The clear sky. An abundance of puffy clouds spanning across the endless sky overtop the very Earth itself. Gazing out his classroom window from the seventh floor sits a student in his school attire. With vermillion colored eyes and black unkempt scruffy hair, he wears a black blazer and pants, white buttoned shirt, and a red tie with red and black sneakers. The most notable trait about him; his right arm covered in bandages down to the hand. Through the sky far off, a plane flies overhead, the sight making his hand tighten ever so slightly.
"Now who can tell me the founder of the infamous card game our school focuses on?" The middle-aged man, as hinted by his balding, asks around the room for his gaze to land on the seemingly bored child. "Mr. Lucinance, would you care to answer the question?"
Not responding at first, said teen turns his head to be met by the numerous gazes of his classmates. Looking to the teacher, he nods standing from his seat.
"The founder of Duel Monsters is named Maximillion Pegasus. He along with Kaiba Corp Company bolstered the expansion to all corners of the world which popularized the game into what we know it today." He finishes with confidence somewhat in his tone.
In response to his answer, the teacher nods with his usual laid back energy.
"Correct. Now, can you explain all of the summoning methods?
"Yes sir. Fusion; the usage of combining two monsters through Polymerization although some monsters do not require it. Synchro; merging two monsters with one being a tuner and other being non-tuners. Xyz; combining two monsters who have the same level into a monster with a rank, something similar but also different from a level. Pendulum; monsters who have a scale effect when placed in the far edges of the spell and trap card zone can summon monsters whose levels are between said scales."
"Yes, go on."
"And link; using monsters to special summon other monsters as long as certain requirements are made though link monsters have no defense points let alone can't switch to defense position as they instead rely on effects regarding their arrows pointing at the specified monsters. Though recently, the Duel Monsters Association or DMA has approved of Ritual officially being deemed a 'unique' summoning method as it is known to come from the main deck and not the extra."
"Very well done." The teacher claps as do some others though Relon pays no mind simply nodding before taking his seat to gae back out at the window. A few gazes remaining on the teen before eventually looking forward.
He makes it seem like those questions were hard. Those were simple things everyone here knows. The only surprising piece of info would be the whole Ritual ordeal. Relon mentally eyerolls as the plane once in the distance is nowhere in sight.
"Whatever…"
At the sound of a bell, the teacher gives few comments as Relon and his classmates already scatter into the already student-filled hallway. Body moving to the same rhythm of the many bodies as they all have since the beginning of the year, his mind wanders.
"All passengers, brace for impact!"
"Big brother!"
"Relon!"
Bandaged arm in his pocket, he reaches the locker room before heading in grabbing his duel disk. The basic ones offered to all students; the first generation duel disk ever created. Why use such dinosaurs when there are so many better models? Because the school takes "pride in the ability to use such treasured artifacts that made the world what it is." Could it be that they're simply cheap?
At first; possibly. But then the issue over their words regarding the ability to have such devices comes into play. At the current point in time, these are indeed treasures. They're worth more than no common man or woman can pay. A simple house would pale in comparison to these due to their age. Yet, students at this renowned school can just use them as they please. It was… "odd" to say the leat regarding the concept itself. One Relon gave up on comprehending after multiple attempts early into the year.
Grabbing his duel disk, Relon heads out ignoring some of the looks locked on him.
People can be so inconsiderate. He mentally sighs.
Walking out into the middle of the gym where his forming class is, he stops to look to his teacher. A man in his late 20's with framed glasses in a simple dress shirt and khakis. Fixing said glasses, he looks around to his nearly formed class.
"Alrighty then, let's get started." He clasps his hands together as the last of the class conforms. "Today will be unlike most days of I watching you all duel." He begins raising a hand. "Today, we will have two students duel and the rest shall spectate."
"Banner-Sensei, what's the point of this?" A female student asks.
"I'm glad you asked. By doing this, I will be able to give insight into the two as well as provide such to you all. Consider this a lecture of sorts. I speak, and you all are to take in the information. Though we're sticking with a duel to make it easier because no one like a lecture." He winks.
And just like that, all the students erupted into a burst of chatter. Between those asking to be the ones to duel or others already challenging someone ignoring what Banner said entirely.
"That's enough, everyone." Banner speaks with a calm voice silencing the class with a simple clap. "I've already decided whom shall be doing. "Gaven." Banner calls for a student to walk forward.
A tall and somewhat thin student easily around 6'5 stops with their hands in their pockets sporting a smug grin looking around. An angular face with long, kempt, sideburns a light brown along with his straight hair ending at his cheekbone. He's wearing the male uniform with his blazer unbuttoned.
