Chapter 6 – Three Azure Sirens: The Siren's Call! Brother's Burst!
. Bold words: Name Introductions; Card names; Monster Stats; 'Special Attacks'; Player(s) Life Points.
. (A) / (FM): Anime / Fan-Made - Cards used in the Anime/Manga; Cards created by the author.
. Italic: Non-English words; Epilogue and Prologue.
. " " - Normal Talk
. ' ' - Thoughts; Summon Chants
Special Thanks: Zeon Paralysis Crystal, Lonly Wanderer (Story Proof-Read)
– CONTINUATION –
Location: Beach; Time: 6 pm
Duel Disks hummed, the red lights shining through the nocturnal tropical scenery in a battle that was about to begin. The Queen of Obelisk Blue, Alexis Rhodes, facing the Little Blue Slifer Red, Syrus Truesdale; also known to at least herself and potentially Jasmine by Zane's younger brother, by Alexis' deduction.
Dee was hiding behind the closest rock next to Syrus, cheering him on. "Little Blue, whatever Little Bro saw in you; Bring it out, to humble this girl"
Jasmine was enjoying her popcorn and lemonade snack, her camera starting to record the duel about to happen.
"I won't forgive you for calling me a 'coward' so freely over your lousy mouth, Truesdale. I'll make sure to shut it properly."
"And I'll show you what happens if you keep insulting my Best Friend. Mark my words. To you, I won't be losing this duel!"
After Alexis and Syrus' declarations, the red of their disks lit up the cold night, as they declared…
"DUEL!"
Turn 1
Alexis (A): 4000 LP
Syrus (S): 4000 LP
"Ladies first! My turn, Draw!", Alexis drew her 6th card. "I Summon my Warrior Lady of Wasteland! To the battlefield."; On her side field, a blond lady, wearing a brown hat and cape, wearing a green shirt, skirt, and boots; and a longsword sheathed and strapped on her appeared ready for battle (ATK 1100 / DEF 1200).
A set card was placed in her Spell/Trap Zone…
"I'll set a card and end my turn."
Turn 2
A: 4000 LP
S: 4000 LP
"It's my turn; I Draw!", Syrus drew his turn card. "Alright, I Summon Steamroid for a joyride!", A cartoonish train appeared, his 'arms' were the front tires (ATK 1800 / DEF 1800)
"Aww, so cute~… A train toy~.", Dee chirps happily at Syrus' monster. "And it has attack points higher than Warrior Lady of Wasteland. If the attack lands, Syrus will be in the lead."
Syrus smiles relieved at his seemingly surefire advantage…
"And you won't like this kind of monster… When my Steamroid attacks your monster, it gains 500 Attack Points.", the boy explained while receiving a doubtful glance from his opponent.
"Why thank you for the tidbit little red; Come at me, if you dare!"
"Then better get warned; this is the only time I'll tell you about my card effects beforehand. Time to battle!", Syrus declared. "Steamroid, Destination: Alexis' Field to Warrior Lady's face; 'Full Metal Thrust'!"
As the train began its approach with its railings, it let out a train director's whistling sound accompanied by a generous cloud of smoke and steam that increased its attack points (ATK 1800 – 2300 / DEF 1800)
"If you're dueling me like Jaden dueled Chazz…", Alexis responds with a playful but serious tone of voice. "… Then you're not thinking big enough! I activate my Trap Card, Defense Draw!"
Steamroid successfully destroyed the scowling Warrior Lady who thanks to the Trap's power was able to create a barrier to protect her host before her destruction. "When Defense Draw is activated, I won't take damage from this battle; then I get to draw a card!"
"Shoot! I wasn't expecting that Trap at all…"
"Then you won't like this at all…", Alexis kept talking. "You helped me activate my Warrior Lady of Wasteland's effect! By destroying her, I'm now allowed to Special Summon an EARTH Warrior from my deck with an Attack less than 1500; The stage is yours, Etoile Cyber (Star Cyber)!"
In place of the destroyed warrior came a brown-haired ballerina posing and showing herself off with a spin to finish the well-practiced routine and be ready for battle with a small smirk; she was wearing an orange and white leotard and ellipses over her arms (ATK 1200 / DEF 1600)
(A) Etoile Cyber – Effect Monster/EARTH/Warrior/Lv 4/ATK 1200/DEF 1600
Each time this card attacks directly, it gains 600 ATK.
Jasmine let out supportive cheers for her blond friend. "That's expected of my friend Alexis, the elite Obelisk Queen. By attacking her, the boy gives her the signal for the next stage of her performance.
She then looked at Syrus, "Now then… Let's see how that little fella will survive her next turn?"
Syrus nervously looked at Alexis' monster.
'Her Warrior Lady of Wasteland might've summoned a weaker monster than my Steamroid, but what's she planning?'
He could hear a slight giggle from the other side.
"What's wrong? Starstruck by my monster's performance… or are you finally considering surrendering?", the blondie asked with a cold look.
"Starstruck, you ask? Just another enemy to go up against; the thing is, I don't dance…"
Three set cards were placed on Syrus' Spell/Trap Zone.
"… But my 3 face-downs will do for now. My turn is over!"
Turn 3
A: 4000 LP
S: 4000 LP
"You've done well so far, let's see the little Truesdale's true strength! My turn… Draw!", she drew her card from her deck with a slight smirk when she saw what she drew. "Parfait."
"Getting hungry for dessert, or is dueling on an empty stomach a bad idea?", Syrus responds to the bad pun.
"Oh, s'il te plait (Oh, please)! I was just talking to myself; you see, my deck consists of dance-related monsters. For my beautiful ballerinas to shine brightest, they need a new arrangement to perform at their best."
"Sorry to inform you, but I don't follow dance performances…"
"Then you better follow this change of scenery; I activate my Field Spell card, Cyber Stage – Palais de Cristal (Crystal Palace)!"
Placing the card on the Field Spell Zone, the sand around Alexis and Syrus started grumbling; the boy lost his footing, by his surprise, staring behind the blondie. A royal building made of ice, glass, and crystal of various types of colors, a giant tower room in the middle; and a crystalline floor under the two duelists.
(FM) Cyber Stage – Palais de Cristal – Field Spell
When this card is activated: You can add 1 "Cyber" Warrior monster from your Deck to your hand. Once per turn: You can target 1 EARTH Warrior monster you control with 1500 or less ATK; that target can attack your opponent directly.
