Academy of the Kings
Sitting in the back of my Duel Strategies Class, I look outside the window and watch as the new 1st Year Class gets their own Duel Disk and their Introductions. I watch, smiling, as all the boys' eyes widen with joy and awe before they are instructed on how to wear it correctly.'I remember when I just transferred here from Duel Academy and how they had to assemble me a left-handed Duel Disk quickly,' I chuckle at the memory.
"Mr. Izayoi?" Professor Sinclair's voice pulls me out of my daydream, and I look towards him. "Can you name three different dueling styles, excluding beatdown?" he requested. I internally roll my eyes, Professor Sinclair has hated me since the moment I walked into Academy of the Kings. "We are all waiting patiently, Mr. Izayoi..." he says impatiently.
I stand up and smile, holding out one finger, "First, we have the Burn Deck; it is one of the more widely known Dueling Styles; it is mainly about using card effects to lower your opponent's Life points quickly, I would say it is the second or third most used Duel Style, after Beatdown of course and around Swarming. I would talk about that one, but that is too simple..." I say, looking at the man, knowing the Deck he uses is all about swarming, "How about the Deck Out Deck..." I say, holding up a second finger, "This one is probably the least used, mainly due to its difficulty pulling off. Lastly, we have my personal favorite..." I hold up a third finger, "Control, this is about disrupting your opponent's plays until you have an opening to defeat them," I answer.
I look at him, with a shit eating grin, "That is correct, Thank... you Mr. Izayoi," he says with his jaw clench, as the bell rings. "Mr. Izayoi, stay after class. I would like to speak with you about your behavior in my class," I nod at him and walk to the front of the classroom as all the other boys in the class leave.
As he shuts the door, his eyes harder. 'Um... I feel like you are not supposed to be behind closed doors alone with a student,' I remark. "You must think you are something special, don't you!?" Professor Sinclair almost growls, making me flinch back from his venom, "You don't think I heard about you... the best from Duel Academy, and you transferred here. Within your first week, you dethrone the previous King and take his spot. Is that what you do? Rule a school, and when you get bored, you leave."
I give the man an odd look before I take a deep breath. "Sir, I am going to say what I need to say, and then I am leaving this classroom, and if you ever try something like this again, I will report you to the headmaster," I tell him. He opens his mouth to argue, "Do not try to say he will not believe me; he has heard from other students about your behavior towards me." I grab my bag and throw it over my shoulder, "I did not ask to be the King of this school, the same way I did not ask to be the best at Duel Academy. I was challenged, and I beat them; I came here because Duel Academy is filled with Elitist who only want to be around me because of my skill, not the kind of person I am," I tell him, walking towards the door, I look over my shoulder at him, "people who only look for power disgust me."
As I leave the classroom, I see Ryo and Mako standing across the hall, waiting for me. For twins, they cannot be any more different, their looks and their dueling style.
Ryo walks up, patting me on the back, his white hair falling in front of his blue eyes. "Rei! My main man, did Professor Sinclair give you more grief?" He narrows his eyes, looking at me when I shake my head. He tries debating whether I am telling the truth or not. He opens his mouth to argue when Mako walks up.
"Leave it, Ryo. You should know Rei can handle himself," Mako tells him, his black hair tied up to keep out of his face. He looks down at his watch. Plus, it is time for the Tag Team Dueling Tournament," he tells his brother. We need to go now, or we will miss it."
"Shit, that's today!" Ryo says making both Mako and I roll our eyes, he grabs his brother's arm and starts pulling him away, as Mako fusses behind him. "See ya around, Rei; next time you see us, The Twins of Fire and Ice will be the Tag Team Champs of this school."
I shake my head, smiling at their antics, 'more like the Twins of Terror,' I joke. "Who's that?" I hear a young boy's voice. I look at the small group of 1st years watching me, with two 2nd years guiding them. "Why is his uniform different than everyone else?" another asks before the group repeatedly asks different questions, overwhelming their upperclassman escorts.
I smile at the boys before walking towards them. "Hello, how is everyone's first day at the Academy?" I ask the group, getting many loud, positive answers. I heard some of the questions that you asked. First, when we are asking questions, we need to make sure we wait so we don't overwhelm them." I ask them, and the boys look conflicted before apologizing to the two secondyears.
