YGO Academy

Chapter 4

What Your Deck Means

A new morning rose for the students at Duelist Academy as Mikee woke up, looking up at the yellow ceiling. The sun was starting to shine through the closed black curtains as he rose up and stretched, looking at the bed on the other side of the room, which was empty. On it was just his things that he threw there the night before as he was up dueling others. The Ra Yellow student didn't have the time to put things away, nor that he had a roommate this year. All dorms had rooms for the students and these varied as well. He remembered that the Slifer Reds had bunk beds that could hold four in a room. Ra Yellows shared their room with another person and he heard that Obelisk Blues had their own rooms in their massive dorms.

Normally, people would like to have their own room, but not Mikee. He wanted a roommate, but wasn't fortunate to get one this year apparently. He ran his hands through his brown hair and figured he didn't need to comb it out as he stood up, opening the curtains. The clock in his room read that there was about two hours left before their first class started. The sunlight shone over his standard Duel Disk as his deck sat on the nightstand. Junk Synchron was on the top of the deck as he picked it up and smiled at his favorite monster. He already heard other Ra Yellows dueling outside to warm up for today. He wanted to join them, but he needed to set up his room. His suitcase was set across the room, next to the closet as inside was his clothes and other cards he's collected over the time of his dueling career. He took out a picture frame that was within his clothes as his look darkened a bit. It was a simple wooden frame with himself and two women with two guys. The only girl smiling on there was someone slightly older than he was, but the other three weren't. They seemed to be miffed about taking the photo. This was a photo of his family. The older girl was his sister, probably the only one in his family supporting his desire to be a top Duelist. They didn't enjoy the thought of dueling or Turbo Duels, but Mikee did. He loved duels, the card game, and the ability each duel had to bring people together. He wasn't going to let his family change his mind.

The students were shouting outside as it sounded like someone probably turned it around in a duel or something, which interrupted his thoughts once again. Getting slightly annoyed, he put the picture on the nightstand and hurried through his clothes, taking out another picture. This one was the most recent, which was last year at Duel Academy when he was a Slifer Red. On the picture was Tigara and Neo as she had him in a headlock, the group laughing. He put it next to his family picture as he went to put on his uniform and blue shirt. A duel or two wouldn't hurt for a quick warm-up before school started.

The bells were beginning to ring as most of the students were filling into the Auditorium. For most students, this was their first class as the Slifer Red Head, Byron stood at the podium. He watched all the students begin to take their seats and cease their conversations. The teacher was excited for the new year at school. "Good morning, students!" Byron greeted as most of the students responded right back with various hellos and goodbyes. "As most of you are aware, I teach the basics of Duel Monsters. This varies between deck building tips and finding what suits each duelist individually. For this week, we're going to begin with the most basic: Why people use certain decks. I'll begin with my deck. For those who have dueled me last year, I use the Scrap monsters archtype. They focus on their own destruction from their parts and form stronger monsters. I love these monsters because they remind me of my students. You start off small, picking off scraps and taking losses until you form your strongest deck. Now, let's see..." Byron asked as he was looking to his students who were listening. Holograms popped up in front of him as these were simply the names of his pupils.

"...Ah, Mikee Aeros, I remember you from last year, runner-up of last year's tournament! Is Tigara still with us?" He asked. Mikee looked around as the mentioned duelist raised her hand with a smile. "Good, I expect a lot from you two this year just as much as I do with Neo and Cryo. Now, Mikee, what about you? What deck do you primarily use?" Byron asked.

Mikee stood up as he answered, "Synchrons, sir, and Stardust Dragon."

"Stardust Synchrons, it sounds familiar. Why do you like using them? There's a vast number of archtypes out there, including the new Yang-Zings Synchro archtype that's probably faster. Why use the Synchrons?" The teacher asked.

