[h1][b][center]Jack?![/center][/b][/h1] Angelo growled a bit as he looked at Jack doing a 180 on his monowheel Duel Runner. He knew that the real Jack Atlas wouldn't stoop so low as to start attacking innocent students in the middle of the night, so he knew that the Jack before him was an imposter. He then told Angelo to make sure his words weren't hollow and Angelo would be damned if he would lose to him. When he saw the prompt from his Duel Runner he then activated 'Speed world Virtua' and said [color=00a651]"I will not lose to you and I will win against you. This is going to be payback for hurting my friend!"[/color] Angelo said, before turning to Camryn. [color=00a651]"Camryn, trust me, I wouldn't be like this if it was the real Jack, I would be asking for his advice and his tutorship in being a better turbo duelist... that's why I want to beat this imposter that much more!"[/color] Camryn revved her Runner, eager to get dueling and put this false idol in his place. More than that, though, was just how utterly [i]awesome[/i] this all was. Facing off against a copy of Jack Atlas, on an abandoned race track, at [i]night[/i]? How cool was that?! [color=007236]"Mistake? Mistake, my ass! Me and Angelo are gonna completely pulverize you, as preparation for when we become world-famous turbo duelists! You're nothing but a stepping stone on our paths to greatness!"[/color] As Angelo spoke, Camryn suddenly remembered the student that had been assaulted. [color=007236]"Oh, and we're gonna get revenge for the girl you attacked, too. Can't forget that, of course!"[/color] The pair of Camryn and Angelo took their spots in the racetrack as a strong pulse emitted from all three runners. The arena suddenly transformed, due to the choice of Speed World Virtua. The entire area became a mess of green lines, crossing to form black squares with a long, light road stretching out in front of the three duelists. The road extended to the sky, into a dome above the arena. [b][color=fff79a]"I'm afraid [i]you're[/i] the ones who will be crushed by [i]me[/i]! I'll answer your questions if you manage to beat me, but that will be impossible for the likes of you!"[/color][/b] A neon blue-and-black countdown screen was projected above the three duelists' heads, showing the number 20 slowly counting down. There was a red circle in the bottom right that slowly transformed into a yellowish colour and, eventually, a light green. By the time the countdown reacher zero, the circle had turned bright green and a loud buzz signalled the departure of the trio. All of them had revved up their engines, but the mysterious monowheel still shot far ahead of both students. By the time Angelo and Camryn had gone up the slope, the 'King' had already turned the first corner. They looked back, grinning. [b][color=fff79a]"A being as perfect as me would naturally take the first corner! So, I'll be taking the first turn!"[/color][/b] Meanwhiile, Camryn had managed to turn second as Angelo followed suit. [hider=Challenging a king? Camryn and Angelo Vs. the mysterious student!] [b][i]Turn 1: "King"[/i][/b] "King": 4000 LP, 5 cards in hand, 1 Speed Counter Camryn: 4000 LP, 5 cards in hand, 1 Speed Counter Angelo: 4000 LP, 5 cards in hand, 1 Speed Counter [b][color=fff79a]"It's the King's turn!"[/color][/b] The Turbo Duelist shouted, picking up a single card from his holder. [b][color=fff79a]"I'll summon my Stygian Street Patrol!"[/color][/b] A portal opened next to the King, out of which jumped another motorcyclist. They wore a black helmet that covered their face with two slightly bent horns sticking out of it, driving what looked like a policeman's motorcycle. The only difference was that this one had yellowish stabilizers on it's back and the frontal face had an actual mouth. [b]Stygian Street Patrol:[/b] 1600 ATK 1200 DEF Level 4 DARK Fiend [b][color=fff79a]"And with one set card, I'll end my turn. Now, come! Put up a good show, before being crushed by the King!"[/color][/b] [b][i]Turn 2: Camryn[/i][/b] "King": 4000 LP, 3 cards in hand, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 2 Speed Counters Camryn: 4000 LP, 6 cards in hand, 2 Speed Counters Angelo: 4000 LP, 5 cards in hand, 2 Speed Counters Camryn smirked. [color=007236]"For such a perfect being, your first turn seems pretty lackluster. I draw!"[/color] As she drew her card, Camryn's cocky smile widened into a fully-fledged grin. [color=007236]"This is more like it!"[/color] [color=007236]"I summon my Deepspace Scout!"[/color] A high-pitched whir of engines filled the area as a small, gray spaceship with orange lines flew down from above and came to rest in front of Camryn's duel runner, easily keeping pace. [b]Deepspace Scout:[/b] 1200 ATK 800 DEF Level 4 LIGHT Machine [b][color=fff79a]"Hmph! For such bravado, you face me with a weak monster like that?! You wouldn't reach me in fifty years with such a pathetic display!"[/color][/b] the older student countered. [color=007236]"Next, due to Scout's effect, I can summon another one of my ships from my hand. So come on out, Deepspace Suffocator!"[/color] A second ship appeared soundlessly next to the first, seeming to hover in the air in front of Camryn. Its wings bore more than a passing resemblance to blades, and its steely gray body was embedded with several glowing blue lights. [b]Deepspace Suffocator:[/b] 1200 ATK 1000 DEF Level 4 LIGHT Machine [color=007236]"Finally, I'll set two cards and end my turn. Let's see if you can live up to the real King's title, eh?"[/color] [b][i]Turn 3: "King"[/i][/b] "King": 4000 LP, 4 cards in hand, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 3 Speed Counters Camryn: 4000 LP, 2 cards in hand, 2 monsters, 2 S/T, 3 Speed Counters Angelo: 4000 LP, 5 cards in hand, 3 Speed Counters [b][color=fff79a]"Such insolence! If you refuse to attack, then the king will! It's my regal turn, Draw!"[/color][/b] The student on the monowheel gave only a cursory glance to his card before depositing it in his holder. He spun around and started driving backwards, opening his palm and swinging the left arm towards Camryn. [b][color=fff79a]"Battle! Stygian, remove Suffocator from the king's court!"[/color][/b] the 'King' ordered his monster. The motorcyclist turned around and pulled out a police baton from the belt around its waist, intending to smack Deepspace Suffocator as they drove towards the spaceship. At the snap of a finger, one of Camryn's facedown cards opened up, forming a barrier that drove Stygian Street Patrol away. [color=007236]"I think you'll find that Suffocator will be sticking around for a bit longer, actually, thanks to my Draining Shield!"