Monday, May 28, 2012
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Alex woke up around 6:00 AM with Twilight still sleeping soundly in his bed. Alex frowned, still somewhat upset over the injuries that befell her brother and sister-in-law the previous day. He felt even guiltier that he didn’t even ask Twilight more about them when he got back from dueling Gilda or the night before when he went to bed. He instinctively pet Twilight’s coat in a calming, supportive gesture. However, this act woke Twilight, letting out a large yawn and opening her violet eyes.
“Ungh,” moaned Twilight. “You have to get to school or something?” That’s when it clicked, bringing her back to her senses. “Wait,” she yelled. “It's a holiday today! You don't have to go to school! Why did you wake me?”
“I’m sorry, Twilight,” apologized Alex, his voice filled with sorrow and regret. “I shouldn’t have abandoned you and your brother like that. They needed my support and I left them.”
Twilight’s irritated face turned to one of sympathy.
“Hey,” she said, putting her arm to his shoulder, “you did what you thought was best for us. Yes, you can be a bit reckless, but I’m sure Shining Armor would understand and respect your decision.”
“Speaking of,” said Alex. “How are they? Well, besides, you know.”
“Princess Celestia transported them both back to Royal Canterlot General Hospital, where they’d stay until they’ve healed.”
“That’s another thing. When Rae broke Rainbow Dash’s shoulder, she healed extraordinarily quickly.”
“Well, yeah. It doesn’t take long for a pony to heal. Isn’t that the case with you and humans?”
“No. Such injuries, if sustained by a human, would take weeks, maybe even months to fully heal.”
“Ouch.” Twilight was kind of offset by this new bout of information, as told by the drooping of her ears.
“How about Shining and Cadance? Do they, by chance, have faster healing periods than say an earth pony or a pegasus?”
“As a matter of fact they do. With the amount of magic stored in a unicorn’s body, their bones can mend themselves very quickly. Unicorns with strong reserves of magic have even been known to heal large cuts and gashes instantaneously.”
“Is your brother or sister-in-law that strong?”
“No, that’s more along the lines of the princesses. But they’re still strong. That’s why they should be fully healed by tomorrow afternoon at the latest.”
“Alright, then. What’s on your agenda today?”
“I was actually going to Canterlot with my friends to visit them for today and tomorrow. I’d love to invite you, but you're celebrating the holiday today with your family. Plus, you have engagements with John tomorrow."
“Do you think Shining Armor would mind?”
“Alex, please, he knows it wasn’t your fault. And if it makes you feel any better, I’ll pass your condolences to him for you.”
“Thanks, Twi.”
“Yeah. No problem.”
Alex then shuffled out of bed to take a shower, with Twilight following him.
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The rest of the day was spent at the Centennial Beach, where Thomas and Sarah would grill hot dogs for lunch and have juicy steaks for dinner. A little fun at the beach with his family would have been nice for Alex, but his enjoyment wasn't nearly as full without Twilight or her friends. As Alex looked up at the Equestrian planet, he felt a frisbee hit him in the head.
"Come on!" called Tom, wearing nothing but bright yellow swimtrunks. "That's when you're supposed to catch it."
Alex looked at Tom, picked the frisbee back up, and tossed it back.
"Listen," said Tom as they continued to toss the plastic disk, "if it means anything, I miss Rainbow Dash too. But she said she'd be back tomorrow. Right now, just have some fun with the friends you have."
"I know."
As Alex and Tom played some more, Alex caught the sight of Emma in a lifeguard outfit in a kayak in the deep end of the pool.
"Hey," said Alex, pointing out, "it's Emma."
"I see," answered Tom. He then grew a smirk. "Wanna splash her a little?"
"I'm sure Reese wouldn't mind. Plus, it's all in good fun."
Alex and Tom decided to head on over to the deep end.
