School Field Trip: A Kingdom of Dueling
It's been two weeks since the School Duel took place at Duel Academy. Everything was as normal as it usually was around here. Except for the fact that Chazz returned to the Duel Academy, along with Clover and Xander, who became new students here. Speaking of whom, this is how things were settled for them at the Slifer Red Dorm...
Flashback
"And here's your new home!" Jaden announced. He, along with his roommates, plus Matt led Clover and Xander to the Slifer Dorm building. And of course, they couldn't help but sweat drop at its cheap appearance.
"Is this really a dorm?" Clover asked
"It looks like an outhouse." Xander added.
"Yeah, we've heard that before." Matt replied.
"Sure, it may not look fancy like the other dorms, but we're still the best." Jaden jumped in.
After that, they were led to the Slifer dorm so they could have dinner...
And... Clover and Xander couldn't help but blink at the trays with rice, sardines with some kind of sauce and chopsticks.
"Okay, I know this dorm is the lowest ranked, but this is ridiculous." Xander commented.
"Tell me about it." Clover replied as she sat next to him.
"Nah, it's not that bad." Jaden said with his mouth full of his own food.
Chazz, who sat alone at the corner, gave his own plate a disgusted look. "Yeah right, like anyone with the right mind would call this food."
"Well, if you don't want it, then let me have it." Jaden suggested.
"In your dreams, Slacker!"
Clover shook her head at their antics and picked up the chopsticks. "Meh, we'd better take it." She then took a bite from the fish, getting a good taste of it and then shrugged. "Not bad."
Xander followed suit and said "Not bad at all."
And so, they all enjoyed the dinner peacefully, except for Jaden, who was eating like crazy. Afterward, Clover and Xander just stepped away from their table when Professor Banner approached them, holding two Slifer Red jackets.
"Now then, since you two are about live here, you might need these." He said as he handed them the uniforms.
"That's a nice jacket." Xander said as he examined it before putting it on. He looked at himself and smiled. "Not too shabby."
Clover stared at her own Slifer jacket before she took off her personal jacket, revealing her white t-shirt. Some of the other Slifer students blushed slightly upon seeing her feminine figure. She put the Slifer jacket on and looked at herself. She then hummed thoughtfully before speaking up. "It's pretty okay, but I think I prefer my own jacket."
Banner gave her a nod. "Well, since your personal jacket is red, it will make it clear that you're a Slifer Red student."
Clover nodded as she took off the Slifer jacket and put on her own jacket again.
"Alright, that just leaves Chazz…" Banner said before the named boy spoke up.
"Forget it! It's bad enough that I have to live here. I'm not gonna dress like a Slifer!"
Clover rolled her eyes. "Fine, you don't have to. It won't hurt if you just lighten up."
"Hmph." Chazz just turned away
Banner sweat dropped at this. "My… Anyway, all that's left is to find you rooms."
Matt approached the headmaster. "Well, I still have two bed-bunks to spare. They can share my room with me." He offered.
Chazz scoffed. "Like I told you, The Chazz rooms alone. No way I'm gonna sleep with Slackers."
Matt started to get annoyed and was about to approach him before Clover held up her right arm and stopped him. "Fine, you don't have to. Me and Xander will share Matt's room.
Banner looked at her curiously while Matt and Xander looked at her surprised.
"Seriously?" The flip duelist said.
"Are you sure it's okay for you to share a room with us?" Xander asked. "I mean, you're a girl."
"It's fine. I don't mind that much." Clover assured them.
Banner nodded. "Okay, if that's the case, then Clover and Xander will settle in with Matt."
Matt and Xander looked at each other before shrugging, thinking. 'Eh, why not?'
They then turned and almost flinched when Clover gave them a stern look. "Just don't try to peek on me when I'm getting dressed, got it?"
The boys nodded nervously. "Yes, ma'am."
Flashback end
Now, moving on to the present day, all students were gathered in one large classroom. Why? Because Chancellor Sheppard was going to give them an announcement. And thus, he was standing in front of them, along with the other faculty members.
"Good morning students!" He greeted. "Now with everyone here, allow me tell you something important. We have decided where we'll go to on the school field trip."
That caused some of the students whisper to each other, wondering where they'll be going.
Jaden, who was sitting with Syrus and Chumley next to him, and Matt, Xander and Clover behind him, was very excited. "Sweet! I love field trips! Where will it be? Circus? Carnival?"
Xander sweat dropped at his behavior. "Why don't you let him speak?"
Clover shook her head, almost annoyed. "Seriously."
Andrew, who was sitting a bit away, along with Shiori was a little amused by this.
Sheppard spoke up again. "The place where we're going to, is the home of a man who is one of the few duelists who knows the game of Duel Monsters better than any other. The very person who is the creator of the game." He smiled as he spoke. "That's right everyone, we're going to Duelist Kingdom! The home of Maximillion Pegasus himself!"
That announcement earned him cheers from many students. Including Jaden.
"Duelist Kingdom!? That's even better!"