Once per turn, if this card would be destroyed by your opponent's card effect, you can shuffle 1 "Skater" Warrior monster from your GY instead.
"Great… if nighttime wasn't cold enough, having a literal glacier makes this A… A-CHOOO! Even worse…", Syrus shivered and sneezed, while hugging his body to get some heat.
"If you're not into cold places, then you're in for a bad time! Palais de Cristal's effect lets me add 1 'Cyber' Warrior monster from my deck to my hand. And I got just the one I'll be Special Summoning, by sacrificing my Etoile Cyber!"
By Alexis' words, the Etoile Cyber dissipated into white particles to signify her departure from the field…
"Present yourself, Cyberruban (Cyber Ribbon)!", A taller elegant woman appeared on the field, wearing a futuristic helmet over her head; she had blonde hair, wearing an orange and red leotard, holding onto ribbon sticks that looked like whips (ATK 2000 / DEF 1600).
(FM) Cyberruban – Effect Monster/EARTH/Warrior/Lv 5/ATK 2000/DEF 1600
If "Cyber Stage – Palais de Cristal" is face-up on the field, you can Special Summon this card from your hand by tributing an EARTH Warrior monster you control.
Once per turn: You can target 1 "Cyber" or "Skater" Warrior monster in your GY; add it to your hand.
"While Palais de Cristal is on my side of the field, she can be Special Summoned with a sacrifice. This means that I still have my Normal Summon for this turn; I Summon my Blade Skater!"
Next to her monster, appeared a skating woman dressed in a purple and beige leotard, holding blades on her elbows (ATK 1400 / DEF 1500).
"And then, I'll activate Cyberruban's effect! It lets me add Etoile Cyber back to my hand; to then activate my Spell Card, Polymerization!", her Spell Card when revealed created an energy vortex around her field.
"What's… with this power?"; Syrus shielded himself from that same vortex, trying to avoid the currents that were being sucked into it.
Dee checked from afar, sensing an icy quality to the energy coming from Alexis.
"As I expected… Alexis isn't the same person we met before. Something… no, someone is giving her some inhumane strength in this duel."
The Obelisk Queen picked her two monsters, together with the Spell Card. "You're not ready for this performance! I fuse my Blade Skater and Etoile Cyber from my hand!"
The two ballerina spirits jumped and rode on the orange and blue energy strands as if they were grinding rails to the center of the vortex. The two performers with well-practiced ease, jumped at the same time to the center of the vortex posing beautifully in the air as they turned into an orb of shining light making the vortex dissipate; giving the entry signal to their deck's star player.
"Fusion Summon! Descending from the Spotlight, The Light of Stardom shines bright! Give a round of Applause to, Cyber Blader!"; The orb of light split in two, and everyone looked in varying levels in awe as a tall dark-bluenette skater with a futuristic visor over her eyes; two antennas on her back, wearing a purple and red leotard landing gracefully on the field with a small smirk on her face really to battle (ATK 2100 / DEF 800).
Jasmine had an all too excited grin on her face while recording the duel. She always loved it when Alexis summoned her Ace.
"There it is; There it is! It's one of Queen's Ace Cards.", she mutters to herself while looking in awe at the sight of the monster's special entrance and her beauty. "From the many times she has dueled, not many here could stand against that monster."
Dee stood starstruck still from the opening performance which was increasing her doubts about Syrus' chances.
"This is a steep match. Syrus only has 1 monster on his field, while Alexis has 2 stronger monsters on her side of the field. C'mon, it's not looking bright for you, Little Blue…"
Syrus' eyes remain focused on Alexis' monster.
"For some reason… I'm feeling an intense pressure coming from that Cyber Blader monster."
"And you should be, because she's one of the strongest monsters from my Deck; you should be honored because it's not every day I show her on stage against duelists of your caliber."
"Should I consider that an insult?", Syrus asked offended. "Your Cyber Blader is only 300 Attack stronger than my Steamroid. I'm not worried about it at all…"
"Oh, Poor you~. Thinking that your grunt will be safe from my ace, but if I remember correctly, your Steamroid will have his attack points decreased when is targeted for an attack, right?"
"So, you knew…"
"It's only the basics. As well that I should always be prepared when my opponent has set cards on their side. I play my Quick-Play Spell Card, Mystical Space Typhoon!", She activates her Spell, which creates a cyclone targeting Syrus' face-down card.
"With this Spell Card, one of your Spell or Trap Card is automatically destroyed.", the third set card on Syrus' right was revealed to get automatically destroyed into pixels. "How's it? Getting defenseless now, aren't we?"
"Thanks to your Spell Card, the card you destroyed was my Wonder Garage! A Trap card that has an effect in the Graveyard when is destroyed; Allowing me to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'roid' monster from my hand."
"What?", Alexis asked shocked.
"And now; time to say 'Hi' to my Einroid!", Syrus placed the card on his disk; making appear a cartoonish blue Dicycle with a charger on his back (ATK 200 / DEF 1800)
(A) Einroid – Effect Monster/EARTH/Machine/Lv 1/ATK 200/DEF 1800
When this card is destroyed by battle: Send 2 "roid" monsters from your Deck to the Graveyard.
"As you can see now, it's two-on-two monsters. If you try to destroy my Steamroid, you're not allowed to attack me directly.", Syrus explained.
Alexis quietly chuckled to herself for a quick moment. "That pleases me; by summoning two monsters you just made the situation worse…"
"You're bluffing."
"Then take another glance at my Cyber Blader, why don't you?", Alexis deadpanned, pointing at her monster which looked… more aggressive and emitting a sharp white sparkling aura (ATK 2100 – 4200 / DEF 800)
"Her attack… doubled?!"
"'Pas de trois'!", she said calmly. "While you control exactly two monsters on your side of the field, Cyber Blader's attack becomes double her original Attack Points. I'm also equipping my Cyberruban with the Equip Spell, Rusted Skates!"
(FM) Rusted Skates – Equip Spell
You can only equip this card to an EARTH Warrior monster. It gains 500 ATK and also deals piercing damage.
If the equipped monster destroys a monster by battle: Draw 1 card, then Special Summon 1 "Cyber Girl Token" (EARTH/Warrior/Lv 4/ATK 1000/DEF 1000) to your opponent's side of the field in Attack Position. It cannot change its battle positions, except with card effects.
