Hello everyone! Welcome back to more Joker's Wild!
Glad to be back at this! This chapter has been a tricky one, but holy shit has been a fun one.
Not going to lie, this has been so far my largest chapter yet. Lots of changes and twists fixed here or there but finally it should be good! Also… holy shit this story has gotten a little crazy but I think it'll still work.
Author's note at the end as per usual! Hope you all enjoy!
But for now? Enjoy!
Yu-Gi-Oh GX – Joker's Wild
Chapter 6
Zero Spells Required
News spread around the academy the day after. How Vice Chancellor Crowler was taken off the island for allowing a known criminal on to attack students. Now, there was always a rivalry between the three dorms, especially between the Slifer and Ra dorms versus the Obelisk dorm. Crowler was a prime example of that as he truly believed most Slifers and Ras were slackers and needed to be expelled, especially Jaden Yuki. But to hear him going so far as to hire a criminal to do it? Even the normally prideful Obelisk Blues couldn't believe how far the ex-Vice Chancellor went.
And thus, the tale of "The Mad Doctor" was born.
But unfortunately, this left the academy in a strange state. Without a head of dorm and without a Vice Chancellor, along with a general Dueling teacher… the school was currently understaffed. And given the circumstances, classes were excused for the next week while a decision was made.
On the front of the Action Duels… things were not going so well. A Kaiba-Corporation agent did come to meet with them about the idea. However, the asshole tried to laugh them off as kids while also writing down their idea! Thankfully Sadie considered the possibility as the idea was patented under their names. The guy made a chance to meet Kaiba about funding the project an impossibility.
…Sadie added another person on her shit list.
So, they've been working on the idea on the side with the help of Valon, but it was slow. Valon was a major help though as he was working on figuring out how to solidify the holograms. See, his classroom was more of a garage filled with dueling tech, bikes, engines, and other machines. A real workshop with a small part of the garage holding a duel arena for testing. They had a test field with the holograms that they were using as a placeholder… but still it was all holograms.
The trio was invested and working together on this. In fact, they were so invested that Valon forced them out of his garage because they needed to spend time as actual students.
Which is why our favourite side-character trio was currently in the card shop. Belowski was napping with a visible snot bubble while Dimitri was practicing card tricks. Sadie would finish stocking the shelves as she approached the table, her head right over Dimitri's shoulder. "So, why are you doing these card tricks?"
"Well…" Dimitri flipped a card into the air and caught it with his fingers before doing a fan wave with his cards. "I figured I should work on adding more flair. Dad always said it was about the process and not the final act."
Belowski slowly opened one eye as the snot bubble disappeared. "Oh? Your dad was part of the performing business too?"
"Ha. Performing? Yes. Business. Hell no." Dimitri chuckled as shook his head slightly. "Dad was a magician and an illusionist. Came up with so many amazing tricks and acts until he got into an accident. A trick he did 'a million times' failed badly. Mom was his assistant and pretty much ran the business side of things, though there was a rough spot, and they separated for a while. Dad was a mess without her."
Sadie hummed and nodded with a bit of a cheeky smirk. "Makes sense. You're just the same. Absolutely amazing at coming up with good ideas for the show… horrible at the business side of things."
"Wha- HEY!" Dimitri turned and gave her a pointed glare. "What do you mean by that!?"
"Pfft! Seriously?" Sadie laughed and gave a challenging glare right back. "You seriously think that something like 'action duels' you keep talking about is easy? You forget that you have to take into consideration the cost of materials, assembly, and technology just for the system. After that is the actual designs which would most likely need programmers, architects, artists for the cards, and so on. Face it Show-Boy… you're good at the show but I'm the one running business here."
The two continued to glare at one another as Belowski chuckled. Taiyou would then walk up to the table and stare in confusion before turning to Belowski. "…What are they doing?"
Belowski just smirked and pulled out his PDA as he took a quick picture of them. After all, they were so focused on bickering and glaring they had no idea they were pretty much face to face, noses touching. "Eh. Give 'em a bit. They tend to do this." He turned his head to the dragon duelist. "What's up?"
"Well, Chazz was looking to talk to them about something." Taiyou said with a shrug. "And if the considering how they're going… I should ask you first."
"Smart man." Belowski chuckled and turned to the two. "OI! Quit making out and focus on the person chatting with us!"
This made the two blink and realize the situation they were in. Their noses were nearly touching as both blushed madly and stumbled back. Sadie stepped away while Dimitri fumbled in his chair. The Ra Yellow fell to the ground as he groaned. "…I'm okay."
Getting up, they turned to Taiyou who motioned for them to follow. The trio looked at one another and nodded as Dimitri and Belowski got up to follow. Sadie quickly took off her apron and yelled to her grandmother. "Grandma! I'm heading out! Be back in a bit!"
"Okay sweetie!" Dorothy said with a fond smile. Oh how she enjoyed Sadie finally spending time out of the store with her crazy friends. "...No one would mind if they got a light discount from now on." She said as she turned back into the store with a light hum.
…
…
…
Following Taiyou, the trio found themselves in one of the library meeting rooms where Chazz Princeton was sitting with a stern look. "Sit." He gestured to the seats across from him.
The three sat down as Taiyou walked over and sat next to Chazz. Chazz was silent for a fair bit before he sighed. "…Thank you for getting rid of Crowler."
Seeing the slight shocked looks, Chazz spoke up. "Look. I've been doing some thinking about my recent actions. I was becoming a Crowler myself." He gripped his arm tightly. "Arrogant, not caring. It wasn't until Taiyou tired to grow when I started to realize that perhaps it's time I grow as well. …Especially if I want to get out of the shadows of my brothers."
Taiyou turned to Chazz shocked. "Chazz… Are you-"
"If I want this to work, then I need to be straightforward." He turned and gave his friend a small smile. "I'll be fine." He then turned back, regaining a stern expression. "If you do not know my family, the Princeton Group was run by my father before his passing. He was a successful politician and businessman who taught his tricks and trades to all three of us. Of the three, the eldest brother Slade went into the political world and the second eldest brother Jagger went into the finance world." Chazz then took a deep breath before giving a hard stare. "And they're both the biggest assholes I know."
"You have to understand, they have this mindset of 'failure is not an option'. Which meant that when they heard I lost to a Slifer Red, aka the Duel Academy equivalent to the lowest of the low… well… they were right bastards about it. Saying shit like 'disowning the weak link'…" Chazz sighed and looked them dead in the eye. "However, I want to change that and throw it right back in their smug faces."
Belowski leaned back in the chair a bit as he hummed. "So, you want Dimitri due to his creative ways. You want Sadie due to her business. Is that right?"
"Correct. And you." This made the Mokey Mokey duelist blink as Chazz scoffed. "Oh please. The laid-back attitude doesn't change the fact that you're the top duelist of our year. That and your calm nature helps think things through."
Sadie turned to Dimitri and Belowski as she gave a deadpan stare, remembering the night they dragged her to the reject well. "Not always." She just received two sheepish looks from the two boys as she stares further before turning back to Chazz. "Anyways… what is this proposal of yours?"
"Put simply? Be the first of my new enterprise." Chazz slowly gained a smirk, on reminiscent of his confidence within the first season. "Performer boy here gave the perfect idea." He said pointing at Dimitri who looked confused. "Why not give people a show? I plan to take the dueling world by storm… but also taking the entertainment world by storm."
Dimitri blinked for a moment. "Like… Television?"
"We were thinking more the internet." Taiyou spoke up with a smile. "Chazz is working towards creating his own network for Duel Monsters."
Dimitri pondered for a bit before blinking. He then gained a bit of a grin. "Okay. I have an idea."
"Oh boy." Sadie smiled fondly and shook her head. "You're lucky Chazz. That's Dimitri's 'crazy idea it just might work'."
