Duelist Kingdom: Meadow
The gang was walking through a meadow with Joey particularly pumped as he held up his new deck. One constructed from his prior deck, and the deck his friend’s helped him build.
“Alright, bring them on.” Joey declared. “I’m itching to duel and will take on the next duelist we see.”
“I think Joey needs to temper himself just a little.” Tea stated as the guy in question ran on ahead.
“Yeah, there are tournament level duelists here.” Tristan added. “He’ll need to be careful with who he challenges.”
Joey stopped at a small cliff overlooking a beach before turning to his friends. “Here I stand, the next Duel Monsters Champion!”
“Something tells me he’s a little too eager.” Sunset retorted.
Joey then turned back to look out over the beach as he remembered why he was here. Even with Sunset and Yugi voicing their help, he wanted to give this his best for Serenity. No matter what, she wouldn’t lose her eyesight, and they’d go see that beach again.
The gang spent a little time together, taking everything in, before the sounds of cheering drew their attention to nearby duels. There were many duel stadiums with various duelists gathered around.
“Whoa, duel monster stadiums!” Tristan exclaimed. “They’re all over the place.”
“Right, this is my chance.” Joey declared. “I’m goin’ in.”
“Just be mindful of how many star chips you wager.” Sunset reminded. “After all, it’s unlikely any duel out there will be like Yugi and I’s duel with Blue Blood.”
“Yeah, this is my first, official duel, so I can’t afford to be knocked out right at the beginning.” Joey voiced.
“I’m certain there’ll be someone on your level.” Yugi voiced.
The gang then overheard someone. “There’s no way you could win with such girly cards!”
They turned to see three guys near a duel stage. The one who was yelling had short brown hair with matching eyes. His attire consisted of a dark blue, shot sleeved shirt with jeans. The other two stood across from him and had similar facial features possibly indicating a familial relation.
One of them was as tall as Tristan while the other was around Tea’s height. The taller of the two had medium length purple hair and light blue eyes. He wore a white, long-sleeved shirt with light purple accents, light purple jeans, and a matching scarf.
The smaller of the two had shorter black hair and light-yellow eyes. He wore a dark blue, short sleeved shirt with dull yellow accents, dark blue jeans, and a black beanie. The taller of the two had four star chips while the shorter of the two had two star chips.
“What’s wrong with my bro using the cards he does?” The smaller of the two asked. “If you ask me, you’re just a sore loser.”
“Yeah right.” The opposing guy scoffed before storming off. “Who could be sore over losing to some guy who can’t even use a deck he should.”
“What a jerk.” The smaller guy commented.
“It’s alright Thunder.” The taller guy put a hand on his shoulder. “We can’t change how someone thinks of our decks. All that matters is that we like them.”
“I know, Arctic.” Thunder sighed. “Still doesn’t stop me from wishing you weren’t judged for it.”
“Sorry if we’re interrupting.” Sunset decided to speak up drawing the pairs’ attention. “If it’s any consolation, I know what your brother is going through.” She took out her deck and withdrew Elemental Hero Gusting Avian. “There were people who reacted to me the same way.”
Granted, that was before she became the queen bee of Canterlot High. While Sunset was in no way proud of that, it did stop people from commenting on her deck choice.
“Whoa, look at that Arctic.” Thunder stated.
“Yeah, looks like you do understand.” Arctic retrieved his deck and withdrew Fortune Lady Dark. “My deck’s full of female spellcasters. When people think negatively of me, it tends to fall into two camps. Either it’s not the right deck for me, or their minds head straight for the gutter.”
“Exactly the same with my deck.” Sunset smiled. “Fortunately, this group isn’t like that.”
“Aw, look at Sunset making her own friend.” Tristan voiced jokingly like a proud parent.
“Yeah, she’s come a long way.” Joey was playing along. “I think we’re all so proud of her.”
Tea, who knew at least a good chunk of Sunset’s story, stomped on their feet making them cry out in pain. “Stop embarrassing her guys!”