"A Warrior equipped with Rusted Skates will get her Attack increased by 500."; The woman's feet were suddenly equipped with older black roller-skates that were capable of riding faster on ice. (ATK 2000 – 2500 / DEF 1600)
"Time for battle! Cyber Blader, attack his Steamroid; 'Windblade Dance'!"
The Fusion Monster, thanks to her strength getting increased, was able to jump high in the night sky over the icy field in the cartoonish train's general area. She executed a series of spins and flips creating an ice-cold violet vortex of wind with the help of her extended rotating foot.
The cartoon train was panicking so very animatedly that the duelists would believe it was rubber hose animation as the train saw Cyber Blader landing towards him with a very sharp blade-augmented kick ready just for him (ATK 1800 – 1300 / DEF 1800).
"You fell for it!", Syrus exclaims as he reveals his set cards. "Double Trap activate; False Roid Flag, and Supercharge!"
(FM) False Roid Flag – Normal Trap
When your opponent's monster declares an attack on your "roid" monster: Negate the attack, and if you do, your monster cannot be targeted by any attacks for the rest of the turn, but it doesn't prevent your opponent from attacking directly.
"Since you declared an attack on my monster; Supercharge allows me to draw 2 cards!", Syrus drew his cards from the deck. "… And my False Roid Flag will negate your Cyber Blader attack, as well as it will protect my Steamroid from any attacks this turn!"
A barrier was formed just when the powerful ballerina was about to ram her powerful leg into the greatly relieved train's head; a dust cloud was formed around the monster and it's revealed a small crater would've been made with the donut-shaped impression on the sand.
The two duelists witnessed as Cyber Blader jumped back to Alexis' side of the field, while Steamroid sighed in exaggerated relief.
"I see my attack got stopped… but it doesn't prevent my other monster from attacking you directly, am I wrong?", Alexis asked.
"It is as you say. However, if you want to attack me, first you have to go through my Einroid.", the Trap was now giving a target mark to the now panicking defensive monster.
"Shame of me~… he looked really small, just like you. I didn't notice it on your side of the field.", Alexis mocked, leading Syrus to grit his teeth. "But don't think your Life Points are safe from my next monster. Since Cyberruban is equipped with Rusted Skates, if she attacks a Defense Position monster with lower Defense, you take piercing damage."
"Yeah, yeah… Shoot me with what you have."
"I'll do it then! Cyberruban, your move! Destroy his Einroid; 'Sonic Whiplash'!"
The cyber dancer with a smirk approached at high speeds thanks to her new equipment, moving her ribbons quickly to create a thunderous sound akin to a whipping sound; as she got close up to the machine, the dancer used her makeshift whip to spank the cartoonish monster multiple times with near sound barrier breaking shots resulting it's destruction, while Syrus shielded himself
(S: 4000 – 3300 LP)
"Thanks to you destroying my Einroid, I can now activate his effect! 2 'roid' monsters will be sent from my Deck to the Graveyard!"; Syrus picked 2 of his cards to send to his disk slot.
"... I'm not done here!", Alexis added. "Rusted Skates has another effect; Since Einroid got destroyed by Ruban's attack, a Cyber Girl Token will be Special Summoned to your side of the field!"
Syrus felt worried, as he saw a little azure ballerina appear on his side of the field awaiting her next order (ATK 1000 / DEF 1000).
"And then, I'm allowed to draw a card from my deck. I'm setting 1 card face-down, to then end my turn."; a set card was placed on Alexis' Spell/Trap Zone.
Syrus sighed in relief but oddly enough he felt calmer unlike his many more counterproductive reactions to similar situations in the past.
'Is this what lay ahead of us? This pressure, this intense feeling, it feels like I'm burning… Big Bro makes it so easy to not be overwhelmed by this feeling. How does he do it?'
"You seem to be a bit jittery, Slifer.", Alexis says in slight concern seeing Syrus' nervous shakes.
"The reason I summoned a Cyber Girl Token on your side of the field is to keep my Cyber Blader's effect active. Also, if you're trying to protect yourself by switching the token's battle positions, you better give up; she can't be switched to Defense Mode, except with card effects."
"S-S-Shut Up! I know what I'm doing…", Syrus stammered back as he looked back at his duel disk; an important memory crept to the forefront of his mind, one of many days of training, specifically one piece of advice.
'
Always remember… Focus leads to victory. Don't be hasty, consider your options; because the correct path is always right in front of you.
Be decisive but not reckless, for that has cut down many who could have been great; as I believe you, young Syrus can be… in time.
'
'Sensei, Zane... Jaden-Big Bro. I know right now, that if you were watching me, either you would be proud, or think that I'm an idiot. But none of that matters right now; This is my first true test as a duelist…'
Round 4
A: 4000 LP
S: 3300 LP
"My turn. I Draw!"; The card Syrus drew and took a glance at was a real surprise for him…
"First things first, I play the Field Spell; Megaroid City!", he placed the Field Spell card on his Zone slot, the Futuristic yet Cartoonish City with floating roads and many buildings with different purposes appeared on the entire field contrasting heavily with the crystalline palace.
Alexis looked around, getting curious about the Spell that Syrus had activated. "I see… due to new rules, we're allowed to keep our Field Spells simultaneously; I wonder how it feels, if we had dueled earlier this would make the Crystal Palace break and vice versa."
"Not worried about it, but you should be worried about Megaroid City's effect! Once per turn, I can destroy 1 other card on the field, to add 1 'roid' card from my deck to my hand."
"Any card? So that means…"
"Exactly your point. The 'Cyber Girl Token' will now be destroyed!", Syrus declared
The girl token gasped in surprise and terror; as the Megaroid City Security System scanned her and labeled her a threat, locked onto her body signature. With a comically large laser gun held by a white-gloved hand, that automatically shot at the ballerina with a burst of green atomic light, the panicking ballerina was quickly destroyed, while Syrus added a card to his hand.
"And then, here comes my Spell Card; Monster Reborn! I'll use it to Special Summon my Submarineroid from my Graveyard!"
With a loud splashing sound from the ocean came a blue and yellow submarine, showing an irritated look toward his master, and hoping against hope that the dreaded ballerina, Cyber Blader wasn't here but the opposite seemed to be the case. The Cartoon Sub was holding back to curse like a drunken sailor. (ATK 800 / DEF 1800).