One kid walks up, with a smaller boy holding his arm, not letting go. 'He can't be any older than eight, why is he here? But, the two look like brothers,' I ask myself. "Um... can I ask you two questions mister?" he questions me, his smile brightening when I nod. "Who are you? And why is your uniform so different than all the other boy's?" he asks me.
I crouch down, smiling at the two boys, the smaller one now shielding himself behind the older one. "Well my name is Rei Izayoi, so please call me Rei instead of mister... and the reason that my uniform is so different is that, well I am the King of Kings at the Academy," I tell the group, many of their eyes widen in awe while others stare at me confused, I chuckle, "it means that I am the Top Duelist at the Academy of Kings, so I am the King of Kings."
The smaller boy peers from behind his brother, "So, that must mean you are like unbeatable! Right?" he exclaims, making me chuckle before shaking my head.
"I don't think anybody is unbeatable, there will always be someone than can counter your Deck, but I'd like to think I am pretty hard to beat," I tell the boy with a wink, making him giggle. "Now, I think you are a little to young to be a student here, are you visiting your brother?" I ask the boys.
The smaller boy blushing before hugging his older brother, who nods, "Yes sir, we never been apart before, so the Headmaster said he can stay with me for the day. His name is Ginga and I am Taiga," he says smiling bright at me.
I smile back at them, sadly. "That's sweet of him, so how about-" I start off only to be interrupted by the buzzing of the intercoms.
"Rei Izayoi, please report to the Dueling Arena Four. I repeat, Rei Izayoi, please report to Dueling Arena Four immediately," I look at the intercom confused, 'Why am I being called to go to the Tag Team Tournament?' I question, sighing, I look at the boys.
"How would yall like to go with me to see the Tag Team Tournament?" I ask them, hearing the cheers to go, I look at the 2nd years, "I'll relieve you boys of your duties until the end of the Tournament, you can either come with us or do whatever," I tell them before leading the 1st years and Ginga to the Arena.
As I make my way into the arena, I motion the boys to take a seat in the stands by, "You boys will have the best seat in the house," I tell them before heading to the middle of the arena. I look around at the eight Tag Teams looking to compete, when I shoot a confused look to the twins, and they both shrug at the same time before pointing towards the Headmaster.
"As many of you know, the D1 Grand Prix, is coming up next month, and Commissioner Goodwin has decided that he will be inviting the top student..." he trails off as the school erupts in cheers, "of the Neo Domino City Academies."
'Neo Domino City Academies? That would mean it is between the Queen's Duel Academy or the Academy of the Kings. How will he decide who gets the invitation?' I question, "The Clash of the Crowns!"
"Looks like our King just figured out, at the Clash of the Crowns this year, our King of Kings will be dueling for more than just our school's pride," Headmaster Royo agrees, "This will be a Turbo Duel, and the winner..." he trails off grabbing the attention of his students, "will receive a personal invitation to compete in the Grand Prix!"
"So, that would mean, That I am going to be dueling Ran Kobayakawa, to get on the circuit, unless someone dethroned her, am I right?" I ask voicing some of my thoughts. 'This might be my way to show him what I am really made of.'
The Headmaster grins at me, "No, you are exactly right, next week at the Clash of the Crowns our King of Kings will duel the Queen of Queens, to determine not only the Top Academy in Neo Domino. But..." he begins saying, "If anyone would like to challenge our King to a duel to take his crown, please step forward now. This shall be our opening duel to the school year and our first tournament of the year as well."
I watch as many students look around, muttering to one another, but no one steps forward to challenge me. "I'll take him on," I hear a voice call out at the top of the stand, I look up and see Ty Sinclair, the previous King of Kings, and the son of Professor Sinclair, standing tall looking down at me. The muttering begins to echo through the arena as Ty and I stare at one another.
"That's what I like to hear! A rematch duel! Our previous King versus or reigning King! Mr. Sinclair please step down here, and let's see who will be representing us in the Clash of the Crowns!" Headmaster Royo cheers, making the arena cheer again from his charisma.
As both Ty and I make our ways to opposite ends of the arena the announcer begins, "Welcome one and all to the King's Gambit! Who will hold the title King of Kings. Will it be the Dragon Tamer, Ty Sinclair or will it be the Foreseen Rose, Rei Izayoi..." I glare towards the announcer from that nickname, seeing Ryo sitting there smirking at me. "Ready!" we both attach our Duel Disk. "Set" both of our Duel Disk are activated."
"Duel!"