“Well, I wouldn’t know about that considering none of us have introduced ourselves.” Sunset stated before looking at the brothers. “I’m Sunset Shimmer, and the guys currently nursing their feet are Joey Wheeler and Tristan Taylor.”
“My name is Yugi Muto.” Yugi smiled. “I can tell by how you speak about your deck that you have a lot of faith in it.”
“I’m Tea Gardner.” Tea added. “It’s nice to meet you two.”
“I’m Arctic Ace.” Arctic informed. “Nice to meet some friendly faces.”
“Name’s Shadow Thunder, but I tend to go by Thunder.” Thunder informed. “I share my big bro’s sentiments.”
Now that Joey had recovered, he’d taken note of the brothers’ duel gauntlets. “Since we’ve just introduced ourselves, how’s about we do what this tournament is for and put out star chips on the line in a duel.”
“You’re on!” Thunder declared. “After my bros’ win, I’ve been itching for a duel. How does one star chip each sound?”
“I’d say you’re on!” Joey exclaimed. “I’ll show my skills.”
Before anyone could speak up, the two of them were already running to either side of the duel arena.
“Well, looks like those two are eager.” Tristan commented.
“That’s Thunder for you.” Arctic shrugged with a smile. “He’s been excited for this ever since he beat that duelist to secure his place here.”
“What do you mean by that?” Yugi inquired.
“Originally, I was the only one invited to attend Duelist Kingdom; however, I’d recently begun to train Thunder, and he ended up wanting to come with. He left for the docks well before I did and beat someone to take their place.”
“Sounds like this is a fairly even duel.” Sunset commented.
“I’d agree if Joey had actually won a duel before.” Tea commented worried as the two duelists rose atop their platforms.
“In the end, this boils down to them wanting this.” Yugi stated. “It’s too late to back out now, so all we can do is watch.”
The two duelists put their decks down ready to duel.
“This is it.” Shadow Thunder thought. “My first, official duel as a Duelist Kingdom participant.” He looked at his brother. “My first steps towards being able to take you on.” He turned his attention back to his opponent. “It all starts here!”
“When Weevil took my deck, it seemed like the end of the road.” Joey thought. “That I’d let my sister down. When I was at my lowest, my friends pulled together showin’ me that it wasn’t the end. They helped me construct a new deck from their extra cards.
Then, Yugi and Sunset put everything on the line. Even though there was more than my deck at stake, they still won it back for me. Now, I must show them that their effort wasn’t for nothin’. Weevil… Blue Blood… I’m coming for you. Beyond that, I’m getting that money for my sis.”
“Let’s Duel!”
(Joey 2000/Thunder 2000)
“Alright, I’ll kick things off.” Joey drew. “I’ll summon my Little Winguard(LV 4/1400/1800).” A small, blue armored warrior appeared. “Then, I set two cards and end my turn. Come my End Phase, Little Winguard allows me to change his Battle Position, so he’ll go to defense.”
“Not bad, but my deck has ways around defenses.” Thunder drew. “I summon Card Trooper(LV 3/400/400).” A little machine atop treads appeared.
“Heh, that little guy isn’t even strong enough to compete with Little Winguard in ATK mode let alone DEF mode.” Joey declared.
“That’s only because I haven’t activated his special ability.” Thunder declared. “Card Trooper allows me to mill 1 to 3 cards from the top of my deck and grant him 500 more ATK for each card milled. I’ll mill the full three boosting him by 1500 until the end of the turn.”
Card Trooper(LV 3/1900/400 effect)
“Alright, your machine has 100 more ATK than my guy’s DEF.” Joey declared. “Doesn’t change the fact that my monster is in DEF mode meaning I’m protected.”
“That’s where you’re wrong” Thunder declared. “Card Trooper attack Little Winguard. Then, I activate the quick-play Hunter’s Dominance. This card works when my monster’s ATK is greater than the opposing monsters ATK or DEF, my choice. If this is the case, that opposing ATK or DEF is lowered by 1000, and my monster will deal piercing battle damage.”
