Turn 3: Tag Team Action! Cooking Up a Boogie Down!
Night has fallen over Academia Island and the Welcome Dinners at each dorm was anything but uneventful. At Osiris Red, the meals for the students there were sparse, but looked filling. Each student was given a tray consisting of a bowl of rice, five small fishes that were grilled to perfection, a smaller bowl that had miso soup, and a cup of tea. Some, if not most of the students, complained about either the quality of their dinners or the quantity of how much they were given. But for Judai, he was all but happy with what he was given. He could care less about the quality and quantity of food. All he knew was that he was hungry.
"Aniki, slow down. You're going to choke." Sho sighed wearily.
"I can't, this is too delicious!" Judai grinned as he kept eating.
"I see you decided to eat without the rest of us-nya."
The brunette flinched and looked up, seeing Daitokuji standing there, with a smile on his face. "Uh… I was starving?" Judai argued weakly with a sweat drop while laughing sheepishly.
"Well, since one of us can't wait… let's just eat-nya." Daitokuji smiled as his cat meows loudly.
"Sweet!" Judai cheered as he continued eating, as Sho sighed in slight exasperation.
Judai, after finishing his portion, tried to grab Rex's dinner, but the young man quickly held his food out of the future Duel King's reach.
"Hey, eat your own food!" He shouted.
"But I'm already finished!"
"Well you can't get seconds from someone else's share," Rex grumbled, before settling down to eat.
Needless to say, the Osiris Red dorm was lively as ever.
Meanwhile in the Ra Yellow Dorm, the quality of their Welcome Dinner was better than that of the Osiris Red. There were three long cafeteria tables, lined with Ra Yellow students sitting at them. On the tables, the plates of food served to them were comfort foods, all thanks to the Headmaster of Ra Yellow, Kabayama. The man was an exceptional chef, and Kuromu thought about the possibility of expanding his cooking repertoire.
"Oh man, Kabayama-sensei knows how to cook!" Kuromu said happily, as he was somewhat wolfing his dinner down.
"Indeed. He is a gifted chef." Misawa agreed, though a bit surprised by how eager Kuromu was to scarf down food.
"So you lost to this Judai kid?" Koji asked, as he was eating his share of food while talking to his best friend about the Duel.
"Yeah I nearly had him, but he drew the right card at the right time. One of those Destiny Draw moments people get sometimes." Kuromu sighed, before balling his fist and having a fiery determination in his eyes. "But I'm not gonna let that stop me! I'm gonna avenge my loss!"
"Heh, looks like you found an equal, Kuro." Koji chuckled.
"Yeah, I guess so. Still, it was a lot of fun. Though, I wish those Obelisk students that showed up didn't end it on a bad note…" He frowned in disapproval. "Especially their leader. Manjoume or something like that."
"Was it that loudmouth with black hair and a condescending attitude?" Koji asked.
"Yeah, that's him…" Kuromu deadpanned.
"I wouldn't worry about that jive-turkey. Guys like him have small brains and attitudes. Plus, they act like they got big bearings but can't back up their talk. So not groovy."
"I thought so. All bark and no bite." Kuromu scoffed.
"Well, rest reassured, that not all Obelisks are like him." Misawa cut in. "There are those that work hard and have earned their place."
"I've yet to meet any cats like that." Koji said. "Other than Rika."
"Rika?" Misawa asked.
"She's one of our childhood friends." Kuromu explained. "Plus, she's a good cook like Kabayama-sensei. Speaking of… I wonder how she's doing over there at her Welcome Dinner." He pondered.
If the Ra Yellows were treated as celebrities, then the Obelisk Blue students were treated like royalty. Both the boys and girls' dorms had some of if not most of the finest cuisine ever given. Even the appetizers put the best comfort food to shame. And it most likely came from how the food was strangely sparkling…
Overall, it wasn't a big surprise that the 'elite' of Duel Academia would be getting better treatment and even better living conditions. Given the fact that both of their dorms were practically castles.
…almost makes one wonder why Kaiba even bothered to make the school.
And speaking of dorms, our focus is on the Obelisk Blue Girls' Dorm, where Rika had just finished helping the chefs prepare and serve the welcome dinner for her fellow dorm mates.
Rika tried one of her own dishes that she cooked while helping the staff. She better save some for Koji and Kuromu later on though. She did promise them her food.
A soft hum vibrated in her throat.
"Looks like the maple glaze sunk to the bottom faster than I thought." She plucked her fork into a red potato piece, the inside of the piece already tearing open as she did. Rika sighed heavily. "Oh well, always next time."
Cooking was more than just a hobby for Rika. In truth she wasn't at the school to become a proper pro duelist. She came to learn about business more so than dueling. The only reason she even went to the school was because of the teachers supposedly being better than most economic professors in the country. Rumors that enticed Rika's curiosity. Passing the exam was easier than she thought it would be, but it helped that she was as good as she said she was. Well, learning the traits to be a pro duelist was also a boon. Dueling was used for everything now. Being a pro duelist would help her business.
Taking another bite, the young girl grimaced. Yep, it was just no good. Mentally berating herself, the girl swallowed the undercooked piece of food. As she did, she set the plate down and began grabbing a wine glass. Her eyebrows furrowed at the delicate glass.
"Why do they use the most expensive stuff anyway…"
At that moment, Rika felt her body being pushed forward with a jerk. The wine glass fell from her light grasp, crashing onto the table and splattering everywhere, including the ivory table cloth and Rika's uniform.
"Oh come on!" She complained. With this being grape juice it would be hell to remove without bleach. And she didn't have another one.
"Oops, looks like that will take a while to remove."
Rika looked towards the source of the voice and saw who the perpetrator was. It was one of the upperclassmen of Obelisk Blue, and judging by the sneer, she definitely was one of those snobby elitists.
"What is your problem?!" Rika demanded hotly.
"You were in my way."
"You could've said 'Excuse me' like a normal person!"
"Honey, I'm anything but normal." The senior Obelisk Girl raised an eyebrow with a smug look on her face. "And another thing, you need to learn how things work around here. You may be Obelisk Blue by default, but there's a hierarchy and you're expected to follow it. Because if you don't, let's just say you and I will be having problems in the future."
Rika never looked so heated in her entire life. "Why you stuck-up-"
"Hey, what's going on here?" Another voice called out. Rika turned to see a familiar face approach them.
"Well, well, if it isn't the self-proclaimed Obelisk Queen." The senior Obelisk girl frowned in slight disgust.
"Asuka-chan." Rika recognized.
"Everything okay?" Asuka asked.
"No, because she bumped into me, spilling juice onto my uniform and never apologized." Rika huffed.
"You weren't the one watching where you were." the senior Obelisk Girl shrugged.
"I was facing the table!"
"Oh? So you were pigging out then?"
"You little-!" Rika wanted nothing more than to slap her!
Before she could say anything though, Asuka stepped between the two students.
"Look, I understand you're a third year student. And as your juniors we are to show you the utmost respect, as a senior and as a Duelist."
"That's correct. I know a lot about this school as well as the best Duelists here. And you also know I rank in the top five best Duelists at the academy. You could argue I'm on par with your brother." The simple flutter of her eye almost caused Asuka to lose her composure. But through mere self control she was able to retain it. Even so, Rika noticed the slight trembling.
"So I've heard. But you never once defeated my brother. And I can guarantee that I am just as strong as he is as well."
The words were bait. She goaded the upperclassmen to take it. The woman's eyes narrowed into a glare. Was this upstart really testing her? The girls didn't realize that a crowd was gathering, murmuring about the Duelists this was all centering around.
"So I heard. The little sister of Tenjouin Fubuki, said to be as much of a genius with dueling as him. So much so that the moniker of "Obelisk Blue Queen" ran across the campus during the summer. For a first year I guess you have some talent. But don't you dare think you can compare to us, third years!"
"Then, would you grant me the opportunity to Duel you?" Asuka challenged her.
"Now, ladies. Did you forget the rules during the evening parties?" They heard as someone approached the trio, namely a woman with red hair that had one side sticking out to the right, a modified version of the same uniform the girls were wearing with a pink skirt and brown heeled boots. This was Ayukawa Emi, head of the Obelisk Blue Girls' Dorm, as well as the school's gym teacher and nurse.
"Ayukawa-sensei." Asuka acknowledged.