"That's the place where Yugi defeated Pegasus." Syrus added.
"Yeah." Chumley replied.
"Never thought I would visit the creator of Duel Monsters." Xander admitted.
"Same here." Clover said, being intrigued like the rest.
"Duelist Kingdom." Andrew mused. "I always wanted to visit there."
"Me too." Shiori replied. "Duelist Kingdom is the place where Yugi participated his very first Duel Monsters tournament."
Sheppard spoke up once more. "The trip to Duelist Kingdom will be long. The ships will take off tonight, so we'll be arriving tomorrow morning. So we'll give you all a day off today to give you time to prepare for the journey. That's all." He dismissed as he and the faculty members left, letting the students leave the classroom.
Later that night, there were three ships that took off from Academy Island. Enough for all Duel Academy people. Some people were standing on the front of the ship, enjoying the view. Although... not everyone was able to enjoy it.
"Uuuugh." Bastion moaned as he was leaning over the side of one of the ships, covering his mouth with his right hand while having a pale face.
"Man, you don't look so well, Bastion." Shiori commented as he, Andrew, Matt and Michael accompanied him.
"I guess he's not used to boat trips." Matt assumed.
"Too bad he's not like me." Michael said. "I've been taking countless boat trips since I was little. Good thing to be the son of the CEO of Kageyama Cruises."
Andrew looked at him curiously. "Kageyama Cruises?"
"It's a company my dad owns. It has a bunch of cruise ships used for taking customers to journeys around the world."
Matt whistled at that. "Then you must have been on lots of vacations on the sea."
Michael grinned. "If only you knew."
Andrew decided to move further on the front of the ship. He noticed Jenny, Xander and Clover standing nearby and decided to greet them. "What's up, guys?"
They turned around and greeted back. "Hey Andrew."
"Yo." Xander greeted.
"How's it going?" Clover asked.
"Pretty fine. And you?"
"Same here."
"So, how do you like Duel Academy so far." Andrew asked Clover and Xander.
The mechanic responded. "Well, pretty okay. The weather is much better than in north."
"Yeah, and I'm relieved that there are more female students here than at North Academy." Clover added.
"Too bad most of them are always looking down on the students from the lower ranks." Xander said.
Jenny nodded. "Yeah, it's just frustrating how they always underestimate them."
"Don't worry. I won't let them bother me too much." Clover said.
"I hope so." Xander said with a sweat drop at his head. "Because you didn't have so much control of yourself last week...
Flashback
Clover and Xander were walking through the halls, heading to the upcoming lesson. But on their way, they were approached by three Obelisk Blue boys. The one in the middle had short black hair. His two companions had gray, messy hair and white spiky hair.
"Well, look at her, boys. New meat." The black-haired boy said with a grin on his face.
"Hey, get out of our way." Xander said with slight anger.
"You're not our boss, Slifer Slacker." The white-haired boy insulted.
Clover, who also became angry, stepped forward. "He said move!"
"Ooh, and what if we refuse, you punk?" The gray-haired boy said as he poked Clover in the chest... and was confused by how soft it was. "Wait, what…" Was all he said before he noticed Clover's face being red with anger...
"PERVERT!"
POW!
And then earned a punch in the face that sent him flying a few meters away from the group. The other two Obelisks looked at their fallen comrade before turning back to the two Slifer students, specifically Clover. They then gulped as they suddenly remember now. This was the North Academy girl who dueled Andrew at the School Duel. When Clover gave them a glare, they quickly grabbed their friend and ran off.
Clover then huffed. "Jerks."
Xander did nothing but smiled nervously.
Flashback end
"I can't say I'm surprised." Andrew said dryly.
Clover blushed embarrassed. "I couldn't help it. That guy shouldn't have touched me like that."
"Fair enough." Xander replied.
Jenny gave her a sympathetic look before she looked back to the sea. It was a beautiful view. Seeing the stars reflect the black water's surface made her smile. "It's a very nice night, isn't it?"
Andrew, Xander and Clover smiled and nodded. "Yeah, it really is." The former replied.
The fairy duelist then felt the icy cold wind blow through her, causing her to shudder a little. "Although, it is kinda cold."
Andrew turned to her for a moment before he removed his Ra jacket and wrapped it around her. "Here you go." With the absence of his jacket, he was wearing a black shirt.
Jenny's eyes widened a little before she registered what Andrew did and blushed lightly. "Thanks." She muttered.
Clover watched this with a tick mark at her head and her left eye twitching.
The journey continued peacefully. Even though it was early in the morning, a number of students were awake. While enjoying the view, the noticed an island coming up in the distance. That island was definitely the one they were heading to: Duelist Kingdom. It looked pretty big, even from a mile out. When the ships pulled up and docked, something interesting could be seen from a distance... A castle standing on a cliff. It looked like an old castle from Europe.
As everyone walked down the boat ramps, Jaden pumped his right fist in the air. "Alright! We're here!"
"Finally." Chumley said.
"Duelist Kingdom. It's even bigger than I thought." Syrus added, admiring the sight of the island.