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Tuesday, May 29, 2012
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Alex woke up to his alarm, and was somewhat dismayed to not have Twilight there next to him. He then smiled knowing that her brother would probably be happier by his side. Alex got out of bed regardless, knowing he had other things to worry about, namely his attendance of John's dueling final.
As Alex made his way to the kitchen for a light breakfast, he went by Tom's door and gave it a knock.
"Yeah, yeah," yelled John. "I'm up!"
The final would begin at 7:45 sharp, and John volunteered to go first in his class. After which, his only final left was his homeroom period (which the instructor said that his students could skip). Alex, Tom, and John would then head to the nearby Egg Harbor Café for a late celebratory breakfast for John’s summer vacation. However, there was one last bit of business to attend to.
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Tom and Alex rode up to the Naperville North entrance, Sarah riding in the backseat in Tom’s motorcycle. Sarah, like John, was a junior, so she also had one last day of exams before her summer vacation could officially kick off. Coincidentally, Sarah only had to take a chemistry exam before she was done for the day. Afterwards, Jenny, Lisa, and Zelda would pick her up and meet the three boys at Egg Harbor Café, where they would spend the rest of the day and subsequent evening downtown.
“Bye, Sarah!” called Tom as Sarah walked towards the entrance. “Good luck on your test!”
“See you at breakfast!” called Alex.
Sarah just gave a wave as she ran back towards the school, leaving Alex and Tom to get to Central.
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Alex and Tom stopped at the theater lot on the western part of the school. It was 7:37, just enough time to make a message. Alex pressed the texting function on the bottom screen of his duel runner. Alex scrolled through his phonebook and found John’s contact. A keyboard appeared on the screen, leaving Alex to type in his message: “Where are you dueling?”
Not even thrity seconds later, Alex received a reply: “Tennis courts. They should be just south of you.”
“Wait. How do you know where we are?” replied Alex.
“Look left.”
Alex and Tom were facing south, so Alex looked along the side of the building to see John standing there with a phone in his hand. Alex made a smile as he heard the ping of another message notification on his duel runner.
“Mind giving me a ride?”
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John rode in Alex’s backseat while Tom followed. It was only a short walk to the tennis courts, but it was only made faster by Alex’s lift. The nets were all taken down and there were several duels happening on most of the courts. The teacher had not yet arrived, but it wouldn’t be long, as there were just a couple more minutes before the period would begin.
Alex and Tom parked their duel runners on the eastbound side of W. Hillside Rd. as close to the tennis courts as they could. Alex and Tom came back to the courts, where other students from John’s class were watching. Alex and Tom took one open spot that would fit both of them. Despite being from rival schools, Alex saw no reason that they all couldn’t be civil.
“Who are you?” asked a female student.
“We’re friends of John,” answered Alex.
“Really? You go here?”
“No, we’re from North.”
“Oh, interesting.”
Soon, a man in a sharp outfit came into the courts. He was handsome for being as middle aged as he was, having combed brown hair and an attractive stubble. He wore a black blazer with a black shirt and kakhi pants.
“Alright,” he said, “who’s my first victim?”
“Hey,” Tom spoke to the female student, “who’s that? He sounds familiar.”
“That’s Vincent Jakobi. He was a national champion back in his day.”
“You mean the Vincent Jakobi?” asked Alex. “Holy crap, I should have gone to Central.”
The female student giggled.
“Come on,” he said in a playful tone, “we can’t hold this back forever.”
“Yeah!” called John. “I’m just running through my deck again, that’s all.”
“Do it on your own time then. We duel now!”
John followed Vincent to the center court where everyone could get the best view possible. John and Vincent stood on opposite sides of the court on the back of the back court.
“State your name and deck for me,” called Vincent.
“My name is John Terrence,” he said, “and my deck is a Twilight combination of Lightsworns and Blackwings.”
“Very good. As you know, I’m Vincent Jakobi, and I use a Rock-type deck. Here are the rules to your final. One duel. One shot at your grade. If you lose while I have 4000 or more life points, you will fail this test.”
