RANMA, MASTER OF THE CARDS

Disclaimer: Ranma 1/2, Yugi-Oh and the Slayers all belong to their respective owners.

< >: Thoughts

Ranma-Yami: Ranma and Yami merged together

AP/DP: Attack and Defense Points

L#: Level

LP: Life Points

(*): Star Chips

Chapter 7

Tournament! Duel #1!

“Where is that BAKA?!” Akane said angrily as she and Ryoga pushed their way through the crowds as the Duel Monsters Tag-Team Tournament had begun.

The Lost Boy was still in heaven as he was paired up with the girl of his dreams. He didn’t really care who they would be dueling with first, but he would like to find Ranma and rub into his face that Akane was HIS partner! And beating him in a duel would make it all the more sweeter!

However, with all the tag-team groups that were present in Tokyo, finding Ranma and his partner Luna Inverse was like searching for two preverbal needles in one very BIG haystack.

Akane was not going to give up! She was going to show that BAKA how great a Duelist she was!

----------

Somewhere nearby...

“So who should we challenge first, Dr. Tofu?” Kasumi asked, as she and the good chiropractor strapped on their Duel Disks.

Dr. Ono Tofu just couldn’t believe that he was actually in complete control of himself in front of Kasumi. He wondered just what had made him suddenly become sane yesterday, but now he could truly enjoy Kasumi’s company without losing his mind. He decided that he should take advantage of this unexpected boon while he could. This tournament would be an excellent way for him to get to know her better and their decks were perfectly suited with each other.

It was then that Kasumi began waving to someone.

----------

At that point, Ranma and Luna caught sight of the two teams as they made their way through the crowds. Currently, they had separated from Gourry and Amelia as the princess of Sailoon and her swordsman partner went off to find their own challengers. The pigtailed martial artist and possessor of the Millennium Puzzle led Lina Inverse’s sister to a spot which gave them a good view of what appeared to be the start of a duel.

“Look at that. Looks like Kasumi and Dr. Tofu are going to challenge Akane and Ryoga.” Ranma commented.

“Akane?” Luna said as she gazed upon the short-tempered heir to the Tendo Anything Goes. “Isn’t she supposed to be your fiancée?”

“Not by choice.” Ranma corrected. “At times, I wonder if it’s even worth it. It’s a LONG story, but right now, I’m more interested in what kind of Duelists Kasumi and Dr. Tofu are.”

“Shouldn’t we be finding our own Duel?”

“We will.” Ranma assured as he unconsciously became Ranma-Yami. “However, it wouldn’t hurt to check out the competition. We just might be facing off against some of the people I’ve told you about, eventually.”

Luna nodded as they both watched the imminent confrontation.

-----------

“What? You want to duel us?” Akane exclaimed in total disbelief.

Kasumi maintained her cheerful attitude as she held up her Duel Disk and displayed her star chips. “Dr. Tofu and I would like to wager one star chip each.”

“But Kasumi, you can’t...”

“What’s wrong Akane? Don’t you want to duel? It’ll be fun and it will give us each a chance to get our feet wet, so to speak. You haven’t started dueling either.”

“How did you know that?”

“Well, you and Ryoga still have only have two star chips each and the tournament had just started. That means you haven‘t started yet, right?”

Akane blinked with her mouth slightly agape. Since when was Kasumi THAT observant?

“Come on, Akane. Let’s duel. That‘s why we‘re all here, right?” Tofu said gently as he began shuffling his deck.

Akane’s jaw dropped even lower. She had just realized that Dr. Tofu had not gone insane, despite being so close to Kasumi. Just what was going on?

----------

Akane: 4000 LP (**)

Ryoga: 4000 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4000 LP (**)

Tofu: 4000 LP (**)

----------

<Okay, this will be just a warm-up match.> Akane thought as she shuffled her deck and activated her Duel Disk. <Kasumi can’t possibly have any strong cards in her deck and I don’t think Dr. Tofu will be much of a challenge either.>

As the four drew their first hand and activated their holographic projectors, a certain someone was watching the match from a nearby rooftop. The figure was wearing a hooded, white robe and long dress. Her face was obscured by a white scarf, and around her neck was a golden pendant with an eye design in its center.

<And so it begins...> Ishizu thought.

----------

“I believe I shall start with this card.” Kasumi laid down her first card. “Woodland Fairy Archer in Defense Mode.” (L3/1000/1100) “And I shall also lay this card face down.”

An image of a slender, elf with fairy wings and a bow appeared. Behind it, was an image of a facedown card.

