Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's: Faithshipping One Shot Collection
Chapter 8
Welcome to Duel Academy
A/N: It's been a while since I last posted anything. My muse, or writer's creativity hasn't really come up with any new ideas, but over the course of the last couple of days, I've been brainstorming about maybe trying to create an AU where Yusei attends Duel Academy. It's actually one of the few ideas I had thought about years ago, but I never got around to doing it, and of course life happened and I just kinda forgot about it. So this will just be a mini, or a short, where what if, after the Dark Signers, Yusei becomes a student at DA. If people are interested, or I decide to go through with it on my own, I might actually try to write a more fleshed out version, with some differences, so the two don't clash with each other.
Acronyms used: CiH: Cards in Hand, CoF: Cards on Field, CiG: Cards in Graveyard, CB: Cards Banished.
However, what if, in an alternate world similar to the one in the show, Yusei was able to attend Duel Academy, and the school wasn't just a school, but what if it doubled as a university as well, allowing Yusei to experience something he never got to know growing up in the Satellite?
"Well, I must say, this wasn't what I was expecting when I heard you were coming by my office this morning."
Sitting behind a large mahogany desk was a large man, with graying hair, wearing an immaculate red suit. Clasping his hands together, the large man peers over to the individual sitting across from him. Taking in his stature and presence, the large man is curious as to why such an individual like him would want to come and learn at his school.
"Tell me, Mr. Fudo, with someone like yourself, why would you want to attend my school with all that you've accomplished? I do not mean to sound suspicious; all of us in New Domino are very grateful for what you and your friends did for this city, but I can't help but ponder why someone with your talent would want to be here. After all, you are still the reigning Duel King. I'm afraid there won't be much that we could offer you here."
Seated in the chair across from the principal of Duel Academy, Yusei takes a moment to consider his answer. Truthfully? It's because he had never got to experience going to a school when he lived in the Satellite. Martha - bless her soul - homeschooled all of the kids that she looked after in the orphanage, as there was no such thing as "Satellite Schooling". In fact, most children learned the basic fundamentals of learning through playing duel monsters.
Yusei knew he wouldn't be allowed into their high school level courses. For one, he was "too old". He had just turned 19 earlier in the year, and the oldest a person could be to attend one of their highschool level courses is 18 years of age. For another, despite not having many learning opportunities in Satellite, any chance he could learn something back then, he did. It was one of the reasons why he was so intelligent; he absorbed information like a sponge absorbs water. In layman's terms, he was a genius.
Yusei wasn't egotistical, but truthfully, he wouldn't be surprised if any of the school's curriculum would prove to be worth it. So he knew that the principal's assumptions were correct; if he was a student, there wasn't much that the school could teach him that he didn't already know. However, there was one avenue of thought that the principal hadn't thought of that Yusei could use…
"I understand, Mr. Principle, and I agree with you. There isn't much that the school could teach me that I don't already know. To be honest, I only chose to do this because I've never actually attended a school before. Growing up in Satellite, I was home schooled by my guardian up to a junior high level. All of the rest, I figured out on my own. However, your school isn't a normal school, is it?"
Taken aback to Yusei's honesty, the principal could only gape and stare for a moment before he could respond. After collecting himself, the principal unclasped his hands, and reached into a cabinet beneath his desk. After fishing for the necessary papers, he closes the cabinet, and hands Yusei a stack of papers. Once Yusei collects them and starts reading through them, the principal goes on to explain what they are.
"Ah! Yes… Ahem… You are indeed correct, Mr. Fudo. Once a student has graduated through our high school courses, if they wish to remain here in New Domino, they are allowed to attend our University level courses. That stack of paper that you're currently looking through goes over all of the details that our establishment has to offer should a student wish to stay with us, such as housing, career choices beyond pro dueling, credits, etcetera."
After a few minutes, Yusei puts the stack of papers back on the desk, and turns his attention towards the principal. "Hmm. It all looks legit, but there must be some kind of catch. I don't imagine I could just come in here and sign a few papers, and everything would be fine for me to attend classes next week."
Chuckling, the principal confirms, "Haha. Quite. Normally, if a student wishes to graduate to our university level courses, they must first have graduated from our highschool level. Next, they must have attended Duel Academy for at least 4 years, starting in grade 9. Afterwards, there would be discussions of which career paths that we have available to that student. Under these conditions, normally I wouldn't be allowed to have someone in your situation to attend our university. But, I am anything if not a fair man, and I do love a good game, so how about a wager?"
Raising a brow, admittedly, this was not what Yusei was expecting. He might be a genius, but he could often still be caught off guard. However, he was curious, and after thinking about it, Yusei had a pretty good idea of the kind of wager the principal wanted to propose.
"Alright… you have my attention. You want me to duel someone… someone of your choosing… probably a student… your best student… and if I were to beat them… then we could talk?"
"HAH! An astute assumption, Mr. Fudo! And you are correct on all accounts. If you defeat my chosen representative in a duel, then I'll allow you to become one of our students in our university courses, with the career path of your choice! But! If you are to lose…"
"Then, I will accept my losses, and I won't bother you again."
After the two men came to an agreement, both men stood up and shook hands. Thanking the principal for his valuable time, Yusei remarks that even if he doesn't get in, he'll still thank the old man for giving him the time to discuss possible opportunities if he could become a student. Just before he walks out the door, the principal stops him, "Oh! Before you leave Mr. Fudo, I'm quite curious, so I must ask you… Do you already know whom you'll face tomorrow?"
Stopping at the entrance to the principal's office, Yusei turns his head towards the large man, and smirks in his direction. "I think I've got a good idea… but where's the fun in the game if I told you that?"
As Yusei walks out the door, he hears the boisterous laughter of the principal echo, causing some of the staff to eye the door wearily.
The Next Day
It was around the time when school was normally over when an assembly was announced, calling all students to report to the auditorium immediately. Intrigued and curious, the twins along with their friends and their fellow classmates, as well as the staff were led to an enormous arena within the school.
See, Duel Academy's auditoriums were especially large because they also doubled as their duel fields. This one in particular was much larger than the rest because this was the only one that had the capacity to hold all of the academy's students in one place. Because of this large space, students and staff could be seated wherever they liked, allowing students to sit with their friends from higher or lower grade levels.
As such, Leo, Luna and their friends from within their grade - Patty, Dexter, Bob and sometimes, Sly - were trying to find Akiza, and her friends - Sakura and Mai. However, while they found the latter two, it quickly became apparent why they weren't able to locate their "big sis". It was because she was on the Duel Field, with her Duel Disk and deck in hand, while the Principal was standing on a podium adjacent to the field.
"Whoa! What's big sis doing on the duel field? Do you two know why she's there? She didn't mention anything to us about this."
Mai and Sakura shared a look between them before addressing Leo, "We're not sure. After classes yesterday she was called into the principal's office for some reason. When we saw her later and asked her what was up, she said she wasn't in any kind of trouble."
"But when we asked her why she was called to the office in the first place, she just said that we would have to wait until today. We weren't expecting this though."
Just as the older students finished their explanation, all of the chatter around them ceased as the duel field quieted down as soon as the principal began speaking.
"Ahem… 'Is this thing on? … Oh! May I have your attention please! ….Thank you! I'm sure all of you - including the staff - are wondering why I called for this assembly! Well, it's rather simple you see. Yesterday, I was approached by a young man wishing to attend our prestigious school as a student. However, unfortunately, the young man was a little too old to be able to attend at our high school level. But, I am not an unkind gentleman, and wagered a bet with this individual! If he could defeat our best student at the academy - Miss Izinski here - in a duel, then I'll allow him to become a student at our university level…"
While the principal continued with his explanation, Akiza's thoughts on this "wager" were still running through her mind.
Yesterday, End of School, After Yusei met with the Principal.
Sitting across from the principal's seat in his office, Akiza took the time to look around the room. She hadn't been in here since she was allowed back into the academy, but even she was a little surprised that everything remained the same as before. The large mahogany desk, the potted plants in the corner, even the large windows, that revealed the academy's courtyard and surrounding areas was the same.
"Everything's still the same, just as it was all those years ago. Nothing's really changed, but then again… everything has changed. I'm no longer an outcast, nor am I shunned by my peers. I have people in my life I'm grateful to call friends. I've reconnected with my parents, and I was allowed to come back, even after all the damage I had caused. And none of this would have happened if I hadn't allowed Yusei in… Speaking of, I wonder what he's doing right now?"
After defeating the Dark Signers and driving back the King of the Underworld, saving New Domino and Satellite, and by extension, the world in the process, the rollercoaster her life had become seemed to keep getting more and more crazy. With Goodwin's death, Lazar was appointed as temporary director, while the government looked for a replacement. In that time, New Domino and Satellite experienced new changes; changes for the better.
The Daedalus Bridge; a bridge that connected the residents of the isolated island to the promising new futures that awaited them in the city, was constructed. Renovations and repair projects were commissioned to help those that wished to stay in the Satellite were underway, but now anyone from the desolated landscape could come and go as they pleased. While tensions were still in the air, miraculously, the long stemmed hatred and prejudice that both residents of both landscapes seemed to have for one another had been quelled. Though there are still some that are worried that this "peace" isn't meant to last, the majority of the populace believe that this is a step in the right direction.
After everything that had happened, Yusei and his foster brothers - Jack and Crow - decided to rent a small apartment in the city, in a prefecture named Poppo Time just big enough for the three of them to live together. The reason for them to move was because in a few months, a grand tournament, called the World Racing Grand Prix, aka WRGP, would be held in the city, and they all needed to pitch in and get jobs so that they could pay for the expenses needed to upgrade not just their decks, but their runners too. Well, Yusei and Crow did, Jack on the other hand… he's still a work in progress.
Akiza and the twins were excited that the three young men decided to come and live in the city, and that they were relatively close by. Especially Akiza. While she would never admit this out loud, and would curse anyone that proclaimed otherwise, in the time since she first met him and in the time she's gotten to know him since the Dark signers defeat, Akiza has begun to develop a little bit of a crush on the raven-haired Signer. "A little bit of a crush" is putting it mildly. She wasn't sure when, but her thoughts and feelings on the man were one day shifted from "really good friend" to "OMG he's hot!".