'The time has come', Syrus looked at the Spell in his hand. "I'll fuse from my side of the field, Steamroid, Submarineroid, and Drillroid from my hand! I activate my Spell Card, Power Bond!"
(A) Power Bond – Normal Spell
(This card is always treated as 'Polymerization')
Fusion Summon 1 Machine Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using monsters from your hand or field as Fusion Material, and its Attack is doubled. During the End Phase of your turn, the player who controls that monster takes damage equal to its original ATK.
Dee, Alexis, and Jasmine gasped from their spot.
'Power Bond', they thought, as they watched the machine monsters getting played on his field; the Spell Card absorbing, and letting wild sparks, gears, and engines form a vortex, while the floor crumbled again.
"'Bonds of Strength, Gears of Spirit, Circuits of the Heart! Bring on the Drill of Bravery to traverse the ends of the Earth!' I Fusion Summon! The Pride of Megaroid City, Super Vehicroid – Jumbo Drill!"
From the crystalline grounds came a giant cartoonish drill robot, showing a gigantic blue and beige machine; small claws, and a Drillroid's walking mat, Blue-Hot Steam and Smoke enveloping the huge machine and a good part of the field akin to an aura signifying Power Bond's effects. (ATK 3000 – 6000 / DEF 2000)
"M… My, my, my, my~…", Dee murmurs in awe, looking amazed at Syrus' strongest monster. Her curious eyes alight with excitement at the myriad of possibilities running a mile a minute in her frantic mind but her mouth is faster than her mind and she numbly says with an excited smile on her face. "Oh, Sweet Ra! That's a huge Drill if I've ever seen one!"
Alexis stepped back a bit feeling a good bit of trepidation at Syrus' Fusion Monster. "It's attack power… is Six Thousand? Power Bond is something else."
"That's Power Bond's additional effect. It doubles the Attack of the Fusion Monster that was summoned with this Spell Card.", Syrus explained simply. "Don't keep looking down on me, just because of my small size, ya hear me?!"
"T... The bigger they are the harder they fall. I still have enough Life Points to protect myself…"
"True. But I only control 1 monster, so that means your Cyber Blader will get her attack back to normal."; Syrus looked at how Alexis' monster didn't have the same strength that she had moments ago (ATK 4200 – 2100 / DEF 800)
"This is gonna hurt because it's time to Battle! Jumbo Drill, prepare your engines to attack Cyber Blader; Go, 'Vicious Execution'!"; his Giant monster with a huff of blue steam was moving towards Alexis' field, while his giant front drill started spinning at really high speeds at the ballerina.
Alexis reveals her set card. "I activate my Trap Card, Covering Fire! During this battle, my Cyber Blader will receive the Attack Points of my Cyberruban!"
Thanks to her Trap, the two ballerinas looked respectful towards each other; with a glowing handshake, Cyberruban gave her strength to protect her leader from harm (ATK 2100 – 4600 / DEF 800)
"That won't help with your Cyber Blader's protection, though. End her show, Jumbo Drill!"
His gigantic machine's drill pierced through Cyber Blader's shield; causing the ballerina to grimace in great pain at the drill digging into her chest but still stood her ground with gritted teeth, as her hands seemingly futile defiance held tight to the drill trying to stop it.
But the blowback of such a powerful attack and perseverance kicked up dust obscuring the two powerful monsters from view; Alexis was shielding herself from the impact.
(A: 4000 – 2600 LP)
As the attack ended and the dust cloud disbursed, he thought that her Fusion Monster was destroyed by his monster's Attack. However…
"She… She wasn't destroyed?!", he gasps, seeing how a very burnt and even bloodied Cyber Blader was tightly holding on to Jumbo Drill's white-hot steel drill with her bare hands, putting her strength to the test.
"'Pas de deux'!", Alexis explained, still feeling the impact from the attack. "That's Cyber Blader's effect; if you control only one monster, she can't be destroyed by battle."
"You're so persistent, you know that?"
"Why thanks for the compliment. However, this is bad news for you. Due to Power Bond's effect, since you're still controlling your Fusion Monster... It's about to backfire on you, isn't it?"
Syrus clenched his fists, angry at himself for getting caught in her Trap. So, she knew about the card's side effect too… but how? He kept his composure and set one card in his Spell/Trap zone.
"I set a card face-down; my turn's over!"
"And it is time for you to take damage from your Spell Card effect! And since your Super Vehicroid - Jumbo Drill's original Attack is 3000, you'll be taking 3000 points of damage!"
The intense heat and electrical energy enveloping Jumbo Drill expanded, and it washed over Syrus in waves; he screamed in pain, as his Power Bond Spell made him lose a huge amount of his Life Points.
(S: 3300 – 300 LP)
"No, it cannot end like this, Little Blue.", Dee was feeling anxious from the ending of Syrus' turn. "You were supposed to win with all you had; not falling from your owned cards. This is not good at all…"
Jasmine was already finished with her soda and snacks. "Well, I guess it's time for the 'climax'. The turn that decides it all; if Alexis can pass through Syrus' barrier, and get to the finish line."
Turn 5
A: 2600 LP
S: 300 LP
"It is time to finish this. I Draw for turn!", the blondie Obelisk started her turn. "You were right in one thing, Syrus. I underestimated you from the beginning because I thought dueling with Jaden would be a greater challenge. But once I saw your dueling, you might've impressed me… a little bit."
"Are those your last words?", Syrus asked. "If you can't pass through my monster, you better pass the turn back to me."
"I have a better plan; I'll go to the route where I won't see your monster protecting you. I summon my Cyber Gymnast!", her third monster on her field was a well-built blonde woman with a mask on her face (ATK 800 / DEF 1800).
"I guess it goes without saying… she must have an effect, for the reason she got summoned.", Syrus guessed.
"Correct, she does. By discarding 1 card from my hand, Cyber Gymnast lets me destroy an Attack Position monster that you control!", Alexis explained, as she discarded the last card in her hand. Suddenly, the muscular woman felt her body increasing its size, height, and strength; as if she was capable of lifting a heavy vehicle with ease…
"Your Jumbo Drill is history; Cyber Gymnast, 'Lourde Frappe' (Heavy Strike)!", a heavy orange aura achieved by years of harsh training enveloped the gymnast's body. Hardening itself to be stronger than steel. With expert precision, she lunged toward the Cartoon Mecha's weak point. And she tore through it like wet paper.