"You know that you cannot pick fights during occasions like this." She chided the girls. "If you two wish to Duel, I suggest doing so at a later date. Otherwise, do not even think about trying to start something, especially on the first day."
"Yes, sensei." The girls sighed before Emi made her leave, as did the rest of the crowd.
"Don't think this is over…" the woman warned Asuka and Rika before walking off.
"What a stuck-up prick…" Rika huffed.
"She certainly had a presence…" Asuka muttered softly before sighing.
"Still, thanks for sticking up for me." Rika thanked her.
"It's nothing." Asuka said, "I'm glad that you, Kuro, and Koji made it to the Academy though."
"You and me both." Rika said, before looking down at her uniform with a pout. "Still… this is gonna take forever to get rid of this stain and I don't have a spare."
"You could borrow one of mine." Asuka offered, "I got a couple of spares."
"Really? Thanks! You're a lifesaver!" Rika thanked.
"Come on, I'll show you to my room." Asuka smiled softly, before the two made their way out of the dining hall and into one of the corridors of the dorm. "Phew… much quieter than back there. Sometimes parties aren't just for me."
"You got that right." Rika agreed.
"So what's going on with you and the boys lately?" Asuka inquired.
"Nothing much really." Rika admitted. "I'm still running the restaurant with the family, Koji being his usual ladies' man self, and Kuro's… being Kuro."
"I see." Asuka noted, "I guess not much changed. Though…"
"Hm?" Rika uttered out, as the two stopped walking and Asuka turned to the burgundy-haired girl. "What is it?"
"Are you… sure nothing's changed?" Asuka asked unsurely. "Because… I talked with Kuro on the boat and… he looked a bit distracted."
"Really?"
"He said that he almost decided to quit Dueling one day, but had a reason to get back into it." Asuka explained, as Rika looked a bit unnerved, though she didn't show it. "Rika… did something happen to Kuro?"
"Uhh… it's a long story." Rika hesitated. "You'd have to get details from him, though that's… probably easier said than done…" she said, looking away with a look of regret.
"I… okay then. I'll try and talk to him when I can." Asuka said.
"Just… try not to pry too much into it when you do." Rika advised. "Like I said, it's a long story, and… he needs to feel ready to tell you."
Asuka nodded before the two continued on their way to the former's dorm.
It was now the first official school day of Duel Academia! Kuromu was making his way towards the campus with a bit of pep in his step after having a filling breakfast. He wasn't going to let Manjoume's insults of his Duel with Judai from yesterday get the better of him. He very much enjoyed that Duel between Elemental Heroes and Kamen Riders! It was amazing! All it did for Kuromu and Judai was invigorate more passion into each other as it went on! He was going to have a good day and he's certainly not going to let those Obelisk Blue students who think they're entitled to everything ruin it.
"Iyaaaaa~!" Kuromu yawned as he stretched his arms. "Can't wait for classes to start!" Taking out his PDA, he scrolled through the classes he had that day and simply grinned like a child while looking through it. "Duel Theory and Summoning sounds neat, Math is okay, hold on… the heck is Duel Alchemy?" Was it like real life alchemy, he wondered? Thinking back to an anime he saw he shook his head. "No it can't be. Maybe it's some weird class about attributes and fusion. Yeah that's it."
He continued on his way towards campus, excited to learn or in this case relearn everything about Duel Monsters and get back into the game. But that's when he remembered why he was really here. His pep in his step suddenly died off and was now walking as he looked down in deep thought. And depression gradually started sinking into his being.
'Why am I having so much fun? I shouldn't be having too much fun. I'm here at Duel Academia for a reason…' Kuromu thought to himself. 'I should be thinking about what I'm looking for, but… then again, I don't have any sort of lead I could follow. But at the same time, I can't hold it off either…'
Unfortunately, he was so caught up in his thoughts, that he failed to realize three students in front of him, and by the time he realized it, it was too late as he accidentally bumped into them, causing him to lose his footing briefly, before balancing himself.
"Oh crap, sorry I wasn't paying attention." Kuromu quickly apologized, bowing as well.
"Watch where you're going, Ra Reject!" A rather cocky voice exclaimed. Looking at Kuromu came face to face with several Obelisk Blue folks.
'Oh man, this is not how I wanted to start my day.' Kuromu panicked in his thoughts as he cringed at the sight of the intimidating Obelisk Blue students and had a bead of sweat going down the side of his face. 'Alright, calm down, Kuro. Let's be rational. We're going to have a good day. Do not let them get the best of you.'
"I'm sorry for bumping into all of you like that. I really am." Kuromu apologized, raising his hands up, showing that he didn't want any trouble.
"You should be. Now I got your Ra germs all over me. If I mess up today, it's all your fault!"
Kuromu, for the first time, felt like questioning the age limit of his fellow students. Germs, really? How childish could they really get?
"Look, there's no need to get all worked up." Kuromu said, as he tried to move around them. "I'll just be on my way and pretend this never-" His words were cut off when the other two Obelisks blocked his path.
"Oh, it happened. And what'll happen next is you getting your ass handed!" The second Obelisk student growled, grabbing him the collar of his shirt.
"We're gonna show you how to give us the proper respect we deserve!" The third Obelisk added.
Kuromu's eyes widened slightly at the last remark before narrowing them, "…Respect that you deserve?" He muttered darkly. "You don't even know the first thing about it."
"What did you say!?" The first Obelisk snapped.
"I didn't stutter." Kuromu answered. "You think just because you're in the top of your class, you think you deserve respect wherever and whenever you want? That's not how it works here at Duel Academia. You don't deserve any respect because you haven't earned it."
"Why you little-!" The third Obelisk growled.
"Struck a nerve, did I?" Kuromu retorted. "Because we all know it's true. This school wasn't built for coasting on laurels, it's built for those who want to become the best of the best through hardwork and dedication to better themselves in playing the game. And all of you don't seem to realize that yet. All for the reason of trying to save face when you know there's someone in the lower dorms that could be potentially better than you."
"You son of a- you think that tough talk makes you look cool!? Then how's this for ya!?" the second Obelisk shouted as he reared his fist and no less than a second later, Kuromu was sent flying to the ground and on his back with a grunt of pain, all the while sporting a bruised left cheek and a thin trail of red liquid escaping the left corner of his lips.
Kuromu eventually staggered to his feet, casually rubbing his cheek, smirking goadingly.
"What? You want more, Ra Reject?!" Just as the Obelisk student was about to throw another punch, a voice stopped him.
"What the heck do you guys think you're doing!?" Every single student that was present turned around. Standing there was none other than Asuka. What caused everyone to stop and stare was the glare that was present in her hazel eyes. If she was capable of it, that glare could become daggers ready to stab every single person there.
"Asuka." Kuromu got out.
"Crap, Tenjouin Asuka?!"
"The Obelisk Queen?!"
"What's she doing here?"
'Obelisk… Queen? What did Asuka do to get that nickname?' Kuromu parroted in his thoughts, '…and when can I get one?'
"I don't know what made you think this is cool, but school starts in ten minutes. Why not actually act your age and get to class, or are you going to shame us Obelisks more than you already have?! And on the first day no less!"
The three Obelisk boys flinched at her righteous anger. And rightfully so. They turned to Kuromu, simply glaring daggers at him. "This isn't over…" The first Obelisk grunted, before the three of them made their way to campus. Even as they passed the Obelisk Blue girl, the latter kept her eye on them like a hawk to ensure they didn't do anything funny, and it stayed that way until the boys entered through the doors.
Kuromu sighed in relief, with eyes closed and a hand over his heart. "That was too close…" He then noticed Asuka, approaching him.
"You alright, Kuro?" She asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Kuromu assured with a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his head. "A punch to the face is nothing." He then looked away, as he had to spit out the blood that was in his mouth. And it was a decent amount of the red liquid. "See? Not as bad as it looks." He laughed nervously.
"If you say so." The girl sighed, before continuing. "I'm surprised you didn't punch back."
"Eh, between them and me, I could take 'em."
"That's being rather cocky."
"Nah, I'm just more trained to control my emotions, is all. Besides, the best brawls are in Duels."
His words caused her eyes to widen, and then, she began giggling. This caused Kuromu to pout, a little bit peeved that she was now laughing at him.
"Oi, Nandayo?" Kuromu looked miffed.
"You sounded a bit corny there." Asuka said.
"And what does that mean?" Kuromu questioned her, giving a face that made Asuka's giggles become a full-fledged laughing fit. "Hey, Asuka! C'mon! This isn't funny!" He whined.
