As an older duelist, I've faced multiple challenges in my days. Now, I'm just a teacher for the Pacific duel academy.
Yet I'm not sad…I get to inspire other duelists to excel me in the world of dueling.
There are only a few things that I really hate in this world. One being if someone mocks my strategy.
The other most annoying thing is when a duelist thinks that he's so good that he doesn't need to pay attention his opponent and thinks that no one can beat him.
Right now, I'm facing one of those duelists. And if I lose…well, let's just say there are going to be some major changes around the academy.
The only thing I'm worried about is this guy's reputation and strategy…both are powerful and rare to acquire.
But he's not the only one with a surprise!
//--//--//--/-//-
Chapter 17: The Steel Heart
Legendz Descent
/-/---/-//-/--/-/
A week had passed when Densui left, and all the decks he had taken were returned to their rightful owners. In a sense, Densui had failed…but in the bigger picture he managed to accomplish what he was intended to do…
…Be a distraction from the main plan.
The cold morning breeze swept over the Duel Academy's heli-pad were a lone figure stood, allowing his Obelisk blue overcoat to fly in the air behind him. His dark hair blew gently in the air as he tugged on his overcoat in an attempt to keep himself warm.
"Damn it…" Vic cursed under his breath looking up towards the sky. "They told me to be out here about this time and they are damn late!"
Giving up on waiting for his arrival, Vic spun on his heel and began to head towards the main part of the island. "Last time I listen to jerks…better get my own plans started…"
It was then a loud sound crashed through the air, making Vic turn his head the other way just in time to see a jet black helicopter come straight towards the heli-pad. From a distance, Vic could still notice the large symbol that was painted on both sides of the vehicle. It was the same symbol that was on Zaku's overcoat and Tao's shirt.
The symbol of Team Legendz…
"About time ya bastards," Vic whispered under his breath as the helicopter began to descend onto the landing site making his overcoat and hair fly up wildly.
Soon the large vehicle began to land onto the heli-pad slowly deactivating. The doors soon opened up to reveal that Tao and Zaku were waiting to get out of the vehicle. After they leapt out of the helicopter, Vic saw the third member of Team Legendz…
…The mysterious Ashton…
As he stepped from the helicopter, Vic was assured from what he had read from the articles that this was definitely the famous Steel Heart from the Team Legendz. His combed back hair didn't seem affected by the wind. Nor did his heavy black vest (Vic guessed that the TL logo was on the back). He had no undershirt but had on red cargo pants.
The thing that really caught Vic's eye was the large silver gauntlet that was on Ashton's left hand and went up to his elbow. It had a small mechanism at its wrist that somewhat resembled a life point counter on the old kind of duel disks.
Ashton turned his fiery red towards Vic and just ignored him.
"So…this is the guy that's been helping us?" Ashton asked turning towards Zaku. "Seems like a shrimp to me…"
Zaku couldn't help but chuckle to himself before turning towards the open helicopter. "Don't underestimate him…he is a skilled duelist as well as a good hacker, thus allowing us the information needed for this to be possible."
A loud growl captured everyone's attention, so turning their heads, they saw that Tao was holding his stomach with a dumb look on his face. "Heh…guess I'm hungry…"
"We just ate two hours ago," Zaku pointed out only to get a louder growl as a response.
"I know! So we're due for a snack!" Tao shouted making sweatdroplets appear on the back of everyone else's heads.
"Ho, there will time for that later…"
Everyone turned towards the opened helicopter to see an older man standing before them. His graying black hair topped his otherwise surprisingly young face devoid of wrinkles. His black vest was marked with the Team Legendz logo on the back, underneath that was his long silver shirt with belts on the sleeves, and as well as his black baggy pants. On his chin was a small goatee.
Zaku and Tao stepped up to the mysterious old man (who in Vic's opinion really didn't look that old) and held their arms up to him. Zaku spoke softly with a small smile appearing on his face. "Mr. Vanhemer, please meet our team sponsor and father, Kurro Legendz…"
"Father?" Vic questioned that fact.
"Long story, and unfortunately we don't have time for it," Ashton stated before walking off, waving his hand towards the group. "If you need me…I'll be exploring this place…"
"Ah you youngsters now a days," Kurro sighed lifting a hand to his hair. "No matter, we can deal with this on our own…care to join us Mr. Vanhemer?"
Vic couldn't help but smile at the offer. "Of course…I enjoy to watch the results of my job…"
"Excellent, and do not worry, you shall be rewarded when this time has passed," Kurro laughed before walking towards the large academy.
-//-/--/-/-//--//-
"So…the Drunken Duelist was here?" Garu asked putting down his bowl. Yae and Zeff had finished telling Garu about how Densui was here…for the third time that week.
"Yes! Will you finally listen!" Yae shouted slamming her fist into the table.
Rox just curled himself into Zeff's laps whimpering at Yae's outburst. 'Why do I hang out with these two? Oh yeah, they're my roommates…'
Garu shrugged off the shouting to continue eating the food he was eating. It was somewhat good…but nothing special, Ayame told him it was cereal. "Okay, okay! I get it, no need to be so loud…"
Rubbing her forehead, Yae couldn't even stand being in the same room with her blue haired friend. "Why do I even bother trying?"