Shaking her thoughts on arguably her best friend, Akiza's thoughts drifted to why she was called here in the first place, since it doesn't seem the principal is even here at the moment. "Urgh. Now isn't the time to open up that can of worms. Hm… I've been here for a few minutes, but I haven't heard the principal come in yet? Hopefully I haven't unknowingly done something to get me into trouble… I can't think of anything… Except maybe what I said to Professor Heitmann? For someone claiming to have a 'PHD' in dueling, he doesn't seem to understand that low-level monsters are just as, if not more important than high-level ones. How he ever was allowed to become a teacher, I'll never understand."
Just then, the door to the principal's office opened, and Akiza was brought out of her thoughts when she saw and heard the principal enter the room, and take a seat across from her.
"Excuse me for my tardiness, Miss Izinski. There was a matter that needed tending to. I apologize for making you wait."
Shaking her hands, Akiza assured him, "Oh! Don't worry about that, Mr. Principal! I didn't wait long! But… I'm curious… is the reason I'm here because I did something wrong? I know it was uncalled for, and I shouldn't have said anything to Professor Heitmann-"
"No, my dear, you're not in any trouble, and even if you were, you needn't worry about Heitmann, Miss Izinski. No, no… I called you here because I have something I want to ask of you."
Fidgeting, nervously fiddling with her thumbs, Akiza asked, "Oh? And what is it you wanted to ask of me?"
Presently at Duel Academy
"Now, without further adieu, let me introduce to you, Miss Izinski's opponent, and the young man that wishes to become a student here at Duel Academy…"
"He wanted me to be his 'representative' in a duel he had wagered with someone he had spoken to yesterday. Which is… strange and a little unorthodox… but I had no reason to decline him. It sounds like the wager was made yesterday just before school started, so there was no way he could have predicted I would accept. Still… It would have been nice to know who I'm up against. When I asked, he said it was someone special, but he wanted to keep it a surprise…"
However, never in a million years did Akiza expect this person to be the one she would have to duel.
"...please, give a warm welcome to, one, Yusei Fudo, the current Duel King of New Domino City!"
"WHAT?!"
"WHAAAAAAAT!?"
Almost in perfect sync, Akiza's thoughts seemed to have echoed to the crowd, as the students and teachers were just as shocked as she was. A thunderous ruckus filled the auditorium as both the students and even the faculty were completely caught off guard by this sudden turn of events. None, however, were more shocked than the Signers' friends. Despite the small group of students sitting so closely together, all sound within the large space seemed to have been snuffed out, due to how loud everyone else was being. One would have to scream and yell at their loudest just to be heard.
"WHAT!? BIG BRO YUSEI IS GOING TO BE A STUDENT HERE!?"
Case in point…
Gripping her brother's sleeve, Luna jerked Leo down before replying, "Not so loud Leo! I'm excited too, but you don't need to scream your head off just to be heard!"
Chuckling nervously, Leo rubbed the back of his head before apologizing to his sister, "Heheh, sorry sis! I guess I got a little too excited, and with how loud it is in here, I didn't think no one would have heard me. But besides that, Yusei wants to be a student here!? That's awesome!"
Sighing, Luna was all too familiar with her twin brother's antics. But she could forgive him this time; after all, she was also excited with the prospect that Yusei wants to attend Duel Academy, however… "I get that, and it's not like I'm not ecstatic too, but… I don't want Akiza to lose a duel just so Yusei could get in… If the two have to fight, then I don't know who I should root for…"
Leo understandably felt the same way, but he didn't know how to articulate to her, but he didn't need to have to worry about that, as Mai and Sakura told them, "You can root for both of them. Obviously, none of us here want Akiza to lose a duel, but at the same time, none of us would want Yusei to lose either because this is his chance to be a part of something he never had before."
As the younger students contemplate what they were just told, Mai and Sakura share a look between them. Mai leans into Sakura's space so the two of them could talk amongst themselves, so as to not to be heard by the rest of them. "Hey, Sakura, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Nodding her head slightly in the direction of where Yusei is standing, Mai waggles her eyebrows before looking into Akiza's direction. Sakura gets a similar mischievous look on her face as she responds, "Oh! Most definitely. When Akiza spoke about him, she never said anything about him being a super hunk! We should totally find a way to get them to hook up!"
Giggling about their "evil plan" Mai simply responds with, "Glad we're on the same page, bestie!"
As the students and teachers in the stands continued to talk amongst themselves - loudly - Akiza's thoughts were just as loud in her head.
"Of all the - I never would have expected my opponent to be Yusei! Damn it! If this were any other circumstance I'd be ecstatic that Yusei wants to attend Duel Academy, but not like this… I get it, it's just a duel, I could just forfeit the match and surrender, and we'd both get what we want, but I have my pride as a duelist! And no matter what, I wouldn't want to disrespect myself, or my opponent like that! Not to mention, I know Yusei wouldn't want that. Win or lose, he'd want us both to give it our best. I don't want Yusei to lose his chance, but I've already lost to him - twice! Just thinking about that gets me all fired up! I won't make it easy for you, Yusei!"
"So is this the reason why you couldn't help me out with my homework when I dropped by yesterday? Couldn't face me without giving it away?"
After walking into the auditorium/arena, Yusei had been silent this entire time, as everyone, with the exception of the Principal, were shocked at the revelation that he was the one that the Principal spoke of. He watched as he could see the twins and their friends talk amongst themselves, undoubtedly excited and shocked that he was here. He also noticed two young girls who seemed to be Akiza's age talking with them as well. "Huh… Probably friends of hers, if I had to guess. Good for her."
Then his eyes and his thoughts turned to the girl in question. "Sorry. I wanted this to be a surprise, and I couldn't let anything slip."
"Well, you can color me surprised, and I don't think I'm the only one. On a more serious note, I'm happy that you want to come to Duel Academy, but I hate that I have to duel you for it. If I understand correctly, if you happen to lose this duel, you can't ever attempt to become a student here again?"
"Yeah, that was the stipulation. As generous as your principal is" - sharing a look with the man, the principal nods in his direction - "he can't just hand out these sorts of things for anyone who wants to be a student."
"I get that, and while it upsets me, it also gets me excited. I don't want you to lose, Yusei, but we both know that neither of us wants this to be easy, and if I'm being honest, while a larger part of me wants you to be here, another part of me can't help but be ecstatic that I get to duel you again. You've beaten me twice already, Yusei, and I'm not gonna lose a third time without giving you hell for it!"
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
Smirking at her, Yusei activates his duel disk, just as she does hers. As the two continue to stare each other down, smiling at one another, the Principal signals for the crowd of students and staff to calm down.
"With the pleasantries out of the way, let us bear witness to a rematch from the Fortune Cup! Akiza Izinski vs Yusei Fudo! If Yusei should win, he will be allowed to become a student at Duel Academy! However, if Akiza should win, not only will Yusei not become a student, but he'll never again be allowed to attempt to become a student here! Now, all of you say it with me -"
"DUEL!"
"Because Yusei is the challenger, he will take the first move!"
Turn 1
Yusei:(LP: 4000 CiH: 6, CoF: 0, CiG: 0, CB:0)
Akiza:(LP: 4000 CiH: 5, CoF: 0, CiG: 0, CB:0)
Drawing his card for turn, Yusei felt as light as a feather, and giddy, as if he was a kid in a candy store. "This feeling… I haven't felt this in a long time… There's no grandiose stakes, no plot to end the world, just a duel between friends for the fun of it. Still, I don't plan on losing Akiza, so get ready!"
"For my first turn, I'm gonna start off small, I summon Shield Warrior in defense mode! Next I'll set 3 cards face-down! After that, I'll end my turn. You're up Akiza!"
As Yusei ends his turn, a portal opens up as a warrior in armor jumps through. Crouching down on his knees, he holds up a defensive position with his shield raised in one hand, and a long spear armed at the ready in another. Behind him, 3 cards appear, before quickly disappearing, signaling the end of Yusei's turn.
Shield Warrior
EARTH Attribute, Level 3, Warrior/Effect, ATK/ 800 DEF/1600: During damage calculation, during either player's turn: You can banish this card from your Graveyard; monsters you control cannot be destroyed by this battle.
Turn 1 End
Yusei: (LP: 4000, CiH: 2 cards, CoF: 1 monster + 3 set S/T cards, CiG: 0, CB: 0)
Akiza: (LP: 4000, CiH: 5 cards, CoF: 0, CiG: 0, CB: 0)
"With pleasure, Yusei! My turn, draw!"
Turn 2
Yusei: (LP: 4000, CiH: 2 cards, CoF: 1 monster + 3 set S/T cards, CiG: 0, CB: 0)
Akiza: (LP: 4000, CiH: 6 cards, CoF: 0, CiG: 0, CB: 0)
"Yusei seems more… I don't know what to call it exactly… but loose, I guess? He doesn't appear to be tense, or quite as stoic as usually is… It's almost as if he's having fun! Hah, well, I'm glad that makes two of us! Better watch out, Yusei! I meant it when I said I wasn't going to go easy on you!"
"You know, Yusei, I'm a big girl, I can take the heat. But I know that's not your style, so allow me to do the honors! I'm sure this is a card, you'll recognize! I activate the Field Spell, Black Garden!"
Black Garden
Field Spell Card/Effect: If a monster(s) is Normal or Special Summoned face-up, except by the effect of "Black Garden": Halve its ATK, then, the controller of that monster Special Summons 1 "Rose Token" (Plant/DARK/Level 2/ATK 800/DEF 800) to their opponent's field in Attack Position. (This attack loss remains even if this card leaves the field.) Rose Tokens cannot be destroyed by battle, and cannot declare an attack. You can target one monster in your graveyard with ATK equal to, or less than the total ATK of all Plant-Type monsters on the field: destroy this card and as many Plant-Type monsters on the field as possible, then Special Summon that targeted monster.
Gasps, oohs, and ahhs, echoed around in the arena, as black, thorny vines erupted onto the field, enclosing Akiza and Yusei within its viny cage. As the vines circled closer and settled, Yusei saw one such vine bloom into a dark flower next to him. Taking a look at Akiza, he noticed she appeared to be anxious, and a little worried. "Ah. Her powers seem to be under her control, but she isn't certain if they'll stay that way."
Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly, as the scented air filled his lungs. "Huh… it smells just like what I'd imagine a garden to smell like. It actually reminds me of the one Martha used to have when I was a kid. I wonder if she's still having the kids help her cultivate it."
Taking a hand, Yusei gently plucks the flower from the vine, watching as Akiza's expression seems to relax, and visibly sees her tense shoulders deflate. Surprising her, Yusei takes the flower and sets it into his shirt pocket.