John gulped a little.
“If you lose while my life points are 3950 to 3000, that’s a D. 2950 to 2000, C. 1950 to 1000, B. 950 to 50, A. However, if you manage to beat me… let’s see.” Vincent pulled a card from his pocket. “You get an A, AND you get this $25 gift certificate to Chipotle.”
“Now I really wish I was at Central,” joked Alex.
“Alright,” said John, “ready to be out on $25 worth of burritos and guacamole, Mr. Jakobi?”
“I’ve always liked your vigor, John, and you’ve shown a lot of promise. If there’s any duelist in this court right now that can beat me, I expect it to be you.”
“Then let’s get it on.”
John constructed his D-Pad and unsheathed it. Vincent did the same too. His D-Pad had a cool granite finish on it. Vincent and his student drew five cards from their decks.
“DUEL!” they both yelled.
Vincent vs. John
Vincent’s Turn: Vincent activates the field spell Catapult Zone. Vincent then sets one monster.
Vincent places one card face down and ends his turn.
Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1
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“Of course he starts off with Catapult Zone,” muttered Alex.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked a nearby African-American student.
“Nothing. I know that Vincent is a ardent Rock-type user, so I could definitely see that in his deck. Let’s see how John can bypass it.”
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John’s Turn: John summons Blackwing – Kochi the Daybreak (ATK: 700 DEF: 1500). Next, John special summons Blackwing – Bora the Spear, as he controls a Blackwing monster (ATK: 1700 DEF: 800). John tunes Blackwing – Bora the Spear with Blackwing – Kochi the Daybreak to synchro summon Black-Winged Dragon (ATK: 2800 DEF: 1600).
John attacks Vincent's face down monster with Black-Winged Dragon, which turns out to be a Giant Soldier of Stone (ATK: 1300 DEF: 2000), but Vincent activates the effect of Catapult Zone, sending one Rock-type monster from his deck to the graveyard to negate his monster’s destruction by battle.
John places two cards face down and ends his turn.
Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2
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Sure, his field spell might be intimidating, thought John, but Rock-type monsters are usually good only for a strong defense, while my deck has plenty of ATK power. If he wants to break into me, he’s going to need to step it up.
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Vincent’s Turn: Vincent summons Mine Golem (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1900). Vincent overlays Giant Soldier of Stone and Mine Golem to xyz summon Soul of Silvermountain (ATK: 1800 DEF: 2200). Vincent activates Soul of Silvermountain’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, he can target one of John’s face down spell/trap cards and make John unable to activate it as long as Soul of Silvermountain stays on the field. Vincent activates Riryoku, halving the ATK of one monster on the field and increasing the ATK of a monster that he controls by the same amount, targeting Black-Winged Dragon and Soul of Silvermountain, respectively (ATK: 2800 -> 1400) (ATK: 1800 -> 3200).
Vincent attacks Black-Winged Dragon with Soul of Silvermountain, but John activates his face down Attack Invulnerability, choosing the effect to take no battle damage from the battle. When Soul of Silvermountain destroys a monster while it has xyz material, Vincent can target an EARTH monster in his graveyard and special summon it in defense position, choosing Giant Soldier of Stone.
During the end phase, Soul of Silvermountain’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 3200 -> 1800).
Vincent ends his turn.
Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1
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“Come on, John!” yelled Tom. “You wouldn’t duel like this if Twilight was here, would you?”
“Perhaps you should just let me work my own duel, thank you,” said John quietly.
“By the way,” called Alex, “she wishes you luck!”
John then smirked a little.
“Then I won’t disappoint.”
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John’s Turn: John activates Pot of Greed, drawing two cards. John activates Photon Lead, special summoning a level 4 or lower LIGHT monster from his hand, choosing Aurkus, Lightsworn Druid (ATK: 1200 DEF: 1800). John then activates Inferno Reckless Summon, special summoning as many monsters with 1500 or less ATK from his hand, deck, or graveyard that share the same name of a special summoned monster, special summoning two more Aurkus, Lightsworn Druids. With Inferno Reckless Summon’s effect, Vincent can choose one monster he controls and special summon as many monsters with the same name from his deck, hand, or graveyard, special summoning two Giant Soldiers of Stone in defense position.