"No way… my Fusion Monster, so easily destroyed by a mere Level 4 monster effect…", Syrus couldn't believe his eyes; But then he noticed it was time.
He was aware that a cartoonish flint missile was floating on the Futuristic roads, the moment his Fusion Monster was destroyed…
"It is time for the curtain call. Au revoir, Rouge (Goodbye, Red)! Cyber Blader, attack him directly; 'Vortex Needle'!"; her Fusion Monster jumped high in the air, letting her feet feel the cold winds giving her enough speed to give the Slifer Red a diving kick.
"It's Game Over for the poor Slifer. Better than most I would say…", Jasmine concludes as she is about to end her recording.
"Syrus, please pull through; you lasted this long!", Dee says wanting to help Syrus in some way; at long last, Cyber Blader was up close and about to ram her falling foot into Syrus' stomach.
"I activate my Counter Trap: Emergeroid Tripwire!", Syrus reveals his only set card; causing a suddenly beeping landmine to appear in front of him, causing the stoic ballerina's face to have a very panicked expression on her face as if she wanted to be anywhere but there.
(FM) Emergeroid Tripwire – Counter Trap
During the turn a 'roid' Fusion Monster was destroyed by an opponent's card, if your opponent's monster declares a direct attack: Negate the attack and destroy all face-up monsters your opponent controls, then, if you have "Missileroid" in your GY, both players take damage equal to the total ATK of the destroyed monsters.
"A trap?! You had a trap set on this attack that was about to finish your Life Points?", Alexis asked shocked.
"I noticed. The moment I looked up, and saw it… the jet!"
"The jet?", Alexis looked up; and saw in surprise, the same missile that Syrus was talking about. "It's not a part of your Field Spell… it was a 'target'?"
"It's a 'signal' from my Counter Trap; thanks to my Jumbo Drill getting destroyed by your monster effect... since you're attacking me directly, the attack gets reflected, destroying all monsters you control!"
When the last beeps of the landmine sounded off it caused an explosion to the grimacing Cyber Blader, getting suddenly blasted straight into Cyberruban and Cyber Gymnast, before all three were consumed by the explosion.
Alexis couldn't believe how all her monsters were destroyed by the last-ditch blast…
"My Flint Missile will lock on to multiple targets!", Syrus pointed to the jet; suddenly dropping high-grade explosives on the two duelists. "Emergeroid Tripwire's last effect; if Missileroid is in my Graveyard, we both take damage equal to the total Attack of the destroyed monsters by this effect!"
"HAH?! Since when did Missileroid got sent to… the Graveyard.", Alexis asked but then remembered. "No, way…"
"Yes, way. Remember my Einroid's effect? Besides Submarineroid, the other monster I sent from my Deck to the grave… was Missileroid! Just so I could activate my Counter Trap correctly!"
Jasmine was still recording. The sight of multiple cartoonish bombs, missiles, and shrapnel falling onto the floor like rain droplets was one to be remembered.
"The destroyed monster's total attack points… 5400 damage?!", she spoke in shock.
Alexis gave a small respectful chuckle, "So you went this route, well played…"
Syrus nodded, "It's a shame none of us brought an umbrella. It was predicted a rainy night today…"
The bombs landed on the crystalline floor; multiple explosions were let loose everywhere breaking it apart. Syrus and Alexis shielded themselves, but each was blasted backward from the knockback from the excessive amount of virtual explosions, and it was the end of the game.
(A: 2600 – 0 LP)
(S: 300 – 0 LP)
DUEL'S RESULT: DRAW!
"… Incredible. Incredible…", Dee gaped from her spot, her eyes sparkling from seeing the young Slifer boy lying flat on his back with his tired but relieved face. It was finally over, a duel she would not forget anytime soon.
The ice floor, the crystal palace, and the futuristic city holograms; all of it dissipated, as the duel was over. Alexis and Syrus got up from their opposing spot, looking at each other with a look of begrudging respect.
"Let me ask you something…", Alexis started with an exasperated huff. "How… how are you in Slifer Red?"
"Huh? Why are you asking me that?"
"Your Written Exam, before you entered Duel Academy. What place did you get?"
"I was the Examinee #69. Jaden was number 50."
"That can't be true. Both of you shouldn't be on that level; the way Jaden dueled yesterday with Chazz and single-handedly put Professor Crowler's career into question, and how you just faced me. There's no way I believe you scored that low during the Entry Exam."
"I don't know either why Big Bro is Examinee #50. But for me, it's simple… I was having an off day when I did the Writing Exam."
"Off day? Like what? A Cold during a Summer Day?"
"No. Anxiety from the night before the Writing Exam.", Syrus explains sheepishly. "I didn't sleep enough; Then I got sleepy during the middle of the Exam. Luckily, I didn't pass out. I got to an average level, enough to do the Duel Exam to try getting my spot at the Academy."
Alexis stood silently rubbing her head in irritation. So that's why he was in Slifer Red; Such a wasted potential…
"Just saying; After this duel, I came to a basic conclusion."
"And that is…"
"Slifer Red… isn't the dorm fit for you."
Syrus stood silent at her comment, slightly confused. Did he care for what she meant? Any meaning to answering back as an offense? His mind wouldn't let him do so… he was already tired.
"I'm leaving. I already left Big Bro worried about me, and it's time for dinner at the dorm.", Syrus walked away from his spot. "However, this duel and argument lost my appetite. Goodnight."
The Obelisk Queen watched him walking away to his dorm while taking a glance at the card she discarded to activate her Cyber Gymnast's effect.
'Ice Barrier, Huh? He pushed me this far, to draw a card like this one… Maybe my deck reacted to his willpower, and how it seems I looked down on him.', Alexis smiled, satisfied with the surprisingly difficult duel she had with the Slifer Red. "I still have a lot to learn…"
"Yes, you do…", a cold voice sounded from behind her. She could hear it; it was a Monster Spirit from her deck. The only Monster Spirit she was able to talk with…
She had pallid skin, wearing a crystal crown, and an icy white visor over her face; wearing a royal glacé dress with a ruby on her chest and abdomen, she was wearing purple gloves, while holding a long icy staff with a snowflake at the top.
