So, I was supposed to be working on the next chapter of my EEnE/Pokemon crossover, but dammit this chapter just came to me and I couldn't stop writing. This is probably going to be my last chapter of 2021, and I am completely okay with that. I hope you like it.
Now then, Review stuff:
Guest (1): Becky's graduated, Wes and Hikaru are in 10th grade.
Guest (2): Not answering that. I don't mind your mundane questions, but there are some things you are going to have to read for yourself to find out.
ChroniclerDL: Yeah, not gonna lie, that was an interesting chapter to write. From Sunset's reactions to the BS she's been thrown into, to Jack Grey and Becky, to that little hint at the end of the chapter. And it's only getting crazier from here, believe you me.
Wes Mizuhara was NOT a morning person.
The fact that classes started at 7:00 AM was nothing new for him, being a high school student and all, but that still did not mean he had to like it. He had also reluctantly woken up earlier than the rest, mostly due to wanting to get a shower in before anyone else in the dorms.
Suffice to say, he had been a bit grumpy this morning.
"I still can't believe you THREATENED our alarm clock…"
Wes chuckled as Sora whispered that line to him before class started. It was not one of his prouder moments, but it still got a laugh out of him.
"Listen," Wes whispered back. "You know that little bastard was asking for it."
"It was just doing its job, Wes."
"Well then, it can consider my reaction as an occupational hazard."
It was currently their second day on the island, and despite less than 24 hours of knowing each other, the two Slifer Reds were already rather close. This wasn't much surprise to Wes himself, considering what he knew of Sora, but it was still nice, all things considered.
… Especially considering he felt himself get bumped by an irritatingly familiar presence.
"Oops, sorry, Slifer," Indigo said with a smug grin. "Didn't see you there."
"I've been told I'm inconspicuous," Wes answered. "You're so obnoxious I couldn't miss you if I tried."
"I just have presence, probably because I've got talent instead of luck."
Wes grit his teeth at that line. Already, news of their encounter yesterday had spread through the school, and he'd already been given guff by the other Slifers for apparently 'making the rest of them look bad'.
But goddamn, did he want to wipe that smirk off Indigo's face.
'But there isn't much I can do about it,' he lamented. 'She's already convinced herself, and likely several others, that I just got in here on dumb luck. And plus, if I told her I had to throw the match, that'd either lead to more questions, or I'd get laughed out of the room for using the 'I was holding back' excuse…'
"Ignore him," another haughty girl told her. "They'll drop out soon. Slackers like them won't last long."
"You wish," Wes countered. "I'll send Indigo back to Canterlot crying!"
He didn't even realize his mistake until it was too late. Indigo was looking at him, a grim expression on her face. She stared Wes dead in the eyes.
"How did you know where I lived…?" she asked, her voice quiet. "I haven't told anyone here that."
"U-uh…" he stammered a little, mind working at a million miles an hour to try and explain this away. "W-well, I live in Canterlot myself. I saw you around once or twice. Or at least, I assumed it was you."
To this, Indigo glared. "… I'm watching you, Slifer."
"In a positive manner, or in a negative manner?"
Wes' attention switched to the source of that voice for only a split second, but it was enough to brighten his mood. Cyber was there, and after all the talking they did yesterday, he was happy to see her.
"Indi's just got trust issues, don't worry," Wes said, enjoying the look of annoyance Indigo sent him. "So, how are you today, Cyber?"
"I have come to ask you and Sora an inquiry."
"Okay, well, what's up?" Sora asked.
For the first time since they met her, she changed expression. A look of hope appeared in her eyes.
"Would the two of you be willing to register in my friend list?"
"Yes, I would love to be listed as a friend of yours," Wes answered without hesitation; the idea of being friends with one of his favorite Monsters was not something he needed to be convinced of.
"I would too, Cyber," Sora told her.
With a faint glow in her eyes, Cyber Dragon began to smile, the first one he'd seen since meeting her.
"Thank you so much, Wes and Sora," she said with a nod. "This act has initiated my happiness algorithm."
"I'm glad," Wes said, glancing back to Indigo.
The blue-haired girl sighed. "Cyber, when I said you should make some friends, I figured you'd do it with people in Obelisk Blue."
"I did. You are registered in my friend list, Indigo."
"Well yeah but stick with those like me. Why go for these chumps?"
"Well, I mean, if you're in her friend list, the bar ain't exactly set high."
The glare returned, as Indigo and Wes looked to each other, each one trying to get the other to back down. The only thing that stopped them was the thundering footsteps that approached, signaling the teacher had finally arrived.
And he was a sight to behold.
