UPDATE NOTES: MADE MINOR TWEAKS TO CHAPTER 1'S DUEL TO PROPERLY FINISH HEITMANN'S LIFE POINTS.
Me: Alright, end of the year, new story favorite/follow... let's see who it was... (looks and sees a writer who wrote a fic from my highschool days). Let's get rowdy. Last time we had Chazz taking on Heitmann with his own twist. This time, we visit a scenario that was somewhat dropped from 5D's. As I saw in the comments section for 'Lessons Learned' in the YGO YT channel, something started to click... and here we are.
How will Yusei fare against Sly? What happened while Chazz faced the loudmouth faculty member? Only one way to find out.
Unknown voice: "In the regular canon, we see a Sly who simply looks at Stardust Dragon in an odd envy, a desire for power. Here, Yusei managed to defeat Rudolph Heitmann, a feared Vice-Chancellor in Duel Academy. In most continuities, Stardust Dragon is handed to Yusei the day before the duel with Heitmann. But what if, for some reason..."
CHAPTER 2: WHAT IF... Sly stole Stardust Dragon?
Why was the campus so big? This was one of the thoughts running through Yusei's mind. What was simply meant to be a trip to Duel Academy ended up becoming a chase for the one who stole Stardust Dragon the day before. At first he thought that for some odd reason he misplaced it, but after checking his home in every nook and cranny, but had to stop to rest and tend to the favor he was asked by a man in a suit. Making his way around a school, he caught sight of an oh so familiar card, and after calling out to the kid, one he thought was called 'Sly', the kid ran. And so, the chase continued, only for them to end up in a random section of the school.
"Give back Stardust this instant please!"
"No, not after I managed to get it in my hands!"
"Why did you steal it?"
"Why should I tell you? In fact, why don't we duel for Stardust?"
'So that's how it's going to be... it's going to be like Jack all over again, but maybe less painful.'
"Fine, but you need to tell me why you stole it, win or lose."
"Heh, sounds good by me." A whirring took place, Duel Disks activated as they began combat.
"LET'S DUEL!"
Sly: 4000 - Yusei: 4000
1. Sly
"I'll go first, Yusei," Sly said, looking at his opponent as he drew. "I'll start by setting a monster face-town and end my turn. Your move."
2. Yusei
"It's my draw, and I think I'll summon 'Sonic Warrior' in Attack Mode (1000)!" the Signer said, as a teal warrior appeared. "Now Sonic Warrior, attack that face-down monster!" With a quick sprint and a high jump, the warrior ended by jumping on the card, ready to destroy it. As he was destroying it, he seemed to stop mid-action.
"You might be wondering what's going on, well that's my 'Crystal Seer' (100 DEF). When she's flipped, I can check the top two cards on my Deck. I can add one to my hand and send the other to the bottom of my Deck." Once Sly resolved Seer's effect, Sonic Warrior resumed its trajectory, the Spellcaster now destroyed.
"I'll end my turn with two face-downs, now tell me why you took Stardust."
3. Sly
"I thought you were more patient, Yusei. Jack is usually the loud one. Anyways… I'll Normal Summon 'Defender, the Magical Knight' in Attack Mode (1600 ATK)!" A warrior in blue armor appeared, with golden details and red gems on his armor. It held a matching big shield that matched its armor. "When it's Normal Summoned, I get to put a Spell Counter on it, but more to that later," he added, the gem on the shield now glowing. "Now Defender, destroy that Sonic Warrior!" And so, the Spellcaster prepared to charge, gaining momentum and ramming Yusei's monster into him.
"That's all for now, make your move."
Sly: 4000 - Yusei: 3400
4. Yusei
"I don't know why you'd steal Stardust from me, or why you'd go so far to steal altogether, but if it'll take a duel to get an answer, then so be it. I'll summon 'Debris Dragon' in Defense Mode (2000 DEF) and throw down a face-down." A short dragon appeared and shielded itself with its wings as a face-down card appeared next to it.
5. Sly
"Is that it? Fine, I'll start my turn by summoning 'Arcane Apprentice' in Attack Mode, but he won't be sticking around for long," Sly said, the mentioned monster turning into green rings and enveloping Defender. "I Synchro Summon 'Tempest Magician', in Attack Mode (2200 ATK)! Since Arcane Magician was sent to my Graveyard for a Synchro Summon, I get to add a certain Trap Card from my deck to my hand. Now that that's done, I can activate Tempest's effect. When she's Synchro Summoned, she gets a Spell Counter. Now that I have her on the field, I'll activate the Field Spell called 'Magical Citadel of Endymion!'" Once the student finished his sentence, the setting changed to what seemed like a giant building with several floating structures around them.
