Chapter 20: Overlaying Formula
Summary: Bastion and Takashi face off, can Bastion's formula for success overcome the unknown dangers of Takashi's deck?
"DUEL!"
Bastion's Hand- Restructer Revolution, Spell Absorption, Dark Room of Nightmare, Meteor of Destruction, Solemn Wishes
Takashi's Hand- Double or Nothing, Rising Sun Slash, ZW – Ultimate Shield, Reverse Breaker, Numbers Protection
"I think I will start this duel if you don't mind, Takashi!" Bastion draws another Dark Room of Nightmare. "First, I will play the Continuous-Spell card, Spell Absorption! With this card, whenever a Spell card is played, I gain 500 life points, and I will gain some now by playing two of the Continuous-Spell cards, Dark Room of Nightmare!" As he plays them a white and purple energy covers the cards on the field and transfer to Bastion raising his life points.
Bastion's LP: 8000500500=9000
"Now I will play the Spell card, Restructer Revolution, dealing 200 points of damage to you for each card in your hand!" A green glow covers the five cards in Takashi's hand before transferring to him and making his life points drop.
Takashi's LP: 8000-1000=7000
"I also gain another 500 from Spell Absorption. And since you took effect damage from a card other than Dark Room of Nightmare, you take an additional 300 damage from both copies of my Dark Room of Nightmare card!" The white and purple energy washes over Bastion again as a dark purple energy covers Takashi draining his life points.
Bastion's LP: 9000500=9500
Takashi's LP: 7000-300-300=6400
Bastion smirks. "And my assault is far from finished, I activate the Spell card Meteor of Destruction, when this card is activated, as long as you over 3000 life points, it deals 1000 points of damage to you!" A large flaming meteor covered in a spiraling flame appears above the field and slams into Takashi, who covers his eyes to block out the light.
Takashi's LP: 6400-1000=5400
"Now I gain 500 more life points from Spell Absorber, and you take another 600 points of damage from my two Dark Room of Nightmares!" The white and purple energy covers Bastion once more raising his life points as the dark purple energy drains Takashi's life points further.
Bastion's LP: 9500500=10000
Takashi's LP: 5400-300-300=4800
Bastion sets the last card in his hand, Solemn Wishes. "I will then set one card facedown and end my turn." Bastion smirks at Takashi. "How do you like the first component of my duel winning formula?" Takashi chuckles.
"Not a bad set up. You saw how much prep time I needed in my other duels to get my deck going, so you built your deck with the purpose of giving me no breathing room." Bastion nods.
"But that is only the first step, you will soon see what more this deck can do."
Over in the participant booth, Syrus winces. "Turn one and not only does Bastion have Takashi at nearly half of his life points, but he boosted his own to 10000." Alexis nods.
"Bastion has the right idea though, with Takashi's unknown cards, playing a defensive game could mean the end." Jaden nods with a grin on his face.
"I can't wait to see what Takashi has in store for us this time!" Back on the field, Takashi draws ZW – Asura Strike. Takashi sets ZW - Ultimate Shield in defense mode. "After your amazing first turn, I hate to disappoint, but I'll set one monster facedown in defense mode."
ZW – Ultimate Shield Atk / Def: 0 / 2000
Takashi then sets Numbers Protection. "And one card facedown and end my turn."
Bastion throws out his hand. "Before your turn ends, I will activate my Trap card, Solemn Wishes! Whenever I draw a card, I gain 500 life points! And now I draw!" Bastion draws Mask of the Accursed. A shower of sparkling light rains down on Bastion raising his life points.
Bastion's LP: 10000500=10500
Bastion looks at the card he just drew. "I will hold onto this card and use it when he finally brings out his Synchro monster." Bastion smiles confidently at Takashi. "I'll pass turn back to you Takashi." Takashi smiles calmly back.
"Well thanks Bastion." Takashi draws Kagetokage. "First, I'll flip my facedown monster Zexal Weapon - Ultimate Shield in attack mode!"
ZW – Ultimate Shield Atk / Def: 0 / 2000
"Now I'll Normal Summon my level four Zexal Weapon – Asura Strike in attack mode!"