Looking around as the sudden gasps and whispering, Relon slowly retreats from the fray. Not being too far to be noticed nor too close to be near anyone.
"Hey, it's Gaven…! One of the top 10 duelists in the school!" A boy whispers.
"Who do you think he'll be up against?" Another boy wonders.
"Whoever it is, I feel sorry for them. Going up against one of the top 10 duelists not to mention the number 1 asshole." A girl spats.
"He beat me in a duel and took my cards before I could even do anything!"
"Mine too."
"It can't be anyone average." A girl notes. "But who could keep up with him?"
"Everyone, settle down." Banner speaks once again, his gaze shifting to Relon causing the boy to step back on instinct only to click his tongue at his failed hiding. "Mr. Lucinance, if you would please step forward." All snap their heads for Relon's bandaged hand to grip into a fist.
"Yes, sir." He answers walking forward.
"I forgot Relon was even in this class."
"How could you? He's another top 10! That and his arm kinda stands out."
"This is gonna be good…!"
Standing in the middle of the field, both look to the other with Banner in the middle as the class scatters to the side of the room.
"Lunch money's on Ace getting the win." A student bets.
"You sure? Relon is good from what I've heard."
"Naw, Ace is gonna get his combo out and it'll be over before turn 4."
"I bet you a week's work of lunch Relon wins."
"Alright, you're on!"
Ignoring their classmates, both look to the other with a stoic demeanor.
"Been a while since I dueled someone else in the top 10." No response from Relon, his eyes going to a sniveling girl behind him.
"Eina, calm down." Another consoles.
"But, he… he…!"
"Hey, it's rude to not pay attention when someone's talking to you." He grins. "Didn't your parents teach you that?" He narrows his eyes.
"Gaven!" Banner snaps for the student to play it off defensively.
"Whaaaat? I'm just asking, not trying to come across as rude." He shrugs. "You understand, right Lucinance?"
Closing his eyes, takes a moment before opening them. His bandaged arm balling a fist at his side.
"Yeah. Crystal." He responds, their duel disks activating.
Whipping his arm attached to the duel disk out, Relon puts it in front as his bandaged arm grabs five cards. Doing the same albeit more smoothly, the field beneath them comes to life.
"Are you both ready?" A nod comes in response. "Very well then." Reaching into his pocket, Banner flips a coin. "Gaven, call it."
"Heads."
Catching it, he looks to Gaven nodding.
"You have the first move. Gentlemen."
"What say we make a fair wager, eh Lucinance?"
"Fine."
"Oh? Not even going to ask what?"
"If you win, you get a card of mine, but if I win, you return all the cards you took. Everyone knows you keep them on you everywhere you go." Relon points to the belt with the case attached.
"Hmpf, that doesn't seem pretty fair if you ask me."
"Fine. If I OTK you, you return all the cards you took and if I don't, I'll follow your every order like one of your lackeys."
Narrowing his eyes to Relon's own firm demeanor, Gaven lightens up grinning.
"Heh, you're on! Your beasts won't be able to do a thing with what I'm packing!"
"Just know, I won't show you any mercy."
"Would you each prefer 4000 or 8000 life points?" Banner cuts in.
"Doesn't matter." Relon says dismissively.
"8000." Gaven grins.
"Very well." The teacher nods, stepping back off the field.
"LET'S DUEL!" Both exclaim.
Turn 1
Relon LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 5
Gaven LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 5
"This'll be over before it even starts!" Gaven grins. "I activate the spell card, Mayakashi Return! I can take a Mayakashi card except this one and either add it to my hand or send it to the graveyard. I choose to add, Hajun, the Winged Mayakashi to my hand!" Level: 1, attribute: wind, type: zombie, ATK: 600, DEF: 400.
"Next, I'll summon him to the field so I can activate his effect. I can special summon another Mayakashi monster from my deck. I special summon Dakki, the Graceful Mayakashi!" Level: 2, attribute: fire, type: zombie, tuner, ATK: 1000, DEF: 0.
"There they are, the two monster combo!" A student exclaims.
"Now, by revealing Danger Jackalope in my hand, you have to choose between my three cards in my hand and guess which is Jackalope. Choose correct and Jackalope's effect fails allowing me to special summon another Danger monster from my deck. Choose wrong and I can special summon another Danger monster from my hand. Now then, left, middle, or right?"
"Left." Relon answers without missing a beat.