"You said it." Matt said.
"I wonder if Pegasus still has those dueling arenas that were used during the Duelist Kingdom tournament." Xander said.
"I'm pretty sure he does." Clover replied.
Alexis and Jenny nodded. The latter looked around and couldn't help but ask one question. "Have you guys seen Andrew?"
"Coming right here!" Everyone turned around to see Andrew and Shiori holding up Bastion who was rubbing his stomach and groaned. Michael was following the trio.
"Finally, it's over." The intelligent Ra muttered.
"There there." Shiori said as he rubbed his back.
"Poor guy could hardly sleep due to his seasickness." Michael said.
"You don't say." Alexis said as she sweat dropped at this.
"May I have your attention?" Sheppard's voice called out. All students turned to see him standing in front of them, with the other faculty members standing behind him. "As you all know, we're about to spend the whole day here at Duelist Kingdom. And what's the schedule for the day? Well, that's something what our host is going to tell us. Now follow me." At that, everyone followed him to a staircase that was (conveniently) leading from the docks right to the castle.
On the way up, some of the students enjoyed the view.
"Wow! This is amazing." A Ra Yellow boy said.
"Yeah. To think we're actually here." Another one replied.
"What a beautiful island." And Obelisk girl commented.
Eventually, the Duel Academy people reached the gates of the castle, where a bunch of men in black suits were waiting for them. One of them stepped forward and spoke up. "Attention Duel Academy students! Please gather around. With all of you here, it's time to meet your host. The creator of Duel Monsters: Maximillion Pegasus!" Everyone looked up on the balcony of the castle as the person in question came up to it. A man with long, platinum hair, dressed in a red, three-piece suit with a white shirt underneath. The moment Pegasus showed himself, everyone cheered for him.
"Greetings, students of Duel Academy. Welcome to Duelist Kingdom." He greeted with a genuine smile. "It is an honor for me to invite potential duelists to my humble home. Now, during this day, you are about to spend time here to explore the island." He pointed straight at them. "Of course, where's the fun in that if you don't find a duelist's kind of entertainment? As you boys and girls probably know, this island was once the place where I hosted the Duelist Kingdom tournament. For that event, dueling arenas were set up throughout the entire island, placed on specific places for special rules. But nowadays, they are programmed for being used in duels with the modern rules. Meaning... that anyone who wants to duel a fellow student can use one of those dueling arenas for dueling!"
That information made many students react excitedly, some saying things like 'Oh yeah' or 'Awesome'.
"Sweet! I always wanted to use one of those arenas!" Jaden said.
"Me too." Xander replied. "This will be awesome."
Pegasus spoke up again. "Of course, there will be some food stands in several places on the island. A duelist can't fight on an empty stomach, right? And who knows? There might other surprises here. But until then, I once again welcome you all to Duelist Kingdom. Have fun.~" He dismissed as everyone cheered again before he returned inside the castle.
At that, everyone climbed down the stairs and walked around the island. The gang walked to a meadow area and saw other students using dueling arenas. Each arena was half red and half blue with two podiums and and stands unfolded, as well as four holo projection towers on each corner. The podiums contained a tray similar to a duel mat that duelists would use instead of duel disks, as well as counters for the life points and view screens to show the opponent's tray.
"Wow! They sure don't waste time to take dueling arenas." Andrew commented.
"No surprise there. They really want to test them out." Michael added.
"Well, we all do." Matt replied.
Clover stepped forward and turned her from side to side, trying to find an arena they could use. "We better find one, I want to have our rematch."
Andrew smirked at her. "Oh yeah? Are you that eager to lose again?" He asked teasingly.
Clover turned to him with a smirk. "I'm more like eager to kick your butt."
As they bickered, everyone else watched the scene with in amusement.
"I know that Clover has been Andrew's rival since their childhood, but it's still hard to believe he would act like this." Shiori commented.
"Guess Clover is the only one who has that effect on him." Jaden assumed.
"Most likely." Bastion added.
Matt turned around and noticed something from a distance. Another dueling arena, and no one was using it right now. "Hey guys, look! We can use that one!"
The rest of gang turned around and saw the arena he was indicating to.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Clover said as she grabbed Andrew's right hand dragged him to it.
"H-hey! Take it easy Clover! We're not in a hurry!" He said, trying to slow her down.
Jenny watched this and couldn't help but puff her cheeks in anger upon seeing them hold hands.
While the rest of the gang walked over to the side of the arena, Andrew and Clover took their positions on the podiums. Clover on the red one, and Andrew on the blue one.
"And once again, the battle between the masked hero and the dragon slayer is about to begin." Jaden said jokingly.
"This will be good." Michael said.
Once the platforms raised the duelists to the top of the podiums, they placed their decks on the trays.
"Now then, are you ready?" Clover asked.
"You have to ask?" Andrew replied.
"Then let's do this!" Clover declared as they both drew five cards and their life point counters were set to 4000.
"Duel!"