However it wasn't long before he ended up laughing as well, likely from seeing Asuka's laugh.
With the ringing of the school bell, the first classes of the new school year began. And for Kuromu's first class, is with Professor Chronos de Medici, the Headmaster of Obelisk Blue, and the man with the Antique Gear Deck that Judai defeated at the entrance exams.
Normally, the seating chart would be set so that first years would be sitting on the bottom and the upperclassmen were higher up. But since color was added to the dorms, and most Obelisk Blues feeling more superior than the Ra Yellows and Osiris Reds, Blue was on top, Yellow was in the middle, and Red was at the bottom. How original was that…
Kuromu kept his eye on Asuka as she stood up to answer a question their teacher, Doctor Chronos, inquired of her to answer.
"In Duel Monsters, cards consist of Normal Monster, Fusion Monsters, Ritual Monsters, Effect Monsters, as well as trap and spell cards. Trap cards can be further divided into Normal Traps, Counter Traps, and Continuous Traps. And spell cards can be further divided into Normal Spells, Continuous Spells, Equip Spells, Quick-Play Spells, Ritual Spells, and Field Spells," the Obelisk girl listed off.
'Geez, everyone knows that. Why would Instructor Chronos give her such an easy question?' Kuromu frowned in his thoughts.
"Bellissimo! Extremely good!" Chronos smiled, complimenting Asuka, "Perhaps I asked too simple a question of Signora Asuka, from Obelisk Blue."
"Those are the basics," Asuka admitted, taking her seat.
Chronos then looked around the classroom for another student to call upon, "Signor Kururugi!"
Kuromu was a bit startled before standing at attention. "Sir!"
"Would you explain to the class what each type of Trap Card is and what each does in a Duel?"
"Yes sir. Most Trap Cards can be set on one turn, but can only be activated later in the Duel. Normal Trap cards can be activated during either player's turn as long as it wasn't set that turn. The effects of certain Normal Trap Cards behave like Equip Cards, but the card is still considered a Normal Trap Card. Continuous Traps are cards that stay on the Field after activation. The effects of these cards remain active until the owner cannot maintain the cost or conditions indicated on the card (if any) or it is destroyed. Counter Trap cards are the only cards with effects that can counter most Spells, Traps, and Effects, while only other Counter Trap Cards can be activated in response to them. Most can only be activated to negate or punish the activations of other cards, or Summons of monsters." Kuromu answered.
"Not bad for a Ra Yellow. Good work, Signor Kururugi," Chronos nodded.
"Phew…" Kuromu sighed in relief as he sat back down.
"Well then… Signor Marufuji!" Chronos responded, calling on Sho, making the poor first-year gasp in shock.
"Y-Yes!" He stuttered, standing up.
"Explain to the class what a Field Spell is." Chronos said.
"Um… uh… a-a Field Spell is… um…"
"Even Kindergarteners know that!" an Obelisk from above shouted down to Sho, making the Obelisk students chuckle.
"Don't sweat it. Just calm down, Sho," Judai assured, as the rest of the class waited for an answer.
"Enough. Be seated," Chronos instructed as Sho sat down, "Being unable to answer this most basic of basic questions… but then again, he is in Osiris Red. I am not shocked."
The Obelisks laughed out loud again, with Sho looking flustered.
"I know the answer. I just get stage fright," Sho uttered under his breath.
"You know, Teacher, how much you know has no bearing on real Duels, right?" Judai spoke up.
"W-What?" Chronos responded.
"After all, I'm in Osiris Red, and I beat you in a Duel."
The color seemed to leave Chronos's face as he shook upon Judai's response.
"Mama Mia!" Chronos uttered, his teeth clenched on his handkerchief as most of the students joined in laughing. How dare this Dropout Boy insult in front of the whole class!? He's even got two-thirds of the class laughing with him. Him losing to Judai was already bad enough, and he certainly didn't need a reminder!
"Yo, nice one bro!" Rex complimented Judai, the pair sharing a high five.
"Geez, Judai, you're making a lot of enemies, aren't you…" Kuromu sweat dropped.
Later on that day…
Professor Daitokuji, headmaster of the Osiris Dorm was the next one teaching. "Now then, 'Alchemy' refers to making metals out of other substances-nya," He explained while petting his cat, "In particular, it refers to the creation of gold, but more broadly, it is the art of turning base substances into noble ones-nya."
Judai yawned out of sheer boredom.
"Aniki, thanks for before." Sho smiled in a whisper.
"What do you mean?" Judai asked, clearly tired.
"You don't remember?"
Suddenly, Daitokuji looked intensely at Sho, though it was hard to tell seeing that people couldn't see the whites of his eyes most of the time. Though it was clear to Judai that the Professor was looking at them.
"Shh… keep quiet, or our teacher will single you out again, Sho," Judai whispered.
"Marufuji-kun," the professor spoke up, making the bluenette gasp and stand up.
"Y-Yes?!" he asked.
"Would you catch Pharoah for me-nya?" the professor inquired.
"P-Pharaoh?"
"My cat, of course-nya."
"Mreow~"
Sho gasped and looked down, seeing the tabby cat was rubbing himself against Sho's leg.
Chronos was at his desk, furiously writing something with a quill pen. The nerve of that dropout boy, reminding him of the loss he was given at the Entrance Exam, and to a Deck made of common heroes, irritated him! They were plain and mundane! And here he was, mocked and insulted! He wasn't going to take this lying down. Oh no, not by a long shot. He was going to make sure to give that Dropout Boy the just desserts he deserves and expel him one way or another!
"That impudent dropout boy… how dare he embarrass me in such a manner! If he thinks this is finished, he is sorely mistaken." The professor then folded the paper he wrote on and placed it in an envelope before sealing it. He then pulled up a mirror and applied some very bright red lipstick before kissing the back of the envelope. "There we are," He chuckled before it became laughter.
Chronos then ran out of his office and into the boys' locker room, since Judai's next class was gym with Instructor Ayakawa.
"Now then… where are that drop-out boy's shoes? Where are they?" He shuffled through the lockers, opening them one by one to find anything resembling Judai's shoes until-
"Oh, here they are!" he chuckled, smirking as he placed the letter on top of Judai's boots.
"Professor Chronos?"
"GAHHHHHHHHH!" The Dueling Professor turned around, only to see Kuromu standing there in confusion, his Ra Yellow uniform hanging in one arm while wearing his gym clothes. "Oh, Signor Kururugi. You frightened me." He said after calming down.
"I was about to head over to meet with the others for gym class." Kuromu blinked. "What are you even doing here?"
"I-I… was… checking for contraband! Yes, that's it." Chronos panicked, "You have no idea how many students try to sneak in illegal objects onto the island."
"Oh, you mean like that letter in your hand you were about to put in that locker?"
"Sì." Chronos said.
…
…
…
…
'DIOS MIOOOOOOOOOOOO!' Chronos mentally wailed. He screwed himself over and got caught red-handed!
"Professor, what exactly are you doing?"
"Uhh, uhhh…" Chronos began to sweat profusely, "I…"
Kuromu grew more and more suspicious of the Obelisk Blue professor. That is, until…
"Class is starting and I'm already running late!" Sho's voice panicked, hoping to get his shoes off as he came into the locker room, before noticing Kuromu and Chronos. "Kuro? Professor Chronos?"
"I gotta go!" Chronos panicked before running away.
"What… was that all about?" Sho asked, confused.
"Beats me." Kuromu frowned in suspicion.
"GRAAAAH! STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!" Chronos roared to himself in complete anger. How could he have failed so miserably? If only Kuromu hadn't shown up, he would've planted the fake letter and bolted out of there as quickly as possible! Then his plan to expel that Dropout Boy would've gone without a hitch!
"There has to be another way to deliver the letter, there must be!" He snarled, then an idea came into his mind, "The American… perhaps he could be the key I need to expel his friend?"
Later on that night…
"Hey Rex, the outhouse shower is all yours now." Judai said as he came into the dorm, wearing his PE uniform while drying his head with a towel while Sho was already asleep.
As he walked to his dorm room, he saw Rex there holding the false letter.
"Yo, Judai. Did someone mistake my locker for yours?" The young man asked, "I found this hiding under my shoes."
"A letter? From who?" Judai asked, confused.