[/color] [b]Camryn:[/b] 4000 LP -> 5600 LP [b][color=fff79a]"If you think you've bested me, you haven't seen anything yet. I summon the Tuner monster, Force Resonator, from my hand!"[/color][/b] A small, cloaked little demon appeared from a portal next to the 'King'. A large blue ball was floating behind it, white lines covering its surface to look like a mustached face. The demon was grinning ear-to-ear and its beady red eyes were staring attentively to whatever was in front of it. [b]Force Resonator:[/b] 500 ATK 500 DEF Level 2 WATER Fiend Tuner [b][color=fff79a]"Behold! The power of a king! I tune my Level 2 Force Resonator to my Level 4 Stygian Street Patrol! [i]Wyvern cloaked in flames, rise from the inferno and resonate with my soul! Synchro Summon, Level 6! Red Wyvern![/i]"[/color][/b] Out of the blast of light rose a maroon scaled beast, with brownish red skin. Everything except for the wings, underside of the neck and underside of the legs were covered in those maroon scales, and an orange flame burned on both wings and it's head. [b]Red Wyvern:[/b] 2400 ATK 2000 DEF Level 6 FIRE Dragon The monowheel turned around on the bright track, now riding properly again. [b][color=fff79a]"This will be your first [i]real[/i] challenge. If you can not overcome at least this much, you have no right to be driving behind me! The king's turn is finished."[/color][/b] [b][i]Turn 4: Angelo[/i][/b] "King": 4000 LP, 3 cards in hand, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 4 Speed Counters Camryn: 5600 LP, 2 cards in hand, 2 monsters, 1 S/T, 4 Speed Counters Angelo: 4000 LP, 6 cards in hand, 4 Speed Counters Angelo watched the entire exchange go through and, honestly, he was trying to figure out a good strategy to beat the imposter. The fact was, he was riding along with Camryn and he had to find a way to have her help him. He looked down at his cards and he knew that he needed to get rid of that wyvern, but he was worried about that face-down. Still, he knew that he couldn't let fear control him. He needed to get rid of that synchro, and even if something happened he should be good enough to handle it. [color=00a651]"Well, if nothing else, you're a well-made fake. Such arrogance can only belong to Jack. Don't think you will win so easily! I draw!"[/color] Angelo called out as he drew a card from his hand and looked at what he had available to him. Angelo took a breath to relax himself before he said [color=00a651]"From my hand I summon Spear Dragon!"[/color] Angelo said, before a rainbow sphere appeared next to Angelo before a blue dragon appeared with a large spear like nose meant to pierce the enemy as he started to fly next to Angelo. [b]Spear Dragon:[/b] 1900 ATK 0 DEF Level 4 WIND Dragon [color=00a651]"He won't be on the field for long, though, because from my hand I activate a Speed Spell! I remove two of my Speed Counters in order to activate High speed crash!"[/color] Angelo said as the spell appeared, before he followed it up with [color=00a651]"I use this and target both my spear dragon and your Red Wyvern![/color] [b]Angelo Speed Counters:[/b] 4 > 2 [b][color=fff79a]"What?!"[/color][/b] the king shouted out in surprise. Spear Dragon rushed foward and slammed its body into Red Wyvern, causing both dragons to go off course and crash into the black and green grid. Both Red Wyvern and Spear Dragon shattered into tiny pieces, causing a strong pulse to shake all three runners. [b][color=fff79a]"Interesting... How very interesting! Your bravado is not misplaced after all, I see..."[/color][/b] [color=00a651]"Dont think I'm finished with you yet! From my hand I Special Summon Garuda the Wind Spirit."[/color] Angelo said, before another sphere came up next to him and out of it appeared a half man, half bird with robes covering his body. He started to flap his wings to stay afloat on the track. [b]Garuda The Wind Spirit:[/b] 1600 ATK 1200 DEF Level 4 WIND Winged Beast [color=00a651]"I'm sure I don't need to explain to the king why I was able to do this, because all I needed to do was remove a WIND monster from my graveyard so Spear Dragon won't be coming back. Now your field is wide open, so Garuda, attack him directly!"[/color] Angelo said, and like that Garuda flew up high before he started to dive towards Jack, getting ready for a direct attack. [b][color=fff79a]"How naïve! I activate the trap, Spiritual Swords of Revealing Light!"[/color][/b] The face-down card on the King's field sprang open, bringing with it a barrier of glowing, yellow swords. Garuda tried to punch through them, but they acted like a repellant and sent them flying back. After that, a red aura enveloped the rider in front. [b]"King" LP:[/b] 4000 > 3000 [b][color=fff79a]"At the cost of my own lifepoints, I negate this attack. If you wish to even lay a finger on me, you'll have to try much harder than that!"[/color][/b] Angelo grit his teeth knowing; it wouldn't be easy but if nothing else he did lose life points from that trap. All Garuda would have done was add 600 more life points [color=00a651]"Don't get cocky, that trap won't save you next time. I end my turn!"[/color] Angelo said, knowing that he was able to get him to reveal the trap card and he got rid of a Synchro on his first turn. Angelo was able to deal the king a serious, blow now all that remained was to see if Camryn would be able to step up and help or if she had her own plan in mind. [b][i]Turn 5: "King"[/i][/b] "King": 4000 LP, 4 cards in hand, 2 S/T, 5 Speed Counters Camryn: 5600 LP, 2 cards in hand, 2 monsters, 1 S/T, 5 Speed Counters Angelo: 4000 LP, 3 cards in hand, 3 Speed Counters [b][color=fff79a]"Do not get conceited! It's the king's turn! Draw!"[/color][/b] the king dramatically shouted. He held the card he drew clutched tightly in his outstretched hand, staying like that for a few seconds. He then put it into the wrist dealer, followed by taking another card out. [b][color=fff79a]"By removing four of my Speed Counters I can activate the Speed Spell Angel Baton! With it's effect, I draw two cards and send one to the graveyard."[/color][/b] [b]"King" Speed Counters:[/b] 5 > 1 The rider drew two cards, then revealed the monster card "The Tricky" to both his opponents. He sent it to the graveyard, then picked up another card from his Wrist Dealer. [b][color=fff79a]"I summon Red Sprinter!"