YGO Duel Academy 5 years after Jaden...

[elementalhero1]

11pm really :angry: looks like I'm staying up till then just to read the next chapter, nice cards by the way, Kazuki is definitely my favorite character in this fanfic.

[Ren✧]

That stinks i will have to read it 2morrow. Oh well that's okay i can wait until then. Just get Chap. 10 up as soon as possible after you post Chap. 9.

[gman22]

sorry about posting this chapter at 11 it's because originally I had planned this duel to be 5 chapters long, but I thought that was too long and have a cunning plot after the duel to take place so I'm shortening the duel down to 3 chapters and editing the duel quite a bit. I'm not far off from finishing chapter 9 in my last two paragraphs, obviously though it will be around 9:30 when it's finished but then i'll have to edit incorrect spelling etc + I need to take some chill time before I post it ;)

 

Here is a card that is going to appear in the next chapter...

 

[gman22]

alrite guys it's officially 11pm so as promised here is chapter 9.

 

[spoiler=Chapter 9] [/spoilerChapter 9: The Duel review part 1

 

For once, Hiro woke up before his two roommates did. Looking over at his calendar on the wall he smiled. 'Today is the duel review.' Tossing the blanket from his body he hopped out of bed, making his way towards the shower.

 

Twenty minutes later Hiro was inspecting himself in the mirror, the pendent which he usually wore tucked behind his shirt shined brightly, the sunlight reflecting off of it.

 

Hayato was casually going through his deck, making any changes he deemed necessary.

 

John was sitting in front of a pile of sixty or more cards, frantically going through them, "Which is better? Monster Reborn or Confiscation?" He asked his two roommates.

 

Hiro turned to him, "How about both?" He questioned.

 

"Both?" John repeated.

 

"How many cards do you have in your deck currently?" Hayato asked from his desk.

 

"Thirty-eight so far." John answered.

 

Hayato rolled his eyes, "Then just add those two cards." He said, slightly annoyed.

 

John placed the two cards into his deck, and shuffled. "Okay, I think I'm ready now." He said nervously.

 

"Just relax, if you get too nervous your not going to do very well." Hiro told the older teen.

 

Ed went through his deck leisurely, "You know what? I don't think I need to prep my deck." He told his roommate.

 

The boy sighed, shuffling his deck. "I guess this will have to do." Looking up at Ed, who was currently situated at the top bunk he shook his head. "You should take this more seriously. The duel review isn't something to take lightly."

 

"I just don't see the point of changing my deck for it." Ed replied.

 

"You do know that the duel review can advance us Osiris Red into the Ra Yellow Dorm, right?" The boy questioned.

 

Ed looked up from his deck, "Really? Hmmm...Edgar Knight, Ace of Ra Yellow. I don't know, doesn't have a very nice ring to it." He mused.

 

The boy shook his head, "Glad to see your back to our old self." He said flatly.

 

Ed grinned, "I don't stay down and out for long." He replied, hopping down from the top bunk, he stretched lazily.

 

"Well, knowing you, you just might make it into Ra Yellow today." The boy commented after thinking for a few seconds.

 

Ed waved the boy off, "Yeah, yeah, sure. Hey...where's Kosuke?" He asked, looking around for the moody teenager.

 

The boy looked surprised, "Bastard? Now that I think about it, he hasn't been hanging around here as much as he usually does."

 

Shrugging, Ed pocketed his deck. "Oh well, I'm sure he'll turn up eventually."

 

"Great Maju Garzett (2500/0), attack his Warrior of Light (1600/1800)!" A boy wearing a Ra Yellow blazer commanded. The fiendish monster unleashed a wave of skulls that slammed into the monster, effectively destroying it. (H: 2000)

 

"My turn ends." The boy said, placing the remaining card in his hand into his duel disk. "It's your move."

 

Hayato slid a card from his deck, depressing a button on his duel disk, his face-down card flipped over. "Call of the Haunted revives my Warrior of Light." A man wielding two curved swords and wearing an intensely bright armor reappeared before the boy.

 

Hayato was well aware that the professors were judging his duel, and that his friends were watching him, 'This duel is over, which means I'm one step closer to advancing.'

 

"Now I tribute both monsters to summon Light and Darkness Dragon (2800/2400) in attack mode." A large dragon replaced the two warriors, it's wings spreading outward. One half of the dragon shined intensely while the other half was a pitch black.

 

"When Warrior of Darkness is used to tribute summon Light and Darkness Dragon it gives it the ability to attack twice in a row if it's first attack is successful. And when Warrior of Light is used to tribute summon it, it gives my dragon a 500 attack point boost." Hayato explained as the dragon's attack strength increased. (3300/2400)

 

The boy looked down at his face-down card confidently. 'Go ahead and attack, I'll send it right back at you, and then I'll be one step closer to becoming an Obelisk Blue.' The boy thought smugly.

 

"Light and Darkness Dragon will destroy your fiend, Twilight Purge!" An orb made of light and dark energy erupted from the dragon's maw, careening towards the fiendish monster.

 

"Ha, this duel is mine, Magic Cylinder activates, which means your attack is going right back at ya!" The boy exclaimed as his card flipped over.

 

"That's where your wrong, by decreasing my dragon's attack and defense points by 500 points I can negate the effect of your trap card." The boy grimaced as the monster's attack slammed into his monster, destroying it and causing a massive explosion.

 

The boy looked down sadly as his life points trickled down to zero. (B: 0)

 

Hayato turned away from the boy, heading for the stands. 'Well that was easy.'

 

"Chrono Magician (1200/1000) attack directly for the win!" Hitaki's opponent grimaced as the last of her life points were blasted away by her monster.

 

Hitaki smirked, her opponent was a higher rank than her, which meant at the very least she would see a rise in her rank if she didn't manage to make it into Obelisk Blue. "That turned out well." She said to herself.

 

She marched through the door and then back up the stands. She spotted Hiro, John, and Hayato sitting together, a few of her friends were sitting just above the three. "Did you guys see me out there?" She asked enthusiastically.

 

As she sat next to Hiro, he smiled. "You're sure to go up in rank after that duel."

 

Everyone's attention went up to the board as names flashed across it, finally selecting two Osiris Red students to duel one another.

 

"Hmmm...I don't know either one of them." Hitaki said bored.

 

"Um, is this seat taken?" A nervous voice asked.

 

Hitaki looked up to see a dark-haired boy looking down at her. After a few seconds of staring at his face, she finally said, "You're Edgar Knight, right? Sure you can sit here, it's not like I'm holding it for anyone."

 

The boy sighed a sigh of relief, obviously glad that he wasn't turned down. "One of the duelist down there is my roommate." He said off-handedly.

 

"Really? Which one?" She asked.

 

"The shorter one with the caesar cut, his name is Shindo Amano."

 

"Then why don't we cheer for him?" Hiro suggested, overhearing the conversation.

 

The two Osiris Red students lowered their duel disks, the duel had finally ended in Shindo's victory. The Osiris Red student had been surprised that a few people were actually cheering him on during his duel, but was glad for the support, the duel was a close one. His position in the Osiris Red dorm probably wouldn't change though.

 

As the two students departed the field there was a small applause, coming from those who were being polite, besides other Osiris Red students, no one was really that interested in the duel.

 

"I wonder who their gonna choose next, I hope it's me!" Ed exclaimed from his seat, seeing his roommate pull off a victory got his adrenaline running.

 

Having overheard what Ed had said, Hayato leaned in his seat, "You do know the matches are selected based on dorm by a machine. It's completely random, nobody actually selects the duelists that face one another." Hayato informed the self-proclaimed Ace of Osiris Red.

 

"Yeah, yeah." Ed waved the boy off, "Look their about to choose who's next!" He said, pointing towards the board." The others looked up at the screen above them which displayed who would be dueling who.

 

Seconds later the screen lit up fully, showing the first selected duelist. A shy looking girl with long black hair and violet eyes in a Ra Yellow uniform appeared as the picture. Hitaki blinked, "Rei Taizo, she's the highest ranked first year Ra Yellow student, not to mention she got a perfect score on the written portion of the entrance exams, who ever is going up against her is going to have a real fight on their hands." She commented.

 

As if on cue, a picture of a smiling boy with hair that was almost pure white appeared next to Rei's. There was a pause as the others turned towards the picture's real life counterpart. Hiro stood up, slipping his deck into his duel disk that was already strapped to his arm. "Well, wish me luck guys."

 

Without another word he started walking towards the ring. As expected a chorus of good lucks came from his friends. Looking up at the girl's picture, Hiro allowed the memory of their first (and only) meeting to play over in his head.

 

Hiro turned at the sound of light footsteps. A shy looking girl about an inch taller than himself took a step back. "Oh...I didn't think anyone would be out here, since it's so late." The soft-spoken girl said.

 

Hiro immediately recognized the girl's violet eyes and long black hair, "Hey your that Rei Taizo, aren't you? The one who got a perfect score on both portions of the entrance exam?" Hiro asked.

 

The girl looked away, "That's right."

 

"Its nice to meet you, I'm Hiro Katsuya." Hiro extended his arm to the girl. The girl looked slightly surprised, apparently having expected something entirely different to happen.

 

After several seconds Hiro's hand went back to his side, she obviously didn't want to shake his hand. "So...I didn't see you earlier..." Hiro trailed off, trying to start a conversation with the girl, maybe even become her friend.

 

The girl joined Hiro, gazing out towards the sea. "Well...since I got the highest score I knew a lot of people were going to want to challenge me so..."

 

"You decided to hide." Hiro finished for her. The girl nodded. 'Weird.' Hiro thought to himself.

 

"Do you really think so?" The girl asked, causing Hiro to step back in surprise.

 

"What?"

 

The girl turned to leave, "It's...its nothing. Just thinking to myself out loud, that's all."

 

Hiro watched as the girl walked away from him. 'What was that about?'

 

As both duelists stepped into the ring, one the white haired Hiro, and the other the dark haired Rei, several students were watching with particular interest. Kai in particular was watching with an amused expression on his face. "It's that same kid with the weird hair." He commented to himself.

 

"That kid has a name." A voice replied. Kai glanced over his shoulder, Kazuki and Sakura were standing behind him. "And as I've said before, you're hardly one to talk."

 

"You know, I still don't know what you mean by that." Kai replied.

 

Hiro was currently holding five cards in his hand, his duel disk already activated. (H: 4000) "Rei Taizo, we've met once before, do you remember?" He asked.

 

In response the girl activated her duel disk and drew six cards from her deck, "Yes." She said softly. (R: 4000)

 

Hiro was expecting her to say more, but she didn't. "Well, let's get this thing started." Hiro suggested, Rei nodding in agreement. Above them the screen lit up, showcasing their current life points and field.

 

Grabbing one of the six cards in her hand, Rei made her opening move. "I set a monster in defense mode. Then I'll place two face-down cards behind it. End."

 

Hiro drew slowly, looking over his opponent's field and then his hand. 'I think I'll follow her lead and play it defensively. No telling what her set monster is.' Placing the card he had just drawn into his hand, Hiro made up his mind for his opening move.

 

"I set a monster in defense mode as well, I also place a magic or trap card face-down behind it. Turn end." Hiro looked up just in time to see a slight frown come across the girl's face.

 

Looking at her four card hand, Rei said something unexpected. "I pass my turn."

 

Hiro drew another card from his deck, ignoring the murmurs from the crowd, 'Well it looks like my suspicions are confirmed, she wants me to attack her set monster.' Grabbing another card from his hand, Hiro placed it onto his duel disk. "I set another monster in defense mode. It's your move."

 

Hayato leaned forward in his seat, 'It's obvious that Rei wants her monster to be destroyed, which Hiro has already deduced. Just what monster could she have that she would benefit from if destroyed.' Hayato thought to himself.

 

As soon as Rei drew, her shy look vanished, replaced with determination. Kazuki folded his hands over the railing, "Looks like she's ready to go on the offensive." He said.

 

Rei reached down and flipped her set monster over. "I flip summon Brood of Excelion (700/400)!" A small silver lizard appeared. Rei held up the card she had just drawn, "I activate Share the Pain." A large knife appeared above Rei's field, one appearing above Hiro's as well.

 

"This is a rather old card, so it hardly sees any use, first it allows me to destroy one monster on my field." The knife dropped down, spearing into the lizard's body. As expected it struggled, and then exploded into tiny pixels.

 

"Before I explain the rest of Share the Pain's effect, my monster's special ability activates. Rei's duel disk beeped as a card in her deck partially slid out. Grabbing it, she slammed it onto her duel disk.

 

A long serpentine dragon with bright shimmering scales of silver emerged. A silver mane flowed out of the back of it's neck while four taloned limbs extended out of it's body, sapphire flames wreathed it's body. "Divine Dragon Excelion (1500/900) is special summoned from my deck when Brood of Excelion is destroyed in any way."

 

'A level five monster with 1500 attack points? That's nothing I have to worry about.' Hiro figured.

 

"When summoned Divine Dragon Excelion allows me to activate one of it's three effects for every other Divine Dragon Excelion in my graveyard." Rei explains.

 

"But you don't have any at the moment." Hiro pointed out, wondering what she was getting at.

 

"But I do have a Brood of Excelion in my graveyard, which allows me to give my dragon one of the three effects as if an actual Divine Dragon Excelion was in my graveyard. I choose to give it 1000 extra attack points." The dragon began to grow in size as it's attack points increased to a far more impressive 2500.

 

"Now I must finish explaining Share the Pain's effect, you now have to select a monster to be destroyed on your side of the field." Rei informed the white haired teen.

 

Hiro frowned as he looked at the two parallel cards on his field. "I select the monster on my left to be sent to the graveyard." He decided. The knife that was still hovering over his field dropped down, skewering his set monster and causing it to shatter, just like Rei's monster.

 

"Now I'm going to inflict some damage to your life points, at the cost of not being able to conduct my battle phase for this turn I activate Excelion's Divine Judgement, this spell card inflicts Excelion's current attack points to your life points as long as it's attack points are no higher than 2500." Hiro's eyes widened in shock as an explosion of shining blue flames erupted from the dragon's maw.

 

His friends in the stands shouted for him as the flames engulfed his body.

 

Much to the surprise of the watching audience, when the smoke cleared Hiro was still standing, though it seemed he was struggling a bit, steam was rising off his blazer. (H: 1500) "That was a powerful hit, but it's going to take more than that to put me down for the count." Hiro said.

 

Depressing a button on her duel disk, one of Rei's set card's flipped upwards, "Polymerization fuses the two monsters in my hand, Divine Dragon Ragnarok (1500/1200) and Lord of Dragons (1200/1100)." A giant swirling vortex appeared above the field, a large monster descending from it.

 

"King Dragun(2400/1100) is the resulting monster."

 

Hiro frowned, 'Now her dragon-type monsters are protected from effects that target them, not to mention you can now special summon dragon-type monsters from her hand, but she won't be able to conduct her battle phase this turn due to her spell card.' Hiro thought.

 

Rei's second face-down card flipped over, "Metal Morph equips to my fusion monster and increases it's attack and defense points by 300." (2700/1400) "The quick-play spell card Magic Purge removes all floating effects, which means I can now conduct my battle phase."

 

"King Dragun destroys your set monster." The large monster flew over to Hiro's field and crushed the unknown monster with it's tail. "Now my Divine Dragon will attack you directly!" Rei declared as the dragon soared into the air, unleashing another wave of blue flames that seared towards the teen duelist.

 

Hiro's friends were now on the edge of their seats, a look of worry on their faces. This attack could finish him. The three top duelists of the school looked on with interest, wondering what the white haired teen would do to defend himself.

 

Much to the surprise of everyone Hiro put his hand out in front of him, a shield with a reflective surface materialized in his hand. As the wave of flames slammed into the large shield Hiro was pushed back a few inches, but stood his ground. (H: 4000)

 

Rei had a look of utter confusion on her face until she saw that one of Hiro's set card was now facing forward. "Shield of Perseus turns any battle damage I receive this turn to life point gain." Hiro explained as the shield shattered, having done it's job.

 

"My turn ends."

 

Hiro drew, "I place two cards face-down. End turn."

 

Rei slid a new card from her deck, "I summon Soldier of Excelion (1700/1200) in attack mode, I'll have it attack immediately." A man in gold plated armor appeared, holding a lance of the same color in his hands. The man jumped into the air, lance held high over it's head. Hiro grimaced as the metal weapon was slammed into his shoulder. (H: 2300)

 

Shindo, Ed's roommate, blinked in confusion. "Why didn't he block it? I'm sure one of those face-downs could have protected him."

 

"Well, I don't know too much about the Excelion set, but I'm pretty sure that when Soldier of Excelion attacks, you can't activate any trap cards in chain." Ed said.

 

"He's right." Hayato added in.

 

"My Divine Dragon shall attack next." Before the dragon could even rear it's head back for the attack, Hiro's face-down card flipped over.

 

"Negate Attack negates your monster attack and ends the battle phase, since it targets your monster's attack and not the monster itself, your King Dragun can do nothing to stop it." Hiro explained.

 

Since Rei no longer had any cards in her hand, Hiro took the initiative and drew. "I summon Mystical Beast Cyclops (2100/0) and it's going to destroy your Soldier of Excelion!" Appearing before him, a giant muscular monster with one eye and a club in it's hand beat it's chest with it's free hand furiously.

 

Grasping it's club with two hands, the monster leaped over to Rei's field and brought the massive weapon down on the lance-wielding warrior. The smaller monster was easily crushed under the stronger creature's attack. (R: 3600)

 

"While Solider of Excelion is in the graveyard all monsters on my field with 'Excelion' in their name gain 300 extra attack points." (2500+300)

 

"I set another card face-down and end my turn." Hiro declared as a card appeared behind the massive monster.

 

Rei drew a card from her deck, glancing at it, an extra compartment extended from her duel disk. "I activate the field spell Divine Paradise! This card decreases the level of all monsters in my hand with 'Divine' or 'Excelion' in their names by one level, it also increases the attack points of all monsters with 'Divine' or 'Excelion' on my field by 400 points, fusion monsters that use monsters with 'Divine' or 'Excelion' as it's components also receive this boost. End turn!"

 

The ground beneath the two duelists feet suddenly became clouds, rising up behind Rei was a stark white mountain, from which a crystal clear waterfall formed a beautiful lake at it's bottom. In it's presence the two monsters increased in strength, Excelion becoming 3200 and King Dragun becoming 3100 respectively.

 

Hiro snagged a card from his deck, things definitely weren't looking good for him. "I switch my Cyclops in defense mode." The monster armed with a club roared in fury as it exploded.

 

"Whenever Cyclops is placed in defense position it's immediately destroyed due to it's effect. Since a monster with 'Mystical Beast' in it's name was destroyed I can special summon this monster from my graveyard, Wandering Spirit (0/0) in defense mode." An astral figure that had no distinctive shape appeared before the boy.

 

"I set a monster in defense mode and one more card face-down."

 

Rei drew a card from her deck and immediately played it, "Twilight Renewal activates if it's the only card in my hand, I draw five new cards."

 

Hiro momentarily glanced down at his set cards as his opponent picked up five new cards from her deck. "I summon my second Divine Dragon Excelion (1500/900) in attack mode." The monster's attack points increased to 2200 due to it's surroundings and Rei's Soldier of Excelion which was currently in the graveyard.

 

"My Brood of Excelion increases this dragon's attack points by 1000 points as well." The dragon grew in size, matching the height of the Excelion that was already in play, it's attack points resting at a powerful 3200.

 

"The spell card Temporary Rest prevents either of us from setting or activating magic or trap cards until my next turn." Hiro looked down in shock as golden chains wrapped around his set cards, making them virtually useless.

 

"King Dragun attacks your Wandering Spirit!" Hiro's friends cringed upon seeing the monster destroyed, he only had one set monster to protect him now.

 

"My Divine Dragon destroys your remaining monster." The wave of azure flames consumed the last remaining card protecting Hiro's life points, leaving his field barren.

 

The crowd watched in tense silence as Rei let her hands fall to her side. "My second Divine Dragon Excelion (3200/900) will finish this duel. Attack directly with Divine Judgement." The dragon opened it's jaws wide, a wave of sapphire flames erupting from it's maw.

 

Hiro moved to defend himself but there was little he could do as the attack washed over him, obscuring him from the crowd's vision. "I apologize, but I cannot lose, not now." Rei said softly, though it was more to herself than it was to her opponent.

 

As the flames from the majestic dragon finally dispersed, Hiro's prone form was visible. Wisps of the sapphire flames covered his body as he lay face down, smoke rising off of his body. As the crowd gasped Kazuki folded his arms across his chest. 'Is this the extent of your strength? If so then maybe I was mistaken in my assumption that you were another duelist worthy of my attention.'

 

The flames and smoke mingled together as they continued to rise off of Hiro's fallen body.]

[elementalhero1]

as I said, I'm here to read chapter 9, it looks fantastic only read the first 3 sentences, I think you mucked up on the spoiler thing?

[gman22]

aha thanks, yep I mucked up on the spoiler thing muchly, I'm going to have to research how to do it, Note So far I have enjoyed writing this chapter the most out of the entire story!

[elementalhero1]

BLOODY AMAZING, thats how you sum up chapter 9, I already told all my friends at school about this fanfic, they all love it, keep it up man, that dragon of Rei's is overpowered but hey it's your fanfic I have no complaints this is brilliant! and aren't all monsters in ygo etc. overpowered for the good duelists, Victory Dragon, Exodia, Destiny Board etc.

[Brinolovania]

And now for -Pacman-'s Spoilers 101.

 

[spoiler=Insert Title Here]Insert Chapter here, between the 2 spoiler thingys. [/spoiler]

[wickedgodfan1]

agree with pacman u need 2 put in spoilers, as the chapters are quite long, but this story is fantastic!

[gman22]

Ok I think I get the hang of it guys, Wickedgodfan + Pacman here is my attempt, could be an epic fail :lol:

 

Ygo 5 years after Jaden, season 1: The battle against Darkness

 

[spoiler=Chapter 1:A Brand new Adventure]A silver haired man breathed heavily as blood oozed from several of the wounds on his body. His whole body was racked with pain and yet, he had a smile on his face. He could feel his consciousness slipping away as his vision blurred and manically laughter filled his ears.

 

He was going to die here, he knew that, but it was for a good cause, so he knew he would go with no regrets. He turned slightly to a green haired woman who was watching him with fear showing clearly on her beautiful face. Oh how he wanted to reach out to her and tell her that everything was going to be fine, but he knew that telling her lies wasn't going to ease the pain that was to befall her.

 

Tears cascaded down the woman's face as she watched him close his eyes, his breath becoming more ragged with each breath that he took. "Hey...don't worry." The man said weakly.

 

He coughed violently, spitting up blood. He frowned at the metallic taste but continuing to speak nonetheless. "I know that there's nothing I can say...that will make the pain go away..."

 

The woman took a step towards him as he paused, clutching his chest in pain "But we'll see each other again...someday...that much...I promise."

 

The woman shook her head, "No, please, let me help you."

 

The man shook his head in return, "No...I'm the only one who can do it. This is my responsibility." The maniacal laughter increased in volume as a blinding light consumed both the woman's and man's vision.

 

The silver haired man winced. "Sorry, but it looks like my time is up. Since I won't see you again for a while, I'll leave you with these last parting words. I...love you...I always have...and I always will. Take care..."

 

Hiro Katsuya opened his eyes slowly as the sun's rays shined through his open window. Groaning he sat up, scratching his head groggily. Blinking a few times he yawned loudly, "What a weird dream..." He mumbled.

 

Running a hand through his pure white hair he looked around his room, his eyes trying to adjust to the sunlight. The room itself was very simple. A bed, a dresser, and a night stand.

 

Stretching languidly, he slid out of bed, nearly losing his footing and falling flat on his face. "How embarrassing..." He grumbled. Walking over to the room's only window he peered outside, discovering that the citizens of Domino City were already out and about. 'Hmmm, looks like I slept in a little late again...'

 

Hiro watched them for a while before turning away and began to dress himself. Once done, he turned to the calendar on the far wall in his rather small room and smiled, today's date was circled with a red marker. Hiro quickly looked under his bed and pulled out his duel disk, reaching into his dresser he found his deck and slipped it into his deck holder, clipping it to his belt.

 

"Okay, today's the day!" He proclaimed excitedly.

 

Exiting his room Hiro was greeted with the lively faces of some of the children that lived in the Katsuya Orphanage.

 

"Hiro! Hiro, can you duel me today?" One of the older boys asked excitedly.

 

Hiro shook his head, "Sorry Inari, not today."

 

"Huh? Why not?" The smaller boy pouted.

 

"Because Hiro-kun will be taking the Duel Academy entrance exams today." A portly old man said, alerting everyone to his presence.

 

Hiro bowed to the old man, "How are you today Mr. Katsuya?"

 

The old man chuckled, "You're always so formal Hiro, relax a little."

 

Hiro blushed in embarrassment, "Sorry."

 

The old man waved off Hiro's apology. "You've got nothing to be sorry about, after all, today is your big day."

 

Hiro nodded, "Right, I'm going to ace the entrance exams, I promise."

 

The old man chuckled, "Then I'm sure you will, you always seem to have a way with keeping the promises you make."

 

Hiro smiled, Mr. Katsuya had taken him in when he was abandoned by his parents years before, he had done so much for him. "Thank you so much...for everything." Hiro said, bowing once more.

 

The old man smiled in return, "Well, you best be off."

 

Hiro nodded, "Right, once I'm done, I'll be back to tell you the good news."

 

"I look forward to hearing it." The old man replied.

 

Inari pouted as he watched the white haired teen walk off, "Aww, who's going to duel me now?"

 

Mr. Katsuya looked thoughtful for a moment, "Well I suppose I could...if I can remember where I keep my old deck."

 

The boy looked up at the man excitedly, "Really? You duel?"

 

The old man smiled, "Oh yes, though I'm not as strong as Hiro, I'm sure I can give you a fun duel."

 

The boy cheered, "Yeah! I'll go get my deck right away." Mr. Katsuya watched as the little boy rushed off, a big smile on his chubby face.

 

Hiro looked up at the structure of a large testing center. Standing in the doorway of the entrance to the building was a man and woman, both in blue uniforms. They were just teenagers, but were older than the rest of the people entering the center.

 

Hiro looked down at the duel disk strapped to his arm, it was an older model, since he couldn't afford the newer ones. Readjusting it on his arm he reassured himself that he was ready for this, for what was to come. "I won't let you down Mr. Katsuya." He said with determination.

 

"Hey, watch out!"

 

"Wha?" Hiro nearly lost his footing as a girl dragging a boy behind dashed passed him.

 

"Excuse us!" The girl shouted back.

 

Hiro blinked in confusion. Looking down at the watch on his wrist he frowned, 'Why were they in such a hurry?'

 

A few minutes later he found himself in front of a rather long line of people. The girl in the blue uniform smiled at him. "Well, aren't you a cutie. State your name please."

 

"Uh, its Hiro. Hiro Katsuya."

 

The girl nodded as she scribbled on a form in pen. "Any special medical needs?"

 

"No."

 

"Okay, have you completed all three years of junior high school?"

 

He nodded, "Yeah."

 

"Do you have any questions you would like to ask regarding Duel Academy?" The girl questioned.

 

He shook his head, "No."

 

"I see...do you have a girlfriend?"

 

Hiro was about to open his mouth to answer but paused, and then blinked. "..." The girl was calmly staring at him, a smile on her face. 'Is this seriously a legitimate question you have to answer to get in?'

 

"Well?"

 

"No...I don't." He answered slowly.

 

"Do you want one?" The girl quickly questioned, her bright smile still intact.

 

The boy in the blue uniform sighed. "Shizuka, you're holding up the line again. Let him through already."

 

The girl now identified as Shizuka sighed as she signed the paper she was scribbling on and handed it to Hiro. "Oh alright. You can go in now. You should see a bunch of students in the first hall. There's a proctor there that will explain everything to you."

 

Hiro nodded and left.

 

The boy in blue shook his head once Hiro was gone. "Seriously, that flirtatious behavior of yours is going to get you into trouble."

 

Shizuka pouted, "Its not my fault I can't help myself, we have some really good looking applicants this year."

 

Roughly half an hour later Hiro found himself sitting at a desk in a large auditorium space, along with a few hundred other teenagers his age. He tapped his fingers idly as he waited for time to tick by. He had just finished the written portion of the exam and was eager to get to the practical portion.

 

Hiro let his eyes wander the room. Many of the potential students were scribbling furiously on their paper, trying to complete the test within what little time they had left, while others were not so bothered, opting to take their time.

 

Along with himself, a small handful of people were already done as well, including a dark haired boy who was trying to quietly munch on a candy bar as to not garner the attention of the overseeing proctor. Hiro vaguely recognized him as the boy who was being dragged along by the girl that nearly ran into him earlier.

 

After some time the proctor cleared his throat, signaling the end of the written portion of the entrance exam, much to the relief of several bored teenagers, including Hiro himself.

 

The proctor quickly collected all the papers and immediately went back to his desk. While the papers were being processed and graded several people began to converse among themselves.

 

Hiro noticed that he was getting a few stares and sighed. Brushing aside a few strands of his pure white hair in front of his eyes he frowned, 'I hate sticking out like a sore thumb...'

 

About half an hour later the process was completed, and each of the potential students was given a small slip of paper with a number on it. As told by the proctor, when their number was called they would go down to the dueling field to take the duel test, it was also an indication of how well they had done in respect to the other students on the written test.

 

After some time, the first name was finally called, "Rei Taizo, please head down to the dueling field."

 

Some of the students followed in order to watch the first duel, which included Hiro, he was curious as to how good this girl was, apparently she had passed the test without getting a single question wrong. 'She must be an incredible duelist.'