Before the student body stood a massive mountain of a man in a Ra Yellow Coat, towering over even the tallest of them, with shoulders like boulders and the most barrel chest one could possibly imagine. He had a white crew cut and a jaw that looked like it could cut through diamond, as well as a piercing gaze that could do the same.
"Welcome, puny students, to your first gym class of this school year," he declared with a very nondescript European accent. "I am Professor von Strangle, and these are my muscles!"
Instantly, the giant flexed, his muscles straining against the fabric of his coat. Wes couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at said antics.
"'Von Strangle'?" He questioned, quietly. "Where have I heard that name before?"
"Someone you know?" Sora asked.
"I think. Regardless, he's a tall bastard, ain't he?"
Thundering footsteps caught all of their attention, as Professor von Strangle walked over to where Wes was.
"What do you know of my parents' marriage?" He asked, unsettlingly stone-faced.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about," Wes answered, waving his hands defensively. "I didn't say anything…"
"You are three years too young, three feet too short, and three-hundred pounds too light to be lying to me, Mr. Mizuhara."
"I swear I'm no-… wait, you know my name?"
The teacher nodded. "Word has spread of your embarrassing display against Miss Zap yesterday."
Wes glowered at that, swearing he could feel Indigo's smug grin behind him. Meanwhile, Sora crossed his arms.
"Don't you think that's a little much, Professor von Strangle?" Sora asked. "I mean, he only lost because of a bad draw, and he was doing pretty good up until then."
The professor turned his gaze to Sora. "You seem fairly confident in his abilities."
"Of course. I've dueled him too, and I can vouch for his skills. If he can beat me, he's gotta be pretty good."
"Hmph… I think we have a volunteer, then."
"Volunteer for what?"
At this, Professor von Strangle turned, leaving the room, and returning with a large spinning wheel, a small fairy plush attached to the middle of it. He placed it down, revealing it to the class, and pointing to it.
"For this first week, I intend to be rather freeform," he explained. "I want to see how you Duel and have decided to add an incentive to Duel well. Because of Mr. Strife's assuredness, he shall volunteer himself as one of the Duelists in today's 2-on-2 Duel. Whoever wishes to volunteer to work alongside him, raise your hand now."
Almost instantly, Cyber's hand shot up, and she stepped next to Sora, putting an arm around his shoulder in a reassuring – albeit robotic – manner.
"I will assist Sora in this conflict," she told them. "He is my friend."
"Very well, Ms. Dragon."
Professor von Strangle looked among the other students. "Who among you will be their opponents?"
The haughty red-haired girl who was standing next to Indigo previously walked forward, dusting off her Obelisk Blue jacket as she stepped forward.
"I'll take them on, Professor," she told them. "They'll be blinded by my might!"
Not long after, a boy of similar age appeared, with messy brown hair with a patch of lavender in the front, wearing a Ra Yellow Jacket and a smirk.
"This oughta be fun," he said with a bit of excitement. "You're both dino chow!"
"Very good," Professor von Strangle said. "Now then, as for the special rule to this Duel. Mr. Mizuhara will spin this wheel at the start of every new turn. I would spin it myself, but you would be waiting one-thousand years before it stopped."
Dead silence enveloped the students, firstly because they were not sure what to say to that, and second, because some of them felt like he was not exaggerating.
"During that turn, whoever takes damage by battle or by card effect must do the punishment that the wheel landed on. For the purposes of this, your life points will be separate, your fields shall be shared, and you shall take damage based on who originally summoned the monster. Direct attacks and effect damage can target whoever you please. You will not be allowed to continue Dueling until you finish the required exercise. If you cannot complete the required exercise, you will forfeit the Duel. Any questions?"
Indigo Zap raised her hand.
"Yes, Miss Zap?" asked the Professor.
"Why the fairy doll in the middle of the wheel?" Indigo questioned.
"Nostalgia. Now then, Mr. Mizuhara!"
Reluctantly, Wes went over to the wheel, not wanting to upset the man who looked like he could snap him in half. Giving the wheel a spin, it went for a short while before finally coming to a halt. The punishment was as follows:
'100 Push-ups'
"Excellent! Now then, this will be in effect until the end of the second turn. Let the Duel commence!"
DUEL!
Sora Strife (4000 LP)
Cyber Dragon (4000 LP)
Vs
Rex Raptor (4000 LP)
Millie McCormick (4000 LP)
The coin toss was called, and Sora received the first move.
[Turn 1, Sora 'Strife', Hand: 5]
Scanning his hand momentarily, Sora smiled at the cards he started out with.
'This is great,' he said to himself. 'I can start off really strong with this. And I better. Both mine and Wes' pride are in question here.'
