Chapter 4: Fall
Summary: The higher we build ourselves up, the further we have to fall.
"Duel!"
Takashi's Hand- Junkuriboh, Junk Synchron, Synchro Deflector, Synchro Chase, Scrap-Iron Scarecrow.
Chazz's Hand- W-Wing Catapult, Graceful Charity, Frontline Base, Z-Metal Tank, Pot of Greed.
"I'll start this off!" Takashi draws a second Junk Synchron. He plays Synchro Chase then sets Junkuriboh, Scrap-Iron Scarecrow, and Synchro Deflector facedown.
Junkuriboh Atk / Def: 300 / 200
"I'll play the continuous spell card Synchro Chase, set one monster facedown in defense mode and two cards facedown. It's your turn Chazz." Chazz smirks.
"Don't you ever get tired of starting duels on the defense coward?" Chazz draws V-Tiger Jet. "Don't worry I'll show you how it's done. First, I'll play Pot of Greed and draw two cards." Chazz draws Hand Destruction and another Graceful Charity. "Now I'll play Graceful Charity and draw three cards and discard two from my hand." Chazz draws two copies of X-Head Cannon and another V-Tiger Jet. "And I'll discard my X-Head Cannon and V-Tiger Jet."
Takashi hums at this. "So, it seems like his deck is based around multiple draw cards to set up a boss monster. Considering he discarded an X-Head Cannon, and a V-Tiger Jet I can only assume his deck is based around getting VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon out on the field. But decks like this, have a major flaw you can exploit."
"Now I'll play another Graceful Charity!" Chazz draws Monster Reborn, Magical Mallet, and another copy of W-Wing Catapult. "I'll discard another V-Tiger Jet, and a W-Wing Catapult and then play Magical Mallet! With this card I can add any number of cards from my hand back to my deck and then draw the same amount." Chazz returns Hand Destruction and draws Y-Dragon Head.
/RFSXPL/
"Man, he just keeps drawing cards. It seems unfair." Syrus frets over Chazz's turn so far while Bastion hums.
"Fair or not it's a valid strategy and not to dissimilar to what Takashi used in his last turn against Professor Crowler. Though Chazz's strategy has a weakness that could be his downfall if Takashi can see it." Jaden just has a confident look on his face.
"You shouldn't worry so much Syrus, Takashi's got this, just look at his face." Syrus looks at Takashi who just has a calm calculative look on his face. "See, he's got this."
/RFSXPL/
"Now I'll play the continuous spell card Frontline Base and summon X-Head Cannon in attack mode!"
X-Head Cannon Atk / Def: 1800 / 1500
"Now I'll activate Frontline Base's effect which lets Special Summon a level four or lower union monster once per turn. And I'll summon Y-Dragon Head!"
Y-Dragon Head Atk / Def: 1500 / 1600
"Now I'll activate his union effect and equip him to X-Head Cannon giving him a 400 attack and defense point boost!"
X-Head Cannon Atk / Def: 1800400 / 1500400=2200 / 1900
"Now I'll have him attack your facedown monster!" X-Head aims its cannons at the facedown card and fires.
"Not so fast I activate the trap card Scrap-Iron Scarecrow!"
"Scrap iron what?"
"With this card I can negate one attack." Scrap-Iron Scarecrow flips up in front of the facedown monster, blocking the attack. But to Chazz's shock instead of going to the graveyard the scarecrow flips back facedown.
"What?!"
"That's what makes my scarecrow so reliable Chazz, instead of going to the graveyard I get to reuse him next turn by setting him back facedown." Takashi has a small smile on his face. "You should always recycle your trash when you can Chazz."
/RFSXPL/
"An attack negating trap card that always sets itself back facedown. If Chazz doesn't get rid of that card taking Takashi down is going to be whole lot harder." Alexis contemplates as she watches the duel. "Though looking at Chazz's current strategy I sure hope he isn't putting all his eggs in one basket, for his sake."
/RFSXPL/
Chazz scoffs. "Whatever, figures someone like you has a big defense card like that. I end my turn." Takashi ignores the taunt and draws Quillbolt Hedgehog and sets it down in defense right away. "I set one monster facedown and end my turn."
Quillbolt Hedgehog Atk / Def: 800 / 800
Chazz laughs. "Really, is this your strategy?! Playing a defensive game, waiting for that one perfect card, like you did against Crowler! Well unlike him I won't give you the chance!" Chazz draws another Frontline Base. "First I'll play Z-Metal Tank."
Z-Metal Tank Atk / Def: 1500 / 1300
"Then I'll remove from play, X-Head Cannon, Y-Dragon Head, and Z-Metal Tank to Fusion Summon XYZ- Dragon Cannon!" The three machines shift and attach to each other to form the new monster.