"Heh, I guess you're somewhat lucky or not depending on how you look at it." He notes revealing Jackalope. "By discarding Jackalope, I can now special summon a Danger monster of my choice and I choose Danger Nessie!" Level: 7, attribute: dark, type: aqua, ATK: 1600, DEF: 2800.
A strong defensive monster, a level 1, and level 2 monster.
"Now i tune my Hajun with my Dakki! Coming through! I synchro summon Oboro-Guruma, the Wheeled Mayakashi! Level: 3, attribute: earth, type: zombie, ATK: 800, DEF: 2100. A flaming cart with the face of an oni comes wheeling to a stop. "But I'm not done yet, I activate Dakki's special effect! Whenever its in the graveyard, I can special summon it so arise once again, Dakki!"
A level 2 and 3…
"Let's keep it going! I tune Dakki with Oboro-Guruma! Paralyze all in fear! I synchro summon Tsuchigumo, the Poisonous Mayakashi!" Level: 5, attribute: earth, type: zombie, ATK: 2000, DEF: 1800. A gray humanoid spider with blue armor and yellow highlights appears. "Dakki's effect pops! I tune Dakki with Tsuchigumo! Take flight from beyond the grave! I synchro summon Tengu, the Winged Mayakashi! Level: 7, attribute: wind, type: zombie, ATK: 2600, DEF: 1500. A winged oni flies to hover off the ground. "Dakki! You know what comes next, don't you?"
"..."
"Hehe, let's get to the best parts! Fox of hell, rise! Yoko, the Graceful Mayakashi!" Level: 9, attribute: fire, type: zombie, ATK: 2900, DEF: 2400. A white multi-tailed fox where a shrine outfit appears.
"That's…!" The young teen named Eina widens, gaining Relon's attention for a brief moment.
"Time for the finale! Dakki!" He calls for the monster to reappear. I tune my two monsters together! Devour all with the spirit of a fallen warrior! I synchro summon Gashadokuro, the Skeletal Mayakashi!" Level: 11, attribute: dark, type: zombie, ATK: 3300, DEF: 2600. A skeleton wearing a shogun's armor with no lower half appears. "Dakki, come on out one last time!" He orders for Dakki to appear in defense position. "I set two cards face down and end my turn. "Hehe, let's see you get through this!"
There's no way he can get through my front and back row! A monster with 2800 defense points and another with 3300 attack points are too powerful. Not to mention, I have Dakki ready to be tributed by the effect of my trap card, Shiranui Style Swallow's Slash to destroy two cards on the field. Then I can banish a Shiranui monster from my deck! Hmpf, I have no need to place this last card facedown. He can't touch me.
Turn 2
Relon LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 5
Gaven LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 1
"I draw." Looking at the card he drew before placing it with the rest, Relon looks out the corner of his eyes at the girl.
"I'm excited to see how you get through this." Gaven taunts placing a hand at his waist in anticipation.
"I activate the continuous spell card, Fire Formation - Tenki. This card increases the attack of all beast-warrior monsters I control by 100. I'm also allowed to add a level 4 or lower beast-warrior monster from my deck to my hand. "I add Gladiator Beast Andal to my hand so I can summon it." Level: 4, attribute: earth, type: beast-warrior, ATK: 1900 plus 100=2000, DEF: 1500. A bipedal bear with armor and gauntlets roars onto the field.
"Hehe, gotcha!" Gaven exclaims. 'I activate my trap card! By tributing Dakki, I can destroy two cards on the field and I choose your Andal and Fire Formation!" Exploding, Relon averts his gaze as the wind quickly dies out. "Plus, I'm allowed to banish Shiranui Squire from my deck and by doing so, her effect activates! I'm allowed to draw a card and then discard it!" Doing so, he widens in excitement at his new card before discarding it.
Perfect! I just discarded Mezuki! Even if he somehow gets through my cards, I'd have a back-up ready to go! Ha, like that'll happen!
"Heheheh, there goes your normal summon. So much for OTKing me, huh? Everyone knows your Gladiator Beasts revolve around normal summoning and attacking to really get going but by stopping your normal summon, you can't do much else, hahahaha! "
"Shut up." Relon speaks up, silencing the tall teen to take in Relon unfazed. "You're as annoying as those rumors say you are. I activate the spell card, Gladiator Beast's Comeback. I'm allowed to special summon 1 Gladiator Beast from my hand or graveyard as long as it has a different type from the monster I control but seeing as I have none, I can choose freely." He notes. "Return to the area, Andal!" He proclaims, his monster rising from the graveyard to roar in anger once again.