With great resolve, Sora grabbed a spell card, and began his plays.
"First, I'll use Shien's Smoke Signal!" He declared. "With this, I can add the Level 3 'Legendary Six Samurai – Kageki' to my hand! And next, I'll play Six Samurai United, and then normal summon Kageki!"
In Sora's middlemost monster zone, appeared a member of the legendary Six Samurai, his two natural and two mechanical arms each brandishing a katana toward their opponents.
(200/2000)
"Now that he's on the field, two effects go off. First, my Six Samurai United spell gets a Bushido Counter! Then, because I summoned Kageki, I can special summon my Kagemusha of the Six Samurai!"
The second samurai to appear on Sora's field was a fully armored man with long orange hair, hiding as much of his features otherwise. He looked to Kageki, sharing a silent nod, and a silent accord.
(400/1800)
(Kageki's ATK: 200 + 1500 = 1700)
(Bushido Counters: 2)
"Next, I can tribute my Six Samurai United to draw cards up to the number of Bushido Counters it has!"
And so, Sora drew 2 cards, and immediately got a wicked idea in his head. Oh, how his opponents were going to love this.
"Next," he continued, "Because I control another Six Samurai monster, I can summon the Grandmaster of the Six Samurai!"
As soon as his card was placed on the field, the wizened old master of the youngest generation of Six Samurai appeared, his glare intense despite missing one of his eyes.
(2100/800)
"And lastly, I tune my Kagemusha with Kageki!"
In a flash, the body double dissipated into two orbs of light, before turning into green rings that enveloped Kageki. He smiled, as his body turned into three more orbs of light, representing his level.
"Great warlord! Scorch the battlefields in the flames of death, and shatter those who dare oppose your rule!
Synchro Summon!
Level 5! Legendary Six Samurai – Shi En!"
A burst of light shot up to the ceiling, vanishing quickly to reveal the younger version of the Great Shogun, clad in a very different armor, evoking the images of a true demon. He bared his fangs, ready to fight.
(2500/1400)
"Nice chant, Sora!" Wes called out, eliciting a smile from the boy.
"Thanks! I've been working on it! Now then, I'll end my turn with a face-down! Your go, Rex Raptor!"
[Turn End, Hand: 2]
[Turn 2, Rex Raptor, Hand: 5]
To this, the fellow brunet chuckled. "With pleasure. I draw! … And first, I play Fossil Dig, which lets me add a Level 6 or lower Dinosaur monster from my deck to my hand!"
"Oh no you don't!" Sora countered. "I activate the effect of Legendary Six Samurai – Shi En!"
Almost as soon as it touched the field, the Spell card got blasted away by a single motion from the Samurai. Rex was flabbergasted, to say the least…
"Legendary Shi En can negate one spell or trap you play each turn," Sora explained.
"I see," Rex answered, his grin revealing his fangs. "Luckily, I can live without Fossil Dig's effect. So, for my actual Spell for the turn, I'll play Unexpected Dai! With this, I can Special Summon from my deck, my Two-Headed King Rex!"
From the spell card burst forth an incredibly classic normal monster, possessing two heads and a pair of wings, making him more akin to a dragon than an actual T. Rex.
(1600/1200)
"Next, I summon my Rescue Rabbit, and immediately banish him," Rex continued, placing the small white puffball on the field only long enough for it to materialize. "When he's banished, I can Special Summon 2 Normal Monsters from my deck with the same name! So now, I'm summoning my Megalosmasher X!"
On each side of where King Rex was, appeared two identical marine reptiles, sporting huge jaws and fangs that only accentuated the bites they would no doubt inflict upon Sora's monsters.
(2000/0)
"Then, because I control at least 2 or more Dinosaur monsters on my field, I can Special Summon my Inspiraptor!"
The next monster to join Rex's ranks was a small theropod, perhaps no bigger than an actual velociraptor supposedly was. Not exactly intimidating at first glance, but it let out a snarl all the same.
(1800/1000)
"When special summoned by his own effect, I can send a Dinosaur from my deck to the grave to either boost or lower his level by 1! So, I'll send my Bastiocerasaurus to the grave to make him a level 3! Then, I'll summon a second one, but this one I'll keep as a Level 4!
And next… I build the Overlay Network!"
From the sidelines, Wes' eyes widened. This was a very different Rex Raptor than the one he was used to.
'Yet, at the same time, kinda the same,' he reminded himself, 'His use of Gilasaurus against Joey certainly showed he liked swarming the field. And now he's an Xyz Duelist? I swear to god if it's the monster I think it is…'
"I Xyz Summon the Rank 4 Evolzar Dolkka!"