"Was wondering if you knew honestly. Never opened it myself." Rex shrugged after giving him the letter, "But if I'm being honest, it sounds kind of sketchy."
"Well, let's open it and see what it says." Judai said, before opening it to read. "'Ever since we first met, I've been in love with you. I'll be waiting for you tonight, behind the girls' dorm. Tenjouin Asuka'."
…
…
…
…
"Okay, that's definitely fake." Rex said dryly.
"Huh? How can you tell?" Judai asked him.
"While I don't know Tenjouin's exact writing style, I can tell when someone's trying to forge a person's handwriting and this? Whoever's doing this likely didn't even try to get it right." The young man explained. "Not to mention that you two just met and I'm pretty sure she's not the 'love at first sight.' kind of girl." He then added to himself, 'Plus, I don't think Kuro would take kindly to this.'
"So… what do we do?" Judai asked.
"Hmm… that's a simple one." Rex said, "Something tells me this is some kind of trap."
"Meaning…"
Rex grabbed the letter, looking at it… before ripping it in pieces.
"We don't spring it." Rex stated and shrugged, "Hear me out. If Asuka was the writer of the letter, then you're gonna be in for a lot of pain tomorrow morning. But if my hunch is correct, then not going should screw up the real writer's plans." he said before yawning, "Anyways, I'm beat. I'm heading in."
"Uh… okay." Judai noted as the young man went to bed… though from a distance, Chronos was… beside himself as his rage boiled over.
'How did that stupid Yankee catch on so quickly?' he snarled.
Speaking of… inside the Girls' Dorm bath, Asuka was taking a bath with her friends. The two friends that Asuka was with, was a girl named Makurada Junko who had red hair that reached her neck and black eyes, and a girl named Hamaguchi Momoe, having black hair reaching her upper back and having brown eyes.
Like everything else that was gaudy and over-the-top with Obelisk Blue, this bath was no exception. The place was practically a hot spring with three pools, ranging from the small one in the middle and going outward to the medium sized one and the large pool being the outer rings of the bath. There was a massive pole that kept the entire structure up and just below the pool, it had a golden lion head that shot out the water from its jaw serving as the supplier for the warm water.
"There aren't any real decent boys in this year's new class," Junko pouted, "Especially that Yuki Judai kid… so loud, vulgar, and rude! Ne, Asuka-san?"
"I don't really care either way." Asuka sighed, feeling content with just relaxing in the water.
"Huh?! Asuka-san?!" Junko gawked as Asuka just sat there.
"What about Misawa in Ra Yellow?" Momoe asked Junko, getting her attention, "Don't you think he's a fine man? Oh, what about Kuromu? He seems manly too."
"What about Kuromu?" Asuka asked, her tone a bit more curious, something Junko and Momoe caught onto.
"Oooohhh… so he's taken, I see?" Junko said with a cheeky grin.
"Hold on, I didn't say-"
"You don't need to tell us." Momoe chuckled.
Asuka sighed, "Girls, it's not like that. Yes, he's my childhood friend, and yes, we are close, but that doesn't mean-"
"So then… is he free?" Junko hoped.
"Huh?" Asuka almost looked surprised at the question.
"Come on, you guys aren't dating anyways so it'll be fine!" Junko said.
"I… guess, but…" Asuka was struggling to put her thoughts into words.
"Wow, who would've thought that Kuro had some competition?" A new voice said, as the girls turned around to see Rika approaching them, also in her birthday suit with a towel around her form.
"R-Rika!" Asuka gasped, as the burgundy-haired girl dipped into the bath to join the three.
"I mean, I haven't seen you this possessive since middle school." Rika joked.
"Oh, this I have to hear." Momoe smiled in interest.
"Trust me, there's a reason why people are surprised that Kuro and Asuka aren't a couple." Rika shared before noticing the embarrassed glare the Obelisk Queen was giving her, "Oh don't look at me like that, you know I'm right!"
"Don't you even say it." Asuka hissed, "Like I said, he and I are not that close!"
"How you acted when I asked if he was free said otherwise~!" Junko chuckled.
"Junko… do not anger me…" Asuka growled before realizing that she was proving Rika right, "Ugh, I did it again. Didn't I?" She grumbled in defeat.
"Yu~p, and just for that, punishment time!" Rika smirked mischievously, before her hands grabbed Asuka's chest and began fondling them, earning a whimpering squeak from the blonde. "Wow, it's been only two years, and you've gotten this big?"
"Mm… s-stop it, Rika." Asuka whimpered. "It's- ah… it's embarrassing…"
"Hey now, you asked for this~!" Rika chuckled.
"No I didn't- mmmm…" she muttered, barely able to hold back a sensual moan before she was able to get Rika's hands off of her, panting as she covered her chest with her own arms. "Haaa… haaa… you are such a deviant."
"Hehe~ and what are you gonna do about it, hm~?" Rika goaded.
"Oh, you asked for it now!"
The two would soon playfight as Momoe and Junko couldn't help but feel jealous of how close the girls were.
'Maybe Kuro isn't the only one that likes Asuka,' they collectively thought to themselves.
The next day…
"Wait, someone tried to use a fake letter to fool Judai?" Rika asked Kuromu.
"Yeah, Rex confirmed it for me." Kuromu grumbled as he, Rika, Asuka, and Koji were sitting at the gazebo just outside of the Ra Yellow Dorm. "I didn't know why Instructor Chronos was acting fishy when I came into the locker room yesterday, but now I know. Looking for contraband, my ass…"
"Surprised he figured it out from the letter alone." Koji noted.
"But why go through all that trouble?" Asuka frowned.
"Why else? Judai made a fool out of Instructor Chronos yesterday in class, so he wants him booted off the island." Kuromu said. "It doesn't help when Judai beat Instructor Chronos at the Entrance Exams too."
"Yeah, that guy's got an ego." Koji groaned.
"Aren't you gonna tell Principal Samejima?" Rika asked.
"As much as I want to, we can't. Besides, the mutt ripped the supposed evidence in pieces, so that's all moot." Kuromu sighed. "But, at least Judai is safe."
"Yeah." Rika noted. "So how are the Kamen Riders treating you, Kuro?"
"They're doing well for me. I'm still trying to figure out the ins and outs of the Deck, but so far I have no complaints." Kuromu answered, "I mean, I got a win and a loss under my record now."
"Though technically those two Duels were before school started." Koji pointed out, "So right now you have nothing on your record."
"Oh…" Kuromu groaned.
"Well, I don't know about you, but I could go for a Duel right now." Rika smiled, before standing up to face them. "So how about this? We have ourselves a Tag Duel!"
"Whoa, whoa, what?" Koji looked surprised.
"Hold on, are you sure?" Kuromu asked, equally surprised at the challenge.
"Why not? It's a great idea!" Rika grinned, "Me and Koji vs you and Asuka-chan!"
"Eh?!" Kuromu and Asuka looked shocked, then looked at each other, then back at Rika.
"Awww c'mon, you know you two want to!" Rika grinned impishly. "Besides, what you two promised back then won't apply here!"
Immediately both Kuro and Asuka blushed, while Rika and Koji shared a high five before equipping their Duel Disks.
"Well… Asuka? What do you think?" Kuromu asked timidly.
"I'm game if you are." Asuka hesitantly said.
"Alright then." Kuromu nodded, before looking at Rika and Koji. "We accept your challenge. But first…" He said, before taking out his PDA, much to everyone's confusion. He went to text something for a bit. "Aaaaaaand… sent."
"Who'd ya-" Koji began.
"Wait for i~t?" Kuromu said.
…
"…aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" They two familiar voices screaming in terror as a large dust cloud rapidly approached them. Once the dust settled, they saw Judai there with a dazed Sho and Rex in tow.
"Ughhh…." The mutt groaned.
"I want my mommy…" the young boy wailed in pain.
"Hey guys!" Judai greeted the four… to Asuka, Rika, and Koji's bewilderment.
"Wait, you-" Rika began.
"Yeah, I invited Judai over to watch the Duel. I figured he wanted to watch." Kuromu smiled sheepishly.
"So, you guys Dueling yet?" he asked before noticing a large shadow loom over him, "Uh oh…"
*BOOM! WHACK!*
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR, DUMBASS?!" Rex roared at Judai after leaving behind two goose eggs on the future Duel King.
"What? Kuro said that you and Sho were invited to watch too!" Judai cringed in pain, attempting to nurse said lumps on his head.