Akane nodded as she placed her first card out. “I’ll start with Metal Marksman in Attack Mode!” (L3/1300/900)

Akane’s monster looked like an armored knight, but instead of a lance, it was armed with a wicked-looking rifle.

Dr. Tofu glanced at Kasumi, who in turn gave him a reassuring smile. He nodded as he caught the meaning of the signal and placed his trust in her. “In accordance to the new rules, I am allowed to forfeit my turn in order to give Kasumi five hundred of my Life Points.”

----------

Akane: 4000 LP (**)

Ryoga: 4000 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4500 LP (**)

Tofu: 3500 LP (**)

----------

Both Ryoga and Akane were taken by surprise by this seemingly foolish maneuver so early in the duel. Without any cards placed, Tofu was left wide open to attack. However, no one was allowed to attack during the first turn of each Duelist.

The Lost Boy took a deep breath. This was his chance to impress Akane. Looking at his hand, he selected a card.

“I’ll start with the Apprentice Windmaster in Attack Mode.” (L4/1500/1200)

Ryoga’s card became a magician with elaborate blue robes.

Kasumi nodded as she put down another card. “I shall place another card facedown. That will be it.”

Akane couldn’t believe the opening she had been given. She wasn’t foolish enough to attack Kasumi, since her Woodland Fairy Archer was in Defense Mode and there were those two facedown cards. However, that didn’t mean she couldn’t attack Tofu and take a big chunk out of his Life Points.

“Metal Marksman! Attack Dr. Tofu’s Life Points directly!”

The monster hefted its rifle and took aim at Dr. Tofu. Akane was sure that she was on her way to winning, but...”

“I’m afraid you can’t do that Akane.” Kasumi said sweetly.

“What do you mean?” Akane said as her monster opened fire.

“It’s because of one of my facedown cards and Dr. Tofu’s generous donation of Life Points.” Kasumi said as one of her cards raised up and revealed itself. It was an image of hands holding a ball of light. “This Trap Card is called Life Energy Feedback. It will activate when I gain extra Life Points and when my opponent attacks me or my partner. The effect of this card is that the monster’s attack will be redirected back onto my opponent’s Life Points directly. Oh yes, and the amount of extra Life Points I gained will be ADDED to the attack.”

(Metal Marksman’s AP: 1300 + 500 = 1800)

“WHAT?!” Akane gasped as her Metal Marksman let loose with a shot, but the projectile suddenly turned around in mid-flight and struck Akane.

“Oh dear. You just lost 1800 Life Points, Akane.”

----------

Akane: 2200 LP (**)

Ryoga: 4000 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4500 LP (**)

Tofu: 3500 LP (**)

----------

“Hmmm, very clever.” Ranma-Yami commented. “Tofu deliberately left himself wide open so Akane would attack and activate Kasumi’s Trap Card.”

“Interesting.” Luna agreed.

---------

“Now it’s my turn.” Tofu declared as he set down a Monster Card. “I’ll use Forest Shaman in Attack Mode.” (L4/1550/1300) “I’ll also put one card facedown, and I’m afraid that you’re going to lose some more Life Points, Akane.”

The doctor's card became a cloaked individual with a long gray beard.

“Forest Shaman! Attack Metal Marksman with Spirit Strike!”

Akane winced as her monster was destroyed.

----------

Akane: 1950 LP (**)

Ryoga: 4000 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4500 LP (**)

Tofu: 3500 LP (**)

----------

Ryoga also grimaced. Apparently, Kasumi and Tofu were far more formidable than they had thought. They had already reduced Akane to less than half of her Life Points. And since he couldn’t get at Kasumi or Tofu’s Life Points at the moment, and there were those face down cards to worry about, he could only do one thing.

“I forfeit my turn to give Akane five hundred of my Life Points.”

----------

Akane: 2450 LP (**)

Ryoga: 3500 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4500 LP (**)

Tofu: 3500 LP (**)

----------

“And you just played into my Trap Card.” Tofu announced as his facedown card revealed itself.

“What the?!” Ryoga gasped as he saw the card. It had an image of two Duel monsters with arrows pointing from one to the other.

“This card is called Life Transfusion.” Tofu explained. “It activates whenever my opponent gains extra Life Points, like yourself or Akane. The bonus you gave to Akane will immediately be transferred to either myself or my partner, depending on whom I choose. In this case, I have regained the 500 Life Points that I donated to Kasumi, Akane’s Life Points will drop back down to what they were before.”

----------

Akane: 1950 LP (**)

Ryoga: 3500 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4500 LP (**)

Tofu: 4000 LP (**)

----------

“THAT’S NOT FAIR!” Both Akane and Ryoga protested.