[/color][/b] Out of another vortex ran a four-legged creature that bore close resemblance to a horse, if you looked past the flaming mane and horns sticking out of it's head. Not only that, but another monster soon followed. Force Resonator also revived and mounted Red Sprinter, giggling like a little kid. [b]Red Sprinter:[/b] 1700 ATK 1200 DEF Level 4 DARK Fiend [b]Force Resonator:[/b] 500 ATK 500 DEF Level 2 WATER Fiend Tuner [b][color=fff79a]"Red Sprinter allows me to Special Summon a Tuner from my graveyard. I now tribute Force Resonator again, letting me activate it's effect! Now, when Red Sprinter attacks, your effects are sealed!"[/color][/b] The monowheel slowed down and rode next to Camryn, the duelist in it unphazed and still looking straight ahead. [b][color=fff79a]"Your trap may have saved you last time, but... This is the end for your monster. Battle, Red Sprinter! Destroy Deepspace Suffocator!"[/color][/b] Red Sprinter leapt to the side, pounding on Suffocator. The spaceship was crushed under the weight and shattered into light particles. [b]Camryn LP:[/b] 5600 > 5100 [b][color=fff79a]"Now I'll set one card and end this turn."[/color][/b] The card appeared to the left of the king's runner, before fading into nothing. [b][i]Turn 6: Camryn[/i][/b] "King": 3000 LP, 2 cards in hand, 1 monster, 2 S/T, 2 Speed Counters Camryn: 5100 LP, 3 cards in hand, 2 monsters, 1 S/T, 6 Speed Counters Angelo: 4000 LP, 3 cards in hand, 1 monster, 4 Speed Counters [color=007236]"Hmph. This is only a minor setback, of course. I draw!"[/color] Camryn glanced at her hand after adding the newest card to it. Her course of action was pretty straightforward; time would tell if it worked. [color=007236]"I summon Deepspace Berserker to the field!"[/color] Unlike the last two ships, this one had one hell of an entrance. A bright red blur came rocketing through between Camryn and the mystery duelist, before eventually slowing down to a more reasonable speed and allowing everyone to catch up. This ship's cockpit was shaped rather like a snake's head, and its body widened dramatically into two claw-shaped constructions that were unnervingly sharp. [b]Deepspace Berserker:[/b] 1200 ATK 0 DEF Level 4 LIGHT Machine [b]Deepspace Berserker:[/b] 1200 ATK -> 1800 ATK [color=007236]"If you were wondering about the attack increase, it's because Berserker gains 300 ATK for each member of my armada I control, including itself!"[/color] [color=007236]"Next, I activate my trap card! Ojama Trio!"[/color] As her set card lifted up, three small bolts of light, one yellow, one green, and one black, flew from Camryn's field to King's, resolving themselves into Chazz Princeton's famously annoying iconic monsters. [b]Ojama Tokens:[/b] 0 ATK 1000 DEF Level 2 LIGHT Beast The future pro duelist smirked. [color=007236]"You can probably guess where I'm going with this, since you're a pro duelist and all. But before I enact my little plan, I'll set one card."[/color] Her card had barely hit the field before Camryn was flinging out an arm in anticipation of her attack. [color=007236]"Deepspace Scout, take out one of the Ojama Tokens!"[/color] Deepspace Scout fired a missile at the Ojama Yellow token, and the little guy panicked. A lot. They ran side-to-side trying to avoid it, somehow not falling behind the duel runners. As the missile was about to impact the small, red underwear wearing creature covered it's head. An explosion rang out, and when the smog lifted the token was trapped inside of a cube, which had shielded off the blast. [b][color=fff79a]"Is this a mockery of my skill?!"[/color][/b] While the king was fuming, the cube started to shrink in size. The ojama inside of it panicked, but calmed down when it felt it take the shape of it's own body, creating some sort of armor and giving Ojama Yellow some mad muscles. [b]Ojama Token:[/b] 0 > 1200 ATK [b][color=fff79a]"Behold, my trap card! Power Frame! This negates your attack, and this pathetic creature is now on a more suitable level to the King's dueling! "[/color][/b] Camryn blinked in surprise. She had forgotten all about that set card. Oh well. [color=007236]"Hm. That sucks. Whatever, I've still got another monster! And rather than one of those Tokens I gave you..."[/color] Deepspace Berserker suddenly swiveled towards Red Sprinter. [color=007236]"...it's going to remove that Red Sprinter from the field!"[/color] A small launcher underneath the ship's cockpit suddenly spat out a tiny sphere, which slowly floated towards King's horse-shaped monster. Its speed gradually increased as it drew closer, before fastening tightly to Sprinter's forehead. The poor thing only had a second to glance at what had struck it before it went up in flames. [b]"King" LP:[/b] 3000 -> 2900 LP [b][color=fff79a]"Red Sprinter!"[/color][/b] the duelist yelled out as his monster got destroyed, biting his lower lip. [b][color=fff79a]"This is only a minor setback! I still have your tokens on my field... "[/color][/b] Camryn just nodded. [color=007236]"I know. Oh, and by the way, Berserker lets me search out another ship. Let's go with... Falchionβ. Turn end."[/color] [b][i]Turn 7: "King"[/i][/b] "King": 2900 LP, 3 cards in hand, 3 monsters, 2 S/T, 3 Speed Counters Camryn: 5100 LP, 3 cards in hand, 2 monsters, 7 Speed Counters Angelo: 4000 LP, 3 cards in hand, 1 monster, 5 Speed Counters [b][color=fff79a]"...Hmph! I will not bother to take this turn. If you want to prove your worth, then break the defense your friend has set up for me!"[/color][/b] [color=00a651]"You will soon regret that decision, I activate Garuda's special effect! His special effect allows me to change the battle position of any of your monsters on the field. I think we should see if any of the tokens have fighting spirit"[/color] Angelo said as Garuda took to the skies and he looked radient as he posed before he flapped his wings towards the green token and as it hit he was forced to stand and look like he was attacking. [b][i]Turn 8: Angelo[/i][/b] "King": 2900 LP, 3 cards in hand, 3 monsters, 2 S/T, 4 Speed Counters Camryn: 5100 LP, 3 cards in hand, 2 monsters, 8 Speed Counters Angelo: 4000 LP, 4 cards in hand, 1 monster, 6 Speed Counters [color=00a651]"I think it's about time we end this farce, I draw!"