"Did he just - ?" Shaking the thought away, Akiza is grateful that her powers seem to still be under her control, so far. But she knows that the longer this duel is and the more her emotions fluctuate, that could easily change.
"If you don't remember, my Field spell is a rather complicated card, but the gist of it is this; everytime one of us summons a monster, the other gets a Rose Token. In addition monsters summoned that are not Rose Tokens have their attack points cut in half. Finally, if there is a monster in my Graveyard I wish to summon, I can destroy my field Spell, and all Plant type monsters on the field, in order to special summon that monster, as long as its attack points are equal to the combined total attack of all of the destroyed Plant monsters that were on the field."
Up in the stands, the Signers' friends were a little worried for Yusei down below. Although everyone knew that Akiza's powers were no longer in control of her, they were still justifiably worried. Leo and Luna knew that Akiza would never try to intentionally bring harm to Yusei now, but Akiza's powers were tied to her emotions and how she feels, and if she were to get too excited, or too worked up, she might end up accidentally harming her friend.
"That's one nasty Field Spell. I remember that one from the Fortune Cup. Hopefully, Yusei's got something that can deal with it."
"It's been a while since we've seen Akiza duel, even longer since she's played that card. I wonder what she's going to do with it… depending on what's in her hand, this can get real ugly, real fast for him. I wonder how he'll handle himself in this situation…"
"Hmm… okay… he's got 3 set cards, and Shield Warrior on his field. With the cards in my hand, I could just 'go for it' and whittle down his life points… but if I know Yusei… one of those cards is most likely Scrap-Iron Scarecrow… There's no way for me to get around that, unfortunately… "
"All right, now that I've cultivated my garden, it's time to sow the seeds, I Normal Summon, Lonefire Blossom, in attack mode!"
Lonefire Blossom
FIRE Attribute, Level 3, Plant/Effect, ATK/ 500, DEF/ 1400: Once per turn: You can Tribute one face-up Plant-Type monster; Special Summon 1 Plant-Type monster from your deck.
Sprouting from the vine-infested floor is a yellow and green blossom flower, with a large bud as its "face". However, just as it settles, the very vines it came from quickly ensnare it, before it struggles weakly, before settling down, almost shrinking into itself. Likewise, just as that happens, a Rose Token - a flowery monster, with a black rose as its head and face appears on Yusei's field.
Lonefire Blossom's ATK/ 500 - 250
"However, my little rose bud won't be staying for long, as I activate its effect! Once a turn, I can release a Plant-Type monster on my field, in order to Special Summon one from my deck! Appear now, Gigaplant!"
Gigaplant
EARTH Attribute, Plant/Gemini/Effect, Level 6, ATK/ 2400 DEF/ 1200: This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field, or in the Graveyard. While this card is a Normal Monster on the field, you can Normal Summon it to have it become an Effect Monster with this effect.
Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 Insect-Type or Plant-Type monster from your hand or Graveyard.
The shriveled up plant's bud begins to glow, before exploding in a shower of sparks, as the smoke settles, the ground within the arena begins to shake, as a giant Plant monster emerges from within, roaring as the vines it came from ensnare it their hold, weakening the plant monstrosity. Just like before, another one of Yusei's monster zones is filled with another Rose Token.
Gigaplant's ATK/ 2400 - 1200
"She summoned another monster… This time it's Gigaplant. If I remember correctly, Gigaplant is a type of monster classified as a Gemini monster. While it's face-up on the field, or in the Graveyard, it's treated as a Normal Monster, with no effects. However, she can 'Gemini Summon' it by summoning it again, in order for it to gain its effect. And while it's a very useful ability as long as she keeps up her Field Spell, she'll continue to weaken her monsters…. What's the strategy here…? Wait, does she have a way to 'summon' it again?!"
"From your wide-eyed stare, you must have figured out that I have a way to 'Gemini Summon' my Gigaplant. Well, since I no longer have the element of surprise, I guess I'll just activate it right now, go Double Summon! This Spell allows me to Normal a second time this turn, and guess what, Gemini Summoning is another way to Normal summon!"
Double Summon
Normal Spell Card/Effect: You can conduct 2 Normal Summons this turn, not just 1.
In the stands, students and staff alike got to witness a sparkling glow envelope Gigaplant, before quickly disappearing. Roaring once again, Yusei was surprised as more vines from Black Garden wrapped themselves around Gigaplant, further weakening it. He was just as surprised when another Rose Token was summoned to his field. That's when he realized her strategy.
"So this was your plan all along. As you said, Gemini Summoning is a form of Normal Summoning, your Field Spell's effect will trigger again, and I get another Rose Token. Now I have 3 of them plus my Shield Warrior, bringing my total monster count to four. Meaning all you have to do now is summon one more time, and my monster zones will be all filled up, preventing me from Synchro Summoning. Clever girl, Akiza."
Blushing from the compliment, Akiza was never more glad than she was right then for having Black Garden on her field. She did not need the whole school to see her embarrassed like this, especially Mai and Sakura.
"I've really grown to like those two as my friends, but they DO NOT need to see me like this!"
"I appreciate the compliment, handsome, and why should I keep you in suspense any longer? I think you're smart enough to know what my Gigaplant can do, so I'll use its effect now! Once a turn, I can Special Summon a Plant or Insect-Type monster from my hand or Graveyard! Come back, Lonefire Blossom!"
Roaring once more, Gigaplant shoved its massive vine-like arms into the ground, before pulling Lonefire Blossom out of the ground. However, just as it did before it was quickly ensnared and weakened by Black Garden's effect. Likewise, the fourth and final Rose Token was summoned to Yusei's field, preventing him from Synchro Summoning on his next turn.
Gigaplant's ATK/ 2400 - 1200 - 600
Lonefire Blossom's ATK/ 500 - 250
"Whoa! She not only performed a Gemini Summon, but she also clogged up Yusei's field, preventing him from performing a Synchro Summon on his next turn! That's why Akiza's the best, not just in our grade, but the whole school!"
"While that's all well and good, she did summon four monsters to Yusei's field, all of them with 800 attack points. Due to the double-edged effect of her Field Spell, all of her monsters' attack points are weaker than those Tokens, what's to stop Yusei from using them against her?"
Clearing his throat, gaining the two older girls' attention, Dexter provided them with the information, "Yusei won't be able to. Yes, Black Garden has a double-edged effect, however, the Rose Tokens that are summoned to the opponent's field can't declare an attack, nor can they be destroyed in battle, plus they're summoned in attack position. Unless Yusei has a level 5 or 6 Tuner monster in his hand, Yusei's only real option is to switch them to Defense mode when it comes to his next turn."
"Big sis Akiza's got Yusei in a real jam, but he isn't the Duel King for nothing, he's definitely got a trick up his sleeve that could get him out of this!"
"That was an impressive display, Akiza. Due to your spell's effect, the Rose Tokens on my field can't attack, nor can they be destroyed in battle, and they're also summoned in attack mode. But now that you've achieved what you set out to do, what's next? My field might be a garden of roses, but your Field Spell will continue to halve your monster's attack points regardless."
Smirking at her opponent, Akiza reveals her true plan, "You're right. So that's why I'm going to destroy my Black Garden, in order to activate a new Field Spell, White Rose Cloister!"
White Rose Cloister
Field Spell Card/Effect: If you control no monsters: You can Special Summon 1 "Rose Dragon" monster, or 1 Plant-Type monster from your hand. You can only use this effect of "White Rose Cloister" once per turn. During your Draw Phase, before you draw; You can declare 1 card type(Monster, Spell, or Trap); reveal the top card of your deck, and if it's the declared type; apply this effect for the rest of the turn (Even if this card leaves the field).
Level 7 or higher Synchro Monsters you control gain 1000 ATK.
Yusei watches, mesmerized, as the Black Garden wilts and dies, before transforming into a beautiful field of white rose flowers. The crowd oohs and ahhs at the beautiful scenery, some of the girls even tearing up at the display. Yusei smiles as he watches as white rose petals seem to be "snowing" onto the battlefield, one gently lowers itself in front of him, almost as if beckoning him to touch it. Gazing at Akiza, he stares at her, smiling all the while as gently blows it in her direction.
Caught off guard by the display, Akiza's cheeks pink as she gently catches the blown petal into her open hand, closing her fingers around it, she brings her hand up to her chest, closing her eyes for a moment before gently throwing petal into the air.
"I… I never considered Yusei to be a romantic… Oh geez, why did he have to do that in front of the whole school! And why did I go along with it! Oooh! Fudo! You're gonna get it now!"
Luckily for Akiza, the crowd - including Mai and Sakura - were too mesmerized by the transformation between her two field spells to notice Yusei "courting" Akiza.
"This is a new addition to my deck, and I'll reveal its effect later on when it becomes applicable. Even though my Black Garden is gone, its lingering effects still remain, so my monsters are still too weak to attack, but I still have my Lonefire Blossom's effect, since it's not a once per turn ability, I can use it again! I sacrifice my Gigaplant, in order to Special Summon, Tytannial, Princess of Camellias!"
Tytannial, Princess of Camellias
WIND Attribute, Level 8, Plant/Effect, ATK/ 2800, DEF/ 2600: When a card or effect is activated that targets a card(s) on the field (Quick Effect): You can tribute 1 face-up Plant-Type monster; negate the activation, and if you do, destroy it.
As Gigaplant begins to die, the enormous plant monstrosity seems to contort itself into a flower, before it shrinks down to roughly the size of a human, before an explosion of wind and rose petals bloom from within, transforming the once ugly monster, into a beautiful plant princess.
"2800 ATK?! If she attacks one of her tokens, that's half my Life Points cut down in a single hit!"
"Someone's got to make the first move, and unfortunately for you, Yusei, that's me! Tytannial, attack the Rose Token on the right!"
"You know me, Akiza, I like to play defensively until I spot a weak point, but I'm not just going to let you take half of my Life Points! I'll activate a familiar card too, go Scrap-Iron Scarecrow! With it, I can negate the attack of an opponent's monster, and then reset the card, instead of sending it to the Graveyard!"
Scrap-Iron Scarecrow
Normal Trap Card/Effect: When an opponent's monster declares an attack: Target the attacking monster; negate the attack, then Set this card face-down, instead of sending it to the Graveyard.
"I knew it! Gotcha, this time Yusei!"
As Tytannial jumps into the fray, ready to weed out the weak, a broken down, rusty old scarecrow blocks her path, however, much to Yusei's surprise, Lonefire Blossom explodes in a shower of sparks and flames, destroying his defense.