"Wait, what?! Since when did you have cards that supported special summoning?!"
"Stupid, you really think I'd flaunt my deck to the entire school? I love dueling as much as the next guy but I can't stand the attention so of course I wouldn't use all of my cards."
"T-Then that means… YOU BEEN HOLDING BACK AGAINST ALL THE DUELISTS HERE?!"
"Who knows?" Relon answers. "I activate the field spell, Colosseum - Cage of the Gladiator Beasts! Whenever a monster is special summoned from either of our decks, a counter is added. All Gladiator Beast monsters gain 100 attack and defense points per counter. Arrowheads confirmed! The requirement is one normal monster! I link summon Link Spider!" Link: 1, attribute: earth, type: cyberse, ATK: 1000.
"Link spider?! That's not a Gladiator Beast!"
"And your Danger cards aren't Mayakashi so stop complaining! Link Spider's effect activates! I can special summon a normal monster my spider points to. I special summon another Andal!"
"A second one?"
"It won't be around for long. Arrowheads confirmed! The requirements are two monsters with at least one being a Gladiator Beast. Pounce! I link summon Test Panther! Link: 2, attribute: earth, type: beast, ATK: 800. A panther with armor attached both cloth leaps onto the field. "Test Panther's effect; when it's summoned, I can add a Gladiator Beast card from my deck to my hand. I choose another Gladiator Beast's Comeback. Now I'll use it to special summon Andal from the graveyard!"
"I'm getting tired of that monster!" Gaven growls.
"Get over it." Relon ignores. "Test Panther's second effect activates! By returning Andal to my deck, I can special summon a Gladiator Beast of my choice in its place! I choose Gladiator Beast Augustus!" Level: 8, attribute: dark, type: winged beast, ATK: 2600, DEF: 1000. A bipedal avian with two arms holding a sword and another two attached to wings lands.
"Colosseum gets a counter!"
Colosseum counter: 0 plus 1=1
2600/1000 plus 100=2700/1100
"Tch!"
"One thing you should know is that although Test Panther isn't considered a Gladiator Beast, its effect does as though a Glad Beast attacked so Augustus' special effect activates. I can special summon one Gladiator Beast monster from my hand in defense position but it's shuffled into my deck during the end phase. I special summon Gladiator Beast Noxious!" Level: 5, attribute: dark, type: beast-warrior, ATK: 0 plus 100=100, DEF: 1000 plus 100=1100.
"Hmpf, I'm not impressed!"
"Good, don't care! Noxious' effect; since it was special summoned by another Glad Beast, I can send one Gald Beast from my deck to my graveyard so I choose another Augustus. Now then…" Relon mutters flexing his bandaged hand. "I return Gladiator Beast Augustus and Noxious to my deck! Tamer of beasts, take control! I fusion summon Gladiator Beast Tamer Edition!" Level: 8, attribute: dark, type: beast-warrior, ATK: 2400 plus 100=2500, DEF: 3000 plus 100=3100. A dear with a golden tipped rod and antlers branching in a frenzy wearing red armor appears.
Fusion summoning we knew, but to use it with link summoning…!
"Tamer Editor's effect activates! I can fusion summon a Gladiator Beast fusion monster ignoring its summoning conditions! Join the fray, Gladiator Beast Gyzarus!" Level: 6, attribute: dark, type: winged beast, ATK: 2400 plus 100=2500, DEF: 1500 plus 100=1600. An avian creature covered in armor with green wings attached to its short body. "Gyzarus' effect activates! I can destroy any two cards on the field."
"That's just like my Slash's effect!"
"Right you are! Destroy Nessie and his left facedown card! Jet Storm!" With a caw followed by a green whirlwind, both are destroyed.
"My back row!" He gasps to glare at the teen.
"All that's left is to deal with that monster." Relon notes.
"None of your monsters have enough attack nor any effects to take it down!"
"You're right. None of my monsters do. But a card of hers does." Relon grins pointing a thumb at the emotional girl for her eyes and the other student's to widen as does Gaven's.
"Don't tell me!"
Raising the last card in his hand for all to see, Gaven takes a step back.
"No way!"
"Two words. Monster Reborn." He states matter-of-factly. "We all know what it does and can that small brain of yours guess who I'm taking back early?"
"You… son of a…!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Save it for those that care. I special summon Yoko, the Graceful Mayakashi!" In a burst of flames, it explodes onto the field. "Yoko's effect activates! When it's special summoned from the graveyard, I can destroy 1 monster you control!"
"Aye yo, WHAT?!"