"Because it makes for an interesting plot-line," Zeff stated with a sheepish smile appearing on his face. Rox just barked in agreement.
"What the hell are you talking about Zeff?" Yae asked.
Zeff just turned his head upwards closing his eyes in the process. "Oh nothing…"
"Uh…its not ramen noodles, but its good," Garu sighed placing his bowl on the table. It wasn't even half-empty.
Garu just stood up looking around at the overcrowded cafeteria filled with Slifer Red students. For a moment, he felt as though he was nothing more than a normal person…but then it struck him about his years of training. Shaking his head, Garu quickly spun on his heel and started to head out the door. "See ya guys later, I'm getting out of here before I'm forced to stick for another tutoring session…"
And with that, Garu ran fast through the cafeteria and out of the doors leaving only a small dust cloud to follow him. Zeff just blinked at the sight. "I guess he's not a fan of studying on a day like today…"
"Who is?" Yae sighed placing her hands up against her chin.
//--/-/-/-/-/-
The light poured into Daigo's office from the slightly opened windows and onto the backs of Daigo and his five teachers, each of them glaring directly at the four figures in front of them. The cold silence was broken by Daigo's direct words. "Mr. Legendz…it's been too long. To what do we owe this displeasure to?"
"Now, now, now Daigo…there's no need for hostility," Kurro stated leaning up against Daigo's desk. "You wouldn't want to upset the main stock holder of this academy would you?"
Daigo's face suddenly went pale at the news presented before him. Even the teacher's faces paled as well. Satoshi narrowed his eyebrows, stepped forward and grabbed Kurro by the collar. "What the hell makes you think you are the main stock holder?"
Just then, a muscular hand grasped onto Satoshi's arm putting a large amount of pressure on the ligament. Satoshi turned his eyes directly towards the source of the arm to see a narrow eyed Tao growling at him. "I'd release your grip if you want to keep your arm…"
Before the grip became too strong, Satoshi released Kurro's collar. Turning his back, Satoshi just leaned up against the wall to vent out his anger.
With his right hand, Kurro just straightened out his collar and reached into his pocket. When he pulled out his hand, a large amount of papers were in his grasp. "These documents signify that I, Kurro Legendz, am now the proud owner of fifty-two percent of the Pacific Duel academy…"
"Thus, entitling me to make any changes that I want…"
After looking at the authenticity of the papers, Daigo just glared daggers at Kurro, then at the very student that was in front of him, no doubt that Vic had a hand in this. "Fine then…what are the changes you'll be making then?"
With a disappointed sigh, Kurro just crossed his arms and wagged a finger at Daigo. "You think too little of me…we're both sporting men here aren't we?"
"You just aim to rub salt in the wound…" Fortanu growled only to have Daigo's hand held up to his face.
"I'm listening…" Daigo replied.
Kurro just spun on his heel and began to pace back and forth. When he finally stopped, he just shot a cocky smile towards the staff. "I propose a duel…your best teacher, against my best team duelist…winner takes the fifty-two percentage ownership…"
"Why would you want to risk your ownership?" Daigo asked.
"Because I am a man of sport and feel that I should give you at least a chance…" Kurro answered scratching his chin. "So…do you accept?"
There was no doubt, Daigo nodded and covered his mouth with his hands. "Yes…"
"Excellent…you have one hour to prepare your best teacher, I'll have my best waiting for you in…how about the Slifer Red duel arena?" Kurro suggested before walking towards the door. "I'd rather not have a big crowd at the duel…"
As soon as Kurro and the other three exited the room, Daigo sighed extremely loud and reached for the drawer underneath his desk. "Satoshi you better be ready…"
"No worries sir!" Satoshi announced before saluting.
"No then…leave me…" Daigo requested waving his arms towards the door.
As soon as all of the teachers were out of the room, Daigo pulled out a small bottle of liquor and a shot glass. "And here I thought I kicked this habit…"
-//--/-//--//
The waves crashed slightly against the cliff, the air filled with the salty smell that lofted through Garu's nostrils. Garu's eyes just were fixated at the sea before him. 'Man…this seems like a great moment…the only thing that could make this moment even better is a bowl of Ramen Noodles…'
THUD! THUD!
Garu turned his head towards the right to see the mysterious Ashton sitting next to him, however it appeared that the professional duelist didn't even notice him. 'Who in the world is this guy?'
"The sea…it's so beautiful…" Ashton sighed before turning his eyes towards Garu. "You get to experience this beauty every day…while I get to experience the cold dark city almost every hour…"
Garu just raised an eyebrow at Ashton's remark, not sure what to make of it. "Huh?"
Turning his head to face directly towards Garu, Ashton couldn't help but smile. "You're lucky…you have a beautiful place to live in…"
"I guess I never really thought about it," Garu replied looking at the sea, the sun was gleaming on the ocean's surface.
"…You got a name kid?" Ashton asked before standing up.