From the vortex appeared a horrific creature, somewhere between demon, dragon, and dinosaur, roaring at both Sora and Cyber with bared fangs.
(2300/1300)
'… And the trend of all his best cards being Dragons continues,' Wes thought, crossing his arms in amusement.
"Next, I Overlay my two Megalosmashers! With these, I build the Overlay Network, and Xyz Summon the Rank 4 Evolzar Laggia!"
Another great beast appeared on the field, this one closer to a dragon than his counterpart. He spread his glorious wings, which almost seemed to ignite the battlefield.
"I'll also summon my Gilasaurus!" Rex continued, summoning one last raptor to his side of the field. "When summoned this way, you can summon a monster from your Grave."
"I'll bring back Kageki, then, and because I control another Six Samurai monster, he gains 1500 attack!"
(1400/400)
(200 + 1500 = 1700/2000)
"Fine by me. Because now, I'll build the Overlay Network for the third time in a row!"
At this point, the combo was far too long for Wes, so he turned his attention away from it for a bit. Out of the corner of his eyes, he noticed something. Indigo was watching this duel intently, but the look on her face was not one that screamed 'I'm impressed', but rather 'What is this idiot doing'.
"What? Jealous of your lower-classman, are ya?" He commented, becoming genuinely surprised when Indigo brushed off the comment with a simple shake of her head.
"He's overextending," she answered, unable to take her eyes off the action. "He just gave his opponent a free resource, and all he got out of it is a pretty unimpressive Rank 3."
Wes turned his attention back to the field, seeing Grenosaurus having now joined the action, giving Rex three Fire-attributed Xyz Monsters in one place, only one of them being an actual dinosaur.
(2000/2000)
"Maybe," Wes agreed. "It's not much more than some burn damage, but I guess that works for a Duel like this. And the other two are pretty potent, they're basically Solemn Judgment and Solemn Strike in monster form. They're some of what make Dinosaurs as strong as they are, considering they're a monster type with exclusive access to those two."
"Hm…" Indigo said, before snapping her attention to Wes, as if she'd just realized who she was talking to. "Wait, hold on a sec? What the hell does a slacker like you know about Xyz Monsters?"
Wes smirked. "More than your preconceived notions of me would let you believe."
Returning his attention to the duel, Grenosaurus had gone in and sunk its jaws right into Kageki, destroying the monster, and dealing the first bit of damage in the duel.
(Sora's LP: 4000 – 300 = 3700)
"Up next," Rex explained, removing a card from underneath Grenosaurus. "Grenosaurus' effect! By detatching an Overlay Unit, I can deal an additional 1000 damage to you!"
(Sora's LP: 3700 – 1000 = 2700)
At this, Professor von Strangle chimed in, pointing one of his fingers right at Sora. "First blood! 100 push-ups from you, Mr. Strife!"
Sora sighed, knowing there was no way out of this, and so, he began to do the exercise, as Rex continued his move. He could still make out that his opponent had sent that 'Evolzar Laggia' monster to destroy his Grandmaster of the Six Samurai. He grinned as Rex said he was going to end his turn.
"When the battle phase ends," Sora said, lifting one arm and using it to press a button on his Duel Disk. "I'm activating the Trap Card, Evenly Matched! When I control less cards than you, you have to banish cards face-down equ-"
"I'm gonna stop you right there!" Rex stopped him. "I'm going to activate the effect of 'Evolzar Laggia'! By removing both of his Overlay Units, I can negate that effect and destroy your card!"
Despite still doing push-ups, Sora seemed to visibly deflate at his play being shut down. Regardless, he grabbed his card out of the Duel Disk and placed it in the graveyard, never losing his tempo once.
"Very clever play, Sora."
Both Sora and Rex turned their attention to Cyber, who looked to her teammate with a small smile.
"The effect of 'Evenly Matched' is to banish card your opponent controls until they possess the exact same amount of cards as you," Cyber explained. "This would have meant Rex would have only lost one of his Xyz Monsters. However, Rex's decision to negate the effect by using Laggia's effect has left him unable to use it again."
Rex looked to her with wide eyes. "So, you mean to say I just wasted that effect on something that wouldn't have hurt me much in the first place?"
"Indeed. Sora 'baited you', as Indigo would describe it."
"Grrr… I end my turn!"
Sora said nothing to this, and just kept doing one-armed push-ups. 'Okay, I'm just gonna pretend that was my plan all along. Not that I misread the card.'