Andrew: 4000
Clover: 4000
"I'll go first!" Clover declared and drew her sixth card. "And I'll start by summoning BOXer in attack mode!" The moment she placed the card on the table, a monster with a unique form appeared on the field. It was a humanoid figure with a body that was entirely made of a bunch of boxes. Its head had green, glowing eyes and a small gap that was its mouth. It had a pair of shorts that were made of grey boxes, and big, red boxes that were used as boxing gloves. (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1000 LV: 4)
"A boxer…?" Syrus wondered.
"With a body made of boxes?" Chumley added.
Jaden couldn't help but grin at that realization. "Ha ha, that's kinda funny. Box, boxer."
The others sighed at his words.
"I place a card facedown and end my turn." Clover concluded as she placed another card on the table, making a facedown card appear behind her monster.
"My move." Andrew drew a card. "I summon Elemental HERO Heat in attack mode." The white and red armored fire hero appeared on the field. (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200 LV: 4) "As you know, this monster gains 200 attack points for every Elemental HERO on my field, including himself." (ATK: 1600-1800) "Then I'll place one card facedown." A card appeared behind the hero. "And with that, I'll end my turn…"
"Activate trap card!" Clover called out as her own facedown card flipped up. "Dust Tornado!"
"What?" Andrew said.
"With this, I can destroy one spell or trap card on the field, and there's only one it can destroy." A tornado appeared and blew away Andrew's facedown card.
"Whoops. There goes Andrew's facedown card." Shiori commented.
"Yes. Clover was expecting him to play at least one facedown card for protection." Bastion noted.
"Sorry Andrew." Clover said with a smirk. "But you won't get away that easily." She then drew her next card. "I summon Obnoxious Celtic Guardian in attack mode!" The elven warrior appeared next to the box monster. (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1200 LV: 4) "Then I activate the spell card Banner of Courage." The named card appeared behind BOXer. "With this on the field, my monsters' attack points are temporarily increased by 200 during my battle phase." (ATK: 1800-2000) (ATK: 1400-1600) "Now BOXer, attack his Heat!" The box monster reared back its right fist and gave the fire hero a strong, right hook on his face, knocking him out.
Andrew: 4000-3800
After the boxer returned to Clover's side, a small, glowing dot appeared on its chest. "And now, Obnoxious Celtic Guardian, attack Andrew with Silver Blade Strike!" The elven warrior jumped in the air and then landed in front of Andrew before striking him with his sword.
Andrew: 3800-2200
"I end my turn with a facedown." She concluded as she placed a card on the table.
"I draw." Andrew said and drew a card. "I summon Elemental HERO Blazeman in attack mode." The flame-headed hero in red armor rose up on the field. (ATK: 1200 DEF: 1800 LV: 4) "With him summoned, I can take a Polymerization from my deck and add it to my hand." Andrew searched through his deck and took the card he found. "And now I'll use it to fuse Knospe and Burstinatrix to form Elemental HERO Gaia." The red clad female hero merged with the tiny plant hero, and in there place, rose the black armored giant next to Blazeman. (ATK: 2200 DEF: 2600 LV: 6) "And now his special ability activates. After he's fusion summoned, Gaia absorbs half the attack strength from one of your monsters until the end of this turn. And I choose your Obnoxious Celtic Guardian." The giant held up his right and palm and absorbed energy from the elven warrior. (ATK: 1400-700) (ATK: 2200-2900) "Now Gaia, attack her Boxer with Continent Smash!" The hero raised his right arm and was about to slam the box monster.
"I activate my trap, Defense Draw!" Clover's facedown card flipped up. "Thanks to this, any battle damage I'll take from this attack goes down to zero, and I get to draw a card." She drew her extra card just before Gaia's fist made contact and the impact created a dust cloud that surrounded Clover's side of the field. Everyone watched as they waited for the smoke to clear. And when it did, they noticed something unexpected...
BOXer was holding up its arms and blocked the giant hero's arm, despite the difference between their sizes.
"What? How did that monster survive?" Matt questioned. "Surely it can't be Clover's trap card."
"Hey, look!" Jenny said, pointing at the box monster. The others looked at it, and noticed the glowing dot on its chest. It glowed so brightly before it disappeared.
"Um, what was what?" Syrus wondered.
"It was a counter." Everyone turned to Bastion after hearing what he said.
"A counter?" Jaden repeated.
"That's right." Clover replied. "My BOXer gets a counter after destroying a monster in battle. And here's one benefit it has; If BOXer would be destroyed, I can save him by removing one."
"So her monster was protected?" Chumley asked.
"Naturally." Bastion replied.
"Which means Andrew can only destroy it when its without counters." Jenny said.
"My Blazeman may not be strong enough to defeat him, but he can at least take down Celtic Guardian." The fire hero dashed at elven warrior and punched him, making his body shatter into pixels.