ZW – Asura Strike Atk / Def: 1000 / 1000
"And when I Normal Summon a level four monster, from my hand, Kagetokage's effect activates, and I can Special Summon them!"
Kagetokage Atk / Def: 1100 / 1500
Takashi smiles at Bastion with a twinkle of excitement in his eyes. "When I saw you as my first opponent, I knew you would build a deck designed to counter my Synchro monsters as best you could, so to keep you on your toes, I decided to let you be the first person to face off against another new summoning method." Bastion's eyes widen.
"Another new summoning method?!" The audience for this match is just as surprised as Bastion. Excited chatter fills the stands. Over in the participant booth, Alexis, Brier, Mindy, and Syrus share Bastion's shock while Jaden looks like a kid on Christmas.
"Oh sweet! I know he said he had more than Synchro monsters, but I just thought he was talking about the Fusion monsters he was using!" Up with the staff most look on with curious excitement, all except Dr. Crowler, who looks on in horror.
"Another summoning method! How many more does this kid have?! How much am I going to have to change my curriculum when Pegasus releases these publicly?!" Back on the field Takashi begins his move.
"I overlay my level four Ultimate Shield and my level four Kagetokage! With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network to Xyz Summon! Carry hope on white wings! Come forth and become a Messenger of Light! Number 39: Utopia!"
Ultimate Shield becomes a brown orb of light as Kagetokage becomes a purple orb of light. They spiral around each other and fly into a swirling yellow and black starry portal that opens to reveal a galaxy, which the orbs fly into. A large blue column of light comes out of the portal that Utopia emerges from, spreading his wings as two yellow orbs orbit him.
Number 39: Utopia Atk / Def: 2500 / 2000
Bastion looks on with eyes wide in fascination. "Xyz summoning, an outcome I never could have prepared for." Takashi nods with a smile.
"Yeah, you plan out a million scenarios when you build your decks, all with the goal of countering your opponent's deck. But you can't always plan around your opponent, you have to be quick on your feet and improvise. So, I knew I had to use something you couldn't predict, a brand-new summoning method!" Bastion chuckles.
"Don't get too ahead of yourself, Takashi, new summoning method or not, my deck will pass the test! Though I must ask, how exactly does this new summoning method work? Does it use a specific type of monster, like Tuners for Synchros, or does it have more to do with the fact that you specified they were both level four monsters?" Takashi gives Bastion a small smile at that.
"Your second theory is right, for most Xyz summons you need two or more monsters of the same level." Bastion puts his hand to his chin in thought.
"'For most Xyz summons' so there are certain Xyz monsters that require something different or more specific to summon." As Takashi nods Bastion thinks to himself. "New type of monster or not, the display showed that Utopia still has four stars, it means my plan should still work if I draw the right card."
Over with the participants, Jaden and Mindy are getting excited at the sight of Utopia. "This is totally sweet, what can Utopia do? Are the orbs circling it part of being an Xyz monster or is it just Utopia?!"
"I don't know about any of that, but he looks like a total dashing hero! Like an armored angel!" While Jaden and Mindy ramble in excitement, the other three contestants discuss the possibilities of being able to Special summon powerful monsters just by having two monsters of the same level on the field.
"As a Zexal Weapon, Asura Strike has a special effect! I can equip them to a Utopia monster on my field, and boost their attack by 1000! Now I equip Asura Strike to Utopia!" Asura Strike attaches themselves to Utopia's back, and four arms emerge from its sides.
Number 39: Utopia Atk: 25001000= 3500
"Now I equip the Spell card, Reverse Breaker to Utopia!" The Purple and White energy covers Bastion as he gains 500 life points from Spell Absorber. As this happens a yellow glow briefly covers Utopia.
Bastion's LP: 10500500=11000
"Now I attack directly with Utopia, and when I do, Reverse Breaker activates! When Utopia declares an attack, I can target one Spell or Trap on your field and destroy it! And I choose your second Dark Room of Nightmare!" Utopia aims his sword at said Spell card and shoots out a bolt of yellow energy that destroys it.
Bastion grunts, thinking to himself. "That Spell could prove to be trouble. Every attack he lands the more my assault and defenses weaken. I need to get something to halt Utopia's attacks." Takashi brings Bastion out of his thoughts with a shout.
