also full of prestige and terrifying power which made those nearby nervous. The dragon growled lowly at the samurai.
Flynn looked surprised to see the spirit as well, but he didn't feel scared. After all, it was his family's sacred card. They both felt the same way wanting the samurai to pay for his actions.
Seeing the spirit attracted the attention of a senior samurai in a white version of the samurai uniform with a blue scarf.
"What is with that Casualry's monster?!", the monk questioned.
"Hmm…", the samurai in white said, walking over to where they were.
"Can I go next?", Flynn asked and the monk hastily nodded fearfully, giving Flynn the gauntlet.
"Flynn…?", Issachar questioned.
The spirit disappeared as Flynn inserted his deck into the gauntlet. His eyes widened when a strange grey fog entered his vision. Within the fog were silhouettes of two figures, a winged man and a dragon. The image disappeared as soon as he had it. Notably putting the top card of his deck in the extra deck slot.
"Oh? So y-you want to face me boy to avenge your friend? What were you thinking summoning that thing?", Wilson questioned nervously.
"I didn't. He materialized himself.", Flynn replied as he raised his gauntlet.
"Grr…then you need to train it or something.", Wilson replied, putting the sword away and raising his gauntlet.
"Duel!", they both said.
Flynn LP 4000
Wilson LP 4000
"I draw and I activate Foolish Burial, sending one card from my deck to the graveyard. I choose Plaguespreader Zombie.", Flynn started, briefly showing the card.
Because he searched the card he had to reshuffle his deck afterwards.
Flynn
Hand: 5
Foolish Burial
(Normal spell)
Effect: Send 1 monster from your Deck to the GY.
Plaguespreader Zombie
(ZOMBIE/ DARK/ TUNER/ EFFECT/ ATK 400 / DEF 200 / LV 2)
Effect: If this card is in your GY: You can place 1 card from your hand on the top of the Deck; Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field.
"Eww how foul. An undead.", an onlooker said.
"How in the world could sending your own card to the graveyard be useful?", an onlooker questioned.
"I set one monster face down and one card facedown.", Flynn replied.
"All that bravado for you to still play defensively? I'll show you how a samurai duels.", Wilson taunted.
"With duplicity you mean? If that's how a samurai duels, I don't want to duel like a samurai.", Flynn replied, making Wilson growl.
"Woah…he's really serious about this. He's even angry now.", Issachar said.
"You still seem to want to accuse me. I will prove to you my true prowess in this duel. I draw and I summon Legendary Six Samurai - Kageki. I use his effect, allowing me to special summon Kagemusha from my hand." , Wilson said.
Wilson
Hand: 4
Legendary Six Samurai - Kageki
(WARRIOR/ WIND / EFFECT/ ATK 200/ DEF 2000/ LV 2)
Effect: When this card is Normal Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Six Samurai" monster from your hand. While you control a "Six Samurai" monster with a different name, this card gains 1500 ATK.
"He's synchro summoning already?!", an onlooker questioned.
"That will show that lowly Casualry.", another onlooker said.
"Now, I tune Kagemusha with Kageki! Great leader of the samurai raise your mighty blade to crush my enemies! Your overwhelming power will quell the ramble! Level 5! Legendary Six Samurai - Shi En!", Wilson chanted.
Flynn sweated nervously as the daunting synchro monster towered over him.
"I attack your facedown with Shi En! Shi Sword!", Wilson called out, revealing Flynn's face down.
Pyramid Turtle
(ZOMBIE/ EARTH / EFFECT/ ATK 1200/ DEF 1400/ LV 4)
Effect: When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: You can Special Summon 1 Zombie monster with 2000 or less DEF from your Deck.
"Since you've destroyed my monster I can special summon one zombie monster from my deck with 2000 or less defense. I choose Zombie Master in defense mode.", Flynn said.
Zombie Master
(ZOMBIE/ DARK / EFFECT/ ATK 1800/ DEF 0/ LV 4)
Effect: Once per turn: You can send 1 monster from your hand to the GY, then target 1 Level 4 or lower Zombie monster in either GY; Special Summon that target. This monster must be face-up on the field to activate and to resolve this effect.