“I activate my Kunai with Chain.” Joey countered. “This has two effects I can activate, and I’ll activate both. Firstly, your monster is switched to defense position. Then, my Little Winguard(LV 1900/1800 effect) will gain a permanent 500 ATK boost.”
“Whoa, Joey’s really improved.” Tristan commented impressed.
Yugi smiled. “I had no doubts.”
“Alright, go Joey!” Tea and Sunset cheered.
“Don’t let him overwhelm you, bro!” Arctic declared. “This duel is just getting started.”
“Right!” Thunder declared. “I’ll end my turn by setting 1 card.”
Card Trooper(LV 3/400/400)
“Alright, it’s my move!” Joey drew. “I’m activating my last face down Graverobber. This baby allows me to target any spell card in your grave and use it at any time before the end of the turn. The only spell in there is Hunter’s Dominance.”
“Er, that’s not good.” Thunder thought.
“Now, I’ll switch my Little Winguard to ATK and use him to take out your Card Trooper.” Joey declared. “Then, I’ll activate Hunter’s Dominance to lower your monster’s DEF by 1000 and allow my monster to deal piercing damage.”
Card Trooper(LV 3/400/0 effect)
“I activate my face down Hunter’s Preparation.” Thunder declared. “This trap allows my monster to prepare for their imminent destruction reducing the damage I’d take by half (Joey 2000/Thunder 1050). That’s not all. Since Card Trooper was destroyed, I get to draw 1 card.”
“I’ll admit that was a smooth way to reduce the damage, but I still have my normal summon.” Joey declared. “I’ll use it to normal summon Valkyrian Knight/LV 4/1900/1200).” A warrior in red and yellow armor appeared. “I’ll then set 1 card to end my turn.”
“Way to go Hunter!” Arctic cheered with a proud smile. “A well-executed play!”
“Don’t let this discourage you, Joey!” Tristan yelled. “You still dealt the first damage of the duel, so you’re doing great man!”
“My move!” Thunder drew. “I’ll summon one of my best in Buster Blader(LV 7/2600/2300).” A warrior in black and gold appeared.
“That’s a strong monster you got there.” Joey stated.
“Whoa, I didn’t know he’d have that monster.” Yugi commented.
“Do you know that monster Yugi?” Sunset asked.
“You bet I do.” Yugi nodded. “Shortly after my duel with Kaiba, grandpa got in some new packs, and one of them contained a Buster Blader. It’s a powerful card when used against Dragon type monsters.”
“Well, Joey hasn’t used any Dragon monsters, so what’s Thunder planning?” Tea asked.
Arctic grinned. “Buster Blader is one of my bros ace monsters, and if Joey manages to survive this turn, I’m certain he’ll see why.”
The rest of the gang looked from the female spellcaster user to the field.
“Now, I’m activating the graveyard effect of Hunter’s Preparation.” Thunder declared. “By banishing it along with 1 monster from my grave, a monster I control gains ATK equal to the damage I avoided by using this card earlier in the duel until the end of the turn.
That’s 950 more ATK.” Buster Blader(LV 7/3550/2300 effect). “That’s not all because I’m activating Hunter’s Training. This spell allows my monsters to get the most out of any ATK boost by doubling it until the end of the turn.” Buster Blader(LV 7/4500/2300 effect).”
“4500 ATK!” Joey exclaimed in shock.
“That’s one way to increase his power.” Yugi stated. “Arguably, it’s the best way considering Joey currently has no Dragon monsters on his field or in his grave.”
“What’s Joey supposed to do?” Tea asked. “If that monster attacks either of his, he’s done for.”
“I think Joey’s got something planned.” Sunset stated. “From my experience, shock at a monster doesn’t mean admitting defeat.”
“Now, my Buster Blader will destroy your Valkyrian Knight for game!” Thunder declared.