"Normally, that would have worked, but Tytannial has quite the effect! When a card, or effect is activated that targets a card on the field, I can release another Plant-Type monster I control, to negate the activation of said card, and destroy it! Go, Tytannial, continue your attack!"
"Shit! I didn't want to have to use this until later, but she has forced my hand! Now, I'm getting pumped!"
"Not so fast, Akiza! You might've gotten rid of my scarecrow, but you can't stop this! I activate the trap card, Scrubbed Raid! And with it, by sending a card on my field to the graveyard, I can end the battle phase! I'm sending one of the Rose Tokens to the Graveyard!"
Scrubbed Raid
Continuous Trap Card/Effect: During the Battle Phase, you can send 1 card you control to the Graveyard, except this card, to end the Battle Phase.
Just as Tytannial was ready to strike, one of the other Rose Tokens was released, and a wave of energy forced Tytannial back.
"Tsk. Should've known he'd have a back up plan. But, I'm not finished yet!"
"You might've stopped that attack, but they'll be more where that came from. Now moving on to my main phase 2, I'll activate the Spell, Fragrance Storm, and with it I can destroy any Plant monster on either side of the field to draw a card, and if that card happens to be a Plant monster, I can draw an additional card!"
Fragrance Storm
Normal Spell Card/Effect: Target 1 Plant-Type monster on the field; destroy that card, and if you do, draw 1 card, then if that card is a Plant-Type monster, you can reveal it and draw 1 more card.
Everyone believes Akiza was going to destroy one of her Rose Tokens on Yusei's field; however, in a shocking twist of events, she instead chooses to destroy Tytannial! Wind picks up around her as she bursts into a storm of rose petals, showering the field in the process. Drawing the top card of her deck, Akiza reveals that she drew Rose Fairy. As the shower of Rose petals die down, one of them transforms into a small, pink fairy with wings and a small red rose bud as hair, before it settles down in a defensive position.
"If you're unaware, if I draw Rose Fairy with a card effect, I can Special Summon her from my hand! And since she was a Plant-Type monster, I can draw a second card!"
Rose Fairy
WIND Attribute, Level 3, Plant/Effect, ATK/ 600, DEF/ 1200: If this card is added from your deck to your hand by a card effect: You can Special Summon this card.
Satisfied with the cards in her hand, Akiza sets two cards face-down before passing the turn to Yusei.
Turn 2 End
Yusei: (LP: 4000, CiH: 2 cards, CoF: 1 monster, and 3 Rose Tokens + 1 Set S/T cards + 1 face-up Trap Card, CiG: 1 Trap Card, CB: 0)
Akiza: (LP: 4000, CiH: 0, CoF: 1 monster + 1 face-up Field Spell + 2 Set S/T cards, CiG: 3 monsters, 2 Spell Cards, CB: 0)
As the crowd murmurs amongst themselves after witnessing Akiza's bizarre play, Mai questions aloud, "What the heck? Why would she destroy her Tytannial, instead of one the Rose Tokens? With her Princess's effect, she could've sacrificed her Rose Fairy, if Yusei attempted to target one of her cards. Not to mention, she's even stronger than her Black Rose Dragon in terms of attack and defense… She could have really put Yusei into a corner if she kept her around, so what gives?"
Yusei's thoughts were on the same wavelength as those in the crowd; questioning why Akiza would willingly get rid of one of her strongest cards. " She had the advantage with her Tytannial. Even with Scrubbed Raid on the field, there's not many monsters in my deck that can outpower her Plant Princess. Perhaps she has a plan to bring it back? But why destroy it in the first place…? Something's up, but without knowing what her field spell does, I'm left in the dark. The only way to move forward is to play into her trap, and hope I don't get caught."
"That was an interesting turn, Akiza! I don't know what your plan is, but I'm not going to let that get to me! My turn, draw!"
Turn 3
Yusei: (LP: 4000, CiH: 3 cards, CoF: 1 monster, and 3 Rose Tokens + 1 Set S/T cards + 1 face-up Trap Card, CiG: 1 Trap Card, CB: 0)
Akiza: (LP: 4000, CiH: 0, CoF: 1 monster + 1 face-up Field Spell + 2 Set S/T cards, CiG: 3 monsters, 2 Spell Cards, CB: 0)
"All right, I can't attack with her Rose Tokens, but with a free monster zone, I can try to get a tuner monster out, and Synchro Summon… Unfortunately, I can't determine what she has set, but I can't just sit here and let her pick apart my defenses, sooner or later, I'm going to have to attack…"
"First, I'll activate the spell card, Tuning! With it, I can search my deck for any Tuner monster, and add it to my hand, then I send cards from the top of my deck to the graveyard equal to the level of the Tuner monster I added to my hand!"
Tuning
Normal Spell Card/Effect: Add 1 Tuner monster from your deck to your hand, then send cards from the top of your Deck to the Graveyard equal to the Tuner monster's level.
"So he's going for it, huh? A Synchro Summon? Just try it, Yusei…"
Looking through his deck, Yusei finds a new Tuner monster that he had recently added to his deck. "Huh. Let's try this one on for size…"
"I'll add a new monster to my hand, Jet Synchron! And because it's a level 1 monster, I now send 1 card from the top of my deck to the graveyard!" After his deck shuffles itself, Yusei picks up the top card of his deck, and notices it's Doppelwarrior. With a plan forming in his brilliant mind, Yusei continues with his turn.
Jet Synchron
FIRE Attribute, Level 1, Machine/Tuner/Effect, ATK/ 500, DEF/ 0: If this card is sent to the Graveyard as a Synchro Material: You can add 1 "Junk" monster from your Deck to your hand. If this card is in your Graveyard: You can send 1 card from your hand to the Graveyard; Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field. You can only use 1 "Jet Synchron" effect per turn, and only once that turn.
"Now, I'll summon my new monster to the field in attack mode!"
Flying through the blue portal is a small, blue and white mech, in the shape of a jet engine, taking up an offensive stance. As the people in the crowd are intrigued by this new monster, Akiza can't help but remark that just like all of Yusei's tuner monsters, it's actually kind of cute to look at, but she also knows better than to judge a book by its cover.
"He might look cute now, but he won't be staying for long! I tune my level 1 Jet Synchron with 2 of the level 2 Rose Tokens, to Synchro Summon a level 5 monster!"
"A new Synchro Monster too? The only level 5 monster I can recall Yusei having is Junk Warrior, but it specifically needs Junk Synchron, or something that can substitute itself as Junk Synchron… Could Jet Synchron also have a 'Warrior' Synchro monster that needs it to be one of the materials?"
As it would turn out, Akiza's assumption would be spot on. "Gathering streams will call forth the power of supersonic speed! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Take to the skies! Jet Warrior!"
Jet Warrior
FIRE Attribute, Level 5, Warrior/Synchro/Effect, ATK/ 2100 DEF/ 1200: If this card is Synchro Summoned: You can target 1 card your opponent controls; return it to the hand. You can tribute 1 level 2 or lower monster; Special Summon this card in defense position, but banish it when it leaves the field. You can only use each effect of "Jet Warrior" once per turn.
As the familiar visual of a Synchro Summon is performed, no one was expecting a humanoid jet to literally burst through the portal at such a high speed, that all they could see was a black blur, before the monster settled onto the battlefield. Leo in particular was nearly jumping out of his seat at how cool Yusei's new monster looked, with its main body being a jet-black in color, with its arms, chest, and the joints in its armor a muted silver, with gold trimmings and accents coloring the rest of its body.
"Wow! Look at that thing! That looks so cool!"
"Robots aren't really my thing, but I agree, Leo, that does look pretty awesome!"
Just as Yusei's monster lands on the field, Yusei's graveyard lights up, as a spiritual form of Jet Synchron flies into Yusei's deck. "Now I can trigger the effect of both of my monsters, and because both monsters have an 'if' clause in their effects, I can choose to resolve them in whatever I wish! Chain Link 1 will be Jet Synchron, and Chain Link 2 will be Jet Warrior!"
Unfortunately for Yusei, this was the exact scenario that Akiza was waiting for. "I don't think so, Yusei! I might not know what your cards can do, but I can't allow you to gain any sort of advantage! In response to you activating Jet Warrior's effect, I'll counter it, with my Pollinosis!"
Pollinosis
Counter Trap Card/Effect: When a monster is Normal or Special Summoned, OR a card effect is activated; Tribute 1 Plant-Type monster; negate the summon, or activation, and if you do; destroy it.
As Akiza activates her trap, Rose Fairy twirls into a storm of rose petals and pollen, rupturing Jet Warrior's systems, before it ultimately shuts down, and explodes. When the smoke clears, Akiza breathes a sigh of relief as she notices that Yusei seems to be unharmed, but can tell that he wasn't expecting a counter to his card. Nevertheless, Yusei announces that even though his Jet Warrior's effect is negated, Jet Synchron's isn't.
Akiza and the crowd watches as a ghostly apparition of the little machine flies out of Yusei's graveyard and into his deck.
"Can't say I wasn't expecting a counter trap, but I've never seen you use the card, so color me surprised. However, Jet Synchron's effect still activates! When used as a Synchro Summon, I can search my deck for any monster with 'Junk' in its name, and add it to my hand!"
Catching Akiza off guard, she notices as his deck glows, a certain card she's very familiar with is added to Yusei's hand; Junk Synchron.
"Damn! I wasn't expecting him to use Scrubbed Raid! If I had, he wouldn't have been able to summon Jet Synchron. I could have used Pollinosis on its summon, but I couldn't risk him having something else up his sleeve. Besides, I had no idea what his monster did, and I didn't want to prematurely set off my trap. Oh well, at least I got rid of Jet Warrior, and he's already used up his Normal Summon, so he can't use Junk Synchron right now."
However, just as Yusei was surprised by Akiza's counter, she too will be surprised when Yusei reveals a surprise of his own. Just after Yusei adds Junk Synchron to his hand, she sees the 3rd and last Rose Token she summoned to Yusei's field be released, as lo and behold, Jet Warrior returns.
"What?! But how?! It shouldn't have been able to be brought back!"
"You never let me finish explaining my Jet Warrior's effects! If it's in my graveyard, I can send a level 2 or lower monster I control to the graveyard, in order to Special Summon it back to the field in defense mode. However, if it leaves the field again, it's banished for good."
Sighing exasperatedly, Akiza can't help but chuckle to herself, finding herself in this position. "Of course, he had another play. I should be frustrated, but honestly? I'm having a great time dueling him again. He always stays one step ahead, and knowing him, he probably already has a back-up plan in mind."