[/color] Angelo called out as he looked at the card he drew and he knew it wasn't going to help him at the moment but it could make for a good combo later on if he sets his cards right, assuming he can't finish this right now. Angelo did a quick survery of what he had in his hand and he thought that he could finish this really soon, and if he couldn't end it now at the very least Camryn will be able to deliver the finishing blow. [color=00a651]" From my hand I summon a good friend of mine, show everyone what you got Mist Valley Falcon!"[/color] Angelo said playing one of his favorites as he slapped the card onto the field. An orb appeared right next to Angelo before his monster came out and and spun around once before taking a battle pose with his shield in front of him and his sword pointing forwards. [b]Mist Valley Falcon:[/b] 2000 ATK 1200 DEF Level 4 Winged Beast [color=00a651]"Now, let's end this. Garuda, attack the Ojama Yellow Token!"[/color] Angelo ordered before Garuda once again flew up into the air and dive bombed the token... The Ojama Yellow's two eyes widened as Garuda approached, hopping up from his card and running around in circles. Garuda smashed right through, shattering Yellow. Some of the light particles grazed the 'King', which made his lifepoints trickle down. [b]"King" LP:[/b] 2900 > 2600 [b][color=fff79a]"Impossible! That monster was in defense, yet I still took damage?"[/color][/b] Camryn gave the "King" an odd look. [color=007236]"When an Ojama Token is destroyed, you take 300 damage. I'm surprised you didn't know that, what with you being a pro duelist and all."[/color] The turbo duelist visibly flinched and looked flustered, but quickly recovered and put on his stoic face again.[b][color=fff79a]"Of course I knew this! But! A true entertainer like the King of Kings himself plays to the crowd, if you have not learned this yet you're nowhere near my dueling yet!"[/color][/b] [color=00a651]"Then, I'll attack your Ojama Green token and I'll attack with Mist Valley Falcon! Although, because of his ability, I'll have to take Garuda back into my hand."[/color] Angelo said as Gaurda disappeared from the field and Angelo placed him back into his Wrist Dealer. [color=00a651]"Now, finish this![/color] Angelo ordered, and his Falcon wasn't as showy in his attack. He flapped his wings, flying towards the now panicking Ojama Green Token but before it got far, Mist Valley had attempted to slash the token in half. This time the swords hovering around the King acted up again, forming an impenetrable light barrier off of which Falcon's sword bounced. [b][color=fff79a]"You utter fool! My Spriritual Swords of Revealing Light will negate this attack!"[/color][/b] the duelist replied, conveniently turning around a corner. Below the digital grid the duelists could see the lit up arena and the raging sandstorm, making for a spectacular backdrop to this duel. [b]"King" LP:[/b] 2600 > 1600 Angelo growled a bit as he saw that his attack didn't do nearly as much damage to the fake as he hoped. If nothing else, though, he has a strong monster on the field. His trap won't protect him forever, after all he has to give up a 1000 life points each time he uses it so he got him to weaken himself once again. If he knew Jack at all, he was a risk taker and he would do it again forcing his life points down to 600. [color=00a651]"Then I'll end my turn. I'll leave it to my partner to finish you off!"[/color] Angelo said, speeding up past the 'King' thanks to his Speed Counters. [b][i]Turn 9: "King"[/i][/b] "King": 1600 LP, 4 cards in hand, 2 monsters, 1 S/T, 5 Speed Counters Camryn: 5100 LP, 3 cards in hand, 2 monsters, 9 Speed Counters Angelo: 4000 LP, 4 cards in hand, 1 monster, 7 Speed Counters [b][color=fff79a]"...Finish me off? You insolent-! Very well. It's my turn, so now I draw!"[/color][/b] The 'King' shouted with ferocity, seemingly having lost his cool. The grin that appeared on his face was [i]not[/i] a friendly one. [b][color=fff79a]"I will show you the full extent of my Power Deck! From my graveyard I banish Stygian Street Patrol, allowing me to Special Summon Battle Fader from my hand! Now, to make matters worse for you, I tribute it for my Vice Dragon!"[/color][/b] A small, T-shaped fiend appeared out of a vortex, with a golden bell swinging side-to-side. It didn't stick around for long though, sinking into the ground to make room for another summon. A purple-scaled creature obscured by its own, green wings followed from next to the 'King'. It smashed open its own cage with a powerful roar soon following, looking ready to chow down on the opposing monsters. [b]Battle Fader:[/b] 0 ATK 0 DEF Level 1 DARK Fiend [b]Vice Dragon:[/b] 2000 ATK 2400 DEF Level 5 DARK Dragon [b][color=fff79a]"Time for the king's performance! Vice Dragon, attack Deepspace Berserker!"[/color][/b] The dragon responded by flying forward with a small spin, holding out its left claw forward. Halfway, however, Vice Dragon's shadow seemed to lag behind. A different creature started to be molded. At first it appeared to be a floating torso with arms and a head, but out of the bottom grew a spherical stinger. The entire creature was purple and would've seemed intimidating with it's large amount of muscle, golden horns and massive claws but was held back by two goofy eyes to either side of its face. [b]Juragedo:[/b] 1700 ATK 1300 DEF Level 4 DARK Fiend [b]"King" LP:[/b] 1600 > 2600 [b][color=fff79a]"Seems like I forgot to tell you, but my Juragedo can Special Summon itself when a monster attacks. Not only that, but I regain 1000 Lifepoints! Now, Vice Dragon, continue sending that piece of scrap to the junkyard!"[/color][/b] Vice Dragon's claw struck true and made Deepspace Berserker explode in two, causing a rain of fire to come down on Camryn. [b]Camryn LP:[/b] 5100 > 4900 [b][color=fff79a]"Juragedo! Get that Scout out of my sight!"[/color][/b] the turbo duelist yelled. They pointed towards the spaceship, making Juragedo fly into the air. They came down on top of Deepspace Scout, jamming in their stinger so it couldn't escape. The fiend then started to agressively tear into the spaceship, causing another explosion and raining down more fire onto the poor girl. [b]Camryn LP:[/b] 4900 > 4400 [b][color=fff79a]"Now do you see the arrogance of your ways? I change back Ojama Green to Defense, which ends my turn!"