"Yeah, but you didn't have to drag us behind like we're roadkill!" Rex groaned before the pain set in and quelled his anger, "Ow, my head…"
"Yikes, you sure you two will be okay?" Rika winced.
"I'll live…" Rex groaned.
"I'm okay…" Sho agreed after getting up.
"Alright, then let's get this Duel going already!" Judai grinned widely as the three Osiris Red students stood to the side while the other four took their places and shuffled their Decks. Once they were ready, all four of them inserted their Decks into their Duel Disks, activating them.
"So how are we doing this?" Kuromu asked.
"I'll let Asuka-chan take the first move. Then it'll be me, then you, and finally Koji." Rika said. "We start with 8000 Life Points, but share them and the Field for our respective sides, and none of us can't attack until Koji's turn."
"Works for me." Koji shrugged.
"I'll agree to those terms." Asuka nodded.
"I'm all for it." Kuromu finished.
"Okay, now that we're all in agreement, let's…"
"DUEL!"
Asuka/Kuromu: 8000
Rika/Koji: 8000
"You got this, Asuka." Kuromu said, giving her a confident nod and smile.
Asuka returned the gesture, before looking towards Rika and Koji. "Watashi no ta-n! Draw!" She declared, before drawing her sixth card. She looked at her Hand to consider her options before deciding what to do. "I summon Etoilé Cyber!" With a flash of light on the water, a ginger haired woman appeared with light blue skin mixed with a red outfit, lavender ribbons being around her arms. (4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1600), "Then I set one reverse card. Ta-n endo."
"Watashi no ta-n! Draw!" Rika declared, drawing her sixth card and looking at her Hand. "I summon Fighting Foodon - Fried Ricer in ATK mode!" She slapped the card on the tray, and appearing on the Field was a figure that wore a purple sleeveless changshan with a yellow belt and black shoes. But what was truly strange was the fact that the monster's head… was a plate of fried rice! The "head" was made of rice grains in a perfect half sphere, while sporting cartoonish narrow eyes and a green pea on top. It held two large soup spoons as its weapons. (4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200)
"That monster looks so good!" Judai declared, eyes sparkling while a line of drool ran down his chin. "I wonder if it tastes good…" Then his eyes took on a hungry gleam.
"A-Aniki, you know they're not real…" Sho sweat dropped.
"Sho, this is Judai you're talking to." Rex said dryly. "He has a brain the size of a walnut."
"Hey, I'm not that dumb!" Judai huffed.
"You want me to count the ways?" Rex reminded him.
"Er-hem!" Rika cleared her throat intentionally. "Mind if I continue my turn without the commentating nonsense from the peanut gallery?"
"Please do." Rex answered.
"Thank you." Rika said, before looking back onto the Field. "I'll place one card face-down. Ta-n shuuryou!" She finished, doing what she intended.
"O-re no ta-n! Draw!" Kuromu declared, drawing his sixth card. "I summon Kamen Rider OOO in ATK mode!" He said, slapping the card on the tray.
TAKA!
TORA!
BATTA!
Images of three animals in the form of symbols appeared. A red hawk was on the top, a yellow tiger was in the middle, and a green grasshopper was at the bottom. The three images then combined into one large crest which flew backwards and into his chest. His body then became enveloped in energy which swiftly hardened into solid armor.
TA-TO-BA! TATOBA! TA-TO-BA!
The helmet was mainly black, save for the green eyepieces and red faceplate of a hawk with its wings spread. Running from his chin and down his neck was a red line that was connected to the top portion of the image on his chest. The torso armor had rounded shoulders with yellow lines. More yellow lines ran down his arms and into the yellow gauntlets fitted with folded claws on the forearms. Lastly the legs were minimally covered with segmented green armor not unlike that of a grasshopper's legs, connected by green lines to the lower section of the crest. (4/ATK: 2000/DEF: 0)
"Ah, this time it's the animal kingdom Kamen Rider!" Sho pointed at Kuromu's new Monster.
"Kinda looks like a traffic light, to be honest." Judai admitted.
OOO tilted his head and pointed at himself looking unsure as if asking, "Me?"
"Yeah, you. Red head, yellow torso, green legs." Judai gestured to each individual color on OOO's body, to the shock and confusion of his fellow Osiris Red dorm mates. "Traffic light."
"Hey, what did I say about commentary nonsense?!" Rika repeated.
"Sorry…" Judai muttered.
Rex however was confused, "Judai… you do realize that OOO… just answered your question. Right?" he pointed out.
Kuromu shook his head, "Anyways, I too will place a card face-down. Ta-n endo." He declared, placing one card in the Spell/Trap zone.
"Aight, this is where the dance off starts! Boku no ta-n! Draw!" Koji drew his sixth card and looked at his Hand. He smirked at what he got. "Alright, let's start out with Boogie Knight Vassal - Fire Bouncer taking the stage in ATK mode!"
Lava burst from the floor in front of Koji, and from that lava pillar came a coal black skinned man. He slammed a mace against the ground, lava veins crackling through the spiked ball, threatening to break it until he placed it on his shoulder. Placing a hand on his black bell bottoms, he smirked. He wore a red wide lapel shirt, red platform shoes, with what appeared to be hardened lava armor covering parts of his body (3/ATK: 1600/DEF: 800).
"Oh great…" Kuromu groaned.
"Now I activate Fire Bouncer's ability! Just to inform the audience, Daddy-O here has a special ability! I can send the top card of my Deck to the Graveyard," Koji performed the actions as he spoke. And then he snapped his fingers. "And I can bounce Kamen Rider OOO back to the Hand!"
"Oh come on!" Kuromu cried out as OOO burst into flames and disappeared, leaving Kuromu to pick up OOO's card back into his hand.
"Now it's time for a showdown! Boogie Knight Vassal - Fire Bouncer attacks Etoile Cyber! Bouncer Bash!"
Fire Bouncer summoned flames around his mace, and rushed towards Etoile Cyber, ready to slam her.
"I don't think so! Reverse Card, open!" In response, the trap card flipped up, depicting a masked dancer in a pink dress while in the spotlight. "Doble Passé!" The mace suddenly flung away from the disco's bouncer's hands on accident and instead hit Asuka.
Asuka/Kuromu: 6400
Rika/Koji: 8000
"Asuka!" Kuromu cried out.
"I'm okay." Asuka assured, shaking her head and getting back up to her feet. "Doble Passé's effect changes an opponent's attack to a Direct Attack, but then the Monster that was originally targeted can perform a Direct Attack at the opposing player!" Asuka declared as Etoilé Cyber took a leap in the air.
"Say whaaaaaaaat~?" Koji gawked.
"But that's not all. Etoilé Cyber's effect lets her gain 600 ATK when she makes a Direct Attack!" Asuka added as Etoilé Cyber twirled and she gained power.
Etoilé Cyber: (ATK: 1200-1800)
Etoilé Cyber then twirled rapidly towards Koji and kicked him in the arm.
Asuka/Kuromu: 6400
Rika/Koji: 6200
"Gah! Not groovy sistah!" Koji exclaimed.
"That's a little bit of a risk, isn't it?" Sho pondered.
"There's always risks when it comes to a Duel. No sacrifice, no victory." Rex commented.
"So? What's your next move?" Asuka asked.
"I'm gonna have to give the dance floor to you now, Asuka. Ta-n endo."
"Thank you. Watashi no ta-n… Draw!" Asuka declared, drawing her next card. "I summon Blade Skater!" A blue-skinned and green-eyed hairless woman with golden hoop earrings, a suit and partial mask of dark purple took to the field, brandishing her arm blades as her partial pale blue skirt flowed in the wind and skated on ice skates to her position on the field (4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1500), "Then I activate the Spell, Fusion! I fuse Etoilé Cyber and Blade Skater to Fusion Summon Cyber Blader!"
The two Cyber Monsters skated/flew at each other, causing a tornado to form around them, and from the tornado came a woman with dark blue hair, a red visor over her eyes, red shoulder spikes along with Blade Skater's skates, purple gloves on her dark blue skin and red body, the skirt flowing as she descended down. (6/ATK: 2100/DEF: 800)
"Oooh, so she's got fusions too." Judai noted while Sho marveled at the monster.
"Battle! Cyber Blader attacks Fighting Foodon - Fried Ricer! Glissade Slash!" Asuka declared. The skater warrior wasted no time as she twirled rapidly towards the Foodon who had his soup spoons at the ready.