Chazz raised an eyebrow at her words but listened closely. And as he, Taiyou, Sadie and Belowski listened to his idea, their eyes slowly widened before smiles appeared on their faces.
Chazz leaned back in his chair as he chuckled. "It's so crazy and stupid it just might work." He then leaned back and pulled out his deck. "All that's left is to come up with a name for it. I was originally thinking of making one based of my best monster." He said as he showed the three a half white and half black dragon. "However, nothing seemed to fit."
Light and Darkness Dragon
Effect Monster – Level 8 – LIGHT – Dragon
2800 Attack / 2400 Defence
Cannot be Special Summoned. While face-up on the field, this card is also DARK-Attribute. Once per Chain, during either player's turn, when a Spell Card, Trap Card, or monster effect is activated: This card loses exactly 500 ATK and DEF and that activation is negated. When this card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard: Target 1 monster in your Graveyard (if possible); destroy all cards you control, also Special Summon that monster (if any).
Dimitri blinked. So, Chazz did have Light and Darkness Dragon. Good to know. Hopefully that will be helpful with duels against the Shadow Riders.
However, as he was sitting there, he felt a spark hit him from one of his deck boxes. Specifically, one filled with random cards that he changes every day. He changes that deck box as to allow him a chance to potentially find the next big card that leads to a new deck. Reaching into the box, he pulled out the card and grinned.
"Hey Chazz, why not use this as reference?" He said as tossed a card over to the boy.
Chazz took the card and looked at it as he hummed. "Thunder King Rai-Oh?"
Thunder King Rai-Oh
Effect Monster – Level 4 – LIGHT – Thunder
1900 Attack / 800 Defence
Neither player can add cards from their Deck to their hand except by drawing them. When your opponent would Special Summon exactly 1 monster (Quick Effect): You can send this face-up card to the GY; negate the Special Summon, and if you do, destroy it.
Seeing the design, especially the red gemstone in the center, Chazz smirked. "Yeah. I think this will work perfectly." Placing the card down, he looked at them all. "…Rai-Online. Thunderous Entertainment made to Royally please the viewers."
The trio nodded and grinned as Sadie spoke up. "Perfect! Then send us a message when we move ahead with ideas. For now, we're going to find Dimitri's teacher Valon to help with that special idea."
As they got up to leave, Chazz blinked and spoke up. "Hey! You forgot your card!"
Dimitri turned back and paused. Looking behind Chazz, he noticed a faint figure with sparking lightning. A small smile appeared on his face as he shook his head. "Keep it!"
With that, Dimitri would catch up with Sadie and Belowski, heading out with a new partner for their crazy shenanigans. Only time will tell when they would jump into action.
…
A few days would pass after their first meeting. Dimitri had gone to Valon about the idea, and he agreed on a condition.
Well, it seems that now was the time for that condition as he was brought into Sheppard's office with Professor Sartyr and Valon. Sitting there, Dimitri raised a brow. "So, why am I here?"
"Pulling that favour kid." Valon said as he patted Dimitri on the back. "We need someone to help."
Chancellor Sheppard nodded as he pulled up a file. "Mr. Ryuga. Currently a teacher trainee who's defeated forty-nine students in a row. However, afterwards, the students complained about failing tech."
"…You expect foul play." Dimitri nodded. "Why bring me in specifically?"
"Due to the situation Crowler still being ongoing, we need to collect actual proof of cheating." He then smiled a bit. "From what I've heard, you've been working with Mr. Princeton for his new streaming service? Why not have a chance to perform for it while also catching Mr. Ryuga in the act?"
Dimitri was silent as he pondered the situation. However, he then felt a comforting hand on his shoulder as he turned to Professor Sartyr smiling to him. "You don't have to do this if you don't want to. Chancellor Sheppard is trying to step up due to the problems caused by Crowler… but that doesn't mean you have to stand in the line of fire if you don't want to."
"…" Dimitri smiled slightly as he turned to Valon. "Is the tech we talked about up and running?"
Valon scoffed and smirked with crossed arms. "You kidding? Compared to the action duels, that shit was easy. In fact, it helped me with some ideas for the action duel system. Why?"
Dimitri's smile grew bigger and wider as he looked at the teachers. "Then how about we give them the greatest show yet?"
…
…
…
Blair Flannigan was confused by the message she received but was also intrigued.
Thanks to Crowler being removed from staff, she felt comfortable enough to reveal herself to Professor Hibiki… who promptly threw a fit when she learned she was denied entry into the school due to accidentally calling Crowler a 'Miss'. How was it her fault when the man looked like he was skinnier than a scarecrow and more makeup than a diva!?
So, Blair was accepted into the academy and would actually be allowed to stay as a Slifer Red as a test run. To see how things work and potentially lead to expanding the Slifer Red and Ra Yellow
Either way, she knew she was in a strange space. She applied for the academy originally to meet Zane! I mean, he's THE Zane Truesdale! However, upon meeting him, he was… well… rather bit of a tool. So, she decided to shift her focus on herself and her studies.
She was rather intelligent if she was able to apply and qualify for the exams at the age of 11. She may be four years younger, but she was at the same knowledge level! Still… She wants to make a name for herself. But she's also terrified of being in the spotlight. So, when she saw an offer up on the school request board, she was interested. The request board was where people would post problems or tasks for payment. Sometimes it's quick and easy and sometimes it's like a full job.
This request came from the known 'rich-boy' of the academy… Chazz Princeton. Apparently, she was going to have an interview with him just like the others applying for this request. As such, Blair found herself sitting in one of the many meeting rooms on her own. That was until the door opened up to reveal pretty girl with red hair who blinked in surprise. "Oh. Sorry hon. Thought this was Room 209."
"Umm…" Blair rubbed the back of her hair sheepishly. "It is Room 209."
The girl looked at the door and paused. "…Huh. It is." She then turned back to Blair with a shrug. "I guess we're in the same room then hon." Moving over, she sat across from Blair with a small smile and an extended hand. "The name's Missy. Missy Kochou. Pleasure to meet you."
"Blair Flannigan." Blair took the hand as she smiled back.
As the handshake released, Missy raised a brow in curiosity. "So, hon… you seem younger than the other gals I've seen. Not to mention the Slifer jacket. There a story to it? You don't have to go into detail."
"W-Well… to give a long story short… I tested in but was denied by Crowler." Missy winced as she heard that. "Yeah. I snuck in as a boy, revealed myself to Professor Hibiki once Crowler was gone, and now I'm the first Slifer girl."
Missy chuckled a bit. "Considering you pulled a fast one on the Mad Clown? Nice one hon." Blair blushed a little as Missy sighed. "Never liked Crowler. Always was a rather ornery one. But I will admit he was the reason I learned how to go with a more natural make-up look. I refused to look anywhere close to that level."
Blair laughed at that as Missy laughed as well. "That's fair. The man was stiffer than his ancient gears." This brought another wave of laughter from the two.
They would continue to chat for another half hour as they were friendly. Missy looked at Blair in shock. "Wait really? Zane was like that?"
"Yeah. I was so excited to meet him. I understand it was rather fangirly but…" Blair sighed and frowned. "To request that I leave the island immediately? All because I wanted to show some emotion?"
"Wow… what a tool." Missy sighed and grabbed the necklace and opened it up. In it was a picture of Zane as she pulled the photo out and ripped it up. "Glad to learn how he was before trying to do something stupid like following after him."
Blair smiled and reached into her backpack as she passed a water bottle to Missy. She then raised it in a mock cheer. "To moving on from a jerk of a crush?"
"…Heh. To moving on hon." Missy returned the cheer as they giggled and took a drink.
Once they placed the water bottles down, the door to the room would open to reveal Taiyou with a clipboard. Her looked a little ruffled up but brushed himself down before looking at the two.