[/color][/b] [b][i]Turn 10: Camryn[/i][/b] "King": 2600 LP, 1 card in hand, 4 monsters, 1 S/T, 6 Speed Counters Camryn: 4400 LP, 4 cards in hand, 10 Speed Counters Angelo: 4000 LP, 4 cards in hand, 1 monster, 8 Speed Counters Despite having her field decimated, Camryn was resolute... and pretty pissed. [color=007236]"This is [i]not[/i] the end, not by a long shot! I refuse to have some piss-poor imitator of one of my idols come in and cut me down like he's the real deal! I'll show you 'arrogance', you two-bit copycat! [i]Draw![/i]"[/color] Camryn whipped off the top card of her deck, glancing at it out of the corner of her eye. The illustration was one she recognized quite well, and it made her breath catch slightly with excitement. [color=007236]"And it looks like I may have just drawn the key to turning this around. First off, I summon Falchionβ."[/color] A narrow, blue-and-white ship appeared on the field with little fanfare, the only marker of its presence the faint whine of its engines. [b]Falchionβ:[/b] 1200 ATK 800 DEF Level 4 LIGHT Machine [color=007236]"Next, since I have only Machines in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Gearspring Spirit in attack mode!"[/color] The resulting monster was an odd beast, with a head reminiscent of a goat balanced on top of a spindly, mechanical body, all covered with a cloak. Except, of course, for the two large wind-up keys jutting from its shoulders. [b]Gearspring Spirit:[/b] 100 ATK 100 DEF Level 8 DARK Machine [color=007236]"Next, I'll use its effect to change a monster's attack to 0 for the turn. We'll go with... Vice Dragon!"[/color] The odd machine's eyes glowed, and one of its keys flew out and fastened itself squarely to Vice Dragon's forehead, draining the creature of its strength. [b]Vice Dragon:[/b] ATK 2000 -> 0 [b][color=fff79a]"What?! My Vice Dragon!"[/color][/b] [color=007236]"Now, let's go on the attack! Gearspring Spirit, attack Vice Dragon!"[/color] The monster's other large key sprang from its shoulder and jetted towards the weakened monster, aiming for its head, where Gearspring Spirit's other key was fastened. [b][color=fff79a]"How naïve! I activate the effect of my Juragedo!"[/color][/b] Juragedo returned to the shadows, acting once again as Vice Dragon's. Some of the creature's power returned, making it stand up and ready to counterattack Gearspring Spirit. [b][color=fff79a]"Juragedo's effect allows me to raise Vice Dragon's attack by another 1000 points! The king's monsters will not be defeated so easily! Unfortunately, it comes at the cost of sacrificing Juragedo."[/color][/b] [b]Vice Dragon:[/b] 0 > 1000 ATK The key promptly pinged off of Vice Dragon and returned to Gearspring Spirit. [color=007236]"Well, that didn't work out. Whatever, I still have another monster. Falchionβ, attack Vice Dragon!"[/color] The silent ship didn't move, only fired a strange-looking bullet that pulsed in nauseating rainbow colors at the dragon. The yellow swords glowed again, creating a light barrier that made the bullet explode harmlessly against it. [b][color=fff79a]"Have you not learned? While I control my Spiritual Swords of Sealing Light, none of your attacks will reach me!"[/color][/b] [b]"King" LP:[/b] 2600 > 1600 LP Camryn had actually forgotten about the swords, but like hell would she admit it to this guy. [color=007236]"Whatever. At least some of your field's out of the way. I end my turn."[/color] [b][color=fff79a]"And with the end of your turn comes the end of your effect! Vice Dragon's attack returns to normal."[/color][/b] [b]Vice Dragon:[/b] 1000 > 3000 ATK [b][i]Turn 11: "King"[/i][/b] "King": 1600 LP, 2 card in hand, 3 monsters, 1 S/T, 7 Speed Counters Camryn: 4400 LP, 3 cards in hand, 2 monsters, 11 Speed Counters Angelo: 4000 LP, 4 cards in hand, 1 monster, 9 Speed Counters [b][color=fff79a]"My turn! Draw!"[/color][/b] The king swiped the next card from his deck, giving only a momentary glance before putting it down. He picked up the other card in his wrist dealer and played that first. [b][color=fff79a]"I play my Speed Spell, Shift Down! By removing six more Speed Counters I draw two cards from my deck."[/color][/b] [b]"King" Speed Counters:[/b] 7 > 1 The king drew two more cards from his deck and only glance briefly before smiling. He put one down and revealed the other to the duo of Angelo and Camryn. It showed a small imp, similar to the one from before but with purple robes and a chain going around it's back instead. Their eyes were also much larger, almost too big for the helmet. [b][color=fff79a]"I summon the Tuner monster Chain Resonator!"[/color][/b] The creature pictured on the card appeared, laughing in the face of Camryn and Angelo. [b]Chain Resonator:[/b] 100 ATK 100 DEF Level 1 LIGHT Fiend Tuner [b][color=fff79a]"Now I tune my Level one Chain Resonator to my Level five Vice Dragon and Level two Ojama token!"[/color][/b] Chain resonator burst into a single green ring, floating above the monowheel of the Turbo Duelist. The Ojama Black and Vice Dragon on his field flew up and lined up inside the ring, turning into two and five stars respectively. Those stars lined up once again, before a flash of light consumed the entire construction. All while this was happening, the 'King' chanted: [b][color=fff79a]"The ruler's heartbeat now resonates with mine! Revive once more and become the very essence of my soul! [i]Synchro Summon![/i] Come forth, my very soul, [i]DAMAGED DRAGON ARCHFIEND!![/i]"[/color][/b] Out of the light rose a majestic black-and-red, scaled dragon. Their left and right horn were broken, and both its arms and chest had glowing, orange scars. The right leg was wrapped up in something akin to a bandage and both the wings were missing a small part of the bottom. The creature let out a roar so mighty it shook all the Duel Runners, asserting its dominance. [b]Damaged Dragon Archfiend:[/b] 2900 ATK 2400 DEF Level 8 DARK Dragon [b][color=fff79a]"When Damaged Dragon Archfiend is Synchro Summoned, I destroy one monster on the field. This charade has gone on long enough, so begone Ojama Token! [i]Infernal burn![/i]"[/color][/b] the King shouted. The Ojama Green Token panicked and covered it's head as a disproportionately large fireball made contact and shattered it, grazing the king's lifepoints. [b]"King" LP:[/b] 1600 > 1300 [b][color=fff79a]"Now Damaged Dragon Archfiend! Attack and destroy Gearspring Spirit! [i]Infernal burn![/i]"[/color][/b] The dragon started to gather flames in its jaw, obvious from the trail of fire that leaks out of it because of the wind. It released in one powerful surge, engulfing the poor Machine-type monster. [b]Camryn LP:[/b] 4400 > 1600 The