XYZ-Dragon Cannon Atk / Def: 2800 / 2600
Takashi raises an eyebrow thinking to himself. "I know you have a bigger monster but are you going to take advantage of this one before breaking out the boss?"
"But I'm not finished! Next, I'll play Monster Reborn and summon a V-Tiger Jet from my grave to my field!"
V-Tiger Jet Atk / Def: 1600 / 1800
"And then I'll activate the effect of Frontline Base and Special Summon W-Wing Catapult!"
W-Wing Catapult Atk / Def: 1300 / 1500
"Then I'll remove from play both V-Tiger Jet and W-Wing Catapult to Fusion Summon VW- Tiger Catapult!"
VW-Tiger Catapult Atk / Def: 2000 / 2100
"And finally, I'll remove both my monsters from play to Fusion Summon VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon!"
VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon Atk / Def: 3000 / 2800
/RFSXPL/
"That's one big monster!" Syrus looks at the new machine in awe tinged with fear. Bastion hums in agreement.
"And a powerful one at that. Though I wonder?" Syrus looks at Bastion curiously.
"Wonder what?"
"Is the card in his hand too important to discard or was he so eager to show off this new card that he neglected to use XYZ's effect."
"XYZ's effect?"
"Yes, by discarding a card, XYZ-Dragon Cannon can destroy one card the opponent controls. Doing so could have helped clear Takashi of his three cards in the spell and trap zones. The smart play would have been to remove one of the two unknown variables, the spell that we only know the name of and not it's effect, or his facedown card we know nothing about." Syrus nods in understanding.
"Yeah, that is weird. I wonder what the card is?" Jaden pats Syrus's shoulder with a grin.
"It doesn't matter, whatever Chazz is doing I have a gut feeling Takashi has everything under control."
/RFSXPL/
"Now I'll activate one of my Dragon Catapult's effects, once a turn they can target 1 card on your field and banish it!" Takashi narrows his eyes.
"Come on Chazz, prove me wrong, you, made a mistake and ended up in check but you can avoid checkmate. Pick the right card to banish!"
"And I'll remove your Scrap-Iron Scarecrow! No more hiding behind that trashy shield of yours!" Takashi sighs.
"Checkmate."
The cannons from the X-Head portion fire a laser at the facedown Scrap-Iron Scarecrow removing it from play. "Now I'll attack your newest facedown monster and when I do Dragon Catapult's effect activates and changes your monster to attack position! So, you won't be hiding behind defense position monsters either! I'm going to force you to be offensive!" Quillbolt Hedgehog flips up in attack mode getting "awes" from a group of Obelisk Girls before VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon destroys Quillbolt Hedgehog with one of his Z-Metal Tank claws.
Takashi LP: 8000-2200=5800
"This is the beginning of the end for you coward! Time for the whole school to see how bad you really are! So go ahead and take your turn, you only have a few more left." Takashi just looks at Chazz sadly and draws Starlight Junktion.
"I'm sorry Chazz, but I wasn't just playing defensively, I've been in control of this duel from the beginning." Chazz gives Takashi an intense glare.
"Yeah right!" Takashi shakes his head.
"I left a glaring weakness on my field, but I also laid down bait, waiting to see which would go after. And you took the bait." Chazz looks taken aback for a moment before glaring again gritting his teeth.
"If you're so sure I messed up shut up and play!"
"Alright then. First, I'll summon Junk Synchron in attack mode!"
Junk Synchron Atk / Def: 1300 / 500
"And when he's Normal Summoned I can target one level two or lower monster from my graveyard and Special Summon it in defense mode, but its effect is negated. So come back Quillbolt Hedgehog!"
Quillbolt Hedgehog Atk / Def: 800 / 800
"Then I'll flip my facedown monster to attack mode, get ready Junkuriboh!"
Junkuriboh Atk / Def: 300 / 200
"Now I tune level two Quillbolt Hedgehog with my level three Junk Synchron! Gathering stars come together to call forth a new power! Become the path that lights the way! Synchro Summon! Show yourself, Junk Warrior!" Quillbolt Hedgehog and Junk Synchron burst into stars and line up in the green Synchro rings, a bright flash of light consumes the rings and Junk Warrior flies out.
Junk Warrior Atk / Def: 2300 / 1300
Seeing it's attack points Chazz scoffs. "All that posturing for such a weak monster. You're as deluded as I thought." Takashi just smiles.