 

As many had suspected, Rei Taizo was indeed a formidable duelist, winning her duel without taking a single point of damage. "That was a very impressive display of power and skill, but considering who your brother is, it should come as no surprise. Welcome to Duel Academy." The proctor congratulated.

 

The girl known as Rei Taizo deactivated her duel disk and nodded before walking off. As she did so, she looked up towards the stands, her eyes landing on Hiro. Said boy blinked in surprise. 'Is she...looking at me?' Looking to his left and then his right, he looked back down, only to find that the girl was gone.

 

'Well, that was weird.'

 

A few duels later and Hiro's name was finally called, who had been waiting in silent anticipation the entire time. Nodding, he walked down the isles and out into the dueling area. As he waited for the examiner to make his way to the arena he casually brushed a stray strand of hair away from his face.

 

Hiro didn't have to wait long as the examiner walked out so that he was standing directly across from him, a duel coat strapped to his chest. The slick haired man smiled, "Well you certainly are an interesting looking young man, I am head of the Osiris Red Boy's dorm and professor at Duel Academy, Akira Oyamada. But I prefer for you to call me Professor Oyamada." The man addressed Hiro politely.

 

Hiro nodded, "Okay Professor Oyamada. I'm Hiro Katsuya, but I prefer for you to just call me Hiro."

 

The professor adjusted his glasses, "Very well then Hiro, I will warn you that I won't be holding back." His duel coat whirred as it activated, and spat out six cards, which he caught. (O: 4000)

 

"Alright then." Hiro replied as his old fashioned duel disk activated as he drew five cards from it. (H: 4000) Although the duel disk was certainly out of date, Hiro didn't mind, the orphanage at which he lived had raised enough money to purchase it so he wasn't going to let it go.

 

As the duel was about to begin some students watched intently while others merely gave it a passing glance. One student, high in the stands looked down at the two duelists. "That's some weird hair that kid has down there." He was tall and had short blue hair, his playful blue eyes looking down at the scene before him.

 

"Your one to talk Kai."

 

The young man turned to the source of the voice. "What are you talking about Kaiser, my hair isn't weird at all, not like that guy." He said pointing at Hiro.

 

The young man shook his head, "That's not what I meant." He said as he began to leave.

 

Kai blinked, "Hey, where are you going? Aren't you going to stay and watch the rest of the duels? There's some interesting looking candidates this year." He called after the older teen.

 

Hiro watched as his opponent looked over his hand. 'I know for a fact that he'll be using an examination deck, which have handicaps built in them, so it shouldn't be anything I can't handle.'

 

Oyamada looked over his hand of cards carefully, figuring out exactly what type of deck this test deck was. 'Well, this certainly is interesting, I wonder how he'll hold up.'

 

"I set one monster in defense mode. Then I set two magic or trap cards face-down. End turn." The three representations of his cards appeared, generated by the technology that all Kaiba corp duel disks utilized.

 

'Playing it defensively, huh?' Hiro drew a sixth card from his deck. "I'm just going to have to break that defense! I summon Mythical Beast Cerberus (1400/1400) in attack mode!" A mostly blue two-headed snarling canine now stood in front of the young duelist.

 

Hiro smirked as he held up a spell card, "I activate Mystical Space Typhoon and chain with Forked Magic, which allows it to destroy your second face-down as well." Oyamada watches, slightly impressed as his two face-down cards shatter once struck by the power of Hiro's magic card.

 

Hiro's monster barked as it's body began to increase in size. "Since I've activated two spell cards my monster gains 1000 attack points." Hiro explains as his monster's attack points increase. (2400/1400)

 

"Whatever monster you have hiding won't do you any good now, Cerberus attack!" The Professor's card revealed itself to be Pyramid Turtle (1200/1400), which was easily shattered by the much stronger monster.

 

The professor's duel coat whirred and spat out a card, "Since my Pyramid Turtle was destroyed as a result of battle I'm allowed to special summon one zombie-type monster with a defense of 2000 or less."

 

Oyamada placed the newly acquired card on his duel disk, "I choose Ryu Kokki (2400/2000)." The grotesque monster appeared where Oyamada's previous monster once was. "Since your battle phase ends here your Mythical Beast's attack points return to their original 1400 due to the removal of it's spell counters." (1400/1400)

 

Hiro placed one of the three remaining cards in his hand into his duel disk. "I place one card face-down and end my turn." A single card appeared behind his monster as he did so.

 

Oyamada casually drew a card from his deck. "I summon Soul-Absorbing Bone Tower (400/1500) in attack mode."

 

Hiro watched as a giant dark and ominous castle appeared over the field. Oyamada slid a card into his duel disk, "Double Summon allows me to perform another normal summon, this time I choose Double Coston (1700/1650) in attack mode." A monster which seemed to consist of two ghosts attached to one another hovered over the castle.

 

"Since you've activated a spell card my monster gains a spell counter, which increases it's attack points by 500 points." Hiro reminded his opponent. (1900/1400)

 

"That's true, but it isn't enough to stop my Ryu Kokki from destroying it." Oyamada pointed out as Hiro's monster was effortlessly destroyed, decreasing his life points. (H: 3500)

 

As expected Hiro signaled to his set card, "I activate my trap card Soul Transfer! When a monster with 'Mythical Beast' in it's name is destroyed I'm allowed to special summon a monster from my hand or deck with the same number of stars." Hiro explained as he searched for the card he was looking for.

 

Finding it, he quickly shuffled his deck and slammed it back into the deck slot of the duel disk. "I choose Mythical Beast Cyclops(2100/0) in attack mode." Appearing before him, a giant muscular monster with one eye and a club in it's hand beat it's chest with it's free hand furiously.

 

Hiro wasted no time in explaining his new monster's effect to his opponent, "This monster has the same effect of Berserk Gorilla (2000/0), it must attack whenever possible, and if it's switched to defense mode it is automatically destroyed."

 

"I see..." Oyamada trailed off, he wasn't very familiar with the other Mythical Beasts as the set had only been recently expanded upon. "I set one magic or trap card face-down and end my turn." The professor stated as he placed the last card in his hand into his duel disk, the representation of it appearing behind his small army of monsters.

 

Hiro swiftly drew a card from his deck, "Monster Reborn revives my Cerberus, which I'll quickly sacrifice in order to summon Mythical Beast Lamia (2200/1200)." A beautiful woman with the lower body of a serpent replaced Cerberus. The new monster gave Ryu Kokki a wink, causing it to join Hiro's side of the field, much to Oyamada's surprise.

 

"Lamia's special effect allows me to take control of one monster on my opponent's side of the field for one turn at the cost of discarding one card in my hand." Hiro explains as he slides the last card in his hand into his graveyard.

 

"The card that was discarded due to my monster's effect was Repayment of Losses, which when sent to the graveyard allows me to draw a card from my deck." Hiro took note of the new card he had drawn as he continued his turn.

 

"Cyclops will now destroy your Double Coston!" With a mighty swing of it's club the weaker monster shattered into tiny pixels, decreasing Oyamada's life points ever so slightly. (O: 3600)

 

As Hiro prepared his next attack Oyamada's set card activated, "Forbidden Trespassing only activates when I receive an attack, it ends the current battle phase immediately." Hiro frowned slightly as his chance to claim victory early was taken away from him.

 

"My turn ends here." Hiro replies, Oyamada's Ryu Kokki returning to his side of the field as a result.

 

As he slid a card from his deck Oyamada smiled, "Well that certainly was a close one, I nearly lost, and very quickly too."

 

Hiro blinked, "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

 

"Its whatever you want it to be." The professor answered, effectively avoiding having to answer the question directly. "Pot of Greed as I'm sure you know allows me to draw two cards from my deck." Oyamada needlessly explained as he drew two more cards from his deck.

 

"Book of Life allows me to revive a zombie-type monster in my graveyard and removes a monster in your graveyard from play." The professor's Pyramid Turtle returned to the field at the exact moment that Hiro's Cerberus slid out of his graveyard.

 

Grabbing the card he quickly slipped it into his back pocket. "Since a zombie-type monster has been special summoned my Soul-Absorbing Bone Tower's special effect activates, which means you have to discard the top two cards from you deck.

 

Hiro did so as his opponent continued his turn. Oyomada smiled, "Now for my battle phase my Pyramid Turtle will attack your Lamia." As several of the watching students questioned the professor's intentions Hiro knew exactly what the man was up to.

 

Lamia easily crushed the weaker monster with it's broad tail, decreasing Oyamada's life points further. (O: 2600) "Since my Pyramid Turtle was destroyed as a result of battle I'm allowed to special summon a zombie-type monster from my deck with a defense of 2000 or less, I choose my Vampire Lord (2000/1500)."

 

The professor's duel coat whirred and spat out the named card, which the professor quickly played. "You now have to discard two more cards from your deck due to my Tower's effect." The professor informed Hiro, who did so. "Now my Ryu Kokki shall attack your Lamia!"

 

The named monster bounded over to Hiro's field, making short work of the slightly weaker monster. (H: 3300)

 

"Now that your defenseless I'll have my remaining two monster attack you directly.!" Hiro braces himself as the two monsters make their attacks, decreasing his life points even further. (H: 900)

 

"My Vampire Lord's special effect activates at this time, I declare a card type, and you have to select one card of that type and send it to the graveyard." After some time the professor finally made his decision. "I choose monster."

 

Oyamada missed the smile on Hiro's face as he chose a card from his deck and slid it into his graveyard, shuffling his deck and reinserting it into his duel disk. Oyamada slid his remaining card into his duel disk, a representation of it appearing behind his monsters. "I end my turn. Let's see you make your comeback."

 

Hiro drew a card from his deck, 'I won't be able to make my comeback just yet, so I'm going to have to stall for at least this turn.' He thought to himself. "I summon my Mythical Beast Golem (0/2700) in defense mode." A large golem made completely of stone emerged on the field, it's arms crossed over it's chest defensively.

 

"That's quite a bit of defense points for a four star monster, any drawbacks I should be aware of?"

 

"If this card is targeted by my opponent's spell or trap card it's instantly destroyed." Hiro explained as he slid the remaining card in his hand into his duel disk, ending his rather uneventful turn.

 

The professor drew his next card from his deck, looking to finish the duel. He sighed audibly, he really didn't like defeating Academy hopefuls, but he supposed it couldn't be helped, perhaps the boy had scored high enough on the written portion of the exam to still get into the Academy.

 

"By removing my Vampire Lord from play I special summon the most powerful monster in this deck, Vampire Genesis (3000/2100) in attack mode." A large purple beast replaced the smaller monster, ready to strike down the last of Hiro's defense.

 

Hiro looked unfazed by the new monster's appearance, which Oyamada took note of. 'He must be very confident in that face-down card of his, let's test it out.'

 

"My Vampire Genesis will attack your Golem, opening the way to your life points."

 

"My Mythical Barrier negates the attacks of my opponent for each Mythical Beast on my field." A blue swirling vortex of energy absorbed the attack of the much stronger monster. "Well that's it for my turn, are you going to make your comeback now?"

 

Hiro nodded, "I've had to wait quite a bit, the moment you summoned your Soul-Absorbing Bone Tower I already mapped out this strategy."

 

"Oh?" Oyamada questioned.

 

Hiro nodded, "What really helped me out though was your Vampire Lord, I'm pretty sure you can figure out what I'm about to do."

 

Oyamada smiled, "I see, so your going to be special summoning a monster from your graveyard?"

 

Hiro nodded, "By removing my Lamia in my graveyard from play I can special summon the monster that was discarded due to the effect of your Vampire Lord, Mythical Beast Phoenix (2900/2100)!" A brilliant bird consisting purely of fire hovered over the duel arena, screeching.

 

"That's an impressive monster...but it's not strong enough to end this duel." The professor commented.

 

Hiro merely smirked, "This spell card will tip the odds in my favor, Point to Point Transfer! This card allows me to transfer one stat of one of my monsters, into another. So I'm choosing to transfer my Golem's defense points into my Phoenix's attack points!"

 

Hiro's new monster glowed even brighter as it's attack points increased to 5600. "Now end this duel! Attack Vampire Genesis!" In a blaze of fire Oyamada's monster was incinerated, depleting the last of his life points. (O: 0)

 

Some of the teens in the room cheered as the duel came to it's conclusion, particularly the girls, but Oyamada merely looked happy. "Well I thought for sure that I was winning the entire time, but it seems you were just leading me into a trap. Good job Hiro Katsuya."

 

Hiro brushed a few strands of his hair away from his face. "Thanks Mr. Oyamada." Walking off the stage Hiro smiled to himself. 'I'm sure of it, I've made it into Duel Academy!'

 

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 2: A helping Hand]Hiro leaned against the seat of the bus. He rarely ever used it as a form of transportation and was feeling rather uncomfortable in the stuffy environment. Despite this fact Hiro was in a very good mood. Just the other day he had received his Duel Academy acceptance letter.

 

He made sure he packed everything he needed. Of course this included his duel disk and small card collection. He knew the school provided the newest duel disk model, but he certainly didn't plan on trading in the one he had now.

 

As he waited for the bus to reach his desired destination he thought about the things he was leaving behind. He had already said his goodbyes (specifically to Mr. Katsuya and Inari) but couldn't help feeling a little sad, after all, it was quite common to feel this way when you were leaving loved ones behind.

 

Looking out the window, Hiro clutched the pendant which was hanging from his neck, it was a brilliant sapphire. No matter where he went he always had it with him, usually tucked under his shirt and out of sight. Mr. Katsuya had told him that when he was left at his doorstep as a baby the pendant was with him then. Hiro guessed it was something his parents had once possessed.

 

"You have very interesting eyes young man."

 

Hiro turned to the source of the gravely voice, arching a brow at the old and withered man sitting across from him. "Um...excuse me?"

 

"Eyes that have seen many a hardship..." The old man continued, his coal black eyes staring into Hiro's. "Eyes that will see many more hardships..."

 

Hiro scratched his head, quickly becoming uncomfortable. "Uh..."

 

As the bust came to a halt Hiro quickly got up, picking up his belongings as he did so. The old man chuckled, albeit weakly. "I wish you...the best of luck...Hiro Katsuya."

 

Hiro froze, "How do you know my name?"

 

The old man chuckled once more, "I know of many things..."

 

'Okay, this guy is officially creepy.' Hiro thought to himself.

 

"Hey!" The bus driver yelled, pulling Hiro away from his thoughts. "Are you going to get off or not?"

 

"Sorry, I was just..." His voice trailed off as he noticed that the old man had inexplicably vanished. 'What the...? Where did he go?'

 

"Hey! Hurry up and get off!" The bus driver yelled impatiently.

 

"Okay, okay, I'm getting off." Hiro answered back.

 

Once Hiro stepped off the bus he was quickly bustled onto the boat, much to his surprise. 'Hey, what's with the rush?'

 

The boat quickly took off, heading towards the pacific, where the legendary Duel Academy sat on a small island.

 

Hiro watched as several people on the boat began to converse among themselves, his thoughts going back to the creepy old man he had met on the bus. 'That was too weird.'

 

Sighing, he looked around the deck of the boat, 'Well, no point in wondering what his deal was, I'll probably never see him again anyway...hopefully. Maybe taking a look around will get my mind off of it. This boat ride will probably be a long one.'

 

What immediately caught Hiro's attention was the mini-dueling arena, in which a duel was already in progress. Having nothing else to do, he decided to check it out.

 

The two duelists were both male, and both seemed to be using warrior decks of some sort. "I'll prove to everybody here that my warrior deck is superior to yours!" One of the boys exclaimed. "I tribute both of my Marauding Captains (1200/400) in order to summon Gilford the Legend (2600/2100)."

 

A muscular warrior with several swords strapped to the back of his armor and wielding a broadsword appeared before the boy. "When this card is normal summoned I can equip as many equip spell cards in my graveyard to warrior-type monsters on my field."

 

Three cards slid out of the boy's graveyard. "I equip my Gilford with Lightning Blade, Fusion Sword Murasame Blade, and Divine Sword Phoenix Blade! With all these equip cards equipped to it my monster's attack strength increases to 4500!"

 

"There's no way your Swordmaster(2600/2200) can handle my monster now, Gilford, attack and end this duel!" The force of the attack sent the other boy toppling over the railing, his life points depleting to zero.

 

The victorious boy smirked, "Alright...who's next?" He asked, looking around. After several seconds the boy turned Hiro's way. "You!" He pointed.

 

Hiro looked to his left and right, and finally pointing to himself he asked, "Me?"

 

The boy nodded, "Yeah you. You're the guy who uses the Mythical Beasts right? Come on so I can show you why their pathetic." The boy said smugly.

 

Hiro sighed, "I know you're just saying that to get me to duel you...but I definitely will show you why you're wrong." Stepping over the railing, Hiro prepared his duel disk.

 

The boy snickered as he saw the duel disk Hiro was using. "If that's all you can afford your better off going back home, just like that weakling. The name's Kosuke by the way. Kosuke Hitokiri." (K: 4000)

 

Hiro glared at the boy before him, "Kosuke is it? Well, I'm going to make you regret ever saying that!" (H: 4000)

 

"You're the one who's better off going back home!"

 

The boy stepped back, slightly surprised at the slight pressure he could feel from the white haired teen. 'What the...? What's with this guy?'

 

Night had come, and standing on the deck of the large boat Hiro looked ahead, gazing at the island where the Academy was. It had been several hours since he had defeated the obnoxious boy, and since then he had dueled quite a few more people. A few of them were friends with the boy that he had beaten quite soundly.

 

Hiro turned at the sound of light footsteps. A shy looking girl about an inch taller than himself took a step back. "Oh...I didn't think anyone would be out here, since it's so late." The soft-spoken girl said.

 

Hiro immediately recognized the girl's violet eyes and long black hair, "Hey your that Rei Taizo, aren't you? The one who got a perfect score on both portions of the entrance exam?" Hiro asked.

 

The girl looked away, "That's right."

 

"Its nice to meet you, I'm Hiro Katsuya." Hiro extended his arm to the girl. The girl looked slightly surprised, apparently having expected something entirely different to happen.

 

After several seconds Hiro's hand went back to his side, she obviously didn't want to shake his hand. "So...I didn't see you earlier..." Hiro trailed off, trying to start a conversation with the girl, maybe even become her friend.

 

The girl joined Hiro, gazing out towards the sea. "Well...since I got the highest score I knew a lot of people were going to want to challenge me so..."

 

"You decided to hide." Hiro finished for her. The girl nodded. 'Weird.' Hiro thought to himself.

 

"Do you really think so?" The girl asked, causing Hiro to step back in surprise.

 

"What?"

 

The girl turned to leave, "It's...its nothing. Just thinking to myself out loud, that's all."

 

Hiro watched as the girl walked away from him. 'What was that about?'

 

Hiro walked down the ramp, taking his first steps onto the legendary island. As he followed the other students he couldn't help but wonder exactly where they were headed. He nudged a taller boy that was in front of him, causing him to turn around.

 

"Where exactly are we going?" He asked.

 

"The Grand Hall. The principal is going to be giving a speech, at least, that's what a third year student told me." The boy answered before turning back around.

 

'A speech huh? Sounds kind of boring.' Little did Hiro know that many of the students were thinking along the same line.

 

After a rather surprising entertaining speech given by the current principal of the school, an overly energetic woman named Hikari Taragi the students were dismissed. 'Well that was nowhere near as boring as I thought it would be.' Hiro thought to himself as he followed the line of students exiting the Grand Hall.

 

Looking down at the sheet of paper he had been handed while the principal gave her speech he realized he was in the wrong line. "Er, sorry. Excuse me." He said as he pushed his way passed several students, trying to locate the line he was supposed to be in.

 

Several seconds later and Hiro found himself in front of a meek looking man in a yellow uniform. 'This must be Professor Fuyuski.'

 

Hiro was surprised as the man spoke in a deep, baritone voice. "Hiro Katsuya, correct?" Hiro just nodded, still surprised that the man had such a strong voice.

 

"Welcome to Ra Yellow, I am the head of the boy's dorm, Professor Fuyuski. Here's your uniform, your room assignment, and a map of this school. The rest of the items should be located in your dorm room."

 

Hiro looked down at the sheet of paper he was given. 'Ra Yellow Boy's Dormitory #2, room 227B.' He looked up as he heard someone clear their throat.

 

"Excuse me, but we are kind of in a hurry and we need you to be on your way." The meek looking man explained.

 

"Oh, sorry." Hiro apologized, slightly embarrassed. Following the directions on the map (and after taking a few wrong turns) Hiro finally made it to the large yellow building. A statue of the Winged Dragon of Ra sat atop the front of the building.

 

'Cool.' Entering the dorm he was greeted by some older boys before he headed up for the second floor.

 

Checking to make sure he had the right room he reached for the handle of the door. "Excuse me." A voice said from behind, causing Hiro to turn around. He was greeted with the sight of a boy who seemed to be about his age. His jet black hair was unkept, giving him a dishelved and languid appearance. As bright as his blue eyes were they oddly looked dull.

 

"This your room?" He asked, munching on a candy bar as he talked.

 

Hiro nodded, "Yeah, I'm new here."

 

The boy scratched his head slowly, "Me too. My name is Hayato Aono. What's yours?" He asked casually.

 

"Hiro Katsuya, its nice to meet you." Hiro replied, extending his arm for a handshake, which Hayato took.

 

"Likewise."

 

Opening the door, Hiro was surprised to see that the room was furnished with desks, beds, and closets. 'Wow! Its much bigger than my room at the orphanage...' He briefly noticed a boy sleeping in one of the beds. 'He must be my other roommate.'

 

Walking over to a bed Hiro set his stuff down, Hayato doing the same. Grabbing his uniform Hiro realized that it only consisted of a jacket and pants. Shrugging, he removed his button up shirt and slung the jacket on, tucking his pendant under the black shirt he was currently wearing.

 

Turning around, he noticed that Hayato was already slipping into his pants, 'Might as well do the same I guess.' Hiro briefly thought. Looking at himself in the mirror, he smiled, he thought he looked pretty cool.

 

The jacket was, of course, primarily yellow, with a white ring that clasped around the neck, though he left it unclasped, simply because he thought it looked cooler that way.

 

Hiro and Hayato turned from their respective mirrors as they heard someone groan. The boy that had been sleeping for several minutes sat up in his bed, slightly surprised to see two pair of eyes staring at him. "You guys new?" He asked groggily.

 

The two boys nodded. "I'm Hiro Katsuya and this is Hayato Aono."

 

The boy rubbed the sleep from his eyes, noting the two boy's unusual appearances, "Well I would introduce myself but it doesn't really matter."

 

Hiro blinked in confusion, looking to Hayato, who seemed uninterested. Turning back to the boy he asked, "Why?"

 

The boy sighed, "Look, this is my final year here...and I've been losing constantly, I can't remember the last time I won a duel..." The boy trailed off. "I've thought about it and I've decided to drop out tomorrow. So it doesn't really matter if I introduce myself to you or not."

 

Hiro looked thoughtful for a moment, "Could I see your deck?" The boy looked at him questioningly and reached into his back pocket, pulling his deck out and handing it to him. Hiro turned to Hayato. "I think Hayato and I can help you out."

 

The teen looked skeptical, "How so?"

 

Hiro and Hayato were currently standing on opposite ends of the Ra Yellow Dueling Arena, the only spectator was the boy who still refused to give his name. "I don't see how watching them duel is supposed to help me." He grumbled to himself irritably.

 

Hiro's duel disk activated. "The day of the entrance exams...who was that girl that was dragging you along, that was you...right?"

 

Hayato nodded as he activated his duel disk, "That was my sister Hitaki." He answered. "For some reason she thought we were late, she never does listen to a word I say."

 

Running a hand through his messy hair, he stifled a yawn. "So...how exactly is this going to help that guy not drop out?" Hayato asked, curious as to what his new roommate was planning.

 

"Simple, I'll show him that with the right strategy, any deck can make an impact ." Hiro answered as he drew five cards, starting the duel. (Hi: 4000)

 

Hayato slid six cards from his deck, his life points flashing on his duel disk. (Ha: 4000) "Well for his sake, let's hope this work, it'll be a shame for him to give up now after coming so far." Hiro nodded his head in agreement.

 

Giving his cards a quick once over Hayato quickly began his turn. "I set one monster in defense mode and one magic or trap card face-down. End turn."

 

Hiro drew a sixth card, looking at the cards now in his hand. 'So he runs a spellcaster deck huh? This shouldn't be too hard to use then.'

 

"I'll copy your move, one set monster and one magic or trap card face-down. Turn end."

 

Hayato drew another card from his deck, "Alright, I flip summon my monster, Warrior of Light (1600/1800)!" A man wielding two curved swords and wearing an intensely bright armor appeared before the boy.

 

Hiro winced, "Its so bright, I can't even look directly at it."

 

Hayato smiled, he had long gotten used to the brightness of his monster so it didn't bother him at all. "For my normal summon I choose Warrior of Darkness (1800/1600) in attack mode." A man wielding a bastard sword and wearing pitch black armor appeared next to the bright armored warrior.

 

Hayato reached into his pocket and pulled out a bag of gummy bears, popping a few in his mouth before putting the bag back in his pocket. "When both of these monsters are together on the field they are unaffected by the effects of spell and trap cards." Hayato informed Hiro in between chews.

 

Hiro thought it was a bit weird for someone to be eating while they dueled but said nothing of it as Hayato continued his turn. "By discarding one card from my hand my Tribute to the Doomed destroys your face-down monster."

 

Hiro's hand shot over his face-down card as it flipped upwards, "By discarding a spell card from hand my Spell Shield Type 8 negates the effect of your spell card." Hayato arched a brow at his opponent's move, as he could have simply used the card's first effect and not waste his spell card.

 

Had it been anyone else, they would have passed it off as an amateur's mistake, but Hayato was a very analytical person, he figured Hiro was setting up for something. In the stands, the boy shook his head after watching Hiro's move, 'This guy is just an amateur.'

 

"My Warrior of Light will attack your face-down monster." Raising it's twin blades above it's head Hayato's monster unleashed a wave of pure energy that surged towards Hiro's set monster. The monster was revealed to be Apprentice Magician (400/800) before it was completely swept away by the attack.

 

"When Apprentice Magician is destroyed as a result of battle I can special summon a level two or lower spellcaster type monster from my deck in face-down defense position." Popping the deck from his duel disk Hiro quickly found the card he was looking for, slapping it onto his duel disk before shuffling the deck and placing it back into the deck slot.

 

Hayato pressed on, "My Warrior of Darkness will attack next." Leaping high into the air the heavily armored man came down with a yell. The face-down card flipped upward, revealing Magician of Faith (300/400) in defense mode, which was quickly destroyed.

 

"When Magician of Faith is flipped summoned I'm allowed to retrieve a spell card from my graveyard, I choose the card I discarded earlier, Hidden Treasure." The named card slid out of Hiro's graveyard slot.

 

"When this card is added to my hand due to an effect I can draw three cards from my deck." Hiro explained as he did so.

 

'Whoa, I wouldn't have even thought to use the card like that. Maybe he's not an amateur after all.' The still unnamed boy thought to himself, suddenly becoming more interested in the duel.

 

Hayato couldn't help but smirk as he ended his turn, "So I was right, you were up to something. Turn end."

 

Hiro drew a card, beginning his turn and giving him eight cards to work with, as opposed to Hayato's two, he definitely had hand advantage. "I summon Rapid-Fire Magician (1600/1200) in attack mode." A violet haired man wielding two staffs, one with an orange orb, and another with a green one embedded in it emerged from the card, smirking.

 

"Next I activate the continuous magic of Spell Absorption, from now on, whenever a spell card is activated I gain 500 life points."

 

He held up two cards in his hand, "Double Summon allows me to normal summon once again, so I choose Gemini Elf (1900/900)."

 

"Now, since Double Summon is a normal spell card Rapid-Fire Magician deals you 400 points of direct damage, while Spell Absorption increases my life points by 500." The magician smirked, unleashing a blast of energy that struck Hayato in the chest. (Hi: 4500) (Ha: 3600)

 

Hiro held up another card, "Magical Blast inflicts 200 points of damage for every spellcaster type monster on my field, since I have two, that's 400, not to mention Rapid-Fire Magician's effect activates again, dealing you another 400 points of damage." (Ha: 2800)

 

"My Spell Absorption increases my life points by another 500." Hiro explains as his life points increase. (Hi: 5000) "Now I'll have Gemini Elf attack your Warrior of Darkness!" Hiro declares as the two female elves go on the attack.

 

Hayato's set card flips upward as a result, "My Negate Attack ends the battle phase, which means my monsters are safe." A barrier of magical energy pushes the two elves away from the giant sword wielding man.

 

Hiro shrugs, "Nightmare Steel Cage will prevent attacks from either of us for two turns, since it's a normal spell Rapid-Fire Magician deals you another 400 points of damage and Spell Absorption increases my life points by another 500 points."

 

Once again Hayato was struck in the chest by the weak blast as Hiro's life points increased once more, giving him the clear edge. (Hi: 5500) (Ha: 2400) "I'll Set a card and end my turn." He declared.

 

The boy was on the edge of his seat, 'Even though he using a deck he's not familiar with he's totally controlling the duel. I didn't think my deck could be used in this way. There's no way he can lose.' He thought to himself excitedly.

 

Hayato looked to the boy, studying his facial expression, 'Looks like he realizes just how powerful his deck can be.' Turning back to Hiro he smirked. 'Looks like I can stop holding back now.'

 

Hayato swiftly drew a card from his deck, which he quickly played, "Magic Purge removes all floating effects, now by sacrificing my two monsters I summon Light and Darkness Dragon (2800/2400) in attack mode."