king fell behind in the race because of his speed counters now, driving behind Angelo and Camryn completely. This didn't deter him, though, as he just held a cocky smile and spoke again. [b][color=fff79a]"When Damaged Dragon Archfiend destroys a monster in battle, all my opponent's monsters who's attack is lower than the value of it's attack subtracted from Damaged Dragon Archfiend get destroyed! Since none of your monsters have 2800 or more attack, all of them are wiped out! [i]Absolute Burning Force![/i]"[/color][/b] The damaged dragon's right arm was set aflame. It balled its hand into a fist and let out a mighty roar, flying up into the air. Damaged Dragon Archfiend soon became entirely covered in flames, a shining beacon of light in the blackened sky. The heat was so fell that the air shimmered around it, giving off an almost godly aura. The dragon dived down and punched the holographic floor in between Camryn and Angelo, causing the flames to ripple across and shoot up into huge pillars. Falchionβ and Mist Valley Falcon were consumed and, ultimately, destroyed. As Damaged Dragon Archfiend returned to the King's field, he smiled. [b][color=fff79a]"As long as I have my heart and soul on the field, I need no other monster. With this, I end my turn!"[/color][/b] [b][i]Turn 12: Angelo[/i][/b] "King": 1300 LP, 2 card in hand, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 2 Speed Counters Camryn: 1600 LP, 4 cards in hand, 12 Speed Counters Angelo: 4000 LP, 5 cards in hand, 10 Speed Counters Angelo growled, knowing that while he could get rid of his dragon the real problem was his trap which he couldn't get rid of with anything in his deck or, if there was, he wasn't that lucky to draw it right now. He lost a good monster but hopefully he could make a comeback happen. [color=00a651]"I Draw!"[/color] Angelo said as he pulled out a card from his deck and he couldn't help but grin knowing that this would really change things. For once his luck was finally starting to change if only a little bit. Usually, whenever he got this card it would always be useless because the effect, while powerful, wouldn't activate. He used his speed and moved away from Camryn so she wouldn't feel the effects of this move. [color=00a651]"From my hand I summon Dragunity Aklys in attack mode!"[/color] Angelo said as the prismatic orb appeared next to him and from it the small red dragon appeared with a spear like head pointing forward. [b]Dragunity Aklys[/b]: 1000 ATK 800 DEF Level 2 WIND Dragon Tuner [color=00a651]" Don't worry, though. He won't be alone for long. From my hand I Special Summon Garuda the Wind Spirit again!"[/color] he called out. The familiar wind spirit from before appeared from a portal next to Angelo's Duel Runner, with the image of Mist Valley Falcon getting caught in the wind. [b]Garuda The Wind Spirit:[/b] 1600 ATK 1200 DEF Level 4 WIND Winged Beast [color=00a651]" Now I tune my Level 4 Garuda to my Level 2 Aklys! Synchro Summon, come forth Dragunity Knight Gae Bulg! [b][i]May the dragons unite with their knights to create a powerful combination, come on out my knight![/i][/b]"[/color] the boy yelled, with Aklys turning into two bright green rings and Garuda into four glimmering, bright stars. The stars lined up inside the two rings before a bright pillar of light engulfed them both, and from the powerful boom that followed a knightly figure emerged. Their shining white armor was adorned with beatiful gold, and they rode on a powerful looking wyvern with a long tail. The rider had wings, though while the knight's were purple on the outer rim and white on it's feathers the wyvern's had an inverted color scheme. [b]Dragunity Knight Gae Bulg:[/b] 2000 ATK 1100 DEF Level 6 WIND Dragon [color=00a651]" Now I attack with Gae Bulg!"[/color] Angelo commanded. Gae Bulg flew up into the air and pointed it's spear forward, launching at Damaged Dragon Archfiend. The 'King' looked perplexed at the sudden move of attacking his monster with a lower attack one, but his dueling wasn't going to be deterred just from that. He let out a hearty laugh at the display. [b][color=fff79a]"HAHAHA! Have you come to terms with the fact you can't possibly match up to the King's dueling? Wise choice! I'll accept you offer! Damaged Dragon Archfiend, retaliate with Absolute Burning Force!"[/color][/b] Angelo then grinned, seeing his overconfidence getting the better of him, not even thinking that his great knight had any special abilities. [color=00a651]" I told you before, your arrogance will be your downfall! Gae Bulg's effect! I banish Garuda to increase it's attack! Now he is truly a force to be reckoned with."[/color] Angelo yelled, with the image of the familiar bird man vanishing into Gae Bulg's spear. A soft, green aura wraps around the spear as it connects with the burning fist of Damaged Dragon Archfiend, piercing right through and slaying the dragon. A powerful roar bellowed from it's throat as it screamed out, before coming crashing down and shaking the entire field. [b]Dragunity Knight Gae Bulg:[/b] 2000 > 3600 ATK [b][color=fff79a]"[i]NO![/i] DAMAGED DRAGON ARCHFIEND!"[/color][/b] The 'King' screamed out, watching as his monster's own flames engulfed him as well. [b]"King LP":[/b] 1300 > 600 [b]Dragunity Knight Gae Bulg:[/b] 3600 > 2000 ATK Angelo grinned, knowing that the king was running out of options and for once he would finally win. The very thought made him smile before he slowed down to ride next to the king and he said [color=00a651]"I end my turn. Still feeling confident?"[/color] he said, before bursting forth leaving the king in the dust behind him. [b][i]Turn 13: King[/i][/b] "King": 600 LP, 3 cards in hand, 1 S/T, 3 Speed Counters Camryn: 1600 LP, 4 cards in hand, 12 Speed Counters Angelo: 4000 LP, 3 cards in hand, 1 monster, 11 Speed Counters The 'King' stayed silent for a little while, with his vizor obscuring his eyes. The man's head turned up and both duelists could feel his glare pierce through them. [b][color=fff79a]"You... You have destroyed the very incarnation of my soul. For this transgression against a king like myself...!"[/color][/b] the 'King' growled, holding his hand on his deck. [b][color=fff79a]"IT'S MY TURN! [i]DRAW![/i]"[/color][/b] The 'King' shouted, his powerful voice booming in the arena. The aftershock his drew could be felt by both Angelo and Camryn. The 'King' pointed towards Angelo with the hand that drew the card. [b][color=fff79a]"You! Is that mockery of a Synchro Summon supposed to be the best you can do?! Let me show you how truly conceited you are! From my hand I Special Summon Primitive Butterfly!"