"I'm gonna have to stop you there! Activate trap!" Rika declared as she revealed a card, depicting a man wearing a tuxedo and cape while unveiling an ingredient that was hidden under a large cloak. "Secret Ingredient! During your Battle Phase, if a "Fight Foodon" is targeted, I can choose a card with "Power Topping" in its name from my Deck and play it right now!"
"Huh, a search card. Interesting." Rex noted, as Rika searched her Deck and picked a card.
"The card I chose is Power Topping - Iceberg Lettuce! Normally, this would increase a Fighting Foodon's ATK by 500, but since it's being equipped to Fried Ricer, that number shoots to 700 instead!"
Fighting Foodon - Fried Ricer (ATK: 1600-2300)
"Sweet! It's got more ATK than Asuka's monster!" Judai cheered with a big grin. Fried Ricer meanwhile blocked the kick with its spoons and broke the deadlock before smacking Cyber Blader… but it wasn't destroyed?
Asuka/Kuromu: 6200
Rika/Koji: 6200
"Hey what gives? How come Cyber Blader isn't destroyed?" Sho asked. "Fried Ricer had more ATK points than she did."
"There has to be a trick to that." Rex pondered, "There's no way that just happened."
"As long as my opponent only controls one Monster, Cyber Blader cannot be destroyed by battle," Asuka explained.
"Well that answers that question." Rex muttered.
"Ta-n endo." Asuka said.
"Watashi no ta-n! Draw!" Rika declared, drawing her next card. "Alright, how's this? First, I'll activate Pot of Greed and draw two cards!" When Rika drew them, she smirked at what she got, "Perfect. I play the Field Spell: Foodon Diner!" She slotted the card in said slot and the Field transformed into a cartoonish diner with tables, chairs, and a kitchen behind them.
"Woah, now I'm really getting hungry!" Judai said.
"Dude, behave." Rex groaned.
"What does that do?" Asuka wondered.
"It allows me to do one of two effects. One of them being that I can summon as many Fighting Foodons from my Hand that are Level 4 or below!" Rika said.
"Say what now?!" Sho gawked.
"So get ready for a feast! I Special Summon: Fighting Foodon - Sir Dumpling, Fighting Foodon - Shrimp Daddy, and Fighting Foodon - Burnt Meatballs!"
Coming onto the Field were three new Foodons.
The first was a humanoid Foodon with the head of a green pea-topped shumai dumpling, wearing green Chinese-style robes with a yellow belt, tied so there are two tails on each hip. (4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000)
The second one was another dumpling but this time with shrimp in it, as he has long eyebrows, a red shrimp sticking in out of his forehead, and has the body of a martial artist with a green karate belt. (3/ATK: 500/DEF: 1500)
And the last Foodon were seven to eight charred meatballs looking cowardly. (1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0)
The sight of so many food-related Monsters was enough to form a waterfall from Judai's mouth.
"Dude, gross!" Rex shouted as he stepped away. "Wipe that drool off your face!"
"But they look sooo delicious!" Judia exclaimed, to which the Burnt Meatballs suddenly squeaked in fear and bunched up together.
*SLAM!*
"ENOUGH ALREADY!" Rex snapped after landing a punch on top of Judai's head.
"OW!"
Rika merely rolled her eyes, "Anyways, luckily for you both, the Foodons summoned this way can't attack. But that doesn't mean I'm out of options! First, I Tribute Fighting Foodon - Fried Ricer, to Advance Summon Fighting Foodon - Dim Sumthin' Special!"
Fried Ricer disappeared, only to be replaced by a Foodon with a dim sim for a head that sat in a wooden container, followed by the long green scaly dragon body.
"Please tell me this one doesn't scream too." Rex feared.
"Oh crap… don't tell me you're-" Kuromu said dryly, only to get an answer from Rika in the form of a wide grin. "I knew it…"
"What is it?" Asuka wondered.
"Sir Dumpling, Shrimp Daddy, Burnt Meatballs, and Dim Sumthin' Special! It's time for you to combine! By sending the cards on my Field back to the Deck, I can initiate the Contact Fusion!"
"I'm sorry, what?!" Sho gasped.
"Contact what?!" Judai gawked.
"That means she can summon Fusion Monsters without Fusion." Rex realized, "And here I thought only my Deck could do that."
The Foodons all rose into the air and joined together, emitting a bright light, causing the participants and spectators to cover their eyes from the brightness. However, when it died down, Rika looked back up and smiled widely at the site of her new Monster. It was a giant purple dragon with sky blue wings with red membranes. He has blood red eyes, a red ring around his neck with a dumpling, dim sum, shrimp, and a star on it. On the tip of his tail is a flame. (8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500)
"May I present to you, Deluxe Fighting Foodon - Feastivus!"
Upon seeing this, Rex by instinct covered his ears. And rightfully so, as the dragon roared with authority.
"Oh wow…" Asuka said in awe.
"Dyn-o-mite, nice work soul sistah!" Koji cheered.
"Oof, that was loud…" Sho groaned.
"Deluxe Fighting Foodon - Feastivus's effect activates! When he's successfully summoned, he can destroy one Monster on your side of the Field!" Rika declared.
Asuka gasped, "But the only one on our side is-"
"Yup! Cyber Blader is going bye-bye!" Rika grinned as Feastivus reared its head and breathed flames on Cyber Blader, burning her to ashes.
"That leaves their whole Field empty!" Sho exclaimed in surprise.
"Not all of it, Kuromu and Asuka still have something in their Spell/Trap zone." Rex pointed out.
"Battle! Feastivus attacks you both directly!" Rika declared as the dragon prepared its attacks, the flames already gathering inside its maws. After which, the dragon breathed flames once more.
"Activate trap!" Kuromu shouted, pressing the button of his disk and opened up the face-down. "Kamen Riders' Dramatic Entry!"
"What?!" Rika gasped.
"You heard me! Since Asuka and I have no Monsters on the Field, I can Special Summon a Kamen Rider from my Deck and negate the attack! And guess what? I'm Special Summoning Kamen Rider Fourze!"
The sound of what sounded like a rocket noise coming to life echoed, with each pitch increasing before a countdown was heard.
3!
2!
1!
"What's with the countdown?" Judai asked.
A tune played as a ring of metal appeared in a flash of light and smoke billowed out. The ring vanished and the light died down to reveal a person in a space suit with wire mesh. His arms and legs were covered with white gauntlets, each with their own unique decoration: an orange circle, a blue 'X', yellow triangle, and black square. His head was covered by a pointed white helmet with a black plate, large orange eyes, and short antennae with a green stone on the forehead. On his back was a small propulsion pack, sort of like a rocket exhaust. (4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1200)
The astronaut-themed Kamen Rider landed on his feet then suddenly crouched down and screamed-
"Uchu… KITTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
The scream was so loud that the soundwaves actually stopped the flames in its tracks and died out after. It even reached throughout all of Duel Academia, surprising many students, teachers, and even the Duel Monsters of students that were Dueling one another.
"What the hell was that!" Rex roared, having covered his ears mid-shout.
"Don't look at me! Your guess is as good as mine!" Kuromu shouted in response.
"What?" Rex called out.
"I said your guess is as good as mine!" Kuromu shouted again.
"I think all of our ears got popped." Rika said.
"What? Did she say something?" Judai suddenly shouted to which both Sho and Rex shrugged.
After what seemed like an eternity, the shouting stopped and Fourze, beat his chest twice, "Kamen Rider Fourze!" He said, before holding out his fist, "Taiman harasete morau ze!"
"Okay, I think the ringing stopped." Kuromu said before he continued. "So Rika, what now?"
"Nothing else at this point. Ta-n shuuryou!"
"Then it's back to me. O-re no ta-n! Draw!" Kuromu declared, drawing his next card. "I activate the Continuous Spell, Preemptive Strike!" He said, revealing a card that depicted an officer at the controls directing orders. "Now every time my Kamen Riders attack they gain 400 ATK during the Damage Step. Now I play Dual Summon allowing me to normal Summon Twice this turn! So now I summon back Kamen Rider OOO and a new one, Kamen Rider Wizard!"
As OOO returned to the field, a new standby noise rang out.
SHABADOOBIE TOUCH TO HENSHIN! SHABADOOBIE TOUCH TO HENSHIN!
"Ugh… the heck is that music? It stinks…" Rex groaned.
FLAME! PLEASE!