As he walked into the room, he gave a small smile. "…This is a good sign. Honestly, we may just give you the job offer now." This confused the two as Taiyou continued. "You probably didn't notice but these rooms are soundproof. But in all the other rooms… well… let's just say people didn't like the idea of sharing."
That was an understatement. Everyone in the other rooms were at each other's throats because they wanted the pay day. Taiyou was absolutely stunned at how vicious they could be to one another. However, there was no cooperation or anything! …Except with Blair and Missy. Taiyou had glanced through the door before entering where he saw them laughing and connecting, which brought some hope to the Obelisk Blue.
Missy raised a brow at Taiyou with confusion. "What exactly do you mean hon? Aren't we both applying for the same request?"
"To answer that question? Yes, but also no. People didn't read the request fully." Closing the door behind him and sitting down at the table, Taiyou pulled out the request paper. "Chazz wants people to be the announcers over an upcoming duel for his new online streaming platform "Rai-Online". However, it was discussed and decided to have two hosts instead of one." He said this as he passed two folders to the two of them while having a third in front of himself.
Opening them up, Blair's eyes widened at the designs in them. "Whoa! These are cool!" She looked at the two sketches. "This one looks badass, and this one looks so cute! Are they new cards or something?"
"Currently more of an 'or something'." Taiyou said with a small chuckle. "I swear… the fact he was able to come up with this…" Noticing the confused looks, he shook his head. "We actually approached Dimitri Kagurazaka for ideas considering how the entire campus knows him for his out of the box thinking." This brought nods of understanding as Taiyou continued. "What those images are at the moment are your 'avatars'. The idea is that you would be acting and screening as these characters. Your identities would be safe, and you would be paid for your services if you agree."
Missy hummed and looked at the sketches while also reading the notes underneath. "Phantom Thieves who hide as cute little devils? Quite the tale. We will be actresses playing these roles?"
"Indeed." Taiyou smiled and held out papers. "We call it "Virtual Streamers" or V-Streamers for short. The choice is up to you."
Blair took one of the papers as her eyes widened. "Whoa! That's a lot of DP." She pointed it out to Missy whose eyes also widened. Looking back to the paper, Blair thought about it. This was a chance for something new.
Turning to Missy, she smiled with excited eyes. "I'm in! What do you say Missy?" She said holding up a hand for a high-five.
Missy paused and looked at the excited Blair. Part of her was uncertain and thought about saying no… however… seeing the little girl be excited, she couldn't help but smile. This could be a lot of fun. "Eh. Screw it. You only live once, right? I'll join in as well hon." She returned the high-five with Blair.
"Perfect." Taiyou grinned as he closed the file in front of him. "We have a couple of days before the duel so… are you ready to become the worlds first Virtual Streamers?"
Little did Blair and Missy know how much this decision would affect their futures to come. But that's for another time.
At the end of the week, the students were informed of a duel set up.
However, when they came to the arena, there was also notes for those who wanted to watch from their own rooms. So, all around the island and a number of individuals outside of the island were watching in anticipation.
Walking onto the stage wearing a slick black jacket with grey trimmings and sharp edges over a purple shirt, dark blue pants and brown shoes… was Chazz Princeton. "Hello everyone! Are you ready for a duel?"
Hearing the cheers, Chazz grinned. Looking at his outfit quickly, he had to admit… Dimitri was right on how this outfit really fit him a lot more than his Obelisk Blue fit. Turning to the audience, he grinned. "That's what I like to hear! Today, in partnership with the brand-new online streaming service 'Rai-Online', we have a grand duel set in store!"
He then smirked as he held up his hands in mock surrender. "However, I will NOT be the one commentating on this duel." He raised his fist and pointed to the large monitor behind him. "Instead… I'll let our announcers take it away!" With that, Chazz walked off the stage with a grin.
…
The live monitor flickered for a moment as a logo of a pink and blue devil wing appeared with a pink and blue spinning circle behind it. Then, after a bit, the screen would shift to an announcer box where two characters were standing behind a desk with a live play of the two duelists between them.
The first character was an excited looking girl with long pink hair with yellow highlights, green eyes and a pair of white bat wings by her head. She was wearing a two spiky bone scrunchies that held her hair into twin-tails, a big pink jacket, black shorts, a red top that showed her stomach, a band-aid on her knee, and a pair of cartoony pink and green sneakers.
The second character was a mellow looking girl with short blue hair with yellow highlights, grey eyes, and a pair of blue devil wings by her head. She was wearing a white and blue dress with a cute matching round white hat, a pair of white and blue knee-socks, white and blue sneakers, a dark blue jacket with some white highlights, and a shark plushie in one arm.
"Hello everyone!" The pink haired girl said with a grin and a more energetic tone. "Welcome to the first ever video on the one and only "Rai-Online" platform! We are your announcers for this duel and your loveable friends! I'm Ki-sikil!" She then turned to her partner. "Why don't you introduce yourself hon?"
The blue haired girl nodded and turned to the people before speaking in a younger calmer tone. "And I am Lil-la. Together, we are…"
The two girls stood up, back-to-back, and posed cutely before speaking together. "The Live-STAR-Twins!"
Sitting back down, Ki-sikil was pumping her fists up and down. "Let's get to the action!" She then jumped and posed excitedly on top of her chair.
"But we need to introduce the duelists." Lil-la's words caused Ki-sikil to fall to the ground in a thud, which brought some chuckles from the crowd. Turning back to the camera, Lil-la sighed. "I know it's part of the job… but… do we have to?"
"Well… as much as I would love to get to the duel, we need to know who's dueling!" Ki-sikil said as she smiled. "To start, our first duelist is the man who has dueled 49 duelists in a row for the chance to join the ranks of the Duel Academy staff!" Ki-sikil then pointed to the left side of the field. "It's the teacher trainee… Mr. Ryuga!"
Walking onto one side of the field was a slick black-haired man with two white stripes. He had a pair of glasses, an Obelisk blue uniform, and a strange ring on his left middle finger. He turned to the crowd with a smirk before taking his place.
"From what was stated, if he defeats this next duelist, he'll be added to the roster of teachers." Lil-la said with a cutesy smile. "However, his last duelist in an unpredictable one. For currently, the only deck we know about of his is one filled only with zero attack points monsters." Lil-la then pointed the right side of the field. "It's the anarchic Ra Yellow… Dimitri Kagurazaka!"
Ki-sikil stood up and pointed to the screen. "This is a single match duel with a life point total of 4000!"
"And with the coin flip…" Lil-la said as she pointed to a virtual coin flipping. "…It lands on Tails, which was designated to Mr. Ryuga. So, he will be going first."
The two girls then nodded to one another as they stood back-to-back again with grins and matching poses. "With all that out of the way, it's time to strap in and enjoy the ride…"
"Letttttttttttssssssssss DUEL!"
…
The student and the teacher trainee nodded, facing one another with determined looks. Their duel disks flared to light as they drew their starting hands.
"DUEL!" "DUEL!"
Dimitri: 4000
Mr. Ryuga: 4000
Mr. Ryuga would smirk at Dimitri. "Well… looks like the coin flip was in my favour. I'll begin with Pot of Greed." The familiar green pot appeared on his side of the field as he drew two cards. "And now, I'll activate the spell card Magical Mallet to shuffle cards from my hand back into my deck, drawing the same amount I shuffle in." As he says this a large magical hammer appeared and shook with a jingle of the bells at the end.
Magical Mallet
Normal Spell
Shuffle any number of cards from your hand into the Deck, then draw that same number of cards.
Looking at his hand, he nodded. "Perfect. Now, I'll summon to my field Don Turtle in attack mode." Appearing on the field was a turtle shell with a symbol on it, a large cloth, and a prayer bead necklace wrapped around the shell as glowing eyes were visible from within. "When normal or flip summoned, I can special summon as many Don Turtles as possible from my hand." The beads started to glow as mist filled his side of the field as two more Don Turtles appeared.