[/color][/b] A large, purple insect with six green wings latched onto the top of the mono-wheel with its six legs. The insect's teal eyes stared vacantly in front of it. [b]Primitive Butterfly:[/b] 1200 ATK 900 DEF Level 5 WIND Insect [b][color=fff79a]"But this isn't over yet! I Normal Summon the Tuner monster Red Resonator!"[/color][/b] the 'King' shouted out. Another impish fiend with a gray helemet and beady eyes appeared, but this time it's robes were on fire. [b]Red Resonator:[/b] 600 ATK 200 DEF Level 2 FIRE Fiend [b][color=fff79a]"This is how the King duels! He allows his opponent to pull ahead and think they have a chance, only to crush their hopes! I tune my Level 5 Primitive Butterfly to my Level 2 Red Resonator!"[/color][/b] the 'King' shouted, with Red Resonator banging its mallet against its tuning staff, making a clanging sound. Red Resonator burst into two rings with Primitive Butterfly entering it and become five stars. [b][color=fff79a]"[i]The infernal king shall rise once more from his grave! Their resonating heartbeats resound with mine! Synchro Summon! Level 7, Chaos King Archfiend![/i]"[/color][/b] In a flash of light, another monster rose. It was a tall humanoid wearing a golden mask, with black smoke coming from behind it and acting as hair. Two flaming, metal rods came out of his shoulders as well as his elbows, and a pink gemstone was sitting comfortably in the chest part of its blueish suit. [b]Chaos King Archfiend:[/b] 2600 ATK 2600 DEF Level 7 DARK Fiend [b][color=fff79a]"Hahaha! No matter how many of my Synchro monsters you destroy, I will always call forth a new one. That is the king's duel! Battle phase, Chaos King Archfiend! Attack that boy's knight!"[/color][/b] The archfiend swung once with one of its arms, sending a wave of fire hurling at Dragunity Gae Bulg. The knight seemed to be losing his grip on his dragon as they both were weakened, evidenced by lowering in altitude. [b][color=fff79a]"Like a true king, monsters bow down before my Archfiend! It switches the Attack of your monster with its Defense!"[/color][/b] [b]Dragunity Knight Gae Bulg:[/b] 2000 > 1100 ATK Chaos King Archfiend then extended one of it's clawed hands and started to gather flames in it, creating a fireball which slowly grew in size. When it looked like the ball had reached critical mass the archfiend hurled it at the Dragunity knight. Gae Bulg tried to retaliate by punching through with its spear, but was unable to due to the weakening employed by Chaos King Archfiend. Helplessly, the knight and his mount were swallowed by the flames, alongside Angelo. [b]Angelo LP:[/b] 4000 > 2500 Angelo growled loudly as he felt the sting of his monster getting destroyed. Now he was back to being infuriated. The first time he summoned his trump card, and the fake killed it just as quickly as his appeared! He knew, though, that even if the 'King' took his monster away he was on his last legs. He knew Camryn would finish him off. [b][color=fff79a]"Let this be a lesson: The king's Synchro Summoning reigns surpreme! With this, I end my turn."[/color][/b] [b][i]Turn 14: Camryn[/i][/b] "King": 600 LP, 1 card in hand, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 4 Speed Counters Camryn: 1600 LP, 5 cards in hand, 12 Speed Counters Angelo: 2500 LP, 3 cards in hand, 12 Speed Counters Camryn let out a slow breath. [color=007236]"Man, looks like things are really getting down to the wire here. But... I think this is gonna be where it ends! [i]Draw![/i]"[/color] Camryn basically ignored the card she drew; it wasn't needed. [color=007236]"First of all, I'm gonna summon Deepspace Berserker back to the field for a second shot at glory."[/color] [b]Deepspace Berserker:[/b] 1200 ATK 0 DEF Level 4 LIGHT Machine [b]Deepspace Berserker:[/b] 1200 ATK -> 1500 ATK [color=007236]"Next comes the card that spells out your demise, "King"! I activate the Speed Spell card Riryoku!"[/color] As said card flashed onto the field for a moment, Camryn kept talking. [color=007236]"This old thing has a pretty simple effect. By removing 2 of my Speed Counters and halving one monster's ATK, I can increase another monster's ATK by the same amount. Looks like the unlucky victim today is none other than your Chaos King Archfiend!"[/color] [b]Camryn Speed Counters:[/b] 12 -> 10 A malevolent aura surrounded Chaos King Archfiend, causing the fiend to stumble and weaken. Deepspace Berserker, by contrast, suddenly seemed to brighten up, and grew a startling number of new weapons. [b]Chaos King Archfiend:[/b] 2600 ATK -> 1300 ATK [b]Deepspace Berserker:[/b] 1500 ATK -> 2800 ATK [b][color=fff79a]"What?! Impossible! You can't possibly be suggesting-!"[/color][/b] [color=007236]"So much for being duel royalty, huh? Next time, I suggest you come back when you've managed to get the actual Red Dragon Archfiend. And a boatload more skill, of course. Deepspace Berserker, attack Chaos King Archfiend! [i]Boarding Party![/i]"[/color] Deepspace Berserker promptly went inert. Nothing happened for a few seconds. Gradually, a neon blue glow lit up its cockpit for a moment, then faded away. Again, nothing for a few seconds. Suddenly, a massive insect-like monster appeared on King's field in a flash of blue! Almost as suddenly as it appeared, the gigantic mantis-like thing had cut Chaos king Archfiend brutally in half, and had indeed gone straight through it to strike King directly. [b][color=fff79a]"Chaos King Archfiend!"[/color][/b] The 'King' yelled out, then turned his gaze to the giant insectoid rushing at him. They tried to force the Duel Runner they were on to dodge the incoming strike, but were too late. The mantis went straight through, draining their lifepoints. [b][color=fff79a]"GHUAAAAAAA!"[/color][/b] [b]"King":[/b] 600 LP -> 0 LP [b][h2]WINNERS: CAMRYN & ANGELO![/h2][/b] [/hider] [hider=The aftermath]The road of light dissappeared behind the duelists as they rode down back to the ground, but the crashed runner of the 'King' had less luck. They were sent spiralling down the track, but were luckily caught by the safety net of Speed World - Virtua. Camryn and Angelo rode up to a smoking Wheel of Fortune and a tall figure standing stalwart before them. Slowly, they lifted their helmet from their head. More hair than expected poured out, going all the way down to below the waist. Freckles were on the upper cheeks of this person and their eyes were the same colour as their vizor: Dark blue. This entire spectacle made them look a lot less like Jack, but perhaps the most shocking part of all: They were a female! [color=fff79a]"Oh what the heck! I was doing so well until you two showed up!"