“Oh, and I think I should mention that this is a Permanent Trap Card.” The doctor pointed out. “Therefore, neither of you can donate your Life Points to the other, since they will be immediately given to one of us.”

Kasumi nodded as it was her turn again. She then placed another card facedown, ending her turn.

----------

“Hmm, it looks like Dr. Tofu’s deck is based on a medical theme and Kasumi’s is mostly passive. She hasn‘t attacked yet.” Ranma-Yami observed.

“Yes, but they’re working quite well together.” Luna stated. “With that Trap Card in play, they've effectively cut off Akane and Ryoga’s ability to boost each other’s Life Points. Those two have yet to show any teamwork.”

“Hmmm, and if I know Akane and her pride, she’s going to make things worse before she realizes that she can’t win this Duel by herself.”

----------

“Oh yeah? Well, we’re still going to win!” Akane declared as she drew a card from her deck. She smiled as she saw it and then looked at her hand. She had just the combo she needed to turn things around. “I play Crystal Ogre in Attack Mode!” (L4/1700/1300) Akane’s diamond-hard monster appeared as she also added an Accessory Card. “And I’ll use Crystal Lance and boost his Attack Power by 600!” (2300/1300). “Now Attack the Forest Shaman!”

Akane’s monster let off a roar and began charging Dr. Tofu’s Shaman. However, Kasumi simply activated the Magic Card she had placed before. It was the image of a priestess kneeling down and praying.

“I shall activate Guardian’s Prayer. This card will immediately make any Monster I choose go into Defense Mode. And I choose Forest Shaman.”

With Kasumi’s words, the Forest Shaman took a defensive posture.

“Hah! He’s going to be destroyed anyway!” Akane said smugly as her Crystal Ogre was about to skewer the Shaman. However, when the lance connected, a sudden barrier of energy appeared and defected it, causing Akane’s Monster to stagger backward. Her expression turned to shock as she cried out. “What?! What happened?!”

Kasumi nodded as she explained. “One more thing, Akane. Guardian’s Prayer not only puts the Monster I had chosen in Defense Mode, but also raises his Defense Points by 2000 for one turn.” (Forest Shaman Defense Points: 3300) “And since your Attack was lower than his Defense, you lose the difference in Life Points.”

----------

Akane: 1250 LP (**)

Ryoga: 3500 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4500 LP (**)

Tofu: 4000 LP (**)

----------

Akane couldn't believe this! Without even attacking, Kasumi was steadily whittling down her Life Points!

Ryoga could only gulp nervously. Though he was still overjoyed at having Akane as his partner, he was beginning to realize that she might cost them the duel if she kept on recklessly attacking. They needed to get their act together, otherwise...

“It’s my turn again.” Tofu stated as he laid down a card and swapped it out with another. “I shall sacrifice Forest Shaman and summon Medalin, the White Mage.” (L6/2100/2400)

Dr. Tofu’s new Monster appeared as a tall magician with flowing white robes, and an elaborate wizard’s staff in his right hand.

“Medalin is able to grant 500 extra Attack and Defense Points to every other Monster on our side of the field, which includes Kasumi’s Woodland Fairy Archer.”

(Woodland Fairy Archer: 1500/1600)

“And now, it’s time for you to lose some Life Points, Ryoga. MEDALIN, ATTACK THE APPRENTICE WINDMASTER WITH LIGHT FORCE BLAST!”

Tofu’s magician thrust forth with his staff and let loose with a strobe of light, which obliterated Ryoga’s Monster.

----------

Akane: 1250 LP (**)

Ryoga: 2900 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4500 LP (**)

Tofu: 4000 LP (**)

---------

Things were getting desperate as the Lost Boy looked over his hand for a way to turn this Duel around. He then saw an opportunity as he drew a new card.

<This could work!>

“I lay one card facedown, and summon the Wandering Soldier!” (L4/1650/1200)

Both Tofu and Kasumi became a little more concerned as the Duel continued. An image of a warrior with a longsword appeared.

“This card is like the White Mage.” Ryoga stated. “When it’s on the field, it’ll grant 200 extra Attack Points to every other Monster on our side of the field!”

(Crystal Ogre: 2500/1300)

“All right!” Akane cried out as she now had even more Attack Strength added to her Crystal Ogre. “Great job, Ryoga!”

The Lost Boy blushed as he stood ready. Kasumi laid another card facedown, while Akane decided to pass.

----------

“Looks like they’re beginning their counterattack.” Luna remarked. “Perhaps they’ve learned to work together now.”