“Thanks for this one Yugi.” Joey thought as his monster was destroyed, and he flipped his face down. “I activate Nutrient Z. I can activate this card when I’m about to take 2000 or more damage. It’ll give me 4000 life points before that damage sets in.”
(Joey 2000-4000-1400/Thunder 1050)
“I wasn’t expecting that, but I do have something else I can do.” Thunder declared. “I activate the quick-play Hunter’s Reproach. This allows me to halve my monster’s ATK until the End Phase, and he can then attack again.” Buster Blader(LV 7/2250/2300 effect). “He’ll destroy your Winguard (Joey 1050/Thunder 1050). “With that, I’ll end my turn by setting 1 card.”
Buster Blader(LV 7/2600/2300)
“That was quite impressive.” Arctic complimented to the rest of the gang. “Your friend is quite skilled.”
“Same to your brother.” Yugi returned. “His cards manipulate situations in interesting ways.”
“Alright, it’s my move.” Joey drew. “I’ll start by activating my Pot of Greed which allows me to draw two cards.” He drew two more card making his hand Marmiting Captain, Avatar of the Pot, Polymerization, and Hundred Dragon. “Where was Avatar of the Pot before!?”
Joey couldn’t believe he’d drawn that card off Pot of Greed. “Summoning him or Hundred Dragon wouldn’t work since they aren’t strong enough to take down Buster Blader. As for Polymerization, I only have two targets, but nothing in my hand can currently reach them.
Wait, what about Marmiting Captain?” He looked to the last card in his hand. “Using him, I could potentially summon another warrior through his effect. Then, I’ll have everything I need to bring out a real power house.”
“Hey, what’s the hold up?” Thunder asked. “You aren’t throwing in the towel, are you? Honestly, I wouldn’t want to win that way.”
“It’s worth a shot.” Joey grinned. “No way am I throwing in the towel. Not when I’ve gotten this far. I summon Marmiting Captain(LV 3/1200/400).” It was Marauding Captain except he was wearing an apron over his armor.
“When this guy is normal summoned, I can shuffle any one card from my hand back into my deck.” Joey chose Avatar of the Pot. “Then, I draw 1 card and can special summon it if it’s a monster.” As he was done shuffling, he set the deck down.
“You’re betting the outcome of your turn on this next draw, aren’t you?” Thunder asked.
“If there’s anything I learned from my pal Yugi, it’s that sometimes all you can do is bet it all on the draw of a card.” Joey drew and grinned as he revealed the monster. “That right there is my Blue Flame Swordsman(LV 4/1800/1600), and since he’s a monster, he’s special summoned.”
A warrior in blue armor and with a blue, flaming sword appeared. “While he has an effect all his own, I’m going to do something else. I owe this next play to Sunset and Tristan. She supplied me with more than enough of this next card while Tristan gave me the result.
I play Polymerization which allows me to fuse the two warriors on my field. Warrior who wields magic and metal in tandem, appear! Fusion summon Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight(LV 8/2700/1600).” A warrior in shining black and grey armor appeared.
“Whoa, that’s some monster.” Thunder declared in awe.
“Alright, way to go Joey!” Tea cheered.
Tristan put his arm around Sunset. “Looks like he’s making good use of our cards.”
Sunset nodded. “Yeah.”
“Now, it’s time to put this guy into action.” Joey declared. “My Steel Knight will attack your Buster Blader. Once per turn, since he is battling another monster, I can banish any spell card from my grave.
He then gains half his current DEF to his ATK until the end of the turn. Go, Over-Limit!” Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight(LV 8/3500/1600 effect). Now, destroy that opposing warrior with Arcane Slash!”
“I activate my face down Hunter’s Talisman.” Thunder countered. “This trap keeps my monster on the field this turn, and until the end of this turn, any Battle Damage from battles involving him is halved. Even though you wouldn’t have finished me, I’m not taking that damage.”