 

A large dragon replaced the two warriors, it's wings spreading outward. One half of the dragon shined intensely while the other half was a pitch black. "That's an impressive monster, but since you played Magic Purge my life points increase by another 500 points." (Hi: 6000)

 

Hayato smiled, "My two warriors have a second effect. When Warrior of Darkness is used to tribute summon Light and Darkness Dragon it gives it the ability to attack twice in a row if it's first attack is successful. And when Warrior of Light is used to tribute summon it, it gives my dragon a 500 attack point boost." Hayato explained as the dragon's attack strength increased. (3300/2400)

 

"Your plan was probably to skip your draw phase in order to retrieve Magical Blast from your graveyard in order to deal another 800 points of damage to my life points, and with your Nightmare Steelcage, you would be safe for two turns, right?"

 

Hiro nodded, "That's right. Looks like it didn't work though." He remarked.

 

"Now my Light and Darkness Dragon will destroy your two monsters, Twilight Purge!" An orb made of light and dark energy erupted from the dragon's maw, engulfing the two spellcasters and incinerating them. (Hi: 2900)

 

"Turn end." Hayato declared.

 

Drawing a card, Hiro weighed his options. "By removing Apprentice Magician and Magician of Faith in my graveyard from play I special summon this monster, Chaos Sorcerer (2300/2000) in attack mode." A blue skinned man loosely fitted in armor appeared on the field, light and dark energy swirling around it's body.

 

"By forfeiting it's attack this turn Chaos Sorcerer can remove your monster from play." The named monster unleashed a wave of energy that washed over Hayato's monster, who withstood it, surprising Hiro.

 

"By decreasing my monster's attack points by 500 points I can negate the effect of a spell, trap, or monster." Hayato informed his opponent. (2800/1900)

 

'That's a powerful effect...but it does have it's weaknesses.' Hiro was already formulating a new strategy to combat Hayato's powerful level eight monster. "I tribute Chaos Sorcerer in order to summon Dark Red Enchanter (1700/2200)." A magician clad in red and gold garb emerges in the sorcerer's place, it's staff at the ready.

 

"When this card is normal summoned it gains two spell counters, for every spell counter this card has it gains 300 extra attack points."

 

"Your monster's effect is negated." Hayato said as his monster's stats lowered once more. (2300/1400)

 

"Right, I activate Pot of Greed."

 

"My dragon will negate that effect as well." Hayato countered. (1800/900)

 

"Okay, all I need to do is weaken your dragon one more time. I activate the trap card Pitch Black Power Stone!"

 

Hayato frowned slightly as his dragon's effect activated again, weakening it even further. (1300/500)

 

"Alright, now that its weak enough, Dark Red Enchanter, attack Hayato's dragon!" Twirling it's staff the magician fires a beam of destructive magic. The attack hit its mark, easily destroying Hayato's weakened dragon. (Ha: 2000)

 

"When Light and Darkness Dragon is destroyed I can special summon one monster in my graveyard to the field, return Warrior of Darkness(1800/1600)." The named monster returned, pointing it's blade at Hiro.

 

Hiro looked at the only card in his hand, Hidden Treasure, which was pretty useless at the moment. 'Hmmm, maybe it isn't completely useless. I can use it as an attack deterrent.'

 

"I set one magic or trap card face-down. End turn."

 

Hayato slid another card from his deck. "This duel is coming to an end, I know that face-down card is Hidden Treasure. Anyone else might have forgotten, but not me."

 

Hiro looked surprised, 'He kept track of the card this entire time!' The boy in the stands was thinking along the same lines. "Monster Reborn revives my Warrior of Light, now my two monsters will finish this duel!"

 

"I activate the spell card Twilight Empowerment! Since I have both a light and dark attribute monster on my field they each gain 600 attack points!" Warrior of Twilight (2200/1800) Warrior of Darkness (2400/1600)

 

Hiro braced himself as the two monster's slashed through his monster and struck him in the chest, depleting his life points to zero and ending the duel. (Hi: 0) "Well, looks like I wasn't able to win." He said, sighing.

 

Hayato pulled out his bag of gummy bears, stuffing a handful in his mouth. Swallowing, he said, "Don't worry about it, I'm sure he got the message."

 

Hiro sweatdropped, 'This guy sure likes sweets.'

 

Both Hiro and Hayato turned as the boy approached them. "Wow, I hadn't known that my deck had that kind of power. You have to help me out."

 

Hiro smiled, "Does that mean you'll stay?" He asked hopefully.

 

The boy smirked, "Well...we'll see how it works out."

 

Hiro nodded, "Well let's start over then, my name's Hiro Katsuya, what's yours?" He extended his hand to the taller boy.

 

The boy shook it, "My name is John. John Emerson."

 

"American?" Hayato question as he extended his arm as well.

 

John shook his hand. "I'm half Japanese, half American." He answered.

 

Hiro flushed as his stomach growled loudly. "Heh...so when do we get to eat?"

 

John began to walk off, "Actually it's around that time. Come on, we don't want to be late." The two boys glanced at each other and then followed after the taller boy.

 

'I wonder what kind of food they serve here, hopefully I can get my hands on some shrimp...' Hiro thought to himself, though almost anything sounded good at the moment.

 

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 3:The Ace of Osiris Red]"Hey wake up!"

 

Hiro groaned as his eyes slowly opened, having been awoken from his peaceful sleep. "What's with the yelling?" He asked groggily as he sat up.

 

He winced as the sun's rays reached his tired eyes. "Ack! Close the curtains!" He shouted.

 

John chuckled to himself, "I think I'm going to enjoy having you as my roommate."

 

Hiro grumbled something incoherent as he tossed the blankets from his body. Hayato turned to the two from his desk chewing on a candy bar, closing his laptop, he asked, "Have you checked your posted schedule yet Hiro?"

 

Hiro shook his head, "I didn't get one."

 

Hayato pointed to a small device on Hiro's desk, "Your posted schedule should be on your palm organizer." He informed his white haired friend.

 

John nodded, "Yeah, we start classes today so you had better get ready."

 

Hiro yawned, 'Just great...I get stuck with the early risers as roommates.' He yawned loudly, running a hand through his hair.

 

"Hey, cool pendant, where did you get it from?" John asked.

 

"From my parents." He answered, walking over to his desk and picking up the palm organizer from his desk, he said, "Deck Construction and Analysis 101, that sounds interesting."

 

Hayato lifted his palm organizer from his deck, "Really? I have the same thing."

 

Kosuke Hitokiri was not a very happy boy, here he was, in Osiris Red, the lowest of the low. He didn't know how it had happened, but somehow he had ended up here. He deserved better than this. He was sure of it.

 

It might not have been so bad had he had not lost only a few days ago to a boy named Hiro Katsuya. And now here he was, stuck in Osiris Red with a bunch of losers and idiots. "Dammit, how the hell did this happen?" He cursed out loud.

 

"Oi! Some people are trying to get some sleep up here!" Kosuke jerked his head up, looking up at the top bunk, a black haired boy was looking down at him.

 

"Sleep? Shouldn't you be getting ready for class? Idiot." Kosuke mumbled the last part.

 

The boy looked thoughtful for a moment, "I guess you're right." Jumping down from his bunk and landing on his feet the boy dusted himself off, "I've got first dibs on the shower."

 

Kosuke shrugged, not really caring in the slightest, "Do what you want, I don't give a damn."

 

The boy arched a brow, "What's with the swearing, it's kinda annoying."

 

Kosuke turned away, "Whatever."

 

Shrugging, the boy grabbed a towel and moved to open the shower door. Once he did there was an immediate yell, causing Kosuke to jump up and slam his head hard on the wooden bunk bed above him. "Dammit!"

 

The boy scratched his head in embarrassment, "Heh...guess I don't have first dibs."

 

Kosuke rubbed his head, he could already feel a bump forming, "How did I get stuck with these idiots."

 

The boy turned to Kosuke, "Oi! The name's Edgar Knight!"

 

"Whatever." Kosuke waved it off, his day was already off to a bad start.

 

"Hmm...aren't you that guy that got beat by that guy who uses the Mythical Beasts?"

 

Kosuke's head jerked towards him, "What did you just say?"

 

"I'm right aren't I?"

 

Kosuke stood up, heading for the door, "That's none of your business."

 

Hiro tapped his fingers idly at his desk as he waited for the teacher to enter the class. He casually brushed a strand of hair away from his face, he was considering cutting it soon. Sitting next to him was his new roommate and friend Hayato, who was nibbling on a multi-colored candy cane.

 

Hiro vaguely wondered where the boy got so much candy from. Turning to his right Hiro was surprised to see a feminine face mere inches away from his own. "Um...can I help you?" He asked the unknown girl, trying to gain some distance away from her.

 

"Are those contacts?" She asked, staring into his eyes, one of which was a vibrant green, the other being a dark blue. Hiro shook his head, "No, I've got heterochromia." He replied swiftly.

 

"Oh." The girl turned away from him and waved to several female students who were sitting a little higher up, all of which were Ra Yellow students. "They're not contacts!" She called to them, causing them to converse among themselves heatedly.

 

Hiro sweatdropped.

 

"Oh, my name's Hitaki Aono by the way."

 

Hiro blinked, repeating her name, "Hitaki...Aono?" He turned to Hayato and then back to the girl, "So your Hayato's sister, I can see the similarities..." He trailed off, still a little weirded out by the girl.

 

"Actually my eyes are a much darker shade of blue, and my hair isn't all messy and I'm a lot cooler than him an-"

 

"I'm right here you know." Hayato interrupted his sister's rant.

 

Hitaki merely shrugged. "Jealous." This caused Hayato to shake his head.

 

Hiro whispered to Hayato, "Is she uh...always like this?" He asked.

 

Hayato shook his head, "Fortunately...no."

 

Hiro looked thoughtful for a moment, 'Well Hayato is kinda weird, so I guess it makes since that his sister is weird too...'

 

Suddenly, the door to the room opened, the students' all turning towards it in response.

 

A fairly tall man with his hair slicked back and glasses perched on his nose entered the room, wearing a fancy red uniform and holding a fairly large suitcase in one hand. Hiro immediately recognized him as Professor Oyamada, head of Osiris Red and the man he had dueled during the entrance exams.

 

"Sorry I'm late class, I'll make sure that I don't make a habit of it." The polite man said. Scanning the room the man smiled, everyone's attention was currently on him. Setting his suitcase on his desk the man cleared his throat.

 

"Welcome to Deck Construction and Analysis 101. A fair number of you may already know me if you had the pleasure of dueling me during the entrance exams. I am Professor Akira Oyamada, though I prefer for you all to address me as Professor Oyamada." Turning to his computer the man tapped in a few commands and turned back to the class.

 

"In this class we will be analyzing deck types, single cards, and other related topics. Since this is only an entry level class it should be fairly easy, there has yet to be a student who has flunked this class, regardless of this fact however, I want everybody to do their very best."

 

The professor tapped in a few more commands on his computer, causing a projector to turn on, showcasing a Duel Monsters card. The image was of a green monster with a dragon's head for an arm. "Can anyone tell me the name of this card?"

 

Hiro stood up, "Elemental Hero Flame Wingman (2100/1200), it's special ability inflicts damage to the opponent equal to the attack of the monster it destroys in battle. It is the fusion between Elemental Hero Avian (1000/1000) and Elemental Hero Burstinatrix (1200/800)."

 

"You are correct Hiro Katsuya, but I only asked for its name." Hiro flushed with embarrassment as he took his seat, several students snickering. "Now, now, class settle down. An excess of knowledge is nothing to laugh at." The professor said, causing the snickering to die down.

 

Sitting several seats down Kosuke turned to glare at the white haired boy, 'Hiro Katsuya...'

 

"Now...can anyone list me the strengths and weaknesses of an Elemental Hero deck? I prefer raised hands this time." He said, looking at Hiro, who once again flushed in embarrassment. Several hands shot up but Oyamada paid them no heed.

 

"How about you Mr. Knight?" He said, pointing at said boy.

 

Looking slightly surprised the boy arose from his seat. "The Elemental Hero set have some really strong fusion monsters, not to mention some good support cards." He quickly answered.

 

The bespectacled teacher nodded, "Indeed they do. And what about weaknesses?"

 

Ed fidgeting slightly, trying to think of an answer quickly. "Well...it relies a lot on fusion to do some real damage..."

 

"Any others?" The professor pressed on.

 

Ed nodded after a few seconds, "They are kinda weak by themselves."

 

The professor smiled, obviously satisfied with the answers he had just received. "That is correct, to date, there is only one person who has been successful with this deck, does anybody know whom that person is?" He asked.

 

"I do, it's Judai Yuki." Ed answered.

 

The professor nodded, "And why do you think he was so successful?"

 

"Because...of the Neo Spacians?" Ed answered, uncertain.

 

The professor adjusted his glasses, "Yes, I suppose the presence of the Neo Spacians is a factor, however, Academy records show that he was able to duel to a draw with Kaiser Ryo Marufuji at the end of his first year here, and at the time the Neo Spacians were not in his deck."

 

Ed remained silent, as did the entire room, it was apparent that no one knew the answer to the question. "Well, I suppose we'll make that question a homework assignment." After seeing some of the looks of the student the professor chuckled, "Don't worry, there is no right or wrong answer, as long as you give plausible reasons behind your answer I won't penalize you for it."

 

Kosuke raised his hand. "Yes?" The professor answered.

 

"Why do we have to do such a stupid assignment? I don't see what the big deal is, didn't this guy graduate from here as an Osiris Red? He's just some guy who has some extremely good luck and nothing else. Elemental Heroes are worthless monsters."

 

Kosuke frowned upon seeing the professor's neutral expression. "Everyone knows that Osiris Red are the lowest of the low, there's no other explanation."

 

Ed shook his head upon hearing the boy's words, "I beg to differ."

 

Kosuke ignored the boy's comment, "I know I may be wearing a red jacket but it has to be some kind of mistake, I'm supposed to be in Ra Yellow. I beat everyone in my hometown, I know I'm strong, so why the hell am I wearing red!" He shouted at the professor letting his pent up frustrations get the best of him.

 

Hiro was about to stand up but Hayato grabbed him by his arm. Hiro looked at him with a confused expression on his face. Hayato simply shook his head, he had a good idea of how this was going to be resolved.

 

Ed stood up, "Oi! I've had just about enough of your whining, you think you should be in Ra Yellow? Then prove it!"

 

Kosuke frowned, "And just how am I supposed to do that?" He retorted.

 

"By beating me in a duel! People may not know this yet, but I'm going to be the Ace of Osiris Red in no time!" Ed boasted, his thumb pointing to himself.

 

Kosuke rolled his eyes, "Ace of Osiris Red? I think your mistaken."

 

Ed smirked, "Oh I get it, your scared."

 

Kosuke slammed his hands onto his desk, "That's it, fine! I accept your challenge, and when I crush you I'll make you wish you never picked up a Duel Monsters card!"

 

The professor stepped in to intervene. "You two need to calm down." He said sternly, discarding his usual polite exterior.

 

Both Ed and Kosuke sat back down, grumbling to themselves.

 

"Now class, at the end of this week I want you to submit your ideal deck and an essay explaining it's strategies, and please try to make the cards balanced if you decide to make some up. That means no monster with 4000 attack points and no drawbacks. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff some students come up with when they let their imaginations and desire to win run wild."

 

A little time later the bell rang, meaning the class had come to an end. As the students hurried to see the duel between the two Osiris Red students that were arguing earlier Professor Oyamada stopped Hayato and Hiro. The two looked slightly confused as the man called the two to his desk.

 

"Apparently there has been a mistake, you two are supposed to be in Strategic Analysis 201. Make sure to take note of this as your schedules will be adjusted to fix this mistake."

 

"Strategic Analysis 201? Isn't that a second course level class?" Hiro asked.

 

Oyamada nodded, "Apparently the two of you scored perfect scores on the strategic section of the written portion of the entrance exams, along with Ms. Rei Taizo. So starting tomorrow you are to report there, understand?"

 

The two boys nodded, showing their understanding.

 

Several students were now surrounding the two Osiris Red students at the courtyard. Ed did a few stretches, a smirk on his face. "Let's make this quick."

 

Kosuke sneered, "You want it quick and painless, huh?" He retorted, activating his Academy-issued duel disk. (K: 4000)

 

Ed activated his own duel disk and drew five cards from it, and then a sixth. "Alright let's get this duel started!" (E: 4000) Hiro and Hayato arrived to the scene, pushing pass a few students to get a better look.

 

'This should be interesting to watch...' Hiro briefly thought to himself as Ed studied his opening hand.

 

"I set one monster and two magic or trap card's face-down. That's it for my turn." Ed said confidently.

 

Kosuke drew a card from his deck, "I should have known a weakling like you would start off small. I summon Armed Samurai Ben-Kei (500/800) in attack mode!"

 

A white-clothed warrior carrying many weapons appeared before the boy. "And you talk about me starting small." Ed said with annoyance.

 

"I'm not done yet idiot, I equip my monster with Divine Sword-Phoenix Blade, Fusion Sword Murasame Blade, Lightning Blade, and by sending one card in my hand to the graveyard, Wicked-Breaking Flamberge-Baou!"

 

"The card I discarded to the graveyard in order to equip this card was Repayment of Losses, which means I draw one card from my deck." Kosuke briefly explains as he draws a card from his deck. "With all these cards equipped to my monster it's attack points increase to 2900, 100 points short of being able to go toe to toe with the legendary Blue Eyes White Dragon!"

 

"Those are a lot of attack points, but even if your monster destroys mine, I won't take any damage." Ed replied.

 

"Only an amateur would say something so stupid! In addition to it's normal attack my monster can attack additional times equal to the number of equip spell cards, which means it can attack up to five times!"

 

As Kosuke's heavily armed monster charged towards Ed's set monster his set card activated, "It doesn't matter how many times your monster can attack because I'm ending the battle phase right now! Negate Attack!" The common trap card produced a powerful shield that Kosuke's monster bounced off of harmlessly.

 

"Who's the amateur now?" Ed mocked.

 

Kosuke frowned, "You just caught a lucky break is all, I set one magic or trap card face-down and end my turn." Setting the last card in his hand down, Kosuke folds his arms across his chest. "It's your move."

 

Ed slides a card from his deck, "I tribute my set monster in order to summon Thunder Dragon (1600/1500) in attack mode!" The green scaled dragon roared as it emerged from the card, electricity crackling around it's body.

 

Kosuke sneered, "It's no where near strong enough to take on my monster."

 

"This spell card will change that, Shrink halves your monster's attack points!" Kosuke frowned as his monster shrunk in size, it's attack points dropping from an impressive 2900 to a less impressive 1450.

 

"Now my Thunder Dragon will destroy your Samurai!" The dragon unleashed a stream of lighting towards the much smaller monster.

 

Kosuke's hand motioned to his set card, "I don't think so! The trap card Blast with Chain increases my monster's attack strength by 500 points." The warrior easily side-stepped the dragon's attack, swinging a chain with a dynamite attached to the end.

 

"Counter attack!" Kosuke ordered. With a mighty heave the smaller monster sent the dynamite hurling into Ed's monster, completely obliterating it.

 

(E: 3650) "Well...I got nothing else. My turn comes to an end."

 

Kosuke chuckled, 'Finally something is going my way. Just you wait Hiro, I'll catch up to you. I'll use the pathetic students in Osiris Red as stepping stones.' Kosuke thought to himself as he drew a card from his deck. "If you're the Ace of Osiris Red then the whole dorm should thank me for taking your place."

 

Ed glared at the arrogant boy, "Just take your turn."

 

"Gladly." Kosuke replied. "Pot of Greed allows me to draw two more cards from my deck, next I summon Command Knight(1200/1900) in attack mode." A woman dressed in red armor appeared next to the samurai. "She increases all warrior-type monster's attack points by 400 points." (Command Knight: 1200+400) (Armed Samurai Ben-Kei: 3800+400)

 

"Now my Samurai will end this, drop-out trash!" In a blink of an eye the armed warrior attacked Ed, sending him back a few feet from the force of the attack. Kosuke blinked as Ed's life point counter didn't decrease at all.

 

"Hey check your gear, your life points didn't go down at all."

 

Ed shook his head, "There's nothing wrong with my gear, I simply discarded Kuriboh (300/200) from my hand in order to reduce the damage I took from your attack to zero. And that's not all! My quick-play spell card Attack Clause only allows a monster to attack once, so I don't have to worry about your Samurai any more this turn."

 

Kosuke growled, "Fine! Command Knight attack, you won't be able to stop this one from connecting!" The female warrior brought her sword up in an arc, hitting Ed's chin, causing him to stumble back. (Ed: 2050)

 

"Oi! That hurt!" Ed replies, rubbing his chin.

 

"There's a lot more where that came from idiot. Turn end." Kosuke declared. Ed snagged a card from his deck.

 

"You really need to stop calling me that."

 

"Yeah, whatever."

 

Frowning, Ed held up one of the cards he was holding in his hands. " I activate Graceful Charity." He quickly drew three cards, getting two Thunder Dragons (1600/1500) and Dragon's Gunfire.

 

Discarding the two drawn Thunder Dragons to his graveyard, Ed smirks. "Your monster is going down."

 

Kosuke looked at his opponent disbelievingly, "You're bluffing."

 

"I never bluff! Dragon's Mirror fuses the two Thunder Dragons(1600/1500) that I just sent to my graveyard in order to create Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon (2800/2100) in attack mode!" The two dragons merged together, forming a two-headed dragon, hence the name.

 

"Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon? What is that thing supposed to do?" Kosuke laughed, "I knew you were an idiot but this is taking things to a whole new level!"

 

Ed shook his head, "I activate Dragon's Gunfire."

 

Kosuke laughing instantly stopped. "Dragon's...Gunfire?" Kosuke was frantically searching his memory, trying to remember what the card did, but his mind came up with nothing.

 

"This card can only be activated when I have a dragon-type monster on my field, it has two different effects, and I choose the second, it destroys one face-up monster with 800 or less defense points."

 

"800 defense points? But my Samurai has exactly 800 defense points!"

 

"Which means it's going down!" The two-headed dragon charged up a red orb of pure energy as the smaller monster prepared to defend itself. The dragon unleashed the ball of energy that ripped through the monster, shattering it into a million pixels.

 

"Now I'm going to get rid of your Command Knight, Double Lightning Blast!" The two dragon's mouth's crackled with electricity, the double bolts of lightning slammed into the female warrior, easily toppling her. (K: 2800)

 

"I'll set one magic or trap card face-down and end my turn."

 

Kosuke looked panicked, things certainly weren't going in his favor anymore. Ed now had two cards in his hand, while he had none, not to mention a powerful fusion monster, which was stronger than every monster in his deck.

 

Drawing a card, he sighed a bit, "If this is the only card in my hand I can normal summon in attack mode without tribute. Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight (2300/2100)." A blue armored man riding a horse appeared before the boy, two spears in it's firm grip.

 

"During my main phase, I can remove two warrior-type monsters in my graveyard from play in order to add my Divine Sword-Phoenix Blade in my graveyard to my hand."

 

Kosuke pocketed his two warrior monsters as they slid out of his graveyard. "Now I'll equip Gaia with it, giving him a 300 point attack boost." (2600/2100) "Turn end."

 

Ed drew a card, "That was a good draw, but it won't be enough." An extra slot extended from Ed's duel disk, "I activate the field spell Mountain!"

 

Suddenly the courtyard they were currently in was replaced with a valley, mountains surrounding them on all sides. "In this terrain my monster gains 200 extra attack and defense points." (3000/2300)

 

"You know what comes next, Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon, attack!" Once again Kosuke watched as another of his monsters fell victim to the might of Ed's dragon. (K: 2400)

 

"That's it for my turn. Your up."

 

Many people began to whisper as Kosuke moved to draw his next card. 'Idiots! I haven't lost yet! I'll show them!' Drawing his next card, Kosuke had to stop himself from laughing. "Treasure of Slashing Life allows me to draw five cards from my deck." Drawing five cards, Kosuke smirks, "Of course there is a draw back, five turns later, I'll have to discard every card in my hand, but the duel isn't going to last long enough for that to happen!"

 

Ed blinked, "That's because I'll win before then."

 

Kosuke grinned, "You think so? Well I don't! Allow me to show you the difference between you and me! I summon Marauding Captain (1200/400)." A man wearing heavy armor and wielding a sword emerges from the card.

 

"His special ability allows me to special summon a level four or lower warrior-type monster from my hand, I choose Dark Blade (1800/1500)." A man with spiked black armor appeared next to Marauding Captain.

 

"Neither of them will be staying long, because I activate Double Summon, which allows me to normal summon once more! I'm sacrificing both of my monsters in order to summon my most powerful monster, Gilford the Legend (2600/2000)!"

 

A muscular warrior with several swords strapped to the back of his armor and wielding a broadsword appeared before the boy. "When this card is normal summoned I can equip as many equip spell cards in my graveyard to warrior-type monsters on my field."

 

Four cards slid out of the boy's graveyard. "I equip my Gilford with Lightning Blade, Fusion Sword Murasame Blade, Divine Sword-Phoenix Blade, and Wicked-Breaking Flamberge-Baou. With all these cards equipped to my monster his attack points increase to 5000!"

 

Kosuke smirks, "Like I said, I can't be beat by the likes of you. Now my warrior will slay your dragon!"

 

Ed's hand shot over his face-down card. "I don't think so! Activate De-Fusion!" Kosuke's warrior charged at the green dragon, slashing in an upward arc. The two-headed dragon vanished, causing the attack to miss.

 

Kosuke frowned, "Aren't you going to use your De-Fusion's special effect to revive your last Thunder Dragon in your graveyard?" He asked.

 

"No, because I don't need to." Ed replied.

 

"Is that so? Well then, just in case, I activate my Swords of Revealing Light!" Giant swords made of light drop from the sky, encasing Kosuke's field in a protective barrier. With no cards left in his hand, Kosuke once again crossed his arms across his chest. "Turn end."

 

Hiro turned to Hayato, "That kanji on the back of the black-haired guy's blazer...does it says what I think it does?" He asked.

 

Hayato nodded, "I wonder if he has it though." He mused, licking a lollipop.

 

Hiro sweatdropped, 'Where did he get that from?'

 

Ed draws a card from his deck. "I've been waiting for this moment."

 

"What moment?" Kosuke asked.

 

"The moment you summoned your strongest monster is what I've been waiting for, by beating you even after you played your strongest monster, you'll know that I am the ace of Osiris Red."

 

Kosuke snickered, "That's ridiculous! Even if you did somehow manage to summon a monster stronger than mine, which you won't, my Swords of Revealing Light will protect me." Many of the students watching agreed with the boy.

 

Ed shrugged his shoulders, "I guess there's no use telling you, I'll just have to show you! Activate, Ancient Rules! This card allows me to special summon a level five or higher normal monster from my hand!"

 

Kosuke shook his head, "Just as I thought, you're a complete idiot, there isn't a normal monster in the game that can take on my powered up Gilford, your wasting your time."

 

"Rise, the legendary Red Eyes Black Dragon (2400+200/2000+200)!" The legendary black dragon emerged in a burst of flames.

 

'So he does have it! Guess that kanji isn't just for show!' Hiro thinks to himself as he observes the legendary monster.

 

Kosuke shrugs, "So what, it still won't do you any good!"

 

"The spell card Inferno Fire Blast can only be activated when I have a Red Eyes Black Dragon on my field, it inflicts 2400 points of direct damage to your life points! Now go my dragon, Inferno Fire Blast!" Ed commanded.

 

The black dragon opened it's maw, unleashing a powerful stream of fire that engulfed Kosuke's field, depleting the last of his life points and ending the duel. (K: 0)

 

Kosuke dropped to his knees, a look of disbelief on his face. "How could...how could I lose?"

 

"Its like I said, I'm the ace of Osiris Red, I won't lose to an arrogant prick like you." Ed replied. With that the black-haired boy walked away, obviously pleased with his victory.

 

Hiro watched as the boy walked off. 'Even though he's Osiris Red, this guy's something else. He wasn't even trying against Kosuke, I can tell.' Hiro smiled to himself, Duel Academy was definitely an interesting place.

 

Several of the students began to laugh at the defeated Osiris Red boy who had the arrogance to boast that he was good enough to be in Ra Yellow yet lose to a fellow Osiris Red. He had made claims that he couldn't back up, and now he was paying for it. 'Why? Why do I keep losing?'

 

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 4: Bad Timing]The bell finally rang signaling the end of classes for the day. A meek looking man with a strong voice, known to many as Professor Fuyuski cleared his throat. "It seems the lesson will have to be carried on into tomorrow."

 

Grabbing a few sheets of paper from his desk, the professor spoke again. "For homework I would like you all to write an essay on how you would counter a card destruction deck, or how you would construct a card destruction deck. It has to be at least five pages, single spaced. You are dismissed."

 

As expected, the students groaned their displeasure.

 

A large mass of students were crowded around a single spot on the wall, their voices drowning one another out. Hiro and Hayato were standing several feet away from the crowd of students, waiting patiently.

 

Hiro wondered what the big deal was. Sure everyone wanted to get good grades, but they didn't have to act like it was the end of the world if they didn't (which some students did). It was now his second week at Duel Academy and they had already taken a few "assessments", as their professors had called them.

 

As usual Hayato was munching on a candy bar, which seemed to be his favorite thing to eat. Hiro pulled out a small red box from his pocket. Opening it, he pulled out a small treat on a stick.

 

Hayato eyed it curiously. "What's that?" He asked.

 

Hiro turned to the boy, "Pocky. Want some?"

 

Hayato eyed the treat warily, "...Is it sweet?" He asked after some time.

 

Hiro had to stop himself from rolling his eyes, "This one is." He answered.

 

Taking the treat, Hayato bit a small piece from it, tasting it, he quickly consumed the rest. "Got anymore?" He asked.

 

Hiro nodded, pulling out a gray box. "Here, try this one."