"Now go Utopia, Rising Sun Slash!" Utopia's sword glows a golden orange as he slices Bastion.
Bastion's LP: 11000-3500=7500
"And with that, I'll end my turn." Bastion grunts at the first bit of damage he has taken this duel.
"It's a good thing I built up my life points as much as I have. That could have been a lot worse." Bastion draws another Meteor of Destruction and light sparkles rain on him as he gains 500 life points from Solemn Wishes.
Bastion's LP: 7500500=8000
"I activate another Meteor of Destruction, dealing 1000 more points of damage to you!" Another flaming meteor slams into Takashi.
Takashi's LP: 4800-1000=3800
Bastion throws out his hand to his side. "Now, Spell Absorber and Dark Room of Nightmare activates!" Bastion gains 500 as he is covered in the purple and white energy and Takashi takes 300 damage as he is covered in the dark purple energy.
Bastion's LP: 8000500=8500
Takashi's LP: 3800-300=3500
"Now I play the Equip-Spell card, Mask of the Accursed! When this card is equipped to a monster, they cannot attack and each Standby Phase, the owner of the monster takes 500 points of damage! And I will equip it to your Utopia!" Takashi throws out his hand with a shout.
"Not so fast! I activate my Trap card, Numbers Protection! When a Monster, Spell, or Trap effect is activated while I control a "Number" Xyz monster, it negates the activation and destroys it!" A green seal with the numbers 0-9 appears in front of Utopia. The numbers "3" and "9" light up and yellow cubes stretch out from the center of the seal, slamming into the Mask destroying it.
Bastion grunts when his Spell card is destroyed. "Well, Plan A failed. Now I will have to go with Plan B. Which means I need to draw one of them." Bastion sighs with a smile. "A good counter Takashi, I will end my turn."
Takashi smiles at Bastion. "Thanks Bastion!" Takashi draws another Reverse Breaker. "I'll need to hold onto this, just in case he manages to destroy or disable my current Utopia." Throwing out his hand, Takashi shouts. "Now go Utopia, attack his life points directly! And since he is attacking, I can get rid of another of your Spell or Trap cards! I choose your Solemn Wishes!"
Another yellow bolt launches from Utopia's sword, shattering Solemn Wishes. "Now go, Rising Sun Slash!" Utopia slices Bastion with another golden orange slash.
Bastion's LP: 8500-3500=5000
"And with that, I end my turn!" Back with the other contestants, Jaden and Mindy are on the edge of their seats.
"Takashi has started his comeback in full force now!" Mindy nods rapidly.
"Yeah he really has, all the buffs Bastion has given himself are crumbling one by one!" Alexis interjects.
"It does look good for Takashi, but I wouldn't count Bastion out just yet. While Takashi Xyz summoning threw him off, he still planned for many unknown powerful cards the best he could." Syrus nods in agreement.
"It's like you say bro, it's not over till the last card is played. Right?" Jaden nods still looking at the duel grinning.
"Of course, it doesn't make it any less exciting though!" Brier looks at the duel with a contemplative look.
"It's a shame I'm already out, I was kind of looking forward to getting to duel Bastion for the top spot in Ra or getting to duel never before seen cards with Takashi." He turns to Alexis with a smirk. "You better put on a good show no matter who wins, Alexis, I'd hate to have lost to someone who gets curb stomped in their next duel." Alexis gives a smirk back.
"I plan to."
Bastion draws Gravity Bind. "Perfect. With this card, I should be able to put a stop to Takashi long enough to turn the duel back in my favor." Bastion then sets Gravity Bind. "I'll set one card and end my turn!"
Takashi draws ZW – Lightning Blade. "From my hand, I equip Zexal Weapon - Lightning Blade to Utopia raising his attack by 1200!" Lightning Blade appears on the field and pounces towards Utopia, Utopia holds out his sword and Lightning Blade merges with it, becoming a white and gold saber with it's head being a part of the handle.