Garu just stood up and looked up to meet Ashton's eyes, behind the powerful red eyes appeared to be a calm serene nature… Garu just smirked and raised his thumb to his chest. "Its Garu Honzou! The next dueling extraordinaire!"
From the excited kid that stood in front of him, Ashton couldn't help to smile. "My, what an energized spirit you possess…my name is Ashton Ken, though I'm pretty sure you've heard of me…"
Raising an eyebrow, Garu just looked directly at Ashton and shook his head. "No…not really…"
Ashton just fell to the ground in embarrassment, a few stars appeared around his head before he slowly stood up. "Seriously? Well, maybe you've heard of the Steel Heart?"
"Nope…not really," Garu replied sending Ashton to the ground again.
'Where has this backwater duelist come from?' Ashton thought rubbing his head before he stood up. "So…you've never heard about me before?"
"…No, was I supposed to?" Garu asked with a question mark appearing over his head.
Ashton gave up. "Naw…I guess not…"
Then something came to Garu's mind other than hunger. "Why were you talking about the beauty of this island?"
"Kid…when you get to be as old as me and travel the world a lot…you'll find that many places like this are hard to come by," Ashton answered crossing his arms towards the sea. "Everyday, nature is being plowed down in order for human kind to progress in the world…but unfortunately, us humans constantly destroy that progress with wars and the deadly sins that drive those actions…"
That was really deep…
"I'm sorry, I seemed to have gone into my train of thought," Ashton apologized rubbing the back of his head and grinned towards Garu. "Say…you mind showing me around the island a little…Garu was it?"
"Uh…Sure, I was meaning to find a way to get out of my tutoring session anyway," Garu replied with a grin.
Garu just walked forward a little letting Ashton follow behind. Ashton couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head a little. 'Kids have it easy today…never grow up kid…'
/--/-/--//--//-/-
"Hey boss, you think that Ashton can take down that Satoshi guy?" Tao asked grabbing the slushy from the cafeteria's counter.
Kurro just smiled as he sat in the cafeteria seat, in his hand was a small cup of coffee that steamed from the heat of the drink. "Relax, Satoshi may have been in the top ten duelists a while back, but he's nothing more than a has-been. Ashton is more than a match for him…"
"Only one problem…" Vic stated making Tao, Zaku and Kurro look at him.
"And what would that be?" Zaku asked placing his hand to his chin.
"Where is Ashton?" Vic questioned.
The question rang through the near empty cafeteria making Kurro, Tao and Zaku drop their drinks. Their eyes were widened as the fact dawned upon them that they didn't know where the Steel Heart went. Kurro took a deep breath and calmly turned towards Tao. "Tao…GO FIND ASHTON NOW!"
"Right sir!" Tao yelled stumbling from his seat and heading straight towards the door.
With a loud slap to the forehead, Kurro looked at his coffee spread out on the dirty cafeteria floor. "Ashton and your sentimental feelings…"
"Did you say something sir?" Zaku asked standing up.
"Yes…go look for Ashton as well," Kurro replied to get Zaku to bow towards him and quickly leave the cafeteria. Turning towards his latest companion, Kurro yawned loudly. "And what are you going to do?"
"Heh…I'll just sit back and watch the show," Vic replied crossing his arms. He knew what would happen if Ashton didn't show up or if he lost…he'd be expelled. But he had to take that chance…for his family.
-//--/-///--//-
"Dang it Garu," Takashi sighed looking at the Slifer Red cafeteria. Normally right now Takashi would be reading his book or taking a nap, but today, Kara had asked him to help her tutoring Garu today and thought that Takashi would be a good example of Ra Yellows. "I don't see him here Kara…"
Kara just turned her eyes from Takashi and saw that Zeff and Yae were still sitting at the same table earlier discussing something. "Uh, maybe his roommates know where he is…"
"We don't!" Zeff shouted making a large sweatdrop to appear on Kara's head.
"Man…he's got some good hearing…" Takashi sighed blinking a couple of times.
"Thanks!"
All of a sudden, Skylar ran through the door panting loudly. "Everyone! Get out here quick! There's going to be a duel at the Slifer Red duel arena!"
Everyone just ignored Skylar, making him lower his head in shame. "I guess no one wants to see Satoshi duel against the Steel Heart…"
At those very words, all of the Slifer Red students in the Slifer Red cafeteria charged directly to the front door pulling Skylar with them. Yae, Takashi and Kara just blinked at the sight. Zeff was the last one of the group out, but he had a more determined look on his face. 'Don't tell me that they're here already!'
"Steel heart?" Yae questioned walking up to Takashi and Kara. "What's that?"
"Um, the Steel Heart is the nickname of Ashton Ken, the best duelist on Team Legendz…" Kara explained looking out the door. "I guess a lot of the students are looking forward to some autographs…"
"Might as well check it out…who knows, Garu might be there," Takashi sighed before exiting the doors with Yae and Kara following him.
-/-/--//-/
Satoshi looked at the shuffled deck in his hand, which was the tenth time he had shuffled his deck for this match. The hour was almost up and word among the Slifer Red students that the duel was going to take place had spread like wild fire among the dorm.