 

Grabbing it, Hayato opened the box, quickly consuming the treat. His face twisted up several seconds later, causing Hiro to snicker. "It's bitter." Hayato said distastefully.

 

"Sorry, I just couldn't resist." Hiro apologized.

 

The two turned at the sound of upcoming footsteps, it was Edgar Knight, the self-proclaimed Ace of Osiris Red. "Has the crowd died down yet?" He asked the two boys. Hiro simply pointed to the large mob of students.

 

Ed sighed, "Guess not."

 

"Yes! I got an A!" A female voice shouted. Hayato instantly recognized it as his sister's voice.

 

"Wow...she's pretty." Ed exclaimed, observing the girl who was currently bouncing up and down.

 

Hayato nearly choked on his candy bar. "Are you alright?" Hiro asked, patting the boy on his back.

 

As the crowd began to disperse John walked over to his two waiting friends, looking slightly put down. "So...by the look on your face I'm guessing you didn't do so well." Hiro concluded.

 

John sighed, "I just don't understand the stuff Professor Oda is teaching."

 

Noticing the black-haired boy, John straightened up, "Who are you?" He asked.

 

Ed grinned, "I'm Edgar Knight! The Ace of Osiris Red!" He boasted, jabbing his thumb into his chest.

 

John blinked in confusion for a few seconds before laughing, "Hahahaha! Who is this guy? A friend of yours?" He asked his two roommates.

 

"Actually...we just met." Hayato replied.

 

Ed frowned, "What's so funny?"

 

Hitaki walked over to the group, "Hey Hiro-kun!" She greeted, a bright smile on her face.

 

"Oh, hey Hitaki. I heard you got an A." He said casually.

 

The girl smirked, "That's right. I checked your name too, A+." She replied.

 

"Um, hi." Ed said shyly, causing Hitaki to finally notice him. "Oh, your that Osiris Red guy who dueled that other Osiris Red guy a few days ago, right?"

 

"Hitaki!" A small group of Ra Yellow girls shouted, causing said girl to turn towards them. "I'm coming!" Turning back to the group of boys she winked, "See you around boys."

 

Ed had a dreamy expression across his face as the girl ran off. Watching Hitaki join up with her friends, Hiro shook his head. "They make those skirts a bit too small, and those uniforms are a little too form fitting."

 

Ed turned to the boy, "You're probably the only guy in the school who thinks that." He replied. John turned to his white-haired roommate, "You know...he's probably right."

 

"By sacrificing my Rapid-Fire Magician (1600/1200), I can summon my Dark Red Enchanter (1700/2200) in attack mode! He gains 600 extra attack points from his special effect and destroys your Cerberus (1400/1400)!" (H: 2000)

 

Hiro drew a card from his deck, "Sorry John, but by removing my Cerberus from play I revive my Mythical Beast Phoenix (2900/2100) from it's ashes and destroy your Enchanter." (J: 0)

 

John sighed, "Looks like I lose again." He said dejectedly.

 

Hiro shuffled his deck, "But you are improving, so it's not all bad." Hiro said, trying to cheer his gloomy roommate up.

 

"I guess your right." John stood up, stretching. Walking over to his bed, he said, "I forgot to ask. How did you two end up in Strategic Analysis 201? That's a second course level class."

 

"Hiro and I both got perfect scores on the strategic portion of the entrance exams." Hayato replied.

 

"Well you two are really smart, so I guess that's believable." John reasoned. "So...you and that Hitaki girl, huh?" He asked, looking at Hiro.

 

Hiro blushed, "What? No, there's nothing going on between us! Nothing at all!"

 

John laughed, "Man you should see the look you have on your face right now, it's priceless!"

 

Hiro frowned, "I don't think its that funny."

 

"But seriously man, I think she likes you. Did you see that wink she gave you? Not to mention she made sure to tell you what your grade was. If I were you I'd definitely date her. Ah, what I wouldn't give to be three years younger." He said.

 

Hiro rolled his eyes, "You're a perv."

 

"Well I am an eighteen year old male, what do you expect?" John retorted.

 

Hiro shrugged, "I don't know...maturity maybe?" He countered.

 

"You guys done arguing about my sister?" Hayato asked from his bed, lazily opening a pack of Starburst. "Because if you are I would like to get some sleep." The dark haired teen said, sounding annoyed.

 

Hiro yawned, "I guess it is about that time. We'll have to continue this some other time." Hiro said.

 

"The conversation?" John questioned.

 

"No." Hiro said quickly, "Your practice sessions."

 

"Oh." John replied.

 

The students of Deck Construction and Analysis 101 all waited excitedly for their perpetually late teacher, Professor Oyamada. It was a Friday afternoon, and many of the students were anxious to get out of class to enjoy the weekend.

 

One such student, had his sight set on a pretty girl sitting a few rows above him. That student was Edgar Knight. It had been two days since he had formally met her, but she hadn't said a word to him since then. He knew he wasn't a bad looking guy, so he was sure she wasn't repulsed by his appearance or anything of that nature.

 

Turning away, the boy looked thoughtful for a moment, 'Maybe I'll just have to work my magic on her.' He thought to himself.

 

The door finally swung open, the polite professor entering the room. "Hello class, sorry I'm late. I seem to have lost track of time." Many of the students rolled their eyes at this comment. It was obvious that they had heard this excuse all last week, and most of the current one.

 

"The good news is that I'm done reviewing the ideal decks that all of you turned in." This caused many of the students to cheer in excitement.

 

The professor pushed his glasses up, "Now settle down class." The professor said.

 

Grabbing a remote, he pressed a button on it, causing the projector to come on, showing a picture of a very pretty woman in a flowing dress. "Okay, let's review this deck, one that I found particularly interesting." Several of the male students wolf whistled upon viewing the picture.

 

Turning, Oyamada sweatdropped. Pressing a button on the remote the projector turned off. "Ah, seems I grabbed the wrong disc. Um, one moment please." He said as he hurriedly left the room. He returned a few seconds later, inserting a new disc into his computer.

 

As he pressed a button on the remote he said, "For those of you who are curious, that was my wife." This caused many of the male students to whisper to one another, wondering how someone as plain looking as Oyamada could have such a beautiful wife.

 

A list of cards in a deck someone turned in appeared on the board. "Now, this is the deck I found interesting." After looking at the deck for several seconds a student's hand went into the air. The professor smiled, "Yes?"

 

Hitaki stood up, "That deck has a lot of monsters in it made famous by the World Class duelist Manjoume Thunder." She answered.

 

Professor Oyamada nodded his head, "That is correct. This deck intrigues me because not many people are willing to use the Ojama Trio in their decks, not only that, but it uses a different strategy than the several strategies that the famous Manjoume Thunder has implemented over the years."

 

"Now, can anyone tell me what that strategy is?" Oyamada asks. After some time, Ed raises his hand. "Yes Mr. Knight?"

 

"It seems to me that it's sort of has a lock-down strategy."

 

"The professor smiles upon hearing Ed's answer, "That is correct as well. I'm so glad to have such bright students in my class." The kind man commented. "Now, let's move on to a few more that I found intriguing, shall we?"

 

The sun shined brightly over the island, it was a beautiful Saturday morning. The birds sang their songs happily as they built their nests. The squirrels scurried up the trees, and the rabbits joyfully bounced around.

 

Hiro sighed in content as he submerged himself into the hot liquid of the island's hot spring. "Ah, this feels great."

 

"You said it." John agreed.

 

"Hayato doesn't know what he's missing." Hiro said.

 

"You said it." John agreed once more.

 

Hiro's eyes shot opened as several giggles could be heard off in the distance. Looking slightly confused, he turned to John. "Did you hear something?" He asked.

 

John shook his head, "No, did you?"

 

After listening for a few more seconds, Hiro frowned, "Hmmm...guess not."

 

"The whole point of the hot springs it to release tension, so let's just relax." John said.

 

Hiro nodded his head, "Yeah, you're right, I must have been hearing things." The two sat their in silence, enjoying the sounds of the bird's song and the feel of the hot liquid all around them.

 

Once again, giggles were heard, this time, a bit louder.

 

Hiro shrugged it off as him just hearing things again but his eyes shot open when he heard voices and footsteps nearing. "John...are you sure were on the right side?" He asked warily, turning to the spot his friend was soaking in, only to find it empty.

 

Hiro looked around frantically, "John?" He looked up just in time to see his friend frantically climbing up the fence that surrounded the springs. "Hey! What about me!" Hiro shouted at the older boy.

 

"Every man for himself!" He shouted back as he made it over the fence, making a break for it.

 

The voices were getting louder and louder and Hiro could tell that they were definitely female. Panicking, Hiro did the only thing his mind could think of, he dove underwater.

 

Luckily for him he dove underwater just before Hitaki and a few of her friends had arrived. "See, you were just hearing things." One of Hitaki's friends said. Hitaki shrugged, "I guess your right."

 

The group of girls slipped into the springs, sighing in content as the hot water soothed them.

 

'I can't hold out much longer...' Hiro thought to himself as he struggled to hold his breath a bit longer. Feeling movement in the water Hiro barely managed to avoid bumping into one of the girls' legs.

 

"Um...did something just move in the water?" One fo the girl's asked.

 

The girl's began to feel around the hot water, wondering what it was that had moved. 'Why does this have to happen to me?' Hiro frantically moved to dodge the girl's searching hands.

 

"Huh? Guess there really wasn't anything there." Another of the girls said.

 

"Weird."

 

'Please leave soon.' Hiro knew that wasn't likely to happen but holding on to the thought allowed him to hold his breath just a little bit longer.

 

"Well the whole point of the springs is to relax, so let's just do that." One of Hitaki's friends suggested, the other girls agreeing with her.

 

With a loud splash Hiro emerged from the water, coughing violently. The girl's screamed, their hands instinctively moving to cover their bodies (not that Hiro could see anything anyway.) Once his coughing fit subsided Hiro was met with glares and eye twitches from the girls.

 

Hiro sweat dropped, "Um...hi?"

 

Hiro was currently sitting down, looking a little frightened. His arms were behind his back, bound by thick ropes. Several of Hitaki's friends, including Hitaki herself, were surrounding him.

 

"What should we do with him? Isn't he one of your brother's friends?" One girl asked Hitaki.

 

"Who cares, he was obviously peeping at us, the perv." Another girl said, glaring at the restrained boy. "I say we report him to the principal, I'm sure he'll get in trouble, maybe even expelled!" She said with glee, which Hiro found infinitely more scary than anything he had ever seen in his life.

 

"He'd definitely deserve it." Another one agreed.

 

'I can't be expelled! I've only just started here!' Hiro thought frantically. "Wait! Listen! It's not what it looks like, I went to the wrong side that's all!" He pleaded.

 

"Yeah right." Another one scoffed, "You were hiding underwater waiting for us to come out, you can't weasel your way out of this you pervert."

 

"It's a shame too, you're kinda cute." A smaller girl said.

 

"W-wait!" Hiro pleaded, he couldn't believe this was happening to him!

 

As two girls moved to take him away, Hitaki stopped them. "Wait, I've got an idea." She said, the two girls looked to one another, confused, and then back to their friend.

 

"What if he's telling the truth? He deserves a chance, doesn't he?" She asked.

 

Hitaki's friends all looked skeptical. Hitaki turned towards the boy who looked liked his life had just been saved. "Okay, here's the deal. You and I duel, if you win, we'll let you off the hook with a warning, if you lose, well I'm sure you know what will happen."

 

She turned towards her friends, "Are you girls okay with that?"

 

After several seconds of silence, one girl said, "Fine. Go ahead, but you had better win."

 

Several minutes later Hiro found himself (still dressed in shorts) standing across the springs, a fully clothed Hitaki on the other side, her friends (all fully dressed as well) standing behind her. "Are you ready?" Hitaki asked the white-haired boy, drawing five cards from her deck. (Hitaki: 4000)

 

'As ready as I'll ever be.' Hiro thought to himself as he drew six cards from his duel disk, taking the initiative. (Hiro: 4000) "I set one monster and one magic or trap card face-down. Turn end."

 

"That's it? Alright then, I summon Chrono Magician (1200/1000) in attack mode." A man in a blue robe over blue armor appeared before the girl. "I activate my magician's special effect! He can remove one monster on your field from play for one turn."

 

"What?" Hiro exclaimed surprised as his monster vanished from the field.

 

"Now I'll have my magician attack!" Hitaki's monster pointed it's staff at Hiro, chanting quietly. The staff shook violently before it unleashed a beam of yellow light.

 

Hiro's hand shot over his set card, "My trap card Charybdis, redirects your monster's attack!" A giant whirlpool erupted from the card, absorbing the magician's attack. After several seconds the beam of energy shot out of the whirlpool, headed towards Hitaki.

 

"I don't think so, my magic card Time Jump skips ahead three battle phases in the future, which means your trap card doesn't touch me, and since it's a new battle phase, my magician can attack once more!" Once again the magician let loose a beam of light, which hit it's mark this time. (Hiro: 2800)

 

'There's no way he's going to be able to beat Hitaki. She's the strongest duelist out of all of us.' One of Hitaki's friend thought to herself smugly.

 

"Nice try, but I can't be stopped that easily. I set two magic or trap cardS face-down and end my turn." Hitaki said confidently.

 

As Hiro drew a card from his deck one of Hitaki's newly set card flipped upward. "Time Seal forces you to skip your next draw phase. Also your set monster returns."

 

The card that had vanished earlier returned in a flash of light. "I summon Mythical Beast Gorgon (1500/0) in attack mode." A hideous woman with snakes for hair appeared next to Hiro's set monster. "I'll have her attack your magician!"

 

"That's what you think, I activate Negate Attack!" The common trap card produced a powerful barrier which stopped the monster's attack instantly. "I'm sure I don't have to explain what it does."

 

"My Gorgon's special effect activates, your magician won't be able to activate it's special ability, declare an attack, or switch battle positions. As long as my monster remains no the field, your monster won't be able to do anything." Hiro explained as Hitaki's monster turned to stone.

 

"I set one magic or trap and end my turn."

 

Hitaki snagged a card from her deck, "Perfect! I summon my Chrono Negater (1400/1200) in attack mode." A man wearing a red robe over red armor appeared next to the immobilized magician, looking slightly pissed off.

 

"This monster negates the effect of one face-up monster on the field, of course I'm choosing your Gorgon. Hitaki's monster's hands glowed a bright red as it turned to it's comrade. Touching the monster, the stone was removed from it's body, restoring it to it's normal self.

 

"Next I activate the continuous magic of Chrono Meter."

 

"What does it do?" Hiro asked curiously.

 

"Simple, it increases my monster's attack points by 100 times the number of stars they possess." She explained as her magician's attack points increased to 1500, her Negater's attack points increasing to 1800.

 

"Now my magician will activate it's effect, sending your set monster out of play for one turn." Hitaki began, her magician making Hiro's set card once again vanish from the field with a blast from it's staff.

 

"Chrono Negater will attack your Gorgon!" Pulling out it's sword from it's sheath, the monster charged at the hideous woman. With a slash of it's sword the woman fell to pieces. (Hiro: 2400)

 

"This is as far as you'll go! I activate my trap card, Soul Transfer! When a monster with 'Mythical Beast' in it's name is destroyed I'm allowed to special summon a monster from my hand or deck with the same number of stars as the destroyed monster." Hiro explained as he searched for the card he was looking for.

 

Finding it, he quickly shuffled his deck and slammed it back into the deck slot of the duel disk "I summon Mythical Beast Cyclops (2100/0) in attack mode!" Appearing before him, a giant muscular monster with one eye and a club in it's hand beat it's chest with it's free hand furiously.

 

"Turn end. Remember, Time Seal stops you from entering your draw phase this turn." Hitaki reminded her opponent.

 

Once again Hiro's set monster returned to his field. "I remember, now my Cyclops will destroy your magician!" With a mighty swing of it's club the weaker monster shattered into tiny pixels, finally doing some damage to Hitaki's life points. (Hitaki: 3100)

 

"Turn end."

 

Hitaki drew a card from her deck, "I activate the second effect of my Chrono Meter, by destroying it I can special summon a monster with 'Chrono' in it's name from my hand or graveyard, I'm choosing my hand. Chrono Manipulator (2200/2000)!" A woman wearing purple form fitting armor with a white cape attached to it appeared on the field, wielding a scepter.

 

"This can revive a monster in my graveyard with 'Chrono' in it's name. So welcome back my Chrono Magician." The blue robed magician returned to the field, ready for battle. You know what happens next right?"

 

Hiro sighed.

 

"I'll take that as a yes. Chrono Magician's special ability sends your set card out of play." In a flash of light Hiro's set monster once again disappeared. "Now my Manipulator will attack your Cyclops!" A orb of light burst from the woman's scepter, bringing Hiro's monster down with it. (Hiro: 2300)

 

"My Negater is up next!" Hitaki declared.

 

At that moment Hiro slid one of the remaining cards in his hand to the graveyard. "By discarding my Mythical Beast Daimon (500/500) to the graveyard I can reduce the battle damage by your monster to zero." Hiro explained as the blast of energy bounced off his chest harmlessly.

 

"I still have my Magician." Hitaki reminded him as he was struck in the chest with the monster's attack. (Hiro: 1100) "That's it for my turn." Hitaki finished.

 

'It's only a matter of time before Hitaki finishes him off.' One of Hitaki's friends figured.

 

Hiro slid a card from his deck. 'If I don't figure something out soon, my stay at Duel Academy will be a short one.'

 

"Pot of Greed allows me to draw two more card from my deck." Hiro declared as he brought his hand size up to four card, opposed to Hitaki's one.

 

The still unknown set monster reappeared on the field. "I summon Mythical Beast Cerberus (1400/1400) in attack mode." Hiro exclaimed as the monster appeared before him. "I activate the spell card Siren's Song, this card destroys one face-up monster on your field, I choose your Manipulator!"

 

Hitaki's monster groaned in pain before it exploded in a flurry of pixels. "Since I activate a spell card my monster gains 500 attack points." (1900/1400) "Cerberus attack her Chrono Magician!" Hitaki braced herself as her monster exploded as a result of the attack. (Hitaki: 2400)

 

"Since my monster attacked it's attack points return to their original 1400."

 

"I set one magic or trap card face-down, turn end." Hiro declared as the representation of the card appeared behind his monsters.

 

Hitaki drew a card from her deck, "Don't forget, my Chrono Negater can negate the effect of a face-up monster on my turn, so I'm negating your Cerberus' effect to gain attack points when I play spell cards." Hitaki reminded the white-haired boy.

 

"Now to activate the card I just drew, Monster Reborn! I'm bringing back my Chrono Manipulator(2200/2000)." Hitaki's monster returned, glaring at Hiro. "I'll use her special effect to revive my Chrono Magician(1200/1000) in attack mode." Once again the blue robed monster returned to Hitaki's field.

 

Hiro groaned, it seemed that no matter how many times he destroyed it, the monster just kept coming back.

 

"My Chrono Magician's special effect will remove your set monster from the field again." Hitaki says as Hiro's set monster vanishes once more. Hitaki presses on, "Chrono Manipulator, get rid of that mangy mutt!" She orders.

 

The woman jumps over to Hiro's side of the field, crushing the two-headed dog with a blow from her scepter, taking a chunk of Hiro's life points with it. (Hiro: 300)

 

"Well, it looks like this duel ends here, sorry Hiro-kun. Chrono Negater, attack!" As the monster began to chant a spell Hiro's arm shot over his set card.

 

"I activate the trap card Sphinx's Riddle!" A giant monster with the head of a woman and the body of a lion appeared from the card, looking down on Hitaki's monster. "This card works very similar to Ordeal of the Traveler, but it's a bit different." Hiro explained.

 

"How so?"

 

"First off, you guess the type of card I'm holding, if you guess right, then I have to discard that card to my graveyard, if you guess wrong, then this card destroys your attacking monster, after either of these events happens, this card is destroyed immediately." Hiro explained.

 

"Well you only have one card in your hand, so it must be a monster." She reasoned. In an instant the sphinx exploded. Sliding the last card in his hand to his graveyard Hiro smirked, much to the surprise of Hitaki and her friends. "Why are you smiling? I guessed right so that means this duel is over."

 

Hitaki's monster unleashed a beam of energy that surged towards Hiro. Hiro's graveyard slot began to glow. "Remember when I discarded my Mythical Beast Daimon (500/500) to the graveyard? Well when it's in the graveyard, for one time only, it can negate the attack of my opponent." Hiro explained as a thick mist appeared before him, causing Hitaki's monster's attack to miss.

 

Hitaki slid the last card in her hand into her duel disk. "I set one magic or trap card and end my turn. That was pretty impressive. But if you could already stop my attack why didn't you do so when my Manipulator attacked?" Hitaki asks.

 

Hiro drew a card from his deck, his set monster reappearing as a result. "Simple, I wanted the last card in my hand to be sent to the graveyard." He answered.

 

Hitaki raised a brow in confusion, "Why?"

 

Hiro smirked, "I remove my Mythical Beast Cerberus from my graveyard in order to special summon my Mythical Beast Phoenix (2900/2100) in attack mode." A brilliant bird consisting purely of fire hovered over the springs, screeching.

 

Hitaki looked surprised, "You knew I was going to guess monster didn't you?"

 

Hiro nodded, "You're a good duelist, and any duelist would have known that the card in my hand was a monster. Now my phoenix will destroy your Manipulator!" In a blaze of fire Hitaki's monster was incinerated. (Hitaki: 1700)

 

Having no other cards in his hand, Hiro folded his arms across his chest, signaling the end of his turn.

 

Hitaki slid a card from her deck. Her set card flipped upward, "Jar of Greed allows me to draw an extra card from my deck." She explained as she did so.

 

"Pot of Greed allows me to draw two more cards."

 

"My Chrono Magician removes your phoenix from play for one turn." The mystical bird vanished as a result of Hitaki's monster's effect. "The spell card Time Redux revives my Manipulator once more." Hitaki explained as the monster once again reappeared.

 

"It's time to see what that set monster of yours is, Chrono Manipulator, attack!" Hiro smirked as the face-down monster was revealed as Mythical Beast Golem (0/2700). Hitaki frowned as her monster's attack bounced off the powerful defense monster. (Hitaki: 1200)

 

"Sorry, but my Golem's a bit too strong for your monsters." Hiro commented.

 

"The spell card Temporal Energy increases my life points by 500 times the number of monsters on my field with Chrono in their names." Hitaki explains as her three monster begin to glow with red energy. The red energy flows into Hitaki, replenishing her life points. (Hitaki: 2700)

 

"This card will end the duel, Time Bomb!" A giant bomb appeared over the springs, much to the surprise of Hiro. "At the end of your next end phase this bomb will deal you 1000 points of damage. I switch my Magician and Negater to defense mode. Since I've restored my life points to 2700, I'm pretty sure you won't be able to defeat me by your end phase." Hitaki said.

 

'She might be right. It all comes down to this final card.' Seeing the card he just drawn, Hiro quickly went on the move. "I activate my spell card, Point to Point Transfer, I'm transferring the defense points of my Golem to my Phoenix's attack points!"

 

The Phoenix glowed even brighter as it's attack points increased to 5600. "This duel ends in my victory!" Hiro declared as his monster converged on Hitaki's field, burning away her monster and depleting the last of her life points. (Hitaki: 0)

 

Hiro sighed as the holographic images faded. "That was an intense duel, we should do it again sometime." Hiro offered, glad that he managed to win.

 

Before Hitaki could respond one of her friends began to push him. "Yeah, yeah, whatever, you won now get out of here before we change our minds." She threatened. Not needing to be told twice Hiro quickly complied.

 

Hitaki watched as the boy ran off. One of her friends walked up besides her. "Something tells me that even if he lost you were going to try and find some way to persuade us not to turn him in."

 

Hitaki smiled, sometimes her friends knew her a little too well.

 

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 5:The Power of The Kaiser]It was a rainy Wednesday morning, during the third week of school. "Oh come on! You can't still be mad at me!" A voice sounded through Room 227B of the Ra Yellow Boy's Dormitory #2. The voice belonged to one John Emerson, a third year Ra Yellow student known for his steady losing streak.

 

"Of course I can! Instead of being a true friend and sticking with me, you ditched me!" Hiro retorted.

 

Hayato rolled his eyes as the two friends argued, popping a few Skittles into his mouth. It had been this way ever since the incident at the springs, Hayato was glad that he had declined their invitation to go with them, considering how it turned out.

 

Turning, the boy watched the rain drops fall. The occasional thunderclap drowned out his two roommates bickering. Sitting up, the boy turned to his two roommates, who were still arguing. "Don't you think it's time to get ready for classes?" He asked.

 

The two turned to the black-haired boy and then back at each other. Hayato swore he could see the sparks flying between them. Sighing, said boy got up from his bed, grabbing a towel and his toothbrush.

 

'Might as well go in first.' As his two friend's bickering only grew louder, Hayato vaguely wondered if everyday was going to be like this one.

 

For his sake, he hoped not.

 

A young man was currently looking outside the window of Duel Academy's principal's office. The rain pattered hard against the pane window, obscuring much of his vision. Turning away from the window, he brought his focus on a woman, who was seated behind a desk.

 

A woman with purple hair that was cut short on the sides, hanging just past her ears while the back was grown out long was looking back at him, a smile on her face. Her eyes displayed a mischievous motive.

 

As youthful as the woman looked she was actually in her early fifties. "It's raining rather hard today, isn't it?" Her smile broadened.

 

"Yes." The teen answered bluntly. "Is there a reason you called me to your office Ms. Taragi?" He asked, he knew the woman well enough that she only called him in her office when something had caught her interest.

 

The woman took a few stacks of paper from her desk, searching through them. "I have a favor to ask of you." She said, causing the young man to raise a brow, this was definitely something new to him.

 

Finally finding what she was looking for she handed a sheet of paper to the boy. "I want you to duel this person and report back to me when you have done so." She said.

 

Taking the sheet, the young man looked at it with disinterest. Looking back at the principal, he said, "I hope you don't mind me asking, but what exactly is so special about this person?" He asked, not seeing why she would want him to duel a first year student.

 

"Well...actually, I was asked to do this as a favor to someone." She answered, not exactly answering the boy's question.

 

"A favor? For whom?"

 

As the principal spoke the person's name the young man looked mildly surprised. "Well...that is interesting." He said. Looking thoughtful for a moment, he handed the sheet of paper back to the woman.

 

Turning to leave, Ms. Taragi asked, "So I take it you'll do it?"

 

He stopped at the door, turning to her slightly, "I'll have to think about it." With that, he opened the door and exited the room.

 

Ms. Taragi smiled as the door closed, 'Well, that wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.' The ringing of a phone brought her out of her thoughts. Looking slightly confused as to who would be calling at this time, she picked it up.

 

Answering it, she said, "Hello?" After several mumbles the woman beamed. "I should have known you'd be calling."

 

The woman listened as the person on the other line spoke. "Yeah I did what you asked me to."

 

"You know you owe me big time for this, he isn't usually the cooperative type."

 

She smirked as she heard the person's reply. "Ah, you know me too well. Well I'll keep you updated. Bye." Hanging up, she couldn't help but grin.

 

The class of Strategic Analysis 201 was busy working on Professor Fuyuski's pop quiz. Several of the students were mumbling under their breath, something about the difficulty and frequency of the pop quizzes.

 

The professor himself was busy typing on his computer, though his eyes scanned the room every now and then to make sure no one was trying to cheat. He was given the nickname Hawk-Eyed Fuyuski by many of his students for this very reason.

 

A knock resounded on the door, causing him, and many of the other students, to look up from what they were doing. Eyeing the students, he said, "Come in."

 

The door opened to reveal a blueish black haired young man, wearing a white jacket with blue lining, which meant he was a third year Obelisk Blue student. He was rather tall, being an inch shy of six feet.

 

His green eyes were trained on Professor Fuyuski. "You wanted to see me?" He asked.

 

The professor looked confused for a moment, but shook it off. "Ah yes, a package came in for you today but somehow it ended up with me." He said as he reached under his desk (his eyes never leaving the students) and pulled out a small black box.

 

Placing it on his desk, he motioned for the young man to come and take it. Grabbing the small box, he bowed to the man and exited the room. As soon as the door closed the professor stood up. "Time's up, I want everyone to form a line at my desk to turn in their quizzes." The man ordered.

 

The students all got up from their seats, doing as the man said. Hiro turned to Hayato once they were in line, "Who was that?" He asked, to which Hayato responded with a shrug.

 

A boy behind them, wearing a yellow jacket, said, "Are you kidding? You two don't know who that was?"

 

The two boys shook their heads. "No, we're first years, how would we know?" Hayato answered before Hiro could.

 

The boy looked slightly surprised but quickly shrugged it off. "That was Kazuki Takahasi, third year Obelisk and highest ranked student in the school. He's the Kaiser."

 

A female student who was in front of Hiro and Hayato who overheard the conversation, turned. "Not only that, but I heard that he got a perfect score on every assignment since he's been here. Not to mention his perfect dueling record. To put it quite simply, he's perfect." The girl swooned.

 

'Wow, that's incredible!' Hiro thought to himself in awe. Turning to gauge Hayato's reaction he wasn't surprised to see that his expression was one of disinterest. 'Nothing ever gets to him.'

 

As Hiro turned away Hayato dug into his pocket, pulling out a bag of assorted candy. 'Kazuki Takahashi...perfect? No one is perfect.'

 

Classes were over for the day, and Hayato was currently gazing out at sea. Night had befallen the island and the lighthouse's beacon pierced through the thick fog that formed around the area.

 

Hayato sighed audibly, his two roommates were still bickering about the incident at the springs and this seemed to be the perfect place to get away from their headache inducing arguments. He certainly hoped the two would work it out soon.