Duel
Turn 1: Ty Sinclair
Ty Sinclair: 4000 Life Points (x6)
Rei Izayoi: 4000 Life Points (x5)
"I claim the first move!" Ty declares, drawing a card from his Deck. "Think I'll start this duel off with my Masked Dragon!" a large red and white dragon materializes in front of Ty.
Masked Dragon Level 3 (Fire/Dragon)
Attack 1400/Defense 1100
When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard: you can Special Summon 1 Dragon-Type monster with 1500 or less Attack from your Deck.
"Now, since I control a Dragon monster, I can now activate a Spell Card, Dragon's Gunfire!" he calls out. "Normally I would have a choice about which effect I would want to activate, but seeing as you do not control any monster, looks like you get to take 800 points of damage."
Dragon's Gunfire
Normal Spell
If you control a Dragon-Type monster: Activate 1 of these effects.
Inflict 800 damage to your opponent.
Target 1 monster with 800 or less Defense; destroy that target.
"Ready!" Ty states, as his Masked Dragon, breathes in deeply, "Fire!" a large fireball launches from it's mouth hitting me to the ground.
"Looks like out resident Dragon Tamer hit first blood! Will Rei be able to come back from this early first turn blow!" Ryo questions.
Getting from the ground, I grab a ponytail from my arm, before quickly pulling my red hair out of my face and tying it up. "That was a good first move, most people aren't able to block that kind of move, especially on the first turn," I congratulate him, and he nods at me before smirking.
Ty Sinclair: 4000 Life Points (x4)
Aki Izayoi: 4000 3200 Life Points (x5)
He places a card down on his Duel Disk, "This is only the beginning of the end, I set one card face-down," he states, as a card materializes onto the field, "and that's my turn. Let's see if any of those Plant of yours can stand up to my Dragons!"
Turn 2: Rei Izayoi
Ty Sinclair: 4000 Life Points (x4)
Rei Izayoi: 3200 Life Points (x6)
"You should be careful what you wish for!" I call out, drawing my card, "because you just might get it. I call forth my Rose Paladin, appear by my side!" a heavily armored handsome man with a great spear appearing in front of me.
Rose Paladin Level 4 (Earth/Warrior)
Attack 1800/Defense 200
When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard: 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 Graveyard; 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.
I look between his field and my hand, 'if I remember his Deck was mainly about Burning his opponent while destroying their monsters,' I recall. Before grabbing another card from my hand, "I activate an Equip Spell, Rose Shield!" When I activate this card you take 300 damage for each card I have in my hand," I inform him, watching as his jaw clenches.
Rose Shield
Equip Spell
When this card is activated inflict 300 damage to your opponent for each card in your hand. If the equipped monster would be destroyed, destroy this card instead.
"Now, seeing that I have four cards in my hand, that means you take 1200 points of damage. Rose Spray!" A volley of roses flies from the shield hitting Ty to the ground. "Sorry Ty, but I plan on taking that spot for the Grand Prix, and nothing will stop me from reaching my dreams!"
Ty Sinclair: 4000 2800 Life Points (x4)
Aki Izayoi: 3200 Life Points (x4)
"Oh! Look at that, Rei takes the lead and did you boys hear that vow? It's enough to make a boy swoon," I roll my eyes at Ryo's dramatics.
"If you think that is all, you have another thing coming. Rose Paladin, slay his Masked Dragon!" I command, watching as he smirks.
"Seems like you fell right into my Trap, I activate Sakuretsu Armor! When one of your monster's declares an attack, it gets cut through," he explains as giant slashes hit my Rose Paladin, making dust fly around both monsters, "I won't lose this duel, I'll take back my crown and this will be the start of my way to the top!"
Sakuretsu Armor
Normal Trap
When an opponent's monster declares an attack: Target the attacking monster; destroy that target.
As the dust begins to settle, my Rose Paladin's Spear is piercing through Ty's Masked Dragon, destroying it. "What! That monster should have been destroyed, why is it still on the field?" he questions looking at me, as I send my Rose Shield to the Graveyard.
Ty Sinclair: 2800 2400 Life Points (x4)
Aki Izayoi: 3200 Life Points (x4)
I open my mouth to explain, "Looks like the Dragon Tamer forgot Rose Shield's secondary effect, when the monster equipped to it would be destroyed, the shield is destroyed instead. That move cost him greatly," Ryo explains, 'Trust him to know the effect of that card.'