"This is where the fun begins: I'll activate my 'Reload' Spell Card! First I send my hand to my deck and then-"
"You get to draw cards equal to the amount you sent, I know," Yusei said, now miffed.
"Annoyed already, or did you already see this card before?"
"Not too long ago," Fudo countered, before the youngest of the two continued. Once the cards were drawn, one of the structures started to glow. "What's with the glow?"
"Oh that? Just my Field Spell getting a Spell Counter when a Spell is activated... more on that later."
"You said that before, but if it has to be that way, then I'll activate 'Mystical Space Typhoon' to destroy your Field Spell!" As the typhoon formed, the structure that lit up earlier lost its glow, the source of it barreling into the typhoon and slowly undid the effect. Once done, another structure began to glow.
"Ah, one of my Citadel's effects. If it were to be destroyed, I can simply remove a Spell Counter to protect it. Not only that, but since you technically activated a Spell, now I'm back to having one Spell Counter on my Field Spell! Now where was I, Yusei? I remember, a little card known as 'Spell Power Grasp'! With it, I can add a Spell Counter to a suitable card, and my Citadel will do just fine. Once the counter is added, I can add a copy of 'Spell Power Grasp' from my Deck to my Hand."
(Spell Counters on Citadel: 1+2=3)
"Fine, continue."
"Thank you. Tempest Magician, attack Debris Dragon with Mana Cleaver!" The scythe the Synchro Monster had began to glow a low blue color before the energy was sent towards Yusei's monster, destroying it in the process.
"I end my turn."
6. Yusei
"It's my draw! This'll help even the odds. First, by discarding a monster from my hand, I can Sp. Summon 'Quickdraw Synchron' in Defense Mode (1400 DEF)!" Several shots were heard, only for a small machine to appear, twirling its guns before it got into a kneeling position. "Then, I'll activate 'Graceful Revival' to bring back Sonic Warrior from the Graveyard! Quickdraw, prepare to Synchro Summon! Watch as my monsters take on a stronger form, one that'll bring a different kind of power to the fight... I Synchro Summon 'Nitro Warrior', in Attack Mode!" From the cluster of stars and rings came a certain green machine, its demon-like face on display (2800 ATK).
"Nitro Warrior, send Tempest to the scrapheap with Dynamite Crunch!" The Warrior seemed to barrel at the Spellcaster at blinding speeds, the impact felt by Sly.
"That'll do for now."
7. Sly
"I think you messed up earlier, Yusei, but don't worry, everybody makes mistakes. I'll summon 'Blast Magician' in Defense Mode (1700 DEF), which gets a Spell Counter when summoned. Then, I'll activate my second 'Spell Power Grasp' which gives 2 more counters to my Citadel. Now, I'll activate Blast's effect: By removing any amount of Spell Counters on it, I can destroy a monster whose attack is 700 times the amount of counters removed from my Magician!"
"But you only have one counter..." Yusei said, dreading the possibilities as he saw four of the illuminated structures lose their glow as their light surrounded Blast Magician.
"That's the other effect with my Field Spell. You see, if I activate a card effect that involves me removing Spell Counters, I can pay the same amount by using counters on my Spell instead. Since I've chosen to remove four counters, that sums up 2800, so no more Nitro Warrior!" The power now being channeled into Blast's scepter, he fired four shots at the Warrior and destroyed it. "I'll end my turn with one face-down."
'Damn, he's covered quite a bit, but why is he playing defensively? Only one way to find out,' Yusei thought, as his turn began.
8. Yusei
"Since I have at least five monsters in my Graveyard, I'll activate 'Pot of Avarice'!" the Signer said, watching Endymion gain a second counter. "By sending five monsters in my Graveyard to my deck, I can draw two cards." As he drew, he then showed a card with a hand playing a harp. "Now by activating the Spell Card 'Tuning', I can first add a Synchron from my Deck to my Hand. I do have to send the top card from my Deck to the Grave after, but it'll be worth it. Now, I'll summon Junk Synchron in Attack Mode (1300 ATK), and since I Normal Summoned him I-"
"Will not use him to Synchro Summon. I activate my Trap Card, 'Dark Renewal'!" Sly countered, a coffin appearing and sucking in both the Synchron and Magician. "Since you Normal or Special Summoned, I can tribute the summoned monster and one of my own to Special Summon a DARK Spellcaster from my Deck or Graveyard, and Tempest Magician is back in Attack!" When the coffin opened, a certain scythe-wielding Spellcaster was ready for combat.