 

Hayato turned at the sound of footsteps. He was surprised to see the Kaiser himself staring back at him. "Don't you think it's a little late for you to be out here?" He asked sternly. Hayato noticed the sleek royal blue duel disk strapped to his arm.

 

Turning to face him, he replied, "Unless being the Kaiser of this school gives you special privileges that I'm not aware of...I could say the same thing."

 

Kazuki smirked for a split second, though Hayato didn't catch it. Hayato raised his hand up to catch a silver duel disk that Kazuki had tossed to him. He looked back at Kazuki, a questioning glance on his face. Looking down at the duel disk itself, he noticed a deck was already inserted into it.

 

"I stopped by your dorm looking for you...that's your duel disk and your deck." He said.

 

"Looking for me? For what reason?" Hayato asked.

 

"Well let's see...I have a duel disk strapped to my arm...and I've just given you yours. You're smart aren't you? What do you think my intentions are?" Kazuki answered.

 

Hayato frowned as he strapped his own duel disk to his arm, "I'm only a first year Ra Yellow student, I'm hardly at the top of the ladder, why would someone like you want to duel someone like me?" He questioned.

 

Kazuki's life points flashed on his duel disk as it activated, drawing five cards from his deck he responded, "You ask too many questions, maybe if you impress me enough I'll give you an answer." (K: 4000)

 

Hayato activated his own duel disk, drawing six cards from his deck. 'If I impress him enough? That's no different from saying that I stand no chance against him...and he's probably right.' (H: 4000) Looking at the cards in his hand, Hayato began to make his move.

 

"I summon Warrior of Light (1600/1800) in attack mode. Double Summon allows me to summon my Warrior of Darkness (1800/1600) as well." Hayato's two warrior monsters appeared side by side, ready for battle.

 

"When these two monsters are on the field together they are unaffected by the effects of my opponent's spell or trap cards. I place one magic or trap card face-down and end my turn here." Hayato declared as a representation of his card appeared behind his two warriors.

 

Kazuki seemed unimpressed as he drew a sixth card from his deck. "I activate the spell card Jewel Sacrifice. By discarding a jeweled dragon from my hand I can destroy all face-up monsters on my opponent's field." He explained as he slid his Crystal Dragon (2500/1900) into his graveyard slot.

 

"Have you forgotten already? My two monsters are protected from the effects of your spell and trap cards." Hayato reprimanded him.

 

"I haven't forgotten, next I summon my Crystal Templar(1600/1700) in attack mode." He started, placing the card on his duel disk. A man in crystalline armor and gripping a staff with a curved blade at the end appeared.

 

"When this card is successfully summoned I'm allowed to special summon Crystal Dragon from my graveyard." Kazuki explained.

 

'So that's why he activated Jewel Sacrifice even though he knew it would have no effect on my monsters...'

 

Next to the glass covered knight appeared a dragon seeming to be made of glass itself, it's body rigid and pointed.

 

"The continuous spell Dragon's Trophy allows me to draw a card from my deck for every monster a dragon-type monster on my field destroys. Now my monsters will union together, and my dragon will gain 100 attack points, plus 100 more for each monster on your field." He continued as the warrior mounted the dragon, raising it's attack power to 2800.

 

"Evil Intentions allows my monster to attack every monster on your field at the cost of it skipping it's attack next turn. Crystal Dragon, attack!" The large dragon folded it's wings around it's body for a minute, it quickly snapped it's wings open, flinging a wall of glass shards at Hayato's two warriors.

 

Seconds later, Hayato's two monsters fell to the floor, having been shredded by the attack. (H: 1800)

 

"Dragon's Trophy allows me to draw two cards from my deck since both of your monsters were destroyed by my dragon." Kazuki drew two more cards from his deck, bringing his hand size to four cards.

 

"I place one magic or trap card face-down and end my turn."

 

Hayato drew a card from his deck, "I activate my face-down card! Battle Spirit! This card allows me to special summon any monsters that were destroyed in battle the previous turn with halve their stats." Hayato declared as his two warriors returned to the field albeit weaker.

 

"By sacrificing my two monsters I'm summoning my own dragon, Light and Darkness Dragon(2800/2400)!" A large dragon replaced the two warriors, it's wings spreading outward.

 

Kazuki looked mildly surprised at the dragon's appearance. 'So this is his key monster.'

 

"My two warriors have a second effect. When Warrior of Darkness is used to tribute summon Light and Darkness Dragon it gives it the ability to attack twice in a row if it's first attack is successful. And when Warrior of Light is used to tribute summon it, it gives my dragon a 500 attack point boost." Hayato explained as the dragon's attack strength increased. (3300/2400)

 

"Since I only have one monster on the field your dragon's attack strength is only 2700, attack with Twilight Purge!"

 

As Hayato's monster charged up it's attack Kazuki's face-down card revealed itself, "I activate Diamond Shield!"

 

"By decreasing my dragon's attack and defense points by 500 points it negates the activation of your trap card, which means my attack goes through!" Kazuki's monster was engulfed in an orb of light and darkness, though only the warrior was destroyed in the ensuing blast. (K: 3900)

 

"By sacrificing my Templar, my dragon was spared from destruction and since you Dragon's ability can't be chained, you can't activate it's effect to negate it." Kazuki explained.

 

"But my dragon has a second attack which means your dragon is next!" Once again Kazuki's dragon was engulfed in the stronger dragon's attack, this time destroying it. (K: 3600)

 

Placing the last two cards in his hand onto his duel disk Hayato ended his turn. Kazuki drew a card from his deck, "I summon Amethyst Knight (1700/1200)." A warrior in lavender armor for which it was named appeared, spear raised for it's attack.

 

"He would normally summon Amethyst Dragon from my hand, but since I don't have one in my hand, I can draw a card from my deck instead, but since your dragon is on the field, its just going to negate it."

 

Hayato's dragon's strength decreased as its effect activated. (2300/1400)

 

Kazuki continued his turn. "I activate the card I've just drawn, the continuous magic of Impervious Magic Shield. This extremely rare card protects my cards from being negated and cannot be negated itself."

 

Hayato arched a brow, 'Why didn't he play that first? That way his Amethyst Knight's effect would have worked...'

 

Kazuki shook his head. "I know what you're thinking. The answer to your question should be obvious. I needed to weaken your dragon so I summoned my Amethyst Knight."

 

"So that's why..."

 

"You wouldn't have thought of doing that, would you? Your way of thinking is too methodical." Kazuki reprimanded the dark haired teen.

 

"What is that supposed to mean?" Hayato asked.

 

Kazuki shook his head, 'Knowing who his father is, I thought he would already know this.'

 

"I activate the continuous magic of Frontline Base. This card allows me to special summon a level four or lower union monster from my hand each turn. I choose Emerald Paladin (1300/200) in attack mode." A figure in shimmering emerald armor, hefting a shield and spear both of pure emerald crystal.

 

"When summoned I can special summon Emerald Dragon (2400/1400) from my hand to the field in attack mode." A large green dragon, it's back covered with a shell of emerald crystals, appeared.

 

"Now my two monsters will union!"

 

The emerald covered man mounted the back of the wyrm's neck. "When combined Emerald Dragon gains 300 attack points and a trample effect." (2700/1400)

 

Hayato frowned as his opponent's monster increased in strength. "Now my Emerald Dragon, attack with Emerald Burst Stream!" The dragon opened it's maw, unleashing a wave of emerald flames upon Hayato's monster. (H: 1400)

 

Drawing a card from his deck due to the effect of his Dragon's Trophy, Kazuki says, "Emerald Dragon has an ability itself, when it destroys a monster in battle I can destroy a magic or trap card on your field, I choose the one on the left."

 

Hayato watched as his set Dummy Marker card, was destroyed. "The card you destroyed was my Dummy Marker. When it's destroyed by an effect, I draw one card from my deck." Hayato explained as he drew a card from his deck.

 

"My Light and Darkness Dragon has another ability! When it's destroyed I can destroy all cards on my field and special summon a monster from my graveyard, I choose my Warrior of Darkness (1800/1600) in attack mode." The bastard sword wielding monster returned, glaring at Kazuki and his monsters.

 

'I've managed to survive an extra turn, but if I don't do something he'll finish me off the next.' Hayato thought to himself as he slid a card from his deck.

 

'The set card that was sent to the graveyard due to my dragon's effect was Grave Fusion, if I can get my warrior back into the graveyard I could summon my Warrior of Twilight...'

 

"I activate Spell Searcher! By discarding two cards in my hand I can add a spell card in my deck to my hand." Hayato slid the last two cards in his hand to the graveyard.

 

"The card I've chosen is End to Rivalry, this card allows me to destroy a monster on your field equal to the level of a monster on my field."

 

Kazuki watched as his Amethyst Knight exploded, leaving him with just his Emerald Dragon.

 

"My turn ends here." Hayato declared. 'If he doesn't manage to summon a monster and destroys my warrior, I can summon my most powerful monster next turn.'

 

Kazuki drew a card from his deck, "Your strategy won't work."

 

"What? What do you mean?"

 

"The card that was destroyed due to your dragon's effect was Grave Fusion. You plan on surviving this turn and then using it to summon your Warrior of Twilight next turn, but there won't be a next turn."

 

Hayato stepped back, surprise that his strategy had been figured out so easily.

 

"One of the cards you sent to the graveyard in order to use your Spell Searcher was Forbidden Trespassing, had you have used that, you would have another turn to possibly turn the duel around, but instead you decided that this strategy of yours would work."

 

Looking at the card he had just drawn, Kazuki continued, "I suppose you might have noticed that my deck has a high number of level six and higher monsters in it, you probably thought the chances of me summoning another monster was slim because of that, but you thought wrong. It's like I said, a duelist who only uses his head can never defeat me."

 

"Jewel Rebirth revives a jeweled dragon in my graveyard, return Crystal Dragon (2500/1900), now both of my monsters will attack and end this duel!" Hayato's field was showered with glass shards and emerald waves as his life point counter read zero.

 

Kazuki looked down at his duel disk, "400. You were only able to inflict 400 points of damage to my life points."

 

Hayato fell flat on his butt as a result of Kazuki's fierce attack. "What is it? What is it that I'm lacking?" Never before had he lost a duel as badly as he just did, he needed to know the answer.

 

Kazuki turned from the boy, "That's a matter that you're going to have to find out on your own." Hayato watched as the older boy walked off, leaving him there.

 

'Something I lack...what could that be?'

 

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 6:Artillery Attack]"Hey, where have you been?" Hiro questioned, looking up from his desk, where several papers were splayed across.

 

Hayato shut the door to the room behind him, making his way over to his bed.

 

"The Kaiser stopped by earlier, he had a pretty intense look on his face. You didn't do anything to make him mad did you?" Hiro asked, concerned.

 

Hayato shook his head, "I don't think so, he wanted to duel me."

 

"Since he asked for your duel disk and deck, I kind of figured that. So how was it? I wish I could have dueled him." Hiro said as an afterthought..

 

Hayato turned over in his bed, "No offense, but you wouldn't have stood a chance."

 

"Well that's not a very nice thing to say." John commented from his spot on the bed.

 

Hayato sighed, "Sorry. I'm just a bit upset about losing, that's all."

 

"Well you shouldn't be, the Kaiser wanted to duel you personally, that must mean you've got some real talent." John said, trying to cheer the boy up, Hiro nodding in agreement.

 

Hayato closed his eyes, 'Something I lack...I just can't figure out what that could be.'

 

Kosuke awoke to very loud sounds. Looking up with a glare he spotted his two roommates playing their infernal game console, shouting insults at one another. "Hey I'm trying to get some sleep here!" He shouted at the two boys, who either ignored him, or just couldn't hear him because the volume was too loud.

 

Grabbing his pillow he hurled it at the television to get the two boys attention. The two turned around, glaring at their roommate. "What was that for, you just got me killed!" One of the boys shouted at him.

 

"Do you know what time it is?" Kosuke asked, trying to calm his nerves.

 

"Um...4:30?" Ed answered.

 

"Yes that's right. 4:30 A.M., and what time do classes start?" He asked, putting an emphasis on A.M.

 

"6:30." The other boy replied.

 

"That's right, which means?"

 

The two boys looked at one another, and shrugged. "What?" They asked in unison.

 

Kosuke took a deep breath, as if preparing for something. "It means I have at least an hour left to get some much needed sleep so turn that DAMN GAME OFF NOW!" He yelled at the top of his lungs.

 

"Oi! Are you trying to bust our eardrums or something?" Ed asked, his hands clamped over his ears, a glare tossed in Kosuke's direction.

 

The three boys all turned to the door as a knock was heard. "Boys, I would very much appreciate it if you keep the noise down to a minimum, I know classes are starting soon but some people are trying to catch up on some missed sleep, including myself. Thank you for your cooperation." Professor Oyamada said from behind the door.

 

As the professor's footsteps grew distant, Kosuke turned over in his bed, "Idiots." He mumbled.

 

Ed turned the game console off, much to the boy's dismay. "Guess I'll just have to kick your butt later." He told his roommate.

 

"No way, I was totally winning before jackass over there launched that pillow." The boy responded.

 

Kosuke's eye twitched, 'What did I do to deserve being stuck with these idiots!'

 

Kosuke stalked out of class, his ever present frown on his face. He was glad that was his last class for the day, not that he had anything to do afterwards, he didn't have many friends after the way he had lost to the self-proclaimed Ace of Osiris Red, his very own roommate.

 

He had spent several nights wondering why he had lost and the only conclusion he could come up with is that the boy got extremely lucky, there was no other explanation. He knew he was a better strategist, he was sure of it. His frown deepened as the outcome of the duel played out in his head.

 

Ed shrugged his shoulders, "I guess there's no use telling you, I'll just have to show you! Activate, Ancient Rules! This card allows me to special summon a level five or higher normal monster from my hand!"

 

Kosuke shook his head, "Just as I thought, you're a complete idiot, there isn't a normal monster in the game that can take on my powered up Gilford, your wasting your time."

 

"Rise, the legendary Red Eyes Black Dragon(2400+200/2000+200)!" The legendary black dragon emerged in a burst of flames.

 

Kosuke shrugs, "So what, it still won't do you any good!"

 

"The spell card Inferno Fire Blast can only be activated when I have a Red Eyes Black Dragon on my field, it inflicts 2400 points of direct damage to your life points! Now go my dragon, Inferno Fire Blast!" Ed commanded. The black dragon opened it's maw, unleashing a powerful stream of fire that engulfed Kosuke's field, depleting the last of his life points and ending the duel. Kosuke dropped to his knees, a look of disbelief on his face. "How could I lose?"

 

Kosuke was so deep in thought that he hardly noticed that he had already exited the school building. Shaking the surprise off, he continued to muse over his dueling record. In his hometown, he had never lost to anyone, so he knew he wasn't a weak duelist by any means.

 

"Kosuke! Oi, Kosuke!" A voice called out, a voice Kosuke was all too familiar with. Turning around slightly, he was greeted with the sight of Edgar Knight running towards him.

 

'What could he possibly want?' Kosuke vaguely wondered to himself as the black-haired boy came to a screeching halt in front of him.

 

"Wait up would ya?" Ed said, a bit out of breath.

 

"What for?" He replied bluntly.

 

"So I can catch up of course." The boy replied.

 

"Why would I want you to do something like that?" Kosuke spat, a look of utter disdain on his face.

 

"Look, we're roommates, right? We're going to be living together for a while, so I figured we should at least try to get along, besides, you look like a pretty lonely guy." Ed commented.

 

"Being alone is preferable to hanging out with the likes of you." Kosuke responded as he began to walk away from the slightly shorter teen. Much to his annoyance, Ed began to follow after him.

 

Kosuke abruptly stopped, causing the boy to slam into him, sending both of them face first into the ground. Pushing himself off the ground, Kosuke whipped his head towards Ed. "Why are you following me?"

 

Ed rubbed his forehead tenderly, "The dorm is in this direction." He replied. "If you hadn't stopped all of a sudden this would have never happened."

 

"No, if you would have left me alone this would have never happened!" Kosuke retorted.

 

"Both of you idiots are to blame. This is the reason why Osiris Reds are called drop-outs, because of stunts like this. Now are you going to get out of my way, or am I going to have to make you?" Both teens looked up, an Obelisk Blue student standing above them.

 

The girl tossed a hand through her black hair, her hazel eyes glaring at the two boys at her feet. Kosuke scowled, not at all bothered that the girl was an Obelisk Blue. "Piss off, I'll move when I'm ready."

 

The girl's eyes narrowed. "Listen drop-out boy, because I won't say it again. Move before I make you move."

 

Kosuke stood up, not bothering to brush the dirt off his uniform, "You're going to make me move? I'd like to see you try little girl."

 

"I warned you Osiris drop-out." The girl took extended her left arm, pressing a button on her rather large silver bracelet, it began to expand, unfolding into a sleek sliver duel disk, the initials K.S. on it. "I am Kira Santoryu, I'm going to make sure that you never forget it little man." (Ki: 4000)

 

Kosuke unzipped his backpack, pulling his duel disk out of it. 'Santoryu? There's no way she could be related to him. I've got nothing to worry about.'

 

Strapping his duel disk to his arm, Kosuke smirked. "Defeating an Obelisk Blue student should definitely boost my rank." (Ko: 4000)

 

Ed stepped back, giving the two duelists a bit more space. 'Santoryu? Kosuke had better hope her last name is just a coincidence.' Ed thought to himself as the two duelists drew five cards from their respective decks.

 

Kosuke drew a six card from his deck, taking the first turn. "I summon Marauding Captain (1200/400) in attack mode." A man wearing silver plated armor, a red cape, and wielding two swords appeared before the boy.

 

"When this monster is normal summoned I can special summon another warrior-type monster from my hand, I choose Command Knight (1200/1900) in attack mode." A woman wearing red armor appeared next to Kosuke's other warrior.

 

"This monster increases the attack strength of all warrior-type monsters on the field by 400 points." Kosuke explained. { Marauding Captain (1600/400) Command Knight (1600/1900) }

 

"I set one magic or trap card and end my turn."

 

Kira drew her sixth card from her deck. "I summon Artillery Dragon LV3 (1500/1200) in defense mode." A reddish orange dragon wearing battle armor appeared before the girl.

 

"Dragon's Call allows me to special summon a level four or lower dragon-type monster from my hand in face-up attack or face-down defense as long as I have at least one face-up dragon-type monster on my field."

 

A face-down card appeared next to Kira's monster. "I set two magic or trap cards and end my turn. Your turn drop-out boy, I hope it'll be better than your first." She added.

 

Kosuke snorted as he drew another card from his deck, "It was good enough to put you on the defensive. I summon another Command Knight (1200+800/1900). Since I've got two out that means all of my monsters gain an 800 point boost, putting each of them at 2000 points."

 

Ed watched from the sidelines impressed. 'Wow, it looks like since our duel he's thought of some new strategies.'

 

"Hmph, I'll destroy every last one of your monsters this turn." Kira said confidently.

 

"Tch, that's the worst bluff I've ever heard. I activate the magic card Fissure, this card destroys your Artillery Dragon. Heh, so much for him."

 

Kira looked unfazed as her monster exploded into millions of tiny pixels. "Done yet?"

 

"Of course not, I'll have my Marauding Captain attack your face-down monster!"

 

Kira's hand shot over one of her face-down cards, "I activate my Staunch Defender trap card and chain with the instant magic of Transcendent Level Up, this card allows me to remove a LV monster from my graveyard and allows me to special summon that monster's next level!"

 

A bigger and bulkier version of Artillery Dragon LV3 rose from the ground, glaring at Kosuke as it's stats flashed on Kira's duel disk, (2700/2000). "That thing is a level five monster?" Kosuke asked in disbelief, Ed was thinking along the same lines.

 

"Since my Transcendent Level Up resolves first, my Staunch Defender is now in effect, all your monsters must attack my leveled up dragon!" Kosuke's three monsters launched themselves towards Kira's stronger one.

 

"Wait, no!" Kosuke shouted in vain.

 

"It's too late! Artillery Dragon, counterattack with Artillery Barrage!" An assortment of modern weaponry emerged from the various slots on the monster's battle armor. With a roar a hail of bullets rained down on Kosuke's monsters, easily destroying them. (Ko: 1900)

 

"Are you done now?" Kira asked smugly.

 

"I activate my Call of the Haunted, bringing back my Command Knight (1200/1900)." The female warrior returned to the field once more, a worried look on her face.

 

"I activate Swords of Concealing Light, this switches all your monsters to face-down defense position."

 

Kira frowned slightly as her monster disappeared beneath the card it came from.

 

"I set one magic or trap card face-down and end my turn." Kosuke declared, not nearly as confident as he was a few moments ago. 'Dammit! I can't let myself be beaten by some girl!'

 

Kira shook her head as she slid a card from her deck, "Coward. You think you can hide behind that spell card of yours? I activate Mystical Space Typhoon." Kosuke grimaced as his spell card was torn apart by the power of Kira's.

 

"This duel ends right here, I flip summon my Artillery Dragon LV5 and Obsidian Dragon (800/2100) in attack mode." A pitch black dragon appeared next to the larger dragon, it's body pitch black in color, it's red eyes were currently trained on Kosuke's field.

 

"When my two monsters attack, it'll be game over for you! Artillery Dragon, destroy that weakling of a monster!" Once again a hail of bullets rained down on Kosuke's field, ripping through his Knight and decreasing his life points even further. (Ko: 800)

 

Kosuke signaled to his set card, "Forbidden Trespassing ends the battle phase when I receive an attack, so I haven't lost just yet."

 

Kira shrugged as she placed the last card in her hand onto her duel disk, "All you're doing is dragging out this embarrassing display. I hate to say it, but you're a disgrace even to Osiris Red."

 

"What did you just say?" Kosuke gritted his teeth in pure anger.

 

"Just take your turn so I can get this over with, I was expecting you to at least make this amusing, but this is just pathetic."

 

"I'll show you pathetic!" Kosuke nearly tore a card from his duel disk, "Pot of Greed!" Swiftly drawing two cards, Kosuke continued his turn. "By discarding one card from my hand Tribute to the Doomed destroys your Artillery Dragon!"

 

The groans of mummies were heard as a hole opened in the ground. "I don't think so loser, I activate the trap card Attribute Change, this card allows me to change the attribute of any monster on the field to an attribute of my choosing, I choose dark."

 

"What good will that do you? Your monster is still destroyed!"

 

"That's where you're wrong, my Obsidian Dragon negates and destroys the effect of spell and trap cards that target a dark attribute monster on my field, and since Attribute Change changed my Artillery Dragon's attribute to dark, he fits the description."

 

Kosuke frowned as his chance to make a comeback was swiftly crushed. "The card I discarded in order to use Tribute to the Doomed was Repayment of Losses, which means I draw a card from my deck."

 

Sliding another card from his deck, Kosuke sighed. "I set one monster in face-down defense position. Turn end."

 

Ed looked back and forth between the two duelists, "Look, I know we're not on the best of terms, but don't give up Kosuke, if you're going to go down you should at least do it fighting!"

 

Kosuke turned to the black-haired boy, "Shut up! I can handle this without your support, idiot!"

 

"Oi! I was just trying to help!" Ed shouted back.

 

Kira snagged a card from her deck, "Are you two done arguing yet?"

 

"Just take your damn turn." Kosuke snarled.

 

"In a hurry to lose huh? Fine, Artillery Dragon attack his face-down monster!" Several of the dragon's weapons emerged from the slots of it's armor. A hail of bullets once again bombarded Kosuke's field.

 

When the smoke cleared a warrior wearing green armor and sporting blonde hair was kneeling defensively in front of Kosuke. "This is Obnoxious Celtic Guardian (1400/1200). This card is not destroyed as a result of battle against a monster with 1900 or more attack points."

 

"Tch, I switch my Obsidian Dragon to defense mode. You may have managed to save yourself this turn, but my dragon's special ability activates. When it battles a monster in defense position, I can level it up at my end phase. Artillery Dragon LV7 (3100/1300)."

 

Artillery Dragon's skin turned to a gray tint. It's body expanding with it's battle armor, it roared and flexed it's muscles as giant wings grew from it's back.

 

"It's only a matter of time before I finish you off, my new dragon has the special ability of sacrificing a monster and dealing half of it's attack points as damage to your life points at the cost of not being able to attack."

 

Kosuke drew another card from his deck. 'Dammit! I can't believe this is happening! No matter how hard I try to destroy it her monster only grows stronger!'

 

Kosuke looked at the card he had just drawn, 'Finally, I might be able to do something with this!'

 

"I activate Graceful Charity! I draw three cards." He slid three cards from the top of his deck. "Now I have to discard two." Sliding two of the three cards in his graveyard slot, another card slid from his deck.

 

"One of the cards I discarded was Repayment of Losses, which lets me draw another card."

 

"Now I activate the spell card Hyper Refresh! This card doubles my life points if the combined attack points of the monsters on your field exceed my life points." A green glow enveloped Kosuke's body as his life points received a much need boost. (Ko: 1600)

 

"When this is the only card in my hand I can normal summon it to the field, Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight (2300/2100). A blue armored man riding a horse appeared next to the elf warrior, two spears in it's firm grip.

 

"Now I'll attack your Obsidian Dragon! Swift Strike!" The horse riding knight tossed a spear over to Kira's field, which pierced her black dragon and destroyed it.

 

"In response to my monster's destruction, I'm activating my Jar of Greed trap card." Kira declared as she drew a card from her deck as a result of the card's effect.

 

Drawing another card from her deck, Kira looked bored. "I'll attack your Swift Gaia." The huge dragon bounded over to the horse riding knight, lifting it's giant hand into the air. Kosuke cringed as his monster was crushed in the ensuing attack. (Ko: 800)

 

"I activate the spell card Artillery Barrage, by removing a monster with Artillery Dragon in it's name from my graveyard, I can destroy one monster on your field." Artillery Dragon LV3 slid from Kira's graveyard slot, which she pocketed.

 

Kosuke grimaced as another hail of bullets assaulted his Guardian, effectively destroying it and leaving him defenseless.

 

"I'm not going to lose, I activate Treasure of Slashing Life! This card lets me draw five cards from my deck." Drawing five cards, Kosuke continued to explain the effect of his card. "The drawback is that I'll have to discard every card in my hand five turns later."

 

Kira put a hand on her hip, "I don't think I have to tell you that the duel won't last much longer, do I?"

 

Kosuke frowned, "That's because I'm going to win soon. I summon Command Knight (1200+400/1900)." Kosuke's third Command Knight appeared before him, a stern look on the female warrior's face.

 

"Double Summon allows me to summon again, this time I choose Exiled Force (1000+400/1000) in attack mode."

 

A band of pissed off looking warriors appeared, their anger directed at Kira's monster. "By sacrificing this monster I can destroy one monster on the field, your monster." The warrior in the middle raised his sword over his head, which seemed to be some sort of signal.

 

With a yell they charged at the dragon, which began swatting some of the warriors into oblivion with it's massive claws. "I'm not about to let my monster die so easily, I activate the effect of Dragonic Knight (2800/2300) in my hand. When the effect of a monster on my opponent's field activates an effect that destroys cards I control, I can send those targeted cards to the graveyard in order to special summon it to the field."

 

A humanoid dragon in sterling silver armor replaced Artillery Dragon. It was armed with a sword and shied, which was also silver.

 

'Dammit! I could have won in this turn!' Kosuke briefly thinks to himself. "I equip my Command Knight with Axe of Despair, Fusion Sword Murasame Blade, and Lightning Blade!" Kosuke declares as he slams all three cards in his hand onto his duel disk.

 

"This brings my monster's attack points up to 4200, now destroy her Dragonic Knight!" Kira watched in shock as Kosuke's monster ran charged towards her own, with a spinning slash, her dragon warrior fell to pieces. (Ki: 2600)

 

"My turn ends." Kosuke said, a smirk on his face.

 

Kira's eyes had a look of intense fury. "How dare you inflict damage to my life points Osiris trash! That's it! I'm done playing with you, I'm going to crush you where you stand!"

 

Kosuke shook his head, "Admit it, you've lost, there's no way this draw will make a difference."

 

Kira whipped a card from her duel disk, Ed could have sworn he saw a pulse of energy from the card she had just drawn, but he shook it off as a part of his imagination. "I activate Pot of Greed!"

 

Drawing two more cards, Kira continued, "Heavy Storm destroys all of your pathetic equip cards!" A powerful storm erupted from the spell card, destroying Command Knight's equipped Axe of Despair and Lightning Blade.

 

"Fusion Sword Murasame Blade can't be destroyed by cards that destroy spell cards." Kosuke said, glad that at least one of his equip cards survived.

 

Ignoring that bit of information Kira pressed on, "I activate Emergency Supply, when this is the only card in my hand I can send it to the graveyard to draw two more cards from my deck."

 

Snatching two more cards from her deck, Kira grinned ferally. "I activate Monster Reborn! Return Artillery Dragon LV5 (2700/2000)!"

 

With a mighty roar, the powerful level five dragon returned to Kira's field, baring it's razor sharp fangs at Kosuke's weaker monster. "This card will end this duel! I equip my dragon with Artillery Cannon! This card can only be equipped to an Artillery Dragon, it increases it's attack points by 100 times the number of stars it has, and since my monster is a level five, that's 500 extra attack points!" (3200/2000)

 

"Artillery Dragon, attack with Artillery Cannon!" The dragon's chest plate opened, a giant cannon slowly emerging from it.

 

With a mighty roar, the cannon fired an intense re energy beam towards Kosuke and his monster. Kosuke braced himself as the blast seemed to negate his monster from existence rather than destroy it. (Ko: 0)

 

Kosuke fell to his knees as the last of his life points drained away. 'I can't believe it, I've lost. I've lost again!'

 

Ed blinked in confusion, wondering why Kira's dragon hadn't disappeared once the duel had ended.