“Hmmm... too early to say.” Ranma-Yami said. “So far, Akane’s relying on Ryoga to bail her out. She hasn’t done anything to help her partner out yet.”

----------

Tofu knew that he couldn’t take on Akane’s Monster, even without its power boost. However, as he glanced toward his partner, he felt a renewed sense of confidence as he went for Ryoga’s Wandering Soldier.

“I shall first place one card facedown. And then... MEDALIN! ATTACK THE WANDERING SOLDIER!”

“No way!” Ryoga cried out as he reveled his facedown card. “Activate Stone Hand Grasp!”

Before The White Mage could attack, a large hand of stone appeared from the ground and grabbed the magician in its grip. The hand squeezed hard, which destroyed the magician.

----------

Akane: 1250 LP (**)

Ryoga: 2900 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4500 LP (**)

Tofu: 3475 LP (**)

----------

“Gotcha!” Ryoga cried out. “My Trap Card stops any Monster from attacking and sends then right to the Graveyard! And also, one quarter of the Monster’s Attack Points is deducted from my opponent’s Life Points!”

“Way to go!” Akane cheered as she realized something else. “And no White Mage means that Kasumi’s archer loses its Attack and Defense Bonus!”

“And that’s not all!” Ryoga added. “The Stone Hand Grasp also causes Kasumi to miss her turn! You’re up!”

On the other side of the field, Tofu sighed and gave his partner a saddened expression. However, the eldest Tendo daughter continued to smile, even though her archer was back to original stats. (Archer: 1000/1100)

“I’m sorry Kasumi.”

“That’s all right Dr. Tofu. Your Mage did well... even though it’s now in the Graveyard.”

Tofu continued to feel down, then caught the hidden meaning in Kasumi’s words. He perked up a bit as he remembered the card he had placed facedown and prepared for Akane’s next move.

“Okay, and now it’s MY TURN!” Akane drew a new card and smiled at it. <It took me a lot of trades, but I can FINALLY put this card to use!> She gave her sister a smug expression as she slapped down her card. “Your archer can’t defend any more! Stop Defense Card!”

----------

“She actually got that card?” Ranma-Yami said incredulously.

----------

Kasumi’s expression hardened a bit as her archer went into Attack Mode. Then Akane ordered her Monster to attack it. Though she could have tried to attack Dr. Tofu’s Life Points directly, she suspected that he had laid down another Trap Card.

As the Crystal Ogre charged, Kasumi braced herself and revealed her facedown card. “Activate Magic Card! Disarmament!”

The card had a picture of a sword with a broken blade.

“What?!” Akane cried out.

“This card will remove one of my opponent’s Accessory or Power Boost Cards. I choose the Crystal Lance! Your ogre loses the 600 Attack Points it had with it!”

(Crystal Ogre: 1900/1300)

“Hah! That STILL won’t stop my Monster from destroying yours!” Akane scoffed.

“No, but this will!” Tofu announced as he revealed his hidden card. “Activate Soul Union!”

Just as the Crystal Ogre swung its massive fists at the archer, Kasumi’s Monster drew back its bow and launched an energy arrow. The projectile struck Akane’s Monster squarely in the chest, causing it to disintegrate.

----------

Akane: 1100 LP (**)

Ryoga: 2900 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4500 LP (**)

Tofu: 2975 LP (**)

----------

“What happened?! Your Monster couldn’t have destroyed mine! I had greater Attack Points!” Akane was in a state of shock. Then everyone gazed at Tofu’s revealed card, which depicted a ghostly figure superimposed over another.

“This is Soul Union.” Tofu explained. “At the cost of five hundred Life Points, I’m able to choose a Monster in my Graveyard and transfer half of its Attack Points to any Monster on the field. My White Mage had 2100 Attack points, so Kasumi’s Fairy Archer gained 1050, thereby overpowering Akane’s Monster.”

(Woodland Fairy Archer: 2050/1100)

“Thank you Dr. Tofu.” Kasumi said.

“You’re welcome.” The doctor replied. “And now I shall summon Mountain Witch Doctor in Attack Mode.” (L4/1800/1500)

A crazy-looking potion-maker with a huge wooden mask appeared.

“ATTACK WANDERING SOLDIER WITH VOODOO SPELL!”

The Witch Doctor did crazy little dance, before shaking its bone wand at the Wandering Soldier. Royga’s Monster was swallowed up in a cloud of black smoke.

----------

Akane: 1250 LP (**)

Ryoga: 2750 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4500 LP (**)

Tofu: 2975 LP (**)

----------

“Oh yes, and there’s one more thing. With that he signaled to her archer, which turned toward Ryoga. “With Soul Union, I’m also able to take control of Kasumi’s archer during my turn. WOODLAND FAIRY ARCHER! ATTACK RYOGA’S LIFE POINTS DIRECTLY!”