Clover: 4000-3500
"I end my turn with a facedown." Andrew concluded and placed a card on the table. (ATK: 2900-2200)
"Alright then." Clover drew her next card. "I summon Kinetic Soldier in attack mode." A cyborg wearing a blue and purple armor appeared. It was wielding a blue rifle in its left hand. (ATK: 1350 DEF: 1800 LV: 3) "Now attack his Gaia!" (ATK: 1350-1550) (ATK: 1800-2000) The cyborg prepared to fire the rifle.
Most of the spectators were surprised.
"Hold on! That monster is weaker than Gaia." Jaden said.
"Yeah, attacking him with that monster would be pointless." Syrus added.
"Unless it has a special ability." Alexis said, making the others, minus Jenny and Michael to turn to her.
"Yup, and this ability is very strong." Clover said. "If the monster it battles with is a warrior type, it gains 2000 attack and defense points during the damage calculation."
Andrew almost grimaced. "Great." He then flipped up his facedown card. "I activate Fiendish Chain!" A bunch of chains erupted from the ground around the cyborg before wrapping themselves around it, making it drop its rifle. "This trap card keeps your monster from attacking, and more importantly, its special abilities are negated.
Clover clicked her tongue. "And I thought I could get rid of your Gaia. Fine, I'll attack your Blazeman with BOXer." The box monster gave the fire hero a left hook and sent him flying.
Andrew: 2200-1400
And once again, a glowing dot appeared on the boxer's chest. (ATK: 2000-1800) (ATK: 1550-1350) "I end my turn."
"My turn." Andrew drew a card and placed it directly on the table. "I play the spell card Legacy of a Hero. With at least 2 level 4 or higher Elemental heroes in my graveyard, I can draw three cards from my deck." He drew his extra cards. "And now I summon Elemental HERO Woodsman in defense mode." The green-skinned, wooden hero appeared on the field and kneeled down. (ATK: 1000 DEF: 2000 LV: 4) "And then I'll attack your Kinetic Soldier with Gaia!" The giant hero raised his arm again and smashed the cyborg with ease.
Clover: 3500-2650
"I place one card facedown and end my turn." A card appeared behind Woodsman.
"Here goes." Clover drew. "I summon Gauntlet warrior in attack mode." The monster that appeared was a dark-skinned man wearing a blue armor with a red gauntlet on his right that had an equally red jewel in its center. (ATK: 400 DEF: 1600 LV: 3) "And this monster has a special ability. By sacrificing him, I can give all warrior type monsters on my field 500 attack and defense points. And, that power boost will last until after my monster have battled." The gauntlet wearing warrior disappeared as the boxer was surrounded by a red aura. (ATK: 1800-2300 DEF: 1000-1500) "Now BOXer, destroy his Woodsman!" (ATK: 2300-2500) The box monster gave the wooden man a right hook and sent him away before he exploded. (ATK: 2500-2000) And then, a second glowing dot could be seen on the boxer's chest.
"Why didn't she attack Gaia? She could have destroyed him and cause battle damage." Shiori pointed out.
"True, but Woodsman has the ability to transfer a Polymerization card from the deck or graveyard to Andrew's hand." Jenny reminded him. "And that would be trouble some for Clover."
"So it was better to get rid of him than give Andrew the chance to summon another fusion monster." Michael added.
Clover smirked at her successful attack. "And there goes your Woodsman."
Andrew, however, smirked back. "Don't be so cocky. You just triggered my trap, Hero Signal." He flipped up his facedown card. "Since my monster was destroyed, I can summon a level 4 or lower Elemental HERO from my hand or deck. And I choose Elemental HERO Ocean." The blue-skinned, aquatic hero appeared. (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1200 LV: 4)
"Sweet! That is just what Andrew needs." Jaden said.
"No joke." Alexis agreed. "With that monster on the field, he can return any HERO monster he wants from his field or graveyard to his hand."
"He's going to need it." Clover spoke up. "Especially after I do this…" (ATK: 2000-1800) Everyone watched as her box monster was enveloped in light.
"What's going on?" Chumley asked.
"I don't know." Syrus replied.
"Then I'll tell you." Clover said with a smirk. "My BOXer destroyed Woodsman earlier, which gave him another counter. And with two counters, I can use his second ability. By sacrificing him, I can summon an earth attribute monster from my deck. And I think I'll bring out someone you might remember, Andrew." Once the light died down, everyone could see a different monster in BOXer's place. It was a purple armored warrior with a sword that had blue jewels adorned on it.
"Whoa! Is that…?" Shiori gasped.
"It is." Xander confirmed his thought.
Despite of what seems to be his disadvantage, Andrew smiled at the sight of the new monster. "Him, huh?"
"That's right." Clover responded. "It's my good old friend, Buster Blader." (ATK: 2600 DEF: 2300 LV: 7)
"Buster Blader? No way!" Matt said in awe.
"Never thought I'd get the chance to see one this close." Shiori admitted.
"Me neither." Jenny said. "I've only heard of one duelist who used one Buster Blader, and that's Yugi Moto himself."
"It's been a long time since I saw him." Andrew said, still smiling.