Don Turtle
Effect Monster – Level 3 – WATER – Reptile
1100 Attack / 1200 Defence
When this card is Normal Summoned or Flip Summoned, you can Special Summon any number of "Don Turtle"(s) from your hand.
"I'll then place one card face down and end my turn." He then motioned to Dimitri as he fiddled with his ring. "Your move."
Dimitri nodded with a grin. "Alright then! It's show time!" Looking at his hand, he smiled. "Well, why don't we start things off in a similar way?" As Dimitri said those words, Ryuga would fiddle with his ring a bit. "I play Pot of Greed!"
However, as he played the spell card… his duel disk would beep loudly for the entire crowd as Dimitri looked in confusion. "…The fuck?"
…
Ki-sikil rubbed her chin. "Okay. If I remember correctly, that beeping means there's an issue reading the card? But how?"
"I don't know… but… I don't think this was a coincidence." Lil-la said this as she pulled up some handheld footage three different duels of Mr. Ryuga versus another duelist. "From what I've heard, this has been happening a lot recently."
"Hmmmm." Ki-sikil crossed her arms before her eyes widened. "Ah-ha! I got it hon!" She said as she put on a Sherlock Holmes cap. "When I tell you, pause the videos." Lil-la raised a brow but nodded. As the videos played, Ki-sikil grinned. "NOW!"
Pausing the video, Lil-la would see that what she was talking about. "Oh! The ring! It seems that Mr. Ryuga has been playing foul." She said as the screen zoomed in to show how each time the opponent used a spell card, and it failed… Mr. Ryuga was fiddling with his ring.
Ki-sikil nodded with a grin. "Yep! That's one point for me! Miss detective right here!" She then sighed. "Well, it's a shame but this duel is going to be cut short. By disqualification, the winner of this duel is-"
However, she was then interrupted as a voice silenced Ki-sikil. "HOLD IT!" The two girls turned to look at the speaker… Dimitri. He lifted his head up to the monitor with a massive grin on his face as he spoke confidently. "Continue the duel… and let him continue to use the device."
"…" Lil-la stared with a dropped jaw as she turned to Ki-sikil. "…So… you heard that too? Or am I going deaf?"
"Oh. I heard it too." Ki-sikil turned to Dimitri absolutely befuddled. "What the hell hon!? Why would you WANT such a thing, you idiot!?"
"Because I see it as a challenge." The audience was silent as Dimitri grinned widely and pointed at Mr. Ryuga. "Dueling without spell cards? Alright then! I'll just win without them!" He looked around as he started to chuckle. "Oh man, I'm getting excited. This is going to be exciting… after all…" He pointed forward with a grin. "A real performer is not a one-trick-act! I plan to be the world's first and greatest Duel Entertainer! A Dueltainer! Dueling like a magician on a stage! So, bring it on! I accept this challenge!"
The two girls stared at him silently before sighing. But small smiles appeared on their faces as Ki-sikil spoke. "Well… you heard the guy. By Dimitri's choice, the duel continues!"
…
Mr. Ryuga frowned. "…You really are going to allow me to continue to use my ring?"
"Well yeah." Dimitri shrugged. "I just got one question… why the Spell-Cancelling ring? In an official duel it's a no-no."
Ryuga looked away and frowned before speaking. "I need this job. Desperately."
Dimitri frowned at that before smiling. "Then show off." Ryuga turned to him confused. "Look man. From what I've learned with my time at this academy? Is that you got to try your hardest. No taking shortcuts. It's why I'm willing to take the challenge head on." He then grinned. "There's a chance still."
"…Probably not." Ryuga scoffed as he glared. "I'm ruined. Stubborn bastards ignored my skills for years. Well, I'll show them! And I certainly won't lose to a Ra Reject like you!"
Dimitri sighed. "Welp. I had hope in you but now you pulled out the name. And just like that, all respect for you is gone and now it's time for an ass-kicking." His expression became determined. "Let's get back into this!"
He looked over his hand once more before nodding. "Well… I'm going to need to fix my hand since the spells are dead weight, so I'll start by summoning in defence mode Vortex Trooper!" A blue robot landed on Dimitri's side of the field with a large fan over its head and a fan for it's left hand. As it landed, the robot went into a kneeling position as it crossed its arms. "When normal summoned, Vortex Trooper lets me shuffle two cards from my hand and then draw two cards!"
Vortex Trooper
Effect Monster – Level 3 – WIND – Aqua
0 Attack / 600 Defence
When this card is Normal Summoned: You can shuffle 2 cards from your hand into the Deck, then draw 2 cards. If this card is destroyed: Draw 1 card.
The robot quickly stood up and turned to Dimitri as it fired a gust of wind. In a spectacle, two cards flew into the air as Dimitri took a deep breath. He then ran after the cards, jumped with a flip, and caught the cards mid-air before landing majestically.
(AN: Imagine the Smash Bros Brawl subspace Captain Falcon landing pose when he slides and kills the Pikmin. I could not for the life of me describe it in words)
The crowd clapped and cheered as Dimitri grinned. Looking at the monitor, Ki-sikil was holding up a sign with 10 on it while Lil-la was holding a sign with a 7.8 on it. Dimitri stared at it for a moment. "…Really? A 7.8?"
…
"Yep. 7.8. Too much airtime." Lil-la said this with a deadpan stare and shrug.
…
Dimitri rolled his eyes as he placed the two cards he caught back in his deck before shuffling and drawing two new cards. He then looked at his hand and nodded. "I'll set three cards face down and end my turn."
Mr. Ryuga rolled his eyes and drew his card as he nodded. "I'll go directly to battle phase. Don Turtle, attack Vortex Trooper." The turtle would start to spin its shell clockwise, going faster and faster, as it launched towards the robot.
However, Dimitri just smirked. "Not so fast! Since you don't have an annoying snake of a dragon called Mirage Dragon…" Taiyou snorted in the crowd a bit. "…I can activate the trap card, Scrap-Iron Scarecrow!" A scarecrow made of metal, scrap and had what appeared to be a glowing eye. As it appeared, it blocked the turtle from striking into the robot.
However, what caught the man's eyes is how the scarecrow seemed to shrink and fade back into the card as it set face-down. "Wait what?"
"So, fun fact about Scrap-Iron Scarecrow. While it only stops one per battle phase, it sets itself on my field again." Dimitri said this with a cheeky grin. "So, it's not gone yet."
Mr. Ryuga frowned. "That will be annoying to deal with. But no matter. As it was just set, then it can't be activated. Don Turtle number two! Attack his Vortex Trooper!" This turtle spun around like the first, launching at the robot and destroying it cleanly.
As Vortex Trooper was smashed, Dimitri nodded. "Vortex Troopers second effect kicks in! When he's destroyed by battle, I get to draw a card!"
"And what little it does Don Turtle number three! Attack directly!" The third turtle spun towards Dimitri. However, as it was going to strike, a large glowing sword landed directly through the top of the turtle… shattering it into pieces. "WHAT!?"
"Sorry! But I got a protector on my side." Dimitri said as he held up the card he drew. "Thanks to Vortex Trooper that is. Because I drew the right card. When I'm attacked for a direct attack, I can special summon this monster from my hand and if his defence is stronger then your monster's attack? They get destroyed."
A figure then landed onto the field as dust bellowed. Once it cleared, standing there was a blue armoured swordsman in a kneeling pose like a knight, holding the bright glowing sword while also having three more on it's back along with some buckles. "And with 2400 Defence, that's more then enough! So, say hello to Swordsman of Revealing Light!"
Swordsman of Revealing Light [GX]
Effect Monster – Level 8 – LIGHT – Warrior
0 Attack / 2400 Defence
When an opponent's monster declares a direct attack: You can Special Summon this card from your hand, then if this card's DEF is higher than the attacking monster's ATK, destroy that attacking monster. Each turn, the first time this card would be destroyed by battle, it is not destroyed.