"He may be weaker than your Dragon Catapult Cannon by himself, but luckily, he's not alone. But before his effect activates, I will chain his effect with the card you should have destroyed, Synchro Chase! Once a turn when I Synchro Summon a "Warrior," "Synchron," or "Stardust" Synchro Monster, I can target one monster used as its material and special summon it in defense position. So come on back Quillbolt Hedgehog!"
Quillbolt Hedgehog Atk / Def: 800 / 800
"You brought back the rat. So what?!"
"I brought him back because he and Junkuriboh are key to defeating your monster! Now that Synchro Chase has activated, we'll move down the chain to Junk Warrior's effect! When it's Synchro Summoned it gains the combined attack points of all level two or lower monsters I currently control!" Chazz's eyes widen.
"What!"
/RFSXPL/
Syrus starts counting on his fingers, before Bastion jumps in. "That's 2300 plus 1100 totaling to 3400." Syrus's eyes widen.
"That's enough to wipe out Chazz's monster!"
"Indeed. And looking at Chazz's face he doesn't have a backup plan."
/RFSXPL/
"Now Junkuriboh, Quillbolt Hedgehog, give your friend a boost!" A purple aura surrounds Junkuriboh and Quillbolt Hedgehog that they focus on and transfer to Junk Warrior's engines.
Junk Warrior Atk: 2300300800=3400
"N-No!"
"Sorry Chazz, but your Dragon Catapult Cannon is history! Go, Junk Warrior take out his monster with Scrap Fist!" Junk Warrior's engines roar to life as his fist glows orange, he flies up to VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon and gives it an uppercut to the head piece sending it head flying before the monster explodes.
Chazz LP: 8000-400=7600
Chazz stands there shocked unable to speak as Takashi continues his turn. "Now Junkuriboh attack Chazz directly!" Junkuriboh slams into Chazz's stomach bringing him back to focus.
Chazz LP: 7600-300=7300
"No, he played me. Why didn't I get rid of his spell card? I could have destroyed his scarecrow whenever I wanted, all it could do was block one attack. And why didn't I use my Dragon Cannon's effect?" Chazz closes his eyes in frustration, gritting his teeth, before snapping them back open. "Lucky shot! This duel is far from over! I still over 7000 life points left!"
Takashi stares at Chazz before closing his eyes in resignation. "Well, it's your turn Chazz." Chazz has his hand on his deck hesitating to draw his card.
"I can turn this around with one good draw, another draw card, Mirror Force, Monster Reborn, anything to make this coward eat the dirt!" Chazz draws his third Frontline Base, staring at it in horror. "No." Hands trembling Chazz looks at his feet. "I end my turn." Takashi's face changes from sad to stoic and he draws Tuning.
"I activate Tuning! This card lets me add a "Synchron" Tuner to my hand." Takashi adds his third Junk Synchron. "Then I discard the top card of my deck to the graveyard." Takashi sends his top card, a second Quillbolt Hedgehog, to the graveyard. "Then I'll summon the card I just brought to my hand, Junk Synchron!"
Junk Synchron Atk / Def: 1300 / 500
"And then I'll use his effect to bring back the card I just sent to the graveyard, Quillbolt Hedgehog!"
Quillbolt Hedgehog Atk / Def: 800 / 800
"Now I'll tune my Quillbolt Hedgehog with Junk Synchron! Follow the path your predecessor forged! I Synchro Summon! Another, Junk Warrior!" Another Junk Warrior floats down next to the first one.
Junk Warrior Atk / Def: 2300 / 1300
"Now let's activate Synchro Chase and once more return Quillbolt Hedgehog to the field!"
Quillbolt Hedgehog Atk / Def: 800 / 800
"Now Junk Warrior's effect kicks in, but this time with another friend helping out!" Junkuriboh and both copies Quillbolt Hedgehog send their attack points to the second Junk Warrior.
Junk Warrior ATK: 2300300800800=4200
Chazz steps back seeing the second Junk Warrior. "I thought I would have another turn!"
"This duels over Chazz. You let your anger and arrogance blind you, you just charged in headfirst, eager to show off your new monster, and destroy the shield I laid out as bait for you." Takashi shakes his head and smiles sadly at Chazz. "I hope the next time we duel, you come at me with the skills I believe you have. Now both my Junk Warriors attack Chazz directly, Double Scrap Fist!" Both copies of Junk Warrior punch Chazz in the stomach.
Chazz LP: 7300-4200-3400=0
Winner- Takashi Mirai
The crowd cheers as Takashi is announced the winner while Chazz falls to his hands and knees, his expression shifting back and forth from angry and shocked. "I lost?" Takashi walks over to Chazz offering his hand with a smile.