Steel Knight slashed his now glowing weapon at Buster Blader, but he was met by an ethereal, dome halting his progress (Joey 1050/Thunder 600).
“You actually will be taking that damage regardless.” Joey declared. “My monster was created by using two monsters on the field meaning he can attack again. Thanks to you, there’s still something he can attack. Go, Arcane Slash!”
Steel Knight came back around trying to attack Buster Blader from behind only to be met with the same result as before (Joey 1050/Thunder 150). “With no other moves I can make; I end my turn.”
“Man, he’s tougher than the guy I got these star chips from.” Thunder looked from the last card in his hand, Monster Reborn, to his deck. “Even if I brought back Buster Blader, he’s not strong enough to get over Joey’s monster. Forget even being able to defeat him.”
“Way to go Joey!” Sunset exclaimed.
“Yeah, you turned it all around man!” Tristan added.
“Don’t give up Thunder!” Arctic encouraged. “Just as one draw can turn everything around for him, the same rings true for you!”
“Yeah, Arctic’s right.” Thunder clenched his fist. “Joey managed his combo through drawing the pieces, so it stands to reason I can be just as lucky.” He put his fingers on his deck and drew. “My move!” He looked at his card in shock before grinning. “What a move it’ll be.
First, I activate Monster Reborn to special summon Buster Blader(LV 7/2600/2300) back from the grave.” He declared. “You’re not the only one with the ability to fuse. I now activate Powered Fusion. When this spell is played, it acts like Polymerization.
Though, it has a few effects that live up to the name. To use its effect, I must first target a monster on the field and use it as a material. After that, I can discard cards or half my life points for every following material. This then opens my deck allowing me to utilize monsters in there.
The card on the field is Buster Blader, and I’ll discard this single card in my hand to target the dragon type Fallen of Albaz as the second. Fusion summon Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman(LV 8/2800/2500).” A white and blue armored Buster Blader appeared.
“I don’t know what your Albaz has as an ATK, but that monster doesn’t seem that scary.” Joey commented.
“Careful Joey.” Yugi declared. “Typically, fusion monsters like that can be particularly powerful because there is little in the way of an ATK difference.”
“I’d say that’s a safe assumption; however, I’ll admit that this monster really only shines when facing a dragon.” Thunder admitted. “Even without that fact, his only usable effect works when my opponent’s monster is in defense mode which I have no cards to make that happen.”
“Okay, then what is your plan?” Joey asked.
“My plan is to utilize the graveyard effect of Powered Fusion.” Thunder declared. “By banishing it, I can target 1 monster you control and 1 monster I control. My monster’s ATK, no matter what it is, becomes 1000 more than your monster’s for as long as he remains on the field.”
“By targeting my monster, you just triggered the last of his special abilities.” Joey declared. “He now negates the effect and allows me to destroy 1 card your control. The only card on your field is your Destroyer Swordsman.”
“I activate the effect of Necro Hunter from the grave.” Thunder declared. “This was the monster I discarded to use Powered Fusion, and by banishing him I can prevent the destruction of my monster from battle or card effect.
Even though my monster may not be boosted, he’s still strong enough to prevent your fusion from winning this for you next turn. Destroyer Swordsman, destroy that Knight with Destroyer Slash (Joey 950/Thunder 150)! With nothing left to play, I end my turn.”
“Whoa, where did your friend learn to play like that?” Arctic asked truly impressed.
“My grandpa taught him.” Yugi informed. “Joey only had weeks with him before this tournament, but gramps did say he’d come far.”
He decided it was best not to talk about his grandpa’s soul being taken by Pegasus.
“Not to mention he took a pretty big loss to Weevil Underwood on the boat ride over here.” Sunset informed a little frustrated.
She decided it was best not to bring up the bug user stealing a deck as he was a regional champion.
“What do I do now?” Joey thought unsure. “His monster is the strongest on the field, and none of the monsters in my deck can overpower his.”