"Since your card didn't negate the Normal Summon, I can still Sp. Summon a Level 2 or lower monster from my Grave in Defense, but with its effects negated. Level Eater, help me out," Yusei said, a bug crawling out of his Duel Disk before it grew larger and got in a defensive position (0 DEF).
9. Sly
"Draw!"
'And time for the real fun to begin,' Sly thought, looking at the card drawn.
"First, I'll Summon 'Frequency Magician' in Attack Mode, only to tune it with the other monster on my field. Watch how my monsters combine and take flight! Behold, MY Stardust Dragon!" a great flash of light took place, and in its place, Yusei's signature monster (2500 ATK), letting out a mighty roar.
'Stardust... I'll get you out of this,' Yusei thought, having heard what he saw as a pained roar.
"Stardust, attack Yusei's monster with Shooting Sonic!" Taking a deep breath, the Synchro blasted its energy at Level Eater, turning it into smithereens.
"If you thought my turn was over, watch this! I activate my Trap 'Assault Mode - Activate'! By tributing a Synchro Monster on my field, I can Sp. Summon its Assault Mode form from my Deck in Attack Position (3000 ATK)! A beam of light came from the Trap Card, turning Stardust Dragon into cosmic energy which only seemed to grow. Once the glow died down, a bulkier form of Stardust Dragon was in its place.
"But wait, he hasn't attacked yet! Assault Mode Stardust, attack Yusei with Cosmic Flare Assault!" Stardust flew high, and then came down in a blaze of white fire which exploded upon impact, knocking down Yusei.
"I end my turn, it's your go, Fortune Cup Champ," Sly said, a somewhat evil smile on his face. Even though he hadn't known Sly that long, he knew something was up. Checking his Duel Disk, and then himself, he got up, ready to make his last stand.
Sly: 3400 - Yusei: 400
10. Yusei
"It's my draw!" Taking a look at his card, he smiled. "First I'll activate 'The Warrior Returning Alive' and-"
"Not so fast, Yusei! By tributing my Stardust Dragon, I can negate your card and destroy it!" Sly said, only for Yusei to look at him.
"Good, I was counting on that."
"What?!"
"You see, I was banking on you destroying a card I owned with an effect for a while, a wager that paid off just now. Go, 'Starlight Daydream'!" A Trap Card flipped on Yusei's side, showing a group of children sleeping under the shade of a tree while what looked like Stardust Sorcerer applied a spell on them, granting them warm smiles.
"If you activate an effect that destroys one of my monsters, I can negate and destroy your card, so Assault Mode is no more!" Fudo stated, watching the alternate version of his beloved card shatter.
"Too bad, because when the Assault Mode of Stardust is destroyed, I can Sp. Summon the original from my Graveyard, and I think Attack Mode will do!"
"Before my Trap Card leaves the field, I can Special Summon a Level 8 or lower Warrior or Dragon Synchro from my Extra Deck, but it won't be able to attack soon... not that it'll matter. Take to the field, Road Warrior (3000 ATK)!" And so, a golden warrior appeared, opening a portal as well.
"W-what's that?" Sly asked, a hint of worry in his voice.
"Road Warrior's effect. Once per turn, I can Sp. Summon a Lv. 2 or lower Warrior or Machine-type monster from my deck, so come on out Turbo Synchron (500 DEF)!"
"N-no..."
"And don't forget the card that was meant to be negated! Now I can add a Warrior from my Graveyard to my Hand, so let's try it again."
"No, you shouldn't be able to! I thought it through!"
"Maybe, but here goes! I summon Junk Synchron in Attack once again! I'll use his effect to summon my Level Eater from the Graveyard, but they'll combine and add a little tune-up this turn. Combine and become 'Armory Arm', in Attack Mode (1800 ATK).
"Road Warrior can't attack, unless-"
"I could still Synchro? I don't know why you'd steal from me or anyone, but there is a lot for us to learn. For now, let's focus on a certain card in my Graveyard. You see, by reducing the level of one of my monsters, I can Sp. Summon Level Eater to the field!"