Seeing her giggling, Yusei starts chuckling himself, until the two start laughing aloud, confusing everyone in the auditorium, except for their friends. "Oh… I should be upset that you managed to get your monster back, but honestly? I can't help but laugh at how ridiculous this is. You really are a great duelist, Yusei!"
Wiping a tear from his eye, Yusei smiles at her, and responds, "Don't sell yourself short, Akiza. I might've brought it back, but I have no intention of switching my Shield Warrior into attack mode to attack you. I think you made the right call of not activating your counter trap, until after I summoned Jet Warrior. You couldn't have known what it could do, and you didn't want to activate Pollinosis, prematurely. You're just as good at telegraphing turns as me, or Jack, or Crow. You're just as great as the rest of us, Akiza, don't ever question that."
Blushing at the praise she received, all she could think of at the moment was how great of a person he was. Unbeknownst to the two dueling, Mai and Sakura nearly squealed as they watched Akiza become flustered from Yusei's words.
Shaking her thoughts away, Akiza replies, "Thanks for the compliments, Yusei, but flattery won't get you anywhere in this duel, so what else do you got for me?"
"I'll set one card face-down, and then end my turn!"
Turn 3 End
Yusei: (LP: 4000, CiH: 1 card, CoF: 2 monsters + 2 Set S/T cards + 1 face-up Trap Card, CiG: 1 Trap Card + 1 Spell Card + 1 monster, CB: 0)
Akiza: (LP: 4000, CiH: 0, CoF: 1 face-up Field Spell + 1 Set S/T cards, CiG: 3 monsters, 2 Spell Cards, 1 Trap Card CB: 0)
"With Junk Synchron in his hand… on his next turn, he can summon it, plus the Doppelwarrior he sent to the graveyard due to his Tuning's effect. He could either summon Stardust Dragon using his Jet Warrior and Junk Synchron, or with his Doppelwarrior, he could make Junk Warrior, with two Doppel tokens, each giving a 400 ATK boost to Junk Warrior… in the latter scenario, he would have more than enough attack power to defeat me… but in the former scenario, he could have a monster that perfectly counters my Black Rose Dragon… In any case, I'm put into a tough spot, but I'm not out of options just yet!"
"Here goes Yusei, my turn! Draw!"
Turn 4
Yusei: (LP: 4000, CiH: 1 card, CoF: 2 monsters + 2 Set S/T cards + 1 face-up Trap Card, CiG: 1 Trap Card + 1 Spell Card + 1 monster, CB: 0)
Akiza: (LP: 4000, CiH: 1 card, CoF: 1 face-up Field Spell + 1 Set S/T cards, CiG: 3 monsters, 2 Spell Cards, 1 Trap Card CB: 0)
Drawing her card for turn, Akiza's eyes widen, as a smirk appears on her beautiful visage. "First, I activate one of the effects of my Field Spell! Once a turn, if I control no monsters, I can Special Summon 1 "Rose Dragon" or Plant-Type monster from my hand, no matter what its level is!"
Picking up her card and slapping it onto her duel disk, Akiza announces, "I'll Special summon another card added to my collection, come forth, Roxrose Dragon!"
Roxrose Dragon
DARK Attribute, Level 3, Dragon/Tuner/Effect, ATK/ 1600, DEF/ 1200: If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can add 1 card that mentions "Black Rose Dragon" from your Deck to your hand, except "Roxrose Dragon". While this card is in your Graveyard, if a face-up "Rose Dragon" monster(s) or Plant-Type Synchro monsters are destroyed by battle or by an opponent's card effect: You can add this card to your hand. You can only use each effect of "Roxrose Dragon" once per turn.
All of the girls and young women in the stands coo and aw at the cute, pink rose dragon. Akiza smiles as it chirps happily before it settles onto the battlefield, further making all the female population within the school talk about how cute the little monster is.
Yusei smiles as he thinks to himself, "Looks like I'm not the only one enchanted with Akiza's cards. A beautiful dragon, for a beautiful woman. Come on Akiza, show us just how every flower has its thorns!"
"While my dragon might appear to be cute and cuddly, her effect is anything but! When she's Normal or Special Summoned, I can add a card from my deck to my hand as long as it mentions 'Black Rose Dragon' in its card text!"
"Here it comes… "
"I'll add another new card, and immediately summon it, come forth, White Rose Dragon!"
White Rose Dragon
DARK Attribute, Level 4, Dragon/Effect, ATK/ 1200, DEF/ 1000: When this card is Normal Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 "Rose Dragon" monster from your hand or GY, except "White Rose Dragon". You can only use each of these effects of "White Rose Dragon" once per turn:
● If you control a Dragon Tuner or Plant Tuner: You can Special Summon this card from your hand.
● If this card is sent to the GY as Synchro Material: You can send 1 Level 4 or higher Plant monster from your Deck to the GY.
As another flowery dragon joins its sister, more swooning and aweing can be heard by the female students and staff members. They become even louder when the two dragons chirp to each other in greeting, causing many of the aforementioned women to squeal at the "cuteness" factor both dragons seem to emit. Unfortunately for Leo, Dexter, Bob and Sly, this meant that Patty, Luna, Mai and Sakura would partake in the commotion. All of them thinking the same thing, "PLEASE YUSEI, MAKE IT STOP!"
Staring across the field at her adversary, Akiza thrusts her hand forwards, deciding that it's time to stop playing around. "You knew this was coming eventually, Yusei! Now it's time to get serious! I tune my level 3 Roxrose Dragon, with my level 4 White Rose Dragon!"
"Chilling flames engulf the entire world! Pitch-dark flower set into bloom! Synchro Summon! Appear now, Black Rose Dragon!"
Black Rose Dragon
FIRE Attribute, Level 7, Dragon/Synchro/Effect, ATK/ 2400, DEF/ 1800: 1 Tuner + 1+ non-Tuner monsters
When this card is Synchro Summoned: You can destroy all cards on the field. Once per turn: You can banish 1 Plant monster from your GY, then target 1 Defense Position monster your opponent controls; change that target to face-up Attack Position, and if you do, its ATK becomes 0 until the end of this turn.
As Akiza chants the familiar words, a cool breeze picks up in the auditorium, causing many people to shiver at the sudden drop in temperature. Fortunately, unlike in the past where the winds were ripping across the field, a gentle wind started kicking up instead. Then, to all in attendance, the familiar battle cry of one of the Crimson Dragon's servants makes itself known, roaring at its foe, daring Yusei to challenge it.
Smirking at Akiza's impressive display of controlling her powers, Yusei can feel the power wafting off her prized monster. Instead of being assaulted by its presence, a rosy, earthy smell drafts into the arena causing Yusei's smirk to transform into a smile. "She's definitely gotten better at handling her powers. She's progressed so far from the first time I met her. Just like nature, she's an unstoppable force that can't be contained. Just like her dragon, she's beautiful and deadly, and yet she can be gentle and loving all the same."
Akiza breathes a sigh of relief, knowing that she's been able to keep her composure this long, as she could feel her emotions running high as this duel continues to linger. Taking a look at her dragon, she sees the massive creature turn to her slightly, and nods as if understanding her without having to say anything. Akiza smiles and returns the subtle nod, before both she, and her beast turn their attention towards Yusei, and she gasps as she's reminded of what Yusei had said to her the first time they dueled.
"Look at your dragon, Akiza! She's beautiful just like you are! You don't need him to tell you what to do, or think for you!"
The way that he's looking at them now, reminds her of the way he was looking at them back then, causing her cheeks to pink once more, as the words echo in her mind's eye. "When he looks at me like that… it reminds me of what he said in the Fortune Cup… God! He isn't making this any easier!"
Pushing those thoughts aside for now, Akiza grabs hold of her resolve and announces, "When Black Rose Dragon is Synchro Summoned, I can destroy all cards on the field! However, I have a couple of effects to use before then! When White Rose Dragon is sent to the Graveyard as part of a Synchro Summon, I can send a level 4 or higher Plant-Type monster from my deck to the Graveyard! I'll choose to send Rose Paladin!"
Rose Paladin
EARTH Attribute, Level 4, Plant/Effect, ATK/ 1800, DEF/ 200: When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the GY: You can Tribute this card; Special Summon 1 Plant monster from your hand or Deck in Defense Position. You can send this card from your hand to the GY; add 1 Level 7 or higher Plant monster from your Deck to your hand. You can only use this effect of "Rose Paladin" once per turn.
Rifling through her deck, Akiza picks a monster that looks like a woman of Egyptian descent dressed in white and gold robes, with slits in between her legs to allow freedom of movement. She also appears to be wearing a hooded cowl, and is armed with a large lance as her weapon of choice.
Sending the card to the Graveyard, before Akiza's dragon can wipe the field, she activates the card she had set since her first turn, "Before Black Rose Dragon destroys all cards on the field, I'll activate the card I've had set since my first turn! Go, Fragrance of the Pitch-Black Rose!"
Fragrance of the Pitch-Black Rose
Normal Trap Card/Effect: If you control a face-up "Black Rose Dragon" or a Plant-Type Synchro monster: You can draw cards from the top of your deck equal to the number of "Rose Dragon" and/or Plant-Type monsters in your graveyard. Once per turn, you can banish this card from your graveyard; Special Summon 1 "Black Rose Dragon" or 1 Plant-Type Synchro monster that was destroyed by a card effect this turn. All damage your opponent takes is halved, if you activate this card. You can only use this card's effects once per turn.
On the face of this card, is a field of flowers, with several different colored roses planted around a larger black rose, emitting an aroma around the garden of roses. As the card glows, spiritual apparitions of all of Akiza's monsters in her graveyard appear before flying into her deck. "There's a reason why I destroyed my Tytannial earlier in the duel. I can only use this cardif I control a Black Rose Dragon, or a Plan-Type Synchro monster. With this card, I draw cards from the top of my deck equal to the number of Plant-Type monsters and 'Rose Dragons' in my graveyard!"
"She can do what?! THAT'S why she wanted to destroy Tytannial! She wanted to draw an extra card from her deck! And if my count is correct, after sending Rose Paladin to the graveyard, she'll draw 6 cards!"
Up in the stands, all of their friends were worried for Yusei. While they didn't want to see either one of them lose, with this play, Akiza has taken the advantage back in this duel, and by quite a large margin. Leo has his hands covering his face, but his eyes are peeking between his fingers, Luna is worrying her hands together, and the others are sweating a little bit more than usual.