"That synchro of his can negate spell cards. I have to play around that somehow.", Flynn thought.
"I end my turn. Give me your best shot.", Wilson said.
"I draw. I activate Call of the Mummy.", Flynn said
Flynn
Hand: 5
"Not on my watch. Your disgusting undead will not be allowed to do as they please! I negate its effect with Shi En.", Wilson replied.
Flynn smirked and Issachar's eyes widened realizing the samurai had been played. He could see Flynn was really getting into the duel now making his usual timidness completely melt away.
"I activate Allure of Darkness. I can draw two cards, but I have to banish one dark monster from my hand.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 6
Allure of Darkness
(Normal spell)
Effect: Draw 2 cards, then banish 1 DARK monster from your hand, or, if you do not have any in your hand, send your entire hand to the GY.
"How sinister…why so all his cards seem so evil?", an onlooker commented.
Flynn banished a monster known as Spirit Reaper which he revealed.
"Now, I activate Terraforming allowing me to add one field spell to my hand. I choose Zombie World.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 6
Terraforming
(Normal spell)
Effect: Add 1 Field Spell from your Deck to your hand.
Zombie World
(Field spell)
Effect: All monsters on the field and in the GYs become Zombie monsters. Neither player can Tribute Summon monsters, except Zombie monsters.
"Now, I activate Zombie World.", Flynn said and was amazed as the area around them completely changed to an eerie forest with purple fog.
Flynn
Hand: 5
"No way. Even the field spells come to life?", Issachar questioned.
"Why have you changed the arena to this…ahhh!?", Wilson screamed as he looked at Shi En.
Pieces of his armor were shattered revealing rotten flesh. His mask was gone and his face had become a skeleton.
"All your monsters are zombies now too.", Flynn replied.
"What's the point of defacing my noble monster in such a way?", Wilson questioned.
"You'll see. I activate Smashing Ground which destroys the monster with the highest defense. That's Shi En.", Flynn replied.
Smashing Ground
(Normal spell)
Effect: Destroy the 1 face-up monster your opponent controls that has the highest DEF (your choice, if tied).
Flynn
Hand: 4
The zombified Shi En was crushed by a massive fist.
"Now, I activate my Zombie Master. I can discard one zombie monster to special summon a zombie monster in my graveyard. I choose Plaguespreader Zombie", Flynn said.
Flynn revealed Vampire's Curse and discarded it.
Flynn
Hand: 3
"There's no way…is that Casualry going to?", an onlooker wondered.
"That creature is even more revolting in person…", a different onlooker commented.
"That's impossible. No Casualry I know has a synchro monster. He's probably just going to attack.", another onlooker said.
"I tune Plaguespreader Zombie with Zombie Master.", Flynn said as those watching's eyes widened.
"He's coming…", Issachar said.
"You're bluffing! There's no way some lowly Casualry like you has a synchro monster!", Wilson said.
"From the dark depths of the grave arise, great dragon noble even in death! Your dreadful roar signals your enemies doom! level 6! Doomkaiser Dragon!", Flynn chanted.
Doomkaiser Dragon
(ZOMBIE/ FIRE / SYNCHRO/ EFFECT/ ATK 2400/ DEF 1500/ LV 6)
"Plaguespreader Zombie" 1 or more non-Tuner Zombie-Type monsters
Effect: When this card is Special Summoned: You can target 1 Zombie-Type monster in your opponent's Graveyard; Special Summon that target to your side of the field in face-up Attack Position, but destroy it when this card leaves the field.
"That's impossible?! How do you have that card? Did you steal it?", Wilson questioned.
"Doomkaiser's effect activates. Roar of the Living Dead! When he's special summoned. I can now target one zombie monster in your graveyard and bring it over to my side. As you may remember your Shi En is now a zombie.", Flynn said, as Doomkaiser opened its mouth.
Purple energy smoke came from its mouth going over to the samurai's graveyard. Shi En rose again from the ground coming over to the side of Doomkaiser as the undead samurai's eyes grew an ominous purple.