"W-well, I like Synchrons because they call upon smaller monsters to create something powerful. Junk Warrior is my favorite monster because of it, and the stories of how Yusei Fudo saved Neo Domino City inspired me to run Synchrons." Mikee answered, getting some nods and looks from his peers. Byron was nodding as he walked back and forth on the podium. "Yes, the stories of Yusei Fudo are true, along with the other heroes of the past are true. The story of Jaden Yuki is true here, being the strongest Duelist in the school despite being a Slifer Red is true along with Yugi Moto and Yuma. They are to this day very strong duelists who fought the odds because they strongly believed in their cards. The cards they were seen using were re-printed for everybody to use, and because of that, they're popular, but common. It's good to use something familiar to you, but it's also just as good to use different decks. Some like to change it up to try and find the unbeatable deck, but that's one point I want to make with everyone. There is no deck that's invincible. Every archtype has a weakness that can be exploited. For instance, your Synchrons are weak on their own, Mikee. If somehow someone stopped the Synchro Summon, you'd be left with low leveled monsters unable to defend themselves." Byron told him as he took a seat. The teacher stopped moving as he looked to each of his students seriously. "As duelists of Duel Academy, it is our job to pursue new levels of strength. Like Duel Monsters, we are always changing, evolving to surpass our limits. Only them can we rise to the top and continue shattering expectations."

The students were murmuring about Byron's little speech as the only one not talking was Danielle. The Obelisk Blue looked bored, just keeping her eyes on the other students as they seemed inspired by their teacher's words. Her expressionless gaze went back down to Mikee as he pulled out his deck after he sat down and looked at the Junk Synchron in front of it. The Ra Yellow sitting next to the magenta-haired woman looked at Mikee as well, seeming interested. She had long sky-blue hair and wore black jeans along with a long sleeved coat.

"Let's have a duel to warm up your decks for the later classes. Mikee, care to give a demonstration of your Synchrons?" Byron asked the student. He nodded as the Ra Yellow walked down to the podium. The wall opened up on one side of the wall as something mechanical was walking out. Students gasped as some stood up to get a better look. A large humanoid robot was making its way to the podium. It was humanoid in shape and looked like a professional boxer. In fact, it looked like a Duel Monster. "Dueling Robot Spar: Online. Awaiting Directive." It spoke in a robotic tone.

"A dueling robot! Awesome!" Some of the students were saying.

"Yes, Dueling Robots have been with us for a long time. They serve multiple functions, but this is the Academy's specially designed robot for dueling. All you need to do is initiate the duel." Byron told him. Mikee nodded as he looked to Spar, it standing there waiting for direction.

"Spar! I, Mikee Aeros, challenge you to a Duel!" Mikee demanded. The robot's eyes glowed and blinked at his vocal command. "Voice Recognition: Michael Aeros. Ra Yellow Class. Duel Accepted. Duel Conditions: 4000 LP." It spoke.

"I accept the conditions. Let's duel! Duel Disk, set! D-Gazer, set!" Mikee called forth as his equipment was set. Spar's left arm transformed into a hologram duel disk as it was ready.

DUEL!

Mikee: 4000 LP

Spar: 4000 LP

"First turn to Spar. New rules in order. First turn no draw. Summon Battlin' Boxer Headgeared in Attack Mode." The dueling robot dictated as a purple and black boxer appeared as it punched its fists together, ready for a fight. [Battlin' Boxer Headgeared is a Level 4 FIRE Warrior with 1000 ATK and 1800 DEF.] Mikee assumed it was the Battlin' Boxer archtype as the monster he looked at turned to face against its robot master. "Headgeared activate. Sending Battlin' Boxer Counterpunch to Graveyard from Deck." Spar declared as a card flew from his Deck into the Graveyard. A light shone next to Headgeared as a version of Spar appeared, taking a guarding position. "Special Summon Battlin' Boxer Sparrer from hand, conditions met." It stated. Battlin' Boxer Sparrer is a Level 4 FIRE Warrior with 1200 ATK and 1400 DEF. They both shone in a bright light as a galaxy opened up before them, the Dueling Robot performing an XYZ Summon. "I overlay Headgeared and Sparrer to form the Overlay Network. XYZ Summon!" The robot declared as a pillar of fire shot from the galaxy as a gigantic boxer rose up as it seemed restrained by chains and a weight on its back. "Battlin' Boxer Lead Yoke!" Battlin' Boxer Lead Yoke is a Rank 4 FIRE Warrior with 2200 ATK and 2000 DEF.