 

Kosuke looked up, surprised to see Artillery Dragon looking down on him, it's chest cannon still extended from it's chest. "What's going on?" He asked, just as confused as Ed was.

 

"Artillery Cannon has another effect, by halving the attack of the monster it's equipped to, it can attack twice in a battle phase. I told you I was going to make you suffer, Artillery Dragon, fire!"

 

Kosuke's eyes widened in surprise as the cannon began to glow.

 

"Stop it! The duel is already over!" Ed shouted.

 

"The duel isn't over until I say it's over!" Kira responded.

 

Kosuke screamed in pain as the cannon's energy beam fired upon him at point blank range, even though it was only simulated pain, he could feel his conscious slipping away from him.

 

Once the attack subsided, Kira's dragon finally dispersed. Ed ran over to Kosuke's unconscious body. "Oi! You went too far with that last attack, you're going to have to answer to me now!"

 

Kira walked away from the boy, "Sorry, but I'm not going to be giving another low class duelist the honor of dueling against me today." She sneered. Without another word, she left the two boys in the middle of the path.

 

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 7:The Blue Bomber]"Mythical Beast Phoenix (2900/2100) attack directly for the win!" The giant bird consisting of fire let out a screech as it unleashed a wave of flames upon a boy wearing a yellow blazer.

 

As the holograms faded Hiro walked over to his fallen opponent, extending his hand to him. The boy looked hesitant for a second, but accepted. Hiro pulled the boy to his feet. "Thanks for the duel."

 

The boy gave Hiro a weak smile and walked away from him, pushing through the crowd that was gathered around the two duelists. John walked over to Hiro and grabbed his arm, raising it into the air. "Ladies and gentlemen that was Duel Academy's own White Lightning in action!" He proclaimed.

 

People began to whisper amongst themselves upon hearing John's declaration, while others began to leave, having already gotten wind of another duel in progress.

 

Hiro sweatdropped, "White Lightning? What are you talking about?" He asked confused.

 

As the crowd finally began to disperse Hayato walked over to his two friends, munching on a candy bar as usual. "You don't know?" He questioned.

 

Hiro's look of confusion did not fade.

 

"There are some students who gain titles for themselves. For example, John's title is Ra Reje-" Hayato was cut off as John placed a hand over his mouth.

 

"Shhh. He doesn't need to know that." He whispered to the dark haired boy.

 

Hiro looked thoughtful for a moment. During the entire month he had been at Duel Academy, he had participated in several duels, all of which he won, besides his duel against Hayato, which he figured didn't really count since he wasn't using his own deck at the time.

 

"Hmmm, I've only been here for a month, I think it's a bit too soon for me to go around calling myself White Lightning." Hiro decided after some time.

 

"But it is a cool title, don't you think?" John questioned.

 

Hayato took a rather large bite of his candy bar. "Better than Ra Reje-" Hayato was once again cut off as John placed his hand over his mouth.

 

Hiro shook his head, sometimes he just didn't understand his roommates.

 

The students of Deck Construction and Analysis 101 shuffled out of the classroom as the bell signaling the end of class sounded. Hitaki twirled a strand of her hair as she waited for the line to the door to move, oblivious to the fact that someone was watching her.

 

That someone was Edgar Knight, self-proclaimed Ace of Osiris Red. 'Okay, today's the day. Today's the day Hitaki Aono becomes my girlfriend.' The boy thought to himself confidently. He knew his plan was sure to work. He would walk over to her, introduce himself, tell a few jokes, and then bam! She'd fall head over heels for him.

 

Okay, so maybe it wouldn't be that easy, but he didn't really have any experience with girls, what he did know was what he saw in movies, which he figured would be good enough. If not, well, he'd just have to improvise. He was good at that...usually.

 

As Hitaki exited the room Ed followed closely behind her, going over his plan in his head a few times to get ready. He was about to open his mouth to say something when Hitaki tripped, heading face first to the floor beneath her. He reached out to catch her but missed by a mere inches.

 

Hitaki closed her eyes, waiting for the inevitable pain that would come when landing face first but found herself pressed against a very strong chest instead. Opening her eyes, she found that the chest belonged to a very handsome young man, who was currently gazing down at her.

 

He gently placed her on her feet. Hitaki looked up at the older and taller teen. The guy who had saved her from a painful fall was two or three inches away from being six feet tall, wearing an Obelisk Blue uniform that consisted of a uniform top styled as a trench coat.

 

His short hair was a deep blue, as well as his eyes. He smiled, showing off his perfectly white teeth. Hitaki merely stared in awe at the young man before her.

 

"T-thanks." Somehow she had been saved by the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on. She could feel the heat rising to her face. "I'm...H-Hitaki A-Aono." She sputtered.

 

"Glad to be of help." The boy replied. "I'm Kai Hideki." He bowed to her, "I wish I could say more, but I have to be on my way." With those words, the handsome young man sprinted off, leaving a love struck Hitaki behind.

 

"Bye." She waved to his retreating form, sighing happily. Several other female students who had watched the whole scene unfold had the same dreamy expression on their faces as well, waving their goodbyes.

 

Ed frowned, 'I don't believe this! Who does this guy think he is? Here I am, working up the courage to finally talk to her, and some guy comes and sweeps her off her feet in no time flat! This guy isn't going to get away with this!' Ed thought to himself angrily.

 

The last class of the day had finally ended and Hiro found himself standing in front of Professor Fuyuski, a confused expression on his face. "I would like your assistance with something." The professor said, looking through one of the drawers in his filling cabinet.

 

"I'm going to be grading papers." Fuyuski stated, motioning to two stacks of papers, one which was much larger than the other by at least six inches. "I need you to input the grades into the computer. I'll also need you to file them."

 

Hiro sweatdropped, looking at the two stacks, he hoped the smaller stack was his. Looking back to the professor, his question was answered. "The larger stack is yours."

 

Hiro sighed as he picked up the larger stack. Sitting down at the small table next to the professor's desk he grabbed at the corner of the first paper only to feel it pull back, which meant it was several pages instead of one.

 

Glancing at it, Hiro realized that it was at least fifteen or more pages thick, even single spaced. 'Who could have written all this?' Hiro thought to himself in disbelief. He looked at the paper more closely, checking the title and the name of the student who had written it.

 

"The Effectiveness of An Elemental Hero Deck." He stated out loud as he read the title. Looking underneath the title Hiro found the student's name. "Kai Hideki. Whoever this guy is, he must be something else." Hiro muttered.

 

"What was that?" Fuyuski asked from his desk.

 

Hiro turned to him, "Um nothing. I was just surprised about the length of a report, that's all." He answered.

 

Fuyuski nodded, "Ah. You must mean Kai Hideki. He is quite a unique student. It's no surprise that he is the second highest ranked student in this school." He replied.

 

Hiro looked back down at the thick report in his hand. 'Second highest ranked student in the entire school?' His eyes widened once he noticed something he hadn't before. 'This is for a level 401 class? But he's only a second year student! Since Duel Academy is only a three year school, even third years are lucky enough to get into one or two classes in the 401 range. There must be some really incredible duelists here.'

 

Looking over to the computer, Hiro pulled up the file pertaining to the class. He was surprised to see only ten names on the list, only one of which he recognized. "Kazuki Takahashi, Kai Hideki, Sakura Inoue..." He trailed off.

 

Looking at the numbers next to the student's names his surprise faded. "Well it makes since that the top three students in the school are in such a class.'

 

Hiro turned to the professor, 'He teaches dueling classes on all four levels, he must be an incredible duelist.' Turning away from the man, he shook his head. 'If I keep letting myself get distracted I'll never get anything done.' And with that thought in mind, Hiro finally got to work.

 

Ed peeked behind a tree, he was currently stalking his prey, watching as he helped a turtle that had fallen on it's shell get back on it's feet and prying a twig from the foot of a rabbit. Smiling, the young man went on his way, Ed following closely behind.

 

Stopping by a nearby pond, Kai turned around. "How long do you plan on following me?" He asked.

 

'What? How did he know I was following him?' Ed wondered briefly. Peeking through a bush, he saw that Kai was staring right at him from his spot near the pond. 'Whoa, he even knew exactly where I was hiding?'

 

Stepping out of the bush, Ed frowned.

 

Kai seemed relieved, "For a minute there I thought you were another one of my fangirls stalking me." His look of relief quickly faded, "Wait, don't tell me you're a fanb-"

 

A vein throbbed on Ed's temple. "Don't. You. Dare. Finish. That. Sentence." He warned.

 

Kai once again looked relieved. "Okay, so that's not it. I'm glad. But I have to ask, why are you following me?" Kai questioned.

 

"Kai Hideki, I challenge you to a duel!" Ed's duel disk slid into position, his deck locked into place as well. The life point counter lit up, and he drew five cards, glaring at the handsome Obelisk Blue standing a few feet away from him. (E: 4000)

 

"You look a little upset." Kai pointed out, observing the boy's facial expression.

 

"Well of course I am. You see, there's this girl I've had my eye on for some time and now she's fawning all over you. I'm not about to sit by and do nothing! So start up your duel disk and draw!" Despite Ed's anger, Kai seemed amused.

 

Pressing the button on the brace on his arm, Kai's duel disk expanded and he slipped his deck into the holder. "Don't get me wrong, I'm always up for a duel, but how exactly is this going to help your situation?" (K: 4000)

 

Ed looked confused for a moment before answering, "Um...it'll make me feel better?" He answered, now that he thought about it, he really didn't know. Even if he did win it wouldn't change the fact that Hitaki liked this guy.

 

Drawing a card from his deck, he steeled his resolved. "Look, stop trying to confuse me."

 

Drawing five cards from his deck, Kai said, "I don't really like meaningless conflicts, but I accept your challenge."

 

Ed placed one of the cards in his hand onto his duel disk, "I summon Spear Dragon (1900/0) in attack mode!" A creature with a spear shaped nose, from which it got it's name, appeared before the boy.

 

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn." Ed finished as he placed two of the remaining five cards in his hand unto his duel disk, ending his turn.

 

Kai drew a card from his deck, "Pretty impressive opening move." He complimented. "Now, it's time for me to summon the card which earned me the title of the Blue Bomber of Duel Academy!" The handsome young man declared.

 

"Blue Bomber?" Ed repeated.

 

"Since you're a first year, I'm not surprised you don't know of my title." Kai responded as he held up a monster card. "So I think this card will be perfect for your first impression of me. I summon Megaman X (1800/1500) in attack mode."

 

A humanoid encased in blue armor appeared before the young man. One of it's arms seemed to be some sort of cannon, it looked at Ed's monster sympathetically. "This is my signature monster, Megaman X, the reluctant hero who fights for peace and justice, also known as the Blue Bomber." Kai explained.

 

"I've never heard of such a card." Ed replied, observing the monster before him.

 

"Well this card is actually based off a rather old video game franchise made by a company named Capcom. A few years back Industrial Illusions came out with a series of cards that were based on video game franchises, most duelists only saw them as novelty cards, so they aren't widely used." Kai explained.

 

"Well, that's enough of the history lesson, I equip my monster with Double Buster, this card gives my monster a 200 attack point boost and allows my monster to attack twice if it's first attack is successful." Kai explained as the blue armored man's other arm became a cannon, it's attack point counter rising to a solid 2000.

 

Kai looked at Ed's two set cards. "Let's see what you have waiting in store for my hero, Megaman X, attack with a charged Buster Shot!" Holding out one of it's cannons, Megaman X began to glow a light blue, then green, and finally purple.

 

A blast of plasma energy erupted from it's cannon, slamming into Ed's monster and destroying it. (E: 3900)

 

Ed motioned to his set card, "I activate my trap card, Dragon Rebirth. This card allows me to special summon a dragon-type monster in my graveyard that was destroyed during battle this turn in defense mode." Ed explains as his Spear Dragon returned to the field, it's wings folded in front of it defensively.

 

Kai smirked, "Megaman X's special ability activates, when it destroys a monster in battle, it gains the defeated monster's special ability. Which means he now can deal damage through defense. Megaman X, attack with Spear Shot!"

 

Megaman X lifted it's second arm, a spear erupted from it's cannon, piercing Ed's monster and destroying it once more, taking a large portion of Ed's life points with it. (E: 1900)

 

As Megaman X crouched defensively thanks to it's new effect, Kai continued his turn. "I set one magic and trap card face-down and end my turn for now." Kai declared, leaving him with three cards in his hand.

 

'I hate to admit it, but this guy is good. I'll have to go all out from the very beginning.' Ed thinks to himself as he draws another card from his deck. "I summon Lord of Dragons (1200/1100) in defense mode." A man wearing skeletal armor and a cape emerged on the field.

 

"Now I reveal my face-down card, Flute of Summoning Dragon, when Lord of Dragons is on the field, I'm allowed to special summon two dragon-type monsters from my hand." The caped man grabbed the dragon shaped flute and began to play a soft melody on it.

 

"Now I special summon Cave Dragon (2000/100) and Des Volstgalph (2200/1700) in attack mode." The two dragons appeared next to the man as he played the last note of the soft melody.

 

"Next up is Pot of Greed." Drawing two more cards, Ed smirked upon seeing what the two cards were, Thunder Dragon and Polymerization. "Since I activated a spell card, my Des Volstgalph gains 200 attack points until the end of this turn." (2400/1700)

 

"By discarding Thunder Dragon (1600/1500) from my hand, I can add two more Thunder Dragons from my deck to my hand." Ed slid the named card into his graveyard slot. His duel disk churned and spat out the two cards that were described on the discarded card's text.

 

"Polymerization fuses the two Thunder Dragons in my hand, creating Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon (2800/2100) and since I've activated another spell card, my Des Volstgalph gains another 200 attack point boost!" (2600/1700)

 

The two-headed dragon emerged from the fusion vortex that had formed, roaring fiercely. "So, how do you like my army of dragons?" Ed asked.

 

"That's definitely one of the better rushes I've seen. It's even more impressive since they're dragons and not the usual warrior monsters that are used in these type of strategies." Kai commented.

 

His eyes roaming over each dragon on Ed's field, Kai says, "So you're going for quantity over quality huh? You do know that in this case, quality will win out."

 

Ed snorted, "My dragon's will end this duel here and now, Cave Dragon, you're up first!" Ed ordered.

 

Liquid metal encased Megaman X, which Ed' dragon bounced off of, much to his surprise. "What the heck?"

 

"I activated my trap card, Shock Buffer. This card equips to my monster this turn and protects it from being destroy ed through battle, and since it's in defense mode, I won't take any damage from any of your other attacks as well." Kai explained.

 

Ed pouted as he ended his turn, he was so sure that he had won, 'He used Spear Dragon's special ability to not only deal me damage, but to protect himself as well. This guy might actually be better than me...' Des Volstgalph's attack points returned to their original 2200.

 

Kai slid a card from his deck, "I have to say, you're really good for an Osiris Red. You're definitely good enough to be in Ra Yellow in my opinion."

 

"Don't think complimenting me will make me go easy on you." Ed replied.

 

"I wouldn't want you to, if you did this duel wouldn't be much fun. Since your Des Volstgalph's effect only applies to normal and quick-play spell cards, it won't be gaining any attack points from the next two cards I'm about to play."

 

"I activate the continuous spell card called Effect Purge, this card allows me to remove any effect that Megaman X has acquired, I choose to get rid of Spear Dragon's effect. While I'm at it, I'm switching him to attack mode." The armored hero stood up from it's defensive stance.

 

"Next I activate a equip spell card, Buster Upgrade. This card gives my Megaman X a 500 attack point boost and the ability to deal damage through defense." Kai explained as his monster's attack strength increased to 2500.

 

"Now, I think it's time you met another one of my monsters, when Megaman X is face-up on my field I can special summon this next monster, Zero (2100/1800)." A red armored man with long blonde hair appeared next to Megaman X, a green saber in his firm grip.

 

"Now Megaman will attack your Des Volstgalph!" A blast of plasma based energy slammed into the dragon, toppling it and shattering it into a million pieces. (E: 1600)

 

"Since your Lord of Dragon's special ability stops my monster from gaining your dragon's effect, I won't be able to gain it's ability to deal 500 damage when it destroys a monster and sends it to the graveyard, but what I can do is destroy your Lord of Dragons, X, attack!"

 

Another blast of energy erupted from the monster's cannon, vaporizing the monster. "Since Buster Upgrade allows my monster to deal damage through defense, you take damage equal to the difference between X's attack and your monster's defense." Kai explained. (E: 200)

 

"I'm not done yet though, Zero attacks your Cave Dragon!" The red armored man charged at the green dragon, in one swift motion, the dragon fell and exploded. (E: 100)

 

"Since X destroyed your Lord of Dragons, X gains it's effect, so I'm using my Effect Purge to get rid of it. I set one magic or trap card face-down and end my turn." Kai said confidently.

 

Ed snagged a card from his deck, 'Okay, I've only got 100 life points left while pretty boy has a full 4000. Man am I glad no one is here to witness this.' Ed thought to himself. "My Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon will attack your Megaman X!" Ed declared as the monster charged up it's attack.

 

"The trap card Shift switches your attack target to Zero." Kai explained as his face-down card flipped upward. Zero jumped in front of the blast's path, taking the attack for the blue armored man. (K: 3300)

 

Ed noticed that Kai's remaining monster looked visibly upset. "Hey, what's up with your monster?" He asked.

 

"X and Zero have gone on many missions together throughout the Megaman X video game series, of course he'd be upset, his best friend just took the fall for him." Kai informed his opponent. "Neither I or X are going to take this lightly."

 

Ed frowned, he suddenly felt like attacking wasn't the best choice he could have made. "I um...set one magic or trap card face-down and end my turn." He finished.

 

Kai slid a card from his deck, "I activate Treasure From Heaven, this card allows both players to draw from their decks until they both have six cards in their hands." Since neither duelists had any cards in their hands, they both drew six cards from their decks.

 

'Hmmm...mostly monsters.' Kai mused to himself, looking over his new hand. "I activate the spell card Charged Buster Shot, this card allows my monster to destroy one face-up monster on your field." X pointed his cannon at Ed's two-headed dragon.

 

A large purple wave of energy issued from the cannon, incinerating Ed's monster and leaving him with just a set card to protect himself. "I activate my trap card, A Sacrifice Not In Vain! When a monster on my side of the field is destroyed in anyway, I gain that monster's attack or defense points as life points." Ed explained as his life point counter began to rise. (E: 2900)

 

"Nice save, but X can still attack." X fired off another shot, Ed braced held up one of the six cards in his hand as the blast surged towards him.

 

"By discarding Kuriboh (300/200) from my hand the battle damage I receive from your attack is reduced to zero." Ed explains as the blast sails past him harmlessly.

 

"You managed to avoid losing again, that's some luck you've got there." Kai commented. "I summon Reploid Defender (0/2500) in defense mode." A large bulky robot appeared next to the blue armored man, crouching defensively.

 

"My turn ends here."

 

Ed drew a card from his deck, ready to make his comeback, "I summon Red-Eyes Black Chick (800/500) in attack mode." A small red egg appeared on the field, a small black dragon's head was peeping through the crack that ran along the top of it.

 

"By sacrificing this card, I can special summon the legendary Red Eyes Black Dragon (2400/2000) from my hand!"

 

Kai looked at the dragon, impressed, "Not many copies of this card exists."

 

"I'm not stopping here, by sacrificing my dragon, I can special summon it's ultimate form, Red Eyes Darkness Dragon (2400/2000) in attack mode!" The black dragon roared as it emerged from the card, fixing Kai's monster with a cold glare.

 

"This monster gains 300 attack points for every dragon-type monsters in my graveyard, since I have eight dragon-type monsters in my graveyard, my monster's attack strength increases to 4800!" Ed informed his opponent.

 

Kai whistled, once again impressed by his opponent, "That's a lot of attack points."

 

"Now my monster will attack your Megaman X!" Ed ordered, his dragon opening it's maw as a result.

 

"My Reploid Defender's special ability activates, forcing your dragon to attack it instead." Ed's dragon unleashed a wave of flames upon the bulky monster, burning it away into ashes.

 

Ed frowned, 'There goes my chance to deal some real damage.' He thought glumly.

 

Looking at the three remaining cards in his hand, Ed grinned, they were Negate Attack, Draining Shield, and Trap Jammer. "I set three cards face-down and end my turn." He delcared.

 

"Okay, my draw. I'm activating the card I've just drawn, Pot of Greed, which lets me draw two cards." Kai swiftly draws two more cards.

 

"Now I'll activate one of those cards, Giga Attack! This card can only be activated when Megaman X is on the field. At the cost of X's attack I choose between two effects, destroy all spell and trap cards on my opponent's field, or all of my opponent's monsters, I choose the first one."

 

X raised his cannon into the air, unleashing a volley of shots. Several seconds later the orbs made of plasma rained down on Ed's field, destroying his set cards, leaving him with only his dragon.

 

'It's fine, there's no way he can take down my monster, especially since his monster can no longer attack.' Ed reassured himself.

 

"Now I'm sacrificing Megaman X for one of his upgraded forms, Force Armor X (2400/2100)." Ed watched as several pieces of armor surrounded Kai's monster. One by one the pieces of armor attached to X, until his new form was complete.

 

"This is one of X's many upgraded forms, one of it's effects is that it retains any equip spell cards X might have had on him." Kai explained as his monster's strength increased to 3100.

 

"This version of X however, cannot make a direct attack, so it won't be able to use Double Buster's second effect. Now I'll discard my Reploid Technician (500/500) from my hand in order to add an equip spell card from my hand."

 

Kai slid the named card into his graveyard slot. "The card I've chosen is Zero's Saber. This card can only be equipped to Megaman X and only if Zero is in the graveyard. Since Force Armor X is treated as Megaman X, I can equip this card to him."

 

X swung his new saber around a few times, as if testing it out. "Zero's Saber increasing X's attack strength by 1000 points." (4100/2100) "I told you destroying Zero would come back to haunt you." Kai said.

 

"But your monster's current attack strength is only 4100, it's not strong enough to defeat my monster in battle." Ed replied.

 

"I'm getting to that, I activate the quick-play spell card Sharp Shooter, this card allows me to switch a monster on your side of the field's battle position to whichever has the lowest stat. Since your dragon's defense points are lower than it's attack, it's switched to defense position." Kai explains as Ed's dragon takes on a defensive stance.

 

'Darn, with his Buster Upgrade he'll be able to deal me damage through defense, but I'll still have 800 life points left.' Ed thought to himself briefly.

 

"I've got some bad news for you, any battle damage that Force Amor X inflicts to my opponent is doubled, hence his name."

 

"W-What?" Ed sputtered in surprise.

 

"Time to end this duel, Force Armor X attack his dragon!" In a burst of speed X dashed over to Ed's monster, lifting it's saber upwards, the dragon fell in twain as Ed's life points dropped to zero. (E: 0)

 

As the holograms faded, Kai smirked, "Thanks, that was a fun duel." The two duelists turned as they heard nearby shouting. A pack or teenage girls were rushing towards the two, hearts in their eyes.

 

"Uh-oh, looks like they've found me again." Kai said.

 

As the mob of fangirls neared Kai turned away. "Sorry, but I've got to go." With those final words he sprinted off, leaving Ed to be trampled as the fangirls chased after him.

 

'Some guys just get all the luck.' Ed thought to himself, wincing.

 

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 8: The Beauty of Duel Academy]The teachers of Duel Academy were currently gathered together in one of the various conference rooms set up throughout the school. They had all been called together by the principal for this meeting rather suddenly, so they were obviously curious as to why.

 

Sitting at the far end of the room was the principal herself, an air of youthfulness surrounded her, though it was a known fact that she was in her early fifties among the staff and a select few students. "Well it seems everyone is here." She said, her eyes scanning over the room to make sure her claim was true.

 

Professor Fuyuski nodded, "Indeed."

 

Ms. Taragi cleared her throat. "The reason I called you all here is because I have a proposal." She stated. Many of the teachers had a look of confusion on their faces, this was obviously something they were not expecting.

 

"What kind of proposal?" Professor Oyamada asked.

 

"A party." The principal responded.

 

"A party? And when would such an event be held?" A bespectacled man asked, wearing a fancier version of the Obelisk Blue uniform.

 

"In five days." Taragi answered.

 

"Five days? That doesn't give us enough time." Professor Haji, the youngest of the teachers, commented, furrowing his brow. "Besides that, the school budget is currently directed at expanding the dorms for next year."

 

"You don't need to worry about that, I'll take care of the cost, it won't be a big event anyway, just a little something for the students to enjoy." Taragi countered. "They probably need it."

 

"I think it's a wonderful idea." A female teacher spoke up, supporting the principal. "The students have just started to adapt to school life. No doubt their feeling a bit overwhelmed, especially those who managed to get into any of your advanced classes." She said, looking at Professor Fuyuski. "This would be a great way to lighten their spirits."

 

"Well, how about we take a vote?" Oyamada suggested.

 

Everyone in the room nodded their heads in agreement. "Alright then, everyone for, raise your hand." One by one hands went into the air until everyone's hand was raised, except for Professor's Haji and Fuyuski.

 

Frowning slightly, Professor Haji raised his hand as well.

 

"Come on Fuyuski, everyone else is for it, you might as well raise yours as well." Taragi teased.

 

Fuyuski scowled, "It's obvious that the majority is for this event, the raising of my hand is not needed." He said stubbornly.

 

Taragi sighed as she lowered her hand, "Should have counted on stubborn old Fuyuski to not raise his hand." Looking slightly put out, Taragi's mood instantly changed. "Well I'll be on my way." Turning to the female teacher, she smiled. "I'll let you be in charge of organizing this event."

 

With those final words Taragi left the conference room, leaving a few of the teachers with confused looks on their faces. "Um...didn't she say she would take care of everything?" The female teacher known as Professor Shiho asked.

 

Fuyuski shook his head, "Since you've only been here for a short time, you wouldn't know this, but Ms. Taragi seems to like coming up with events and then pushing them onto us."

 

Professor Haji adjusted his glasses, "Sometimes I wonder how the woman even got her position." He said haughtily.

 

Sighing, Fuyuski stood up, "Well there's no point in complaining. You heard the woman, we've got five days to set this thing up."

 

"He beat me so easily I felt like a weakling. It was like he was so completely beyond me in level that I wasn't even a challenge for him. I don't think I have to tell you that this type of thing has ever happened to me before." Ed said from his spot on the top bunk, looking down at his roommate who was currently playing a fighting game on his game console.

 

"Why exactly are you telling me this?" The boy asked as his character on the screen was assaulted by an eleven hit combo. "You're quickly rising through the ranks of Osiris Red, bound to be number one soon, maybe even get into Ra Yellow. Someone whose at my skill level can't really give you any type of advice." He responded.

 

Ed shook his head, sighing. "And yet I was beaten so easily."

 

The boy sighed as his character on the screen was defeated, turning off the game console he turned his attention to Ed, who was still looking down at him glumly. "Come on man, this isn't like you at all. Just work your way up the ranks and face the guy again, you're bound to beat the guy eventually."

 

This brought Ed's spirits up, "You know what? You're right, I'll do just that. Just you wait Kai, I'll get you yet!" He exclaimed.

 

"Wait a minute, did you just say Kai?" The boy asked.

 

"Um, yeah? Why?"

 

"Kai as in I-get-all-the-ladies-without-even-trying Kai?"

 

Ed nodded, "Yeah? So what?" He asked.

 

"You might as well forget everything I've said, there's no way you'll ever beat him, he's the second highest ranked duelist in the entire school. No wonder you got beat as if you were nothing."

 

"Gee, thanks for the encouragement." Ed responded flatly as he rolled over in his bed.

 

Inserting a new disc into the game console, the boy shrugged it off, "Don't mention it, I'm just looking out for you."

 

It didn't take long for news to spread that a party was going to be held on the island and that a famous band known as the Burning Stars were going to be playing. Many students anxiously awaited the arrival of Friday, which was the day the party was going to be held on.

 

Hiro and Hayato were currently making their way to their next class, "So...got anyone in mind for the dance?" Hiro asked his dark haired friend over the noise of the passing students.

 

"Hmmm, no, not really." He responded. "What about you? Plan on taking my sister?" He asked.

 

Hiro turned a shade of crimson, "Um no, I really don't have anyone in mind either." Hiro stopped in mid-stride as Hayato stopped walking. "What's wrong?" He asked.

 

"You're blushing." He simply stated.

 

Hiro quickly turned away, brushing a strand of stray hair away from his face, failing to notice that a few girls were giggling at his flushed appearance. 'Am I that easy to read?' He thought to himself briefly as Hayato walked directly behind him, lazily chewing on a honey bun.

 

Music blared loudly around the island of Duel Academy, overpowering the hundreds of cheers from the students gathered together in a large pack in front of the stage where the famous band known as the Burning Stars finished their first song for the night.

 

Hayato sipped on his cup of juice as a slow song started up, many students scrambling to find a partner. Ed, who was standing next to him stared into his cup of juice, watching the swirling motions of the liquid.

 

Sighing loudly, he grumbled under his breath, causing Hayato to finally take notice of him. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but what's got you so depressed?" He asked the boy.

 

Ed turned to him, it took him a few seconds to recognize him. "Hayato Aono...right? Looks like your luck is as bad as mine."

 

"Luck?" Hayato questioned. Looking out to the dance floor, where a few couples were dancing, Hayato turned back to the boy. "Honestly, it's not that big a deal. Just go up to a girl and ask her." He advised.

 

"Well if it's that easy then why aren't you on the dance floor?" Ed commented, thinking that the dark haired boy was trying to make fun of him.

 

Sighing heavily, the lazy analyst stood up to his full height. "Fine, I'll show you." Walking away from the tables of food he approached a group of students and picked out a girl with blonde hair. He gave a formal bow and extended his arm to the girl.