[Turn End, Hand: 0]
[Turn 3, Cyber Dragon, Hand: 5]
The wheel was spun once again, the punishment for this turn being:
'100 Squats'
"Turn begin," Cyber said mechanically. "Commencing Draw Phase… commencing Standby Phase… commencing Main Phase 1. Activating the Continuous Spell 'Interdimensional Transport Experiments'. Effect 1: "Target up to 2 face-up monsters on your side of the field; banish them". For this effect, I shall banish Sora's 'Legendary Six Samurai – Shi En'."
"Go for it," Sora told her.
With a confident nod, Shi En vanished from the field, leaving it completely empty. Though with what Cyber had planned, this would not be for long.
"The parameters to Special Summon 'Cyber Dragon' are met. Ergo, I shall Special Summon 'Cyber Dragon' in Attack Position. Accompanying this play, I shall Normal Summon 'Cyber Dragon Zwei' in attack mode."
The classic version of the Cyber Dragon appeared on the field, joined not long after by a second model, this one sleeker, and possessing accents of green. The moment they appeared on the field, Cyber's eyes began to glow.
(2100/1600)
(1500/1000)
"Activating the Normal Spell 'Evolution Burst'," she explained, revealing a Spell Card. "While I control 'Cyber Dragon', I can target and destroy 1 card on your field. And due to using Laggia's effect against Sora's 'Evenly Matched', you cannot negate this effect. Destroying Evolzar Dolkka…"
From her monster version came a stream of electricity, that enveloped Rex's monster. It let out an unholy scream before being shattered.
"Effect resolved," Cyber said with a nod. "Activating Effect 2 of 'Interdimensional Transport Experiments'; "Tribute this face-up card; Special Summon the monster (or monsters) that were banished by the effects of this card." Special Summoning 'Legendary Six Samurai – Shi En'."
(2500/1400)
"Alright! That's what I like to see!" Sora exclaimed, before he realized something. "… How many's that been, Cyber? That's gotta have been a hundred, right?"
"175 push-ups, 130 of which were done one-handed."
Sora stopped himself and stood back up. Once again, Professor von Strangle pointed to him.
"You see that, puny students? That is dedication! Keep it up, Mr. Strife, and one day, you may have muscles like mine!"
The next thing everyone knew, scraps of yellow fabric were blown everywhere. The professor had flexed so hard that his sleeves had burst. And it seems that he hadn't even realized it, as his eyes widened in horror.
"Oh no, I did it again… the seamstress will have my head for this! Continue the duel, I will be back! Ms. Zap, I am putting you in charge of ensuring everyone does their exercises."
Indigo cracked her knuckles. "Whatever you say, coach."
With that, Professor von Strangle ran out of the room, the ground shaking with every step. Once he was gone, Cyber continued her move.
"Activating 'Power Bond'," she said. "I fuse 'Cyber Dragon' on my field with 'Cyber Dragon' in my hand, Fusion Summoning 'Cyber Twin Dragon'. Due to Power Bond's effect, Cyber Twin Dragon's attack is doubled."
(2800 + 2800 = 5600/2100)
"Commencing Battle Phase," Cyber continued. "Cyber Twin Dragon attacks Grenosaurus."
From one of the fusion monster's two heads, a blast of electricity shot toward Rex's monster. Rex, however, was unfazed.
"I activate the graveyard effect of my Bastiocerasaurus!" He declared, removing it from the grave. "By banishing it, I can switch all my monsters into Defense Mode!"
"I will proceed with my attacks from Cyber Twin Dragon, regardless."
Rex's eyes widened. "Attacks? As in, plural?"
"Cyber Twin Dragon can attack twice in the same battle phase. I will use both attacks to destroy your monsters. Then, I shall attack you with Cyber Dragon Zwei, and Millie McCormick with Sora's 'Legendary Six Samurai – Shi En'!"
(Rex's LP: 4000 – 1500 = 2500)
(Millie's LP: 4000 – 2500 = 1500)
"Commencing Main Phase 2… Commencing End Phase. During End Phase, the final effect of Power Bond activates, dealing 2800 damage to me."
(Cyber's LP: 4000 – 2800 = 1200)
Rex stood back up, irritated at the blast he just took. "After the Battle Phase ends, because I took damage despite activating Bastiocerasaurus' effect, I can Special Summon 1 Dinosaur Monster from my deck! I Special Summon my Super Conductor Tyranno!"
As if its sheer summoning was an act of defiance (which is was, to some degree), the great dinosaur entered the field, his cyborg parts crackling with electricity as it let out a mighty roar.
(3300/1400)
Murmurs among the crowd began, and even Sora had to look at his partner with a bit of confusion. There was something about that move that just didn't make a lot of sense to them…
"Cyber, couldn't you have beat one of them with that? I mean, that was, like, 4000 direct damage."