"This robot is good. Normally, Sparrer can be Special Summoned, but you can't conduct your Battle Phase in Summoning it. Since it's the first turn, it doesn't have to worry about it. Now Mikee is staring down a huge monster." Neo stated as he was sitting behind Tig. She nodded, watching as Mikee drew his card. "He's good, but this is Battlin' Boxers here. They're versatile. They can take attacks and dish out practically anything. Mikee's Shooting Star Dragon won't help him here with Lead Yoke right there." The Obelisk female stated. Mikee looked at his cards and stared at the monster glaring down at him. "Let's go! I activate the Spell card, Tuning! With this, I can take a Synchron Tuner monster from my Deck and add it to my hand at the cost of milling the top card of my Deck. I add Quickdraw Synchron!" Mikee declared as he took the small Machine monster. His eyes widened as he milled Treeborn Frog, it hitting the Graveyard. Cool, Treeborn. I got a lucky mill for once. That means I have some backup at least. But now I can't put this Trap card in my field. Hmm... Mikee thought. He needed to wait the next turn, but knowing the robot since it wasn't holding anything back, it would take any chance at ending his low 4000 LP. "I have to do it, I'm going all out! Since you control a monster and I don't, I can Special Summon Unknown Synchron!" Mikee declared as a small metal ball appeared, looking around quickly. Unknown Synchron is a Level 1 DARK Machine Tuner with 0 ATK and 0 DEF.

"Next, by discarding Quillbolt Hedgehog from my hand, I can Special Summon that Quickdraw Synchron I got with Tuning!" Mikee declared as he discarded his monster to summon the little cowboy hat wearing machine. He held up his Duel Disk as Quillbolt Hedgehog appeared at the side of his Level 5 Tuner. "Thanks to Quillbolt's effect, by having a Tuner monster in my field, I can Special Summon it from my Graveyard, AND by Special Summoning a monster from the Graveyard, I can Special Summon Doppelwarrior from my hand!" Mikee declared as four monsters all stood on his side of the field in Defense mode.Doppelwarrior is a Level 2 DARK Warrior with 800 ATK and 800 DEF. The blue-haired girl looked surprised at this point as Danielle leaned back and looked bored. The Ra Yellow raised his hand as Quickdraw Synchron and Doppelwarrior leaped up. "I tune my Level 2 Doppelwarrior with my Level 5 Quickdraw Synchron! With your almighty axe, cut past the walls and emerge victorious! I Synchro Summon the powerful Junk Beserker!" Mikee called forth his powerful Warrior. Junk Beserker: 2700 ATK/1800 DEF. Two tokens appeared at the side of Beserker as they were minature versions of Doppelwarrior. Doppel Tokens are Level 1 DARK Warriors with 400 ATK and DEF. His hand still was raised as his Quillbolt Hedgehog and two Tokens rose up with his Unknown Synchron. "I tune my Level 2 Quillbolt Hedgehog and my two Level 1 Doppel Tokens with my Level 1 Unknown Synchron! No matter the defenses, your range will pierce through! I Synchro Summon Catapult Warrior!" Mikee declared as a brand new Warrior appeared in Defense mode. It was grey and blue with two massive catapults attached to its arms. Catapult Warrior is a Level 5 EARTH Warrior Synchro with 1000 ATK and 1500 DEF.

"Catapult Warrior? That's a new Warrior. I see what he's getting at. Since he can't destroy it with one shot, he's going after the Life Points." Marth said as he was sitting next to Luna. She nodded, remembering the Beserker monster. He pointed at the huge boxer as the axe-wielding warrior lifted its axe to the side. "Junk Beserker, attack Battlin' Boxer Lead Yoke! Almighty Swing!" Mikee declared as Junk Beserker swung its axe. It hit Lead Yoke, but it wasn't destroyed. Instead, one of the units on it flew to its bindings and released it. Spar took the damage however. Spar: 3500 LP. "Lead Yoke's effect activates. By releasing a unit, it prevents destruction. When Lead Yoke releases a unit, it gains 800 ATK." Spar stated as Lead Yoke stood up straighter. Lead Yoke: 3000 ATK.