"By my count, I have a total of six cards in my graveyard, which means I'll draw six new cards from my deck. And now that that's resolved, Black Rose Dragon, wipe the field clean, Black Rose Gale!"
Roaring into the sky, everyone braces for an impact as all cards currently on the field get destroyed; however, Yusei reveals that one of his set cards was Limiter Overload, which when destroyed, allows him to special summon a Speed Warrior from his deck, hand, or graveyard. The other set card that was destroyed was Iron Resolve; a trap card that allows the controller to pay half their life points, to reduce all battle damage to 0, and then end the battle phase.
Iron Resolve
Normal Trap Card/Effect: Pay half your Life Points; During this turn, all battle damage you receive is reduced to 0, instead, then end the Battle Phase.
Limiter Overload
Normal Trap Card/Effect: If this card is sent to the Graveyard: Special Summon 1 "Speed Warrior" from your hand, Deck, or Graveyard.
Speed Warrior
WIND Attribute, Level 2, Warrior/Effect, ATK/ 900, DEF/ 400: Once per Battle Phase, if this card was Normal Summoned this turn (except during the Damage Step): You can make its ATK become double its original ATK, until the end of the Battle Phase.
Once the board is cleared, and Yusei brings out Speed Warrior in defense mode, Akiza draws her six new cards, effectively getting a new hand, but she is far from done. Lifting her hand into the sky, a great burst of energy erupts from behind her, revealing the resurrected Black Rose Dragon. "Unfortunately for you, my trap has another effect! By banishing this card, I can revive a Black Rose Dragon or a Plant-Type Synchro Monster that was destroyed by a card effect during this turn! However, if I use any of my trap card's effects, all the damage that you'll receive this turn is halved!"
"I'm impressed, Akiza! You managed to cripple my board, bring back your dragon, and refill your hand with six cards. But you shouldn't count me out yet! Do your worst!"
Smirking at him, Akiza plans to do just that. "It's your funeral, Yusei! Next I'll activate the effect of the Rose Princess, in my hand! By discarding her from my hand to the graveyard, I can add 1 'White Rose Cloister' Field Spell from my deck, or graveyard to my hand!"
Rose Princess
EARTH Attribute, Level 3, Plant/Effect, ATK/ 1200, DEF/ 800: If only your opponent controls a monster, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). If Special Summoned this way, treat this card as a Tuner. You can only Special Summon "Rose Princess" once per turn this way. You can discard this card; add 1 "White Rose Cloister" from your Deck or Graveyard to your hand.
"This isn't good… If this Field Spell is anything like Black Garden… It has more than one effect. I just have to be careful for now… Due to her trap's drawback, any damage I receive this turn is halved… Knowing her, because she has a plethora of Plant monsters in her grave, she can force my Speed Warrior into attack mode, reduce its ATK to 0, and attack with her Black Rose. She also knows I have Shield Warrior in my graveyard, so while I may not be able to stop the damage from going through, I can still keep my monster alive, for a turn at least…"
Putting the aforementioned card back into her hand, Akiza doesn't waste any time, and activates it once more, transforming the auditorium into a field of beautiful, white rose flowers once more. Taking a card from her hand, she inserts it into the S/T column, revealing and activating a card that has the depiction of Black Rose Dragon attacking the viewer with glowing, pink, thorny vines, with pink flames burning in the background.
"Next I'll activate the Quick-Play Spell, Basal Rose Shoot! With it, I can Special Summon 1 "Rose Dragon" monster from my hand or graveyard in defense mode! It has another effect, but it won't be of any use at the moment. However, when a Tuner is Special Summoned, I can Special Summon Dark Rose Fairy from my hand, along with my Red Rose Dragon!"
Flying through two portals, more of Akiza's cutesy plant type and rose dragon monsters appear on the battlefield. Dark Rose Fairy, appears to be a doll with pale skin, lavender eyes and bleach blonde hair, wearing a dress that looks like a black rose. In her hands, she's carrying what appears to be a lamp with vines wrapped around it. Crouched next to her, is Akiza's fourth "Rose Dragon". As all of its brethren, it's a small, black, serpentine dragon with red roses making up most of its body.
Dark Rose Fairy
DARK Attribute, Level 2, Plant/Effect, ATK/ 800, DEF/ 1000: If a Tuner(s) is Special Summoned (except during the Damage Step): You can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card is in your GY: You can send 1 card from your hand or field to the GY; place this card on the top or bottom of your Deck. You can only use each effect of "Dark Rose Fairy" once per turn.
Red Rose Dragon
DARK Attribute, Level 3, Dragon/Tuner/Effect, ATK/ 1000, DEF/ 1800: If this card is sent to the GY as Synchro Material: You can Special Summon 1 "Rose Dragon" monster from your hand or Deck, except "Red Rose Dragon", then, if it was sent for the Synchro Summon of "Black Rose Dragon" or a Plant Synchro Monster, you can also add 1 "Frozen Rose" or 1 "Blooming of the Darkest Rose" from your Deck to your hand. You can only use this effect of "Red Rose Dragon" once per turn.
"Next, I'll immediately tune my level 3 Red Rose Dragon, to my level 2 Dark Rose Fairy! The maiden tends to the garden, cultivating new life! Synchro Summon! Appear now, Garden Rose Maiden!"
"A level 5 Synchro monster?"
After performing the Synchro Summon, when the lights dims down, standing in the place of the two monsters from before, was a woman with bleach-blonde hair, lavender eyes, and pale skin, in an immaculately beautiful white dress, with a hairpin in the shape of a black rose clipped into her hair. Once again, all of the females within the crowd were astounded by the beauty of such a creature, but this time even some of the boys and young men in the crowd were infatuated with the woman.
Garden Rose Maiden
DARK Attribute, Level 5, Plant/Synchro/Effect, ATK/ 1800, DEF/ 2400: 1 Tuner + 1+ non-Tuner monsters
If this card is Special Summoned: You can add 1 "Black Garden" from your Deck or GY to your hand. You can banish this card from your GY, then target 1 "Rose Dragon" monster or 1 Dragon Synchro Monster in your GY; Special Summon it. You can only use each effect of "Garden Rose Maiden" once per turn.
Stunned by Akiza's move, Yusei watches as Akiza continues to surprise him, "Now, when Red Rose Dragon is used as a material for a Synchro Summon, I can Special Summon another Rose Dragon monster from my hand, or deck, and in addition, since I used her to Synchro Summon a Plant-Type Synchro monster, I can search my deck for either a card called Frozen Rose, or Blooming of the Darkest Rose, and I think I'll choose the latter! In addition, when my Maiden is Special Summoned, I can grab a 'Black Garden' from my deck or graveyard, and add it back to my hand!"
Frozen Rose
Quick-Play Spell Card/Effect: Send 1 face-up monster you control to the GY; apply this effect, depending on the Type it had on the field.
● Plant: During the End Phase of this turn, draw 2 cards, then discard 1 card.
● Non-Plant: Add 1 Level 4 or lower Plant monster from your Deck to your hand.
You can only activate 1 "Frozen Rose" per turn.
Blooming of the Darkest Rose
Normal Trap Card/Effect: Special Summon "Rose Tokens" (Plant/DARK/Level 2/ATK 800/DEF 800) in Defense Position to either field, up to the combined number of Spell cards on the field and in the graveyards. If this card is in your graveyard: You can target 1 "Black Rose Dragon", or 1 Plant monster, in your Monster Zone; banish it, and if you do, place this card on the bottom of the Deck. During the next Standby Phase, return that banished monster to the field. You can only use this effect of "Blooming of the Darkest Rose" once per turn.
Once she added the card to her hand, she then Special Summons from her deck, the last of the Rose Dragons, "And now, say hello to my little friend, Blue Rose Dragon!"
Summoned alongside its mother(?) was a small, black scaled, serpentine dragon, with blue roses featured along the length of its body. Chirping alongside both of Akiza's monsters. Yusei prepares himself for what's to come.
Blue Rose Dragon
DARK Attribute, Level 4, Dragon/Effect, ATK/ 1600, DEF/ 1200: When this card on the field is destroyed and sent to the GY: You can target 1 "Black Rose Dragon" or 1 Plant monster in your GY; Special Summon that monster.
"This is gonna hurt…!"
"You knew this coming, Yusei, and like I told you when we started this duel, I'm not going to go easy on you, and I'll give you hell to pay if you think I'll let you win! I activate the effect of Black Rose Dragon! Once per turn, by banishing a plant-type monster in my graveyard, I can force one of my opponent's monsters from defense to attack, and their attack points are reduced to zero, go Rose Restriction!"
Roaring at Yusei, challenging him to fight back, Akiza's Black Rose whipped out several vines at lightning fast speeds, ensnaring Speed warrior, and forcibly switching it from attack mode to defense, and reducing its ATK to zero.
Speed Warrior's ATK/ 900 - 0
"Due to Fragrance of the Pitch-Black Rose's effect all damage you'll receive this turn is halved, which will save you for a turn, but on my next turn, there will be no saving graces for you! Blue Rose Dragon, attack his Speed Warrior!"
Flying up into the sky, the small blue dragon flapped its wings before charging at the restricted warrior. Opening its mouth, small blue ember pellets burst from its maw, setting the warrior on fire, before it exploded in a shower of shards.
Yusei's LP: 4000 - 800 = 3200
"Next, I'll have my Garden Rose Maiden attack you directly!"
Instead of charging at Yusei, the maiden used her powers over the earth, calling upon mother nature, and using the very vines it cultivated to attack Yusei. Bracing himself, Yusei was pleasantly surprised that the thorny vines that Akiza's maiden attacked him with were actually stubs, meant to minimize the damage.
Yusei's LP: 3200 - 900 = 2300
"So good, so far… Just one more, I'm trusting you Black Rose… Please… don't hurt him!"
"Finally, Black Rose Dragon, attack him directly, Black Rose Flare!"
As if hearing her mistress's call, Black Rose reared its head back, and unleashed its pink flames of destruction; however, instead of a raging firestorm, a stream of small flickers of flame escaped the deadly creature's maw. As the approaching embers reached him, all Yusei could feel was warmth, like from a hearth, instead of a burning inferno. Interestingly enough, the smell of the flames reminded him of a warm summer's day.