Standing from the outdoor duel platform, Satoshi saw across from him Mr. Legendz and Vic glaring at him. Next to them were his employer and fellow teachers. None of the members of Team Legendz were even at the match, and if Ashton himself wouldn't show up in the next minute…Satoshi would win. 'If only life was that easy…'
Next to Vic and Kurro, Tao and Zaku appeared from the crowd of large Slifer Reds, both of them had worried looks on their faces. Zaku patted Kurro's shoulder to get his attention. "Um…sir, we have some good news and bad news…go on and tell him Tao…"
Tao's eyes widened as Zaku switched the deadly gaze that was set on Zaku onto himself, he could literally feel the sweat pouring off his head. "Uh…well…you see, we really…couldn't find…Ashton…"
"Incompetence," Kurro sighed to himself before turning to the side to see a grinning Daigo next to him.
"Well now, it looks like your chosen duelist isn't here, and if he can't get here soon then we automatically win," Daigo pointed out, all of the teachers next to him were grinning with him…even Fortanu.
"I am a man of my word, but we still have thirty seconds on the clock Daigo," Kurro stated crossing his arms and closing his eyes. "And a lot can happen in thirty seconds…"
The seconds seemed to pass like minutes to Satoshi, each one making him believe more and more that his opponent wasn't going to show up.
Fifteen seconds remained and Satoshi was slowly beginning to shut down his duel disk. In his mind he was counting down while he turned on his heel towards the platform's stairs. 'A shame really…fifteen, fourteen, thirteen,'
'Twelve'
'Eleven'
'Ten…'"And here we have the Slifer Red dueling arena!"
Everyone turned towards the source of the voice to see that Garu was standing at the semi-entrance to the outdoor arena. Next to him was none other than the Steel Heart himself, Ashton Ken. Satoshi's eyes widened at the sight and then narrowed down at the one duelist he really, really, really wanted to strangle right now…
…Unfortunately, all he got to settle for was yelling at him. "BACKWATERED DUELIST!"
Garu lowered his head and slowly turned to see Satoshi glaring daggers at him. "Well…hi ya teach…"
"I don't believe it…" Vic stuttered with his eyes wide open. "That Slifer Slacker actually did something right and brought the person we needed…"
"Ah so that is the Garu who defeated you…not what I was really expecting…" Kurro sighed motioning for Zaku and Tao to run towards Ashton.
As soon as Zaku and Tao reached Ashton, they placed their hands on his shoulders and began to lead him up to the dueling platform. Zaku was glaring daggers at his teammate. "Where the hell were you?"
"I was enjoying the scenery," Ashton replied to get his right arm squeezed by Tao.
"You can enjoy the island when we own it," Tao growled before pushing Ashton onto the dueling platform and then raised his arm into the air. "GO ASHTON!"
Stumbling in front of his opponent, Ashton clumsily pulled his deck from his belt and held it up. He then turned towards Kurro and smiled. "Um…I kind of need a duel disk…"
"Here! Use mine!" Vic shouted throwing his duel disk into the air.
The duel disk was coming in fast, but Ashton easily caught the device with one hand and slid it onto his left arm as if it was nothing. "Thanks…"
Ashton snapped his deck into the duel disk, activating the tray to fold out and stood in front of Satoshi with a smug look on his face. "I know about you Satoshi…you were once one of the best…now look at ya…"
"…You better shut your mouth, I was winning tournaments before you even came to the dueling world…" Satoshi growled as his duel disk hummed to life.
"That was then, this is now…" Ashton chuckled.
"Shut up and let's throw down!" Satoshi yelled drawing his five cards. (SLP: 4000)
A smile crept onto Ashton's face as he pulled his six cards from his duel disk. Looking at them slightly he just set one onto his duel disk and a horizontal face down monster appeared before him. "…End turn." (ALP: 4000)
"…That's it?" Satoshi asked pulling his next card from his duel disk. 'I never really saw what his strategy was about, but I guess I'll just find out now…'
"I play the ritual card, Dark Dragon Ritual!"
All of a sudden, above the out door duel arena appeared a mass of dark clouds that were sparking with a surge of dark electricity. Ashton just smiled as he looked at the clouds. Satoshi on the other hand was sliding a card from his hand into his graveyard. "So by sending a four star monster to the graveyard, I can bring out Knight of Dark Dragon (1900/1200)!"
The clouds shattered allowing a powerful black armored knight to fall to the ground. His black and red cape flowed in the air as he drew his sharp steel sword from his belt. Aiming his hand towards the face down monster, Satoshi narrowed his eyes. "And now! Paladin of Dark Dragon! Attack that face down monster!"
Still falling towards the ground, a dark aura appeared around the paladin forcing him to speed towards the face down monster at a high speed. And just as the knight was about to stab his sword into the card, it flipped up to reveal a large dark blue rat (1400/1450). The monster squeaked in pain as the sword pierced right through the beast's skull.