"Burn it to a crisp!" Relon points his bandaged arm at the duelist, Yoko throwing a ball of flames as Gashadokuro is melted before it explodes.
"No cards on the field and one you've yet to use this entire time in your hand. Safe to say it's useless unless you've been saving it in case I got this far." Nothing but a glare comes as Gaven steps back. "I see. Test Panther, Gyzarus, Tamer Edition, attack Gaven directly!" Jumping into action, he's hit by a claw, a burst of light, and wind.
Gaven LP: 8000-5800=2200.
"You bastard, you tricked me!"
"Excuses." Relon dismisses, Yoko rotates its hand for an eye symbol to appear. "Tell it to someone who cares." With a snap, the monster unleashes white energy from the eye towards Gaven sending him off his feet.
Gaven LP: 2200-2900=0.
Winner: Relon
Loser: Gaven
"No way…"
"He actually beat Gaven!"
"Damn it! How did Gaven lose to him?!"
"Relon actually beat Gaven of all people!"
Cheers and hollars resound, some in disbelief, many in awe, but all causing an uproar either way.
Raising his hand for his duel disk to fold, Relon walks over to Gaven.
"I lost…?" His body shoots up, rage evident for a firm hand to grip his arm.
Snapping to Banner, the teacher speaks.
"You've lost. Accept it and move on or your punishment shall be severe."
Stopping before his defeated opponent, Relon extends his hand.
"I'm not shaking your hand!"
"I don't want to shake your hand. I held up my end, have some honor and dignity and do the same, Gaven." His tone serious, for Gaven's glare to remain before he clicks his teeth tossing the pack to Relon. "Whatever, I don't need it!" He spits walking out of the gymnasium outside. "Let's go!" He calls for his group to follow after him.
"That one can be quite troublesome." Banner sighs to take sight of Relon walking away.
"Can you stand?" He stops before the girl extending his hand.
Looking up teary eyed, she slowly nods taking his hand as she's lifted to her feet.
"I believe this belongs to you." He extends Yoko for the girl to take it utterly speechless. "Anyone else lost a card?" Relon asks raising the case for hands to shoot up as he hands off the case as the students swarm it all wearing smiles of relief.
"Um!" Stopping in his attempt to walk to Banner, Relon turns around to look at the girl. "Thank you very much for winning back my mother's card!" She raises up for Relon to fully turning around.
The girl seems to be around his age and height. With wavy purplish-black hair and amber eyes, she's wearing the black school uniform consisting of a black buttoned blazer, skirt, shoes. She's also a sophomore as indicated by her red tie.
"It's no-"
BOOOOOOOM!
"What the?!" Relon gasps, the ground trembling as he, Eina, and Banner fall to the ground as do their classmates.
The field disappearing as the ceiling cracks as tiles descend hitting the ground.
"EVERYONE, FOR THE EXIT!" Banner exclaims, everyone rushing for the door as the sun hits Relon's eyes.
Running out, his eyes are met with the sight of the entire student body as far as the eye can see. Turning back to look at the school, his eyes widen as his body begins to tremble.
"Relon!"
The shaking of the plane. Relon's breath beginning to pick up its pacing.
"Big brother!"
The items flying about. His free hand gripping his bandaged wrist as if for dear life.
"Brace yourselves!"
The screaming. All of it came flooding back in an instant.
Before him, a corner of the school completely gone. Tracing the wreckage, flaming debris and bloody human remains, lies the perpetrator itself. The cockpit of a large plane all but left.
Hearing the sound of breathing grow louder and louder, Banner turns to Relon. His hand having raised to grip his chest as his eyes dilate. Rushing to grab ahold of the hyperventilating student, Banner lays him down.
"Relon! Deep breaths! Relon!"
"What do we do?!"
"Mommy, I'm scared!"
"Everything will be alright!"
Feeling himself weaken, the light he can see slowly dims until there is nothing but darkness. All around, dozens upon dozens can only look at their damaged school and the boy.
Feeling the comfort of a soft surface touch his back, Relon's eyes slowly blink to life. The first sight; the white ceiling of a tent.
"Where…"
"The medical tent." The voice of Banner says, gaining his attention taking sight of said man seated next to him.
"Oh…"
"How are you feeling?"
"... The same as ever." He swings his legs to drape them over the bed. "All of that was real… wasn't it?" A solemn nod is Banner's answer.
Covering his face with his bandaged arm, Relon gives a sigh.
"The school's closed for the time being. Thankfully, the dormitories were unharmed. Head home. Get some more rest." He suggests before taking his leave.
"... Yes sir."