John overlays his three Aurkus, Lightsworn Druids to xyz summon Lapis Lazuli Roc (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1300). John activates Lapis Lazuli Roc’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, he can send the top card of his deck to the graveyard, which is a Vanquishing Light. Because Vanquishing Light is a trap card, John can set a trap card from his graveyard to his field.
John attacks Soul of Silvermountain with Lapis Lazuli Roc, but Vincent activates Catapult Zone, sending a Rock-type monster from his deck to the graveyard to negate its destruction. Battle damage is still applied.
Vincent’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3600
John places one card face down and ends his turn.
Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-3
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“Alright!” yelled Alex, clapping alongside Tom. “Now we’re talking!”
Alex’s energy got others to begin clapping as well.
“Interesting,” spoke Vincent quietly, who remained on the ground after the attack, “who knew it would be my student to draw the first blood. But…”
Vincent hopped up and stood back on his feet.
“…it’s going to take more than chiseling away at me to finish me off. Ready yourself for this one.”
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Vincent’s Turn: Vincent activates Field Barrier, preventing the destruction or replacement of Catapult Zone. Vincent sets one monster. Vincent overlays two of his Giant Soldier of Stones to xyz summon Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000). Vincent activates Soul of Silvermountain’s effect, detaching its last xyz material to prevent the activation of one face down spell/trap that John controls, choosing another one of his face down cards.
Vincent attacks Lapis Lazuli Roc with Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction, but John activates Mirror Force, destroying all attack position monsters that Vincent controls. Vincent activates his face down Forbidden Dress, having one monster lose 600 ATK, but it can’t be destroyed by card effects, choosing Soul of Silvermountain (ATK: 1800 -> 1200). Only Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction is destroyed.
During the end phase, Soul of Silvermaountain’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 1200 -> 1800).
Vincent ends his turn.
Status: Hand-1 Life-3600 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-0
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“You still continue to amaze me, John,” said Vincent.
“Well, I’m not done yet,” answered John.
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John’s Turn: John activates Lapis Lazuli Roc’s effect, detaching an xyz material from it to send the top card of his deck to the graveyard, which is a Blackwing – Aurora the Northern Lights.
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Oh, thought John with a huge smile on his face, he is in trouble now.
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When a monster card is sent to the graveyard by Lapis Lazuli Roc’s effect, John can special summon a monster in his graveyard with a level equal to or lower than the sent monster, choosing Black-Winged Dragon. Next, John activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction from Vincent’s graveyard.
John attacks Soul of Silvermountain with Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction.
Vincent’s Life Points: 3600 -> 2400
John attacks Vincent’s face down monster with Black-Winged Dragon, which was a Morphing Jar (ATK: 700 DEF: 600), but Vincent activates Catapult Zone, sending a Rock-type monster from his deck to his graveyard to prevent its destruction. When Morphing Jar is flip summoned, all players discard their hands and draw five cards from their decks. John attacks Giant Soldier of Stone with Lapis Lazuli Roc, but Vincent activates Catapult Zone’s effect again.
John places one card face down and ends his turn.
Status: Hand-4 Life-4000 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-3
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“Huh?” asked the black student. “How come he let Soul of Silvermountain be destroyed? Now John’s trap cards can be activated.”
“Isn’t it obvious?” asked John, having overheard his peer’s comment. “If he had continued to use Catapult Zone to protect his monster, he would have been attacked by my other monsters to the point where he would have been brought down to a mere 1000 life points. It was a risky decision, but it was his nonetheless.”
“That’s right,” agreed Vincent. “And you know I’m not one to just give grades away.”