"Your Road Warrior's now Level 7, which means-"
"That I can Synchro Summon! Turbo Synchron, it's time to rev it up! 7 and 1 become 8, and this monster will destroy anything in its path! I Synchro Summon 'Junk Destroyer' in Attack Mode (2600 ATK)!' From the glow came a four-armed mechanized being that looked straight from a gundam show, or something else altogether.
"Now normally, I'd use its effect to destroy your monster, but I don't think I will. You see, I've been with Stardust enough to know that's a bad idea and yet what's happening next will hurt me as much as it'll hurt him. I equip Armory Arm to my Destroyer, raising its attack to-"
"3600!"
"Exactly. Now Junk Destroyer, attack Stardust Dragon with 'Ferocious Gear Fist'!" As Junk Destroyer's arm became a red outline of sorts, it went through Stardust, destroying it.
Sly: 3400-1100=2300
"No, it can't be!"
"Believe it or not, we're done. You see, when a monster equipped with Armory Arm destroys a monster in battle, you take damage to your LP equal to the destroyed monster's original Attack which means..." Fudo said, a mass of red energy appearing behind Junk Destroyer, leaving a red outline of Stardust Dragon. "... you'll be taking enough to end the duel. Armory Arm, end the duel with Crimson Afterburn!" The projection of Stardust Dragon went straight for Sly, his Life Points now zero.
WINNER: YUSEI FUDO
"And that's that. Now, will you tell my why you stole Stardust or-" Yusei said, only to be cut off by the thief who fell to his knees, choked sobs being the thing that escaped his lips.
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why do you win with Stardust! They told me I'd be able to win with Stardust and the cards they gave me!" Sly said, now sad as he hit the floor with both fists.
"That's a long story... It's not the monster that guarantees a win most of the times, it's also about skill. A powerful card is just part of the work. Even then, this card has been with me since I could remember," Yusei said, grabbing Stardust from his opponent's Duel Disk.
"I know, but I thought if I dueled with Stardust and the cards they gave me I could beat you!"
"Who knows? Way I see it, maybe you could've won, but that's not here nor there. Sly, power isn't always about the easy way, and there are some lessons we'll have to learn the hard way."
"You can say that again," an older voice said, making their way towards him.
"Trudge, you're here," the Signer said, looking up at the officer.
"Sooner than expected? Can't blame you, I do help some of the students with Duel Runner basics. This the thief?"
"Yeah, I managed to win."
"Still doesn't mean he can get off scot-free. So kid, tell me the story from the top." The story was repeated on how he managed to snag Stardust Dragon the day before, only to be confronted by Yusei who managed to find him with Stardust in his possession.
"So that's it, huh? Well, I'm in no position to punish you, but I suppose the Chancellor or someone similar can come up with a more fitting punishment. But first, what's this you said about getting cards from someone?"
"I was returning from school, and I was thinking quite a bit about Stardust. Almost by coincidence, a hooded figure came up and gave me a box of cards. I think I remember the cards, one of them being..." Sly said, checking his deck only to find multiple blank cards. "What? I could've sworn these were actual cards!"
"And what were these cards, kid?"
"Something about Assault Mode. I remember Stardust, and then there were some for my Arcanite Magician. It was strange but... I'm sorry, I can't remember anything else about the stranger and the cards aside from what I already told ya."
"Hmph, ain't that a downer. Whatever it was, I'll have to check it out. But first, let's get you to the Chancellor."
"Thanks Officer Trudge, I'll get back to why I was actually invited here," Yusei said, watching the cop and student head for another part of the campus. As he made his way to a guard, he was told by said guard to make his way to the gym, something about seeing a such 'Heitmann' there. Whatever convinced Sly to steal Stardust was concerning, especially with the cards that seemed very much real. Was this a repeat of the Dark Signers? Was there something much more sinister in the works? Only time would tell, but for now, he had a duty as a mechanic to tend to.
Meanwhile, in another moment of space and time, a lone Slifer made their way to a dorm he didn't form part of. Duel Disk on his arm, love letter in the other, he eagerly made his way to his love, unaware that it was a trap meant for someone else.
And that's that. I didn't expect the duel to turn out as it is and even ended up redoing the whole thing. Feedback is very much appreciated (makes me a better writer), and if you have any suggestions for possible duels or scenarios from Duel Monsters to 5D's, feel free to list them and I might make them a bit of a follow-up or an 'Intermission'. Speaking of Intermissions, we'll have one for GX, mainly to try and tackle a little something from Season 1. That said, this was AzraelVoorhees, and I'll see you all next time. Peace!