With that, the archer let loose with another arrow at the Eternal Lost Boy.

----------

Akane: 1250 LP (**)

Ryoga: 700 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4500 LP (**)

Tofu: 2975 LP (**)

----------

“Ouch! That’s GOT to hurt!” Ranma-Yami commented as he watched Ryoga stagger backward.

“Hmmm, you know he could have eliminated Akane right then and there.” Luna observed.

“I suppose, but I think they’re concentrating on wearing down the stronger of the two Duelists, namely Ryoga. Remember that they’ve got to defeat both of them in order to win the Duel. Akane won’t stand a chance if Ryoga gets taken out first. As I said before, she‘s depending too much on him for support.”

“Yes, and it seems that Kasumi and the good doctor are playing on their opponents’ weaknesses. Akane is reckless and just charges headlong into battle, while Ryoga is doing nothing more than trying to support his partner. By goading Akane into attacking and put the strain on Ryoga’s deck, it won’t be long before they lose the duel entirely.”

----------

Akane couldn't believe this was happening! Sweet innocent Kasumi and shy, oblivious Dr. Tofu were winning! Ryoga’s Life Points were almost gone and hers weren’t far behind. As for her sister, she still had all of her Life Points, plus the five hundred Dr. Tofu had given her. The physician still had more than half of his Life Points left.

She... was going to lose...

NO! She would not accept losing her first duel! How was she going to show up that arrogant baka Ranma, if she got eliminated early on? There just HAD to be a way to win this Duel! There just had to be!

Ryoga on the other hand, was becoming more depressed. His Life Points were now at a measly 700 and one more direct attack like that would knock him completely out of the Duel. Considering that Akane had no Monsters and was also wide open, she too was in danger of losing all of her Life Points. Their opposition had two Monsters on the field and either one of them could finish them off. Since it was his turn, he needed to think of a way to protect them both, or at least buy them some time! Taking a deep breath, he drew from his deck.

<All right! This will help!> Ryoga thought as he placed two cards facedown and a Monster Card as well. “I’ll place these cards and the Battle Warrior in Defense Mode!” (L2/700/1000)

Ryoga’s card appeared in a defensive posture with its fists held up.

----------

<Well now. It looks like P-Chan may have a plan.> Ranma-Yami thought.

----------

Kasumi considered her options, and though she didn’t like the idea of attacking her own sister, she decided on taking out Akane. “Woodland Fairy Archer... attack Akane’s Life Points directly.”

Akane braced herself for the end as the archer let loose with her arrow. With over two thousand Attack Points, it looked like it was all over for her. Then suddenly, Ryoga cried out.

“Hah! Activate Trap Card! Power to Life Conversion!”

The energy arrow that lanced toward her, suddenly dispersed into a cloud of sparkling motes before it struck her. As for her Life Points...

----------

Akane: 2275 LP (**)

Ryoga: 700 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4500 LP (**)

Tofu: 2975 LP (**)

----------

“Huh?” Akane looked down at her Life Point Meter and was surprised to see it nearly double. “What did you do, Ryoga?”

The Lost Boy triumphantly displayed his card. “This permanent Trap Card will stop any attack our opponents make against us and half of it will be transferred to our Life Points! The archer’s Attack Points was 2050 so you gained 1025 when it attacked you.”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Tofu pointed out. “My Trap Card Life Transfusion will take away Akane’s Life Point bonus.”

“It’s good thing I also played this!” Ryoga revealed his second facedown card. “This is Remove Trap, and now your Trap Card no longer works!”

Akane’s smile returned as she realized that that she and Ryoga had the upper hand. Now it was her turn. Looking down at her hand she noted that she had a Level Five Monster in her hand, but needed to sacrifice a lesser Monster to summon it. She saw that she indeed had one and laid it down. “I summon Wood Gladiator in Attack Mode.” (L2/500/700)

Something that looked like a tree with arms and legs appeared. Akane wasn’t concerned however, since her opponents couldn’t attack without adding to her Life Points or Ryoga’s.

----------

“Well, it looks like Akane and Ryoga just might be able to pull off a victory.” Luna commented as she and Ranma-Yami watched them go on the offensive.

“Perhaps.” The Game King allowed, though he was getting a bit concerned for Kasumi and the chiropractor/shiatsu expert. The Uncute Tomboy and the Pig Boy were on the verge of making a comeback.