 

The girl giggled lightly, a blush adorning her cheeks before taking the offered arm. Ed looked on in disbelief as the two danced to the music. "I don't believe this." He said aloud.

 

"Believe what?" A voice asked. Turning Ed was greeted with the inquisitive face of Hiro.

 

Before Ed could answer two girls were by Hiro's side. "Hiro-kun come dance with us." They said in unison, tugging on his arm.

 

"Um I kinda just got done dancing, could I take a little break first?" He asked.

 

"But the night's still young." The two girls pouted, "You've got plenty of time to take a break later." The two girls responded, tugging on his arm a little harder this time.

 

Hiro vaguely had enough time to wonder how they were able to talk in unison like that before he was pulled back onto the dance floor, leaving Ed by his lonesome once more.

 

Ed turned away from the sight, his eye twitching slightly in annoyance. Frowning slightly Ed noticed a flock of girls crowding around a flustered looking Kai.

 

'Like I said, some guys just get all the luck.' Ed thought to himself, annoyed, his eyes downcast.

 

"Excuse me."

 

"What do you w-" As he lifted his eyes his words died out. Standing in front of him was a young woman who couldn't have been more than a year older than him, dressed in an Obelisk Blue uniform, though hers was looser than the standard, not to mention a longer skirt. Her hair was violet in color and she possessed piercing emerald green eyes.

 

"You're in the way of the fruit punch." She stated, fully expecting him to move immediately.

 

Ed continued to stare.

 

Several of the male students who had saw her make her way over to the tables of food were staring as well, which didn't bode well with their female dance partners, especially one Obelisk Blue student. "Hey you!" She shouted.

 

The girl brought her attention away from Ed and to the girl. The girl looked slightly surprised upon realizing who it was but had no intention of backing down, "You think you can just waltz in and steal the attention of every guy here?" She asked.

 

The girl didn't respond.

 

"Well I'm not having any of it!" She exclaimed.

 

Noticing that the students stopped dancing, the band stopped playing, wondering what was going on.

 

"I challenge you to a duel!" The girl said fiercely.

 

The students had cleared the dance floor and were now waiting eagerly for the duel to start. Both girls were standing on opposite ends of each other as they shuffled their decks. "You're mistaken in your assumption, but if you want to duel me so badly, I suppose I can't refuse." The violet haired girl said as she placed her deck into her duel disk.

 

The other girl didn't reply, slamming her deck home. Hiro tapped the nearest person and asked, "Who are those two?"

 

The person he had tapped was an Obelisk Blue student, though he wore more white than blue, which indicated that he was a second year student. "The one on the left is Sara Yukia, second year Obelisk Blue, and a powerful one I might add. And the one on the left is Sakura Inoue, also known as the Beauty of Duel Academy, she's a second year Obelisk too, she's obviously going to be the victor of this duel."

 

'Sakura Inoue, I remember seeing her name once before...' Hiro thought to himself.

 

Looking over to the computer, Hiro pulled up the file pertaining to the class. He was surprised to see only ten names on the list, only one of which he recognized. "Kazuki Takahashi, Kai Hideki, Sakura Inoue..." He trailed off.

 

Looking at the numbers next to the student's names his surprise faded. "Well it makes since that the top three students in the school are in such a class.'

 

A look of realization dawned on Hiro's face. 'Sakura Inoue, she's the third highest ranked duelist in the entire school!'

 

The girl known as Sara drew six cards from her deck, her life point counter lighting up as a result. (Sara: 4000) Sakura drew five from her own deck, "Let's get this duel underway." She said. (Sakura: 4000)

 

An extra plate extended from Sara's duel disk as she held up a green bordered card, "I activate the field spell card Venom Swamp!" The dance floor instantly changed to that of a damp swamp, several poisonous snakes swimming through it's venomous depths.

 

"I summon Venom Snake (1200/600) in attack mode." A fairly large purple snake with orange stripes running along the length of it's body emerged, baring it's poisonous fangs at it's opponent. "I set one magic or trap card face-down. Turn end."

 

Sakura drew a card from her deck, glancing at it. "I summon Speed Warrior (900/300) in attack mode." A monster wearing gray armor shot out of the card in a burst of speed, it came to a halt before the girl, ready for battle.

 

"I activate the equip spell Fighting Spirit. This card increases my monster's attack points by 300 points for every monster my opponent controls." Speed Warrior's attack rises to 1200 as the card strengthens it.

 

"Since I'm entering my battle phase Speed Warrior's original attack points double until the end of the battle phase." Sakura explains as her monster begins to glow a light blue in color, it's attack points increasing to 2100 as a result.

 

"Now I'll have Speed Warrior attack your Venom Snake." The armored warrior shot off like a rocket, spinning rapidly, causing the swamp waters to disperse from it's position. With a final spin it's foot connected with the monster's head, causing it to shatter into a million pixels and doing minimal damage to Sara's life points. (Sara: 3100)

 

Sara's hand shot over her face-down card. "I activate my trap card called Snake Whistle! When a reptile monster on my field is destroyed I can special summon a level four or lower reptile monster from my deck, I choose another Venom Snake." An identical snake appeared from the card, replacing the destroyed monster.

 

As Sakura's battle phase ended her monster's attack points decreased to 1200. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn." Sakura declared.

 

"Since it's your end phase Venom Swamp places a Venom Counter on your monster." Sara explained a snake leapt from the swamp and latched onto Sakura's monster, decreasing it's attack points to 700 points.

 

"For every Venom Counter on your monster, it's attack points decrease by 500 points." Sara explained. Sara slid a card from her deck, "I summon my final Venom Snake (1200/600) in attack mode." Another purple snake appeared next to Sara's current one. "Now I'll have it attack your Speed Warrior!"

 

The snake hissed as it slithered through the swamp making it's way towards Sakura's weakened monster. Depressing a button on her duel disk, one of Sakura's set cards flipped upwards, depicting the picture of a magician unleashing a spell. "I activate the quick-play spell card Master Magician's Incantation! This card allows me to activate a normal spell in my hand or field as if it were a quick-play spell card."

 

Depressing another button on her duel disk, her second set card flipped upwards. "By discarding one card from my hand..." Sakura slid her Repayment of Losses into her graveyard. Drawing another card from her deck, Sakura continued her play, "I can change the battle position of every monster on the field."

 

Sara frowned as her snake retreated, coiling it's body, as did her second Venom Snake as Speed Warrior crouched defensively. "Fine, I activate my two Venom Snake's special ability, at the cost of their attack I can place Venom Counters on my opponent's monster." Two snakes latched onto Speed Warrior's leg, it's attack points dropped to zero. With a groan the monster shuddered and shattered.

 

"When a monster with Venom Counter attached to it attack points drop to zero it's destroyed. I set two cards face-down and end my turn." Sara finished.

 

Sakura slid another card from her deck. "I activate the spell card Fissure, this card destroys a monster on your field with the lowest attack score, since both of your monsters are of the same attack strength, you have to choose which one is destroyed."

 

"It doesn't matter." Sara commented as one of her snakes were sucked into the swamp.

 

"I summon Junk Synchron (1300/500) in attack mode." A stubby robotic monster appeared before the girl. It wore an orange hat, which was the same color as the rest of it's armored body.

 

Hiro looked surprised. 'A tuner monster? I've never seen one used in a duel before. Just by looking at her you'd never guess she uses them.' Hiro mused to himself.

 

"When this card is successfully normal summoned I can special summon one level two or lower monster from my graveyard with it's effect negated." Speed Warrior returned in a flurry of speed, landing besides the orange monster.

 

"Now it's time for a Synchro Summon." Sakura declared.

 

'Synchro Summon?' The girl thought.

 

"When I have a tuner monster and a non-tuner monster on my field with the required number of stars I can synchronize the two to perform a Synchro Summon." Speed Warrior launched itself into the air, Junk Synchro becoming a bolt of light that encased it.

 

"Junk Warrior (2300/1300) in attack mode." A fairly large blue armored monster appeared from the merge. It wore a long white scarf and had two red orbs for eyes, in a burst of light it slammed into the swamp, displacing some of the poisonous water.

 

"Next I activate the spell card called Vision Wind, allowing me to revive my Speed Warrior (900/300) once more." The monster built for speed once again took to the field in a burst of speed alongside Junk Warrior.

 

"My Junk Warrior's special ability allows it to add the attack points of level two monsters on my field to it's own." Sakura said as her monster grew stronger. (3200/1300)

 

"Now my Speed Warrior will destroy your Venom Snake!" In a flash of light the fast warrior monster was upon Sara's monster, with a downward kick the creature hissed one final time and shattered under the pressure.

 

"Now my Junk Warrior will make the direct attack!"

 

Sara signaled to her face-down card, "I activate my trap card, Shedding Skin. When a reptile-monster on my field is destroyed as a result of battle I can special summon that monster back to the field in attack mode." In a flash of light the snake returned, this time in attack mode.

 

Junk Warrior's fist glowed a gold color as it charged the snake, the snake was quickly struck with a powerful rising uppercut, which sent it flying into the air before it exploded into a shower of pixels. (Sara: 1100)

 

"I activate my continuous trap card Damage Equals Reptile, when a receive damage from a battle with a reptile monster I can special summon a reptile monster from my deck with an attack equal or less than the battle damage I received. I choose Venom Boa (1600/1200)." A large blue snake emerged from the swamp, the venomous water dripping off of it's scaly body, it hissed in fury as it set it's sight on Sara's monsters.

 

"I set one magic or trap card face-down. Since it's my end turn my Speed Warrior is destroyed as a result of Vision Wind." The gray armored warrior exploded as Sakura finished her explanation, which meant her Junk Warrior's attack points returned to their original 2300.

 

"Don't forget that your monster gains a Venom Counter from Venom Counter, bringing it's attack points to a less threatening 1800." One of the many snakes in the swamp latched itself onto the Synchro monster and bit down on it's armored leg.

 

Drawing a card from her deck, Sara held up a spell card. "I activate Pot of Greed, allowing me to draw two more cards from my deck." Sara said as she drew two more cards from her deck.

 

"Monster Reborn revives my Venom Snake (1200/600)." The revived monster joined the larger snake on the field, hissing.

 

"Venom Boa can place two Venom counters on my opponent's monster at the cost of it's attack." Two more snakes bit into Sakura's monster, it's attack points dropping to 800 as a result. "My revived Venom Snake can place another Venom Counter on your monster." Another snake leapt from the swamp and latched onto Sara's monster, decreasing it's attack points even further. (300/1300)

 

Sakura's eyes narrowed, she knew her opponent was up to something.

 

"Now I tribute my two monsters in order to summon Vennominon, the King of Poisonous Snakes (0/0)." A large snake-like monster slowly rose from the swamp, donned in a red cape. Several snakes surrounded it, glaring at the weakened Junk Warrior.

 

"This monster gains 500 attack points for every reptile-type monster in my graveyard. Since I have four snakes, that's 2000 attack points. I think Junk Warrior has overstayed it's welcome, so Vennominon is going to have to get rid of him."

 

The serpentine monster lumbered towards the smaller monster, with every intent of crushing it into tiny pixels. "Junk Warrior isn't going anywhere quite yet, I activate the trap card Scrap-Iron Scarecrow, this card negates your monsters attack." A scarecrow made of nothing but scrap metal on a stick emerged from the card, causing the larger monster to retreat.

 

"Unlike most trap cards, this card is set onto my field once again rather than going to the graveyard." Sakura says as the card flips face-down, "The catch is that it can't be activated again in the turn that it's effect is used."

 

Sara frowned, unless she could summon another monster, she wouldn't be able to deal any real damage to her opponent. "I set one magic or trap card face-down, since my turn ends, your monster gains another Venom Counter and is destroyed."

 

Junk Warrior exploded as it's attack points dropped to zero. Sakura drew a card from her deck. "I activate the spell card Shift Down, by removing a Synchro monster, namely my Junk Warrior, in my graveyard from play I can draw two cards from my deck."

 

Drawing two more cards, Sakura continued with her play. "Graceful Charity allows me to draw three cards from my deck." Sakura drew three more times, "Now I have to discard two cards to my graveyard." She says as she slides her Bolt Hedgehog (800/800) and Shield Warrior (800/1600) to her graveyard.

 

"Now I'll activate the card I kept due to the effect of Graceful Charity, Mystical Space Typhoon destroys your Venom Swamp."

 

Powerful winds assaulted the area, lifting the dangerous waters, and any snakes that were lurking within it into the air and out of sight. "I summon Sonic Chick (300/300) in defense mode." A cute fluffy pink bird appeared before the girl, ducking for cover.

 

"When I successfully normal summon a monster I can special summon this next one from my hand, Turbo Booster (0/0) in defense mode." A yellow vehicle appeared next to the small bird.

 

"My turn ends, and since Venom Swamp is no longer in play, my monsters are safe."

 

Sara snorted as she drew a card from her deck, "Safe? I don't think so, I summon Venom Serpent (1000/1800) in attack mode." A green snake, much smaller than the other snake monsters that had appeared in the duel so far, appeared next to the larger monster.

 

"Venom Serpent will destroy your Sonic Chick."

 

"I activate my Scrap-Iron Scarecrow." Sakura declared as her trap card revealed itself once more. The serpent retreated, having been scared off. As the card flipped back down Sara smirked.

 

"Since you can't activate it's effect again, my Vennominon will pick up where my snake left off, destroy her Sonic Chick!"

 

The larger monster unleashed a wave of poisonous mist that enveloped the small monster, which withstood the attack, surprising Sara. "What's going on? Why wasn't your monster destroyed?"

 

"This card has a similar effect to Obnoxious Celtic Guardian, this card is not destroyed as a result of battle when this card battles a monster with 1900 or more attack points. Since your monster battled mine, my Turbo Booster's special ability activates, destroying your monster!" The vehicle monster revved it's engines up as Sakura explained it's effect.

 

In a burst of speed the monster shot of like a rocket, slamming into the stronger monster and causing a massive explosion and producing a screen of smoke. When the smoke faded, neither monster remained on the field.

 

"I end my turn." Sara says, put off by her monster's destruction. 'Since it was destroyed by an effect I can't activate it's special ability to revive it.' She thought to herself, displeased.

 

Sakura drew a card from her deck, beginning her turn. "I end my turn." She stated.

 

Sara drew a card, her eyes lighting up once she saw what it was, which Sakura took note of, "First I activate my set card, Jar of Greed allows me to draw a card from my deck."

 

Drawing another card, Sara smiled broadly. "I activate my quick-play spell card, Extra Draw, when a card is activated that allows a player to draw outside their draw phase, that player can draw two more cards from their decks."

 

Drawing two more cards from her deck, Sara had a look of utter confidence on her face. "By removing from play all reptile monsters I control and from my graveyard I can special summon this powerful monster, Ananta the Snake Dragon (0/0) in attack mode!" A giant snake with seven hissing heads appeared before the girl, looking down at the small bird which was currently shivering.

 

"This monster's attack and defense points equal the total amount of monsters I removed times 600 points, which means it's attack and defense points are now 3000 each." The monster only grew larger as it's attack and defense points began to climb.

 

"Since that was a special summon, I still have my normal summon, I choose another Venom Serpent (1000/1800) in attack mode." Another green snake appeared next to the much larger one.

 

"The spell card Sneak Attack allows a monster I control to attack outside my battle phase, go my Venom Serpent, attack!"

 

"My Scrap-Iron Scarecrow will negate your monster's attack!" Sakura declared as the trap card was once again activated, negating the monster's attack.

 

Sara smirked, "Now it's time for my actual battle phase, Venom Serpent can now attack without worry." The green serpent slithered it's way towards the small bird with every intent of destroying it. The spectral image of a monster holding a shield appeared before Sakura's monster.

 

"By removing my Shield Warrior in my graveyard from play my Sonic Chick can't be destroyed by this battle." Sara frowned as her snake was thrown back.

 

"I can't be caught off guard that easily." Sakura stated.

 

Sara ground her teeth in frustration. "Fine, I activate the spell card Snake Venom, by sending a reptile monster on my field and in my deck to the graveyard I can inflict 1000 points of damage to my opponent." Sakura slid her two Venom Serpents to the graveyard, a wave of poisonous mist spewing from the spell card as a result.

 

Sakura was enveloped within the mist, her life point counter dropping by 1000 points as a result. (Sakura: 3000)

 

"My turn ends." Sara says.

 

Sakura snags a card from her deck. "I think this duel has gone on long enough. I summon Nitro Synchron (300/100) in attack mode." A ridiculous looking pink monster emerged from the card.

 

Holding up the last card in her hand, Sakura says "Synchro Return allows me to special summon a Synchro monster that was removed from play, which means my Junk Warrior (2300/1300) returns to the field." The blue armored warrior returned in a burst of light. The monster's attack strength increased to 2600 as a result of it's effect.

 

"It's time for another Synchro Summon, Junk Warrior and Nitro Synchron synchronize!" The small pink monster become an orb of light, circling around Junk Warrior, encasing it in a red light. In a burst of flames a new monster emerged. It was green and blue in color, having several pipes protruding from it's body.

 

"This is Nitro Warrior (2800/1800), and when Nitro Synchron is used to Synchro Summon it, I can draw one card from my deck." Sakura explained as she drew another card from her deck.

 

"This card will end this duel, Gift of the Martyr. By offering my Sonic Chick, my Nitro Warrior gains it's attack points as it's own." Sakura says as her Sonic Chick disperses into tiny particles, her warrior's attack points increasing to 3100 as a result.

 

"Your monster may be stronger than mine, but it still isn't strong enough to end this duel with one attack, and with no other cards in your hand, you can't strengthen it any further." Sara points out.

 

"When I activate a spell card Nitro Warrior's attack points increase by 1000 points once during damage calculation, which means his attack points will be 4100, which means you'll be left with exactly zero life points. Nitro Warrior, attack Ananta!"

 

Sara braced herself as the pipes on the monster unleashed flames. Nitro Warrior's fist encased in flames as it unleashed a powerful uppercut, changing the monster into nothing more than dust. (Sara: 0)

 

As the holograms faded away Sakura turned away from the defeated girl. "I didn't think I'd have to go through so much trouble just to get some fruit punch." She commented as she walked over to the tables of food.

 

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 9: The Duel review part 1]For once, Hiro woke up before his two roommates did. Looking over at his calendar on the wall he smiled. 'Today is the duel review.' Tossing the blanket from his body he hopped out of bed, making his way towards the shower.

 

Twenty minutes later Hiro was inspecting himself in the mirror, the pendent which he usually wore tucked behind his shirt shined brightly, the sunlight reflecting off of it.

 

Hayato was casually going through his deck, making any changes he deemed necessary.

 

John was sitting in front of a pile of sixty or more cards, frantically going through them, "Which is better? Monster Reborn or Confiscation?" He asked his two roommates.

 

Hiro turned to him, "How about both?" He questioned.

 

"Both?" John repeated.

 

"How many cards do you have in your deck currently?" Hayato asked from his desk.

 

"Thirty-eight so far." John answered.

 

Hayato rolled his eyes, "Then just add those two cards." He said, slightly annoyed.

 

John placed the two cards into his deck, and shuffled. "Okay, I think I'm ready now." He said nervously.

 

"Just relax, if you get too nervous your not going to do very well." Hiro told the older teen.

 

Ed went through his deck leisurely, "You know what? I don't think I need to prep my deck." He told his roommate.

 

The boy sighed, shuffling his deck. "I guess this will have to do." Looking up at Ed, who was currently situated at the top bunk he shook his head. "You should take this more seriously. The duel review isn't something to take lightly."

 

"I just don't see the point of changing my deck for it." Ed replied.

 

"You do know that the duel review can advance us Osiris Red into the Ra Yellow Dorm, right?" The boy questioned.

 

Ed looked up from his deck, "Really? Hmmm...Edgar Knight, Ace of Ra Yellow. I don't know, doesn't have a very nice ring to it." He mused.

 

The boy shook his head, "Glad to see your back to our old self." He said flatly.

 

Ed grinned, "I don't stay down and out for long." He replied, hopping down from the top bunk, he stretched lazily.

 

"Well, knowing you, you just might make it into Ra Yellow today." The boy commented after thinking for a few seconds.

 

Ed waved the boy off, "Yeah, yeah, sure. Hey...where's Kosuke?" He asked, looking around for the moody teenager.

 

The boy looked surprised, "Bastard? Now that I think about it, he hasn't been hanging around here as much as he usually does."

 

Shrugging, Ed pocketed his deck. "Oh well, I'm sure he'll turn up eventually."

 

"Great Maju Garzett (2500/0), attack his Warrior of Light (1600/1800)!" A boy wearing a Ra Yellow blazer commanded. The fiendish monster unleashed a wave of skulls that slammed into the monster, effectively destroying it. (H: 2000)

 

"My turn ends." The boy said, placing the remaining card in his hand into his duel disk. "It's your move."

 

Hayato slid a card from his deck, depressing a button on his duel disk, his face-down card flipped over. "Call of the Haunted revives my Warrior of Light." A man wielding two curved swords and wearing an intensely bright armor reappeared before the boy.

 

Hayato was well aware that the professors were judging his duel, and that his friends were watching him, 'This duel is over, which means I'm one step closer to advancing.'

 

"Now I tribute both monsters to summon Light and Darkness Dragon (2800/2400) in attack mode." A large dragon replaced the two warriors, it's wings spreading outward. One half of the dragon shined intensely while the other half was a pitch black.

 

"When Warrior of Darkness is used to tribute summon Light and Darkness Dragon it gives it the ability to attack twice in a row if it's first attack is successful. And when Warrior of Light is used to tribute summon it, it gives my dragon a 500 attack point boost." Hayato explained as the dragon's attack strength increased. (3300/2400)

 

The boy looked down at his face-down card confidently. 'Go ahead and attack, I'll send it right back at you, and then I'll be one step closer to becoming an Obelisk Blue.' The boy thought smugly.

 

"Light and Darkness Dragon will destroy your fiend, Twilight Purge!" An orb made of light and dark energy erupted from the dragon's maw, careening towards the fiendish monster.

 

"Ha, this duel is mine, Magic Cylinder activates, which means your attack is going right back at ya!" The boy exclaimed as his card flipped over.

 

"That's where your wrong, by decreasing my dragon's attack and defense points by 500 points I can negate the effect of your trap card." The boy grimaced as the monster's attack slammed into his monster, destroying it and causing a massive explosion.

 

The boy looked down sadly as his life points trickled down to zero. (B: 0)

 

Hayato turned away from the boy, heading for the stands. 'Well that was easy.'

 

"Chrono Magician (1200/1000) attack directly for the win!" Hitaki's opponent grimaced as the last of her life points were blasted away by her monster.

 

Hitaki smirked, her opponent was a higher rank than her, which meant at the very least she would see a rise in her rank if she didn't manage to make it into Obelisk Blue. "That turned out well." She said to herself.

 

She marched through the door and then back up the stands. She spotted Hiro, John, and Hayato sitting together, a few of her friends were sitting just above the three. "Did you guys see me out there?" She asked enthusiastically.

 

As she sat next to Hiro, he smiled. "You're sure to go up in rank after that duel."

 

Everyone's attention went up to the board as names flashed across it, finally selecting two Osiris Red students to duel one another.

 

"Hmmm...I don't know either one of them." Hitaki said bored.

 

"Um, is this seat taken?" A nervous voice asked.

 

Hitaki looked up to see a dark-haired boy looking down at her. After a few seconds of staring at his face, she finally said, "You're Edgar Knight, right? Sure you can sit here, it's not like I'm holding it for anyone."

 

The boy sighed a sigh of relief, obviously glad that he wasn't turned down. "One of the duelist down there is my roommate." He said off-handedly.

 

"Really? Which one?" She asked.

 

"The shorter one with the caesar cut, his name is Shindo Amano."

 

"Then why don't we cheer for him?" Hiro suggested, overhearing the conversation.

 

The two Osiris Red students lowered their duel disks, the duel had finally ended in Shindo's victory. The Osiris Red student had been surprised that a few people were actually cheering him on during his duel, but was glad for the support, the duel was a close one. His position in the Osiris Red dorm probably wouldn't change though.

 

As the two students departed the field there was a small applause, coming from those who were being polite, besides other Osiris Red students, no one was really that interested in the duel.

 

"I wonder who their gonna choose next, I hope it's me!" Ed exclaimed from his seat, seeing his roommate pull off a victory got his adrenaline running.

 

Having overheard what Ed had said, Hayato leaned in his seat, "You do know the matches are selected based on dorm by a machine. It's completely random, nobody actually selects the duelists that face one another." Hayato informed the self-proclaimed Ace of Osiris Red.

 

"Yeah, yeah." Ed waved the boy off, "Look their about to choose who's next!" He said, pointing towards the board." The others looked up at the screen above them which displayed who would be dueling who.

 

Seconds later the screen lit up fully, showing the first selected duelist. A shy looking girl with long black hair and violet eyes in a Ra Yellow uniform appeared as the picture. Hitaki blinked, "Rei Taizo, she's the highest ranked first year Ra Yellow student, not to mention she got a perfect score on the written portion of the entrance exams, who ever is going up against her is going to have a real fight on their hands." She commented.

 

As if on cue, a picture of a smiling boy with hair that was almost pure white appeared next to Rei's. There was a pause as the others turned towards the picture's real life counterpart. Hiro stood up, slipping his deck into his duel disk that was already strapped to his arm. "Well, wish me luck guys."

 

Without another word he started walking towards the ring. As expected a chorus of good lucks came from his friends. Looking up at the girl's picture, Hiro allowed the memory of their first (and only) meeting to play over in his head.

 

Hiro turned at the sound of light footsteps. A shy looking girl about an inch taller than himself took a step back. "Oh...I didn't think anyone would be out here, since it's so late." The soft-spoken girl said.

 

Hiro immediately recognized the girl's violet eyes and long black hair, "Hey your that Rei Taizo, aren't you? The one who got a perfect score on both portions of the entrance exam?" Hiro asked.

 

The girl looked away, "That's right."

 

"Its nice to meet you, I'm Hiro Katsuya." Hiro extended his arm to the girl. The girl looked slightly surprised, apparently having expected something entirely different to happen.

 

After several seconds Hiro's hand went back to his side, she obviously didn't want to shake his hand. "So...I didn't see you earlier..." Hiro trailed off, trying to start a conversation with the girl, maybe even become her friend.

 

The girl joined Hiro, gazing out towards the sea. "Well...since I got the highest score I knew a lot of people were going to want to challenge me so..."

 

"You decided to hide." Hiro finished for her. The girl nodded. 'Weird.' Hiro thought to himself.

 

"Do you really think so?" The girl asked, causing Hiro to step back in surprise.

 

"What?"

 

The girl turned to leave, "It's...its nothing. Just thinking to myself out loud, that's all."

 

Hiro watched as the girl walked away from him. 'What was that about?'

 

As both duelists stepped into the ring, one the white haired Hiro, and the other the dark haired Rei, several students were watching with particular interest. Kai in particular was watching with an amused expression on his face. "It's that same kid with the weird hair." He commented to himself.

 

"That kid has a name." A voice replied. Kai glanced over his shoulder, Kazuki and Sakura were standing behind him. "And as I've said before, you're hardly one to talk."

 

"You know, I still don't know what you mean by that." Kai replied.

 

Hiro was currently holding five cards in his hand, his duel disk already activated. (H: 4000) "Rei Taizo, we've met once before, do you remember?" He asked.

 

In response the girl activated her duel disk and drew six cards from her deck, "Yes." She said softly. (R: 4000)

 

Hiro was expecting her to say more, but she didn't. "Well, let's get this thing started." Hiro suggested, Rei nodding in agreement. Above them the screen lit up, showcasing their current life points and field.

 

Grabbing one of the six cards in her hand, Rei made her opening move. "I set a monster in defense mode. Then I'll place two face-down cards behind it. End."

 

Hiro drew slowly, looking over his opponent's field and then his hand. 'I think I'll follow her lead and play it defensively. No telling what her set monster is.' Placing the card he had just drawn into his hand, Hiro made up his mind for his opening move.

 

"I set a monster in defense mode as well, I also place a magic or trap card face-down behind it. Turn end." Hiro looked up just in time to see a slight frown come across the girl's face.

 

Looking at her four card hand, Rei said something unexpected. "I pass my turn."

 

Hiro drew another card from his deck, ignoring the murmurs from the crowd, 'Well it looks like my suspicions are confirmed, she wants me to attack her set monster.' Grabbing another card from his hand, Hiro placed it onto his duel disk. "I set another monster in defense mode. It's your move."

 

Hayato leaned forward in his seat, 'It's obvious that Rei wants her monster to be destroyed, which Hiro has already deduced. Just what monster could she have that she would benefit from if destroyed.' Hayato thought to himself.

 

As soon as Rei drew, her shy look vanished, replaced with determination. Kazuki folded his hands over the railing, "Looks like she's ready to go on the offensive." He said.

 

Rei reached down and flipped her set monster over. "I flip summon Brood of Excelion (700/400)!" A small silver lizard appeared. Rei held up the card she had just drawn, "I activate Share the Pain." A large knife appeared above Rei's field, one appearing above Hiro's as well.

 

"This is a rather old card, so it hardly sees any use, first it allows me to destroy one monster on my field." The knife dropped down, spearing into the lizard's body. As expected it struggled, and then exploded into tiny pixels.

 

"Before I explain the rest of Share the Pain's effect, my monster's special ability activates. Rei's duel disk beeped as a card in her deck partially slid out. Grabbing it, she slammed it onto her duel disk.

 

A long serpentine dragon with bright shimmering scales of silver emerged. A silver mane flowed out of the back of it's neck while four taloned limbs extended out of it's body, sapphire flames wreathed it's body. "Divine Dragon Excelion (1500/900) is special summoned from my deck when Brood of Excelion is destroyed in any way."