The Battle Phase ended as Mikee mentioned to his Catapult Warrior as it aimed its arms at Spar. "I activate Catapult Warrior's effect! By tributing a Junk monster, I can inflict damage equal to that monster's original Attack power! Take this!" He declared as Junk Beserker jumped on top of Catapult Warrior. It was launched straight at Spar, causing great damage to Spar as it stepped back. Spar: 800 LP.

"If this was a Surreal Duel, this would be near the point of surrender." Cryo brought up, nearby Tigara as she looked his direction. Byron seemed to hear this as he cleared his throat. "Yes, Cryo. Surreal Duels are a new Duel style that has been popping up. It's a dangerous Duel ruleset where depleting Life Points causes slight physical damage to the opponent. The stronger the hit, the more damage it did. An attack like what our strong Ra Yellow pulled off would have knocked out normal people. Surreal Duels aren't banned in Duel Academy, but we do not recommend it. There are some duelists who specialize in this outside of Duel Academy as they seem to have been inspired by the Shadow Duelists of old." Byron educated the class. Danielle in the back had a small grin on her face as her other friends laughed a bit at this. The Ra Yellow set a card and ended his turn.

"Turn Start. Draw. Battlin' Boxer Shadow effect activate. By removing a unit from Lead Yoke, Special Summon from my hand." Spar declared, having a slight glitch in its speech. One of the XYZ units pierced Lead Yoke's last restraint as it rose up at full power, ready to fight. Lead Yoke: 3800 ATK The XYZ unit now shot into the ground as a dark-colored boxer rose up, punching the air quickly. Battling Boxer Shadow is a Level 4 FIRE Warrior with 1800 ATK and 1400 DEF.

"I don't think so! Activate Trap Card, Torrential Tribute!" Mikee activated the face-down he placed. "With this card, it activates when someone Summons a monster, and it destroys all monsters on the field! Since Lead Yoke is out of units, that means it's down for the count!" A huge blue wave splashed out of the card as not only did this take out the two Battlin' Boxers, but his own Catapult Warrior as well. The other duelists seemed to question his choice in move, but the Ra Yellow duelist seemed pleased with himself. That Counterpunch is still in the Graveyard. I know if he banishes that, any one of his Battlin Boxers gains 1000 ATK. He could just has easily added that power to Lead Yoke and ended me with one shot. I need to be on my toes for this match. Mikee thought as he saw Byron nodding. It seemed that his teacher thought the very same he did. Spar on the other hand seemed to be making beep noises. It regained its momentum when it activated a Spell. "Activate Battlin' Boxing Spirits. Cost of top card to the Graveyard, then target Battlin' Boxer from Graveyard and Special Summon in Defense mode." Spar stated as Sparrer came back up from the ground in Defense Mode. Sparrer: 1400 DEF.

"Summon Battlin' Boxer Switchhitter in ATK position." The Dueling Robot summoned another boxer as this one was firing out quick jabs and had metal attachments for arms and a leg. Battlin' Boxer Switchitter is a Level 4 FIRE Warrior with 1500 ATK and 1400 DEF. The new monster punched the ground as it shone and Shadow came from the ground, ready to fight. Shadow: 1800 ATK. "Effect of Switchitter, Special Summon Battlin' Boxer from Graveyard." It stated as all three Boxers began to shine and enter into a galaxy once again. "Overlay Switchitter, Sparrer, Shadow. XYZ Summon. Number 105: Battlin' Boxer Star Cetus." Spar declared as a new huge monster rose from the ground as this one was golden and blue with two huge shields attacked to its shoulder blades. Thee Overlay units surrounded it as it roared proudly. Battlin' Boxer Star Cetus is a Rank 4 FIRE Warrior with 2500 ATK and 1600 DEF. Mikee took a step back as this thing meant trouble. "Battle Phase. Star Cetus attacks directly." It commanded as the powerful boxer aimed its fist and fired a flaming punch that knocked Mikee back a couple of steps. Mikee: 1500 LP. "Turn End."