After sliding the card into his graveyard, Ashton just clapped. "Thank you…you just destroyed my Giant Rat…which, when destroyed by battle allows me to special summon an earth monster from my deck with fifteen hundred or less attack points…"
Satoshi just groaned as he watched Ashton pull out his deck and fan it out. After looking at the cards for a moment, Ashton selected one and placed it on his duel disk. "So say hello to the Psychic Armor Head (0/500)!"
A bright light engulfed Ashton's head, materializing a very high-tech helmet that managed to cover his red hair. The deep blue visor covered his eyes and nose. "And since that part is out of the way, why don't you finish your move."
'Armor cards? Damn it…he's using a set I hardly know anything about…' Satoshi groaned looking at his cards. "I'll set a card face down, and activate my Knight's special ability! By sacrificing him, I can summon Red Eyes Black Dragon from my deck!"
The Paladin grabbed onto his sides as a dark aura began to pulsate around his body. All of sudden, two powerful wings emerged from the warrior's back, forcing a loud scream to fill the air only to be replaced with a deep roar. The rest of the warrior's body began to transform until it resembled the familiar black dragon with the fierce crimson eyes (2400/2000). "Top that!"
"…Well if you insist," Ashton joked while drawing his next card.
Looking straight the dragon through the visor, Ashton watched the miniature targeting system in the helmet activate. "Analyzing…Target, Red Eyes Black Dragon. Type: Dragon. Level: Seven. Attribute: Darkness. Threat Level: Intermediate."
"I'll set a couple of cards face down…" Ashton announced while the cards materialized in front of him. "And then sacrifice my Armor Head in order to summon Double Cloth Armor (0/0)!"
The blue helmet just disappeared into a red light that quickly engulfed Ashton's body. When the light died down, the Steel Heart Duelist was completely covered with a bright red futuristic metallic armor. "And I'll end my turn on that…"
'Zero attack and defense? For a tribute monster?' Satoshi just shook it off and looked at his newly drawn card. 'But I'm ready for anything he's got in stored…'
"I'll go straight into my attack! Red Eyes! Inferno Fire Blast!"
The large dragon roared loudly throwing its long neck back, and unleashing the powerful red flame at the armored duelist. Just as the flame was about to make contact, Ashton jumped high into the air, to an unnatural height and grinned. "I activate the effect of my Double Cloth Armor! Counter Strike!"
A pair of jet boosters appeared on the armor's back, propelling Ashton to fly directly towards the powerful dragon. With a spin in the air, Ashton delivered a powerful heel kick straight to the dragon's head, making a loud cracking sound to fill the air.
The force of the kick sent the dragon to the ground shattering into pixels that flew directly into Satoshi sending him to the ground. "Red eyes! No!" (SLP: 2800)
Satoshi then turned towards Ashton who was gently landing on the ground, his red armor shattering every second till he was back in his normal clothing. "Oh yes…when you make the mistake of attack my Double Cloth Armor, I destroy the attacking monster and inflict half of the attack points of your dragon from your life points…"
"Interesting…but I'm not done! I activate my spell card, Red Eyes' Last Flame!" Satoshi announced as he slid his spell card into his duel disk.
The card materialized in front of Satoshi showing off a Red Eyes Black Dragon being engulfed in a large black flame. "During the turn my Red Eyes was destroyed by a card effect, I can activate this quick play card! It allows me to special summon a new monster from my deck! So come on out, Rouge of the Red (1500/1100)!"
A powerful black flame emerged on the field, and from it stepped a young man dressed in pitch black armor that resembled the scales of the Red Eye's Black Dragon. In his hands was a mysterious curved sword with a head of the Red Eye's on the hilt. The Rouge narrowed his eyes, lifted his sword up in the air and aimed it towards Ashton. "Rouge of the Red! Attack him directly!"
The rouge charged directly towards Ashton when suddenly, the Double Cloth Armor reappeared over the Steel Heart duelist's body. Then with a smile, Ashton just delivered a harsh punch to the knight's unprotected jaw sending the knight to the ground shattering. As the Double Cloth Armor disappeared once more, Ashton motioned to his face down card that flipped up. (SLP: 2150)
Its picture viewed metal shrapnel in an explosion. "Meet my trap card Magnet Armor. Which allowed me to special summon my Double Cloth Armor once more, and then you attacked…well I think you should give up, I mean, you're so old you can't even scratch my life points…"
That's when a dark vortex appeared before Satoshi, two familiar black wings erupted from the vortex. "I'll do more than scratch them, cause since you destroyed my Knight, all I have to do is remove him from play and then I can special summon a familiar dragon from the graveyard (2400/2000)!"
The vortex shattered allowing the Red Eyes Black Dragon to reappear with a powerful roar. Everyone in the crowd was cheering cause both of these duelists were dueling each with their own skills and strategies. "Seems the crowd's with me…Red Eyes! Attack directly!"
The dragon began to wind up its head preparing its flame once more, this time Ashton gulped when the flame appeared. 'Uh oh…'
All the students turned away as the dragon launched its powerful fire blast, this time actually hitting its target. Ashton just cringed as the flames died down and the many Slifer Red students began to cheer for Satoshi. (ALP: 1600)
Another card materialized before Satoshi as he raised his arm to the air. "Students! Cheer for the best!"