"Glad you missed him, because he's about to remind you why he's my ace monster." Clover declared. "But, I have already attacked this turn, so I'll end my turn with facedown." A card appeared behind the warrior.
"Then I'll start with this…" Andrew drew a card. "I activate Ocean's ability. During my standby phase, I can take a HERO monster from my field or graveyard and add it to my hand. And I choose Blazeman." He picked up the named card from his graveyard. "And now I'll summon him to the field." The red armored fire hero appeared again. (ATK: 1200 DEF: 1800 LV: 4) "And with that, I'll use his ability to take another Polymerization from my deck." He took the spell card from his deck. "And now I'll use it fuse Blazeman and Ocean to form Elemental HERO Absolute Zero!" The two named heroes merged together and and kneeled down on the field in the form of the white armored ice hero. (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 LV: 8) "Then I'll switch Gaia to defense mode and end my turn." The giant hero crossed his arms and kneeled down as well.
"My move." Clover drew a card and eyed on Andrew's ice hero. 'I remember Absolute Zero's abilities all too well. He gets 500 attack points for every other water monster on the field. And when he leaves the field, all monsters on the opponent's side of the field are destroyed. Facing that monster is troublesome.' She then eyed on her facedown card. 'Luckily, I'm prepared. But first…' (ATK: 2600-2800) "Buster Blader, attack Gaia! Dragon Sword Attack!" The warrior leapt forward and slashed the giant hero with his sword, making explode into pixels. "And with that, I'm done." Clover concluded. (ATK: 2800-2600)
"I draw." Andrew drew a card and looked over his head. 'I don't have anything to get rid of Buster Blader, except for Absolute Zero. But her facedown card might be something to surprise me if I attack. So I'll save Absolute Zero for later.' He then took another card from his hand. "I play Monster Reborn. Now I can summon a monster from my graveyard. And I'll bring back Elemental HERO Knospe!" The little plant monster appeared next to the ice hero. (ATK: 600 DEF: 1000 LV: 3) "And then I summon Elemental HERO Lady Heat in defense mode." The red and white clad fire heroine appeared and kneeled down. (ATK: 1300 DEF: 1000 LV: 4) "And now, with another Elemental HERO on my field, Knospe can attack you directly. Go, Seed Blast!" The plant monster fired seeds from her open buds, causing Clover to shied herself with her arms.
Clover: 2650-2050
"And with her direct attack successful, her attack points are increased 100, in exchange for 100 of her defense points." (ATK: 600-700 DEF: 1000-900) "And as long as I have another Elemental HERO on the field, you're not allowed to attack her. And now, I'll end my turn, which activates Lady Heat's ability. During my end phase, you take 200 points of damage for every Elemental HERO I have." The fire heroine created a fireball and threw it at Clover.
Clover: 2050-1450
"Okay, their life points are pretty even." Jenny said.
"True, but Andrew has the clear advantage." Bastion stated. "After all, his Knospe can attack Clover directly and is safe from her attacks. The only way to stop it is to get rid of all other Elemental Heroes on Andrew's field."
"And that's easier said than done." Michael commented. "Because if she attacks Absolute Zero, all monsters on her field will be destroyed."
"And if she doesn't destroy him, there is a chance for Andrew to bring out a water monster to make him strong enough to attack Buster Blader." Shiori added.
"But I don't think we should count out Clover just yet." Xander said. "She's the most skilled duelist I've known, so I wouldn't be surprised if she found a way around this."
"Then let's see what she'll do." Jaden replied.
"My turn." Clover announced and drew a card. "Alright Buster Blader, take down his Absolute Zero!" (ATK: 2600-2800) The warrior rushed over to the ice hero and slashed him with his sword.
"I hope it was worth it…" Andrew said. "Because with Absolute Zero gone, your monster is destroyed." At that, the field was surrounded by an icy wind. And then, Buster Blader froze before his body shattered.
"He's gone." Syrus noted.
"Attacking Absolute Zero was a big mistake." Chumley added.
Jaden then narrowed his eyes. "I'm not sure if that was a mistake." He said, getting confused looks from the others.
Clover, who heard him, smirked. "Got that right. I was prepared for his effect. And now to play my facedown trap…" She flipped up her facedown card. "Call of the Haunted."
Andrew widened his eyes before he sighed. "It just had to be that one."
"Now I can summon a monster back from my graveyard. So let's all welcome back Buster Blader!" The purple armored warrior rose up on the field again. (ATK: 2600-2800 DEF: 2300 LV: 7) "And my battle phase is still on, so he can attack again. Go, Dragon Sword Attack!" The warrior struck Lady Heat with his sword. (ATK: 2800-2600) "I place two cards facedown and play Mirage of Nightmare." She placed the three cards on the table. "And that ends my turn."
"A brilliant move." Bastion commented. "She knew about Absolute Zero's ability and was prepared with her trap card. And now Knospe is the only monster on Andrew's field."
"Then he just have to play another monster." Matt said.
"I think he's going to need more than that." Shiori replied.