Yusei's LP: 2300 - 1200 = 1100
When the flames died down, Yusei was relatively unharmed, unless you count smelling like a field of flowers in the summertime as "damaging", he was in perfect health. It went unspoken, but their friends and Akiza herself were waiting on bated breath to see what would happen, and they all thankfully breathed a sigh of relief, when he came out unscathed.
Taking a moment to herself, Akiza eventually moved onto her main phase 2. "Now that that's done, I'll activate the effect of the Dark Rose Fairy in my graveyard! While she's there, I can send a card on the field, or in my hand to the graveyard, in order to put her to the top or bottom of my deck! I'll choose to send my Garden Rose Maiden to the graveyard!"
In another surprising turn of events, Akiza choosing to send her Garden Rose Maiden shocks almost everyone. However, Yusei has come to understand that her new Synchro monster must have an effect in the graveyard, and that's why she chose to send it, rather than a card in her hand.
"And now that's done, I'll finally end my turn by setting one card face-down. Your move, Yusei, and you better make it count!"
Turn 4 End
Yusei: (LP: 1100, CiH: 1 card, CoF: 0 CiG: 3 Trap Cards + 1 Spell Card + 2 monster, CB: 1 monster)
Akiza: (LP: 4000, CiH: 3 cards, CoF: 1 face-up Field Spell + 1 Set S/T cards + 3 monsters, CiG: 7 monsters, 2 Spell Cards, 1 Trap Card CB: 1 Trap card)
Taking a moment to himself, Yusei reflects on how far Akiza has progressed with her powers, and how she's performed as a duelist. "Akiza… you've grown so much in the short time since the Dark Signers… Your powers are no longer controlling you… They're responding to your wishes, you no longer have to be afraid of them, or think of them as some sort of 'curse'... And you've grown as a duelist as well… In our previous duels, I was trying to reach out to you, to show you that you don't need to be afraid of yourself, and that they're people in your life that care about you, but now that you've realized your potential… you're even better than you were before… You've always pushed me to my limits, and now… if I don't draw exactly what I need, you WILL win! But as much as that thought excites me, like you said earlier… it won't be easy! I'm bringing everything I've got to take you down!"
Closing his eyes, Yusei places his fingers on the top of his deck, and draws. Looking at the card he drew, he smirks. "I'm not out of this duel yet, Akiza, here goes, I draw!"
Turn 5
Yusei: (LP: 1100, CiH: 2 cards, CoF: 0 CiG: 3 Trap Cards + 1 Spell Card + 2 monster, CB: 1 monster)
Akiza: (LP: 4000, CiH: 3 cards, CoF: 1 face-up Field Spell + 1 Set S/T cards + 3 monsters, CiG: 7 monsters, 3 Spell Cards, 1 Trap Card CB: 1 Trap card)
"Her set card is most likely the trap she searched for earlier, and I have no idea what it does… but if this turn goes the way I think it will, it won't be a problem!"
"First, I activate the spell card, Tuner's Gift! With it, I can reveal one tuner monster in my hand, then I draw cards from the top of my deck equal to the level of the revealed monster! However, for the rest of the turn, I can only attack with one monster!"
Tuner's Gift
Normal Spell Card/Effect: Reveal 1 Tuner monster in your hand, then draw cards from the top of your Deck equal to the revealed monster's level. For the rest of this turn, you can only attack with 1 monster.
"So he turned 1 draw into essentially 3? Huh… Why am I not surprised? Of course Yusei would get that kind of luck… Sometimes, I swear he's some kind of psychic duelist, and he just doesn't know it."
Drawing the three cards from his deck, Yusei's smirk grows just a bit, as he mentally calculates just what he needs to do to turn this duel around. "First, I'll activate the effect of the Jet Synchron in my graveyard! By sending a card in my hand to the graveyard, like my Clear Effector, I can then bring Jet Synchron back from the grave! However, should he leave the field again, he is banished instead of going back to the graveyard."
Clear Effector
LIGHT Attribute, Level 2, Spellcaster/Effect, ATK/ 0, DEF/ 900: If this card is sent to the Graveyard as a Synchro Material: Draw 1 card. A Synchro Monster that used this card as a Synchro Material cannot be destroyed by card effects. You can negate the effects of a Synchro Monster that uses this card as a Synchro Material Monster.
Flying out from the grave was the familiar blue jet engine monster, but he wouldn't be alone for long. "Next, I'll summon Synchron Carrier from my hand! And with its effect, I'm allowed to normal summon an additional time this turn, as long as it's a 'Synchron' Tuner monster! Come on out, Junk Synchron!"
Synchron Carrier
EARTH Attribute, Level 2, Machine/Effect, ATK/ 0, DEF/ 1000: During your Main Phase, you can Normal Summon 1 "Synchron" monster in addition to your Normal Summon/Set. (You can only gain this effect once per turn.) If another "Synchron" monster is sent to your GY as material for the Synchro Summon of a Warrior or Machine Synchro Monster, while you control this card: You can Special Summon 1 "Synchron Token" (Machine/EARTH/Level 2/ATK 1000/DEF 0). You can only use this effect of "Synchron Carrier" once per turn.
Summoned from the blue portal, is a small orange robot, with hooks for hands, and a pulley and lever system strapped to its back. However, just as it is summoned, the pulley and lever reach out, and snatch Yusei's Junk Synchron, before the familiar orange robot is also summoned to the field.
Pulling the cord from behind its back, Junk Synchron brings back the monster that Yusei discarded, to bring back Jet Synchron; Clear Effector. Jumping out from within the summoning portal, is a young woman, with long flowing dark hair, wearing an intricate crown atop her head, dressed in a set of loose orange robes.
As the audience is stunned that Yusei has managed to summon 4 monsters in a single turn, he surprises them yet again by summoning a fifth monster. "Now that a monster has been summoned from my graveyard, I can summon Satellite Synchron from my hand!"
Satellite Synchron
DARK Attribute, Level 2, Machine/Synchro/Effect, ATK/ 700, DEF/ 100: If a monster(s) is Special Summoned from your GY (except during the Damage Step): You can Special Summon this card from your hand. If you have a Synchro Monster with "Warrior", "Synchron", or "Stardust" in its original name on your field or GY: You can make this card's Level become 4 until the end of this turn. You can only use each effect of "Satellite Synchron" once per turn.
Landing on the field next to its comrades and friends, is a literal Satellite, with a pair of arms and legs, and a head that looks like a helmet from a very old, but very popular video game series from back in the day when Yugi Muoto was around.
"What a guy… being able to summon that many monsters in a single turn… He's planning something big… I just hope I'm ready for whatever comes next!"
"Next, I'll tune my level 3 Junk Synchron, with my level 2 Clear Effector, for a level 5 Synchro Summon! Gathering stars call forth a new power! Become the path that lights the way! Synchro Summon! Come, Junk Warrior!"
Junk Warrior
DARK Attribute, Level 5 Warrior/Synchro/Effect, ATK/ 2300, DEF/ 1300: "Junk Synchron" + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
If this card is Synchro Summoned: It gains ATK equal to the total ATK of all Level 2 or lower monsters you currently control.
Blasting through the summoning portal, was the very familiar visage of the purple armored warrior. With jet-like wings strapped to its back, its white scarf blowing in the wind, and its mighty power glove clenched and ready for action, Junk Warrior was ready for a fight.
"Due to the effect of my Synchron Carrier, when another 'Synchron' monster is used for a Synchro Summon, if its still on the field, I can summon out a Synchron Token!"
Propped up by the little orange robot, was a familiar engine block, the very same one that was attached to Junk Synchron's back. "Now, Junk Warrior gains the total combined attack of all level 2 or lower monsters on my field! In addition, when Clear Effector is used as a material for a Synchro Summon, I draw a card from my deck!"
Drawing from his deck, Yusei glances at it briefly, before immediately activating it. "Next, I activate the Continuous Spell Card, Synchro Chase! And as long as it's on the field, my opponent can't activate cards or their effects in response to the activation or effects of Synchro monsters I control with 'Synchron', 'Warrior', or 'Stardust' in their names! Plus, when I do Synchro Summon, one of the aforementioned Synchro monsters, I can bring back one of the monsters I used to summon!"
Synchro Chase
Continuous Spell Card/Effect: Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to the effect activations of your Synchro Monsters with "Warrior", "Synchron", or "Stardust" in their original names. If you Synchro Summon a "Warrior", "Synchron", or "Stardust" Synchro Monster: You can target 1 monster in your GY used as its material; Special Summon it in Defense Position. You can only use this effect of "Synchro Chase" once per turn.
"What?! Shit! Looks like I'll have to activate my trap card now!"
"Since you've forced my hand, I'll activate the trap that I searched for earlier, Blooming of the Darkest Rose! With it, I can special summon as many Rose Tokens as I want to either field up to the number of Spell Cards in both our graveyards and face-up on our fields! I count a total of 7 cards, which means I can summon 3 of them to my field in defense mode! Unlike the Rose Tokens that are summoned with Black Garden, these tokens can attack, but they can also be destroyed in battle."
Sprouting next to Akiza's dragons are 3 rose tokens taking up defensive positions. "I've consolidated my defenses, and with my Maiden's effect, I've got Black Garden back in my hand. Which means I have extra insurance in case Yusei can destroy my Black Rose Dragon!"
Contemplating his next move, Yusei thinks on how he should go about this. "Garden Rose Maiden most definitely has some sort of graveyard effect, otherwise it wouldn't have been wise to send it to the graveyard instead of her Blue Rose Dragon, and Akiza isn't one to make such mistakes. And she also has Black Garden in her hand again… Which means if I get rid of Black Rose Dragon, she could just bring it back with her field spell again… Which means, if I have any chance of winning this duel… I have to beat her THIS turn!"
"For my next move, I activate the effect of my Satellite Synchron. If I control a Synchro monster with 'Synchron', 'Warrior', or 'Stardust' in its name, my monster's level becomes 4 until the end of my turn! Next, I'll tune my level 1 Jet Synchron, with my Level 5 Junk Warrior, to Synchro Summon, a level 6 monster! Gathering wings that command the meteors in the sky! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Ride the wind of souls around the world, Stardust Charge warrior!"
"ANOTHER new Synchro monster!?"
From the light of the summoning portal, flew a warrior with armor that looked like it was made from Stardust Dragon itself, with six sword-like objects attached to its "wings".
Stardust Charge Warrior
WIND Attribute, Level 6, Warrior/Synchro/Effect ATK/ 2000, DEF/ 1300: 1 Tuner + 1+ non-Tuner monsters
When this card is Synchro Summoned: You can draw 1 card. You can only use this effect of "Stardust Charge Warrior" once per turn. This card can attack all Special Summoned monsters your opponent controls, once each.