Number 39: Utopia Atk: 35001200=4700
Bastion throws his hand out. "You may have powered up your monster, but it will all be for naught! I activate my Trap card, Gravity Bind! With this card, all level four and higher monsters can't attack!" Gravity Bind begins emitting a white light as it makes it's gravity field. But much to Bastion's shock, Utopia stands tall, unaffected by Gravity Bind. "What?!" Takashi gets a little smirk.
"That's not going to work Bastion, Utopia isn't a level four or higher monster." Bastion's eyes widen.
"But the display showed Utopia had four stars?!" Takashi nods still looking amused.
"It did, but did you notice the color of the stars?" Bastion nods looking confused.
"Yes they were black and yellow instead of orange and yellow, but I didn't think anything of it." Takashi chuckles.
"Well, you should have, you see Xyz monsters don't have levels, they have ranks!" Bastion's eyes get even wider.
"Then that means Utopia isn't level four, they are-"
"Rank four!" Up with the staff, Crowler is on the verge of pulling his hair out.
"Now there are ranks! I think I'm getting an aneurism just thinking of how much more I'll have to cover each year at this point!"
Takashi throws his hand out. "And since Gravity Bind works on levels and not Ranks, I can go forward with my attack! But first destroy his Spell Absorber!" The yellow energy strikes Spell Absorber, destroying it. "Now, Rising Sun Slash!" Utopia raises his blade that now glows golden orange with sparks of electricity running through it.
"But I'm going to use Utopia's effect! By getting rid of an Overlay Unit, one of the orbs floating around him, I can negate one attack, and I'll negate Utopia's own attack!" As Utopia charges forward one of the orbs enters Utopia's chest, ending his attack. This action leaves everyone confused, with Bastion being the most confused.
Over with the contestants Jaden is scratching his head with a lost look on his face. "That's a sweet effect, but why would Takashi use it on his own attack?" Brier looks contemplative.
"Is, is he trying to showboat or something?" Syrus shakes his head looking as lost as Jaden.
"No that's not like Takashi, when he really lets loose and has fun in a duel, he can be theatric, but he wouldn't purposefully sabotage himself just to tease his opponent. He respects others too much for that." On the field Bastion finally finds his words.
"Now why would you do that, Takashi? I know you're not one for mocking your opponents, so I'm assuming this play has a part two." Takashi gets a grin on his face, a spark of excitement in his eyes as he feels his blood pumping.
"You're right, I now activate my Quick-Play Spell, Double or Nothing from my hand! With this card, when a monster's attack is negated, I can target that monster and it gets to attack again this Battle Phase, but this time with double the attack points!" A large slot machine appears behind Utopia. The lever is pulled and the slots spin. Bastion's eyes widen as he quickly does the math of 4700 times two.
"But that would give Utopia-" Takashi nods with a grin.
"More than enough attack points to win this duel!" The slots stop spinning, landing on three golden crowns. A jackpot of gold flows out that then turns into golden energy that washes over Utopia.
Number 39: Utopia Atk: 4700x2=9400
Takashi smiles at Bastion. "This was a fun duel, Bastion. If I hadn't gone with Xyz cards, you might have got me with that Gravity Bind." Bastion smiles fondly and shakes his head.
"I appreciate your words, Takashi, but I'm sure you would have found a way around. I do have a few general decks I could have used, but I was determined to build a deck tailored to countering you, without actually knowing if I would have seen the deck you would use." Takashi nods with a small smile.
"The way you are able to plan around your opponent when making your deck is an amazing talent, but when you're going in blind, planning ahead too much can leave you stuck when it fails." Bastion chuckles.
"A good reminder for the future. Now, I believe you have your next match waiting for you." Takashi smile widens.
"Go Utopia, Rising Sun Supreme Slash!" Utopia raises his lightning charged blade into the air, as the gold energy from Double or Nothing flows into the blade, making its golden orange blade glow as bright as an actual rising sun. Flying forward, his wings spread wide with his sword scraping on the ground as he charges. He swings upward at Bastion, slashing him up the chest in blinding display.
Bastion's LP: 5000-9400=0
Winner- Takashi Mirai
Takashi comes out on top and we have our semi-finalists. Next chapter will be an intermission chapter of character interactions as I prep the next two big duels.