"Enjoy it while you can old man…its my turn!" Ashton shouted drawing his next card.
Suddenly, a bright light engulfed Ashton's head once more and the Psychic Armor Head appeared over his head. "During my standby phase I can special summon my Psychic Armor Head back to my field…And next I'll play Pot of Greed!"
A loud laugh filled the air as the green ginning pot appeared before Ashton allowing him to draw two more cards. The pot shattered as he slid another card into his duel disk. "Then, I'll play Rain of Mercy! Giving us both a thousand life points!"
Then a bright light began to rain over both of the duelists, healing them of their holographic attacks a little. (ALP: 2600) (SLP: 3150)
"Now, I play Armor Gravitation!"
The spell card materialized on the field showing a suit of armor flying in front of an orange sunburst. Ashton then pulled out his deck and the cards began to fan in front of him. "And this little spell works out greatly! I can now summon four armor monsters from my deck to my side of the field. Only they have to be level four or less…so let's give a role call!"
A dark blue aura began to engulf Ashton, then suddenly; a powerful white armored gauntlet appeared on his right arm (0/0).
"First Big Bang Blow!"
Then a second gauntlet appeared on his left arm, only covered with blue armor. (0/0)
"Second Trap Buster!"
That's when a pair of silver white armored legs covered his pants. (0/500)
"A personal favorite, Overboost!"
Finally his torso began to glow even brighter as a powerful chest-plate covered his chest and matched the rest of his armor making Ashton look fully like a robot from the future (0/0).
"And this is my Active Guard…which gains five hundred defense points for each armor monster on the field (0/2500)!" Ashton laughed flexing his new armored body.
"That's some nice armor, too bad you don't have a single attack point," Satoshi stated crossing his arms.
"Yeah, well we'll see when my Big Ban Blow attacks your Red Eyes Black Dragon!" Ashton yelled before jumping high into the air once more.
Satoshi stepped back as Ashton began to dive towards the confused dragon, but he shook it off and raised his hand towards Ashton. "Red Eyes! Counter Attack!"
The black dragon fired a quick blast of fire towards Ashton. Satoshi's eyes widened as Ashton just emerged from the flames to slam his right fist directly into the Red Eyes right between them as well.
The force then created a large explosion that sent Satoshi to the ground, when he looked up he saw the remains of his Red Eyes disintegrating before him. (SLP: 750)
Ashton just landed on the ground once more, his armor fully gone once more. "In case you're wondering, my Big Bang Blow destroys everything on the field when its destroyed and then deducts the attack points of all monsters on the field from our life points…however, my Active Guard negates the damage done to me. And that's enough damage for now…" (ALP: 2600)
Groaning as he stood up, Satoshi just glared directly at his opponent. "You'll pay for that…"
Satoshi snapped his next card and looked at it, then he glared directly at Ashton. "I summon, Blade Knight (1600/1000)!"
The famous silver armored knight appeared before Satoshi drawing its sword out towards Ashton. "And then, I activate my face down card!"
The card flipped up showing a trap card imaging a statue of the Red Eyes Black Dragon cracking. "Its called Memorial to the Red! I can summon the Red Eyes Black Dragon from my graveyard as long as this card is face up, however, it can't attack."
Ashton just eyed the black dragon as it reappeared once more. "You know, that dragon is really starting to become a thorn in my side…"
Satoshi lifted the second to last card in his hand up and slid it into his duel disk. "Then how about we change things! I activate the spell card, Red Eyes Transmigration! I need to send Red Eyes Black Dragon and a warrior monster on my side of the field to the graveyard…but then I get a set of armor myself!"
Both of Satoshi's monsters shattered into a black flame that crashed back into him. Everyone covered his or her eyes before the flame died down to show that Satoshi was now dressed up in a tight muscular black armor that resembled a familiar black dragon. Two wings were attached to his back and a long scaled tail shot from his back (2400/2000). "Lord of the Red!"
Ashton couldn't help but whistle from the sight of the new armor that stood before him. "Man that's some fancy armor you got there…but nothing I can't handle…"
"Handle this! Lord of the Red! Attack directly!" Satoshi announced before he jumped into the air with his wings spreading out.
That's when Satoshi planted the bottom of his foot right into Ashton's chest sending the Steel Heart skidding back a few feet. Ashton grabbed hold of his chest as Satoshi walked back over to his side of the field. "Not a bad shot old man…" (ALP: 200)
"I'll show you how hard my fist is next turn," Satoshi replied narrowing his eyes as Ashton drew his next card.
"There is no next turn…" Ashton replied as the Psychic Armor Head appeared over his head once more. "Because I activate the spell card, Phoenix Gravitation!"
The spell materialized, revealing the picture of a golden phoenix rising from the ground. Then suddenly Ashton's entire body was covered once more in the blue and white futuristic armor once more. "It allows me to special summon four Armor monsters from my graveyard! So I choose Big Bang Blow (0/0), Trap Buster (0/0), OverBoost (0/500) and my Active Guard (0/0 + 0/2500)!"