"You were dueling out of anger, and you made some mistakes, it happens. Just come at me next time with a clear head and I promise it will be a duel to remember!" Chazz grits his teeth slapping Takashi's hand away for the second time today.
"I don't need your pity, or your advice!" Chazz picks himself up and walks away. "Next time I will crush you under my heel!" Takashi lowers his hand looking disappointed.
"That was awesome Takashi!" Jaden and Syrus run up to Takashi with Bastion following behind at a more sedate pace. Syrus nods at Jaden's comment.
"Yeah, I never doubted you but that turn around in the end was really dramatic!" Bastion chips in.
"It seems like you had control of the duel the whole time. But what would you have done if Chazz had destroyed either of your other spells or traps, or used his Dragon Cannon's effect too and destroyed them both?" Takashi scratches his cheek chuckling.
"I would have probably had to wing it." Bastion's eyes widen a bit.
"What?!" Takashi just grins at Bastion.
"Honestly, I could have won with no risks if I had just not played Synchro Chase until I needed it. But winning wasn't my main goal, more of a secondary goal." Syrus speaks up.
"If winning wasn't your main goal, what was it?"
"Sorry Syrus, that's private." Syrus hesitantly nods, Bastion gives Takashi a calculating look, Jaden laughs and slaps Takashi on the back.
"None of that matters anyway, that was a sweet duel Takashi! The more of your Synchro Monsters the more I want to duel you!" Takashi laughs nervously.
"We will one day, I promise. It's just…" Takashi is cut off by Chancellor Shepard's voice over the speakers.
"Well on that exciting note the first of the month promotion exam is over! You all are dismissed have a wonderful rest of your day!" As the students start leaving Takashi points towards the exit.
"We should head out like the rest of them." The others agree and head out with Takashi.
/RFSXPL/
After having parted ways with Bastion, the trio make it back to their dorm. "Let's hang out before the nights over guys I have some calls I have to make; you know promoting new cards and all." With that he raises his hand in goodbye and makes his way to his room.
"Yeah man we'll see you later, maybe we can finally duel tonight!"
"See you later Takashi."
Takashi just chuckles at Jaden's comment and enters his room closing the door behind him. As soon as it clicked shut Takashi fell to his knees clutching his head. "Shit!" The pain fades enough for Takashi to stand after about 4 minutes, stumbling over to his sink, he looks at his reflection in the mirror and notices that his nose is bleeding. Wetting a washcloth with water and soap he begins cleaning himself up thinking.
"It's getting to be too much again. I'll have to find a secluded place on the island after everyone's asleep tonight and cut loose a bit." With that thought he finishes cleaning himself up, takes one of his pain pills, and goes to his friend's room.
/RFSXPL/
Chazz is laying in his bed blankly staring at the ceiling. "So many amateurish mistakes. He intentionally left a glaring hole in his strategy to exploit by leaving Synchro Chase out before he needed it. Why? Was he testing me? Was he playing me for a fool? Was he expecting me to be hasty and get rid of his scarecrow card?"
Chazz quickly sits up gritting his teeth. "It doesn't matter! I'll teach him to make a fool of me, next time I'll crush him for sure!"
"But will I?"
/RFSXPL/
At 2:54 AM Takashi is walking out of the forest of Academy Island looking tired but relieved. Two miles behind him now exists a barren clearing, 500 feet in diameter, the trees and plant life completely wiped out. While he is returning to his room a drone flies off leaving the island to places unknown.
/RFSXPL/
As the drone returns to base, a figure hidden in shadows turns off the feed it was broadcasting to him. The figure puts his arm back on the armrest, resting his head on the propped-up fist, and lets out a hum. "His power is only growing stronger, but he's holding himself back to not hurt his weaker opponents. That soft heart of his is preventing me from gathering proper data." The figure grabs their phone from the desk and dial a number. "I believe it's time to give him an opponent he won't worry about going easy on."
So Chazz and Takashi finally have their duel. The moment I knew these were going to duel I knew two things. One, the interactions and strategies of the duel on had to be different. Chazz is furious at Takashi for the perceived slight against him and would go into this duel with an anger fueled bull rush strategy, get his strongest monster out as quick as possible, destroy any shields or stalling tactics Takashi tries to "hide" behind, and crush him absolutely. While with Takashi, he's here to honor his promise to Pegasus, he has no big plans for his future at the moment and doesn't have a real desire to win duels and show he's the best, he just enjoys playing. But he felt a lot of turmoil in Chazz and was hoping he could try to assess his mental state in the duel and possibly help him, obviously that did not go well or to plan. Also you know Takashi destroying a section of forest and someone spying on him, but meh.