Ryuga was silent for a moment before he smirked. "Well thank you. For special summoning a monster from your hand allows me to special summon a monster from MY hand! Behold the marvelous creation of prehistoric combined with the future! Come forth Cyber Dinosaur!" As he said that, a lightning bolt landed behind him as a mechanical dinosaur of large stature appeared with a metallic roar.
Cyber Dinosaur [GX]
Effect Monster – Level 7 – LIGHT – Machine
2500 Attack / 1900 Defence
When your opponent Special Summons a monster from their hand: You can Special Summon this card from your hand.
"Now! Cyber Dinosaur! As it is still the battle phase, attack his Swordsman!" The dinosaur let out a mighty roar as it charged and rushed forward towards the swordsman.
Dimitri wasn't phased as he yelled out. "Not so fast! My swordsman has a second effect! The first time he would be destroyed by battle, he's not destroyed!"
In a clash, the swordsman held up their sword as it glowed with protective power. The dinosaur jaw was clenched down on the sword as the two pushed back and forth before a small burst of energy sent the two flying back.
As they landed on each other's side of the field, the crowd was cheering in excitement and shock. Ryuga gave a small smirk. "…Not bad. I end my turn. Your move."
Dimitri nodded and drew his card as he looked at his hand. "Well… I'll start by summoning Kotodama! In defence mode!" He said as a man wearing a blue cloth with glowing gem eyes, red hair in a ponytail, and pitch-black skin covered in orangish-gold hieroglyphics landed on the field.
…
Back in the booth with the two cute devils, Ki-sikil hummed as she leaned back in her chair. "Wow. Quite the back and forth, huh hon? Though it seems without his spells, Dimitri is on the defensive."
"At least it's a strong one." Lil-la said with an analytical glance. "Unless Mr. Ryuga has a way to remove Scrap-Iron Scarecrow, then Dimitri's Swordsman is protection for three times." Seeing the confused look, she continued. "Swordsman of Revealing Light can prevent it's destruction by battle for the first time each turn."
"Ohhhhhh." Ki-sikil said with a nod. "And with 2400 Defence, that's not an easy feat." She then turned back to the field. "Still… Cheaty McCheaterson has the number advantage."
Lil-la turned to her. "Not for long. After all, Dimitri played Kotodama." Just then, Kotodama clapped his hands as he let out a wail. Suddenly, the two Don Turtles on Mr. Ryuga's field exploded into particles. "Kotodama's effect counters swarm decks. Because if there are any face-up monsters with the same name when Kotodama is on the field, they're all destroyed."
Kotodama
Effect Monster – Level 3 – EARTH – Fairy
0 Attack / 1600 Defence
If there are face-up monsters with the same name on the field, destroy those monsters. (If a monster is Summoned or flipped-face up that has the same name as a monster that is already face-up on the field, the new face-up monster is destroyed. If they are Summoned or flipped face-up at the same time, they are all destroyed.)
"Well shit." Ki-sikil said this with wide eyes. "I forgot about that card. You don't see too many swarm decks out there. But seems like an honest pick considering how this deck has a limited number of options. Only zero attack monsters."
Lil-la nodded but smiled a bit. "Still impressive though. Dimitri has shown time and time again that he'll have some sort of trick up his sleeve. Kotodama is just one of those."
"Yep!" Ki-sikil then paused and turned to Lil-la confused. "Say… how do you remember this card? I struggle with remembering a bunch of cards, but you seem to have this off the top of your head hon."
"Oh, that's easy. I currently can remember up to three thousand or so cards off the top of my head. And I'm trying to remember more-" Lil-la paused and turned to Ki-sikil who's jaw was dropped. "…What?"
"Are you a supercomputer or something!?" Ki-sikil said in utter befuddlement.
Lil-la just shook her head. "Nope. I'm just the smart one of the two of us. You keep trying to be the pretty one."
"Fine genius… I WILL be the pretty one." Ki-sikil said with crossed arms and a confident smirk. Lil-la just slowly counted down from three with her fingers. … two… one… "WAIT A MINUTE!"
…
Dimitri chuckled at the play by play as he looked at his hand. "And… that's about it. I end my turn." However, he frowned a little. It felt like his deck was trying to tell him something, but he just didn't know.
Mr. Ryuga would draw as he grinned widely. "Perfect. I activate the trap card Call of the Haunted to bring back one of my Don Turtles." Gravestones appeared as Don Turtle appeared on his side of the field as it was surrounded by a spectral mist. "However, Don Turtle won't be around long. Because I activate from my hand Ultra Evolution Pill!"
Ultra Evolution Pill
Normal Spell
Tribute 1 Reptile monster; Special Summon 1 Dinosaur monster from your hand.
A small pill then landed in front of Don Turtle as it inched closer to it. The pill was then tossed into the blackness of the shell as a small chewing noise could be heard… as the shell started to crack. "Ultra Evolution Pill allows me to tribute one of my Reptile monsters to special summon one Dinosaur monster from my hand! So come forth Black Tyranno!"
The shell burst open as a large black skinned Tyrannosaurus Rex head rose from the shell. Slowly stepping out was a large black T-Rex who roared loudly and glared down at Dimitri. "…Oh shit."
"Indeed." Ryuga smirked. "Unfortunately, I don't have the tools to remove your defences. At least… not yet." Ryuga smirked. "I activate Pot of Greed! To draw two cards!" As he drew the two cards before frowning. "Curses. Almost." He then shook his head. "No matter. Your end will come! Battle phase! Cyber Dinosaur! Attack his Kotodama!" With a loud roar, the mechanical dinosaur rushed forward at the tattooed man. The mecha-dino then launched the man into the air with its tail before chomping down on him mid-air, causing the monster to burst into particles.
…
Ki-sikil turned to Lil-la who was wincing at the monster summoned. "Okay hon. Since I have no idea what's the problem…" She slammed her hands on the table and pointed Lil-la. "LIL-LA! ANALYSIS REPORT!"
The blue-haired announcer rolled her eyes. "Fine. The problem that occurred is that Dimitri's current strategy has him protecting and stalling for something to turn things around. From past duels, this isn't a common strategy he uses but one that he can use."
"…However, Black Tyranno messes that up?" Ki-sikil said with a tilt to her head.
"Big time." Lil-la sighed. "Black Tyranno is a powerful monster that is known to be a Dinosaur duelist's best friend when dealing with stall strategies. That's because Black Tyranno has the effect to attack directly if the opponent only has Defence Position monsters."
Black Tyranno
Effect Monster – Level 7 – EARTH – Dinosaur
2600 Attack / 1800 Defence
If the only cards your opponent controls are Defense Position monsters, this card can attack directly.
Ki-sikil's eyes widened. "Oh! Ohhhhh… that makes sense." She then looked back at the field. "So now it's a race against time?"
"Exactly." Lil-la nodded grimly. "Either Dimitri pulls this around or he's going to be dinosaur chow."
…
Ryuga grinned rudely. "I'll set one card and end my turn."
Dimitri groaned as he nodded. "My turn. I draw!" Looking at his hand, he withheld a groan. Seriously? He drew Pot of Greed again? He would love it if he could use it. Taking a deep breath, he looked at Ryuga "…I set two cards face-down and I end my turn." He then grinned widely. "Give me your best shot!"
The ex-potential professor nodded. Drawing a card, he nodded. "Very well." Looking at his hand, he gained a grin. "…Let's do this. I activate my face-down trap Reckless Greed! I get to draw two cards at the cost of my two draw phases!"
Reckless Greed
Normal Trap
Draw 2 cards and skip your next 2 Draw Phases
"And now I will summon Hyper Hammerhead!" A roaring dinosaur with a hammer for a head roared as it landed on the field. "With his summoning, I'll move to battle phase! Attack Swordsman of Revealing Light!" Dimitri was confused for a moment as Ryuga continued. "After the Damage Step, if the monster is not destroyed then it is sent back to your hand!"