[/color] The female complained as she tossed her helmet to the ground, the deep voice from before replaced by a rather high pitched one. She walked over to her Duel Runner and pushed it upright to open up it's circuitry, confirming the damage. [color=fff79a]"Ghuuu... You jerks really beat up my runner! What's your problem, anyway?!"[/color] Camryn's excitement about winning the duel was suddenly tempered by the fact that apparently, this girl was definitely not the person they were looking for. Angelo was glad that he finally won a duel when it was important like this. He did a quick turn around on the track so he could get back to the fake Jack. He was completly surprised, as he saw that it was a woman that didnt even look close to Jack and normally he would say that she was attractive but then he got really pissed when she called THEM the jerks! Angelo got off of his duel runner and he sped walked over to her and he grabbed her riding suit, making her stop in her tracks. [color=00a651]"You have got to be freaking joking! What about all those people you didnt even think to how they felt when you destroyed their runner? You have been destroying Duel Runners left and right and when you hurt my friend that was the last straw! Do you have anything to say for yourself? 'cause I'm keeping myself from beating you to a pulp!"[/color] Angelo shouted with a growl, and he was genuinely pissed. Still, even he wouldn't hurt a woman... well, normally, but this woman had it coming. He waited to hear what possible excuse she could have for destroying Duel Runners. Camryn flinched back with a start when Angelo grabbed the other girl. [color=007236]"Jesus, Angelo, calm down! Freaking out like this isn't gonna get us anywhere! And besides, she really doesn't seem like the kind of person to go around crashing people's Duel Runners."[/color] The woman naturally also flinched when she was suddenly grabbed, having one eye closed to remove some of the discomfort from being so close. She looked incredibly confused with Angelo's speech. [color=fff79a]"What the heck are you talking about?! Sure, I've been dueling some people on this track, but I haven't destroyed anyone's runner! And I don't know anything about your friend either! The heck is wrong with you?!"[/color] The female student struggled and eventually managed to free herself from Angelo's grip, pushing him backwards. She took a defensive stance, unwilling to get grabbed again. [color=fff79a]"Is that what you're here for?! Destroying my win streak and defaming me?! You're the worst!"[/color] [color=007236]"No, of course not,"[/color] Camryn said placatingly. [color=007236]"We're here to investigate something. One of our friends was seriously injured when someone caused her Duel Runner to crash. We heard that someone was using the track late at night, and since that's when and where her crash happened, Angelo and I thought that we should see if whoever it was happened to be the culprit. Our first thought was you, but now we - or at least, I - am not so sure."[/color] Angelo growled as she decided to be ignorant to what she has done but something didn't sit right with him about this. How could she not know she has been destroying Duel Runners? He took a deep breath to calm himself down so he didnt try to attack her again. [color=00a651]"Who was the last person you remembered dueling?"[/color] Angelo asked, knowing that the only person she should say was Ethel. If she did, then that meant that she was really faking it. However, if she said that it was someone else then that meant that something was truly wrong here. [color=007236]"Other than us, of course,"[/color] Camryn chimed in. The woman took another cautionary step back, though it's not like she was going to be running away with her Duel Runner being out of comission. She brought one of her gloved hands to her face, running it through her hair once. [color=fff79a]"Yeah, I've been using the track. So what? I've got permission. Who I dueled was none of your business, but they weren't a first year just to set the record."[/color] The woman glanced at Angelo with a scowl briefly, then returned to Camryn. [color=fff79a]"If you're talking about the crash, though, I might know something. I was practicing here like usual, when a Speed World - Virtua dome suddenly popped up outside the arena. I went to look and saw two people from the outside: Someone on a pretty long purple runner and a girl who forgot her riding suit, riding a blue runner. I didn't stick around to watch the duel, but I never saw the purple runner leave the area."[/color] [color=007236]"Hmm... Well, that does rule out you doing it, since Ethel's a first year. And I'm pretty sure she has a blue duel runner, right Angelo? So that'd probably make the culprit the purple Duel Runner guy."[/color] Camryn nodded appreciatively. [color=007236]"Awesome! Looks like we've got a lead, even though it's a really tiny one. Thanks, uh...?"[/color] [color=fff79a]"Jacklyn,"[/color] the woman replied. She turned around again, fixating back on her Duel Runner as she started fiddling around in the circuitry. [color=fff79a]"I was the one who found the girl in the mornin', so I've got some part in this too. If I can help with anything else, you can find me here every night."[/color] [color=007236]"Great. Thanks, Jacklyn! See ya 'round!"[/color] Camryn turned away and was about to start walking when she halted and turned back. [color=007236]"Oh, and, uh... Sorry about the trash talk, by the way. I tend to get a bit heated when I'm dueling. C'mon, Angelo. We should probably head back and tell everyone what we've found."[/color] Angelo stayed quiet as he listened to both of them talking to each other, and this only gave him more questions than answers. It also made him feel like an ass for accusing her of doing the deed to Ethel, but could one blame him after she went from imposter to just a regular woman? [color=00a651]"Yeah, sorry about accusing you for hurting our friend."[/color] Angelo said before he followed Camryn out to put away their duel runners and get to the bottom of this.[/hider]