A red magic seal with runic writing appeared and it slowly went across the air while leaving behind a fiery trail.
HII! HII! HII, HII, HII!
As the red magic seal passed over, a figure came out from the other side of said magic seal.
From head to toe he was clad in a black bodysuit which concealed his form. His chest was covered in red gem-like armor which was a long line down the middle with three sections on each side that were rectangular, but slightly askew. His shoulders were covered in black armor with silver edges that were decorated with dragon-like crests. From his waist hung a robe-like waist covering which was red on the inside but black on the outside. His wrists and ankles sported bands that were the same ruby red as his chest plate. Finally, his head was concealed by a silver helmet which had a ruby red faceplate decorated like the ring he wore, sporting metal lines making it appear as if he had large eyes with antennae rising from the forehead. (4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1000)
"Saa, showtime da." Wizard proclaimed.
'Okay, this is starting to become a pattern here…' Rex thought to himself, 'Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?'
"Now I activate the Spell, Quick Rush which allows a Level 4 Monster attack regardless of its condition. And since OOO can't attack on the turn he is Normal Summoned, I will negate that! Now Battle! Kamen Rider Fourze attacks Deluxe Fighting Foodon - Feastivus!" Kuromu declared.
"WHAT?!" Everyone gawked, but Kuromu smirked.
"His effect will now activate during the Battle Phase, when he battles a Special Summoned Monster, his ATK doubles! And thanks to Preemptive Strike, he'll gain an additional 400 afterwards!"
Kamen Rider Fourze (ATK: 1400-2800-3200)
With that, Fourze pressed the orange circle switch and twisted the yellow triangle switch.
ROC-KE-T ON/ D-RI-LL ON!
On Fourze's right arm, an orange rocket appeared from the circle module on his arm. On his left leg was a large drill with a yellow casing at the top. Flames ignited from the bottom of the rocket on his fist and Fourze flew upward. The drill on his left leg then began to spin, and using his left hand he pulled a lever on the right side of his belt.
ROC-KE-T D-RI-LL LIMIT BREAK!
"Rider Rocket Drill Kick!" Kuromu and Fourze declared at the same time. Orange and yellow cosmic energy gathered around the drill on Fourze's leg as he rocketed forward towards the dragon. Feastivus blew flames, but the drill pierced it and eventually the dragon's head, before finally being destroyed.
Asuka/Kuromu: 6200
Rika/Koji: 6000
"After Fourze attacks, he goes straight into DEF mode." Kuromu said, as Fourze landed and took a knee. "Also since I destroyed a Monster with Fourze while two other Kamen Riders are on the Field, I get to draw an extra card." He said, before doing just that. "Now it's Kamen Rider OOO's turn! Attack Boogie Knight's Vassal - Fire Bouncer! TaToBa Kick!"
Kamen Rider OOO (ATK: 2000-2400)
At once, OOO picked out a circular scanner device and passed it through his belt, causing his suit to glow.
SCANNING CHARGE!
His legs became a pair of grasshopper legs. Then he leaped into the air while three colored rings formed right in front of Koji and Rika. As a pair of red hawk wings materialized, OOO flew through the rings.
"SEIYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
He landed a strong Rider Kick on Fire Bouncer, who blocked it with his mace, but was eventually overpowered and destroyed.
Asuka/Kuromu: 6200
Rika/Koji: 5200
"And finally, Kamen Rider Wizard will attack you directly! Strike End!"
Kamen Rider Wizard (ATK: 1700-2100)
Wizard pressed the two valves on his Driver, causing the hand to switch from left to right as a new standby jingle played.
LUPPACHI MAGIC, TOUCH TO GO! LUPPACHI MAGIC, TOUCH TO GO!
Wizard then placed on a ring depicting a kicking foot surrounded by a dragon aura, before placing it in front of the hand buckle.
CHO II NE! KICK STRIKE! SAIKO~!
The red magic seal appeared below his feet. He twirled around once on his left foot in place, stepping out with his right foot, while moving the tail on that side of the trench coat to the other side. A swirl of fire surrounded his kicking foot and surprisingly enough, it didn't burn him.
Wizard then leaped forward, doing a cartwheel before leaping into the air. He aimed his kick at and a red magic seal appeared in front of him, before he kicked it and the magic circle stretched out into a cone of circles before becoming rings of fire. He landed a flying kick straight on the ground, seeing Rika and Koji flying a bit.
Asuka/Kuromu: 6200
Rika/Koji: 3100
"Ta-n endo." Kuromu smirked.
"Aw man, not groovy…" Koji groaned as she and Rika got back up on their feet.
"We gotta turn this around." Rika added.
"Way ahead of ya soul sistah! Boku no ta-n! Draw!" Koji drew his next card, his Hand at six once more. "Alrighty folks, it's time to bring out the wild ride! I play the Continuous Spell card, Riding the Pimpmobile!" He said as a pimped limousine came out.
"CRAP!" Kuromu exclaimed.
"Thanks to this funky machine I can mill the top two cards of my deck, and special summon a Boogie Knight without tributing from my Deck! So bring the heat fire brother! I summon Boogie Knight DJ Flame!"
Four flame towers erupted from the floor, circling Koji until they formed a single pillar that seemed to engulf him. From the flames came Koji, crossing his arms as a towering red skinned man stood behind him. Covered in a red and orange leisure suit like armor, his own afro literally on fire, it was clear this man was the embodiment of the term "Disco Inferno". Pressing his fingers to his black shades, he smirked to the audience. The man strutted in front of Koji, taking his place on the field as he snapped his fingers. From the flames came a DJ Mixtable, one he didn't have any hesitation in placing his fingers to, and began to demonstrate his prowess on the machine. (8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2500)
"Well damn, this guy has some drip." Rex observed.
"And that's not all, dance partner! Since that was merely a Special Summon, I can still Normal Summon another groovy buddy! Come on out, Boogie Knight's Vassal - Groovy Blacksmith!" From the summoning light, a dark gray skinned man dressed in a black armored leisure suit appeared. He was carrying a hammer over his shoulder. He bowed to DJ Flame, who simply waved, smiling and nodding at the vassal next to him. (4/ATK: 0/DEF: 2200)
"Oh great, this guy." Kuromu groaned.
"What's special about him?" Asuka asked.
"Glad you asked, Asuka." Koji grinned. "I can select one "Boogie Knights' Vassal" card in my Graveyard and equip it to a "Boogie Knight" on my side of the field as an Equip Spell. And so long as Groovy B is on the field, both of you gotta mill two cards from the top of your Deck! And I can stack this effect as much as I want. So I'm equipping my Fire Bouncer to DJ Flame!"
Fire Bouncer and DJ Flame began glowing the same red aura. Kuromu bit his lip. This was about to get messy. Taking the top two cards of their Deck, Kuromu and Asuka placed them into the Graveyard.
"And to make sure you don't do any funny business, I'm activating the Spell, Forbidden Holy Scriptures and "Defense" Sealing!" Koji said, showing the card. "For the former's effect, for this turn only, when my Monster battles yours, all card effects are null and void until the End of the Damage Step!"
"That means-!" Kuromu gasped.
"That's right! Your Preemptive Strike doesn't apply!" He laughed, "And for the latter, Kamen Rider Fourze is forced to go into ATK mode!" The astronaut-themed Rider then stood up.
"Oh man, he's in for it now!" Sho exclaimed.
"Now it's time to go to battle! DJ Flame attacks Kamen Rider Fourze! Light the disco floor on FIRE! Disco Inferno!" DJ Flame smirked as his fingertips began scratching the vinyl records. Flames sprout forward, aimed directly at the astronaut Rider. Within seconds, the Kamen Rider was reduced to ash.
Asuka/Kuromu: 4800
Rika/Koji: 3100
"And get this! For every 300 points of damage DJ Flame burns, you gotta mill the top card of your Deck!"
"That's 1400 so…" Judai counted with his fingers.
"It means that Kuromu has to mill the top four cards to his Graveyard." Rex said, as Kuromu grunted with frustration, doing as Koji told him to.
"And with that, that's all she wrote. Ta-n endo." Koji said. "Now that it's the End Phase, mill the top two cards, Kuro!"
"Tch…" Kuromu clicked his tongue in annoyance as he did so.
"Yeesh, Koji and Rika aren't letting up on the pressure." Rex noted.
"I'm sure they can turn it around. You never know what might happen." Judai said.