 

'A level five monster with 1500 attack points? That's nothing I have to worry about.' Hiro figured.

 

"When summoned Divine Dragon Excelion allows me to activate one of it's three effects for every other Divine Dragon Excelion in my graveyard." Rei explains.

 

"But you don't have any at the moment." Hiro pointed out, wondering what she was getting at.

 

"But I do have a Brood of Excelion in my graveyard, which allows me to give my dragon one of the three effects as if an actual Divine Dragon Excelion was in my graveyard. I choose to give it 1000 extra attack points." The dragon began to grow in size as it's attack points increased to a far more impressive 2500.

 

"Now I must finish explaining Share the Pain's effect, you now have to select a monster to be destroyed on your side of the field." Rei informed the white haired teen.

 

Hiro frowned as he looked at the two parallel cards on his field. "I select the monster on my left to be sent to the graveyard." He decided. The knife that was still hovering over his field dropped down, skewering his set monster and causing it to shatter, just like Rei's monster.

 

"Now I'm going to inflict some damage to your life points, at the cost of not being able to conduct my battle phase for this turn I activate Excelion's Divine Judgement, this spell card inflicts Excelion's current attack points to your life points as long as it's attack points are no higher than 2500." Hiro's eyes widened in shock as an explosion of shining blue flames erupted from the dragon's maw.

 

His friends in the stands shouted for him as the flames engulfed his body.

 

Much to the surprise of the watching audience, when the smoke cleared Hiro was still standing, though it seemed he was struggling a bit, steam was rising off his blazer. (H: 1500) "That was a powerful hit, but it's going to take more than that to put me down for the count." Hiro said.

 

Depressing a button on her duel disk, one of Rei's set card's flipped upwards, "Polymerization fuses the two monsters in my hand, Divine Dragon Ragnarok (1500/1200) and Lord of Dragons (1200/1100)." A giant swirling vortex appeared above the field, a large monster descending from it.

 

"King Dragun(2400/1100) is the resulting monster."

 

Hiro frowned, 'Now her dragon-type monsters are protected from effects that target them, not to mention you can now special summon dragon-type monsters from her hand, but she won't be able to conduct her battle phase this turn due to her spell card.' Hiro thought.

 

Rei's second face-down card flipped over, "Metal Morph equips to my fusion monster and increases it's attack and defense points by 300." (2700/1400) "The quick-play spell card Magic Purge removes all floating effects, which means I can now conduct my battle phase."

 

"King Dragun destroys your set monster." The large monster flew over to Hiro's field and crushed the unknown monster with it's tail. "Now my Divine Dragon will attack you directly!" Rei declared as the dragon soared into the air, unleashing another wave of blue flames that seared towards the teen duelist.

 

Hiro's friends were now on the edge of their seats, a look of worry on their faces. This attack could finish him. The three top duelists of the school looked on with interest, wondering what the white haired teen would do to defend himself.

 

Much to the surprise of everyone Hiro put his hand out in front of him, a shield with a reflective surface materialized in his hand. As the wave of flames slammed into the large shield Hiro was pushed back a few inches, but stood his ground. (H: 4000)

 

Rei had a look of utter confusion on her face until she saw that one of Hiro's set card was now facing forward. "Shield of Perseus turns any battle damage I receive this turn to life point gain." Hiro explained as the shield shattered, having done it's job.

 

"My turn ends."

 

Hiro drew, "I place two cards face-down. End turn."

 

Rei slid a new card from her deck, "I summon Soldier of Excelion (1700/1200) in attack mode, I'll have it attack immediately." A man in gold plated armor appeared, holding a lance of the same color in his hands. The man jumped into the air, lance held high over it's head. Hiro grimaced as the metal weapon was slammed into his shoulder. (H: 2300)

 

Shindo, Ed's roommate, blinked in confusion. "Why didn't he block it? I'm sure one of those face-downs could have protected him."

 

"Well, I don't know too much about the Excelion set, but I'm pretty sure that when Soldier of Excelion attacks, you can't activate any trap cards in chain." Ed said.

 

"He's right." Hayato added in.

 

"My Divine Dragon shall attack next." Before the dragon could even rear it's head back for the attack, Hiro's face-down card flipped over.

 

"Negate Attack negates your monster attack and ends the battle phase, since it targets your monster's attack and not the monster itself, your King Dragun can do nothing to stop it." Hiro explained.

 

Since Rei no longer had any cards in her hand, Hiro took the initiative and drew. "I summon Mystical Beast Cyclops (2100/0) and it's going to destroy your Soldier of Excelion!" Appearing before him, a giant muscular monster with one eye and a club in it's hand beat it's chest with it's free hand furiously.

 

Grasping it's club with two hands, the monster leaped over to Rei's field and brought the massive weapon down on the lance-wielding warrior. The smaller monster was easily crushed under the stronger creature's attack. (R: 3600)

 

"While Solider of Excelion is in the graveyard all monsters on my field with 'Excelion' in their name gain 300 extra attack points." (2500+300)

 

"I set another card face-down and end my turn." Hiro declared as a card appeared behind the massive monster.

 

Rei drew a card from her deck, glancing at it, an extra compartment extended from her duel disk. "I activate the field spell Divine Paradise! This card decreases the level of all monsters in my hand with 'Divine' or 'Excelion' in their names by one level, it also increases the attack points of all monsters with 'Divine' or 'Excelion' on my field by 400 points, fusion monsters that use monsters with 'Divine' or 'Excelion' as it's components also receive this boost. End turn!"

 

The ground beneath the two duelists feet suddenly became clouds, rising up behind Rei was a stark white mountain, from which a crystal clear waterfall formed a beautiful lake at it's bottom. In it's presence the two monsters increased in strength, Excelion becoming 3200 and King Dragun becoming 3100 respectively.

 

Hiro snagged a card from his deck, things definitely weren't looking good for him. "I switch my Cyclops in defense mode." The monster armed with a club roared in fury as it exploded.

 

"Whenever Cyclops is placed in defense position it's immediately destroyed due to it's effect. Since a monster with 'Mystical Beast' in it's name was destroyed I can special summon this monster from my graveyard, Wandering Spirit (0/0) in defense mode." An astral figure that had no distinctive shape appeared before the boy.

 

"I set a monster in defense mode and one more card face-down."

 

Rei drew a card from her deck and immediately played it, "Twilight Renewal activates if it's the only card in my hand, I draw five new cards."

 

Hiro momentarily glanced down at his set cards as his opponent picked up five new cards from her deck. "I summon my second Divine Dragon Excelion (1500/900) in attack mode." The monster's attack points increased to 2200 due to it's surroundings and Rei's Soldier of Excelion which was currently in the graveyard.

 

"My Brood of Excelion increases this dragon's attack points by 1000 points as well." The dragon grew in size, matching the height of the Excelion that was already in play, it's attack points resting at a powerful 3200.

 

"The spell card Temporary Rest prevents either of us from setting or activating magic or trap cards until my next turn." Hiro looked down in shock as golden chains wrapped around his set cards, making them virtually useless.

 

"King Dragun attacks your Wandering Spirit!" Hiro's friends cringed upon seeing the monster destroyed, he only had one set monster to protect him now.

 

"My Divine Dragon destroys your remaining monster." The wave of azure flames consumed the last remaining card protecting Hiro's life points, leaving his field barren.

 

The crowd watched in tense silence as Rei let her hands fall to her side. "My second Divine Dragon Excelion (3200/900) will finish this duel. Attack directly with Divine Judgement." The dragon opened it's jaws wide, a wave of sapphire flames erupting from it's maw.

 

Hiro moved to defend himself but there was little he could do as the attack washed over him, obscuring him from the crowd's vision. "I apologize, but I cannot lose, not now." Rei said softly, though it was more to herself than it was to her opponent.

 

As the flames from the majestic dragon finally dispersed, Hiro's prone form was visible. Wisps of the sapphire flames covered his body as he lay face down, smoke rising off of his body. As the crowd gasped Kazuki folded his arms across his chest. 'Is this the extent of your strength? If so then maybe I was mistaken in my assumption that you were another duelist worthy of my attention.'

 

The flames and smoke mingled together as they continued to rise off of Hiro's fallen body.

 

[wickedgodfan1]

much better, 100 times easier to read aswell

[gman22]

thanks, Kira's Artillery dragon's will be made into cards and posted later today as for chapter 10 well it's likely to be a good week before it's posted

[CrystalCyae]

Now it's better and easier to read.

Also, regarding Chapter 9...

Rei= Pyschic

I mean, how can you read minds (as seen in the moment when Hiro and Rei met) and deal real damage (as in chapter 9, in their duel) Seriously, how does someone faint and be surrounded by shimmering flames at the end the duel witout being a Pyschic?

I wouldn't be suprised if this has something to do with the plot, if so I'll have to wait and see what happens....

[gman22]

black diamond duelist, just wait and see

 

Kira's Artillery dragon set

 

 

 

[Brinolovania]

Cool....Um, would it be too much trouble to go back and put the chapters on the other pages into spoilers? Makes life easier when looking through the earlier pages...

[Fusion X. Denver]

I just finished reading Chapter 4.

I'm a little confused on how Hiro defeated Hitaki, as I thought she had 2 DEF mode monsters protecting her from the Phoenix, unless it has an effect that inflicts Piercing damage or whatever.

And it might be better to put a transition in between scene changes, as in chapter 4 where Hiro dueled John all of a sudden, it confused me.

Just put an extended ___________________ between scenes is my opinion.

But I am liking the story, I'll keep reading.

[Knight121198]

Brilliant FanFic u have going here definatly one im watching closely, keep it up :)

[Ren✧]

Any chance that Chap. 10 will be coming out soon? (He said hopefully)

[Fusion X. Denver]

Well, I caught up Gman. You have a good fanfic and nice story and have earned yourself another reader.

Some things I think you could work on though:

When a character thinks or expresses a thought, I would put those words in italics, that's the common way to express thought on YCM whether in fan fics or RPs. Otherwise, it's kinda hard to distinguish the actual thought from the narration.

Also, I strongly recommend showing some indication of a scene change, if you look at my fic (which I think you have) you'll see those giant lines throughout a chapter, those are to indicate when I switch scenes to somewhere else, I think you should do something similar.

Last thing I can think of, I'm glad you spoilerized the chapters, but you should put them on the front page in the first post where Chapter 1 is.

For every post you make, there should be 4 buttons on the bottom right: Delete, Edit, Reply and Multiquote. Click edit, and then you can edit the content of that post. I think what you should do is go to the post with the spoilered chapters, go to edit it and copy all the chapters with the codings inside, then go to edit the first post in the thread and paste it there. Afterward, whenever you write a new chapter, you should edit it into the first post. Not only does it make things neater, it helps people locate your chapter right away rather than having to search through the pages. For example, if one of your readers goes on vacation for 2 weeks and has no internet, he'll have a hard time finding new chapters to read through pages when he could simply go to the front page and there it is.

 

One more thing, I don't know if this is still a problem on the new YCM, but on the old one, one post could only hold so much text, usually only 10 chapters worth. I would keep trying to edit any new chapters into the first post, but if it runs out of room one day, simply go the next post you made on the front page, and post any new chapters there.

[D.3.S. X]

This is awesome! I couldn't stop reading it! I can't wait untill chapter 10 comes out!

[gman22]

sorry guys about the long wait but finally after almost a week chapter 10 is here! I need 10 more people to comment and chapter 11 will be put up, as for chapter 12 that will be up Sunday morning!

 

[spoiler=Chapter 10: The duel Review part 2]The crowd watched in tense silence as Rei let her hands fall to her side. "My second Divine Dragon Excelion(3200/900) will finish this duel. Attack directly with Divine Judgement." The dragon opened it's jaws wide, a wave of sapphire flames erupting from it's maw.

 

Hiro moved to defend himself but there was little he could do as the attack washed over him, obscuring him from the crowd's vision. "I apologize, but I cannot lose, not now." Rei said softly, though it was more to herself than it was to her opponent.

 

As the flames from the majestic dragon finally dispersed, Hiro's prone form was visible. Wisps of the sapphire flames covered his body as he lay face down, smoke rising off of his body. As the crowd gasped Kazuki folded his arms across his chest. 'Is this the extent of your strength? If so then maybe I was mistaken in my assumption that you were another duelist worthy of my attention.'

 

The flames and smoke mingled together as they continued to rise off of Hiro's fallen body.

 

Kai shook his head, "Too bad, I can see why this Rei girl is the top ranked student out of all the first years."

 

Taking one last look at Hiro's prone form, Rei turned away.

 

"Where are you going?" Rei stopped walking, shock evident on her face. There on the field, Hiro was picking himself up.

 

Rei shook her head in awe, shock that her opponent was able to stand after receiving a direct attack from her Divine Dragon Excelion. "How are you able to stand? Your face-down cards were immobilized, you couldn't have protected yourself from my attack."

 

Standing up to his full height the flames that still remained on Hiro's body instantly extinguished. His life points displayed proudly on his duel disk for all to see. (H: 2300)

 

Up in the stands Hitaki was smiling to herself, having faced the white haired teen before, she knew exactly what had happened. "Good job Hiro-kun!" She shouted out to him.

 

Ed frowned, 'Hiro-kun? How come I don't get a kun?'

 

Hiro smiled, "She knows what happened. When you attacked my Mythical Beast Daimon(500/500)'s one time second special effect activated from the graveyard reducing the damage I received from the attack to zero."

 

Rei's look of shock began to fade. "Mythical Beast Daimon? When did you play that monster? Could it have been-"

 

"Now I must finish explaining Share the Pain's effect, you now have to select a monster to be destroyed on your side of the field." Rei informed the white haired teen.

 

Hiro frowned as he looked at the two parallel cards on his field. "I select the monster on my left to be sent to the graveyard." He decided. The knife that was still hovering over his field dropped down, skewering his set monster and causing it to shatter, just like Rei's monster.

 

"So the monster you sacrificed to Share the Pain...that was your Mythical Beast Daimon." Hiro nodded, looking quite pleased with himself.

 

"That's some foresight." Kai said to himself, impressed.

 

Kazuki smirked, 'So your stronger than I thought.'

 

Hiro drew, then placed the card on his duel disk shakily, obviously still feeling the effects of Rei's previous attack. "I set one monster in defense mode and end my turn."

 

His opponent snagged a card from her deck, immediately placing it on her duel disk. "I summon my final Divine Dragon Excelion(1500+1700/900)." The silver scaled dragon joined Rei's army of monsters, every bit as majestic as the two that were already on the field.

 

Hiro couldn't help but grimace, 'She's managed to summon four powerful monsters, and there's hardly anything I can do about it. She's a really powerful duelist.'

 

"My first Divine Dragon Excelion will attack your set monster." Shimmering sapphire flames washed over the set monster, which appeared briefly as a creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle before being burned away.

 

"You destroyed my Mythical Beast Griffin(1400/1400), whose flip effect allows me to return any two cards in my graveyard back to my hand." Hiro explained as two cards slid out of his graveyard, which he took and added to his hand, increasing his hand size to six cards.

 

"My second Divine Dragon will make the direct strike." Rei ordered as the monster prepared to unleash a wave of flames upon the white haired teen once more.

 

Hiro smiled as two giant clashing rocks appeared before him, surprising Rei and most of the audience. "The trap card Symplegades works a lot like Forbidden Trespassing, once you make a successful attack this card ends the battle phase." Hiro explained.

 

A small frown formed on the girl's face, she was obviously not expecting to be denied victory like that. "I end my turn, but it won't be long before you will no longer be able to defend yourself from my attacks." Rei commented.

 

Hiro took a deep breath as he closed his eyes, analyzing the current situation. 'Each of her monsters boast more attack points than the Blue Eyes White Dragon. She has one set card that may or may not be a trap. King Dragun is the weakest monster on her field with 3100 attack points, but it's effect stops any spell, trap, or monster effect that I may try to use to target dragon-type monsters on her field. My only hope is to somehow destroy her King Dragun.'

 

Opening his eyes, Hiro slowly drew a card from his deck, giving him seven cards to work with. "I activate Mystical Space Typhoon. This card destroys your set card."

 

Hiro looked on in shock as the card flipped over, revealing a trap card. "Rewarded Faith." Rei called out as the blast of wind hit the ground where the card had previously been. "For every monster with 'Divine' in it's name on my field I receive 500 life points, since I have three, that's 1500 points." Rei's life point counter began to soar as the magic of Rei's trap card enveloped her in a warm light. (R: 5100)

 

Hiro frowned slightly, but continued his play nonetheless. "I activate the spell card Mythical Exchange. By discarding a monster from my hand with 'Mythical Beast' in it's name, I can special summon a Mythical Beast monster from my graveyard." Hiro grabbed one of the cards in his hand and slid it into his graveyard. A few seconds later the chosen card slid out.

 

"I summon Mythical Beast Golem(0/2700) in defense mode." A large golem made completely of stone emerged on the field, it's arms crossed over it's chest defensively. Hiro smirked as his Mythical Beast Cyclops(2100/0) slid out of his graveyard, which he pocketed.

 

"By removing a monster with 'Mythical Beast' in it's name, I can special summon the card I just sent to the graveyard due to Mythical Exchange, Mythical Beast Phoenix(2900/2100)!" A brilliant bird consisting purely of fire hovered over the duel arena, screeching as shimmering embers fell from it's body.

 

Holding up one of the four remaining cards in his hand, Hiro smirked. "The magic of Point to Point Transfer allows me to channel my Golem's defense points into my Phoenix's attack points."

 

The golem glowed red as all of it's defense points drained away. The red aura encased the bird made of fire, causing it to glow brightly as it's attack points began to soar to a powerful 5600.

 

Hitaki smiled, this was the combo that Hiro used to defeat her in their duel, she just hoped it would be enough to turn the duel around for him. 'Come on Hiro. I know you can do it.'

 

"I equip the spell card Phoenix's Vengeance, I'll explain it's effect soon enough, but first I'll have my Phoenix attack your King Dragun!" With another screech, the powered up phoenix converged on Rei's monster, burning it into ashes and inflicting damage to Rei's life points. (R: 2600)

 

"Now my Phoenix's Vengeance activates, by sacrificing my Phoenix, for every 1000 points of damage my monster inflicted to you this turn in battle, I can destroy a monster on your field, which means two of your Divine Dragons are going to be acquainted with the graveyard!"

 

In a blaze of fire two of the majestic dragons were burned away, leaving Rei with just one left, though she didn't seem too bothered about it. "My Phoenix can't be revived this turn due to the effect of Phoenix's Vengeance, but I still have a monster to defend myself and two set cards, so my turn is done."

 

The crowd cheered as Hiro's turn ended, by burning his hand, he managed to level the playing field, which was an impressive feat by anyone's standards.

 

"Looks like Hiro has a chance at winning after all." Shindo said.

 

"He may have leveled the playing field, but now Rei has two Divine Dragon Excelion in her graveyard, which means the remaining one will be much more powerful now." Hayato commented, Hitaki, John, and Ed nodded in agreement.

 

Rei drew a card from her deck, which meant she now had four cards in her hand, giving her the hand advantage for the moment. "Now that I have two Divine Dragon Excelion in my graveyard my remaining one can gain two effects, one from each. I'm giving it the ability to attack once more after it destroys a monster in battle and increasing it's attack points by another 1000 points."

 

The wreathes of sapphire nearly doubled in size as the dragon's attack points increased to a massive 4200, making it by far the strongest monster on the field. Rei continued her turn, placing a card onto her duel disk, "I summon Guard of Excelion(1200+600/2000) in defense mode." A man in silver armor which was designed to resemble the divine dragon, bearing a large shield made of the scales of the same dragon, and an image of it's face on the front appeared.

 

"As long as this monster remains on the field in defense mode, Divine Dragon Excelion cannot be targeted by the effects of my opponent's spell, trap or monsters." Rei explained. "Divine Dragon Excelion attack with Divine Flame Strike!"

 

Rearing back it's head, the dragon formed a large ball of sapphire flames in it's maw. Snapping it' head down, the dragon released the ball of fire. Much to the surprise of everyone, Hiro didn't make a move to defend his monster as the attack connected, easily shattering the weakened monster.

 

"Before you make you second attack I'm activating one of my set cards." Hiro informed his opponent as one of his face-down cards revealed itself. "Soul Transfer activates when a monster with 'Mythical Beast in it's name is destroyed. I'm allowed to special summon a monster from my hand or deck with the same number of stars. Since I don't have any cards in my hand, the monster will have to come from my deck." Hiro explained as he searched through his deck for the card he was looking for.

 

Finding it, he quickly shuffled his deck and slammed it back into the deck slot of his duel disk. "I choose Mythical Beast Arion(1700/0) in attack mode." Most of the spectators had confused looks on their faces as a plain looking stallion appeared before the boy.

 

"When special summoned Arion's special ability immediately activates. The current phase ends immediately. Which means I'm safe from a second attack."

 

Having her battle phase ended abruptly, Rei set a card face down. "My turn ends."

 

"And mine starts." Hiro drew immediately, though with one card, it was obvious that his options were limited. "Well, I switch my Arion to defense mode and while I'm at it, I summon Mythical Beast Centaur(1700/900) in defense mode. End turn." A half man, half horse monster appeared, eyeing Rei's dragon warily.

 

Rei swiftly drew, "Monster Reincarnation allows me to retrieve a monster from my graveyard at the cost of discarding a card from my hand. The card I'm sending to the graveyard to activate it's effect is Brood of Excelion(700/400). When this card is sent to the graveyard from my hand I can retrieve a Divine Dragon Excelion from my graveyard and add it to my hand." Rei explains as she slides the named card in her graveyard. Seconds later her duel disk churns out the desired card.

 

"The card I choose to return to my hand using Monster Reincarnation is my second Divine Dragon." Rei's current monster's attack points decrease to 2200 due to the absence of the other two. "Double Summon allows me to normal summon twice this turn, since my field spell card decreases the level of my two Divine Dragon Excelion, I can summon them both."

 

The revived dragons roared in fury as they returned, their attack points increasing to 2200 due to Rei's solider and field spell card's effect."I now have two Brood of Excelion in my graveyard, which can give my Divine Dragons one of the effects printed on their card. Since they aren't Divine Dragon themselves, I can stack effects, so I choose to give each of my dragons 2000 extra attack points." Rei explained as each of the dragons nearly doubled in size, their attack points resting at a massive 4200 each.

 

Hiro grimaced, 'Now she has three powerful monster, and as long as her Guard of Excelion is on the field, targeting them won't be an option. Is their really no way I can beat her?'

 

"My first Divine Dragon will destroy your Arion." Opening it's jaws wide, the powerful dragon let loose a wave of scorching blue flames, quickly eliminating the target. "My second Divine Dragon will open a path to your life points by destroying your remaining monster."

 

The crowd leaned in their seats as the overwhelming blast of fire rushed towards the white haired duelist. Much to the surprise of everyone, instead of shattering into a million pixels as expected, Hiro's monster withstood the attack.

 

Rei blinked in confusion. Hiro's set card was still face down, which meant he didn't activate it. "How did your monster survive my attack?" She asked.

 

"Simple, my monster can't be destroyed by battle at all." Hiro answered calmly, "So I'm safe for the time being."

 

Hiro's mismatched eyes burned with determination as he laid eyes on Rei's three powerful dragons, slowly drawing a card from his deck as he did so. "This duel has been a lot of fun...and even if I lose...I won't mind."

 

Rei wondered if Hiro was going to accept defeat, that is, until she heard the next words to come out of his mouth. "But losing isn't something I plan on doing."

 

Two cards slid out of Hiro's duel disk. "By removing my Mythical Beast Daimon(500/500) from my graveyard." Hiro takes the card and pockets it. "My Mythical Beast Phoenix rises from it's ashes!" The giant bird of flames appeared once more, it's stats showing proudly on Hiro's duel disk.

 

"I equip my monster with Fairy Meteor Crush, which means it can now deal damage through defense, go attack Guard of Excelion!" The brilliant bird unleashed a wave of intense heat that melted the armored warrior into a puddle of liquid. (R: 1700)

 

Since Hiro no longer had any cards in his hand, Rei slid the next card from her deck and added it to her hand, giving her three cards. "I can't destroy your Centaur, but I can destroy your Phoenix, Divine Dragon Excelion, attack and destroy his monster." Rei commanded.

 

The dragon let loose a stream of blue flames that washed over Hiro's signature, monster, ironically enough, burning it away. (H: 1000) "Turn end."

 

Hiro swiftly drew a card from his deck. 'I have a feeling Centaur won't be on my field the next time my turn comes.' Looking at the card he had just drawn, Hiro immediately played it. "I activate Pot of Greed." Not bothering to explain the widely used magic card's effect, Hiro drew twice more. "The magic of Experimentation on Mythical Beasts allows me to create three tokens of a 'Mythical Beast' monster on my field." Hiro explains as three more Centaurs appear on his field.

 

"Gift of the Phoenix removes Mythical Beast Phoenix in my graveyard from play." Hiro states as the named card slid out of his graveyard. Taking the card, Hiro pocketed it. "During my next turn I draw six cards from my deck." Hiro explains. "It's your turn."

 

Rei drew a card from her deck, "Divine Punishment allows me to destroy a monster on your field as long as I have a Divine Dragon Excelion in play, which means your monster is finally destroyed." A blast of lightning consumed Hiro's monster, easily destroying it.

 

"My three dragons shall destroy your last defenses." All together, the three monster unleashed dark blue sapphire flames that destroyed the three Centaur tokens.

 

Hiro drew a card from his deck. "Gift of the Phoenix's effect activates, which means I draw six more times." Hiro quickly grabbed six more cards from his deck, "First, I summon Stymphalian Bird(500/500) in attack mode." A metallic bird appeared on the field. "By tributing this card I can deal 500 points of direct damage to my opponent." Hiro explains.

 

The bird flies up into the air and unleashes a barrage of metal-tipped feathers, which Rei blocks with her duel disk, though her life points still take a hit. (R: 1200)

 

"By discarding my Mythical Beasts Lamia(2200/1200), Chimaera(2000/2000), and Repayment of Losses in my hand, I activate Sum of All Fears. Since I discarded three cards to activate it's effect, your three Divine Dragons are destroyed!"

 

The three mighty beasts fell one by one, exploding in a shower of pixels. Hiro was rewarded with cheers from the crowd as he continued his play. "Next I activate Zeus' Commandment. You can't attack me for three whole turns." Hiro explained, 'This should buy me enough time.'

 

Drawing a card, Rei glanced at it. "By sending my final Brood of Excelion to the graveyard, I can add a Divine Dragon Excelion(1500+700/900) to my hand, which I'll summon." Once again the mythical creature appeared roaring viciously.

 

"Since I have three Brood of Excelion in my graveyard, my dragon's attack points increase by 3000 points." Rei exclaims as her dragon nearly triples in size. (2200+3000/900)

 

"One of the two Divine Dragon Excelion in my graveyard will further increase my monster's attack points by another 1000 points." The mighty dragon roared as it's attack points rest at a heart-stopping 6200. Hiro looked up in awe, as did the crowd, having never seen a monster with so much attack power.

 

"I set one cards face-down. Turn end." She said calmly.

 

Hiro grabbed a card from his deck and drew it. "By sending my Lamia and Chimaera from play, I can special summon Mythical Beast Nemean Lion(0/0) in attack mode!" A monstrous giant lion appeared on Hiro's field, looking fearsome. "It's attack and defense points are equal to the monster used to special summon it." (4200/3200)

 

"This monster is potentially the strongest monster in my deck, this is the first time I've ever got to summon it though." Hiro said. "By discarding a monster from my hand, Nemean Lion can gain that monster's attack points as it's own." Hiro explains as he discards his Mythical Beast Argus(2200/0) to the graveyard, his monster's attack points increasing to 6400 as a result.

 

Rei's eyes widened in shock as the lion doubled in size, matching the height of her powered up dragon. "Nemean Lion, attack her Divine Dragon!" With a vicious roar, the monster pounced onto the slightly weaker monster, ripping into it with it's extremely large claws. (R: 1000)

 

Rei's hand shot over her only set card, which flipped over. "This duel ends here. I activate the quick-play spell card Divine Lamentation. When Divine Dragon Excelion is destroyed in any way on my field, 500 points of damage is inflicted to my life points, in return, 1000 is dealt to my opponent!"

 

Hiro's eyes widened in surprise, he only had 1000 life points left! Both Hiro and Rei shielded their eyes as the dying dragon glowed an intensely bright color, a massive explosion ensuing as a result.

 

[elementalhero1]

It's about time chapter 10 was up as usual it was brilliant :)

[Fusion X. Denver]

Why 10 people before posting >.>

If it's ready, don't hold out D:

Also, I liked the chapter, I thought Hiro had lost but turned out to survive and you keep us guessing in this chapter.

Judging by the last part, I'd say Hiro will lose, but I could be wrong.

Otherwise, hope you'll go through with my suggestion D:

And in the chapter, sometimes you switched tenses.

But psyched for chapter 11.

[CrystalCyae]

Good, you finally came through with Chapter 10. I was waiting.

I seriously thought Hiro had lost, and was unconcious/dead at the end of Chapter 9, but it turns out you had different plans.

Now, the end of this Chapter will bring me another tense wait. Now I must see if Hiro goes down far, or rises again like the last time. But right now, I seriously doubt that. Since his eyes widened in shock as he heard what would happen to him, I can guess that he doesn't have a set card to stop this. Then again, he might be just a slow thinker, and can only pull out that right card at the last second.

Quick Question tho: Because I don't keep track of the set cards, does Hiro have one still? If he does, then I reckon he'll survive. If he doesn't....well......I better get the CONGRATULATIONS REI banner ready........

[D.3.S. X]

Keep up the awesome work! You really know how to make good duels!