Hyper Hammerhead
Effect Monster – Level 4 – EARTH – Dinosaur
1500 Attack / 1200 Defence
At the end of the Damage Step, if an opponent's monster that battled this card is not destroyed: Return that opponent's monster to the hand.
Dimitri frowned in confusion. This still seemed like a bad play. But go big or go home, eh? With that, Dimitri grinned. "I'll activate D2 Shield! Swordsman of Revealing Light's defence is doubled! Meaning you're attacking a 4800 Defence monster!" A glowing shield like the swordsman swords appeared in his other hand.
Swordsman of Revealing Light: 0 Attack / 4800 Defence
Ryuga glared and snarled a bit but nodded. "Fine. Hammerhead! Attack!" The dinosaur rushed forward and slammed its head on the shield as a bright glow reflected and blasted Ryuga. But as it did, the headbutt of the dinosaur went strong and sent the swordsman away, back into Dimitri's hand.
Swordsman of Revealing Light: 0 Attack / 4800 Defence
Hyper Hammerhead: 1500 Attack / 1200 Defence
…
Mr. Ryuga: 4000 – 3300 = 700
Mr. Ryuga then smirked. "I activate the quick-play spell Hand Destruction! We both send two cards from our hands to the graveyard! So, no more Swordsman." A slicing slash of wind struck the two of them as they discarded. "Also, both of the cards I discarded was Skull Ladybug. Which means I gain 1000 Life Points!" Two images of ladybugs with skulls on their backs appeared before he glows with bright light.
Hand Destruction
Quick-Play Spell
Each player sends 2 cards from their hand to the GY, then draws 2 cards.
…
Skull Ladybug
Effect Monster – Level 4 – EARTH – Insect
500 Attack / 1500 Defence
When this card is sent to the Graveyard, increase your Life Points by 1000 points.
…
Mr. Ryuga: 700 + 2000 = 2700
Looking at the cards he drew, Mr. Ryuga grinned widely. "Finally! I activate the Quick-Play spell card Mystical Space Typhoon! Destroy his Scrap-Iron Scarecrow!" A large typhoon of wind and lightning started to form and spin as it struck down on the face-down Scrap-Iron Scarecrow, destroying it into pieces.
Mystical Space Typhoon
(did it really take me this long to use it?)
Quick-Play Spell
Target 1 Spell/Trap on the field; destroy that target.
"Now! Cyber Dinosaur! Attack directly!" The mechanical dinosaur rushed forward and chomped at Dimitri, electricity flying and hitting him directly.
Dimitri: 4000 – 2400 = 1600
Ryuga grinned as he pointed at Dimitri. "Now! Black Tyranno! Finish this!" The black-skinned Tyrannosaurus Rex let out a mighty roar as it stopped and started to rust towards Dimitri. The Dueltainer was silent as people gasped in shock. However, as the dinosaur approached and was going to strike, an explosion occurred around Dimitri.
As the smoke cleared, Dimitri was grinning. "I'm not out of this duel yet! I activated Defense Draw! It allowed me to turn my battle damage to zero and draw a card!"
Defense Draw
Normal Trap
During your opponent's turn, at damage calculation: Make the battle damage you take from this battle 0, and if you do, draw 1 card.
Ryuga scowled and sighed. "Fine. I end my turn. Make your turn count because it will be your last." However, he stopped as he heard a faint chuckle on the opposite side of the field. Dimitri was standing there… laughing. "Why do you laugh reject?"
"Because of how tight this duel has been!" He grinned widely as he looked around. "Trading blow for blows! No one having the edge!"
The man rolled his eyes. "Seems you have it the wrong way around. Because I have you on the ropes. Face it. You're finished."
"…Maybe. But I still have cards in my deck and life points to my name. So, I refuse to back down!" Dimitri drew his card. And as he did, his eyes widened. "…Oh. That's what my deck was trying to tell me." He gained a big grin as he turned to Ryuga with confidence. "Well, aren't you lucky!"
"What are you talking about? Quit being vague." Mr. Ryuga looked at him with a scoff. "What could possibly be 'so lucky'?"
"Simple. For those who don't know, my deck has many tricks and trade. People can tell it's all monsters with zero attack points." He then smirked. "And through that, I have many monsters. But of them all… this is the one who started the creation of this deck! You're going to be the first to face the main monster of my Zero Hesitation deck!"
This made the audience intrigued. Dimitri has used this deck time and time again. But never once as he stated his 'main monster'. They have faced the Ojamas and Thousand-Eyes Restrict… but what could be this monster.
Dimitri just grinned and raised a finger into the air. "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! It's SHOW TIME!" He moved his hand forward. "I'll start by activating my own Reckless Greed! Which means I lose my next two draw phases… but I don't need them since we're ending this here and now!"
Drawing the two cards, he grinned. "Well… the gang's all here. I activate the trap card… Free-Range Monsters!" The card flipped open as a small spiritual crack in the air appeared next to Dimitri. "With this card, I can normal summon one monster immediately from my hand. Without using my own normal summon! So come on out… Ojama Red in attack mode!"
Jumping from the crack was an angry looking grinning Ojama wearing the usual Ojama underpants but also a small yellow cape. "HAHAHA! Ready when you are boss!"
Mr. Ryuga gave a disgusted look. "Seriously? That freak is your plan?"
"Heh. Well… I'm just pulling a strategy you pulled earlier." Dimitri smirked as he pointed to Ojama Red. "When Ojama Red is normal summoned to the field, he allows me to special summon in attack mode up to four Ojama monsters from my hand." Dimitri then looked at his hand of five cards. "And would you look at that…" He moved the one card and then flipped the other four… revealing the Ojamas. "I got four of them. I special summon Ojama Blue, Black, Green and Yellow!"
Ojama Red grinned and raised his hand in the air with a yell. "IT'S PARTY TIME!" Suddenly, the air above started to swirl as a goofy bongo like tune played as the dust around Red swirled. Once it cleared, standing around him were the other four Ojamas posing. Blue had his arms crossed, Black was standing proud with his arm out, Green was kneeling with a two-finger salute and his tongue out, and Yellow was in his usual funky pose.
Free-Range Monsters
Normal Trap
During the Main Phase: Immediately after this effect resolves, Normal Summon/Set 1 monster.
…
Ojama Red
Effect Monster – Level 2 – LIGHT – Beast
0 Attack / 1000 Defence
When this card is Normal Summoned: You can Special Summon up to 4 "Ojama" monsters from your hand in Attack Position.
…
Ojama Blue
Effect Monster – Level 2 – LIGHT – Beast
0 Attack / 1000 Defence
When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: You can add 2 "Ojama" cards from your Deck to your hand.
"And now for the grand finale!" He looked to the posing Ojamas. "Alright boys… you alright with bring out the big guns?" Seeing them turn to him and nod, Dimitri smirked. "Then let's do it!"
Suddenly, Ojama Red and Blue would run forward and into the air as smoke started to swirl around the two. "I tribute Ojama Red and Ojama Blue…" The smoke started to grow larger and larger as red glows started to form in the smoke. "With annihilation in his path, the earth before him will be scorched into nothing but destruction… for he is the ruler of it all…" The smoke then stopped at a massive size as two eyes seemed to spark within.
…
Lil-la's eyes widened as she stood up abruptly. "NO WAY!" Compared to the rest of the duel, she was acting much more emotional.
This made Ki-sikil look at her in confusion and shock. "Whoa! What's wrong Lil-la?"
"Sorry…" Lil-la took a deep breath but continued to stand as she looked at the field. "If the card Dimitri is going to play is the one I'm thinking about… then this could be a monumental occasion."
Ki-sikil was now stumped. "What are you talking about?"