"When Synchro Summoned, I'm allowed to draw 1 card from my deck, but before that, I'm triggering the effect of my Synchro Chase spell card, which will allow me to bring back Junk Warrior from my graveyard!"
Just before the summoning portal disappeared, Junk Warrior flew back onto the battlefield next to its partner in defense mode. Afterwards, Yusei drew the top card of his deck, and smirked. "Now that there are three Synchro monsters on the field, I can activate this; Synchro Creed, which states that if there are three or more Synchro monsters on the field, I draw two cards!"
Synchro Creed
Normal Spell Card/Effect: If there are 3 face-up Synchro monsters on the field; draw two cards.
Akiza couldn't help but notice that it seemed like Yusei was digging through his deck, looking for an answer, which meant that he was looking to try to finish the duel. Unfortunately, there wasn't anything in Akiza's hand that could help her at the moment. However, while she knew it was possible that Yusei could potentially win from his current position, it's highly unlikely and improbable, but she's seen first hand that Yusei can and will beat the odds.
"I just have to hope that he can't out 'luck' me in this duel… But knowing Yusei… he probably already has. Not that I'm mad; on the contrary, I feel rather proud. I've done everything in my power to beat Yusei, without holding anything back. If he can win, he deserves it. Show me and everyone here just why you should belong here!"
"Next, I'll activate the Spell, Synchro Overtake! This new card allows me to reveal a Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck" - pulling out Junk archer, Yusei reveals it to Akiza, before putting it back - "Then, I can Special Summon a monster that's listed as a material for that Synchro Monster from either my deck or graveyard! So come on back, Junk Synchron!"
Synchro Overtake
Normal Spell Card/Effect: Reveal 1 Synchro Monster in your Extra Deck, choose 1 of the Synchro Materials mentioned on it, and add to your hand or Special Summon that monster, from your Deck or GY, also you cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck the turn you activate this card, except Synchro Monsters. You can only activate 1 "Synchro Overtake" per turn
"However, my old friend won't be staying around for long! Because I'm going to tune him with my Junk Warrior, for a monster you know all too well, Akiza! I tune the level 3 Junk Synchron, with my level 5 Junk Warrior, in order to Synchro Summon a level 8 monster!"
Up in the stands, and with Akiza on the field, all of Yusei's friends were excited to see his most prized possession. "I'll never forget the first time I saw it… Such a beautiful card, for such a beautiful soul."
"Gathering stars will become a new shining star! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Take flight, Stardust Dragon!"
As Yusei finished the chant, Akiza, Leo and Luna all had bright beaming smiles when they heard the familiar roar of Yusei's dragon. The rest of their friends who either hadn't ever seen Stardust Dragon before, or had never seen up close before were awestruck by its beauty and majesty.
Stardust Dragon
WIND Attribute, Level 8, Dragon/Synchro/Effect ATK/ 2500, DEF/ 2000: 1 Tuner + 1+ non-Tuner monsters
When a card or effect is activated that would destroy a card(s) on the field (Quick Effect): You can Tribute this card; negate the activation, and if you do, destroy it. During the End Phase, if this effect was activated this turn (and was not negated): You can Special Summon this card from your GY.
"Just like old times, right Yusei?"
"Agreed, Akiza, but I'm far from finished! Now, I'll tune my level 4 Satellite Synchron with my level 6 Stardust Charge Warrior, to Synchro Summon, a level 10 Synchro Monster!"
Akiza, stunned by the turn of events, couldn't keep her thoughts to herself anymore, "What the hell!? A level 10 Synchro Monster!? Since when did you have another level 10 Synchro Monster besides Majestic Star Dragon?! Hell, I've never even heard of half the cards you've played in this duel!?"
Chuckling at Akiza's questions, Yusei calmly replied, "It had been a few months since I last upgraded my decks, in fact, the last time I did so was in preparation for the Dark Signers. Since Jack had lived in the city for a while, when Crow and I moved to the city, he showed us a few places where we could upgrade not just our runners for parts, but also our dueling decks. And like you're one to talk, before today, I didn't even know there was more than one Rose Dragon card. That's a little unfair isn't it?"
Blushing for being called out on her bullshit, Akiza stammered before huffing in exasperation, and gestured for him to continue his turn. "Hahaha, just for that, Akiza, I'm going to show you something special! Gathering strength comes together to form a new beacon of hope! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Descend, Satellite Warrior!"
Satellite Warrior
DARK Attribute, Level 10, Warrior/Synchro Effect, ATK/ 2500, DEF/ 2000: 1 Tuner + 1+ non-Tuner Synchro Monsters
If this card is Synchro Summoned: You can target cards your opponent controls, up to the number of Synchro Monsters in your GY; destroy them, and if you do, this card gains 1000 ATK for each card destroyed. If this Synchro Summoned card is destroyed: You can Special Summon up to 3 Level 8 or lower "Warrior", "Synchron", and/or "Stardust" Synchro Monsters with different names from your GY. You can only use each effect of "Satellite Warrior" once per turn.
Appearing up high in the sky was a massive satellite cannon that was barreling its way down to the duel field. However, just before impact, the massive structure was converted and transformed into an enormous gold and silver warrior with the panels of the satellite making up its 'wings', and the rest of the satellite making up the rest of its body, in a humanoid-like shape. Some of the students and teachers, especially Leo, were awestruck by the robotic warrior. It reminded them of a very popular toy line that was still around even today that was based off of robotic alien creatures that could change form at will.
Thrusting his hand forward, Yusei announces, "Now that my Satellite Warrior's been Synchro Summoned, I can target cards my opponent controls equal to the number of Synchro monsters in my graveyard, and destroy them! In addition, for each card destroyed this way, my monster gains 1000 attack points, permanently!"
"WHAT!?"
"Satellite Targeting! Because I have two Synchro Monsters in my Graveyard, I'm going to choose both of your Rose Tokens! Take them down!"
Flying above Akiza's field, the massive robotic warrior converted itself into its Satellite Cannon form, before she heard a robotic voice announce, "Targets acquired!" Then before she could even blink, a beam of pure energy struck her field, completely annihilating her precious tokens, before converting itself back to its robot form, but now with 2000 extra attack point power!
Satellite Warrior's ATK/ 2500 + 2000 = 4500
"That could have gone worse… I get why he got rid of them… but why didn't he target any of my dragons? Was there a reason why he kept them around?"
Smiling at her, Akiza had a funny feeling that this might be the end, but as she had told herself earlier, she wasn't angry or mad. In fact, she was elated and quite happy how this duel has turned out. She fought Yusei with everything she had and she didn't hold back. Whether she wins or loses now, is irrelevant; she's had her fun.
"It's been fun Akiza, but this last card in my hand will finish it. I activate the spell card, Synchro Alliance! And with it, this duel will come to a close. By targeting a Synchro Monster on my field, like my Stardust Dragon, I can negate its effects and make it so it's the only monster that can attack, but in exchange, it gains 600 attack points for each Synchro monster on both player's fields and graveyards, not including the targeted monster itself. Then, I can send another Synchro monster I control to the graveyard to increase the targeted monster's attack equal to the sent monster's level x300. Stardust Dragon, finish this duel! Cosmic Flare!"
Synchro Alliance
Normal Spell Card/Effect: Target 1 face-up level 7 or higher Dragon-Type Synchro monster you control: until the end phase, its effects are negated, and it's the only monster that can declare an attack. For each Synchro Monster on both player's fields, and each player's Graveyards, the targeted monster gains 600 ATK. You can send another Synchro monster you control to the Graveyard; the targeted monster gains ATK equal to the sent monster's level x300. You can only use this card's effects once per duel.
As the spirits of all of the other Synchro monsters on the field and in both player's graves were added to Stardust Dragon, Satellite Warrior breaks itself apart, adding its power to Stardust Dragon's own, further increasing the size, to the point where it was even larger than Satellite Warrior was. Rearing its head back, pure cosmic energy was gathered into its mouth, before unleashing the blast, straight towards Akiza's Black Rose Dragon. Smiling in defeat, Akiza doesn't even flinch as the blast wave passes over her, and because of her powers, she feels a sense of calm wash over her, as the smell of rain and ozone permeate the air, before her life points drop from 4000 to 0.
Stardust Dragon's ATK/ 2500 + 6000 + 8500
Black Rose Dragon's ATK/ 2400
8500 - 2400 = 6100
Akiza's LP: 6100 - 4000 = 0
Duel Result
Winner: Yusei Fudo
Immediately after the duel was finished, the crowd exploded into cheers, cheering both duelists for their awesome match. Unsurprisingly, their friends were trying to bum rush through the crowd and stands. The principal, having a front row seat to all the action, stood up and clapped for both duelists on their amazing performance.
Meeting each other in the center of the arena, Yusei reached a hand out, in order to shake Akiza's, but she pushed his hand aside, closed the distance and hugged him. Stunned for a moment, Yusei returns the intimate gesture, and just before their friends could see them amongst the throng of students, Akiza pecks him on the cheek, while Yusei puts a strand of stray hair back behind her ear, Akiza leaning into his touch for just a brief moment, before ultimately separating a hair's breadth away from each other, no one having seen their intimate moment together.
Poking Yusei in the chest, with a manicured fingernail, Akiza promises, "One of these days, Yusei, I will beat you; you just got lucky this time."
Chuckling at her, Yusei happily responds, "Anytime, anyplace. All you've gotta do is ask. And hey, now that I'm a student, you won't have to look far."
Laughing along with him, Akiza says one last thing to Yusei, before they are about to become swamped by the students, staff, and their friends, "Well, there's only one thing left to say" - Taking his hand in hers, they shake before she says - "Welcome to Duel Academy, Yusei."
A/N: And that's it. I took some liberties with some card's and their effects, so I could use them in the way that I needed them to, for the story. I used a couple manga cards, and combined a few cards that exist IRL with their effects in the anime/manga. I didn't expect it to be this long, but I do like to write my duels as if you were actually there, so that means getting perspectives from not just the duelists themselves, but the people in the crowds too, if there are any. I wanted to write something non-sexual, and it has been a while since I wrote something that actually had dueling in it. I also wanted to get this out before the end of the year. I tried to finish it before Thanksgiving, but that didn't happen. I always like to talk to my readers, so if you'd like R&R, and happy holidays for those who celebrate(d) Thanksgiving, and hopefully a happy day for the rest.