----------

Dr. Tofu was also worried. He and his partner had been ready to win their first duel, but now it looked as if they were going to be handed a loss. All they could do for the moment was defend themselves. He placed one card facedown, ending his turn.

Ryoga smiled as he drew a new card. “I’ll sacrifice Battle Warrior and summon Steel Berserker in Attack Mode!” (L6/2300/2400) A gigantic armored warrior that looked like a Viking appeared. He was armed with a massive two-handled broadsword. ATTACK WOODLAND FAIRY ARCHER!”

With a single sweep of his sword, the giant cut Kasumi’s Monster in two.

----------

Akane: 2275 LP (**)

Ryoga: 700 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4250 LP (**)

Tofu: 2975 LP (**)

----------

Kasumi could only shake her head resignedly. “I shall summon Spirit of the Harp in Defense Mode.” (L2/800/2000) A robed woman with a large harp appeared in a cross-legged sitting position. Kasumi then added another card. “I shall also add Chorus of Sanctuary to increase her Defense Points by 500.” (800/2500)

Akane smirked as she replaced her Monster Card with a new one. “I’ll sacrifice Wood Gladiator to summon Cannon Buster!” (L5/2100/1900) A large armored warrior with two large canons mounted on his shoulders appeared. “ATTACK MOUNTAIN WITCH DOCTOR WITH YOUR BLASTER SHOT!”

The Cannon Buster fired off twin beams, which blew away Dr. Tofu’s Monster.

----------

Akane: 2275 LP (**)

Ryoga: 700 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4250 LP (**)

Tofu: 2675 LP (**)

----------

Kasumi’s partner became more concerned. At this rate, Ryoga and Akane will take down his Life Points and hers within a matter of a few turns. She could hold out much longer than he could, with her higher Life Points and vast Defensive Cards. Offense was limited with Ryoga’s Trap Card in play. Any attack they made would be added to their opponents’ Life Points. What could they do?

He was about to suggest to Kasumi to consider forfeiting the match when he drew a new card. He then got an idea.

“I shall lay this card facedown and summon Herbal Expert in Attack Mode.” (L3/1350/1200) This card became a man who was dressed in a green tunic and brown leggings. He had a kind of pouch slung over his right shoulder.

Ryoga snickered a bit. That wimp didn’t mean squat against his Berserker. And since he couldn’t attack Spirit of the Harp while she was in Defense...

“ATTACK THE HERBAL EXPERT!”

In a flash, Tofu’s Monster was destroyed.

----------

Akane: 2275 LP (**)

Ryoga: 700 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4250 LP (**)

Tofu: 1725 LP (**)

----------

“Dr. Tofu! What are you doing?” Kasumi asked.

“It’s all right, Kasumi. I’m fine.” The physician assured her. “I have a plan.”

“But...”

“Trust me.”

Kasumi was about to protest further, but then decided to do as he asked. Seeing that she didn’t have any cards in her hand to help him, she drew from her deck and found nothing as well, so she passed.

Akane smiled as she turned her attention on Tofu, who was now wide open. “CANNON BUSTER! ATTACK HIS LIFE POINTS DIRECTLY!”

The healer winced as he felt the impact.

----------

“Oh no! He’s been eliminated from the Duel!” Luna gasped.

Ranma-Yami was about to agree, when he saw that Dr. Tofu was still in the game.

----------

Akane: 2275 LP (**)

Ryoga: 700 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4250 LP (**)

Tofu: 675 LP (**)

----------

Akane was confused. “Huh? That can’t be right. My Cannon Buster’s attack should have wiped out the rest of your Life Points!”

Tofu shrugged. “That would have been right, except that when my Herbal Expert is sent to the Graveyard, his special effect is activated. The next three attacks made against me will only cause 50% damage to my Life Points. It’s sort of like a recuperative effect. Your attack was 2100, but it only caused 1050 Points worth of damage.”

“Yeah? Well, that’s not going to save you from me when my turn comes up!” Ryoga said as he readied his Berserker to finish him off.

“Well then, I’d best do this then. I lay one more card facedown, ending my turn.”

“Heh! Well it looks like it’s all over for you Doc. Sorry about this but... STEEL BERSERKER! ATTACK HIS LIFE POINTS DIRECTLY!”

However, just as Ryoga’s monster charged in, Tofu revealed his first facedown card. “Activate Magic Arm Shield!”

The card set forth an extending arm, which reached out, and grabbed hold of Akane’s Cannon Buster. It then pulled it back in and placed it in the path of the Steel Berserker.

“HEY!” Akane cried out as her Monster was cleaved in twain and destroyed.