"Tch... it doesn't matter. When Masked Dragon is destroyed by battle I can Special Summon a Dragon monster with 1500 or less Attack points from my Deck, and I know just the card. Come forth Delta Flyer!" a small mechanical looking dragon, flies overhead before landing onto the field.
Delta Flyer Level 3 (Wind/Dragon/Tuner)
Attack 1500/Defense 900
Once per turn, you can select 1 other face-up monster you control and increase its Level by 1.
'Great a tuner... but when did Ty get a Synchro Monster?' I ask myself. "Looks like this duel is getting interesting, I put one card face-down and it's your move."
Turn 3: Ty Sinclair
Ty Sinclair: 2400 Life Points (x5)
Rei Izayoi: 3200 Life Points (x3)
He draws a card then grins, "Actually this duel is just about to end, I summon my Lord of D. Now, neither of us can target my Dragons, so let's see how that control strategy you use works against me now!"
Lord of D. Level 4 (Dark/Spellcaster)
Attack 1200/Defense 1100
Neither player can target Dragon monsters on the field with card effects.
"If you think that is the end, you are wrong! Now I activate another Spell Card! Flute of Summoning Dragon! Since I control Lord of D. I can Special Summon two Dragon monsters from my hand, from my hand I summon my Mirage Dragon and a Masked Dragon!" he declares two more dragons appearing on his side of the field, 'oh this is defiantly not good.'
Masked Dragon Level 3 (Fire/Dragon)
Attack 1400/Defense 1100
When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard: you can Special Summon 1 Dragon-Type monster with 1500 or less Attack from your Deck.
Mirage Dragon Level 4 (Light/Dragon)
Attack 1600/Defense 600
Your opponent cannot activate Trap Cards during the Battle Phase.
"Now I activate the effect of Delta Flyer, to increase the Level of Masked Dragon," he raises his hand in the air, "and you know what is next!"
Masked Dragon Level 3 4 (Fire/Dragon)
Attack 1400/Defense 1100
"I tune my Level 3 Delta Flyer with my Level 4 Masked Dragon, to Synchro Summon my new Ace Monster. Soar in Exploder Dragonwing!" A hideous dragon appears in their place.
Exploder Dragonwing Level 7 (Dark/Dragon)
1 Tuner 1 or more non-Tuner Dragon-Type monsters
Attack 2400/Defense 1600
At the start of the Damage Step, if this card battle a monster: You can destroy that monster, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to the Attack the destroyed monster had on the field. This card's Attack must be greater than or equal to the Attack of that monster to activate and resolve this effect.
The stadium goes quiet, "Look at that guys, Ty Sinclair reveals his new Synchro Monster, and if what my brother says is true it's effect is devastating!" Ryo announces, "Will Rei be able to stand up to this monster, or was Ty right and is this Duel about to end?" he shoots me a sad look and I smile.
"Now! My Exploder Dragonwing attacks your Rose Paladin, and it's effect activates. I can destroy your Rose Paladin and since it's Attack points is lower than my Exploder Dragonwing you take damage equal to your Rose Paladin's Attack, Karmic Implosion!" He commands. As my monster is destroyed a chain reaction of explosions makes its way to me.
Throwing a card in the Graveyard the explosions stop, "When I would take effect damage, I can send Rose Spirit to the Graveyard, and the effect is negated..." I tell him seeing his shock. 'But, that's not all, you take the damage I would have taken, which is 1800 points of damage." Another chain of explosions happens hitting Ty, knocking him to the ground.
"Look at that! Rei had the ultimate reversal waiting! You can't get better than that can you boys?" Ryo cheers, "I'm not being impartial I don't even know what that means!" he fuses, "Ugh... Yes Headmaster, now let's see if the Dragon Tamer can bring this Duel back to his side."
Ty Sinclair: 2400 600 Life Points (x1)
Rei Izayoi: 3200 Life Points (x2)
Ty's eyes widen for a moment, before he glares at Ryo then to me. "I might not be able to end the duel this turn, but you are still wide open! Mirage Dragon and Lord of D. attack Rei directly!" he commands, and both monsters attack knocking me into the wall behind me.
Ty Sinclair: 600 Life Points (x1)
Rei Izayoi: 3200 400 Life Points (x2)
"Our king just took a devastating blow, it's all down to the wire. Will we be crowning a new king today or will Rei hold his crown!" Ryo exclaims, having the crowd cheer, as I get myself up off the ground.