Lil-la gulped but gained an excited grin. "This monster… is said to only be in the hands of one duelist. If he does have this card, then somehow Dimitri has a once in a lifetime monster which is said to be only owned by Yugi Moto himself!"
Ki-sikil's eyes widened as she stood up, hands slamming against the table as she turned to Lil-la in utter shock. "WHAT!?"
…
Ryuga looked in shock before turning to Dimitri, refusing to believe such a thing. "T-That's… I-I-IMPOSSIBLE! How could you possibly have a card like that!?"
Dimitri laughed at the reactions as he looked at Ryuga with a crazed grin like a madman who lost his medical license. "I HAVE NO IDEA!" Then, two black dragon wings would burst from the smoke. "I SUMMON… GANDORA, THE DRAGON OF DESTRUCTION!" The wings flapped and blew away the smoke as floating above the field was a gigantic pitch-black dragon with sharp metallic outlines of bones, red orbs all over its body, and two massive black dragon wings as it reared its head back and roared loudly.
Ryuga was absolutely stunned as the dragon was double the size of his two massive dinosaurs. He then noticed it's stats. "…Zero attack and zero defence… W-Why is such a card like that?"
Dimitri smirked as he looked at Gandora. "Because Gandora is the definition of 'Zero Hesitation'. See… he has many drawbacks. After all, during the end phase of this turn? He is sent straight to the graveyard. And not only that, but I also have to pay half my life points for his effect to kick in. But that's what makes him perfect for this deck. A final gamble to turn things around!"
He then raised his arm into the air as energy flowed from him into Gandora. Suddenly, all the orbs on the started to glow bright red as Gandora roared. "By paying half my life points, Gandora can destroy as many cards on the field as possible and banish them! So, my three Ojamas and your three dinosaurs are gone! GANDORA! GIGA RAYS OF DESTRUCTION!"
The roar echoed through the battlefield as the red orbs fired beams that passed all over the field. One beam hit Hyper Hammerhead as it disintegrated into nothing but dust. Another passed over Black Tyranno as its skin fell apart, leaving just a skeleton as it shattered and disintegrated into dust as well. A beam then went over Cyber Dinosaur as it roared in pain… before it's eyes darkened and its body began to rust. Finally, it began to fall apart before fading into dust like the last two monsters.
On Dimitri's side of the field, Dimitri looked at the three Ojamas. They all turned to him with smiles filled with trust as they nodded and saluted before the beam passed over them… turning them into dust. Dimitri gave a salute back before turning to the field.
Empty. The field was now purely empty except for Gandora. Dimitri grinned at the purely gobsmacked Ryuga. "Now… for Gandora's final effect. For each card destroyed in this way? Gandora gains 500 Attack points for each card. That was six monsters… leading to a total of 3000 Attack!" The dragon roared as the orbs glowed once more.
Gandora, The Dragon of Destruction [GX]
Effect Monster – Level 8 – DARK – Dragon
0 Attack / 0 Defence
Cannot be Special Summoned. You can pay half your LP; destroy as many cards on the field as possible (other than this card), and if you do, banish them. This card gains 500 ATK for each card destroyed this way. Once per turn, during the End Phase, if this card was Normal or Flip Summoned this turn: Send it to the Graveyard.
…
Gandora, The Dragon of Destruction: 3000 Attack / 0 Defence
This made Mr. Ryuga pale. "…W-Wait. But that means…"
"That you're wide open and have less life points than Gandora's attack?" Dimitri said with a grin as he winked. "Why correct you are! I told you I would take on your challenge and here is the grand finale! GANDORA! FINISH THIS DUEL!"
The dragon gave a slow nod and a loud roar as it flapped its wings. Like a rocket, it took to the skies as it spun in the air before swooping down towards Mr. Ryuga. Then, with a curled-up claw into a fist, Gandora rushed forward and slammed right into Ryuga with a mighty punch as he screamed like a little girl. He was struck directly, sending the man flying back onto the ground with a scared expression and his spell-jamming ring sputtering before breaking.
Gandora, The Dragon of Destruction: 3000 Attack / 0 Defence
…
Mr. Ryuga: 2700 – 3000 = 0
DIMITRI WINS
The monitor showed Dimitri as the winner as he grinned widely. Raising his fist into the air, Gandora roared in triumph alongside him.
…
Ki-sikil jumped up with a cheer. "AND THERE IT IS! Down to the last card, Dimitri has faced the challenge and defeated Mr. Ryuga with no spell cards!"
"Yep. With the power of Ojamas and Gandora, Dimitri is our winner for this duel." Lil-la said this as she looked to the side. "And we just got message that Mr. Ryuga, the Cheaty McCheaterson, will be removed from the teacher trainee program."
"HA!" Ki-sikil pointed with a smirk. "Cheaters never prosper! Deserved!"
Lil-la paused before turning to her. "…You were one of the duelists he beat, weren't you."
"YES! AND I WOULD HAVE WON IF HE DIDN'T CHEAT!" Ki-sikil was stomping madly before taking a deep breath. "But it's fine. For I was avenged! My honour restored!"
"Your honour has been restored." Lil-la rolled her eyes and chuckled a bit. "But that's all for now. Keep an eye out on "Rai-Online" for more of us and more duels to come."
"It's time to say goodbye to… huh." Ki-sikil paused. "What do we call our viewers hon?"
Lil-la scoffed and went to speak but paused as well. "…Huh. You're right. We never figured that out before hand huh?" She then pondered a bit as she looked back at her devil wings. "Well… since we're fiends… and the Live-STAR-Twins… Fiendstars?"
Ki-sikil rubbed her chin as an idea popped in her mind. "I like it! And since we're cute little devils…" She leaned in a whispered into Lil-la's ear, who's eyes widened as she nodded with a grin. Ki-sikil returned the grin as she turned to the camera. "Well… it's time to say goodbye."
The two devil sisters got up and stood back-to-back… Ki-sikil on the left and Lil-la on the right. They turned to look at the camera, winking with the eye away from the camera. So, Ki-sikil has her right eye closed and Lil-la had her left eye closed as they both gave a peace sign under their closed eyes. Together, the two devil sisters then spoke up with cheeky grins.
"Farewell Fiendstars! See you in hell!"
…
…
…
Back in Domino City, in a comfortable little home, a blonde-haired woman and a black-haired man was smiling as they finished watching the show. They had connected the computer to their TV to show it all when their son said to give it a shot. "Oh! Look at him!" The blond-haired woman was clapping as she had light tears in her eyes. "Look dear! It's our little boy!"
"I can see that, Catherine." The black-haired man said as he held his wife closer. There were parts of his face that was scarred and burnt but he seemed happy and content. "…" However, as he gazed at the scene, his eyes glazed over.
Catherine paused and turned to him, worried. "…Dear? …Sweetie? …Arkana?"
The man snapped out of it as he held his head. "Sorry dear. Just… memories."
"Oh honey." Her gaze was soft. "Memories of back then?"
He nodded as he sat back in the couch, staring at his son on the screen. "…I never told him why I avoid duel monsters. How it wasn't because I lost interest but rather because every time I drew a single card, I go into shock."
Catherine knew that Arkana's time under Marik, or Yami Marik as it was explained, mess with him. How he felt like a monster. How all he desired was to reunite with her. And how the shadow games tormented him years after it all happened.
The years apart were not easy for them. Especially since she never got to tell Arkana the truth before they separated. How she was pregnant with his child. For the first number of years of her life, it was just her and her little boy Dimitri, named after Arkana's late father. Even leaving him, she still felt love for him.
For the first seven years, it was just the two of them. Catherine has moved to Domino City with her son and started to work the odd jobs here or there. Her skills at running the business side of things with Arkana came in handy and soon enough she started her own little store of magic and knickknacks. It wasn't easy but they made it work. But through it all, being the curious boy he was, Dimitri would ask questions about his father. She stayed quiet at first but soon after, she began to tell stories of her times as an assistant and partner to the world's greatest illusionist and magician. And hearing the tales of his performances caused a sparkle in the boy's eyes that both warmed her heart and made her miss her love.