Cyber nodded, beginning to do her 100 squats. "I could have. However, I chose to instead deal damage to both of them."
"Why?"
"Rex Raptor is not an immediate threat, as he will be unable to retaliate for 2 turns. Millie is a much more immediate threat, and due to the effect of Power Bond, I would have had to do 100 squats regardless. So, I decided to set up a scenario where the opponents have to do the same."
"Huh. Smart."
"Yeah, not bad, Cyber!" Indigo called out, before looking to Rex and Millie. "Well, better hurry up. Looks like she's got a head start on you two losers!"
Frantically, both Millie and Rex began to do squats, trying not to get too far behind Cyber. Indigo giggled at their antics, at least until she heard Wes chuckle from behind her.
"No one's safe from Indigo's wrath, are they?" He asked, to which the girl just shrugged.
"Well, I don't really like Millie anyway. She just wouldn't stop bugging me this morning."
Wes said nothing more. He merely nodded, having known people like that.
[Turn End, Hand: 0]
[Turn 4, Millie McCormick, Hand: 5]
The wheel was spun once again, and this time, it landed on:
'100 Sit-ups'
It took a while, but eventually, she managed 100 squats, and by the end of it, her legs were burning, and her knees were shaking. Millie was not a weak girl by any means, but she was not used to routine exercise. And having to do it before she'd even been granted a turn left her decidedly miffed.
"Alright then," Millie declared, glaring at Cyber specifically. "If that's how you want to play it. I'll blind you with my radiance! I draw! And I'll activate Raigeki!"
Sora raised his arm, his Samurai mimicking the motion. "I'll negate that with Shi En!"
"As I'd hoped you would… now, I play Charge of the Light Brigade!"
Sora winced, as Millie sent away 3 cards, and added a Lightsworn monster to her hand. 'So it was either let my field get destroyed and she gets the search anyway, or negate it and be unable to negate the search anyway. I think Ienzo called situations like that a 'Catch 22'?'
"Next, I normal summon my Lumina, Lightsworn Summoner! And by discarding my Lightsworn Angel, I can Special Summon from the grave Raiden, Hand of the Lightsworn!"
The first to appear was the small, bronze skinned blonde, wearing pure white robes, with a bright white glow covering her hands as she points to the monster zone next to her. Next was another bronze-skinned man, his jet black hair tied back behind him, and adorned in armor on his lower body, with shining blades within his hands.
(1000/1000)
(1700/1000)
"And next, I'll tune my Level 4 Raiden with my Level 3 Lumina!"
Much like it had on Sora's side of the field, one of her monsters transformed, turning into a set of green rings that enveloped the other in a blinding light. Millie grinned.
"Blessed Archangel, and servant of the Gods! Return to this mortal realm and bury the sinners who would stand against you!
Synchro Summon!
Level 7! Michael, the Arch-Lightsworn!"
(2600/2000)
"You're a Synchro Duelist, too?" Sora asked.
Millie shook her head. "Hardly. Michael is simply a strong card for the Lightsworn. However, right now, he is going to make a worthy sacrifice. I'm going to tribute him for the effect of Rex's Super Conductor Tyranno, inflicting 1000 damage to you, Mr. Strife!"
(Sora's LP: 2400 – 1000 = 1400)
Sora sighed, knowing he'd have to deal with his exercises as soon as the turn was over. "You summon a beautiful Synchro like that, and just use it to deal a measly 1000 damage?"
To that, Millie let out an ironically dark chuckle. "You're not really privvy to the 'Lightsworn' Archetype, are you? Now I have 4 differently named Lightsworn monsters in my graveyard."
"Okay, and…?"
"Sora," Cyber interrupted. "The parameters have been met for the Special Summon of 'Judgment Dragon'."
"Correct, little miss Machine!" exclaimed Millie, revealing her ace card. "The stage is set, and it is time! With this play, I am going to bathe this field in divine wrath! Come forth, Judgment Dragon!"
And as soon as the card was placed down, a brilliant flash of radiance came from where Millie was standing. Students had to look away from the sheer brightness of it, and only when it died down was anyone able to see the monster.
There, right in the middle of the battlefield, was a massive, white quadrupedal dragon, covered in fur on most of its lower body, and feathers up closer to its head. Its feet were tipped with blood red claws, its snout was adorned with 4 whiskers, and on its back were a pair of massive wings, not too dissimilar to that of an angel.
It looked to the monsters on Sora and Cyber's field, as if readying itself to deliver divine judgment upon them.