"I set one card face-down," Ty says looking at me with a smirk, "We both know the next monster you play is getting destroyed one way or another, just surrender now and I'll take my uniform back, might need to change the color though, I look awful in red. Plus, it makes you look like a butler," Ty says looking at the uniform in disgust.
I look up at him, "If you think I am going to surrender, you have another thing coming. I have dreams, and nothing will stand in my path..." I promise, remembering me losing my first Turbo Duel to The King of Turbo Duels Jack Atlas, 'That is my dream to surpass him, and this is my one chance to get there.'
"Tch, yeah whatever. Just take your turn, so I can get ready for the Royal Duel next week," Ty says concluding his turn.
Turn 4: Rei Izayoi
Ty Sinclair: 600 Life Points (x1)
Rei Izayoi: 400 Life Points (x3)
I close my eyes and put my hand over my Deck, "It seems you finally arrived..." I say as the arena goes silent.
'That must be Rei's sense, Foresee Draw.'
'It's so cool! I never seen him do it before!'
'Foresee Draw? What's a sense?'
'Some duelist, have this cool psychic abilities called sense, Rei's let's him able to predict the top card of his Deck!'
'You see that Taiga! Mr. Rei is so cool!' I hear Ginga yell out
Throwing my hand in the air, "I can't let down my new friends, now can I!" I yell out, 'Rose Sorcerer,' I smile to myself adding the card to my hand. "First I activate my Trap Card, Briar Transplant, by discarding 1 Rose card from my hand, I can target 1 card on your field and banish it," I tell him.
"Did that last attack knock some screws loose? You can't target my any of my Dragons, the only monster you can target is Lord of D. and what will that get you?" Ty insults.
"I ain't worried about your monsters," I tell him, putting Rose Lover in my Graveyard.
Briar Transplant
Normal Trap
Discard 1 "Rose" monster; target 1 card on the field banish it.
Briars shoot from the ground impaling his face-down card, Trap Card, Bottomless Trap Hole. "Looks like I made the right choice," I say aloud. "Now! It's time, this duel is over... I banish my Rose Lover from my Graveyard, to Special Summon a Plant monster from my hand."
Rose Lover Level 1 (Earth/Plant)
Attack 800/Defense 800
You can banish this card from your Graveyard; Special Summon 1 Plant monster from your hand, and if you do, it is unaffected by your opponent's Trap effect this turn. You can only use this effect of "Rose Lover" once per turn.
"Arise! Rose Sorcerer, the Demon Angel!" purple roses appear in front of me, appearing from it, a beautiful woman stands tall.
Rose Sorcerer, the Demon Angel Level 7 (Earth/Plant)
Attack 2400/Defense 1300
You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) by returning "Queen of Rose, The Stately Angel" you control to your hand. While you control this face-up monster: When you Summon 1 other "Rose" monster: You can increase this card's Attack by the original Attack of that Special Summoned monster. You can only use this effect of "Rose Sorcerer, the Demon Angel" once per Duel.
"Wha...what!" Ty stammers stepping backwards tripping to his but, "How... I can't lose, I just can't this was suppose to be my shot at the Turbo Circuit!" he complains.
"Now! Rose Sorcerer, attack his Lord of D., Roses of the Damned!" a swirl of purple rose petals fly around slashing at his monster, before destroying it.
Ty Sinclair: 600 0Life Points (x1)
Rei Izayoi: 400 Life Points (x1)
"Looks like the Duel is over! Rei Izayoi is still are reigning King of Kings! Let's here it for King Rei!" Ryo chants continuously followed closely behind the rest of the boys in the arena.
The Headmaster walks and grabs the microphone, "Thank you both for such a close duel, bu tit looks like Rei will be representing us in the Clash of the Crowns next week. I hope to see you all at the Duel Circuit Stadium next week supporting our King! Now, let's get a few words from Rei before we start this Tag Team Tournament!" he exclaims before handing me the microphone.
I smile at as all eyes land on me, "I just want to let everyone know, that next week when I face Ran I will carry my Academy's Pride with me. With it I will not bow to their Queen and I will take on the D1 Grand Prix!" I bellow causing the boys to cheer, "Now let's get this Tag Team Tournament started, I'll be your announcer for the day! It's time to Duel!"