"You thief! You stole my monster!", Wilson yelled.
"Well you kinda did the same in the last duel…", the monk muttered awkwardly.
"Yeah, what happened to 'all's fair in love and war'?", Issachar questioned, infuriating the samurai.
"No, I let my guard down because he played defensive! I can't do anything now! I can't lose to a Casualry! I'll be a laughingstock!", Wilson thought.
"Now, attack him directly, my monsters! Doomkaiser Dragon! Death Spectral Howling!", Flynn called out as both monsters attacked the samurai.
"No way…!", Issachar said.
Wilson LP 4000 - 2500 - 2400 = 0
Doomkaiser breathed purple flames that made the samurai fall on his butt. He gasped as the cards hidden in his sleeves slipped out. Flynn blinked as he suddenly realized he defeated the samurai.
"Wilson, what is this?", the samurai in white questioned.
"C-commander Hope?! You see this unruly Casualry-", Wilson said.
"Is now one of us. You showed great skill, young man. That gauntlet you're wearing now belongs to you.", Commander Hope said as he put a hand on Flynn's shoulder.
Flynn's became flustered at the commander's praise.
"If you really cheated Wilson that is a great breach of the samurai code. And it makes all the tests you've made today potentially faulty. Who knows what kind of talent we may have missed out on.", Commander Hope said.
"U-Umm…Commander he was pulling cards out of his sleeve in the previous duel with my fellow. I saw it, but no one believed me.", Flynn said.
"H-he's wrong! This is not what it l-looks like!", Wilson said, hastily grabbing up the cards.
In his panic the case holding the cards in his sleeves were revealed.
"It seems you were right. Wilson, we need to talk.", Commander Hope said.
"You want me to escort him to the dorms? I am here on Abbot Hugo's behalf. You can scold your men later bring the boy to the barracks.", the monk questioned.
"Alright. No need to be cross. Come with me young man. I will try to see if there's anything we can do about our comrade's disgraceful behavior later.", Commander Hope said.
"Why…?", Issachar said, making Flynn feel guilty.
Flynn looked back at Issachar hoping that he'll get another chance. He can only pray now, he could hardly get a peep out as he was hurried to the barracks. When Flynn got in he collapsed on the mattress sitting and staring at the ceiling. It was so comfortable he felt like he was sinking in.
Later…
"I wonder how mother and father are doing…How will they react to learning I've become a samurai? Mother always wanted me to keep my head down and lead a simple life. I'd imagine she'd have a heart attack…I didn't know I couldn't go back…hopefully it was merely gossip.", Flynn thought.
His ponytail was undone allowing his hair to flow freely down his shoulders. It was quiet in the prentice barracks as the gauntlet rite was still going on. It was so empty and much more vast than any building he's used to. Sitting here alone he felt an extreme longing…He was away from his parents now maybe forever. He was truly an adult now living on his own. He wondered if they experienced this feeling as well when they separated from their parents. Though, strangely he doesn't know anything about his grandparents really. Or any of his family outside of his immediate one. It was considered very odd their family was so compact back at Kiccigiori.
"I have a great responsibility as a samurai now to serve The Lord…I hoped I could bear it with Issachar…everything around here is so strange.", Flynn thought, he had only seen a bed like this before in picture books.
He had a mirror and even a drawer. This barrack was bigger than his house. Everything smelt so nice here with a scent Flynn didn't recognize.
It was lavender. He was given a new small box to hold his deck in. He picked up his old one which was badly worn with tatters and dirt. His deck was currently in the shiny new one over to his side. Along with new sleeves to protect his cards with designs on the back. The sleeves were blue with a white cross in the middle. Around the cross were white lines formed a box to frame it.
Flynn picked up the new box with his deck inside. Besides the clothes on his back it was the only thing here still familiar to him. A samurai uniform was being prepared for him after the servants took his measurements. It was all so strange for him…Flynn held his deck close to his chest against his heart. He soon drifted into slumber…