…And then the news came out. About individuals who dueled on the wrong side of things but became comatose. One of them… was Arkana. She went to visit him in the hospital that day. Where she met Yugi Moto who explained Shadow Games, how her old love was tricked in his desperation… how all he wanted was to reunite with her and how the one he worked for twisted his mind.
She would visit Arkana constantly as Yugi stated he was going to find a way to save his soul from the Shadow Realm. And one day, with the help of the 'King of Games' Yugi Moto… he was back. Reunited but oh so scarred. She's thankful that she was given the rundown on all the duel monsters spiritual stuff because some of the things he said sounded like an insane person. However, he poured his heart out about how all he cared about was reuniting with her.
Catherine was faced with a hard decision that day. Did she try to reconnect? Their separation was messy but… the sparkle in Dimitri's eyes made her choose. She talked to Arkana for the first time in so long. About how she created her new store. About her struggles… and about their son. She hesitated to bring him up but… Arkana's eyes were only filled with hope and pure joy at the news of him having a son. So, she decided to take a chance.
The next day, she brought Dimitri to the hospital to meet Arkana. Dimitri was shocked to see him but hearing him cry for his daddy? Watching Arkana hug his son with tears of joy and not wanting to let go? She decided that this was the life she wanted to have. And that was the day her eight-year-old son reunited her and Arkana… creating a happy family.
Since that day of accepting Arkana back into her life, she hasn't regretted it once. Arkana took on the role of performer in her little store, performing for the children and showing off what can be done. When bringing up the idea of performing, he admitted how he no longer had a desire to. Because all he every wished for? He already had. A life with Catherine and a child together.
Things weren't perfect of course. He had his bad days and his good days like anyone. From what the Kaiba-Corp doctor stated, Arkana had some severe PTSD from Duel Monsters. When Dimitri gained an interest in the game, Arkana almost shut down when asked to duel him. It… wasn't easy. But he learned from his mistakes and was trying his best.
Catherine hugged her husband lovingly. "It's alright dear. You're not back there anymore."
"…Y-Yeah. You're right." He then took a deep breath as he looked at the screen, at the smiling image of his son with Gandora behind him. A small smile formed on face. "He's really shining in his own way… isn't he?"
Catherine leaned her head on her husband's shoulder as she hummed with a smile. "Indeed, he is. He takes after his father after all."
The two sat there in a comfortable silence as they watch their son on the screen, grinning and enjoying himself. And they could tell this wasn't going to be the last time.
-TO BE CONTINUED-
Hello everyone! Void here!
And man, this was a fun chapter to write.
To start, for the guy who's been asking for a Light and Darkness Dragon deck… I'm sorry man. But that card has been planned to be owned by Chazz since day one. If Dimitri was going to keep the Ojamas, then Chazz was going to keep his dragon.
Additionally, this chapter was fun with writing Chazz how I did.
Chazz, despite being like all the other main characters, is honestly one of the main characters who changes and grows more than the others. This is due to the potential now that he's broken out of his 'Jagger and Slade' haze.
…Which somehow turned him into becoming the lead in media with a WWE version of dueling. How that happened I don't know. But… honestly? Fuck it. It's fun. If Jagger is business and Slade is politics… then Chazz will be duel monsters and media. Double up and prove them both wrong.
So why "Rai-Online" and why use Thunder King Rai-Oh as Chazz's spirit partner? Well… Chazz THUNDER… Prince to a KING… tada? Plus, it gives me an idea for Chazz's deck.
Which then leads to the fun thing I came up with by accident.
…So originally, Missy was one of the announcers along with another character… and then this idea came up. I remembered the Live Twin cards. And so, I decided if we're bringing so much future stuff into the world of GX, why not V-Tubers.
Missy was decided for one, but the other one was tricky. I originally was thinking of finding some video game character or something, but I don't know the Tag Force series that well. But then I realized something.
Blair. Blair was able to join Duel Academy, which meant she had to have high knowledge to test in four years early. But then I realized… if Crowler stopped her from joining then why not let her stay since the clown's gone? I may be wrong on that information but eh. I'm sticking with it.
Either way, I went with them. And hopefully they will get more of a pair of sisters vibe to them. Sisters by bond. And if you can't tell, Missy plays Ki-sikil and Blair plays Lil-la. Literal V-Tubers or V-Streamers in this case. Fun times for the future.
In a way, these two are going to be the 'announcers' for more grander duels moving forward. Because we want it to be a show. Who knows? Perhaps they will do more than just commentate. Perhaps they'll do some OTHER plans moving forward?
Who knows :)
Now, the duel!
Ah Mr. Ryuga… I was excited for this duel because I wanted to have fun with the 'no spell cards' challenge of it. You gotta understand that I tend to get inspiration from things and when I started Joker's Wild, it was based off a challenge run of a Yugioh Game where I made a deck to be immune to Crush Card virus.
Which is why I went wild with writing the duel. I wanted to write Dimitri winning a duel with such a stipulation. After all, I pretty much make everyone work with Pot of Greed and Graceful Charity because cards are needed.
Also… Mr. Ryuga. I have been excited to use him. Like I said, the challenge of not playing/using any spells was crazy to do but fun. And for those wonder, yes. I buffed Cyber Dinosaur. Why? Because otherwise the flow of the duel would be fucking weird. Trust me bro.
No, seriously. The only reason it got the buff was because the whole 'no special summoning in the damage step' limitation made things tricky. And I wanted cool fight moments.
But… now it's the moment you've been waiting for…
Ladies, gentlemen, non-binaries, binaries, and every colour of the fucking rainbow! Allow me to introduce the final boss monster of Zero Hesitation…
Gandora, the Dragon of Destruction!
Gandora… my god do I have a lot to talk about with him. Honestly, Gandora holds a special place in my heart as back in the day when I was but a wee lad, I had a weird dragon deck with Gandora as my strongest monster. Ahhhh good times. And it's those memories that made me remember about Gandora, which then lead to the idea of making Zero Hesitation.
The reason I went with Gandora is because of how it fits the theme of Zero Hesitation. Gandora was the inspiration for the deck followed by Thousand-Eyes and Ojamas and so on. When I made this deck, I wanted to make a combative deck with zero attack points monsters. From the first duel, I pointed it out how this was a zero-attack deck… not a defensive deck.
And the prime example is an all-or-nothing monster like Gandora. Two tributes, half the life-points, and destroyed at the end of battle! If you fumble, you're potentially wide open. But Gandora is a damage dealer who can wreck house. Also, because of it being a boss monster… Yes. I boosted its effect.
You gotta understand how absolutely painful it is to write Gandora only to get a weak attack boost. It made having to fill up the fields which was… not easy. We here for cool shit. Let Gandora wreck house! Thus, the increase from 300 to 500.
Finally, the ending bit. Yep! People got it right. Dimitri's parents are none other than Catherine and Arkana. And the little story? Was me making the timeline work.
For those who don't know, the first series of Yu-Gi-Oh (Duelist Kingdom, Battle City, etc) started in 1996 while Jaden enrolls in Duel Academy in 2004. That's an eight-year gap and in Season 1, if my research is right, Jaden was 15.
So, if we were to estimate things and say that Duelist Kingdom to Battle City happened in 1996 (to give myself some time) and Yugi, in this timeline, helps Arkana reunite with Catherine in 1997, then that gives Arkana 7 years to be a father to an 8-year-old Dimitri.
I am trying to stick to the main plot of the original series while also giving the happy endings and such. But I still want some consistency.
…
But… that's all for now! Until next time! See you all later!
VoidRebirth signing out!