"My move." Andrew declared and drew a card.
"And that means of Mirage of Nightmare activates. Since your standby phase comes around, I get to draw until I have 4 cards in my hand." Clover drew her extra cards.
'And knowing her, she'll get rid of that card soon.' Andrew glanced at the card he drew. 'But still.' He placed it in his hand and played another card. "I summon Elemental HERO Ice Edge in attack mode!" The kid with the ice-like outfit appeared. (ATK: 800 DEF: 900 LV: 3) "And next I activate his special ability. By discarding one card from my hand, he can attack you directly." He took a card from his hand and placed it on his graveyard. "But first I'll attack with Knospe. Go, Seed Blast!" The plant hero fired another barrage of seeds."
Clover: 1450-0750
"And with another successful attack, she gets stronger." (ATK: 700-800 DEF: 900-800) "And now it's Ice Edge's turn! Attack her now!" He the kid dashed forward.
"I activate my trap!" One of Clover's facedown cards flipped up. "Sakuretsu Armor! And while I'm at it, I play Emergency Provisions!" Her other facedown card flipped up. "Now, I can send a number of spells or traps to the graveyard and regain 1000 life points for each one. And I'll toss out Mirage of Nightmare and Sakuretsu Armor." The two named cards disappeared.
Clover: 0750-2750
"And even though my trap card left the field because of my spell, it's effect is still on, allowing me to destroy your attacking monster." The ice hero exploded into pixels.
"Not bad." Andrew complimented. "But let's see what you do after this…" He took the card he drew earlier and placed it on the table. "I play Mask Change."
Clover gasped.
"Now I trade in my Knospe for a Masked HERO with the same attribute. Now watch as she transforms into Masked HERO Dian." The plant glowed brightly and transformed into the warrior in silver armor. (ATK: 2800 DEF: 3000 LV: 8)
"Sweet! One of his Masked heroes!" Jaden said.
"And it's strong enough to take down Buster Blader." Matt added.
"Well, Clover? Looks like you're about to lose Buster Blader." Andrew stated.
"Maybe. But I won't be alone after that." Clover replied as she discarded a card from her hand, confusing him. And then, a new monster appeared next to Buster Blader. It was a bipedal dragon with most of its body seemingly made of ice. It had black wings and a metal mask covering its face. It also had a metallic armlet on its left arm. It landed on the field and crossed its arms. (ATK: 1800 DEF: 2200 LV: 5)
"What?" Andrew was surprised.
"What is that?" Syrus wondered.
"Beats me." Chumley replied.
"This is a monster called Dragon Ice." Clover explained. "When my opponent special summons a monster, I can discard one card and summon it from my hand or graveyard."
"I see." Andrew said as he nodded. "You're going to need it. Now Dian, destroy her Buster Blader!" The silver armored hero dashed forward and slashed the purple armored warrior with her sword.
Clover: 2750-2550
"And now I activate Dian's special ability. After she destroys a monster in battle, I can summon a level 4 or lower Elemental HERO from my deck. And I know just the one. Elemental Shadow Mist!" The woman in black armor appeared. (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1500 LV: 4) "After she's special summoned, I can take a quick play spell card from my deck, as long as it's a card with the word 'Change' in its name."
"No way." Clover said while widening her eyes.
Andrew went through his deck until found the card he wanted and held it up. "And I think I'll use it right away. The spell card Mask Change II. By discarding one card from my hand, I can send a monster from my field to the graveyard and summon another Masked HERO. Now Shadow Mist, time to transform!" The female hero glowed and transformed into the jet black armored hero. "Meet my Masked HERO Anki!" (ATK: 2800 DEF: 1200 LV: 8) "Now attack her directly with Shadow Strike!" Anki melted into the shadows and disappeared for a moment before reappear right in front of Clover and smacked her.
She grunted after suffering the attack. "That hero can actually attack directly?" She asked disbelieved.
"That's right. But since he used his special ability to attack you, the battle damage was cut in half."
Clover: 2550-1150
"And with that, I end my turn." Andrew concluded.
"What a comeback." Jenny commented. "Clover seemed to get the upper hand at first, but Andrew turned the duel around."
"And with two Masked heroes on the field, she won't be able to beat him so easily." Alexis added.
"That depends on what Clover's going to do on her next turn." Xander replied.
"That's true." Jaden agreed. "One card is all what it takes to turn the tide."
Clover, despite her disadvantage, had a confident look on her face. "You got me pretty good there, Andrew. But now it's my turn." She drew a card.
"Then what will you do now?" Andrew asked.
To answer his question, she revealed the card she drew. "I play Pot of Greed. So now I can draw two more cards. And I'm confident that I'll get exactly what I need to end this duel." Clover drew her two extra cards and looked at them. It was then she smirked. "Perfect!"
Andrew widened his eyes.
"What did she get?" Matt wondered.
"We're about to find out." Shiori replied.