“Joey, don’t give up hope!” Yugi declared. “There are many cards within your deck that can help you win, but there is one that can assure it this turn! You just need to think about what it is!”
“There’s a card like that? Well, which…” Joey realized it. “Wait, I think I got it.” He looked at the one card currently in his hand. “Time Wizard can assure my victory.” He opened his eyes. “It all comes down to this one draw.
When I want to draw a card, I’ll have to put my absolute faith in this deck. The deck my friends, Mr. Muto, and myself created together.” He looked at his opponent determined. “This is it, Thunder! I’m putting everything into one, final draw!”
He drew and looked at the card before grinning. “Alright, this next combo is all thanks to Yugi and Tea! I summon Hundred Dragon(LV 3/1800/1000).” An adult, orange dragon standing on two legs appeared.
“Were you not paying attention earlier?” Thunder questioned confused. “My Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman(LV 8/3800/3500 effect) is one that slays dragons. This monster gains 1000 ATK/DEF for every Dragon you control or in your grave. Additionally, your dragon monsters can’t use their effects and are switched to DEF.”
“Heh, I paid attention, but it hardly matters because I still have one card in my hand.” Joey declared. “It’s the monster Time Wizard which can be played as a spell card. This card has a unique effect in that he can spin a roulette with two possible outcomes.
First, any card I control with an ATK value, even Time Wizard, is destroyed, and I take damage equal to half the combined total of their ATK. If that happens now, I lose. Second, this card ages every monster.
Additionally, if I control a monster, I can send it to the grave with Time Wizard. Then, I get to special summon any monster in my extra deck that mentions one of the two monsters by name. This is counted as a Fusion Summon.”
“You would really bet everything on luck!” Thunder exclaimed in shock.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Joey grinned. “Without using Time Wizard, I would lose. Now, I have a fighting chance, so let’s do this. Time Roulette go!” The dial within Time Wizard’s staff spun passing skulls and time machines before settling on the later. “That’s what I’m talking about!
I send Hundred Dragon to the grave with Time Wizard. Monster that brings about a new day, appear! Special summon Time Wizard of Tomorrow(LV 5/2000/1900).” A larger Time Wizard appeared. “Don’t forget your Knight ages up as well.”
Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman(LV 8/3000/3500 effect) became an old knight.
“Alright, you managed to succeed, but my monster is still stronger than your new one.” Thunder declared. “You can’t beat my Swordsman, and you have no cards to power up your own.”
“I don’t need to beat over your monster to win this duel.” Joey declared. “Remember how I told you that this Special Summon counts as a Fusion Summon? Well, that’s kind of important because if I control this Fusion Summoned monster, he can perform his own roulette.
This one destroys all monsters either one of us controls. Whomever has their monsters destroyed by this effect is dealt half their combined ATK as damage. Meaning one way or another, this duel ends my turn.”
“You’re really betting this all on luck…” Thunder was shocked before laughing joyfully. “Alright, roll that roulette and decide this duel!”
“You got it.” Joey declared. “Time Wizard of Tomorrow, do your thing. Go, Supreme Time Roulette!” The dial spun around pictures of Joey and Thunder before coming to a stop on a picture of Thunder. “Alright, that’s what I’m talking about!”
Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman exploaded and half his ATK was dealt to Thunder ending the duel (Joey 950/Thunder 0).
“Joey did it!” Tea exclaimed. “He won!”
“I knew you could do it!” Tristan cheered.
“Way to go!” Sunset added.
“Thunder, you really pushed me, but I wouldn’t have had my first duel of Duelist Kingdom go down any other way.” Joey declared.
Thunder chuckled before nodding. “Well, I’d have preferred to have won, but I can agree.”
“In the end, the better duelist won, and they both gave it their all.” Arctic thought with a smile. “Who could ask for more?”
“I’m proud of you Joey.” Yugi smiled as he looked upon his best friend. “All your hard work and training paid off. Now, you’ve earned your first star chip.”