'Damn it! I'm going to lose!' Realization just hit Satoshi, but he shook it off and got into a fighting pose. 'But I'm not going down without a fight!'
"Ready? Here I come!" Ashton yelled as he began running towards Satoshi, raising his right fist.
"Right back at ya!" Satoshi roared charging towards Ashton at full force.
Just as the two met in the center, Satoshi brought his leg up to deliver a front kick to Ashton, who just dodged by rolling underneath. Taking the advantage of his low ground, Ashton aimed his right fist for Satoshi's chin.
The fist was about to connect when Satoshi bent backwards, forcing Ashton to fly right over him. Satoshi then took the advantage placing his hands on the ground to push his feet right into Ashton's stomach.
When Satoshi's feet were about to hit, Ashton managed to dive to the side and then used his legs to propel him towards Satoshi. Everyone was quiet as the two duelists continued to dodge each other's fists and feet.
"That's enough of a show for the crowd!" Ashton roared propelling himself towards Satoshi.
"This ends now!" Satoshi roared pulling back his right fist.
The two duelists threw their right fists towards each other, and sent the forces directly into each other's fist. Static seemed to spark from the two duelists, neither of them backing down from the challenge that was presented to them.
"Igniting Big Bang Blow," The computerized voice told Ashton.
"Big…"
"Bang…"
"BLOW!!!!!!!"
At those words, the entire arena was engulfed with a powerful explosion that made everyone cover his or her eyes. When the explosion died down, Satoshi was on the grass lying down on his back while Ashton was standing over him on the platform. "…Told ya you couldn't beat me…"
The Slifer Red students were all cheering loudly, while Takashi and Kara walked over to Satoshi and helped him to his feet.
Kurro and his small entourage on the other hand were smiling at Daigo and the rest of the teachers. "Well, well, well, it seems we've won…so the academy is ours…"
"Very well…" Daigo sighed standing up. "Let's head to my office…"
"You mean my office," Kurro corrected standing up with Daigo.
"YOUR office and get the deed…" Daigo growled being followed by Kurro.
Many of the Slifer Reds were running over to Ashton asking for autographs, while Satoshi was dealing with a certain back watered duelist alone…
"Back watered duelist…you have just made a big mistake," Satoshi started setting Garu on the seat on the other side of the dorm. "By bringing that duelist here, you caused a huge change to occur."
'You're the one who lost that duel,' Garu muttered under his breath narrowing his eyes at Satoshi.
"What did you just say?" Satoshi growled at Garu.
That made the ninja duelist jump up a little and sweat over his face. "No sir!"
"Good…anyway, this school is about to change and I need you to do something for me," Satoshi stated reaching into his overcoat pocket. From the pocket, Satoshi pulled out a small envelope and held it in front of Garu. "Do not open this envelope until you face the Steel Heart…something tells me you'll be fighting against him someday…"
Garu took the envelope and saw that it was addressed to the Back Watered Duelist. A large sweatdroplet appeared on the back of Garu's head as he turned towards Satoshi. "Why can't you do this yourself?"
"One, I need a vacation," Satoshi stated raising his fingers one by one. "Second…if you hadn't of brought Ashton to the damn Slifer Red Duel Arena, this wouldn't be happening!"
-/-/-/-/-/-/-
"There…this academy is now yours Mr. Legendz," Daigo stated as he watched Kurro jump into his padded chair.
"Excellent, you can leave Daigo…" Kurro laughed before he saw that Daigo was already exiting the room.
From the other sides of the room, Zaku and Tao walked up to Kurro's new desk and saluted. Zaku lowered his hand and placed it on the desk. "Now that we have the academy sir, what is your next move?"
Kurro just spun around in his chair before getting serious. "…We're going to start some changes around here…and really big ones!"
"Um…what about that Vic guy?" Tao asked scratching his cheek.
"Ah yes…him. Well, he'll be the first to go," Kurro replied before turning his back to his two duelists.
/-/--//--//-/--//-
Cards
Psychic Armor Head / Earth / LV. 4 / ATK: 0 / DEF: 500 / Machine/Effect: This card is considered an Armor Monster. Only one Armor Monster on your side of the field can attack per turn. You can only have one "Psychic Armor Head" on your side of the field at one time. If this card is the target of an attack, you may redirect the attack to another Armor Monster on your side of the field. If this card is in your Graveyard during your Standby Phase, you can Special Summon it. During your Draw Phase, you can forfeit your normal draw to search your deck for one Armor Monster.
Description: A blue and white futuristic helmet
Double Cloth Armor / Earth / LV. 6 / ATK: 0 / DEF: 0 / Machine/Effect: This card is considered an Armor Monster. Only one Armor Monster on your side of the field can attack per turn. This card cannot attack on the turn it is summoned. If this card battles an opposing Monster, destroy the opposing Monster and deal damage to your opponent equal to half the destroyed Monster's ATK. Then, destroy this card.