Clover placed one of her cards on the table. "First I play the spell card Emblem of Dragon Destroyer. If I have Buster Blader in my deck or graveyard, I can add him to my hand." SHe took back the named card from her graveyard. She then placed another card on the table. "And now I play Polymerization, allowing me to fuse Buster Blader with King of the Swamp." Along with a fusion vortex, Buster Blader appeared, along with a slimy creature that took the form a head with a pair of hands.
"Whoa! A fusion!?" Jaden exclaimed.
"And with Buster Blader, no less." Jenny added.
"But what kind of monster can be created by combining him with that swamp thing?" Syrus wondered.
"That is what makes King of the swamp useful, Syrus." Bastion replied. "When you fusion summon a monster, you can substitute it for any 1 fusion material monster, as long as the other monster is correct."
"And how does that work?" Chumley asked.
"Well, for example, if Jaden would summon Flame Wingman, he can use it as Avian and fuse it with Burstinatrix to create him."
Syrus and Chumley let out an 'uh huh' as if they understood him.
Andrew, who already knew that, started to get nervous. "Hold on. There's only one fusion monster I know about that requires Buster Blader as one of the materials."
Clover smirked. "And you're about to face that monster right now!" The two monsters entered the fusion vortex and merged as one. And then, a new monster came out of it. It was a monster that resembled the Dark Magician. But his magician outfit was dark-green with yellow lines and small jewels. He had yellow eyes and pale-green skin. And he was wielding a blade that had same yellow lines and jewels as his outfit. "Here he is! Dark Paladin!" (ATK: 2900 DEF: 2400 LV: 8)
"Mind blown!" Michael commented.
"Dark Paladin!" Shiori added.
"Yugi is known for using that monster as well." Matt pointed out.
"No way." Andrew was still shocked by Clover's monster.
"If you think Dark Paladin is amazing now, just wait for his special ability to kick in." She warned him. "For every Dragon type monster on the field and in our graveyards, he gains 500 attack points." The blade in Dark Paladin's hand overflowed with energy. (ATK: 2900-3900)
"What? 1000 extra points?" Jaden noted.
"But Dragon Ice is the only dragon type monster in play." Chumley said.
"Clover must have another one in her graveyard." Jenny realized.
"But when did she even send a dragon there?" Syrus asked.
It didn't take long for Andrew to figure that one out. "When Dragon Ice was summoned."
"That's right…" Clover replied.
Flashback
"When I summoned Dragon Ice, I discarded Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV 6."
Clover took the card in question from her hand and placed it on the graveyard.
Flashback end
"And now with that out of the way, it's time for me to play this card." She placed her last card on the table. "The spell card, Dragonic Attack!"
"What does that do?"
"This is an equip spell that can only be equipped to a warrior type monster."
"But from what I've heard, Dark Paladin is a spellcaster, not a warrior type." Jaden pointed out.
"But Andrew's monsters are." Alexis stated.
"Yup, and I think I'll add it to Dian." The silver armored hero was surrounded by a blue aura. "Now, from starters, my spell card gives the equipped monster 500 attack and defense points." (ATK: 2800-3300 DEF: 3000-3500)
"Something tells me there's a catch." Andrew said.
"Well, in your case, it is. My spell card has another twist. Take a look at this…" Everyone noticed that the aura around the masked hero brightened before she suddenly transformed. And then, they were surprised to see her new form. Her silver armor had become Dragon-like, with claws, talons and a tail. And her blue cape had become a pair of wings.
"What happened to Dian?"
"It's the second power of my equip spell. Your Masked HERO is now a dragon type." Clover's explanation made Andrew gasp. "And you know what that means, don't you?" Dark Paladin's blade was filled with more energy. (ATK: 3900-4400)
"4400 attack points!" Xander exclaimed.
"Oh my god!" Jenny said.
"And that should be enough." Clover proclaimed. "Now Dark Paladin, destroy his Anki and the rest of his life points! Magic Dragon Blade Attack!" The paladin raised his blade as it glowed with purple energy. And then, he slashed downwards, sending an energy wave that struck the dark, masked hero and created a massive explosion.
Andrew: 1400-0000
While the holograms disappeared, the spectators were shocked by the result.
"Andrew… lost?" Matt said.
"It looks that way." Michael replied calmly, despite being as shocked as the rest.
As the duelists got off of the podiums, Jenny approached Andrew, who looked down on the ground, not saying a word. "Andrew, you okay?" She asked him worriedly.
But to her surprise, he looked up and laughed. "I've never been better!" He turned to Clover. "That was a great duel, Clover."
She walked to him and smiled. "It sure was. I was a little worried back there. You almost had me there. But almost doesn't count."
"Then I'll just have to step up my game next time." He said as he raised his right fist.
Clover smirked and gave him a fist bump. "You better."
Everyone else couldn't help but smile at this moment. Despite his loss, which was the first time they ever witnessed, Andrew was still smiling. And as good as this day was getting, it had only just begun.
Whoops! Looks like Clover took a win from Andrew. But there's always next time. Sorry for the long wait by the way. I hope I'll be able to work with my next chapter faster. Until next time.