"You should've asked for my help, Alexis. You could've won this duel so easily with my power."
"But I didn't ask, because I felt like I could duel him face-to-face, Ice Queen.", Alexis told her with her colder look. "There are times you're supposed to stay there and watch me duel, and other times you stay on my field, and do whatever you want…"
"Getting cold feet, aren't we? I was aware you made some mistakes during your duel, you even forgot Crystal Palace had an effect to your advantage…"
"Breaking the Ice for this…", the duelist deadpanned, but was also aware of what the spirit mentioned. "What did I miss?"
"Palais de Cristal… It's a Field Spell that would allow your Cyber Gymnast, which has an Attack lower than 1500, to attack the opponent directly. If you used her to attack him directly, instead of using her effect to destroy his Fusion Monster, you could've won. Just saying…"
"I get that part; What I didn't know, was that Syrus had a face-down ready for his Fusion Monster's destruction. It could've been anything at this point, I didn't know the Traps he set up."
"And so, he doesn't as well. But he was ready anyways, while you weren't…", Ice Queen concluded. "Supercharge Trap gave him extra cards; the boy forced you to attack his Einroid, giving him ammunition for that fiery finale. Either he's too strong of a duelist for you, or you're missing something vital in your dueling, my dear~."
"Oh, be Quiet!", Alexis ordered, irate. "I… I'm not going to listen to more of your complaints tonight."
"Heh… whatever you say, coward~."
"I'm. Not. A coward!", the girl protested self-consciously.
(With Syrus)
"I messed up, I messed up BIG time…", the boy looked at himself very nervously, the adrenaline wearing off. "What the heck was I thinking? This is not the smart thing to do…"
He looked up to the night, his eyes almost watering, his body trembling… his lips tried to let out his words, but it was hard for him to do it. His hands were shaking his hair, losing his self-control.
'GAAAAAHHHHHH! I CAN'T HANDLE THIS! What's with this miserable day!? What did I do to deserve these disastrous events? Me? Facing Alexis, the top elite student of Obelisk Blue? The Queen of Obelisk Blue?'
'I was barely able to keep up with her. And weirdest of all, she said – Slifer Red isn't a dorm fit for me. Does she mean I'm worse than a Slifer Red? I'm already getting new enemies on the second day of School. Then again, those were more Jaden's enemies and I need to sleep immediately.'
However, someone else was having a different opinion. A very passionate blonde sorceress, looking very interested at the Slifer Red boy.
"She was right. You were very talented back there, Little Blue~. Slifer Red isn't your dorm, you deserved better; heck even Ra Yellow wouldn't do. You were meant to be at Obelisk Blue from the very beginning."
"Your Dueling Spirit shows that fact, and how much trust you had in your monsters and cards to give you that same strength in return. And that Spell Card, Power Bond; you almost had it, if you wanted to protect your monster from that girl's Trap. Although, I must say; you were very reckless to not notice the last effect…"
As she came to these conclusions, an eager grin came to her face; said face showing off her excitement at finding someone to share her knowledge with…
"I've made my decision… Syrus Truesdale, you're just the guy!"
(With Jasmine)
'Unbelievable, Incredible. All this, the turns, the twists, the passion.' Jasmine muttered as she watched the duel recorded in her camera, in awe of the two player's skill.
'Oh, dear me~. This duel has me breathless… Who would think that little Slifer boy had this kind of power in his deck? Slifer? Should I care which dorm he's in? No! That doesn't matter to me; I need to know…'
'What's with him and his incredible synergies? Einroid sends his key cards to the Graveyard. His Jumbo Drill Fusion, Missileroid on his Graveyard for a Counter Trap…'
"Syrus Truesdale… I need to duel you so badly~!", Jasmine grinned with her pink cheeks revealed while picking her deck. "Let's see, let's see. Do I have everything in… place?"
She was looking at her deck, her smile suddenly doing a 180º. "Rescue Cat? King Tiger Wanghu? These are NOT my cards, they're Mindy's. Unless, uh oh... Well, at least I get a comedy as a palette"
Location: Obelisk Blue Lake
Turn 4
Jaden (J): 3600 LP
(Jaden's field)
Elemental Hero Sparkman (ATK 1600 / DEF 1400); Elemental Hero Clayman (ATK 800 / DEF 2000); 1 Set Card in Spell/Trap Zone.
Mindy (M): 2400 LP
(Mindy's field)
Valkyrian Knight (ATK 1900 / DEF 1200); 2 Set Cards in Spell/Trap Zone
It was Mindy's turn, and she wasn't having a great time. This deck wasn't hers… it was Jasmine's. Although they were close friends and always talked about cards that could help their decks, Mindy wasn't used to the Warrior-Type playstyle.
'If I wasn't so careless if I would've looked at the cards that were in the bedroom more carefully, where Jasmine and I place our decks… I could've brought my Beast Deck and would've been ready for this…'
"Hey, are you alright back there? It's your Draw Phase, ya know?", Jaden reminded her from his boat.
"Shut your Trap. I know that already; it's my turn!", Mindy drew her card. "I'm equipping Valkyrian Knight with my Equip Spell, Big Bang Shot!"
The Equip Spell gave a sudden burst of energy to the woman knight, her sword was shining brighter (ATK 1900 – 2300 / DEF 1200).
"Big Bang Shot gives an extra 400 Attack points to my monster; also, if it attacks a Defense Position monster, it deals piercing damage.", Mindy explained, and one of her set cards was revealed. "I also activate my Trap Card, Armory Call! From my Deck, I equip my Knight with the Equip Spell Rusted Blade – Rust Edge!"
(A) Rusted Blade – Rust Edge – Equip Spell
Equip only to a Warrior-Type monster. It gains 800 ATK. When the monster equipped with this card is destroyed: Inflict 800 damage to your opponent
"Thanks to my Rusted Blade, Valkyrian Knight's attack increased by 800 Attack Points. And if you think about destroying her, you also take 800 points of damage."; the monster's second hand was now holding on to a rusty old sword, showing a green aura increasing the Knight's strength (ATK 2300 – 3100 / DEF 1200)
"Powerhouse of a monster… am I right, Yubel?"
The demoness was more worried about the way Mindy was playing the cards, than the who duel. "I'm afraid this duel looks a bit… unfair, my Prince."