(3000/2600)
"Take a good look," Millie told them with a grin. "For this is my ultimate monster. By paying a mere 1000 life points, I can destroy every other card on the field!"
"What!?" Sora asked.
"This is what I meant when I said that I'd blind you! Judgment Dragon, return them to ash!"
(Millie's LP: 1500 – 1000 = 500)
Judgment Dragon spread its wings, eyes glowing furiously, as another blinding light covered the entire battlefield. Everyone could hear the screams of Shi En, as well as the cybernetic cries of Cyber's monsters, and once the light faded, all that remained on the field was Millie's monster.
"And now, I shall be avenged! Judgment Dragon! Take Cyber Dragon out of this duel!"
With a furious flap of his wings, the dragon sent a burst of wind at Cyber Dragon, landing right in front of her, and nearly knocking her off her feet.
(Cyber's LP: 1200 – 3000 = - 1800)
[Cyber Dragon is Defeated]
"And with that, I end my turn! During the end phase, I mill 4 cards for Judgment Dragon and… oh, wouldn't you know it, I milled my Wulf, Lightsworn Beast! That means I can Special Summon him to the field!"
From a hole that appeared in the stadium, out jumped a large, werewolf-esque monster, covered in shining white armor, and carrying a large axe.
(2100/300)
[Turn End, Hand: 2]
And so, everyone began doing their exercises, reluctantly so on the part of Millie, and during this exchange, Sora couldn't help but notice Cyber smiling as she helped him do his sit-ups.
"Something up, Cyber?" He asked.
"All is going according to my plan," she told him. "Millie was so focused on her retaliation toward me, that she completely forgot to consider you had a turn coming up."
"So, that's why you did it?"
Cyber nodded. "Millie's exhaustion clouded her reasoning slightly. And clearly, her emotions got in the way of making the optimal move. This has been very beneficial for my study of humans, as well as allowing you an opportunity to turn this around."
Sora grinned. "And this is why having a machine as a friend is awesome. Tron would be so proud of you."
[Turn 5, Sora, Hand: 2]
The wheel was spun again, this time landing on:
'100 Jumping Jacks'
Sora kicked back up to his feet, before meeting the shocked look of both Rex and Millie. "… What?"
"Okay, she's a robot, so I get why for her," Rex said incredulously, pointing to Cyber. "But how in the hell are you not tired after that!?"
To this, the Slifer shrugged. "Guess you guys just need to work out more."
Wes chuckled from the sidelines. 'That coming from the man who can shear entire buildings in half with a single slice.'
"Now then, I draw!" exclaimed Sora, looking to the card in his hand. "And from my hand, I play my second 'Six Samurai United'! And with it, I'll Normal Summon my Secret Six Samurai – Hatsume!"
Onto the field appeared a new member of the Six Samurai archetype, adorned in a pink and blue robe, her long blue scarf hanging behind her, and her hair tied upward. She held a kunai in her hand, absentmindedly fiddling with it as she waited for her command.
(1600/1500)
(Bushido Counters: 1)
'… So there's a new set of Samurai in this world?' Wes asked himself. 'And the first card I see from it is a pink shinobi girl in spats… I'm not sure how to feel about that.'
"I activate her effect! By banishing my Shi En and my Kageki, I can special summon Kagemusha of the Six Samurai to the field!"
(400/1800)
(Bushido Counters: 2)
"Next, I'll tribute United in order to draw 2 more cards!"
As soon as Sora touched the top of his deck, he felt a jolt run through his body. Looking at the cards he drew, he smiled. Now, in his hand, he had both Mizuho and Shinai.
"Well, this is just perfect," he said aloud. "Now I've got everything I need to beat you. I tune my Kagemusha with Hatsume!"
Once again, the process of events played itself out, and Sora felt a surge of energy run through him.
"Hero of the Ten Sabers! Aim you pistol toward the sky and divide the heavens with a single shot!
Synchro Summon!
Level 5! X-Saber Wayne!"
Like a gunslinger out of the most epic version of the old west anyone could think of, the new Synchro monster walked onto the field with little need for the same gravitas as the other monsters. He simply adjusted his hat, and shot at the ground next to him.
"When Wayne is Synchro Summoned," Sora explained, "I can Special Summon 1 Warrior monster from my hand! I'll Special Summon a card given to me by a friend: Legendary Six Samurai – Mizhuo!"
From where the shot came, a burst of light summoned forth a red-clad woman, carrying two strangely shaped blades in her hands.
(1600/1000)
"Next, because I control Mizuho, I can Special Summon this card: Legendary Six Samurai – Shinai!"