“Magic Arm Shield allows me to defend myself, by using one of my opponents’ Monsters to deflect the blow.” Dr. Tofu said proudly. “And since YOU’RE the one destroying Akane’s Monster, your Trap Card won’t be able to convert that attacking energy into Life Points.”

----------

Akane: 2005 LP (**)

Ryoga: 700 LP (**)

Kasumi: 4250 LP (**)

Tofu: 675 LP (**)

----------

“RYOGA!” Akane cried out as one of her best Monsters was sent to the Graveyard.

“I’m sorry!” The Lost Boy eeped as he had made an unintentional boo-boo.

Kasumi breathed out a sigh of relief, then addressed the physician, “Good move Dr. Tofu, but we still can’t attack them.”

Tofu then gave her a wink as he replied, “Remember that WE can’t attack them.”

Kusmi became more confused, then caught onto his meaning. Taking a deep breath, she drew a card, smiled, and laid it facedown. “I shall switch Spirit of the Harp to Attack Mode. Furthermore, I shall use this Magic Card, Song of Victory!” Her new card depicted the image of sheet music. “This allows me to add 800 Attack Points to my musician.” (Spirit of the Harp: 1600/2500) “The downside is that she must be in Attack Mode in order for her to get the bonus, and I must end my turn.”

Akane quickly seized her chance. “My turn! I’ll summon Iron Crusher in Attack Mode!” (L4/1750/1200)” As the metal warrior appeared, she considered her options. She could destroy Kasumi’s musician, but that would only take off 150 Life Points. Considering that Kasumi currently had 4250, that wouldn’t mean much. However, Dr. Tofu’s Life Points were wide open and he only had 675, so she decided to knock him out of the Duel. With him gone, she and Ryoga could easily wear down her sister. “IRON CRUSHER! ATTACK DR. TOFU’S LIFE POINTS DIRECTLY!”

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“Here it comes!” Ranma-Yami exclaimed as he and Luna held their breaths.

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“Activate facedown Magic Card, Soul Sacrifice!” Kasumi cried out.

“Huh?!” Both Akane and Ryoga were shocked as the card revealed a priest about to stab herself through the heart.

“This Magic Card will cost HALF of my Life Points, but it will transfer them to either my Monsters Attack Points... or to Dr. Tofu!”

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Akane: 2005 LP (**)

Ryoga: 700 LP (**)

Kasumi: 2125 LP (**)

Tofu: 2800 LP (**)

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Tofu winced as the Iron Crusher hit, but with the added Life Points, he was able to survive.

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Akane: 2005 LP (**)

Ryoga: 700 LP (**)

Kasumi: 2125 LP (**)

Tofu: 1050 LP (**)

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The healer let off a sigh of relief and smiled gratefully to his partner. “Thank you, Kasumi.”

“You’re welcome.” Kasumi replied. “I believe it’s your turn now. Are you ready?”

“I’m ready to finish this Duel!” He answered confidently.

Both their opponents couldn’t believe the two. How could they win? With Ryoga’s Trap Card in play, they couldn’t attack. What could they do?

However, that was when Dr. Tofu revealed his last facedown card, which had a double image of a mage performing some arcane ritual. He addressed Akane and her partner. “I must admit that you two had us worried for a while, but now this Duel is over. This card is called Repeat Magic. As its name implies, it allows me to use any Magic Card that has been played previously, by either side at the cost of 500 Life Points.”

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Akane: 2005 LP (**)

Ryoga: 700 LP (**)

Kasumi: 2125 LP (**)

Tofu: 550 LP (**)

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“I choose to repeat Soul Union! And as you know, using that card will cost me an additional 500 Points.”

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Akane: 2005 LP (**)

Ryoga: 700 LP (**)

Kasumi: 2125 LP (**)

Tofu: 50 LP (**)

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“Hah!” Ryoga scoffed. “You barely have any Life Points left! And if you boost Kasumi’s Monster up...”

“And who said I was powering up HER Monster?” Tofu interjected. “I’m adding half of my White Mage’s Attack Points to YOUR Monster!” (Steel Berserker: 3350/2400)

“What?!”

“And as you remember, I ALSO gain control of the Monster I choose to enhance! STEEL BERSERKER! ATTACK RYOGA’S LIFE POINTS DIRECTLY!”

“NOOOOOO!”

With one mighty blow, Ryoga was knocked out of the Duel.

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Akane: 2005 LP (**)

Ryoga: 0 LP (**)

Kasumi: 2125 LP (**)

Tofu: 50 LP (**)

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Tofu nodded. “Since Steel Berserker was YOUR Monster, your Trap Card didn’t affect its attack. Oh, and since you are now out of the Duel, your cards have been made inactive, so your Power to Life Conversion Trap is no longer a threat.”