"Hmm? What do you mean by unfair?"
"HEY!", Mindy calls out to the Slifer. "I'm right here, not where you're talking with. Besides, WHO are you talking with? Your imaginary friend?"
"Ahh… no, no please, proceed with your next moves."
"Mock me, will you?", Mindy pointed at him. "It's time to battle then; Valkyrian Knight, attack his Sparkman! 'Double Burning Blade'!"; Under the duelist orders, the fiery woman knight glides through the water with her two shining blades, ready to clash against Jaden's Electrical Hero…
"I play my Trap Card, Hero Barrier!"; when Jaden's set card was revealed, it created a barrier around his Sparkman; Valkyrian Knight slashed her swords against the barrier, its durability making her return back to Mindy's field. "Since I control an 'Elemental Hero' monster, this Trap allows me to cancel one of your Attacks!"
"Smart of you to cancel one of my attacks. However, your set card only made things worse for you!", Mindy's other set card was activated. "I activate my last set card; My Trap Card, Miracle Locus!"
(A) Miracle Locus – Normal Trap
Target 1 face-up Attack Position monster you control; your opponent draws 1 card, also that monster gains 1000 ATK during the Damage Step only, and it can make a second attack on monsters during each Battle Phase this turn.
"By allowing you to draw 1 card, Valkyrian Knight's Attack will be increased by 1000 during Battle; also, she's allowed to attack again!"
"Say what?", Jaden asked, while drawing his card; he noticed how the female opponent was getting ready to slash with her blades again.
"Take your second chance! Valkyrian Knight, no missing this time; Slash and dice his Sparkman!", her monster felt a pulse of energy from the trap; as she strikes Jaden's Sparkman down with her blades, her strength increasing (ATK 3100 – 4100 / DEF 1200)
Jaden felt his boat shaking from the waves of pressure from his monster getting destroyed by that battle.
(J: 3600 – 1100 LP)
"What… a fierce opponent.", Jaden mutters with a smile as he feels cold sweat sliding down his face; who would think this was Mindy's pure strength?
Even Dr. Crowler was getting impressed at his student's dueling. "Belissima, Signora Mindy – no ne. No wonder Elite School students make your headmaster feel so proud of you – na no ne. Knock some sense of that arrogant Slacker for me!"
Yubel could hear the professor's voice from far away, as she deadpans.
"My Prince, it looks like an unwelcome audience member is close to Obelisk Girl's dorm… a pervert perhaps?"
'A crossdresser, it's the same thing. Just ignore him and focus on the duel.', Jaden mocked, the demoness giving a bemused smile as she cackled lightly. They looked back at Mindy, who was smirking with her arms crossed…
"Beating Dr. Crowler must've made you cocky; adding on the insult you gave in his class. The very thought of a Slifer Red like you beating me, and elite Obelisk Blue; it's so laughable yet rage-inducing!"
"These ladies sure are proud of themselves, my Prince. Shame for them, you're going easy… aren't you?", Yubel asked with a raised eyebrow.
'Something off here. It's like she's too nervous about using her cards at the start of the duel, taking too long to make her plays…'
"Hmm~… it seems your sense of sight is getting sharper; because I noticed that from the start. Now… it's time to finish this mess of a duel."
'Agreed.', Jaden nodded. "Now then, do you have anything more to show?"
Mindy took a moment to realize she had ended her Battle Phase. "Eh… ah, sure I end my turn. Not that that matters!"
Turn 5
J: 1100 LP
M: 2400 LP
"Now, then; My turn, draw!", Jaden drew his card with a content nod. "Alright, I play my Spell Card, O – Oversoul! This allows me to Special Summon Elemental Hero Sparkman from my Graveyard!"
With a quick burst of blue electrical light, lit up the field to signal his entry; the blue and gold-armored-clad Hero appeared right next to his comrade (ATK 1600 / DEF 1400)
"And finally, I fuse my Elemental Hero Clayman and Sparkman; using the Spell Card, Polymerization!"
Both Sparkman and Clayman looked towards each other giving an affirming nod to each other, then they jumped and gave a high five to each other that transformed into a large lightning bolt to herald the new fusion's arrival.
"Fusion Summon! Raging Bolt of Blue, Persevering Earth; It's Elemental Hero Thunder Giant!"; A tall Superhero hovered above the lake's surface; wearing massive golden armor, and an orb of blue electrical energy embedded in the middle of his chest and under each of his electric claws (ATK 2400 / DEF 1500)
(A) Elemental Hero Thunder Giant – Fusion Monster/LIGHT/Warrior/Lv 6/ATK 2400/DEF 1500
"Elemental Hero Sparkman" + "Elemental Hero Clayman"
Must be Fusion Summoned, and cannot be Special Summoned in other ways. When this card is Fusion Summoned: Target 1 face-up monster on the field whose original ATK is less than this card's ATK; destroy it.
"Does that matter? For a mighty Hero, he's only 700 Attack Points short of my knight's power."
"It matters for Thunder Giant's effect; the moment he gets Summoned, he can destroy one monster whose original attack points are lower than his own."
"Original Attack Points? My Valkyrian Knight's original Attack points were… Oh crap."
"It's shocking, isn't it? Time to finish this, Thunder Giant. Do your thing big guy; 'Big Bolt Blast'!", his Fusion Monster channeled the electric orb's energy into his arms to create a massive electrical energy wave aimed towards the female knight that washed over Valkyrian Knight paralyzing and frying her body before dissolving into pixels.
"Can't let you off that easily Slifer! Since Valkyrian Knight was sent to my Graveyard, Rusted Blade's effect now activates; you're taking 800 points of damage to your Life Points!"
Jaden felt a chilling stinging pain akin to a specter passing through his body, making him kneel in fatigue and drowsiness from the nighttime duel.
(J: 1100 – 300 LP)
"Unfortunately for you, I have enough Life Points to take the hit, but you won't! Thunder Giant, attack Mindy's Life Points directly! 'Voltic Thunder'!"
His Fusion Monster obeyed his leader's command; spreading out his hands again, to let out an enormous amount of electricity straight in Mindy's direction.
"DAAAMN IT!", she curses in frustration, at her defeat.
(M: 2400 – 0 LP)
JADEN WINS THE DUEL
"Nicely done, my love.", Yubel congratulated her host warmly.