"Watashi no ta-n… Draw!" Asuka declared, drawing her next card. She frowned at what she drew. But at the very least, she could try to dwindle down their Life Points as best as she could. Looking at her Hand, she considered her options and nodded. "I summon Cyber Tutu in ATK mode!"
Coming onto the Field was a girl with short pink hair with a blue tinted screen across her eyes, while wearing a red and baby blue spandex, a see-through tutu on the back and wearing pinks calf-length boots with ribbons (3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 600)
"What's that Foxy Mama gonna do? She can't step up to DJ Flame." Koji pointed out.
"True, but it can't be said the same for you." Asuka smirked. "As long as you have a Monster with a higher ATK than hers, she gets to attack directly!"
"Say whaaaa?!"
"Cyber Tutu! Attack Rika directly! Nouvelle Pointe!"
The hi-tech ballerina dancer, made her way towards the Foodon duelist by doing a pirouette while kicking Rika at the same time.
Asuka/Kuromu: 4800
Rika/Koji: 2100
"I'll place one card face-down. Ta-n endo." Asuka said.
"Ooooh, you're gonna get it now, Asuka-chan! Watashi no ta-n! Draw!" Rika drew her next card. "I activate Treasure from the Heavens! We all draw until we have six cards in our Hands!" She said, as all Players drew. When Rika looked at what she had, she smiled wickedly. "Ohohoho! It's over, it's time for your Last Meal!"
"I don't like where this is going…" Sho noted.
"First I activate Resurrection of the Dead to bring back Fighting Foodon - Fried Ricer from the Graveyard!" Rika said, as the said Foodon appeared. "Then I activate the card I drew! Five-Star Meal Ticket!" She said, playing a card that depicted a pink-colored meal ticket with five stars.
"Huh, is this a revive Spell Card or a search Spell Card?" Rex pondered.
"I'll tell ya. When this card is played when Fried Ricer is on the Field, it allows me to Special Summon 5-Star Fighting Foodon - Fruit Turtle from my Hand or Deck! And it just so happens to be in my Deck!" She said, taking the card out. "And here she is!" She said before slapping it on the tray.
Coming onto the field was a green-skinned turtle with flippers for arms and legs, with a shell looking like a pineapple and stacked on top were assorted fruits of all kinds, and a palm tree sticking on top. (7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100)
Rex had to give Judai the stink eye to avoid the Elemental HERO Duelist from drooling again. He then turned towards Rika and gave a "Proceed" gesture.
"And now, when she's successfully summoned, I can bring a Foodon from my Graveyard! And guess who I'm picking!" Rika grinned widely as she took said card out of the Graveyard and slapped it on the tray. "That's right! Feastivus is back!" She said, as the purple dragon showed up again with a roar for vengeance. (8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500)
"Ahh, my ears!" Rex shouted after instincts took over and he covered his ears.
"And you know what happens, when he's summoned successfully. He gets to destroy a Monster, so say goodbye to Kamen Rider OOO!" Rika said, as the dragon reared its head and breathed flames, burning OOO out of existence. "And it doesn't stop there!"
"There's more?!" Judai exclaimed.
"Since Fruit Turtle is on the Field, I can send Fighting Foodon - Fried Ricer to the Graveyard in order to Special Summon an upgraded version of him! Fighting Foodon - Super Fried Ricer!"
Switching the cards out, the sleeveless changshan turned red and now Fried Ricer sported a whole lobster on its head (6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1400)
"So she used Five-Star Meal Ticket to get two Monsters onto the Field and take out one of Kuromu's Riders at the same time. That's a good move." Rex commented.
"And to top it off, Super Fried Ricer gains half the ATK of his previous state!" Rika said as the evolved Foodon glowed a red aura.
Fighting Foodon - Super Fried Ricer (ATK: 2000-2800)
"Battle!" Rika declared. "Feastivus attacks Cyber Tutu!"
The Foodon dragon then charged up its flames before letting down a stream of fire onto Cyber Tutu.
"I don't think so! Reverse card, open!" Asuka said, pressing a button and revealed the trap. "Holy Barrier - Mirror Force!"
"Oh snap!" Koji gawked.
"Oooh, so that's what her face-down was." Sho realized.
"Sorry Asuka-chan, but this is where it all ends! Super Fried Ricer's effect activates! By discarding a FIRE-attribute Monster from my Deck, I can negate the activation of a Spell or Trap card on your Field and destroy it!" Rika declared before the Trap card shattered after she placed a card from her Deck into the Graveyard..The attack continued as Cyber Tutu was destroyed in ashes while both Kuromu and Asuka felt the heat from the flames hit them.
Asuka/Kuromu: 2800
Rika/Koji: 2100
"Feastivus's other effect activates! Every time he destroys a Monster, you lose Life Points equal to the level of destroyed Monster x100! Cyber Tutu was Level 3, so you lose 300 more Life Points!"
Asuka/Kuromu: 2500
Rika/Koji: 2100
"Super Fried Ricer attacks Kamen Rider Wizard!" Rika said next. "And Fruit Turtle will finish you!"
"Go get 'em, guys!" Judai cheered on.
Super Fried Ricer jumped on top of Fruit Turtle's shell and the latter flew up. The former's body glowed a red aura and crossed his large soup spoons in an 'X' formation before a beam of red light shot out. Meanwhile, Fruit Turtle opened its mouth and shot out sonic waves which then combined with the red beam.
Trying his best to block the attack, Wizard reactivated the belt and scanned a ring.
DEFEND! PLEASE!
A large magic circle appeared in front of the magic-themed Rider and blocked the beam, somehow managing to defend himself, but then the cracks showed. Little by little, the magical barrier was being chipped away before eventually shattered. This destroyed Kamen Rider Wizard, and in the process, the beam went straight towards Kuromu and Asuka, and both of them shouted as they were hit.
Asuka/Kuromu: 0
Rika/Koji: 2100
The Solid Vision deactivated as the holograms disappeared. Rika and Koji cheered as they gave each other a high-five.
"Yo, that was so awesome! What a badass comeback!" Judai cheered alongside Sho.
"Nice work, you two!" Rex complimented Rika and Koji, giving them a thumbs up.
"Thank you, no need for applause!" Koji said as he gave a bow to the small audience. He then looked to Rika. "Nice work, soul sistah, we were definitely cookin' and definitely paid off."
"You too Koji. You brought the heat and I brought the flames!" Rika grinned widely.
"Dammit…" Kuromu sighed, laying on the ground, before pulling on his hair, "Arrrrgh, mou~ that's two losses in a row now! The heck's wrong with me?!" He groaned loudly.
"Aw come on, Kuromu. That just means that you're learning." Rika said, as she and Koji approached him, looking down at the teen. "We can't exactly improve without stumbling first."
"She's right, Daddy-O. Ain't nothing wrong with tasting sour defeat." Koji added. "Besides, you're still learning the ins and outs of your Deck. I'm sure you'll pick up another win in no time." He reassured his best friend, before holding out a hand. Kuromu looked away with a pout, but eventually relented and took Koji's hand and was pulled up by him.
"It's alright, Kuro. You'll get some wins sometime." Asuka tried to reassure him with a comforting smile, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Just one Duel at a time."
"Mmmmmmm…" Kuromu pouted again, crossing his arms. "I… guess so…"
Rex then turned to Judai and simply motioned towards the two.
"You see? There was no way in hell that Asuka wrote that letter." he said in a slightly smug tone, feeling a bit happy that his theory was proven right, "She's already spoken for."
"Well I guess you're right." Judai noted.
"Fake letter?" Sho asked in confusion, to which Rex realized that the former wasn't there when it happened.
"Oh, right. Forgot you didn't hear about it." The young man realized, "Basically some butthurt professor tried to forge a love letter as a trap for our resident hero fanboy." He explained, "Too bad for him, he used Kuro's girlfriend as the potential bait."
"She's not my girlfriend!" Kuromu protested, but mumbled to himself, "…yet…"
"Your shout says otherwise bu-excuse me, did you say yet?" Rex said, wondering if his hearing was still shot by Fourze's shout, "Guess I'm gonna need to get my ears checked after this." He grumbled to himself.
Kuromu felt a slight sigh of relief. Still… the things he heard during the Duel. Surely, his Kamen Riders weren't really talking… were they?
"Hey, Taylor-san! Are you heading to the nurse's office alone?" He asked as he wondered if he also had hearing problems.