Description: A full-bodied red armor
Trap Buster / Earth / LV. 3 / ATK: 0 / DEF: 0 /Machine/Effect: This card is considered an Armor Monster. Only one Armor Monster on your side of the field can attack per turn. If this card is the target of an attack, you may redirect the attack to another Armor Monster on your side of the field. Negate the effects of Trap Cards that would target an Armor Monster or that would destroy a Monster as part of its effect.
Description: An armored blue gauntlet
Big Bang Blow / Earth / LV. 3 / ATK: 0 / DEF: 0 / Machine/Effect: This card is considered an Armor Monster. Only one Armor Monster on your side of the field can attack per turn. If this card is the target of an attack, you may redirect the attack to another Armor Monster on your side of the field. During your Battle Phase, you can offer this card as a Tribute to destroy all Monsters on both sides of the field, and deal damage to both players equal to the combined ATK of the destroyed Monsters.
Description: A white armored gauntlet
Over Boost / Earth / LV. 4 / ATK: 0 / DEF: 500 / Machine/Effect: This card is considered an Armor Monster. Only one Armor Monster on your side of the field can attack per turn. If this card is the target of an attack, you may redirect the attack to another Armor Monster on your side of the field.
Description: A pair mechanical legs covered in silver armor
Active Guard / Earth / LV. 4 / ATK: 0 / DEF: 2500 / Machine/Effect:
This card is considered an Armor Monster. Only one Armor Monster on your side of the field can attack per turn. If this card is the target of an attack, you may redirect the attack to another Armor Monster on your side of the field. Increase this card's DEF by 500 for each Armor Monster on your side of the field. Negate all damage done to your Life Points by Monster effects and Spell Cards.
Description: An armored chest plat with blue metal.
Magnet Armor / Trap / Effect: Special Summon one Armor Monster from your Graveyard. At the end of the turn, destroy the Special Summoned Monster.
Image: Metal shrapnel in an explosion.
Armor Gravitation / Spell / Effect: You can only use this card if "Psychic Armor Head" is on your side of the field. Special Summon up to four Armor Monsters of four stars or less from your deck. Then, reshuffle your deck.
Image: A full suit of armor in an orange sunburst.
Phoenix Gravitation / Instant Spell / Effect: You can only use this card if "Psychic Armor Head" is on your side of the field. Special Summon four Armor Monsters of four stars or less from your Graveyard.
Image: A phoenix amid flames.
-The following cards were used by Valon.
Dark Dragon Ritual / Ritual Spell / Effect: This card is used to Ritual Summon "Knight of Dark Dragon". You must also offer Monsters whose total star levels equal four or more from your hand or the field.
Image: A dark knight wandering underneath darkened storm clouds.
Knight of Dark Dragon / Dark / LV. 4 / ATK: 1900 / DEF: 1200 / Warrior/Ritual/Effect: This Monster is Ritual Summoned via the effect of "Dark Dragon Ritual". You must also offer Monsters whose total star levels equal four or more from your hand or the field. Offer this Monster as a Tribute to Special Summon one "Red Eyes B. Dragon" from your hand or deck. A "Red Eyes B. Dragon" summoned in this way cannot attack on the turn it is summoned.
Description: A rough looking man wearing black armor with dragon like features.
Red Eyes Transmigration / Ritual Spell / Effect: This card is used to Ritual Summon "Lord of the Red". You must also offer one "Red Eyes B. Dragon" and one WARRIOR-Type Monster as Tributes from your hand or the field.
Image: A Dark figure standing in a blue flame with flame erupting from his head.
Lord of the Red / Dark / LV. 7 / ATK: 2400 / DEF: 2000 / Warrior/Ritual/Effect: This Monster is Ritual Summoned via the effect of "Red Eyes Transmigration". You must also offer one "Red Eyes B. Dragon" and one WARRIOR-Type Monster as Tributes from your hand or the field. When two Magic Cards are played in the same turn, after the resolution of the second Magic Card, destroy all Monsters on the field, except this one.
Description: A connection of demonic armor in the shape of a Red Eyes Black Dragon with sharp wings and a long tail.
-The following four cards were used by Joey
Red Eyes' Last Flame / Instant Spell / Effect: This card can only be activated during the turn when a face up 'Red Eyes Black Dragon' was destroyed as a card effect. Special summon one 'Rouge of the Red' from your deck.
Image: Red Eyes Black Dragon being engulfed in a large black flame
Rouge of the Red / Dark / LV. 4 / ATK: 1500 / DEF: 1100 / Warrior/Effect: When this card is destroyed by a card effect, you may special summon one 'Red Eyes Black Dragon' from your graveyard.
Description: A young man dressed in pitch-black armor that resembled the scales of the Red Eye's Black Dragon. In his hands was a mysterious curved sword with a head of the Red Eye's on the hilt.
Memorial to the Red / Continuous Trap / Effect: Special summon one 'Red Eyes Black Dragon' from your graveyard. As long as this card remains face up on the field, the special summoned monster cannot attack. If this card is destroyed, return one 'Red Eyes Black Dragon' on your side of the field back to your hand.
Image: A statue of the Red Eyes Black Dragon cracking