The Lost Boy gulped as both his Trap Card and Monster disappeared from the field.

“And now, I shall summon my Medicine Man in Defense Mode, ending my turn.” (L4/1450/2000)

The Card appeared as a smartly-dressed man dressed in a white suit and carrying a black satchel.

“And since Ryoga is gone, it is my turn, Akane.” Kasumi declared as she revealed her last facedown card. “GO SHIELD AND SWORD! OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE FLIP!”

(Iron Crusher: 1200/1700, Spirit of the Harp: 2500/1600, Medicine Man: 2000/1450)

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“Well now, she’s got the same card you have, Ranma.” Luna remarked fondly.

“And it looks like this is the end for Akane.” The Game King agreed.

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Akane blanched as she realized that she was about to lose a lot of her Life Points. At least she’ll still be in the game.

That was when Dr. Tofu put the final nail in her coffin.

“One more thing Akane. When Medicine Man is in Defense Mode, he automatically transfers half of his Attack Points to any other Monster on the Field. So Kasumi’s Spirit of the Harp now has an Attack Power of 3500!”

Oh no...

Kasumi took a deep breath and said, “Spirit of the Harp... FINAL RHAPSODY!”

With a single strumming of her harp, Kasumi’s musician let loose with a massive sonic blast, obliterating Akane’s Monster and ending the Duel.

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Final Duel Results

Akane: 0 LP (*)

Ryoga: 0 LP (*)

Kasumi: 2125 LP (***)

Tofu: 50 LP (***)

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Akane dropped to her knees in total disbelief. She had lost...

Nearby, Ranma-Yami nodded. As he had suspected, Akane still needed to learn about cooperation with her partner, if she expected to survive in this tournament. He motioned for Luna to follow him. He had seen enough and it was now time for them to begin their own path toward the championships.

To be continued...

Author’s Notes

Well, how did you think of the first Duel of the Tournament? As expected, Akane’s recklessness has cost her and now she and Ryoga are down to one Star Chip each. As for Ranma and Luna, we’ll be seeing their first Duel next chapter as they face off against...

Well, that is a secret!

New Cards Introduced

Woodland Fairy Archer:(L3/1000/1100) Flying Elf Archer.

Metal Marksman: (L3/1300/900) Armored Rifleman.

Apprentice Windmaster: (L4/1500/1200) Novice wizard of the air currents.

Life Energy Feedback Trap Card: Reverses attack and cause Direct Damage according to Monster’s Attack Points plus extra Life Points.

Forest Shaman: (L4/1550/1300) Elemental wizard.

Life Transfusion Trap Card: Activate when opponent receives extra Life Points. Automatically transfer bonus to self or partner.

Guardian’s Prayer Magic Card: Select one Monster into Defense Mode and add 2000 Defense Points for one turn.

Medalin, the White Mage:(L6/2100/2400) Special effect: add 500 Attack and Defense Points to every other Monster on player’s side of the field.

Wandering Soldier: (L4/1650/1200) Special effect: add 200 Attack Points to every other Monster on player’s side of the field.

Stone Hand Grasp Trap Card: Stops any Monster’s attack and send to Graveyard. Twenty-five percent of Monster’s Attack Points is deducted from opponent's Life Points and opponent skips a turn.

Disarmament Magic Card: Remove one of opponent’s Accessory/Power Boost Card currently in play.

Soul Union Magic Card: Pay 500 Life Points, choose one Monster from one’s Graveyard and add half of Attack Points to any Monster on the field on either side. Able to control that Monster during one’s turn.

Power to Life Conversion Trap Card: Stops all attacking Monsters and converts half of their Attack Points into Life Points.

Mountain Witch Doctor:(L4/1800/1500) Voodoo magician hermit

Wood Gladiator: (L2/500/700) Living tree warrior

Steel Berserker: (L6/2300/2400) Metallic Viking Golem

Cannon Buster: (L5/2100/1900) Like Cannon Soldier but with two cannons and far more firepower.

Herbal Expert: (L3/1350/1200) Special Effect: Herbal Expert is sent to the Graveyard and next three attacks made against player will be cut by 50%.

Song of Victory Magic Card: Add 800 Attack Points to any music-based Monster

Repeat Magic: Pay 500 Life Points. Reuse any Magic Card Played in Duel.

Medicine Man: (L4/1450/2000) Special effect: In Defense Mode, he automatically transfers half of his Attack Points to any Monster on the field.