Jaden grinned and did his usual victory sign. "Gotcha, that was a fun duel; Don't ya agree?"
The Obelisk Girl stood up from her backside with a frustrated huff, embarrassed by her defeat.
"T... This victory isn't even a genuine one. After all, this wasn't even my deck in the first place!"
"Eh? The deck you're using wasn't yours?", Jaden asked, a little shocked. "You nearly beat me with it, how'd that happen?"
"In a long story short… me and my friend swapped decks by accident. This deck belongs to my roommate, Jasmine."
Yubel facepalmed. "I knew something wrong was with her in the first place."
Jaden nodded to her. 'Touché. I had the same thought… I just didn't want to be wrong.'
"Let's pretend this duel never happened.", Jaden told the Obelisk Blue, this time he had a serious look on his face. "I'm returning to the dorm; it's almost time for dinner."
Mindy watched silently, as Jaden rows his boat back to the docks. She felt regret; not just because she lost to him, but also because she felt hampered by the misplaced deck.
"This is so frustrating… Jaden; Next time I will prevail!"
Dr. Crowler was also very infuriated by what he saw. The Slifer Red mocks him again, this time by defeating one of his prized elite students.
"Jaden Yuki; Mark my words, next time I shall put you through the wringer – na no ne!"
Location: Slifer Red Dorm; Time: 10 pm
"URP! I ate too much… I'm stuffed.", Jaden burps before opening the door after dinnertime. He saw the two Slifer roommates sleeping on each bunk bed. "Hmm… I wonder if Syrus is tired from standing on the cold beach, waiting for Alexis."
"It was your idea, Princeling. Almost makes me feel bad for him."; Yubel looks at the blue with a somewhat amused but guilty look, Jaden sheepishly laughing.
An interesting sight awaited both Jaden and Yubel; Dee was swinging her feet playfully, sitting on the chair, and the Magician had her studious eyes on the middle bed, where Syrus was sleeping peacefully.
"Yoh Sis, good to see you back.", Jaden waved.
"Ah… Jaden, Yubie. You're a bit late, Jaden; having too much fun again…"
"Or maybe you arrived too early in the dorm, watching 'four-eyes' sleep at this time of night."
"You're one to talk, Triclops; He's not 'four-eyes'. He's Syrus Truesdale, and… he'll be my apprentice."
"Wait… I think I missed something here.", the demoness mutters, wanting to be sure of what Dee just said.
"You're serious, Dee?", Jaden asked with a curious look towards his adoptive Big Sis. "You fill him in about...everything?"
Yubel responded to Jaden's concern.
"Don't worry, Jaden. That's not how things work; Dee needs to have a 'Contract' with Syrus through a Testament or Neuro Link to make it simple for you.", she then smiles at her magician friend. "And I would be honored to be the maker of that contract."
She then looked to both Jaden and Dee; "Any complaints from either of you?"
"Nope."
"It would be nice to have more people seeing what my family sees. It's a whole new world for them"; Jaden shrugged, as he walked close to the desk where Syrus placed his deck.
He picked a card from his slot – the fateful Dark Magician Girl card; and inserted it in the middle of Syrus' deck.
"We're good here…", the boy gave a thumbs-up.
Yubel smiles calmly, walking to the little sleeping Slifer. Letting her hand move through the silky light-blue hair, she dragged her hand over his cheek; a soft burst of violet energy enveloped his whole body, Syrus feeling a warm soothing ease all over his body while he slept the feeling a mix of a tanning machine and mousse.
"Dee, if you will…", she extends her other hand; Dark Magician Girl approaches her while extending her hand to Yubel's. The sorceress also absorbed the same purple energy around herself, as she smiled excitedly at Syrus.
"I wonder what fate has in store for the two of us. Finally, I get to know more about you, Blue Star~."
– END OF CHAPTER 6 –
– EPILOGUE –
Location: Obelisk Girl's Dorm; Time: 8 pm (2 hours ago)
Headmistress Fonda Fontaine was furiously tapping her feet on the floor with a stern expression fixed on the three Obelisk Blue… to say she was upset would be an understatement. The Three Obelisk Blue Girls were standing nervously in front of her, already dressed in their PJs and cleaned after a girl's bath from tonight; it wasn't time for dinner yet, but they were still late…
"So… do I have any explanation as to why my three top Elite students were late tonight, at this time of hour without any warning?"
"I can explain, Miss Fontaine", Mindy offered with an excuse. "You see, things weren't going too well at night, I asked a boy to have a practicing duel at the lake at a fortunate time. He accepted it, but the duel took too long."
"And why the Girl's Lake in particular?", Fonda insists; making Mindy look visibly uncomfortable as her mind scrambled for a decent answer.
"Ah… yes, that. I just thought it would be a pretty place for us to start the duel, I think?" Mindy meekly says.
"… Fine, I'll take it. What about you, Jasmine?"
"Ahh, I was watching movies at night; I used some pillows, and bought some lemonade and popcorn too. I guess I 'slept' during the middle of the movie, as to why I returned so late… my bad~.", she rubbed the back of her head nervously.
"Either you're joking, or you're taking me seriously, miss Jasmine. What about you, Alexis?"
"I got a letter from someone… which had my name as the sender.", the blonde Girl confessed, to her friends' impressed looks; she then showed the letter to Fonda so she could read it.
But instead of reading the letter, the first thing she noticed… something embarrassingly obvious.
"Why does this have MY lipstick on the kiss mark of the envelope?"
"Kiss mark? Where?"; the three girls asked, while Fonda showed them where it was. It was exactly on the folded letter from the beginning.
"This is the color of my lipstick… which Dr. Crowler asked to give to him."
Out of the three girls, Jasmine was the only one who was laughing her ass off internally.
'Ah… This is rich. Poor Lexi got doped~…'
Said stoic blondie, the Queen of Obelisk. For the first time after God knows how many years passed… she was frozen on the spot.
"Ah… So, I said all those things… to Syrus. All that 'trash talk', when I didn't even notice the smallest, most basic thing right in front of me – that red kiss mark, which was out of sight. And then he called me… a coward."
Alexis was facepalming herself in embarrassment. Her face was deep red while her friends were struggling to keep composure for different reasons when a single thought came to her mind…
'Merde! Now I've done it...'