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Vincent’s Turn: Vincent activates Giant Trunade, sending all spell and trap cards from the field to the hand. Since Attack Invulnerability was set by Lapis Lazuli Roc's effect, it's removed from play when it leaves the field. Vincent then activates Catapult Zone and Field Barrier from his hand.
Vincent tributes Morphing Jar and Giant Soldier of Stone to summon Stone Dragon (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2300). Vincent then banishes two Rock-type monsters in his graveyard to special summon Gaia Plate the Earth Giant (ATK: 2800 DEF: 1000). Vincent then equips Stone Dragon with Malevolent Nuzzler, increasing its ATK by 700 (ATK: 2000 -> 2700).
Vincent attacks Lapis Lazuli Roc with Stone Dragon.
John’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3500
Vincent then attacks Black-Winged Dragon with Gaia Plate the Earth Giant. With Gaia Plate the Earth Giant’s effect, any monster it battles has its ATK halved (ATK: 2800 -> 1400).
John’s Life Points: 3500 -> 2100
Vincent places two cards face down and ends his turn.
Status: Hand-1 Life-2400 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2
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“Oh, crap,” thought Tom aloud. “This is going to hurt.”
“Indeed it is,” replied Vincent. “Without Black-Winged Dragon’s effect to bounce the effect damage off, he’s going to take the destructive curse of Acid Golem head on.”
Alright, thought John. I have to make something of this turn. I’m going to take 2000 points of damage here right off the bat. I’ll live, but I’m not leaving this place with just a C. I hope my next card does it!
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John’s Turn: During John’s standby phase, he must detach one xyz material from Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction or take 2000 points of damage. Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction has no xyz materials attached to it.
John’s Life Points: 2100 -> 100
John activates Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field (minus Catapult Zone, as it was protected by Field Barrier first). This also includes Malevolent Nuzzler (ATK: 2700 -> 2000).
John attacks Stone Dragon with Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction, but Vincent activates the effect of Catapult Zone, sending a Rock-type monster from his deck to his graveyard to negate Stone Dragon's destruction. Battle damage is still calculated.
Vincent’s Life Points: 2400 -> 1400
John then activates Creature Swap, switching control of a monster he controls with a monster the opponent controls. John gives control of Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction while Vincent gives control of Stone Dragon to John.
John ends his turn.
Status: Hand-5 Life-100 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0
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The crowd was ooing, especially Alex and Tom. Vincent couldn’t even believe it. Now he was in control of Acid Golem, and he would be taking its devastating effect. Unlike John, however, who had life to spare, Vincent didn’t have enough to survive. It was obvious: John had won this duel.
“Well,” said Vincent, mildly disappointed, “I was kind of hoping to use that gift card at lunch today.”
“Sorry,” said John, “you’ll just have to pay out of pocket.”
Vincent laughed.
“I can’t wait to see what kind of duelist you become in the future. I know you’ll knock them dead, just like me.”
“I can only hope.”
Vincent, being the honorable duelist, put his fingers on his deck and prepared for the inevitable.
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Vincent’s Turn: During Vincent’s standby phase, he must detach one xyz material from Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction or take 2000 points of damage. Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction has no xyz materials attached to it.
Vincent’s Life Points: 1400 -> 0
John wins.
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Alex and Tom were the first ones to cheer, followed by everyone else. Alex rushed over and helped pick Vincent up from off the ground, John walking over there as well.
“Hey,” Vincent remarked, “you’re that North kid who won that tournament a while ago.”
“That’s me,” said Alex, trying to sound a humble as humanly possible.
“I’d love to have some time to duel with you, just for the fun of it.”
“Me too,” said Alex backing up towards Tom, “but you’ve got a whole class of students you need to duel. Plus, we have breakfast plans.”
After John shook Vincent’s hand and thanked him for a good semester, John slipped the Chipotle card in his pocket before walking out with Alex and Tom to go get a nice, hearty breakfast.