"Tch, my turn!" Mikee declared as he drew his card and his eyes widened. He swung his hand as Treeborn Frog revived itself due to effect. He looked at the only two cards in his hand as he set a monster and the face-down. "I end my turn."

"Turn Begin. Draw." It spoke as it drew and made more beeps. It was quiet for a moment before making its move. "Battle Phase. Star Cetus attacks Treeborn Frog." It commanded again as the poor frog didn't stand a chance against the huge monster. Now with a Spell card on the field, it wasn't going to come back. "Turn End." It commanded.

"Gotcha. I activate my face-down, Scapegoat! With this, four Sheep Tokens come straight to m side!" Mikee declared as four familiar tokens came to his field. The crowd gasped as Mikee drew his card. Again, his eyes widened as he closed his eyes. Victory was in his grasp as he took a stance. "It's time to win this! I Flip Summon Scrap Beast!" Mikee declared as the monster he had lying face-down roared onto the battlefield as it looked like a mechanical dog. Scrap Beast is a Level 4 EARTH Beast Tuner with 1600 ATK and 1300 DEF. Byron seemed to be the most impressed as he nodded to the use of a Scrap monster. He raised his palm into the air once more as all his Sheep Tokens rose up with Scrap Beast. "I tune all of my Level 1 Sheep Tokens with my Level 4 Scrap Beast! Created from the parts of your fallen comrades, come seek your vengence against this world! Synchro Summon! Scrap Dragon!" Mikee called forth a huge purple machine-like dragon monster as it screeched onto the battle field, surprising the audience. Scrap Dragon is a Level 8 EARTH Dragon Synchro with 2800 ATK and 2000 DEF.

"Wow, he got the teacher's signature monster out! That's awesome! He's going to win!" Various older students shouted out. Mikee nodded as he picked the last card in his hand. "I now summon Spore to my field in Attack position. With this, I can freely activate Scrap Dragon's effect! By destroying a card on my field, I can destroy a card you control! I destroy Spore to destroy your Battlin' Boxer monster!" Mikee declared. Scrap Dragon stared down at his little puffball monster as it emitted a tractor beam of sorts and absorbed the creature. It then fired a quick blast at Star Cetus, destroying it and leaving the dueling robot wide open. "Now, finish this duel! Scrap Dragon, attack Spar directly! Scrap Buster!" Mikee declared as his Scrap Dragon roared and fired a purple blast, hitting Spar directly as it stood there, unaffected by the damage, but the Life Points dropped.

Spar: 0 LP

Mikee: 1500 LP.

Mikee is the victor of this Duel.

The students cheered for the Ra Yellow duelist as Byron applauded for his student. Spar remained there, beeping as it did before. It seemed like it entered a Stand-By mode. "Congradulations, Aeros. You've improved your dueling skills quite a bit since last year. I look forward to seeing you duel more. As for the rest of you, learn a thing or two from this duel. Class dismissed." Byron announced to the class as students got up. The teacher nodded to the Ra Yellow and left to put Spar away. He turned around as his friends grouped up and waved to him. Before he joined up with them, the sky blue haired girl walked up to him. "Hey, that was a good duel, I'm impressed." She said.

"Uh, thanks. And you are?" Mikee asked.

"Oh, sorry. My name's Rika Andrews. You were pretty good there. I wouldn't mind having a duel with you one day." She asked.

"Sure, when do you want to duel?" Mikee asked. She thought about it for a second before his friends called out to him again. "I guess another time, I'll find you, okay?" She asked. He nodded as she walked off alone.

"Hey, Mikee, good duel!" Neo told him as they were all walking out. The next class was towards the Ra Yellow dorm. "Thanks, the 4000 LP threw me off though, but I was surprised the robot didn't use Counterpunch from the beginning." Mikee wondered outloud.

"It was probably formulating a strategy. It seems to be one of those robots that don't think on the fly, but stick to one plan unless it was disrupted. Hence the beeping noises." Tigara pointed out. He nodded as he was thinking about the girl that approached him. The others didn't bring it up thankfully as they would tease about the sort of thing. A cute girl approaching him out of nowhere and in Ra Yellow as well.

And yet, there was a sort of...foreboding feeling about her too.