Next to where Mizuho stood, appeared a musclebound warrior, clad in blue samurai armor, and carrying two kanabo in his hands. He looked to Mizuho, and they nodded.
(1500/1500)
"And finally, because I control 2 or more Six Samurai monsters, I can summon Great Shogun Shien!"
A great fire burst forth from the field, as the mighty Ruler of Blue Flame appeared. He looked to Judgment Dragon, his own red eyes glowing with malice.
(2500/2400)
Millie scoffed. "Big deal."
"Oh it's a very big deal," Sora said. "The Six Samurai are at their strongest when there are multiple of them. Lemme show you! By tributing Shinai, I can activate Mizuho's effect, destroying your Judgment Dragon!"
It took all that she had not to gasp at that, as Mizuho tearfully cut down Shinai, the blood covering her blade turning to fire, and rushing toward her dragon with incredible fury.
Before she knew it, Sora had destroyed her strongest card, and thanks to the effect of Shinai, he got Hatsume back to his hand.
"Now… let's settle this!" Sora said with a fire in his eyes. "X-Saber Wayne! Attack Wulf!"
A single shot was all it took, as the lycanthrope rushed to cut down Wayne. Both monsters were destroyed, but in the end, it meant that Millie's field was completely empty.
And there were still 2 monsters that could attack.
"This ends now! Mizuho! Attack Rex! Shien! Attack Millie!"
(Millie's LP: 500 – 1500 = -1000)
(Rex's LP: 2500 – 2500 = 0)
[Duel Over! Victory: Sora Strife and Cyber Dragon!]
"Nothin' to it!" Sora said, cracking his knuckles in triumph.
"As per the rules of the competition, you must now each do 100 Jumping Jacks," Cyber said.
"So get to it, chumps!" Indigo told them.
Sora stepped down from the stage and returned to where Wes was. The latter was more than happy to fist bump his friend after that display.
"So, you got the chance to use Mizuho and Shinai," Wes said with a smile. "And against an Obelisk Blue, no less."
"Oh yeah," Sora said happily. "That's just what I needed to start the day. And plus, now I can vouch for your skill proper."
"Doubt it," Indigo countered. "All you proved was either you're strong, or Millie's gonna be a disappointment. I'm leaning toward the latter."
"She's associating with you, of course she's gonna be a disappointment," Wes countered.
"Scathing," she shot back sarcastically. "You talk like you duel, Mizuhara."
"Keep talking, Zap," Sora countered. "You're only setting yourself up to fall."
"Whatever, babyface. I'm out."
And with that, Indigo walked away, leaving both Sora and Wes alone once again.
"… 'Babyface'?" Wes asked with a chuckle. "And she says MY insult game's weak?"
Sora shrugged. "I mean hey, Kairi likes it."
'Okay, don't fangirl, don't fangirl, don't fangirl…' Wes reminded himself. Eventually, he felt his desire to comment on that die out and he nodded along.
Around this same time, Professor von Strangle returned, and the session continued, leaving Wes to ruminate on everything he's learned today, as he usually does.
'So, Rex Raptor's here,' he thought to himself. 'I have to wonder what era of Rex though. Does he know about the Egyptian Gods? Has he been corrupted by the Orichalcos? If either of those, that could be a problem…'
His mind wandered back to his deck for only a single second, as he saw Sora chatting it up with his former opponent. Like the absolute social butterfly he was, Sora had actually managed to rope the Dino Duelist into a conversation. Anyone with eyes could see where this was going.
'Welp, guess I'll just have to glean what info I can out of him. I mean, not like I have anything better to do.'
And so, he stood up, and headed over to join in on the conversation...
"Mr. Mizuhara! You shall be the next contestant!"
'… Spoke too soon.'
Inspiraptor (EARTH, Level 4, Dinosaur/Effect, ATK: 1800/DEF: 1000): While you control 2 or more Dinosaur monsters, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). When this card is Special Summoned by its own effect: you can send 1 Dinosaur monster from your deck to the GY; increase or decrease this card's level by 1.
Bastiocerasaurs (EARTH, Level 4, Dinosaur/Effect, ATK: 0/DEF: 2000): You can Normal Summon this card in face-up Defense Position. During the Battle Phase, while this card is in your GY: you can banish this card; change all monsters you control to Defense Position, also, if you take damage the turn you activate this effect, Special Summon 1 Dinosaur monster from your Deck during the end phase.
Interdimensional Transport Experiment (CONTINUOUS SPELL): You can only activate each of the following effects one per turn: (1) Target up to 2 face-up monsters on your side of the field; banish them. (2) Tribute this face-up card; Special Summon monster(s) that were banished by the effects of this card.